Walt Disney World’s gondola system is already under construction and it comes with a hefty price tag.
This new transportation system, known as Disney Skyliner, carries guests through the air from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Reedy Creek officials approved a $3.8 million construction budget Wednesday for just the electric services on the project alone.
Reedy Creek Energy Service’s, Manager for planning and engineering, Jason Herrick said, construction on the electrical infrastructure that will power the gondola system could begin in the next six months or sooner.
According to a bid proposal submitted by Apopka-based Carter Electric the work should be completed by October.
Reedy Creek documents show that just one part of the gondola project, which will include four switches, six transformers and 9,000 feet of cable (about 1.7 miles’ worth) — will cost $1.2 million.
The six points of service will be built by Reedy Creek and one each could possibly have multiple transformers to run the transportation system, according to Reedy Creek district administrator John Classe. Having multiple service points is important so, in the event of a power failure, there’s an electricity backup to the keep the system running, said Classe.
In December, more details were released showing that select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters featured on the outside of the gondolas. Guests will experience an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky and get a birds-eye view of the resort like never before.