The opening of the Disney Skyliner later in 2019 will connect Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and four resorts at Walt Disney World. The excitement over the Disney Skyliner, and the news that changes are coming to the main entrance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has stirred up discussions about whether guests will ever arrive at Animal Kingdom by anything other than a bus.
Unconfirmed rumors suggest that a new type of transportation system will eventually bring guests to Animal Kingdom. However, that system is not believed to be a future extension of the Disney Skyliner. Disney insider Martin Smith has stated on multiple occasions that the Disney Skyliner won’t be expanded over to Animal Kingdom. That’s mostly confirmed by the upcoming front entrance changes that don’t seem to support a future gondola station.
However, something else – including the possibility of light rail – may eventually link Animal Kingdom beyond the traditional bus system. The most likely scenario suggests that some sort of transportation system would connect Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with the theme park. As it stands, Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only resort in the deluxe category that doesn’t offer an alternative method of transportation to a theme park beyond buses (Monorail, boat, walking path).
Any long-term plans to connect Animal Kingdom to Animal Kingdom Lodge, or other locations at Walt Disney World, appear to be distant and haven’t been officially approved. For now, Disney is likely focusing on its current major projects such as the Disney Skyliner, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the upcoming changes to Epcot before they tackle the subject of a new transportation system at Animal Kingdom.
