I’m putting together an August '24 trip, which is short notice for me! Arriving Aug 10. Looking at either Pop or All Star Sports. I love the Skyliner, but have only done it from CBR, and never in August.
1 - I know Skyliner closes for storms; how often does it tend to close in August? Would the time of year sway you to think buses at ASS would be better than POP?
2 - Does having to switch lines at CBR cause any issues? Obviously it is a longer trip, but do you end up waiting at CBR in another long line?
3 - Which “side” of POP does the line build on in the morning? 70’s, or 50’s?
We stayed at Pop in August of 2020. I would say that roughly HALF of the mornings we were there, the Skyliner had a delayed opening and so we had to take buses to the parks. I really don’t know why…if I had to guess it was because the Gondolas were wet and needed to dry. So, I don’t know how common that was. But we had a blinking light on our room phone each morning it was delayed, so we knew. Most of the other times, the Skyliner was running fine…except, as noted, if there is lightning, etc., in the area. We did have one experience at Epcot where it closed due to lightning in the area, so we went to the main entrance and waited and waited, but no bus came…only to find out the Skyliner re-opened, and we had to walk from the main gate to the international again.
We didn’t have any issues switching at CBR. But it does add time if you are trying to beat the early crowds, so plan extra time. You have to wait not only in the line at Pop, but then the line from CBR to HS or Epcot (depending).
I don’t remember which direction in lined up. When we would grab the Skyliner, there wasn’t a huge line at Pop for it to matter. BUT, AoA wasn’t open when we went in 2020, so I don’t know how much that adds to the line.
I can’t answer your questions but I wanted to let you know that the Pop food court might be under renovations then. I am at Pop starting 8/23 and received and email a few days ago. It let us know the food court would be available through mobile order. I have not seen this officially announced from Disney.
Just stayed at Pop last month. Line queued toward the 50s (so staying in the 90s meant a big disadvantage for us!). The line at Pop moved quickly but was LOOONG first thing in the morning. But the lines at transfer were short (which must be due to the controlled arrival rate).
Thank you! I started seeing some warnings about that this week, which is one more reason that is swaying me toward ASS. I really want to stay at POP; never done it, but the cards just don’t seem to be going that way!
Thanks @umbridgepink! We have stayed at CBR and know it can get bad, but I’ve never seen it THAT bad before! I avoid lines all day; an hour for the Skyliner might put me over the edge!