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
![[Credit: Unsplash - Heather Maguire]](https://insidethemagic.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3-10.png)
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.
Here are some lesser-known guidelines to keep in mind the next time you ride the “highway in the sky.”
1. Know Your Stop Before You Board
One of the easiest ways to get lost or delayed is by not knowing your stop in advance. Disney World’s monorail system consists of three lines: the Resort Monorail, the Express Monorail, and the EPCOT Line. Before stepping onto the platform, familiarize yourself with the line you need and which stop-it services.
The Resort Monorail loops between the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), Magic Kingdom, and nearby resorts, while the Express Monorail skips the resorts and goes directly between the TTC and Magic Kingdom. Getting on the wrong line can add unnecessary time to your trip, especially if you’re in a hurry to make a reservation or catch a show.
2. Don’t Mistake Express for Resort
A surprisingly common mistake is hopping on the wrong monorail. Many guests, especially those unfamiliar with the layout of the system, confuse the Express Monorail with the Resort Monorail.
The Express Monorail will take you directly between the TTC and Magic Kingdom, while the Resort Monorail makes stops at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Be sure to check the signs or ask a cast member to avoid an unintended detour.
3. Mind the Doors — Don’t Lean on Them
It may be tempting to lean against the monorail doors after a long day of walking through the parks, but this is one rule Disney takes seriously. While the doors are secure, leaning on them could trigger an alert or, worse, accidentally force the doors to malfunction.
Plus, there’s the announcement we all know and love: “Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor, manténganse alejado de las puertas.” Following this advice ensures a smooth ride for everyone.
4. Be Courteous to Other Guests Boarding
The monorail can get crowded, especially during peak park hours or after major events like fireworks. Practice common courtesy when boarding by allowing guests to disembark before stepping on. If you’re standing, try to move to the center of the car to make room for other guests. This small act of politeness can go a long way in ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable experience and that boarding goes smoothly and efficiently.
5. Avoid Boarding Right After Fireworks
The monorail stations can become gridlocked after big events like fireworks at Magic Kingdom or the nightly show at EPCOT. If you want to avoid long lines and overcrowded cars, it’s best to wait about 30 to 45 minutes after the fireworks have ended.
Take your time strolling through the park, grabbing a snack, or shopping for souvenirs before heading to the monorail. By delaying your departure, you can have a more comfortable ride back to your resort or car.
6. Hold Onto Your Belongings
While this seems obvious, it’s easy to forget to secure your personal items when rushing onto the monorail. Bags, hats, or phones can easily fall between the train and the platform or get left behind in the hustle. Always double-check that you have everything before boarding and disembarking. It’s also courteous to keep your bags close to you to avoid taking up extra space in an already crowded car.
7. Wait for the Next Monorail If It’s Crowded
While it might be tempting to squeeze onto an already packed monorail, especially when you’re eager to get back to your resort or another park, it’s often more comfortable and less stressful to wait for the next one. Monorails typically arrive every few minutes, so waiting will not significantly delay your journey.
Plus, this gives you a better chance of finding a seat and not having to stand for the entire ride.
While waiting is usually ok during the day at Disney, if you are traveling right after the fireworks, you may have no choice but to sardine yourself onto the monorail, which is why rule 5 is in place!
8. Respect Quiet Hours
If you’re riding the monorail early in the morning or late at night, remember that many guests are winding down after a long day or gearing up for one. Loud conversations, shouting, or playing videos at high volume can disturb others, especially families with young children or those staying at the resorts.
Keep noise levels down during these quieter hours out of respect for fellow travelers. That does not mean you can’t talk about the magic of the day with your friends and family, but yelling isn’t necessary!
9. Don’t Hold the Doors Open
Holding the doors open for someone who’s running late may seem like a kind gesture, but it actually disrupts the system. The monorail is timed to ensure that trains run smoothly and efficiently. Holding the doors can delay not only your train but the ones behind it as well. Instead, wait for the next train—it’ll be along shortly.
10. Remember: It’s a Ride, Not Just a Transport
While the monorail primarily functions as a mode of transportation, it’s also a quintessential Disney experience. Take in the sights as you glide past the resorts, especially on the loop to EPCOT. Enjoy the unique perspective you get of the parks, and savor this part of your Disney day. After all, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about making memories along the way.
By following these unwritten rules and practicing a bit of courtesy, you’ll help ensure that everyone has a smooth, enjoyable experience aboard Disney’s iconic monorail.
