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55-Year-Old Disney System Melts Down, Stranding Thousands of Guests

A busy outdoor scene at a Disney theme park with a large crowd of people, Disney merchandise stalls, a riverboat in the background, trees, and a clear blue sky.
Credit: Carlos (armadillo444), Flickr

A major Disneyland tram breakdown left thousands of guests without a reliable way to exit the park, forcing many to find alternative routes as Disney cast members scrambled to resolve the issue. The failure of a system that has been in operation for more than five decades created confusion and frustration, leading some visitors to take matters into their own hands.

Disneyland Trams Fail 

Disney's Animal Kingdom Parking Trams, similar to those used at Disneyland Resort

Credit: Disney

Disneyland Resort is known for its cutting-edge technology, but even the most iconic Disney systems aren’t immune to failure. For over 55 years, the parking tram system has played a critical role in getting guests where they need to go. However, when the trams suddenly stopped working, thousands of guests had no choice but to figure out an alternative way out of Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney.

TikTok user @jessikuhhh7 shared this video after waiting 20 minutes for a parking tram, only to be told the system had stopped operating entirely:

@jessikuhhh7

We waited for 20 min then they said it could take an hour 😭😂 #disney #disneyland #happiestplaceonearth

♬ sad SpongeBob music – michael

Disney cast members reportedly informed guests that the service might not resume for another hour, forcing many visitors to walk instead. As the delay stretched on, lines grew longer, and frustration mounted.

Unlike a simple delay, this breakdown appeared to result from a significant issue. Some Disney Park guests reported that an emergency response team had to intervene.

“We where there too!!” @melodyylove commented. “One of the trams was leaking gas! Fire department has to come.”

A large crowd of guests in line outside the gates waiting to enter Disneyland Park with the Main Street station of the Disneyland Railroad in the background

Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

“One of the trams was leaking oil,” @caleconomist confirmed. “They had to stop them to clean up the ground.”

If hazardous materials were involved, it’s no surprise that Disneyland Resort officials opted to halt operations entirely rather than risk further complications.

Guests React

An entrance area to an amusement park with banners featuring various characters and themes hanging from green lampposts. Visitors gather near the entrance on a clear, sunny day with a few clouds in the sky. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

Understandably, not all Disney Park visitors were thrilled with the unexpected detour.

“I went from 28k steps for the day to just shy of 31k because of this lmao,” @say.it.again.skye commented.

Others, however, embraced the change in plans.

Disneyland Resort Entrance

Credit: Joel (coconutwireless), Flickr

“Honestly if we’re there open to close, I’d rather stay in motion and walk to the car, otherwise it’s too hard to get back up and walk from the tram to the car,” said @gamolienickle.

“I love walking to the car,” @mileperez313 agreed. “I don’t have to bring everything out of my stroller.”

Are the parking trams necessary for a successful Disneyland Resort visit? Share your opinion with Disney Tips in the comments. 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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