It’s happening: Walt Disney World is developing a cable car system.
The new transportation system would connect some of the theme parks and hotels.
- Gondola system would connect parks, hotels
- Six station would like Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Caribbean Beach
- In March, Disney filed a Notice of Commencement, signaling start of construction
More commonly referred to as a gondola lift system, it would have six stations linking Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Caribbean Beach Resort and the area between Pop Century and the Art of Animation resorts.
In February, Disney filed permits that generating that it was planning a gondola system. A month later, the company submitted a Notice of Commencement with the Orange County Comptroller’s Office, signaling the start of construction. Those documents included six locations where construction would take place.
Most recently, The Orlando Sentinel obtained documents from Reedy Creek Improvement District that basically confirm what has been rumored for months.
European company Doppelmayr is listed as the gondola vendor. Each passenger cabin would hold 10 people. The cabins would circulate continuously. More cabins could be added to the line if needed.
Once upon a time, Disney had a Skyway ride that connected the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. It closed in 1999.
However, the new gondola system will be very different. The gondolas, for example, would be enclosed, providing passengers with shelter from the rain.
Disney hasn’t made an official statement about the gondola system. Also, no completion date for the project has been revealed.
It’s likely the system would be ready in 2019. That’s when Disney plans to open its highly-anticipated Star Wars expansion at Hollywood Studios.
Epcot is also getting a major overhaul, but Disney has not revealed what changes are coming.