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Sky Ride Closed - Why?

chwilson88

chwilson88

Member
Original Poster
Wondering if anyone has any information on why the "sky ride" (the ride that was suspended on a cable and took you over the Magic Kingdom) closed down....I always see the old building (where you used to get on it) near "It's a small world" ride, and it brings back memories...
 
Captain Hank

Captain Hank

Well-Known Member
I don't believe a definitive reason was ever released. It was likely some combination of maintenance, safety, accessibility, and the unfortunate tendancy of some of the younger guests to drop objects and/or spit on the other guests below.
 
dove_

dove_

New Member
Forgive me if I start a wild rumor, but I believe there was another thread on this and someone said something about a CM getting hurt or killed on it?
:shrug:
 
Fun2BFree

Fun2BFree

Active Member
dove_ said:
Forgive me if I start a wild rumor, but I believe there was another thread on this and someone said something about a CM getting hurt or killed on it?
:shrug:
Click to expand...

In February 1999, a custodian was killed before park hours -- the attraction closed in November of that year.
 
burninup4nick

burninup4nick

New Member
Ive always wanted to ride it (Ive seen it in old videos and photos) and it looks really neat! But I can see the reasons why they would close it....Im sure many kids did spit and drop things on peoples heads....
 
BRER DAD

BRER DAD

New Member
burninup4nick said:
Ive always wanted to ride it (Ive seen it in old videos and photos) and it looks really neat! But I can see the reasons why they would close it....Im sure many kids did spit and drop things on peoples heads....
Click to expand...

Come on, do you think the youth of today would really spit or throw things on people................:ROFLOL: I for one would have avoided walking under that thing.
 
MichWolv

MichWolv

Born Modest. Wore Off.
Premium Member
Similar rides used to exist at many theme parks (Kings Island, Cedar Point, etc.). Most of them have closed down for the same reasons.

There is, however, one sort of similar ride at WDW -- the chairlift at Blizzard Beach.
 
Fun2BFree

Fun2BFree

Active Member
MichWolv said:
Similar rides used to exist at many theme parks (Kings Island, Cedar Point, etc.). Most of them have closed down for the same reasons.

There is, however, one sort of similar ride at WDW -- the chairlift at Blizzard Beach.
Click to expand...

And if you're willing to go a little further out, Busch Gardens have a Skyway.
 
shoppingnut

shoppingnut

Active Member
MichWolv said:
Similar rides used to exist at many theme parks (Kings Island, Cedar Point, etc.). Most of them have closed down for the same reasons.
Click to expand...

Yes, people are animals and can't control their animals as well. Maybe I shouldn't insult the animals, since they are better behaved than most people.
 
P

Philo

Well-Known Member
There has been one operating at Alton Towers (a big UK theme park) for years and years. It used to be a 'skyride' style but around 15 years or so ago they changed the seats to be enclosed in gondollas (holding around 12ppl each I think).

This kind of transport is essential at such a park because it covers a huge area, much of which is 'gardens' based in a large valley with steep sides. At MK, or any disney park, it's not so important as everywhere is covered with attractions making transport less important.
 
disneydata

disneydata

Well-Known Member
All the reasons are valid, but there is one more that many people don't know or talk about. These type of rides are HORRIBLE for evacuating. If there was ever a non-recoverable problem, all of Fantasyland and part of Tomorrowland would have to be cleared of all guests. Cherry pickers would be brought in and each cab would have to be exited one at a time.
 
dove_

dove_

New Member
There was one I went on at the San Diego zoo a few years ago..
I can't say I was perfect when I rode it.. :o
I blame it on the boys I was with.
(We really weren't bad... and whatever we did was on rooftops.. It WAS a church trip, haha)
 
xsupaxmanxsfnex

xsupaxmanxsfnex

Well-Known Member
I also heard that it was inaccessible for guests in wheel chairs. Don't know if that's true but even though it was a nice and relaxing attraction, wouldn't you think it kinda ruins the magic when you can see the top of the unthemed buildings of the Fantasyland attractions. I was really little when I went on it with my parents so I don't remember much. It's weird because I can still remember seeing 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea from up there.
 
D

DisneyBucknut85

New Member
The full story to the event of the closing is there was a worker that was killed before the park opened. Before there were computer systems that were as safe as the ones now, they would call out"ten minutes to ride operational." The worker either didn't here the alerts or just ignored them. The ride started while he was working on it and it knocked him off. He held on to the wire for a while, but that all ended right before the carousel. This was just the final straw for Disney and the excuse they needed to close it for good. The cars are still in the park, in the old entrance by Space Mountain. I know all of this because i worked at Disney for about 7 months and these are the things you find out when you ask questions. On a side note, there was also a kid that went to the Grad night at the Magic Kingdom and tried to sneak in after hours by walking the monorail track. Lets just say laying down on the track when the monorail is coming towards you doesn't mean its just going to slide over you and nothing will happen. God rest his soul. Moran!:dazzle:
 
yankspy

yankspy

Well-Known Member
DisneyBucknut85 said:
The full story to the event of the closing is there was a worker that was killed before the park opened. Before there were computer systems that were as safe as the ones now, they would call out"ten minutes to ride operational." The worker either didn't here the alerts or just ignored them. The ride started while he was working on it and it knocked him off. He held on to the wire for a while, but that all ended right before the carousel. This was just the final straw for Disney and the excuse they needed to close it for good. The cars are still in the park, in the old entrance by Space Mountain. I know all of this because i worked at Disney for about 7 months and these are the things you find out when you ask questions. On a side note, there was also a kid that went to the Grad night at the Magic Kingdom and tried to sneak in after hours by walking the monorail track. Lets just say laying down on the track when the monorail is coming towards you doesn't mean its just going to slide over you and nothing will happen. God rest his soul. Moran!:dazzle:
Click to expand...
The Skyway story was also covered in "Realityland" They even have a picture of another female CM hanging from one of the buckets.
 

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