Fast Facts About Walt Disney World Monorails

POSTED: Thu, 07/16/2015 - 11:00 | POSTED BY: Kristen Kirk

Getting around the Walt Disney World Resort can be an adventure all its own, and I wouldn't think of spending time in the vacation kingdom without being sure to take a ride on the monorail. This highway in the sky is free to guests and is the perfect way to do some hotel hop shopping, or even drink your way around the Seven Seas Lagoon on a monorail crawl. Just show our love for this quintessentially Disney transportation check out these monorail facts!

Monorail black

The concept of a monorail caught Walt Disney's eye while he was planning California's Disneyland when a system was tested in Germany in the 1950s.

When the original Disneyland monorail launched, it became the first of these new-style monorails to operate daily in the United States.

Walt Disney World's Mark VI Monorail Trains incorporate nearly 40 years of development in that technology.

The Magic Kingdom Loop has been in operation since 1971, with the 4-mile Epcot expansion track being added in 1982. In all there are 14.7 miles of elevated beamways. As trains move along the beamway, they pick up electrical power from a metallic buss bar.

Monorail Red Slides Past Cinderella Castle

There are Three Hotels on the Magic Kingdom Monorail loop, including the Polynesian Village, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary Resorts. The Monorail actually travels through the middle of Disney's Contemporary Resort.

There are currently 12 monorail trains in the Walt Disney World fleet, with each of the twelve, six-car trains stretching 203 feet long.

Each monorail train has its own unique color stripe used to identify it. The colors include Peach, Teal, Red, Coral, Orange, Gold, Yellow, Lime, Green, Blue, Silver and Black.

Nearly 7,000 guests per direction, per hour ride the Walt Disney World monorails " that makes it one of the most used monorail transportation systems in the world. On an average day, more than 150,000 guests will take a ride on the monorail.

Monorail Yellow Passes The Polynesian Village Resort

While it was once a special treat for many Guests, you may no longer ride in the front monorail car with the pilots at Walt Disney World.

Since June 2014, the monorail systems have been undergoing work to automate the process to provide a more efficient service and enhanced safety. Pilots will still be seated in the front cab after automation, but will not be in control unless an emergency occurs.

The monorail's safety spiel is so popular and well known by Disney fans, it sparked its own line of merchandise. "Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas."

Are you a monorail fan? Would you dream of taking a Disney vacation that didn't include a ride on it? Leave a comment below and share your love of this Disney transportation treat!

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mike wrote on Fri, 07/17/2015 - 17:44:

The time is right to put a monorail line into Disney Springs and one to Animal Kingdom!

Jane Hiller wrote on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 15:23:

Recently acted like a kid, very happy, when I saw a T-shirt at GF with pic of monorail and spiel on it. Very unhappy when I found out it only came in child's size. So, I bought the smallest one I could find, cut out the pic and spiel and now it is framed and adorning my wall at home. Turned out great and I get a lot of comments about it - love it ! The only Spanish I know!

Terri wrote on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 16:47:

We love the monorail. On our most memorable ride, we were permitted to sit in the front with the pilot. Our eight year old daughter was so excited!

Terri wrote on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 16:49:

Can you get to Downtown Disney by monorail? That would be fun.

Nathalie wrote on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 18:48:

I am a huge fan of the Walt Disney Monorail system!!! I would love to see in the near future to see the trains also visit Disney's Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios! That would be super cool!!!

Leisa wrote on Sun, 07/19/2015 - 23:17:

I recently bought my Pandora monorail /Epcot charm. Love it!!! We rode the rail several times this trip. Would love to see one go to Animal Kingdom too :)

Roger DesLauriers wrote on Mon, 07/20/2015 - 10:42:

The monorails should be extend to all WDW site

Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 07/20/2015 - 14:23:

Terri - You can not get to Downtown Disney via monorail. Though the two Port Orleans resorts do offer boat service to DTD, from most of the Parks or Resorts you need to take a bus.

Wendy wrote on Fri, 07/31/2015 - 16:36:

On a recent trip we were told by one of the Disney busdrivers that the monorail company went out of business.

Charles.Butler wrote on Fri, 11/16/2018 - 05:44:

Like these Monorails and would not like to see them removed. Am sure that they could be extended to other
areas as the view from them great.
Would also like to see similar units used in Melbourne,
Australia to run from Southern Cross Station to Tullamarine Airport as they would not be involved with the existing road and rail areas which are already fouled with traffic. C.W.Butler