A routine ride on the Disney Skyliner on June 13 turned into an unexpected and uncomfortable experience for several Walt Disney World Resort guests. The transportation system, which connects guests to various resort hotels and theme parks, came to an abrupt halt that night, leaving several visitors stuck 60 feet in the air. The gondolas are not air-conditioned, and with temperatures rising, the situation quickly became unbearable for those trapped inside.
TikTok user Megan-Flippin Barbers (@meganflippinbarbers) was one of the guests caught in the shutdown. She shared a video during the incident, writing, “It was HOTTT” in the caption.
@meganflippinbarbers Stuck on Disney skyliner #stuck #skyliner #disneyworld #disneyskyliner #disneyworldfail
Barbers joked, “We could take the bus or the Skyliner…Joke’s on us, we got stuck on the Skyliner. Take the bus, not the Skyliner.”
The exact reason for the shutdown has yet to be confirmed. Thankfully, the Disney Skyliner did not require an emergency rescue operation. The gondola system started moving again, and guests were eventually transported to their destinations.
While Disney Skyliner gondolas are equipped with ventilation systems, they are still not air-conditioned, which left many guests hot and uncomfortable during the shutdown. Each gondola does carry an emergency kit containing drinkable water, First Aid supplies, and other emergency necessities.
Barbers didn’t mention whether she or the other guests involved received anything for their ordeal, but it’s worth noting that Walt Disney World Resort has provided compensation in the past for similar incidents. Guests who have been stuck for extended periods in the non-air-conditioned gondolas have been given everything from cold water to Lightning Lane passes.
Despite this temporary inconvenience, the Disney Skyliner system remains a popular choice for guests traveling between Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Like any transportation system, occasional malfunctions are inevitable on the Disney Skyliner. However, the gondolas are regularly assessed for safety, and Disney cast members are trained in emergency protocols to assist guests when situations like this arise.
Have you ever gotten stuck on the Disney Skyliner or another Walt Disney World transportation system? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!
