Disney Skyliner (Gondola Transportation System) Read Post 1 Now Open!

[lockedoutlogic]

FYI, Breckenridge can load wheelchairs into a normal gondola. The doors are even with the ground with basically no gap so they can just roll on. I also bet they don't have to strap them down since they won't be on the road/subjected to crashes or other high forces.

I don't think strollers or wheelcars will be much issue, especially if you don't have to fold strollers. ECVs I could see being an issue, so hopefully they have a separate loading rail, or enough empty space in the main rail to fully stop one car without backing up the incoming cars.

I am sure the industrial and traffic engineers at WDW know exactly how many ECVs to expect and are thinking of something. I at least know they aren't ignorant of the concern.

I like this...good job

One problem is that WDW outsourced most if not all their engineering and consultants can't sometimes see their nose despite their face...
It's hit or miss...especially if they aren't in tune with the day to logistics of being a worker and a traveler at WDW.

 

[OSUZorba]

I like this...good job

One problem is that WDW outsourced most if not all their engineering and consultants can't sometimes see their nose despite their face...
It's hit or miss...especially if they aren't in tune with the day to logistics of being a worker and a traveler at WDW.

Based on looking at job openings over the last year, they still hire industrial and traffic engineers, which would be who would be working on the efficiency of this. The other skills probably are mostly outsourced, I.e. structural and mechanical design.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Based on looking at job openings over the last year, they still hire industrial and traffic engineers, which would be who would be working on the efficiency of this. The other skills probably are mostly outsourced, I.e. structural and mechanical design.

Who ya get for below industry standard pay though?

I'd kinda rather my roads be built by guys from Caltech - not Calarts

 

[SaharanTea]

I'm thinking the same thing. Not only that...about 25 years ago they really encourage their usage. That's great for inclusion but the downside is the numbers are off and really crunch the transport.

We all know the elephant in the room here. It's not use of assistance devices for medical purposes. It's the "drive up to the restaurant and then hop off and walk in...cause those parks are just SO big"...call me crazy, but isn't that part of the thought process In planning? Maybe I'm nuts.

The result is the numbers are skewed and it requires a separate design.

Many people need them to get around. Others, well... But that's an age old topic.

I just hope, like you said, they figure this out better than they've done for the buses. (Though I can't think of a better way that doesn't involve really expensive buses).

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Many people need them to get around. Others, well... But that's an age old topic.

I just hope, like you said, they figure this out better than they've done for the buses. (Though I can't think of a better way that doesn't involve really expensive buses).

A really expensive monorail/train/pod system?

 

[skier_pete]

I'm talking families not n athletic shape from Ohio or Pennsylvania with a first time ecv rental trying to use this...

Oh..I definitely get that as being a potential issue, just saying Disney isn't stupid, and if they are building this, they've already figured out how to deal with it. Perhaps like the TSMM track there will be a branch where they can move a gondola off the main loop to load an ECV. Or as I said, worst case is they will keep a shuttle to these parks specifically for people with ECVs. I honestly don't know what the solution is, but I'm pretty certain they've thought about it.

Pete, one question...how will unload work in conjunction loading? Will it slow things down, will one side of that platform visible above be loading, while when it swings around will be unloading?

Again, think of Kali River Rapids...the Gondola comes into station...slows down....door opens...people depart as it moves slowly through station...moves on to load area...people load onto gondola. As I said, the Gondola itself could maybe be in the load station for 90 seconds...30 seconds for people to get off, another 60 seconds for people to load.

Again, I know nothing of how this specific gondola will be designed, but the ones I've used may not deal with wheelchairs, but I've seen them load six 5-year olds in ski boots that can barely stand. There is not a lot of skill involved with stepping on a gondola like this...it's easier than stepping on an escalator or those moving walkways at the airport - even slower than that.

 

[sachilles]

I might add after working at a ski resort for 18 years, the guests are every bit on mental vacation as they are at Disney. You might think they are all fitness models, but I assure you it's the opposite. They are usually exhausted, and that is just from the walk from the parking lot to the ticket booth in their ski boots. Not a particularly mobile crowd. Then bundle them up for below freezing weather, their visibility drops to nil. Granted, not many ECV's, but plenty of wheelchairs and other mobility challenged folks. Adaptive skiing is quite popular, so there are all manner of conveyances created to help folks enjoy the slopes, and they all get transported up the mountain.
It will be curious to see just how they adapt to ecv's, but I don't think it's anything to worry too much about.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Oh..I definitely get that as being a potential issue, just saying Disney isn't stupid, and if they are building this, they've already figured out how to deal with it. Perhaps like the TSMM track there will be a branch where they can move a gondola off the main loop to load an ECV. Or as I said, worst case is they will keep a shuttle to these parks specifically for people with ECVs. I honestly don't know what the solution is, but I'm pretty certain they've thought about it.

1. You sure? Could they not care to sell timeshare? Possible?
2. That's the only way...this idea of the entire populace efficiently being herded In 90 seconds isn't gonna fly.

Don't believe me? Watch any loading station at WDW other than perhaps the ttc boats

 

[dlavender]

They could retro fit the ECV's to have pedals on the side like the cars from the speedway have.

Employees then can hop on and guide the ECV's in the gondola.

You wanna ride the gondola? Must be in a gondola approved ECV.

Problem solved.

 

[sachilles]

I think the likely scenario is this.

Paint yellow parking space 1 foot from gondola loading spot. Tell guest to park in yellow spot and wait for their gondola. Wait for gondola car to stop, push/drive gondola on, let other guests in part follow as the gondola moves at a snails pace. The unloading is the greater issue as you won't be able to prep them, and they'd have to back off.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

They could retro fit the ECV's to have pedals on the side like the cars from the speedway have.

Employees then can hop on and guide the ECV's in the gondola.

You wanna ride the gondola? Must be in a gondola approved ECV.

Problem solved.

Not quite...some ecvs are owned/private...but many are rented from medical supply companies outside of WDW.

It is Florida...after all

 

[beer dave]

FYI, Breckenridge can load wheelchairs into a normal gondola. The doors are even with the ground with basically no gap so they can just roll on. I also bet they don't have to strap them down since they won't be on the road/subjected to crashes or other high forces.

I don't think strollers or wheelcars will be much issue, especially if you don't have to fold strollers. ECVs I could see being an issue, so hopefully they have a separate loading rail, or enough empty space in the main rail to fully stop one car without backing up the incoming cars.

I am sure the industrial and traffic engineers at WDW know exactly how many ECVs to expect and are thinking of something. I at least know they aren't ignorant of the concern.

Unless the gondola is at a complete stop, it doesn't matter how even the floor is-- the front wheels will start moving along with the gondola as soon as they enter it, turning the wheel chair sideways.----- won't happen.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Unless the gondola is at a complete stop, it doesn't matter how even the floor is-- the front wheels will start moving along with the gondola as soon as they enter it, turning the wheel chair sideways.----- won't happen.

Right...continual movement is a much bigger problem (I feel like I'm saying that 6 times today) than the optimists are giving it credit to be...

I'm a "watcher" on vacation...I could shan't care about maximizing rides, making rope drop, or having a good spot for "wishes"...its about slow pace, people watching and moderate liver damage...

One of the things I do is observe the crowds and the quirks...and Disney patrons tend to be A. Helpless B. Distracted due to the financial outlay C. Both A and B

 

[beer dave]

Right...continual movement is a much bigger problem (I feel like I'm saying that 6 times today) than the optimists are giving it credit to be...

I'm a "watcher" on vacation...I could shan't care about maximizing rides, making rope drop, or having a good spot for "wishes"...its about slow pace, people watching and moderate liver damage...

One of the things I do is observe the crowds and the quirks...and Disney patrons tend to be A. Helpless B. Distracted due to the financial outlay C. Both A and B

x2.

 

[OSUZorba]

Unless the gondola is at a complete stop, it doesn't matter how even the floor is-- the front wheels will start moving along with the gondola as soon as they enter it, turning the wheel chair sideways.----- won't happen.

I'm just saying it is currently being done, today elsewhere. I think physics is the same in Florida as Colorado. The movement is very slow, and they can slow or stop it if required. I've used those gondolas and pushed wheel chairs, I don't think it would be an issue for a pushed chair or a self powered chair by someone physically able to self power all day at WDW.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm just saying it is currently being done, today elsewhere. I think physics is the same in Florida as Colorado. The movement is very slow, and they can slow or stop it if required. I've used those gondolas and pushed wheel chairs, I don't think it would be an issue for a pushed chair or a self powered chair by someone physically able to self power all day at WDW.

I think what Dave is saying is that the customers at WDW are so inept with those ecvs that you shouldn't doubt them screwing it up. How long before an ecv gets jammed between the platform guides by a nervous grandma who never has sat on one before she checked into her $425 parking lot view room at caribbean?

Over/under is 1 day.

 

[Q-man]

Just wondering how bad this is going to ruin the sight lines at Epcot and other portions of the property. It appears that a portion of the route will run behind World Showcase. Are you going to be able to see the gondolas running from behind the countries? Seems like the route will also ruin the views at the BC, YC, and Boardwalk. I guess that's progress for ya!!!

I think they will to too low to effect much. The bottoms only need be 18 ft off the ground to clear road traffic. The path to EP is between the BW and EP backstage. The BW is already oriented away from seeing into EP backstage and likely 40ft high thus screening off the Boardwalk itself. EP backstage is pretty well screened with trees. YC guests may be able to see them going over the viaduct at the IG station. The BW guests that can see them already have a parking lot in their view. Go to goole maps and use satellite view to take a look at the route.

 

[Q-man]

Oh..I definitely get that as being a potential issue, just saying Disney isn't stupid, and if they are building this, they've already figured out how to deal with it. Perhaps like the TSMM track there will be a branch where they can move a gondola off the main loop to load an ECV. Or as I said, worst case is they will keep a shuttle to these parks specifically for people with ECVs. I honestly don't know what the solution is, but I'm pretty certain they've thought about it.

Pretty sure that won't meet ADA guidelines.

Some of the negative it will never work folks need to heed the tenets of OTTS theory. Meaning you're crying over spilt milk while it is still in the grocery store cooler.

 

[OSUZorba]

I think what Dave is saying is that the customers at WDW are inept with those ecvs that you shouldn't doubt them screwing it up. How long before an ecv gets jammed between the platform guides by a nervous grandma who never has sat on one before she checked into her $425 parking lot view room at caribbean?

Over/under is 1 day.

LMAO. I do think they'll have to reinforce the doors, or else an ECV will drive though them day one.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Pretty sure that won't meet ADA guidelines.

Some of the negative it will never work folks need to heed the tenets of OTTS theory. Meaning you're crying over spilt milk while it is still in the grocery store cooler.

Just to be clear...I think it will work.

I just think it will have to be a unique design and probably more staffed than Disney would like and maybe realizes to be efficient...that's all.