The Skyliner has major bugs

[mkb3]

I’ve spent more time being stuck than moving over the course of the week.

 

[DLgal]

I keep seeing these reports too. I wonder what the problem is. Most gondola systems around the world are extremely efficient. It's literally just a cable on a big spinning wheel, right? How is it going down so often?

 

[Ross Kratter]

What I noticed happening a few times on the Epcot line was the handicapped loading system being down, which resulted in them having to stop the line every time they needed to load or unload a wheelchair or an ECV. It was not pleasant.

 

[snappy]

Not good to hear. Hoping they get this sorted out soon. Lots of money down this rabbit hole.

 

[mkb3]

Yeah I think it’s EVC related too, but man it’s sucks to stop so much. Even if you aren’t normally afraid of heights the constant stopping and swaying makes it the scariest ride in all of WDW.

 

[snappy]

Thanks for posting your experience.

 

[seashoreCM]

Buffering ...

You would expect the system to run well through Riviera station, one gondola in, one gondola out, one gondola in, one gondola out.

If a delay occurred, say, it took a long time to load a wheelchair guest, then not only would gondolas clump up behind but there would be a long section of empty cable departing Riviera. Now the clump has to be let out of the station with gondola spacing a little closer than normal.

If a clump were maintained at the front (exit) of Riviera, then in case of delay gondolas could still be exiting with normal spacing on the cable, at least for a short time, maybe one minute. It would then not be necessary to stop the whole system as often to minimize empty cable and minimize unusually close gondola spacing.

The disadvantage of any clump en route is that each and every gondola has to sit through it, advancing one car length, er, one gondola length, every ten seconds or so. A clump maintained so as to average six gondolas in size at the exit would add on average a minute to each and every guest's ride.

A clump at a terminal station (currently any station other than Riviera), if after the unload area and before the load area, would not arbitrarily add delay to each and every guest's ride.

Today I am guessing that the system would run more efficiently if wheelchairs and scooters entered the gondolas forward at Riviera (and backed out at the destination) while backed in at Epcot and Caribbean Beach so as to go out forward at Riviera if applicable.

 

[mom2rtk]

I keep seeing these reports too. I wonder what the problem is. Most gondola systems around the world are extremely efficient. It's literally just a cable on a big spinning wheel, right? How is it going down so often?

Disney has a different clientele than many. Lots more scooters and strollers. Some of this will get better. Some of it won't.

 

[mkb3]

Been here since Monday and still haven’t learned my lesson. Currently 10 minutes late for an ADR I left an hour and 15 minutes early for thanks to Skyliner issues.

 

[snappy]

Thanks for the real time report. It’s helpful.

 

[seashoreCM]

Currently ten minutes late ...

Should allow 90 minutes for resort-to-resort transportation.,

Otherwise if the maitre'd refuses you or puts you on standby, er, walkup status then you then mention the transportation issues. The right way ((I am not sure about policy in this peculiar circumstance) is to pencil in a new reservation time for you for ten minutes after you get there and then honor that.

 

[serenitynow]

The title to this thread kinda scared me - oh no, giant bugs on the Skyliner! I had visions of those giant Florida cockroach bugs in the gondola cars. EEek

 

[DLgal]

I wonder why Disney didn't consider simply not making the skyline ECV/wheelchair/stroller accessible. Is there a law that they HAVE to? Since the skyliner is an alternate form of transportation and there are still buses available, it seems like it would have been better to just say "no mobility devices" rather than deal with all these stoppages.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I wonder why Disney didn't consider simply not making the skyline ECV/wheelchair/stroller accessible. Is there a law that they HAVE to? Since the skyliner is an alternate form of transportation and there are still buses available, it seems like it would have been better to just say "no mobility devices" rather than deal with all these stoppages.

Yes Disney has to accommodate those in any kind of wheel chair I belive its under ADA

 

[DLgal]

Yes Disney has to accommodate those in any kind of wheel chair I belive its under ADA

I don't know about that. ADA compliance, as I understand it, is only REQUIRED for ground public transportation (buses, vans, shuttles) and rail transportation systems (trains, lightrails, rapid rail, monorail).

I am not sure it applies to gondola systems.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I don't know about that. ADA compliance, as I understand it, is only REQUIRED for ground public transportation (buses, vans, shuttles) and rail transportation systems (trains, lightrails, rapid rail, monorail).

I am not sure it applies to gondola systems.

That makes since

Honestly if i had to sit in a wheelchair up in the air i would be scared to death but obviously not everyone feels that way

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't know about that. ADA compliance, as I understand it, is only REQUIRED for ground public transportation (buses, vans, shuttles) and rail transportation systems (trains, lightrails, rapid rail, monorail).

I am not sure it applies to gondola systems.

Gondolas are as much ground transportation as monorails and elevated trains.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't know about that. ADA compliance, as I understand it, is only REQUIRED for ground public transportation (buses, vans, shuttles) and rail transportation systems (trains, lightrails, rapid rail, monorail).

I am not sure it applies to gondola systems.

Gondolas are as much ground transportation as monorails and elevated trains.

On a different note, since the Riviera isn't open yet - or, more importantly, occupied - I personally can't see boarding or debarking delays being created there?

 

[mkb3]

I know some people need EVCs, but I think a good portion at Disney are folks who wouldn’t use one anywhere else as a way to stay fresh and get benefits. I know not all disabilities are visible but I’m confident some of the people I’ve seen on them could walk easily on their own. I think it should require doctor approval. It also seems those riding them believe they have priorities over pedestrians.

 

[Allison]

There is no reason for the discussion to go down that road because of what you think and don't actually know.