Skyway (1956–1994)

The Skyway (1956–1994) was a soaring, beloved attraction at Disneyland, whisking guests between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland in colorful gondola buckets that glided high above the park, even passing through the iconic Matterhorn. This aerial adventure offered breathtaking views and a touch of mid-century magic until aging infrastructure, safety concerns, and high maintenance costs led to its closure during Tomorrowland’s 1998 overhaul.

“‘Matterhorn,’ Disneyland” by Distraction Limited is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Here are 10 fun facts about the Skyway:

Sky-High Debut: The Skyway opened on June 23, 1956, as one of Disneyland’s first major additions post-opening, giving guests a thrilling new way to travel between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. It was inspired by European ski lifts and designed by Imagineer John Hench.
Matterhorn Shortcut: In 1959, the Skyway’s route was enhanced to pass through the newly built Matterhorn Bobsleds, with gondolas gliding through a specially carved tunnel. This made it the only Disneyland ride to literally cut through another attraction!
Colorful Buckets: The ride featured open-air gondola buckets in vibrant colors like red, blue, yellow, and green, each holding up to four guests. Suspended from a 6,600-foot cable, they dangled 60–100 feet above the park, offering a breezy thrill.
Bird’s-Eye Views: The 5-minute journey showcased stunning vistas of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Submarine Voyage, and Autopia below. Guests could peek into hidden park corners, making it a favorite for photographers and curious explorers.
Two-Way Adventure: The Skyway had stations in both Tomorrowland (near Space Mountain) and Fantasyland (near Casey Jr. Circus Train). You could ride one way or round-trip, with the Fantasyland station’s chalet-style roof adding a fairy-tale charm.
Nighttime Magic: At night, the Skyway sparkled with twinkling park lights below, especially during parades or fireworks.
Maintenance Headaches: The ride’s aging cables, motors, and towers required constant upkeep, with costs soaring by the 1990s. Safety concerns, like potential bucket sway in high winds, added pressure, leading to its closure on November 9, 1994.
Tomorrowland’s Makeover: The Skyway was removed during the 1998 “New Tomorrowland” overhaul, which introduced Rocket Rods and a bronze-toned aesthetic. The stations were demolished, though the Matterhorn’s Skyway hole remained visible until a 2016 refurb sealed it.
Hidden Relics: Traces of the Skyway linger—Fantasyland’s station site is now a stroller parking area near Casey Jr., and Tomorrowland’s platform became part of Rocket Rods’ queue.
Skyway to the Stars: The Skyway was a “D-ticket” attraction, affordable but unforgettable, and its buckets were once used for “Skyway to the Stars” VIP tours.