Mouse Dreams Vacations Blog

Let’s face it. Most of us have stress in our lives. Sometimes, it is just certain things that cause me stress. Sometimes, just day to day living can do it. But, I have been stressed out over things that could have been avoided. I will give you a perfect example. Something I learned way too late, but no more. You see, I have been to Walt Disney World countless times. I tried to take the kids on that vacation that they would have memories that last the rest of their life. But we all loved going, even all the times we drove from New Jersey. Then, came grandchildren, and they loved it too.

Though, I admit, I was not always involved in the planning. I was the father, tell me what time and where we are going, and I will be there. Before Magic Bands and cell phones, a day at the park was like running a marathon. Back and forth across the park, to get on our favorite rides, or to eat, and I tell you, I thought there had to be a better way. Then, before you knew it, the vacation was over, and all in all we had a good time. So, human nature takes over, and you forget the stressful times.

Well, I am here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way. I am a Disney Vacation Planner. That’s what I do, Full-Time every day, we never close kind of business. I don’t do it part-time, and we only do Disney Properties, and Universal Studios in Orlando, and we do it free, that’s right, 100% free. Now, I know some people can plan their own trip. But with so much to do in Disney World, did you do everything you set out to do?

That’s why our service might be just right for you. From booking the right Disney Resort to the smallest detail. Do you know the date of the window when dining reservations can be made? I will. Haven’t been to Walt Disney World in a while? Or not at all. Disney is constantly changing and updating. Do you know about the Disney App, My Disney Experience? Literally, like having everything at your fingertips. You can even use your phone as your room key.

We can set up an itinerary for you, and tie all the reservations together. And we are a phone call away while you are at Disney. And if we book your trip, and another deal is released, we will compare it to yours, to make sure you are getting the best deal.

We look forward to working with you to make a magical Disney vacation.

Mickey Mouse? Minnie Mouse? Or possibly Goofy or Pluto? Maybe even the Hitchhiking ghosts from the Haunted Mansion?

Well, it could be those characters and more if you are riding on Walt Disney World’s newest transportation system, the Disney Skyliner.

What is the Disney Skyliner?

The Disney Skyliner is a brand new form of Disney transportation, never seen before in any Disney theme park. It is a gondola system that will run above ground and will not be affected by traffic problems. If you have ever been skiing, you will be familiar how the new Skyliner system works. 

Each gondola will seat up to 10 people and will accommodate strollers. Not all gondolas will be able to fit ECVs or wheelchairs, but there are a limited number of special gondolas that will work for you. Similar to most Disney attractions, you will have a separate line to access your specialized gondolas. There are over 300 gondolas, and Disney estimates that the capacity is over 4,500 guests per hour.

Please note that there is no bus service to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot from the resorts that are serviced by the Skyliner. Buses are used when weather or other complications shut down the Skyliner. Like other Walt Disney World outdoor attractions, lightning in the area will probably result in a temporary halt. Bus service, if needed, should be about every 20 minutes.

Where does the Disney Skyliner Go?

The Disney Skyliner is initially set to service the following resorts:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

There will be one stop that will serve both Pop Century and Art of Animation, a second stop that will serve the South end of Caribbean Beach and third stop that will serve the north end of Caribbean Beach and the Riviera.

The Disney Skyliner will serve the following theme parks:

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Epcot

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the hub. To go to either Disney’s Hollywood Studio or Epcot, you will need to board separate Gondolas here. If you came from Disney’s Pop Century or Art of Animation, simply get off, and  go to the appropriate line. These lines move quickly.

The estimated times are very low, much lower than the current bus system. 

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Pop Century Resort: about 5 minutes 
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Riviera Resort: about 5 minutes 
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: about 6 minutes  
• Disney’s Riviera Resort to International Gateway at Epcot: about 9 minutes
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to International Gateway at Epcot: about 15 minutes

Will the Disney Skyliner be better for me?

I can’t see any reason why the Disney Skyliner isn’t going to be super popular. I think kids are going to love it, it is almost like a ride before you ever get into the theme park. Second, when using the Disney Skyliner, it does not need to stop to load or unload guests. The Disney Skyliner has several gondolas in station that move very slowly, allowing guests to load. Compared to the bus, there won’t be long waits while wheelchairs and ECVs are loaded and unloaded.

The one possible downside is if you are going to Epcot, the Skyliner station is at the International Gateway Entrance. That entrance is located between the United Kingdom and France and is not the front entrance to Epcot you may be used to.

When I asked around , various people said they will not ride on the Skyliner. Others can’t wait to try it out. This is, of course, the first stop in the Skyliner project. While not announced, it is expected that Walt Disney World will extend the Skyliner to service additional resorts and theme parks at some point in the near future. Traffic is a real issue around Walt Disney World, and the more people they can take-off of the streets, the better. 

As always, Disney is concerned about safety. The Skyliner may not run during times of high winds or if lightning is in the area. Disney monitors the weather constantly, and if severe weather is a concern, it may be shut down until weather conditions improve. If the Skyliner needs to be shut down, bus service will increase. I can’t wait to ride the Skyliner the next time I am at Walt Disney World. 

Mouse Dreams Vacations Travel Tips

The addition of the Skyliner at these resorts is going to increase their popularity, and for good reason. Access to the Skyliner is a great perk, and if you are considering a value resort, we strongly suggest that you lean towards Pop Century or Art of Animation. Same for Caribbean Beach as a moderate resort option. The Skyliner is faster than the Disney buses, runs constantly and should decrease wait times for existing buses if you prefer to stick with that option. 

Once upon a time, there was a Magic Kingdom made of hopes and childhood fantasies. A timeless place, where every land was filled with wonder. A place where everyone who entered its gates would be given the gift of the young at heart — the power to wish upon a star and unlock its magic. – Julie Andrews

The Magic Kingdom is truly a magic place, and one of my all-time favorite places to visit on earth. I have so many fantastic memories in the Magic Kingdom, they mean a lot to me, and I hope to help you make your own magical memories as well.

Want to know why I love the Magic Kingdom?

I was 17, a senior in high school when I first went to Walt Disney World on our class trip. Only the Magic Kingdom existed way back then. We were only there for one day, but as soon as I arrived, I knew I would become a Disney fan for life.  It was nothing like what I had imagined, even though I had seen it on television. The attention to detail was beyond anything I had ever seen before. The sights, the sounds, the smell of fresh-baked cookies on Main Street. I couldn’t get enough.

When you first get to Main Street and see the bronze statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. It then becomes real that you are in Walt Disney World and you start to lose the adult in you and go back to being a kid again when it was okay to be free and smile and actually enjoy yourself.

For my upcoming visit to Walt Disney World, I was trying to plan out what day I should visit the Magic Kingdom. I decided to go on the second day of my trip (Extra Magic hours before and after). There is so much to see and do it can get overwhelming. This is where an experienced travel agent can be your best friend. Someone who knows the ins and outs of Disney. I put aside two days to go to the Magic Kingdom, but honestly, I can do it in one. I decided to slow my pace and get the most of my time there. This is planning your day out, especially if you want a table service meal (reservations are a must), and use the Fast Pass+ system. More on that on another Blog.

My children embraced Disney as I have. They looked forward to our trips to Walt Disney World. Like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Vacation, we packed up the mini-van and made the 1200+ mile trek from South Jersey. We tried to go every 2 or 3 years, Disney always has something new there. 

During one of our family trips ten years ago, my son proposed to his fiancé, on Main Street, with the Castle in the background. It was a surprise to all of us. We had early reservations for breakfast at the Crystal Palace, so they were no crowds. He grabbed a Disney Photographer, dropped to his knee and proposed, and she accepted. My children have children of their own now, and all have vacationed in Disney.

Why do you love the Magic Kingdom?