The Walt Disney World Monorail system often called the “highway in the sky,” has been a crucial and iconic part of the resort’s transportation infrastructure since its opening. Launched alongside Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971, the monorail has become a symbol of Disney’s forward-thinking and innovative approach to theme park transportation.
But did you know there are rules to be followed?
Where Does the Monorail Go?
The Walt Disney World Monorail system operates on three distinct lines:
- The Resort Monorail Line: This line serves some of the most iconic Disney hotels and theme parks. It runs in a loop from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to Magic Kingdom, stopping at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. For many visitors, the Resort Monorail is the first magical experience of their Disney vacation as it offers scenic views of the resorts and Seven Seas Lagoon.
- The Express Monorail Line: This line is a direct route from the TTC to Magic Kingdom without any resort stops. It’s ideal for guests wanting to get to the park quickly, bypassing the Resort Monorail stops.
- The EPCOT Line: This line connects the TTC to EPCOT. Guests traveling to EPCOT from Magic Kingdom or the surrounding resorts take the Express or Resort Monorail to the TTC and then transfer to the EPCOT Monorail. The EPCOT line takes guests on a scenic tour of Future World, providing a preview of the park’s attractions.
It is also free, making it a little piece of Disney that can give guests that magical feeling without having to shell out any extra dough.
The History of the Monorail
The idea for the monorail was born from Walt Disney’s passion for futuristic transportation.
Walt envisioned the monorail as part of his Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT), an innovative city concept that would solve modern urban planning issues. While EPCOT as Walt envisioned it was never fully realized, the monorail became one of the first steps in bringing his futuristic transportation vision to life.
Disneyland in California introduced its first monorail system in 1959, becoming the first daily operating monorail in the Western Hemisphere. When plans were made for Walt Disney World, Disney decided that the Florida resort would also use monorails as a central piece of its transportation network. Florida’s sprawling property allowed for a larger, more extensive monorail system than Disneyland’s.
The original monorail fleet at Walt Disney World was the Mark IV, which operated until the early 1990s when it was replaced by the Mark VI models, which are still in use today. These sleek, aerodynamic trains have become iconic in their own right, often referred to as the “highway in the sky.”
Importance to The Walt Disney Company
The monorail system is more than just a mode of transportation; it represents Disney’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and guest experience.
It showcases Walt Disney’s desire to integrate technology with entertainment. The monorail not only provides guests with a practical means of traveling between parks and resorts, but it also serves as an attraction itself, offering unique, elevated views of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and surrounding resorts.
For many guests, the monorail is a cherished part of their Disney World experience, offering an immersive journey that builds anticipation as they head toward the parks.
Disney even offers the “monorail spiel,” a series of announcements that has become iconic with phrases like, “Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor, manténganse alejado de las puertas,” resonating with generations of park visitors, so much so that some even say it along with the scripted announcement when they ride.
In addition, the monorail reflects Disney’s dedication to environmentally friendly solutions. By using an electric-powered system, the monorail reduces the reliance on cars and buses, minimizing the resort’s carbon footprint.
Why the Monorail Is Essential
The monorail plays a vital role in moving guests efficiently across Disney’s vast property, and for many, it’s a quintessential part of the Disney World experience.It represents the blend of imagination, technology, and convenience that Disney is known for. Walt’s vision for a futuristic form of transportation lives on in the monorail system, making it a beloved and indispensable part of Disney World’s history and operations today.
The Unspoken Rules (and Some Spoken) of the Monorail
When you use the monorail, there are some rules that Disney has set out for guests to follow and others that will help ensure you and your party have a positive monorail experience.