Trapped 50 Feet in the Air: Family Forced to Use Emergency Supplies During Disney Skyliner Glitch

The Disney Skyliner—Walt Disney World’s eye-catching gondola system—has been making headlines again, but not for its sweeping views or park-hopping convenience. This time, a family was stranded in midair for over 40 minutes, forcing them to crack open the gondola’s emergency supply kit to soothe their crying children.

The ordeal was documented in a now-viral TikTok by the user @selverzalic, whose video shows their cabin hovering roughly 50 feet above the ground as the children inside visibly panic. The parents, trying to stay calm, open the Skyliner’s emergency kit and hand out pre-packaged SOS Food Lab rations, a last-resort item intended for emergencies—not exactly the snack break they had in mind.

@selverzalic

Well that was an experience #problem #stuck #disneyworld @Victoria Zalic

♬ original sound – Selver Zalic

“This wasn’t part of the vacation plan,” the video text reads. “Our kids were scared and crying. We gave them the emergency food bars to calm them down.”

While the gondola system eventually resumed operation—no evacuation was needed—the family’s experience is one more entry in a growing number of uncomfortable Skyliner delays reported on social media.

The Gondola Breakdown No Parent Wants

The TikTok post shows a candid glimpse into how a magical day at Disney World can suddenly take a stressful turn. With kids crying and visibly anxious, the family searched the cabin and retrieved the emergency supply pack stored beneath the bench. These kits are standard in all Skyliner gondolas and contain bare-minimum essentials: water pouches, calorie bars, basic first-aid items, and glow sticks.

The parents opted to use the emergency food bars, typically meant for disaster situations, as a way to distract and comfort the children while they waited for movement to resume.

Although the ride eventually began moving again and no guests were injured, the incident sparked debate about the frequency and preparedness surrounding these delays—especially during the hotter months in Florida.

Not an Isolated Incident

This isn’t the first time the Disney Skyliner has left guests trapped for extended periods. In May, another TikTok user, @ftjbyjessie, went viral after her family was stuck in a gondola for over 50 minutes.

In that case, Disney Cast Members communicated over the onboard speaker system, instructing passengers to access the emergency kits and assuring them that assistance would be available upon landing. When the gondola finally reached the station, Cast Members reportedly handed out cold bottled water and provided medical support if needed.

“I know you might get stuck,” Jessie explained in her video, “but it was just one more Disney adventure to add to the list.”

While some guests have a sense of humor about these events, others question whether the system is reliable enough to justify its use—especially for those with kids, medical concerns, or anxiety about heights.

So, What’s in the Emergency Kit?

Each Disney Skyliner cabin is stocked with an emergency supply box, usually kept beneath the seating bench. While it’s not designed for comfort, it includes a few essentials:

• Vacuum-sealed water pouches

• SOS Food Lab energy bars (used by the military and emergency crews)

• A basic first-aid kit

• A glow stick

• Sanitary wipes and gloves

The cabins are ventilated through slotted windows on each side but do not have air conditioning. During delays, especially in summer, the temperatures can rise quickly—making these kits more than just a precaution.

What Is the Disney Skyliner, Anyway?

Debuting in 2019, the Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola system that connects several major Walt Disney World Resort locations, including EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. With colorful cabins that glide over lakes and hotel rooftops, it’s marketed as a scenic and time-saving alternative to buses and boats.

Here’s how the route breaks down:

• EPCOT Station (International Gateway): Located between the France and UK pavilions

• Disney’s Riviera Resort Station: A mid-line stop between EPCOT and Caribbean Beach

• Caribbean Beach Station: The central transfer hub

• Art of Animation & Pop Century Station: Shared station across Hourglass Lake

• Hollywood Studios Station: Drops off guests near the park entrance

Most rides are short, between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on route and crowd levels. But as the last few months have shown, even short trips can turn into unexpected waits in the sky.

Why Does the Skyliner Get Stuck?

The two most common culprits: mechanical faults and weather delays. In Florida, lightning strikes within a certain distance immediately halt all Skyliner operations—no exceptions. But weather wasn’t the cause in the Selverzalic family’s video, suggesting this was a mechanical stop.

Issues can range from a misaligned gondola at the station to more complex system errors involving the grip or cable mechanisms. When this happens mid-ride, there’s little recourse for guests beyond sitting tight and waiting for operations to resume.

To Disney’s credit, Cast Members typically announce updates via speakers in the cabins and respond quickly at stations with water, support, and first aid if needed. Still, for guests stuck with young children in a hot, enclosed space for nearly an hour, it’s far from the magical experience they expected.

Is the Skyliner Worth the Risk?

While these delays are not everyday occurrences, the fact that multiple incidents have happened in recent months—and ended up going viral—may give some families pause. The ride is undeniably scenic, especially at sunset, and offers quicker park access in many cases than the bus system. But it does come with caveats.

Guests using the Skyliner should consider:

• Bringing extra water and snacks

• Avoiding the ride during peak heat hours

• Keeping kids calm with games or distractions

• Preparing for unexpected delays—especially if they have dining or Genie+ reservations

Ultimately, the Skyliner remains a favorite for many guests, but it’s increasingly clear that it’s not the best option for everyone—particularly those who don’t want to risk being trapped midair with little ones and emergency rations for company.

The Verdict?

It may be marketed as “flight with a view,” but for the Selverzalic family and many others, the Disney Skyliner can occasionally become a ride to remember—for all the wrong reasons.