Walt Disney World Monorail: A Complete Guide
If you're a fan of Walt Disney World, you're probably familiar with the iconic Disney monorail. This unique mode of transportation has been a staple of the Disney experience since it first debuted in 1971. The monorail is a sleek and futuristic-looking train that glides above the ground, providing guests with a bird's eye view of Walt Disney World.
The monorail is not only a fun way to get around Disney World, but it's also an attraction in its own right.
Key Takeaways
The Disney monorail has been a staple of the Disney World experience since 1971.
The monorail system consists of three lines, each with its own unique route and stops.
The Resort Monorail stops at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center
The Epcot Monorail and the Express Monorail provide express round-trip transportation to Epcot and Magic Kingdom from the Transportation and Ticket Center
The Monorail trains arrive to stations roughly every 10 minutes.
The Walt Disney World Monorail traveling through Epcot
Monorail Hours, Lines and Stations
The Walt Disney World Monorail System is a public transit monorail system that operates on three lines of service. Here are some details about the operations of the monorail system.
Routes and Stations
The monorail system has three lines of service: the Express line, the Resort line, and the Epcot line.
The Resort line runs between the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Magic Kingdom.
The Epcot line runs between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Epcot.
The Express line runs round-trip between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Magic Kingdom.
Operating Hours
The monorail system operates daily, but the operating hours may vary depending on the season and special events.
Typically, the monorail system starts operating 30 minutes before the earliest park opening time and stops operating one hour after the latest park closing time.
It is important to note that the monorail system may experience temporary closures or delays due to maintenance or other issues. However, Disney provides alternative transportation options in such cases, such as buses or boats.
Tips and Rules to Know
There is ample room to roll on a single or double stroller without the need to fold it down or require children to come out of the stroller.
You pass through security before getting on the monorail, so typically you are not required to go through security again when you arrive at the Magic Kingdom.
Glass containers of any type are not permitted on the monorail.
The Monorail is accessible to wheelchairs and scooters.
Medical strollers for guests with disabilities are treated as wheelchairs.
History of Disney Monorail
If you've ever visited a Disney theme park, you've probably seen the iconic monorail system. But did you know that the monorail has a rich history dating back to the late 1950s?
Walt Disney first discovered the monorail on a family trip to Germany. As he was driving through the countryside in Cologne, a unique train passed overhead.
The business was Alweg Rapid Transit Systems, and they were in the process of developing a monorail system. Disney was immediately intrigued and saw the potential for using the monorail in his upcoming Disneyland theme park.
After working to replicate the German monorail model, the Disneyland Monorail System debuted in 1959 and ran until 1969, operating initially as a sightseeing attraction over Tomorrowland.
The Walt Disney World Monorail System spans 14.7 miles (23.7 km), with around 50 million Disney guests traveling on the monorail each year. The system opened with the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, 1971. The Mark I version of the Monorail debuted with the Disneyland Alweg Monorail System on June 14, 1959, and it was the Western Hemisphere's first Monorail to operate daily.
Today, the Disney monorail system is an iconic part of the Disney experience, transporting guests in style and comfort between the parks and resorts. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney veteran, a ride on the monorail is a must-do activity that you won't soon forget.
Train Design
The design of the monorail trains has evolved over the years, with the current version being the Mark VI. The trains are sleek and futuristic in appearance, with a length of 203 feet and a height of 14 feet. Each train has six cars, with each car capable of seating up to 74 passengers. The monorail trains are powered by an electric motor, which is located in the front of the train. The motor drives a set of wheels, which in turn drive the train along the single rail.
Safety Features
The safety of guests is a top priority for the Walt Disney World Monorail System. The trains are equipped with a number of safety features, including automatic train control systems, which ensure that the trains maintain a safe distance from each other. The trains are also equipped with emergency brakes, which can be activated in the event of an emergency. In addition, the monorail system is monitored by a team of trained professionals who are responsible for ensuring the safety of guests at all times.
Disney Monorails Around the World
Disneyland Monorail System
The Disneyland Monorail System is a two-track monorail that operates within Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. The monorail opened in 1959, and it was the first monorail system to operate in the Western Hemisphere. The Disneyland Monorail System has two stations: the Downtown Disney Station and the Tomorrowland Station.
The monorail provides a scenic view of the park, and it's a great way to get from one end of the park to the other. The monorail is also a popular attraction in its own right, and many visitors ride it just for the experience.
Tokyo Disney Resort Monorail System
The Tokyo Disney Resort Monorail System is a two-track monorail that operates within the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan. The monorail opened in 1988, and it's the only monorail system in the world that operates on a loop. The Tokyo Disney Resort Monorail System has four stations: the Tokyo Disneyland Station, the Tokyo DisneySea Station, the Resort Gateway Station, and the Bayside Station.
The monorail is a popular way to get around the resort, and it provides a unique view of the parks and resorts. Guests can ride the monorail for free, and it's a great way to take a break from walking and enjoy the scenery.
Future Developments
Disney is always looking for ways to improve the guest experience, and the monorail system is no exception. While there are no official announcements yet, there are some rumors and speculation about potential future developments for the monorail system.
One possibility is an expansion of the monorail line to connect more areas of Walt Disney World. Fans have suggested a line that would connect the Ticket and Transportation Center to Coronado Springs, Blizzard Beach, the All-Stars, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Animal Kingdom. This would make it easier for guests to travel around the resort without having to rely on buses or other forms of transportation.
Another potential development is the introduction of new monorail trains. There have been rumors for years that Disney is planning to replace the current Mark VI trains with newer models. Some fans have even suggested that Disney could introduce trains with different themes, such as trains themed to different Disney movies or characters.
Finally, there have been some rumors that Disney is considering adding more technology to the monorail system. One possibility is the introduction of a system that would allow guests to track the location of the next monorail train in real-time using their smartphones. This would make it easier for guests to plan their trips and avoid long waits at the monorail stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different stops on the Disney Monorail?
The Disney Monorail has two different routes. The first route stops at Magic Kingdom park, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Transportation and Ticket Center (adjacent to Magic Kingdom parking), and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The second route stops at Magic Kingdom park, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney's Magic Kingdom resorts.
What is the schedule for the Disney Monorail?
Unfortunately, Disney does not provide data or information regarding the Monorail schedules, such as the time the next train will arrive. The trains run every 10 minutes or so.
What are the operating hours for the Disney Monorail?
The operating hours for the Disney Monorail can vary based on park hours and special events. Generally, the Monorail begins running approximately 30 minutes before park opening and continues to operate until one hour after park closing.
How much does it cost to ride the Disney Monorail?
The Disney World Monorail is free!
Can anyone ride the Disney Monorail?
Yes! No resort reservation or theme park tickets are required.
How does the Disney Monorail work?
The Disney Monorail is an elevated train system that runs on a single rail. It's powered by electricity and guided by a series of wheels that keep it centered on the track. The monorail travels approximately 40 mph and provides a scenic view of the parks and resorts.
What Disney resorts are connected by the Monorail?
The Disney Monorail connects Magic Kingdom park to three resorts: Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Does the Monorail go to every park?
Unfortunately, no. Epcot and Magic Kingdom are the only theme parks on the Monorail lines.
How often does the Disney Monorail run?
Roughly every 10 minutes.
Does the Disney World Monorail go through a hotel?
Yes! The Monorail stop for the Contemporary Resort is inside of the hotel and the Monorail goes through the hotel!
Does the Disney Monorail travel to the airport?
No.
