One of Walt Disney World’s original attractions, the Skyway was a 5-minute long cable-car style ride that ran between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, passing over much of Fantasyland including Cinderella’s Golden Carousel tent, the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon, as well as the Grand Prix Raceway in Tomorrowland. In fact, it was one of only two attractions located in Tomorrowland on opening day (can you name the other one?)
The attraction was listed twice on park guide maps – it was listed as the Skyway to Tomorrowland from the Fantasyland terminal, and as the Skyway to Fantasyland from the Tomorrowland terminal. Guests boarded the Skyway in Fantasyland from a loading area themed like a Swiss chalet, and from an area west of Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.
The attraction was open year round until dusk, and closed temporarily during rain storms or high winds. The one-way ride required a “D-Ticket” and took an almost 90-degree turn as it passed near the Grand Prix Raceway. On November 9, 1999, the slow-loading and slow-moving Skyway closed for good, joining its Disneyland counterpart, which closed exactly five years earlier. The Skyway in Tokyo Disneyland closed in November, 1998.
The towering pylons were removed, as were the planters and fountains, which made up their base. Look carefully at various locations on the ground in Fantasyland and see if you can find the small circles of stones which mark where the towers once stood.
In addition to its unique, 90-degree turn, and presence in two lands in the Magic Kingdom, it also gave Guests a series of amazing vantage points and views of the park.
For example, here are a few looks at Fantasyland in ways that you may have never seen before. Notice anything different in these photos (other than the fact that you’re looking at it from above)?
Point out some of the changes from these photos to the present in the Comments section below, and share your memories of the Skyway. Is this something you wish could return?
Above photos courtesy of Tara Lenharth
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