Disney Skyliner Accident

[Tigger's ally]

I hardly doubt the testing for these was 10x longer than any other gondola system. ESP. With the issues that have plagued the Skyliner since launching a week ago... it’s a natural inference to draw.

Actually they were. We were there first week of May and they were (and had been) running all over the place. Still didn't open them till end of September.

 

[tlmadden73]

Accidents happen, I just question a system that has to be stopped for 3 hours (with people potentially hanging helpless in mid-air) to FIX a system and get those people off.

 

[suemom2kay]

Wow, I don't have anything else to say except I can't imagine wanting to be right that badly.

It’s not about wanting to be right. It is about corporate responsibility. And Disney Executives having to face irresponsible decisions. I absolutely believe the Gondola system is irresponsible due to volume of passengers and climate extremes. Because this incident happened at night, Disney and more importantly their guests were very lucky. Now, there will be an investigation and changes. Worst case scenario mid July during the day, and they will need a much better plan. Hopefully OSHA will be involved to ensure the proper changes are made or shut it down altogether.

 

[rteetz]

I hardly doubt the testing for these was 10x longer than any other gondola system. ESP. With the issues that have plagued the Skyliner since launching a week ago... it’s a natural inference to draw.

Disney certainly tested these more so than a normal ski resort does. I was exaggerating with 10x but these go up no problem over a summer season. Disney took 2 years to build this system.

 

[midaroco]

Actually they were. We were there first week of May and they were (and had been) running all over the place. Still didn't open them till end of September.

Ok. What’s your benchmark for thinking this is longer than standard?

 

[Brianstl]

Can you provide a link? Is it still posted? Or has the comment been changed? In the midst of a situation, even PR people can give misinformation. Is Disney's own blog still saying that there was no one in the gondolas? Or have they updated it to remove incorrect information?



I'll give Disney the benefit of the doubt about not commenting at this point. This incident happened less than 24 hours ago. They gave an official statement. They may not be commenting because they don't want to give out false information because they may not completely know and understand what happened yet.

It appears they have nothing on their blog about the accident now. The last post now on the their blog about Skyliner is how awesome people think it is.

 

[rteetz]

Ok. What’s your benchmark for thinking this is longer than standard?

Construction of these systems practically anywhere else. When they were built pretty much everyone thought they would be done before or in time for the SWGE opening at the latest. They opened after that.

 

[kboo]

I’m not pleased for the guests affected. I am pleased that it is not smooth sailing.

That is a bit troubling. We all like to be proven right, but deriving joy from bad things happening is kind of uncool.

I don't see how being pleased "that it is not smooth sailing" can NOT lead to being pleased for guests affected. One is directly caused by the other. "I'm happy there was a car accident, but I'm sorry people were hurt or stuck?"

Wow.

 

[midaroco]

Disney certainly tested these more so than a normal ski resort does. I was exaggerating with 10x but these go up no problem over a summer season. Disney took 2 years to build this system.

what’s your benchmark for your claim? Simply because Disney took 2 years to erect the system doesn’t equate to solid construction and operating standards...especially if the system included unique and new features.

 

[sky2823]

I think it’s fair to expect bugs with a system this big. Long term the bugs will get worked out and become less frequent. The problem is the “cost” of a hiccup on guests. The stakes are high.

If you get stuck for over 30 minutes with 8 people 100 feet in the air (and possible heat issues). That’s a big “cost” to a guest for every “hiccup” that needs addressed. Who isn’t going to be thinking about that every time they consider the gondola

getting stuck on the monorail isn’t fun, but it doesn’t seem as bad as getting stuck in a gondola 100 feet up in the sky.

just my opinion

 

[TwoMisfits]

I have a different perspective, not that I doubt Disney is being cautious with what they say for legal reasons. If you were one of the 1000+ people stuck 60 feet in the air, would you rather hear it's due to a power issue or because the very ride you are on has crashed further down the line? Seems like some of the secrecy may have been to protect the guests.

Honestly - I'd rather hear both what happened and what the plan is to fix the situation...something like...

"10 minutes ago, we had a gondola crash into another in a low-speed collision at our Rivera station, necessitating the stoppage of all gondola lines. For now, it appears to be an isolated incident and one without significant injury to anyone, but we are still investigating and getting to the bottom of the situation. As we can verify the safety in doing so, we will be working on taking those gondolas off the line in order to prep getting the rest of the gondolas to the station for debarkation. This may take a few hours, so please bear with us. Please make use of your emergency kit in the gondola and please contact us using the emergency button if anyone in your gondola starts experiencing a medical situation. We will be doing our best to help you and your family through this difficult situation, and we apologize for any disruption and stress this situation may have caused you."

 

[midaroco]

Construction of these systems practically anywhere else. When they were built pretty much everyone thought they would be done before or in time for the SWGE opening at the latest. They opened after that.

what are you basing that statement on, though? What are the facts you are using to draw your conclusion? What is the standard length of time used to erecta system like this? What are the variables that may have lengthened the erection of the Skyliner? Simply saying that Disney took 2 years to erect the system and seemed to run sporadic testing from May to September isn’t enough to refute the claims that this may have been rushed.

 

[TLinden16]

Construction of these systems practically anywhere else. When they were built pretty much everyone thought they would be done before or in time for the SWGE opening at the latest. They opened after that.

But remember. They pushed up the opening date for SWGE. It was originally planned for a December opening, but they opened it earlier even though the second ride wasn't ready. The Skyliner opening was always fall 2019 (which could mean anywhere from mid-September to mid-December, so it was right on target. Considering they have been heavily testing it for months (I know some lines were being tested when I was there in May), I was a bit surprised it didn't open sooner, but they did open right on target. My guess is that it didn't open sooner because they didn't have the staff hired and trained in time to do it sooner.

 

[rteetz]

what are you basing that statement on, though? What are the facts you are using to draw your conclusion? What is the standard length of time used to erecta system like this? What are the variables that may have lengthened the erection of the Skyliner? Simply saying that Disney took 2 years to erect the system and seemed to run sporadic testing from May to September isn’t enough to refute the claims that this may have been rushed.

I am using observation of other systems. Even someone who knows these systems extremely well liftblog.com thought they took longer than expected to open this. Like I said these things go up over a summer season to be ready for the following winter at major ski resorts.

 

[midaroco]

I have a different perspective, not that I doubt Disney is being cautious with what they say for legal reasons. If you were one of the 1000+ people stuck 60 feet in the air, would you rather hear it's due to a power issue or because the very ride you are on has crashed further down the line? Seems like some of the secrecy may have been to protect the guests.

I agree completely. While I’m sure it was frustrating...there was no sense in panicking the individuals who were trapped.

 

[rteetz]

But remember. They pushed up the opening date for SWGE. It was originally planned for a December opening, but they opened it earlier even though the second ride wasn't ready. The Skyliner opening was always fall 2019 (which could mean anywhere from mid-September to mid-December, so it was right on target. Considering they have been heavily testing it for months (I know some lines were being tested when I was there in May), I was a bit surprised it didn't open sooner, but they did open right on target. My guess is that it didn't open sooner because they didn't have the staff hired and trained in time to do it sooner.

No it was never expected to open in December. Disney always said Fall. This has nothing to do with the second ride and if it was rushed I would've expected them to have it open for the opening of SWGE not a month later.

 

[midaroco]

I am using observation of other systems. Even someone who knows these systems extremely well liftblog.com thought they took longer than expected to open this. Like I said these things go up over a summer season to be ready for the following winter at major ski resorts.

You aren’t basing your statement in fact, then. You are refuting a natural conclusion others have drawn simply because it doesn’t agree with how you feel.

 

[TheMick424]

While there was extensive testing of the system, one could argue it did not simulate real, or worst case conditions for its intended use at Disney World. That being said, accidents can happen even with the best preparation. It is how Disney responds that will define the narrative and the Skyliner’s ultimate success or failure. Right now they need to restore confidence with their customer base.

 

[Spridell]

@Diz Bee

Over the next 72 hours, Disney will undoubtedly be preparing something to present to you that may look like innocuous paperwork but was developed by their legal team. Please respond to it only after speaking to someone who is helping you decide what the right thing is for you and your family, now and in the future.

I really hope that you receive peace of mind and that you and yours are not hurt in any way!!!

This is a very good point.

Disney now has your info and they know you were on one of the ones crushed.

No doubt they are preparing some kind of legal worded papers for you.

DONT sign anything until you are comfortable enough with what you are signing.

 

[ELMC]

I think it’s fair to expect bugs with a system this big. Long term the bugs will get worked out and become less frequent. The problem is the “cost” of a hiccup on guests. The stakes are high.

If you get stuck for over 30 minutes with 8 people 100 feet in the air (and possible heat issues). That’s a big “cost” to a guest for every “hiccup” that needs addressed. Who isn’t going to be thinking about that every time they consider the gondola

getting stuck on the monorail isn’t fun, but it doesn’t seem as bad as getting stuck in a gondola 100 feet up in the sky.

just my opinion

Great points. I think that the majority of those guests inconvenienced last night are pleased with their $100 gift card and 2 free park tickets. Those of us who are just reading about it will likely forget fairly soon. That said, once is a hiccup. If it starts happening frequently it's a chronic problem.