There are many different options for getting around Disney World. One option that should not be left off the table, however, is the monorail system.
How many monorails are at Walt Disney World and where do they go?
There are three specific lines of service in the monorail system at Walt Disney World. Some of them operate in a loop and others have areas where they terminate, such as Epcot and the Transportation & Ticket Center.
The monorail system became part of the Walt Disney World resort on October 1, 1971. Some 150,000 people ride the monorail each and every day, and some of them do so just for the experience.
If you know how to ride the system, however, it’s not only an experience that gives you a bird’s eye view of the parks and resorts, but it also provides you with an opportunity to get where you want to go.
It’s also interesting to note that, although they say there are three different services associated with the monorail system, there are actually only two different routes.
At one time, it was possible to ride in the front car of the monorail. I actually did this in 2005.
This was an exceptional privilege that was given to some of the guests, sometimes at random. They would also be able to request a ride in the front and sometimes it would be granted.
Disney is no longer allowing anyone to ride in the front car except for those who are operating the monorail. Hopefully, they will open this again at some point in the future.
On the three different lines, there are 12 monorails in total. Each monorail has a different color, and you can tell them apart by simply looking at the outside. How many different monorails have you ever ridden in your life?
The color monorails include black, blue, coral, gold, green, lime, orange, peach, red, silver, teal, and yellow. The pink and purple monorails have been retired and dismantled to help create the teal monorail.
The monorails have also been updated over the years, both for comfort and for size.
Mark IV Monorail: This monorail system ran from its inception in 1971 until 1991. It was slightly wider than the current monorail but was shorter. It had five cars in a version that was 171 feet long and six cars in a 201-foot-long monorail. The total number of passengers on the Mark IV was 204 or 244 respectively, all of which could sit down.
Mark VI Monorail: This is the monorail that is currently being used and it got its start in 1989. It is larger than the previous monorail system and holds a total of 360 people. Not all of those people can sit down, however, as there are only 20 areas for seated passengers in each car and enough room for another 40 passengers who stand.
Those who ride the monorail also quickly become familiar with the announcement to ‘please stand clear the doors.’ It is then repeated in Spanish: ‘Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas.’
Many people don’t know that the person who originally was recorded saying those words is Jack Wagner, the ‘Voice of Disneyland.’
His voice was redone by Kevin Miles in 1988 after they constructed the Great Floridian Resort stop. You can still hear Jack Wagner saying: “Please stand clear the doors.”
Where Does The Magic Kingdom Resort Area Monorail Go?
The Magic Kingdom Resort Area Monorail System is one of the most frequently used monorail systems at Walt Disney World. It is worth the ride, even if you have no reason to ride it.
This monorail makes a number of stops along the way. You can exit at any of the resorts and stay as long as you like. Otherwise, you can adjust and enjoy some time in the air-conditioned monorail system during the hot Florida summers.
What are the stops on the Magic Kingdom Resort Area Monorail System?
Magic Kingdom Park
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Transportation & Ticket Center
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Where Does The Magic Kingdom Park Monorail Go?
If you’re looking for a way to get from the Transportation & Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom, there is an express line that can get you there quickly without any stops in between.
When you board the Magic Kingdom Park Monorail at the Transportation & Ticket Center, it will escort you directly to the Magic Kingdom Park.
The ride will slow down temporarily as you pass through the Contemporary Resort, but it will continue on to magic Kingdom without stopping.
Once you get to Magic Kingdom Park, you can exit the monorail and walk down the ramp to the ticket area. It’s a very convenient way to get from one place to the other.
After you exit Magic Kingdom Park, you can take the Magic Kingdom Park Monorail directly to the Transportation & Ticket Center.
The monorail will continue on the same path as previously, so you will have to take the long way around the lake past Grand Floridian and the Polynesian Resorts. It will not stop at those resorts but will take you directly to the Transportation & Ticket Center.
What are the stops on the Magic in the Park Monorail System?
Magic Kingdom Park
Transportation & Ticket Center
Where Does The Epcot Monorail System Go?
The Epcot Monorail System is also a very popular option for those who want to get to Epcot quickly and easily.
Essentially, you board the Epcot Monorail System at the Transportation & Ticket Center and take it directly to Epcot. There will be no stops in between.
After leaving Epcot, you will be taken directly to the Transportation & Ticket Center. There are no other stops along the way.
What Are the Stops on the Epcot Monorail system?
EPCOT Monorail Station
Transportation and Ticket Center
What Other Transportation Does Disney Offer?
If you’re trying to navigate yourself through Disney, you are not left in the lurch. Aside from the monorail system, there are many other options with Disney transportation that can get you from where you are to where you need to go. Here are some of the options:
Boats: There are boats that connect resorts and theme parks, as well as resorts to resorts. It’s a very convenient, albeit slow-paced way of getting from one place to another.
I would recommend taking the boat from Magic Kingdom around the lake. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and see some of the resorts, including the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Fort Wilderness Resorts.
Disney Skyliner: The Disney Skyliner system connects a number of resorts with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The resorts include Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean beach resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The Skyliner drops you off at the ‘back entrance’ to Epcot and is thought to be a much better choice than taking the front entrance.
Buses: The bus system in Disney is quite extensive. You can literally get from any resort to any other resort or to all of the theme parks and attractions. You may need to make a stop and change buses, but it’s possible to go anywhere.
Regardless of whether you take the monorail or any other transportation option offered by Disney, you will find it to be a good experience. Just make sure that you try the monorail while you’re there, it’s something you shouldn’t miss.
