Is Skyliner too unreliable / late starting for rope drop at Epcot?

[CanadianEmily]

We're going on our first trip in late February. Though I wanted to avoid EMH days, we're going to Epcot on an EMH day. We're staying at Pop, but we'll also have our own car. For the most part, we are planning on driving everywhere. My only consideration was that for Epcot, we have a slight preference to rope drop via the International Gateway, because we got a FP for Test Track and would like to rope drop Frozen. But I read that the Skyliner only starts operating 30 minutes before EMH starts? That doesn't seem like enough time to even get from Pop to Epcot, let alone be there for rope drop.

Touring Plans seems to think it doesn't matter which entrance we use. With either option, it has us going to Frozen first and getting there around the same time. Thoughts? My son would like to ride the Skyliner at some point. As for me, I'd rather take a trip on it as a ride than as a mode of transportation that we have to rely on.

 

[DisneyMommy77]

My experience on the SkyLiner has been very positive, and beats other modes of transportation. I love it!
You will need to transfer SkyLiners at Caribbean Resort to get to Epcot. I think it would be a close 30 min. call, but doable if you are one of the first to get on when they open. Have fun!

 

[Alesia]

Check Google maps -- the distance from the IG is exactly the same as the distance from the main gate.

I would take the bus or drive. Even in the best case scenario, you'll be at the back of the pack if you take the skyliner. I would want to arrive at least 30 minutes before the park opens

 

[gatour]

I had a nice experience on the Skyliner. Howerver there has been conflicting reports about opening time. For example I rode it 16 Dec in the morning around 11ish. signage indicated that it opened at 7:30am. However someone had rode it a week earlier and it opened at 6:45.

Until things settle down with the skyliner my recommendation is if you have time critical timelines in early morning hours is to consider alternate transportation. For you, you will have a car so I would recommend you plan to use your car esp. if your EPCOT day is your first full day.

If not the first day, you can inquire about the opening hours the day before.

 

[kaytieeldr]

signage indicated that it opened at 7:30am. However someone had rode it a week earlier and it opened at 6:45.

That's not necessarily conflicting reports, though. Different days, different start times.

 

[gatour]

That's not necessarily conflicting reports, though. Different days, different start times.

I may have used the wrong terminology. Based on the different reports, it sounds like Disney hasn't settled on a regular schedule. They are playing with different operating hours to figure out the sweet spot.

 

[NWOhiogal]

From what I've seen of the Skyliner, it's reliable until it isn't. You might be fine OR you'll be stuck in the air for two hours, or have the line stop a dozen times for five-ten minutes each.

I agree, drive or take the bus.

 

[brockash]

We're going on our first trip in late February. Though I wanted to avoid EMH days, we're going to Epcot on an EMH day. We're staying at Pop, but we'll also have our own car. For the most part, we are planning on driving everywhere. My only consideration was that for Epcot, we have a slight preference to rope drop via the International Gateway, because we got a FP for Test Track and would like to rope drop Frozen. But I read that the Skyliner only starts operating 30 minutes before EMH starts? That doesn't seem like enough time to even get from Pop to Epcot, let alone be there for rope drop.

Touring Plans seems to think it doesn't matter which entrance we use. With either option, it has us going to Frozen first and getting there around the same time. Thoughts? My son would like to ride the Skyliner at some point. As for me, I'd rather take a trip on it as a ride than as a mode of transportation that we have to rely on.

I don't think I could deal with the anxiety of using it for rope drop...especially with it only starting 30 mins prior to park open. We're usually at the park and in line 30 mins. prior.