The Skyway-From Fantasyland to Tomorrowland and Back

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 the Cinderella's Golden Carrousel tent, and the Grand Prix Raceway.

The ride 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 from a loading area themed like a Swiss chalet in Fantasyland, and from an area west of Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.

The ride 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 10, 1999, the Skyway closed for good, joining its Disneyland counterpart, which closed exactly five years earlier. The Skyway in Tokyo Disneyland closed in November, 1998.

So, why did it close? Well, despite rumors that it had closed for safety reasons after a guest fell from a ride car, the Skyway closed for more practical reasons. First, it was a very slow-loading and unprofitable attraction. Second, it was also extremely difficult to accommodate guests with disabilities, unless wheelchair-bound guests left their chair on the loading area and took a round-trip ride. However, reports that there was a death on the Skyway were in fact true, although it was not a guest who lost their life.

Contrary to popular myth about why the attraction was closed, it was not a Guest who was injured or killed while on the Skyway. Instead, in February of 1999, an outside contractor, who was allegedly not wearing any protective equipment or safety harness, was working in the loading area when he accidentally fell to his death.

For more trivia and fun facts about WDW, check out the Walt Disney World Trivia Book or Ask Lou, where the author answers your questions about Walt Disney World and posts weekly articles with more in depth history, secrets and stories!

Lou Mongello is the author of the Walt Disney World Trivia Books: Secrets, History and Fun Facts Behind the Magic. A recognized expert in Walt Disney World history and travel planning, he is also the owner of www.DisneyWorldTrivia.com and host of the award-winning www.MouseTunes.com Disney Podcast.

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