Top Tips For Using The Walt Disney World Monorail

The Walt Disney World Resort Guests can access complimentary transport during their Disney vacation. Experiencing the different modes of transportation is part of the Disney experience. Many Guests look forward to riding the Disney Skyliner, FriendShip Boats, and Disney Monorail.

Walt Disney World Monorail

The Walt Disney World Monorail consists of three lines. Each line connects to the Transportation & Ticket Center at Magic Kingdom. The Express Monorail route has an additional stop at Magic Kingdom Park. It offers Guests the most direct route to the Disney Park. The Resort Monorail route stops at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom Park, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Finally, the EPCOT Monorail route travels between the Transportation & Ticket Center and EPCOT theme park.

There are twelve Monorails to travel on when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. They are blue, black, coral, gold, green, lime, orange, peach, red, silver, teal, and yellow. You can identify a Monorail by the colored stripe shown on its exterior. Inside each car, the Monorail name is displayed for Guests to see.

Each Monorail can reach a maximum speed of 40 mph. Along each track are speed zones, where the Monorail can only reach up to a certain speed. Speed zones range between 15 mph and 40 mph. Each Monorail is around 62 meters long, consisting of 6 cars. Up to 360 Guests can ride on the Disney Monorail at a time.

For the Fewest Stops

The Express Monorail has the fewest stops when traveling to and from Magic Kingdom Park using the Walt Disney World Monorail. The Express Monorail travels between Magic Kingdom and the Transportation & Ticket Center. It continues while it passes through Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the stations of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Getting to the Monorail station while the Monorail is in the station or is approaching offers you the shortest wait to board.

Guests traveling to EPCOT from the Transportation & Ticket Center using the Walt Disney World Monorail must travel via the EPCOT line. Suppose you will be a Guest of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. In that case, walking to the Transportation & Ticket Center is likely quicker than getting the Resort Monorail around Seven Seas Lagoon. Meanwhile, Guests of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are best to use the Resort Monorail before changing to the EPCOT Monorail at the Transportation & Ticket Center.

Beware of Lightning

Surprisingly, the Walt Disney World Monorail doesn’t operate if there is lightning in the area. Similarly, watercraft also cease operating to keep Guests and Cast Members safe. If you are due to travel between Magic Kingdom Park and the Transportation & Ticket Center during a thunderstorm, you can use the Magic Kingdom Ferryboat. Guests of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort may also wish to use it. Meanwhile, Guests of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa can walk to the Disney theme park.

Avoid the Crowds

The Walt Disney World Monorail can be very busy before Magic Kingdom Park opens and at Park close. During these times, you may consider using the Resort Monorail rather than the Express Monorail. While the Resort Monorail has more stops, it can often have a shorter line due to there being multiple ways for Guests to return to a Disney hotel at the end of the day. Any Guest is welcome to use the Resort Monorail, despite not disembarking at a Disney Resort hotel.

Multiple Ways to Get to Magic Kingdom

Whether you are a Guest of a Magic Kingdom Resort hotel or are visiting via the Transportation & Ticket Center, there are different ways to get to Magic Kingdom. The Disney watercraft is an excellent option to enjoy the fresh air. Likewise, walking is another option that helps you to get your steps in. However, the Disney Monorail is generally the cooler (temperature-wise) way to travel to the Disney Park. If you arrive at the station just as the Disney Monorail pulls in, you can generally expect it to be the fastest way to travel to Magic Kingdom Park.

The Perfect Rest Spot

We love to take a break by riding the Walt Disney World Monorail. If you plan on spending a day at Magic Kingdom Park, taking a ride on the Monorail offers a break from the crowds. Additionally, you can spend some time away from the sun and enjoy the AC. While riding, enjoy stunning views across Seven Seas Lagoon.

Similarly, completing an entire loop of the EPCOT Monorail route can be the perfect way to rest when spending a day in EPCOT. When approaching EPCOT, you get unique World Showcase and World Celebration views. A complete loop will take you to the Transport & Ticket Center before returning to EPCOT.

A Unique View of the Fireworks

When riding the EPCOT Monorail, perfect timing will allow you to enjoy some of EPCOT Forever. While the music isn’t played through the speakers, you will pass in front of the World Showcase Lagoon. Similarly, you’ll see the fireworks from a distance when traveling to and from the Transportation & Ticket Center. Viewing the Disney fireworks from the Monorail adds Disney magic to your evening.

Is the Walt Disney World Monorail your favorite mode of Disney transportation? We recommend riding the Disney Monorail at least once during each Disney vacation. Even if you are Disney Resort hotel Guest, you can still find time to ride the Disney Monorail by taking a break or using it to visit another location on Disney property.