The Disneyland Skyway closed on November 4, 1994, due to metal fatigue on one of its support towers, located inside the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which could not be repaired unless the latter's enclosed mountain was cut open.

[4][5] The proposal was announced as part of the unveiling of 23 improvements across the Walt Disney World Resort,[6] including a "makeover" of Epcot[5][7] and carpool-style "Minnie vans.

The complex line features two sharp angle (greater than 90°) turn stations which create a z-shape.

The first part of the line cuts through previously unused slash pine forest, before descending and crossing over the tollbooth entrance to the Hollywood Studios parking lot.

This line heads south from the Caribbean Beach hub towards the Art of Animation and Pop Century resorts.

It is only the second D-Line system in the Americas after the Big Sky Resort’s Ramcharger 8, which opened just months before the Skyliner.

[20] Because the Skyliner uses tall metal towers and the cabins can swing on the ropes, the system is closed when lightning is nearby or when strong winds are measured.

[19] The Disney Skyliner is the only gondola system in North America to include separate stationary loading and unloading platforms at each station.

[citation needed] The line has nearly 300 Omega IV model cabins, built by CWA Constructions, a subsidiary of Doppelmayr.

Cabins have indirect LED lighting of the floor and a speaker for announcements and recorded information for passengers, both powered by a battery onboard, which is recharged when in stations.

To address these issues, each cabin has an emergency kit stocked with glow sticks, instant cold packs and water.

Each cabin has wooden bench-style seating that fits a maximum of 10 people, 5 per bench,[22] while strollers that measure up to 30 in × 48 in (76 cm × 122 cm) can roll directly into the gondolas without being folded; accessible gondolas can accommodate up to 6 people with an open wheelchair or mobility device.

In more serious circumstances, such as delays of over 20 minutes, where a line is no longer suitable for normal operation and transport, they are kept running until all guests have been escorted out of the gondolas upon reaching the unloading platform at each station.

Under extreme circumstances, evacuations can be conducted by Reedy Creek Fire Department if a line shuts down and service cannot be reset or restarted.