Skyway — Former Ride · History & Timeline

Former Ride · the memorial record

⚰ Permanently closed · Nov 9, 1999operated 28 years · 1971–1999

Also known as Skyway to Fantasyland, Skyway to Tomorrowland.

This ride is gone, but its history stays documented — the full lifetime log is below.

Ride history

the lifetime record

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2011

Changed2011#

The Fantasyland Alpine-chalet station was demolished during the New Fantasyland expansion and later replaced by the Tangled-themed restroom courtyard.

chalet station (post-closure stroller parking / character meet-and-greet)→Tangled restroom courtyard
Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2009

Changed2009#

The Tomorrowland station's upper level was demolished during a Space Mountain refurbishment; the ground floor was retained as restrooms.

empty two-story station→single-story restroom building near Space Mountain
Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
1999

◆ Most recent chapter

RefurbishmentNov 9, 1999#

Closed permanently after more than 28 years; last day of operation.

operating Skyway→permanently closed

Disney cited high operating/maintenance cost relative to low hourly capacity, needed accessibility upgrades and repairs, and safety concerns; a spokesperson called it "something whose time has come." The closure fell exactly five years after the Disneyland Skyway shut down (Nov 9, 1994).

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
Zone UpdateFeb 14, 1999#

Custodian Raymond Barlow, 65, was killed when the Skyway restarted while he was cleaning the Fantasyland station platform; he grabbed an approaching gondola and fell ~40 feet.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
1971

NewOct 1, 1971#

Opened with Magic Kingdom on opening day as an aerial gondola line linking Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

no aerial transit→cross-park Skyway

Built by Von Roll of Bern, Switzerland; four-passenger buckets on a design attributed to Disney Legend Bob Gurr. Unique L-shaped descent and turn near the Tomorrowland Speedway; one-way trip under five minutes.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes

Questions & answers

When did Skyway open?

Per the documented record, Skyway at Magic Kingdom opened on Oct 1, 1971.

When did Skyway last close for refurbishment?

The most recent closure/refurbishment documented for Skyway is dated Nov 9, 1999: Closed permanently after more than 28 years; last day of operation.

What changed recently on Skyway?

The latest documented change (documented 2011): The Fantasyland Alpine-chalet station was demolished during the New Fantasyland expansion and later replaced by the Tangled-themed restroom courtyard.

How many changes are on record for Skyway?

5 documented changes, dating back to 1971 — the fan-kept ride changelog nobody else keeps.

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