Skyliner vs Drive

[spicedparrot]

We are staying this week at the Riviera. I'm wondering if will be quicker to drive to the Studios and Epcot or to take the Skyliner? I know that PopCentury has reported some long skyliner lines but wasn't sure if that was the same from Riviera. Any one have any advice? Haven't visited in a couple of years so hoping someone on here has more current information. Thanks!!

 

[1lilspark]

I know we are staying at Pop in nov and plan to skyline to Epcot but drive to DHS

 

[djmeredith]

If you want to ensure you are in the park before 10, the only 100% guarantee is to Uber/Lyft to Swan or Boardwalk or Speedway (which is less safe in my opinion because there are no crosswalks) and walk over. I just returned from 7 nights at Dolphin and walked over to DHS on 2 park days. We arrived at 8:10 the first morning and about 10 groups were already in the “pre line” where they form and hold 2 lines by the Skyliner station. We arrived at 8:00 the second morning and there were even more groups already in line. At about 8:45, they then move those lines in an orderly fashion to the temp screening area where it splits into additional lines. Stay to the far LEFT in both lines. Both days the Skyliner and cars did not start arriving until after the original 2 lines had been moved to the temp screen lines area. I’ve read reports here of people driving cars who did not make it in before 10.

 

[Surr]

I know we are staying at Pop in nov and plan to skyline to Epcot but drive to DHS

Make sure to check what time they are opening the parking lot. We stayed at Pop in July when things were still slow, and nearly didn't make it using the skyline getting in line an hour before park opening. I have heard that they are not opening the parking lots until 30 minutes prior to park opening and people struggling to get into the park in time to get a boarding pass. On our last two stays, we stayed a the Swan and walked. This past Friday we arrived at DHS by 9AM walking. We were able to ride MMRR and RNR before 10, and get a boarding pass at 10 while waiting outside RNR.

 

[Kbryant]

We just got back from a short stay at Riviera and had the same question. I stopped and talked to the CM at the front desk, and she said if our goal was to get a boarding pass for ROR, we should drive ourselves (we had our own vehicle). I believe from Riviera on the skyliner, you will have to get off and transfer at CB...I don't know if you go to the end of the line at that point?
We left Riviera at 8:45, and as we pulled up to the entrance at 9:00 they were making everyone turn around and go back. We crept along and stayed back (along with many others) and they ended up allowing people to start lining up just as we were getting to the parking booths. They started letting people in a 9:15. So don't go too early! We timed it just right, but if we'd have been a little earlier and had to turn around and then get back in line, I'm not sure how it would have worked out. We were in the park and in line for MMRR before 9:30 (and they were letting people on the ride at that time as well). And we got our boarding group while on MMRR!

 

[EMHDad]

I just went to repeat what I think I am hearing to confirm that I am right.

We are staying in the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Lodge. If we uber to the Boardwalk or Swan Hotel, we can then walk over to HS. So, we get picked up at 7:30am and dropped off at 7:45am. We walk and arrive at HS at 8:00am. This will put us in the front of the line to get in and get to the rides before the people arrive on the Buses, Skyliner, Gondola. Is that correct?

If so, how would we get dropped off at the Boardwalk? When our Uber pulls up to the Gate of the Boardwalk hotel, wouldnt they not let us in because we are not staying there? Is there a certain place to get dropped off at?

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I just went to repeat what I think I am hearing to confirm that I am right.

We are staying in the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Lodge. If we uber to the Boardwalk or Swan Hotel, we can then walk over to HS. So, we get picked up at 7:30am and dropped off at 7:45am. We walk and arrive at HS at 8:00am. This will put us in the front of the line to get in and get to the rides before the people arrive on the Buses, Skyliner, Gondola. Is that correct?

If so, how would we get dropped off at the Boardwalk? When our Uber pulls up to the Gate of the Boardwalk hotel, wouldnt they not let us in because we are not staying there? Is there a certain place to get dropped off at?

Without a dining reservation or being a hotel guest, it’s hit or miss if the guard will let you in. Every once in a while you get lucky and the guards don’t ask questions but it’s not a guarantee. If you’re going to uber just take the uber to DHS. Also, while yes by waking you can line up maybe before someone else but you don’t get in the park earlier than a bus/car guests. You still have to go through security and the gates just like everyone else. So yes theoretically you may be in front of the crowds. I guess you could uber and if you get turned away, you’ll need a plan B since it would be too early to drop off.

 

[EMHDad]

Without a dining reservation or being a hotel guest, it’s hit or miss if the guard will let you in. Every once in a while you get lucky and the guards don’t ask questions but it’s not a guarantee. If you’re going to uber just take the uber to DHS. Also, while yes by waking you can line up maybe before someone else but you don’t get in the park earlier than a bus/car guests. You still have to go through security and the gates just like everyone else. So yes theoretically you may be in front of the crowds. I guess you could uber and if you get turned away, you’ll need a plan B since it would be too early to drop off.

if u take and Uber directly to HS, don’t u have to go through the parking terminal, and then you have to wait until the parking lot opens, which isn’t until 30-45 before RD, and I am hearing a lot of cars are struggling to even make it through the HS ‘turnstiles’ before RD. (We actually will have a car ourselves.)

It sounds like people above posting that those walking to HS are beating all other forms of transportation.

 

[lorileahb]

if u take and Uber directly to HS, don’t u have to go through the parking terminal, and then you have to wait until the parking lot opens, which isn’t until 30-45 before RD, and I am hearing a lot of cars are struggling to even make it through the HS ‘turnstiles’ before RD. (We actually will have a car ourselves.)

It sounds like people above posting that those walking to HS are beating all other forms of transportation.

That's been kind of my take from people's posts - and for the other parks, too. Hence the uber/lyft recommendations to a nearby resort to get a mobile order and walk over to those parks (MK/Epcot). Will be interesting to see how recommendations continue to change before we head to Disney in mid-Nov.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

if u take and Uber directly to HS, don’t u have to go through the parking terminal, and then you have to wait until the parking lot opens, which isn’t until 30-45 before RD, and I am hearing a lot of cars are struggling to even make it through the HS ‘turnstiles’ before RD. (We actually will have a car ourselves.)

It sounds like people above posting that those walking to HS are beating all other forms of transportation.

We were at DHS and drove, granted it was August and parks weren’t as crowded, but DHS was by far the most normal feeling with a lot higher feeling crowds and we had no issue parking and getting in before 10. We also took the skyliner one day and arrived later that morning but our friends drove and parked and they also had no issue. Yes walking is the most reliable form of transport but I’d just be prepared should uber/Lyft plan go south.

 

[EMHDad]

That's been kind of my take from people's posts - and for the other parks, too. Hence the uber/lyft recommendations to a nearby resort to get a mobile order and walk over to those parks (MK/Epcot). Will be interesting to see how recommendations continue to change before we head to Disney in mid-Nov.

so, if I mobile Order from the boardwalk bakery and then Uber over, I can show the parking gate that I have a mobile order to pick up? That will get me into the boardwalk resort area that I can then use the walkway to go to HS one day and Epcot another?

 

[lorileahb]

so, if I mobile Order from the boardwalk bakery and then Uber over, I can show the parking gate that I have a mobile order to pick up? That will get me into the boardwalk resort area that I can then use the walkway to go to HS one day and Epcot another?

That's what I've been reading and my current plan. I'm not going to HS, but I am doing this for Epcot (Boardwalk Bakery order) and Magic Kingdom (Contemporary Resort - Contemp Cafe). Based on another post I read, I will try to place my order around the time (or a little before) I get my uber/lyft. Unless, of course, better strategies (within Disney guidelines) are being posted as faster in a few weeks when we go.. LOL

 

[WEDWDW]

It sounds like people above posting that those walking to HS are beating all other forms of transportation.

DEFINITELY!

That is the only way to be in "control" of your arrival time to DHS.

You will want to Uber/Lyft to Swan or the Speedway Station across from BWI and walk from there.

 

[EMHDad]

DEFINITELY!

That is the only way to be in "control" of your arrival time to DHS.

You will want to Uber/Lyft to Swan or the Speedway Station across from BWI and walk from there.

I know a lot can change between now and Jan, but let’s assume it’s similar for now. If I were to Uber to the speedway and walk to DHS/Uber to swan and walk to Epcot, and I wanted to be like one of the first at HS, what time should I be at HS? 8:30? 8:00? Earlier? I don’t mind waiting, just unsure when is best.

my understanding is that the park is opening up to let people in at9am and cars aren’t even getting past the parking terminal until 915am which is a major disadvantage, (I am not sure what time the buses and skyline start.)

 

[subtchr]

If you are staying at Riviera, take the Skyliner from the Riviera station for Epcot.

For DHS, walk to the CBR station (it's not far at all), and line up early, like 8:00. Bring a cup of coffee! You'll make it to DHS well before opening.

 

[mrp4352]

We were at the Riviera on 10/1. We were at the skyliner station around 8:55 (10am opening). Even with the line change at CBR, we were in the park and had ridden RRC prior to park opening. (Ok, just barely, we literally hopped out of the limos at 9:59 and unsuccessfully tried for our boarding groups from the room where you view your ride pics.)

 

[LSUfan4444]

HS opens at 10 on our park day and we are staying at CBR...what time does the Skyliner start running from CBR to Hollywood Studios?

 

[subtchr]

HS opens at 10 on our park day and we are staying at CBR...what time does the Skyliner start running from CBR to Hollywood Studios?

9:00.

 

[Moliphino]

if u take and Uber directly to HS, don’t u have to go through the parking terminal, and then you have to wait until the parking lot opens, which isn’t until 30-45 before RD, and I am hearing a lot of cars are struggling to even make it through the HS ‘turnstiles’ before RD. (We actually will have a car ourselves.)

It sounds like people above posting that those walking to HS are beating all other forms of transportation.

The parking lot opens at 9. We had no issues getting into the park by 9:30 when driving in and arriving at the HS entrance around 9/9:10am. Did it twice earlier this month from Pop.