We’ve watched the Skyliner gondolas zooming over parking lots and even over Hourglass Lake just this morning, but the Orlando Sentinel got to take a special inside look at the gondola interiors and has since shared a number of details about the new transportation method coming to Walt Disney World. Thomas Mazloum, a Disney senior vice president who oversees transportation and resorts, said the gondolas would be “absolutely comfortable” as they were specifically designed with the Florida climate in mind. Take a look!
The gondola fleet will include a total of 300 gondolas that will offer sweeping views of the property. A typical ride on the Skyliner system is set to take between five to 15 minutes, depending on your destination.
Inside, mesh panels on both sides let in a breeze as the gondolas travel at 11 mph. Reflective windows block out sunlight.
Inside, twin wooden benches can carry up to 10 passengers per gondola, including modified gondolas for passengers in wheelchairs. Gondola stations will have passengers constantly loading, but much like an omnimover attraction, Cast Members in charge of loading can pause or slow down the gondola line to allow for extra boarding time as needed.
The gondolas are set to open in the Fall, but will be unveiled come May, and will feature 22 character designs.
Now that you’ve seen the interior (and it does look rather shaded and nice) are you feeling better about the lack of A/C, or still not convinced? Sound off in the comments!
