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It’s approximately one year since the Disney Skyliner system opened at Walt Disney World. This high-in-the-sky transportation system has caught the attention of Disney fans and visitors. Its colorful gondolas, some adorned with beloved characters, connects guests to multiple resorts and two theme parks. It had a bumpy start, but now the system is running smoothly. It is a unique system that is even more enjoyable when you’re prepared. Here are our top five tips for riding the Disney Skyliner.

Remember: (Almost) All Routes Lead to Caribbean Beach

The first thing you need to know about the Disney Skyliner system is that the station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the hub. All routes extend to and from this station. No matter where you start–EPCOT, Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios–your ride will take you to Caribbean Beach Resort. From there you will change to whatever route takes you to your final destination. The one exception to this is if you board at Riviera Resort and are headed to EPCOT. This route does directly head to and from EPCOT.

Rope Drop and Closing Time Lines

Just like anything else on Disney property, demand for Disney Skyliner is greatest at park opening and park closing. With the theme parks having a staggered operating schedule it can be tricky, but it helps that there is not a mad rush for Disney Transportation across all the resorts and all the parks at the same time.

I personally made the mistake of forgetting about rope drop time at EPCOT. I parked at Disney’s Hollywood Studios so I could use the Skyliner to go over to EPCOT. This method doesn’t really save anytime, but since I only intended to visit World Showcase it was nice to enter EPCOT at International Gateway after a scenic ride. We arrived at the Caribbean Beach Station 20 minutes before park opening so there was a substantial line for the Skyliner. It took us about 15 minutes to get through the line.

Closing time isn’t as bad as it used to be back when there were nighttime spectaculars, as people aren’t all headed for  Disney Transportation all at once, but it is still good to be mindful that there is more demand right at closing time, so there may be a little wait.

Be Hydrated

Drinking around the world at EPCOT can be fun, but boarding a Disney Skyliner Gondola on a warm day can make things a little rough. Although the breeze that comes through the vents is nice, sometimes if there’s no wind or you stop, it can get warm. Make sure you’ve had some water, whether you’ve had some adult beverages or not, before you get onboard.

Restroom Beforehand

Another thing to do before boarding is go to the restroom. It’s a good idea to do so, just like before a road trip. Chances are the Skyliner ride will go smoothly without any major delays, but still it would not be fun to be stuck for an extended period of time and wiggling in your seat. Can you tell I’m a mom? There are restrooms near all the stations.

Little Riders May Get Nervous

The first time I took my toddler son on board Disney Skyliner it did not occur to me that he might get a little scared or nervous. As we approached the station he was fascinated by the moving gondolas. Things went great until we boarded our gondola and it began the quick ascent from the station. The quick motion unsettled him and he immediately asked to go home. I talked him through it, pointing out the sights and assuring him we were okay – thank goodness it is one party per gondola right now. Then it occurred to me to point out the different characters on the exterior of many of the passing gondolas. By the time we were on our return trip at the end of the day he excitedly said “I love it!” as our gondola soared into the air.

If you are using a stroller, you can leave it upright and roll it right in. When rolling the stroller out, the gondola keeps moving slowly, so back it straight out without looking behind you. Both times I looked behind me I steered off course, whereas if I looked straight ahead while backing out I was fine. Cast Members will be there to help guide you out.

The Disney Skyliner is similar to other gondola systems used around the world. There can be slowdowns and delays, but it is a very efficient system. It is a great way to get around one of the most popular parts of Walt Disney World, and a welcome addition.

Have you been on the Disney Skyliner system yet?

The post Five Tips for Riding the Disney Skyliner appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney Vacation Club, Dos and Don’ts, kids, Resorts, Transportation, disney resort hotels, Disney Skyliner, Disney Transportation, disney’s caribbean beach

Baby Care Centers are the best thing to happen to theme parks, ever. You cannot convince me otherwise. And on my recent visits to Walt Disney World, my love and appreciation for Disney’s Baby Care Centers increased. These centers are a respite for families with young kids, and with current conditions they are more valuable than ever.

Changing Area in a Quiet Space

Practically all restrooms across Walt Disney World property have changing stations in them. However, the regular restrooms can often get crowded and sometimes you have to wait for a changing table to become available. Each Baby Care Center at the four theme parks has a room with multiple changing tables in it. Each changing table has a paper liner to be switched out after each child.

Sometimes changing a baby or toddler’s diaper becomes a wrestling match. It can be tough to wrangle your child while other guests wait or are coming and going around you. Even when the parks were busy, I never had an issue with finding an available changing table at any of the Baby Care Centers. And now that physical distance space is more important than ever, these changing rooms are even more valuable.

Family Restroom

Not every Baby Care Center has a Family Restroom. These large single-stall restrooms have room for multiple family members to use so children and caregivers can stay together. Magic Kingdom’s Baby Care Center does not have a Family Restroom but the restroom it does offer has smaller toilets for children that are learning to use the potty.

If you’re trying to avoid crowds, especially indoors, like I am, it is really helpful having dedicate space like a Family Restroom, or Companion Restroom. It is also very helpful to be able to stick together without waiting for an open stall, while trying to keep your distance from others.

Bottle Warmers and Water Station

Even though my child is no longer at the age of bottle feeding, I still appreciate the bottle warmer and water station. I found it very helpful to grab a paper cup of water to cool off after being in the heat and after wrangling my child for a diaper change. There is also a sink which is obviously great for washing hands, but also rinsing out any bottles or other items. Cleanliness is the name of the game now more than ever.

Baby and Toddler Supplies and Merchandise

I don’t know about other parents, but whenever I leave the house with my son I have a mental checklist of at least a million things I need to bring with me. I always feel at ease when I go to a Walt Disney World theme park with him because I know if I forget something they will have it at the Baby Care Center. Diapers, Pull-Ups, wipes, baby food, toddler snacks, food pouches, bottles, strollers, stroller accessories, and more are available for purchase. In an age when the checklist of things to pack now includes sanitizer, wipes, and masks, it’s nice knowing supplies for young kids are easily accessible.

Nursing Rooms and Common Room

One of the great features of each Baby Care Center is the nursing rooms. At EPCOT’s Baby Care Center it is a communal room with seats that face away from each other. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is my favorite Baby Care Center and it has two individual nursing rooms.

Each center also has a common room in which a television and multiple chairs are located. On my recent visits the television was turned off, I assume to hinder the attractiveness of lingering. Still the common room was helpful for my son and I as it gave me a chance to sit down and get on his level so I could adjust his mask. I also took a moment to get our backpack and things together while in a place with only another person present, a Cast Member, and wonderful air conditioning.

Visiting the theme parks these days does take a lot of extra effort. There is a lot to be mindful of, but it is still fun and enjoyable. Taking advantage of resources like Baby Care Centers makes a big difference.

What are some of your favorite resources inside Disney Parks? Have you ever used a Baby Care Center?

The post Why Disney’s Baby Care Centers Are So Important Right Now appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Basics, Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), baby care center

Wow…we’ve made it to the unofficial end of summer. Can’t believe it, to be honest. It’s a weird one for me….because for the first time in years, I won’t be traveling this Labor Day weekend; I’m actually staying in my neck of the woods. Just more unusual-ness for this year. Whatever you do this three day weekend, stay safe and wear a mask.

This week, find out when a certain Baby will be back on our screens, see what will be airing for Halloween on Freeform, and more.

In Case You Missed It – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors

This week, we lost a true, graceful talent. Chadwick Boseman, a man who meant so much to so many, will absolutely be missed. And now, Disney has to take a look and figure out how they are going to go on with their Black Panther series without him.

Who will be streaming Mulan this weekend? The first Premier Access film for Disney+. Is the Premier Access something that is enticing to you?

The queen is back again with an updated version of Reflection – the song that really got her noticed to begin with. What do you think of the updated version from Christina Aguilera?

Whaaat?! The Mandalorian will be back with its second season next month?

The schedule for the 31 Nights of Halloween for Freeform were released! Which films are you looking forward to watching most?

The post In Case You Missed It: News and Rumors – Week of September 4, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: In Case You Missed It