Revision as of 23:36, 4 July 2007 editKralizec! (talk | contribs)Edit filter managers, Administrators35,850 editsm →Emergency evacuation: restored image← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 08:12, 25 December 2024 edit undoAitraintheeditorandgamer (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users3,533 edits The system actually uses a busbar | ||
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{{Short description|Transit system in Florida, United States}} | |||
{{Infobox Public transit | |||
{{distinguish|Disneyland Monorail}} | |||
|name=Walt Disney World Monorail System | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} | |||
|image=WDW Monorail 2006.jpg | |||
{{Use American English|date=August 2015}} | |||
|imagesize=150px | |||
{{Infobox public transit | |||
|locale=] | |||
| name = Walt Disney World Monorail System | |||
|transit_type=Straddle-beam ] | |||
| image = Monorail Coral.jpg | |||
|system_length=14.7 miles<ref name="Length">{{citeweb|last=The Monorail Society|url=http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/WDW.html|title=Walt Disney World|accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref> | |||
| imagesize = 300 px | |||
|began_operation= ] ] | |||
| caption = Monorail Coral traveling on the Epcot Line in April 2009 | |||
|ended_operation= | |||
| locale = ] | |||
|lines= 3 | |||
| transit_type = Straddle-beam ] | |||
|stations= 6 | |||
| system_length = {{cvt|14.7|mi}}<ref name="Length">{{cite web |last=The Monorail Society |url=http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/WDW.html |title=Walt Disney World |access-date=June 23, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519103640/http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/WDW.html |archive-date=May 19, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
|ridership=150,000 | |||
| train_length = {{cvt|203.5|ft}} | |||
|operator=Walt Disney World | |||
| track_gauge = | |||
|maxspeed= '''Maximum Speed Tested at WDW (Verifiable)''': 55 mph (88 km/h)<br>'''Maximum Permitted:''' 40 mph (64 km/h)<br>'''Maximum Speed per Manufacturer:''' 100 mph | |||
| website = | |||
|operation= Manually driven by Pilot | |||
| began_operation = {{Start date and age|1971|10|1}} | |||
|}} | |||
| lines = 3 | |||
| stations = 6 | |||
| ridership = 150,000+<ref name="wdwmagic stat"/> | |||
| operator = ] | |||
| average_speed = {{cvt|30|mph}} | |||
| top_speed = {{cvt|40|mph}} | |||
| owner = ] | |||
| start = Transportation and Ticket Center | |||
| annual_ridership = ~50,000,000 | |||
| vehicles = 12 | |||
| el = ], {{600 V DC|conductor}} | |||
}} | |||
The '''Walt Disney World Monorail System''' is a ] ] in operation at the ] in ], near ]. The resort operates twelve ] trains on three lines of service.<ref name="Mark">{{cite web |last=Monorail Express |url=http://www.monorailexpress.com/page2.html |title=Facts |access-date=June 13, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520033408/http://www.monorailexpress.com/page2.html |archive-date=May 20, 2007 }}</ref><ref name="Sentinel1015"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/travel/new-monorail-fleet-for-disney-world-original-designer-backs-rumor/pXYJvfUfdBC7OhVLLIZNmM/|title=UPDATE: New monorail fleet in the works? Disney World denies rumors|work=The Palm Beach Post|access-date=June 29, 2018|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228095130/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/travel/new-monorail-fleet-for-disney-world-original-designer-backs-rumor/pXYJvfUfdBC7OhVLLIZNmM/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The monorail system opened in 1971 with two routes (Magic Kingdom: Resort and Express) and with ] trains. It was expanded to three lines (Magic Kingdom: Resort and Express, plus Epcot) in 1982, and the rolling stock was updated to Mark VI trains in 1989.<ref name="Mark"/> | |||
The '''Walt Disney World Monorail System''' is a ] system in operation around ] in ]. | |||
{{As of|2016}}, the system was one of the most heavily used monorail systems in the world, with over 150,000 daily riders.<ref name="wdwmagic stat">{{cite web|url=http://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail.htm|title=Walt Disney World Monorail System|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615072815/http://www.wdwmagic.com/Transportation/monorail.htm|archive-date=June 15, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/political-pulse/os-webster-d-c-metro-should-be-more-like-disney-world-monorail-20160524-story.html|title=Webster: D.C. Metro should be more like Disney World monorail|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=September 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730035801/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/political-pulse/os-webster-d-c-metro-should-be-more-like-disney-world-monorail-20160524-story.html|archive-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> It is surpassed by the ] in ], ], which has over 300,000 daily riders;<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tokyo Monorail Co., Ltd. – Company Profile|url=http://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/company/profile.html|publisher=Tokyo Monorail Co., Ltd.|access-date=September 7, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919082537/http://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/company/profile.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016}}</ref> and by the monorail system run by ] in ], ], which has over 900,000 daily riders on ] and ] combined.<ref>{{Cite web|title=重庆轨道3号线成世界上最繁忙的单轨线|url=http://cq.cri.cn/115/2014/11/21/5s720.htm|publisher=国际在线|access-date=September 7, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205072828/http://cq.cri.cn/115/2014/11/21/5s720.htm|archive-date=December 5, 2014}}</ref> The Walt Disney World system therefore is one of the most famous monorails, beside the ] at ] in Anaheim, California. | |||
One of the most famous symbols of Walt Disney World, the original ] was designed in California and assembled in Florida by the ]. The new ]s were built by ] and the first of the twelve new trains (Monorail Blue) arrived to Disney property on ], ] and was installed shortly after.<ref name="Mark">{{citeweb|last=Monorial Express|url=http://www.monorailexpress.com/page2.html|title=Facts|accessdate=2007-06-13}}</ref> The Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating twelve ] trains.<ref name="Mark"/> | |||
In 2023, the Florida state government passed legislation authorizing the ] to oversee elements of the monorail system – including safety and maintenance, as well as authorized the department to perform routine inspections and compile necessary reports.<ref name="WKMG-FDOT"/> | |||
==Lines and stations== | |||
] | |||
Since 1971, when the loop at the Magic Kingdom was built, the monorail has traveled the equivalent distance of twenty-one trips ]. On a typical working day, around 150,000 Walt Disney World guests travel on three routes: | |||
* '''Express''': Express service between the ] and the ]. | |||
* '''Resort''': Local service making stops at the Magic Kingdom, the Transportation and Ticket Center, ], ] and ]. Starting from the TTC, the monorail goes first to the Polynesian, The Grand Floridian, The Magic Kingdom, and the Contemporary before returning to the TTC. | |||
* '''Epcot''': Service between the Transportation and Ticket Center and ] | |||
==Lines, stations, and infrastructure== | |||
A ] connects the Express and Resort lines to the maintenance shop. Another spur connects the Epcot and Express lines and is located north-east of the Transportation and Ticket Center. | |||
] | |||
{{Walt Disney World resort sidebar}} | |||
The Walt Disney World Monorail spans {{convert|14.7|mi|km}}, with around 50 million Disney guests traveling on the monorail each year.<ref name="Modern Marvels">{{cite AV media | first1= Cindy |last1=Robinson|first2=Jon |last2=Jefferson|first3=Les |last3=Wooten | year = 2006 | title = Modern Marvels – Walt Disney World (History Channel)| medium = DVD | location = New York| publisher = A&E Television Networks|asin= B000CS461O| isbn = 9780767087896| oclc = 64282449}}</ref> The system opened with the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, 1971. It initially featured four stations: the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney's Polynesian Resort, the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Contemporary Resort. The Epcot line and station were added during that park's construction, opening on October 1, 1982. The most recent addition was the Grand Floridian station, which was opened in 1988 along with the resort hotel.<ref name="Mark"/><ref name="Sentinel1015"/> Since then, no further additions have been made, and no expansions are planned due to prohibitive construction costs, though a legal easement for monorail construction through ] dating back to 1970 still exists.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Yesterland.com: Saratoga Springs Monorail?|url=https://www.yesterland.com/monoraillegends2.html|access-date=February 17, 2022|website=yesterland.com}}</ref> | |||
There are two distinct routes on the monorail system, with three different services: | |||
The Monorail ]s, which are made of ] with a special ] core to lighten their weight, came by train from Washington state.<ref name="Jose"/> | |||
<ref name="Jose">{{cite web |last=NYCSubway.org |url=http://world.nycsubway.org/us/disney/ |title=Walt Disney World Monorail |access-date=June 13, 2007}}</ref> | |||
* '''Magic Kingdom Express''': The Express service runs counter-clockwise around the outer loop, providing nonstop service between the Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center. | |||
* '''Magic Kingdom Resort''': The Resort line runs clockwise around the inner loop, and also services the resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon with stops at ], ], and ]. | |||
* '''EPCOT''': The Epcot line runs from the Transportation and Ticket Center to ], with trains operating along a single beam on a clockwise loop. | |||
A ] at Magic Kingdom station connects the Express and Resort lines to the maintenance shop. Another spur connects the Epcot and Express lines and is located northeast of the Transportation and Ticket Center. | |||
Monorail ]s formerly referred to beams by their physical location rather than by the type of service offered by trains on the beam. This however was changed in order to facilitate one set of nomenclature for the system. The resort beam is the innermost beam of the two beams encircling the ]. The trains operating the resort beam offer local service to the Magic Kingdom resorts. It was formerly known as the lagoon beam. The Express beam is the outermost beam circling the Seven Seas Lagoon and provides express service between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Magic Kingdom.<ref name="Jose">{{citeweb|last=NYCSubway.org|url=http://world.nycsubway.org/us/disney/|title=Walt Disney World Monorail|accessdate=2007-06-13}}</ref> It was formerly known as the exterior beam. Finally, The Epcot beam connects the Transportation and Ticket Center with the Epcot theme park. | |||
The monorail ]s, which are made of ] with a special ] core to lighten their weight, came by train from the state of ].<ref name="Jose"/> | |||
== Trains == | |||
=== Specifications === | |||
The modern trains that have been in use since 1989 are each 203 feet long (consisting of six cars) and can carry 360 passengers. The trains are driven by eight 113 ] motors which are powered by a 600-volt electrical system running through a ] mounted to the side of the concrete beam.<ref name="CompleteDisney">{{cite book |last=Neal |first=Julie |coauthors=Mike Neal |title=The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World |origdate=2007-04-15 |edition=1st Edition |publisher=Coconut Press |isbn=978-0970959645}}</ref> | |||
{{Clear left}} | |||
===Operation=== | |||
{{Unreferencedsection|date=June 2007}} | |||
] | |||
==Rolling stock== | |||
The cast members that operate a monorail train are called pilots. The ] pilots are a separate group of operators from those who drive the resort buses and receive separate training. | |||
===Specifications=== | |||
{{multiple image | |||
|align=left | |||
|direction=vertical | |||
|width=250 | |||
|image1=Old MarkVI monorailcontrols.jpg | |||
|image2=Mark VI New Controls.JPG | |||
|footer=The old (top) and new (bottom) control systems of the Mark VI. The original control system served from 1989 with the introduction of Mark VI Blue until June 2007 when the final train, Blue, was converted to the new LMCU2 system. | |||
}} | |||
{{Walt Disney World Monorail System}} | |||
The trains in use since 1989 are Mark VI trains, built by Bombardier Transportation. Each train is {{convert|203|ft|6|in|abbr=on}} long (consisting of six cars) and can carry 360 passengers. The trains are driven by eight {{convert|113|HP|kW|abbr=on|lk=on}} motors which are powered by a 600-] electrical system running through a ] mounted on each side of the concrete beam.<ref name="CompleteDisney">{{Cite book |last=Neal |first=Julie |author2=Mike Neal |title=The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World |date=April 15, 2007 |edition=1st |publisher=Coconut Press |isbn=978-0-9709596-4-5}}</ref> Each train also has seven inverters on board that convert the 600 V DC to 230 V AC for use by the air conditioners and air compressor, and additionally has a battery-backed 37 V DC low-voltage supply that provides power for the train's electronics. The trains are also equipped with a towing knuckle at each end to allow it to be pushed or pulled by a special diesel-powered tractor if need be. | |||
One cast member acts as Monorail Central. Central controls the operation of the entire monorail system, usually by issuing instructions to pilots via radio. Central is responsible for setting up each day's operation in the morning, for handling contingencies and emergencies that occur during the day, and for moving trains off the system after all parks have closed. A cast member can act as Central only with a history of safe train operation, the ability to train other monorail pilots, and a rigorous training period during which they must successfully triage and treat simultaneous simulated emergencies. Monorail Central operates out of the glass booth on the Epcot Load platform at the Transportation and Ticket Center. | |||
Maximum speed during normal operations is {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, with several speed zones throughout the system with limits ranging from {{convert|15|to|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. These speed limits are strictly enforced by the train's computer and cannot be overridden without the operator engaging a special lockout. Attempting to drive the train too quickly in a given speed zone will result in an "overspeed stop." | |||
] | |||
The manager who oversees all monorail operations at Walt Disney World is called Monorail 1. Monorail one is a GSM (Guest Service Manager) that usually handles guest complaints as well as other items such as selling (redirecting guests at the base of the entrance ramps, similar to a carnival barker would sell tickets) ferry boats if there is a monorail downtime, or calling to start bus service if there is a closure, etc. | |||
Train spacing is maintained by the ] (MBS), also known as the MAPO system (for "]), which establishes a number of "holdpoints" throughout the system. At any given time, there must be at least two holdpoints between a given train and the train ahead of it. When the train detects that there are fewer than two holdpoints between itself and the preceding train, the emergency brakes are immediately applied and cannot be released until sufficient spacing becomes available or the operator overrides the system. Failure to maintain adequate spacing is known as an "overrun," and is treated as an extremely serious offense.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Higgins|first=Chris|date=July 10, 2009|title=Technical Details of the Disney Monorail|url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/22211/technical-details-disney-monorail|work=]|access-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519060650/http://mentalfloss.com/article/22211/technical-details-disney-monorail|archive-date=May 19, 2018}}</ref> | |||
Monorail cast members refer to the system's stations as follows: The Base includes the platforms for both the lagoon and exterior track at the Transportation and Ticket Center. The Concourse includes the load and unload platforms for the Epcot track at the Transportation and Ticket Center. The stations at the ], ], ], at the ], and at ] are named after each location. Because there is no monorail service to ], cast members refer to the Magic Kingdom station simply as "Kingdom" without confusion. | |||
{{-}} | |||
=== Identification === | |||
] | |||
Each train is identified by a colored stripe, and given a name according to that color. The complete list of colors used is below. To help visually identify Green from Lime and Pink from Coral, the Lime and Coral stripes have a white delta on each car. | |||
Below is a list of the models of monorails (and their specifications) that have operated on the Walt Disney World Monorail System: | |||
{{col-begin}} | |||
{{ |
{{clear}} | ||
*Red | |||
*Coral | |||
*Orange | |||
*Pink | |||
*Gold | |||
*Yellow | |||
{{col-3}} | |||
*Lime | |||
*Green | |||
*Blue | |||
*Purple | |||
*Silver | |||
*Black | |||
{{col-end}} | |||
{| cellpadding="2" style="width:double; border:solid 2px black" | |||
== Maintenance== | |||
|- style="background:#ccc;" | |||
!colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | ] | |||
|- | |||
|'''Manufacturer''' | |||
| ] | |||
|- | |||
|'''Period of Service''' | |||
| 1971 to 1991 | |||
|- | |||
|'''Length:''' | |||
| 5 cars: {{convert|171|ft|m}} | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
| 6 cars: {{convert|201|ft|m}} | |||
|- | |||
|'''Width:''' | |||
| {{convert|8|ft|10|in|m}} | |||
|- | |||
|'''Height:''' | |||
| {{convert|11|ft|7|in|m}} ({{convert|6|ft|6|in|m}} above top of beam) | |||
|- | |||
|'''Weight:''' | |||
| 5 cars empty: {{convert|92000|lb|kg}} | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
|5 cars gross: {{convert|122600|lb|kg}} | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
|6 cars empty: {{convert|108500|lb|kg}} | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
|6 cars gross: {{convert|145100|lb|kg}}<ref name="Scott J bigfloridacountry@cfl.rr.com">{{cite web |author=Scott J bigfloridacountry@cfl.rr.com |url=http://www.bigfloridacountry.com/monorail.htm |title=Walt Disney World Monorail System |publisher=Bigfloridacountry.com |access-date=October 19, 2012}}{{Self-published source|date=October 2012}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|'''Passenger Capacity:''' | |||
|5 cars: 40 per car + 4 in the nose = 204 seated | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
|6 cars: 40 per car + 4 in the nose = 244 seated <ref>{{cite web |first=Brian |last=Geiger |url=http://progresscityusa.com/2008/09/07/what-do-we-have-to-do-to-put-you-in-a-new-monorail-today/ |title=Mark IV Monorail, Community Transportation Services |publisher=CTS, division of Buena Vista Distribution Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Walt Disney Productions |date=December 1, 1979 |access-date=August 24, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306195254/http://progresscityusa.com/2008/09/07/what-do-we-have-to-do-to-put-you-in-a-new-monorail-today/ |archive-date=March 6, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
|} | |||
{| cellpadding="2" style="width:double; border:solid 2px black" | |||
] | |||
|- style="background:#ccc;" | |||
The monorail shop holds ten of the twelve ] trains on its upper level (the bottom level houses the four steam locomotives that circle the Magic Kingdom). On any given night, two monorails are parked either in the ] station, the Epcot station or the Transportation and Ticket Center station.<ref name="Neena">{{citeweb|last=WDW History|url=http://www.wdwhistory.com/FindFile.Ashx?/Transportation/Monorail/|title=Disney Monorail|accessdate=2007-06-13}}</ref> On nights where the temperature drops below freezing, the trains will be parked inside the Contemporary resort but in practice trains can be left in any station (even on the express side of a resort station). No train will ever be left outside two nights in a row because routine maintenance is performed nightly. | |||
!colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"|] | |||
|- | |||
|'''Manufacturer''' | |||
| ] | |||
|- | |||
|'''Period of Service''' | |||
| 1989 to Present | |||
|- | |||
|'''Length:''' | |||
| {{convert|203|ft|6|in|m}} | |||
|- | |||
|'''Width:''' | |||
| {{convert|8|ft|4.5|in|m}} | |||
|- | |||
|'''Headroom:''' | |||
| {{convert|6|ft|10.75|in|m}} | |||
|- | |||
|'''Height (from bottom of skirt to top of shell):''' | |||
| {{convert|12|ft|.5|in|m}} | |||
|- | |||
|'''Weight:''' | |||
| 6 cars empty: {{convert|92000|lb|kg}} | |||
|- | |||
|'''Passenger capacity:''' | |||
| 20 seated passengers – per car | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
| 40 standing passengers – per car | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
| 360 people – total train<ref name="Scott J bigfloridacountry@cfl.rr.com"/> | |||
|} | |||
====Automation==== | |||
The maintenance shop also has a painting room which is elevated 25 feet off the ground and has a lift mounted on the wall for the painters. It takes 3 weeks to paint a monorail.<ref name="Neena">{{citeweb|last=WDW History|url=http://www.wdwhistory.com/FindFile.Ashx?/Transportation/Monorail/|title=Disney Monorail|accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref>. To access the wheels and underside of the monorail, the maintenance shop has a removable part of a beam to allow access to the wheels and underside. | |||
] | |||
Starting June 22, 2014, the monorail began operating on a different timetable in order to accommodate work to automate the system. Disney stated that the system would provide a more efficient service with enhanced safety, as well as more frequent dispatch of the trains, faster switching times, and monorail arrival information.<ref name="Automation">{{cite web |title=Monorail system to operate on new timetable to accommodate automation work |date=July 13, 2014 |url=http://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail/news/13jun2014-monorail-system-to-operate-on-new-timetable-to-accommodate-automation-work.htm |website=wdwmagic.com |access-date=November 30, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130191518/http://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail/news/13jun2014-monorail-system-to-operate-on-new-timetable-to-accommodate-automation-work.htm |archive-date=November 30, 2014 }}</ref> Pilots are still seated in the front cab, but only supervise the monorail in case of an emergency. Platform attendants operate a control panel to dispatch and operate the monorail system. | |||
=== |
===Identification=== | ||
] | |||
The work tractor can tow a monorail to the maintenance shop (round house) around the bend from ]. Monorail Operations at the Walt Disney World resort has three separate tractors that could in theory allow for the simultaneous towing of three different monorails.<ref name="Neena"/> In the event of a power failure on one of the monorail lines, these tractors can still operate, as they are powered by on-board diesel engines. | |||
]''.]] | |||
] | |||
Each train is identified by a colored stripe, and given a name according to that color.<ref name="Jose"/> The complete list of colors used is below: | |||
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|style=width: 600px;| | |||
* Blue * | |||
* Black * | |||
* Coral * | |||
* Gold * | |||
* Green * | |||
* Lime * | |||
* Orange * | |||
* Peach * | |||
* Pink ** | |||
* Purple ** | |||
* Red * | |||
* Silver * | |||
* Teal * <ref name="Sentinel Teal Service"/> | |||
* Yellow * | |||
}} | |||
<small>* Identifiable by deltas.</small><br> | |||
== Safety == | |||
<small>** Retired following July 2009 incident</small> | |||
] | |||
=== Train safety === | |||
To help visually identify Green from Lime, Pink from Coral and Blue from Teal, the Lime, Teal, and Coral stripes have trapezoidal "deltas" within the color stripe in between the passenger doors on each car. Originally, Monorail Lime's deltas (and those of the older Mark IV Lime) were painted a dark blue in homage to the original Walt Disney World monorail cast's costume colors (lime and blue), but the colors were changed when the entire monorail fleet was repainted in the early 2000s. In mid December 2018, Monorail Lime's white delta was repainted to the original dark blue scheme following a refurbishment; these were retained following another refurbishment in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last=Diffendal|first=Jason|date=December 15, 2018|title=PHOTOS: Monorail Lime Regains Blue Delta|url=https://wdwnt.com/2018/12/monorail-lime-regains-blue-delta/|work=WDW News Today|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127034946/https://wdwnt.com/2018/12/monorail-lime-regains-blue-delta/|archive-date=January 27, 2019}}</ref> Monorails Coral and Teal have white deltas to differentiate them from Monorails Pink and Blue, respectively. Although Monorail Pink was retired from service following its crash with Monorail Purple in July 2009, Monorail Coral retained its White deltas until October 21, 2021. | |||
==== MAPO ==== | |||
In November 2009, Disney put Monorail Teal into service. Monorail Teal was built using the undamaged portions of the two trains involved in the July 5, 2009 crash.<ref name="Sentinel1015">{{cite web |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-disney-world-monorail-101609,0,3042435.story |title=Walt Disney World to bring new monorail train into service |first=Jason |last=Garcia |work=] |date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017062035/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-disney-world-monorail-101609%2C0%2C3042435.story |archive-date=October 17, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Sentinel Teal Service">{{Cite news |url=http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2009/11/new-monorail-train-goes-into-service-at-disney-world/ |title='New' monorail train goes into service at Disney World |last=Garcia |first=Jason |date=November 5, 2009 |access-date=November 5, 2009 |location=Sentinel Teal Service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108071416/http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2009/11/new-monorail-train-goes-into-service-at-disney-world/ |archive-date=November 8, 2009 }}</ref> The colors of the two trains involved, Pink and Purple, were retired from service.<ref name="Sentinel1015"/> The twelfth train, Peach, was placed into service on October 7, 2011, to restore the resort's fleet back to twelve trains.<ref name="OSNewMon">{{cite news |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2011/08/12/disney-world-to-add-new-monorail-train/ |title=Disney new monorail: Disney World to add new monorail train |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |location=Orlando, Fla. |date=August 12, 2011 |first=Jason |last=Garcia |access-date=September 15, 2011 |issn=0744-6055 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005110102/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-08-12/travel/os-disney-new-monorail-20110812_1_monorail-driver-austin-wuennenberg-new-monorail-train |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="MonorailPeach">{{cite web|last=Pedersen|first=Robert|title=Monorail Peach Added Into Service at Walt Disney World|url=http://blog.touringplans.com/2011/10/07/monorail-peach-added-into-service-at-walt-disney-world/|publisher=TouringPlans.com|date=October 7, 2011|access-date=June 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012204629/http://blog.touringplans.com/2011/10/07/monorail-peach-added-into-service-at-walt-disney-world/|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was assembled using the undamaged center cars from the Purple train, but with new end cabs replacing the damaged sections from the Pink and Purple trains.<ref name="MonorailPeach"/> | |||
The term "MAPO" itself comes directly from Walt Disney, who formed a new company to deal with Disneyland's transportation system directly from the profits made by '']''.<ref name="HMorg">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/Secrets/Imagineering.html | |||
| title = Hidden Mickeys | |||
| accessdate = 2007-06-21 | |||
| work = | |||
| publisher = Hidden Mickeys.org | |||
}}</ref> | |||
===Special liveries=== | |||
Safe train spacing is maintained via a moving blocklight system, referred to as MAPO, installed in the cab of each train.<ref name="Jose"/> MAPO appears in the top center of the pilot's console and looks similar to a horizontal stop light. There are three lights—green, amber, and red—and a push-button labeled "MAPO override". | |||
In March 2010, Disney debuted Monorail Coral in ''TRON'' livery on the Epcot line as part of a marketing plan for '']''.<ref>{{cite web|date=March 19, 2010|title=Photos of monorail TRON Legacy on the Epcot beam|url=https://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail/news/19mar2010-photos-of-monorail-tron-legacy-on-the-epcot-beam.htm|work=WDWMagic.com|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016131223/https://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail/news/19mar2010-photos-of-monorail-tron-legacy-on-the-epcot-beam.htm|archive-date=October 16, 2015}}</ref> | |||
Since the Tron paint scheme in 2010, there have been several other monorail wraps. On March 31, 2012, Monorail Red was converted into a special scheme commemorating the release of ], similar to the previous promotion for ''Tron: Legacy''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brigante|first=Ricky|date=March 31, 2012|title=First Look: The Avengers monorail debuts at Walt Disney World on the Magic Kingdom express line|url=https://insidethemagic.net/2012/03/first-look-the-avengers-monorail-debuts-at-walt-disney-world-on-the-magic-kingdom-express-line/|work=Inside the Magic|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401193524/https://insidethemagic.net/2012/03/first-look-the-avengers-monorail-debuts-at-walt-disney-world-on-the-magic-kingdom-express-line/|archive-date=April 1, 2012}}</ref> The monorail ran on the Magic Kingdom line and sometimes on the Resort line as the Epcot line loops through the park itself, since Disney is not able to feature specified Marvel characters inside its Florida parks due to ]'s license agreement with ] that was in place prior to the purchase of Marvel in 2009. | |||
Each monorail beam is divided into blocks based upon pylon numbering. The currently illuminated MAPO color indicates how far ahead the leading train is currently located. A green MAPO shows that the leading train is 3 or more blocks ahead, amber means 2 blocks ahead, and red indicates that the next train is in the very next block. A block is roughly between 500 and 1000 feet (about 150 and 300 m) long, although this varies. The start of each block is called a "hold point", as pilots may need to hold their trains at that location until the train ahead moves away. Guests riding in the front cab of a monorail can identify hold points by the yellow reflective tape around a pylon's number and by two yellow reflectors attached to the top outside edges of the monorail beam at that pylon. | |||
In March 2013, Monorail Black was given a similar conversion to promote the release of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|date=March 23, 2013|title=Iron Man 3 monorail to debut soon at Walt Disney World|url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/iron-man-3-monorail-to-debut-soon-at-walt-disney-world/|work=Attractions Magazine|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911075223/https://attractionsmagazine.com/iron-man-3-monorail-to-debut-soon-at-walt-disney-world/|archive-date=September 11, 2014}}</ref> In April 2013, Monorail Teal was converted into a special scheme commemorating the release of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fickley-Baker|first=Jennifer|date=April 23, 2013|title=Monstrous 'Monsters University' Monorail Pulls Into Walt Disney World Resort|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/04/monstrous-monsters-university-monorail-pulls-into-walt-disney-world-resort/|work=Disney Parks Blog|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108215213/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/04/monstrous-monsters-university-monorail-pulls-into-walt-disney-world-resort/|archive-date=January 8, 2018}}</ref> In November 2015, Monorail Black was decorated in '']'' designs commemorating the release of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fox|first=Steve|date=November 23, 2015|title=Star Wars: The Force Awakens monorail debuts at Walt Disney World|url=https://insidethemagic.net/2015/11/star-wars-the-force-awakens-monorail-debuts-at-walt-disney-world/|work=Inside the Magic|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201083540/https://insidethemagic.net/2015/11/star-wars-the-force-awakens-monorail-debuts-at-walt-disney-world/|archive-date=December 1, 2015}}</ref> In February 2016, Monorail Orange was decorated in Zootopia designs and was named the Zootopia Monorail System to reflect the Zootopia Transit Authority, commemorating the release of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 8, 2016|title=PHOTOS – Zootopia takes to the monorail beam with new promo wrap|url=https://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail/news/08feb2016-photos---zootopia-takes-to-the-monorail-beam-with-new-promo-wrap.htm|work=WDWMagic.com|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103135604/https://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail/news/08feb2016-photos---zootopia-takes-to-the-monorail-beam-with-new-promo-wrap.htm|archive-date=January 3, 2018}}</ref> In June 2018, Monorail Orange was decorated in Incredibles designs to promote the release of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sposato|first=Sean|date=June 12, 2018|title=VIDEO: The Incredibles take over the Walt Disney World Monorail system as part of Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort|url=https://insidethemagic.net/2018/06/video-the-incredibles-take-over-the-walt-disney-world-monorail-system-as-part-of-incredible-summer-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|work=Inside the Magic|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203192015/https://insidethemagic.net/2018/06/video-the-incredibles-take-over-the-walt-disney-world-monorail-system-as-part-of-incredible-summer-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|archive-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> A year later, Monorail Yellow was decorated with '']'' characters to promote '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 7, 2019|title=PHOTOS – WDW Toy Monorail System takes to the Express Beam to celebrate Toy Story 4|url=https://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail/news/07jun2019-photos---wdw-toy-monorail-system-takes-to-the-express-beam-to-celebrate-toy-story-4.htm|work=WDWMagic.com|access-date=August 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920140532/https://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation/monorail/news/07jun2019-photos---wdw-toy-monorail-system-takes-to-the-express-beam-to-celebrate-toy-story-4.htm|archive-date=September 20, 2021}}</ref> In September 2021, Monorail Gold debuted with a wrap for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Michaelsen|first=Shannen|date=September 13, 2021|title=PHOTOS: Monorail Gold Debuts New 50th Anniversary Wrap at Walt Disney World|url=https://wdwnt.com/2021/09/photos-monorail-gold-debuts-new-50th-anniversary-wrap-at-walt-disney-world/|work=WDW News Today|access-date=August 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920015954/https://wdwnt.com/2021/09/photos-monorail-gold-debuts-new-50th-anniversary-wrap-at-walt-disney-world/|archive-date=September 20, 2021}}</ref> | |||
For safety, trains must be kept at least two blocks apart during normal operation. A red MAPO indicates that train spacing has become unsafe. When a red MAPO occurs, the trains on-board computer locks out the pilot's propulsion control and applies emergency brakes. The pilot cannot resume control of the train until either the MAPO clears or the pilot presses and holds the MAPO override button.<ref name="Jose"/> | |||
===Refurbishment=== | |||
It is the pilot's responsibility to avoid a red MAPO during normal operation. When the MAPO switches from green to amber, this indicates that the monorail is approaching the train ahead. The pilot must stop the train before crossing into the next block of beam way and hence before the MAPO switches to red. Should a pilot cross the hold point and receive a red MAPO, this counts as a safety demerit against the pilot. If the pilot ever has three demerits on their record, then they will be transferred out of the monorails department and into a different role at Walt Disney World. A demerit is wiped from a record after one year. | |||
] | |||
] | |||
In 2019, all of the monorails were refurbished with new brakes, a new interior, and repainted exterior. Monorails Silver, Green and Black were the first to be refurbished between June and December 2019, and monorail Lime was the last in August 2022. The vast majority of monorails also had deltas added; it is unknown why this was done, since there are no Monorails that are similarly colored, other than Blue and Teal, and Green and Lime. | |||
A simpler list of dates is below: | |||
Safety tests are performed daily to ensure that the MAPO system is working properly on each train. At the direction of Monorail Central, each train will intentionally overrun a hold point to verify that a red MAPO occurs and that the emergency brakes activate. Pilots perform tests in forward and reverse when bringing a train onto the system for the first time that day, and a forward test is again conducted mid-afternoon. | |||
* Monorail Silver: Returned on June 30, 2019, with black deltas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2019/06/photos-monorail-silver-returns-with-a-new-look-as-walt-disney-world-repairs-existing-fleet/|title=PHOTOS: Monorail Silver Returns with a New Look as Walt Disney World Repairs Existing Fleet|date=June 30, 2019}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Green: Returned on October 2, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2019/10/photos-newly-refurbished-monorail-green-debuts-at-walt-disney-world/|title = PHOTOS: Newly Refurbished Monorail Green Debuts New Interior at Walt Disney World|date = October 2, 2019}}</ref> Received black deltas in July 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2023 |title=PHOTOS: Monorail Green Returns from Refurbishment with New Black Deltas at Walt Disney World – WDW News Today |url=https://wdwnt.com/2023/07/photos-monorail-green-returns-from-refurbishment-with-new-black-deltas-at-walt-disney-world/ |access-date=September 23, 2023 |website=wdwnt.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Black: Returned on December 6, 2019, with red deltas, the same color used for the outlines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chipandco.com/monorail-black-makes-its-debut-at-walt-disney-world-373447/|title=Monorail Black Makes Its Debut at Walt Disney World | Chip and Company|date=December 8, 2019}}</ref> Underwent a second refurbishment in December 2022, and repainted with a red pinstripe outline.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Michaelsen|first=Shannen|date=December 16, 2022|title=PHOTOS: Monorail Black Returns From Refurbishment With New Pinstriping and More at Walt Disney World|url=https://wdwnt.com/2022/12/monorail-black-returns-minor-refurbishment-wdw/|work=WDW News Today|access-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223061944/https://wdwnt.com/2022/12/monorail-black-returns-minor-refurbishment-wdw/|archive-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Peach: Returned July 14, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2020/07/photos-newly-refurbished-monorail-peach-debuts-a-new-interior-at-walt-disney-world/|title = PHOTOS: Newly Refurbished Monorail Peach Debuts New Interior at Walt Disney World|date = July 14, 2020}}</ref> Black deltas were added in April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2024 |title=Walt Disney World Monorail Peach Gets New Black Deltas – WDW News Today |url=https://wdwnt.com/2024/04/walt-disney-world-monorail-peach-black-deltas/ |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=wdwnt.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Blue: Returned on October 29, 2020, with silver deltas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2020/10/photos-monorail-blue-gets-new-look-interior-new-deltas-at-walt-disney-world/|title=PHOTOS: Monorail Blue Gets Refurbished Interior, New Silver Deltas at Walt Disney World|date=October 29, 2020}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Red: Returned on February 12, 2021, with black deltas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2021/02/photos-monorail-red-debuts-black-deltas-and-new-interior-at-walt-disney-world/|title = PHOTOS, VIDEO: Monorail Red Returns from Refurbishment with Black Deltas and New Interior at Walt Disney World|date = February 12, 2021}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Orange: Returned on May 17, 2021, with black deltas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2021/05/photos-monorail-orange-emerges-from-refurbishment-with-updated-interior-and-black-exterior-deltas-at-walt-disney-world/|title = PHOTOS: Monorail Orange Emerges from Refurbishment with Updated Interior and Black Exterior Deltas at Walt Disney World|date = May 17, 2021}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Gold: Returned on August 15, 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chipandco.com/monorail-gold-is-back-in-service-after-refurbishment-442056/|title = Monorail Gold is back in service after refurbishment | Chip and Company|date = August 20, 2021}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Coral: Returned on October 21, 2021, with teal deltas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdwnt.com/2021/10/photos-refurbished-monorail-coral-returns-to-service-at-walt-disney-world/|title = PHOTOS: Refurbished Monorail Coral Returns to Service at Walt Disney World|date = October 21, 2021}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Yellow: Returned on December 15, 2021, with black deltas.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Soberman|first=Matthew|date=December 14, 2021|title=Monorail Yellow Returns to Service Following Refurbishment at Walt Disney World|url=https://wdwnt.com/2021/12/photos-monorail-yellow-returns-to-service-following-refurbishment-at-walt-disney-world/|access-date=January 3, 2022|website=WDW News Today|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Teal: Returned on May 28, 2022, with black deltas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2022 |title=Monorail Teal Returns From Refurbishment at Walt Disney World – WDW News Today |url=https://wdwnt.com/2022/05/monorail-teal-returns-from-refurbishment-at-walt-disney-world/ |access-date=September 21, 2022 |website=wdwnt.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
* Monorail Lime: Returned on August 11, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2022 |title=Monorail Lime Returns After Refurbishment at Walt Disney World – WDW News Today |url=https://wdwnt.com/2022/08/monorail-lime-refurbishment-at-walt-disney-world/ |access-date=September 21, 2022 |website=wdwnt.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
===Pre-recorded announcements=== | |||
A red MAPO will also occur when the pilot approaches a section of un-powered beam, a spur line, or a switch beam thrown in the direction of a spur line. Pilots must engage the MAPO override when moving trains through a switch to the spur line. MAPO's occurring due to safety tests, switching, or beam power loss do not count as demerits against the pilot. | |||
The monorail system uses a set of pre-recorded announcements to instruct and entertain passengers. Prior to departure when the pilot closes the doors, an announcement asks guests to "Please stand clear of the doors. {{lang|es|Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas}}." One of the most well-known phrases within the resort, it was recorded by ], who was known as "the Voice of Disneyland." During the system's early years, the trains featured Wagner's narration of the sights and scenery along the way, as well as information on special events, the resort, and the monorail system itself.<ref name="PSCOTDdwt" /> Although his narration has since been replaced, Wagner can still be heard today as the "Please stand clear of the doors" phrase remains with his voice, partly because it is installed on a separate system. | |||
In 1988 following the construction of the Grand Floridian Resort stop, Kevin Miles replaced Jack Wagner as the voiceover. Miles worked in Epcot as part of the 'Voices of Liberty' in the American Adventure pavilion at World Showcase. Sometime before 1998, Disney employee Matt Hanson replaced Kevin Miles, and in 2004 Hanson was replaced by Joe Hursh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joehursh.com/ |title=Joe Hursh |publisher=Joe Hursh |access-date=October 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704103029/http://www.joehursh.com/ |archive-date=July 4, 2012 }}</ref> Hanson is still with the Walt Disney Company.<ref name="PSCOTDdwt">{{cite web |last=Mongello |first=Lou |title=Please stand clear of the doors... Por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas... |work=Ask Lou |author-link=Louis A. Mongello |publisher=Disney World Trivia.com |date=April 21, 2004 |url=http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/article/ask_lou/66/please_stand_clear_of_the_doors_por_favor_mantenganse_alejado_de_las_puertas/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070506103203/http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/article/ask_lou/66/please_stand_clear_of_the_doors_por_favor_mantenganse_alejado_de_las_puertas/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 6, 2007 |access-date=October 5, 2007 }}</ref> On April 13, 2012, at around 5:00 EDT, Disney activated a newer version of the monorail narration that features ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-monorail-voice-20120628,0,6109937.story |title=Disney monorail voice change: Walt Disney World changes narrator on monorail |work=Orlando Sentinel |date=June 28, 2012 |access-date=October 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814084228/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-monorail-voice-20120628%2C0%2C6109937.story |archive-date=August 14, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
=== Emergency evacuation === | |||
] | |||
==Maintenance== | |||
Emergencies requiring train evacuation will be handled differently depending upon the location of the train and the nature of the emergency. | |||
] | |||
Monorail Shop ("Shop" for short) is Disney's monorail maintenance facility located a short distance northeast of the Magic Kingdom, and provides space for up to ten of the twelve ] trains on its upper level, while the bottom level houses the four ]s and ] of the ] in the Magic Kingdom on its west side, and a road vehicle maintenance facility on the east side.<ref name="Mouseplanet">{{Cite web|last=Bennett|first=Brian|date=August 26, 2005|title=Steam Train Tour|url=https://www.mouseplanet.com/6776/Steam_Train_Tour_Part_1|work=Mouseplanet|access-date=April 26, 2023}}</ref> On any given night, two to five monorail trains are parked at various stations on the system. On nights where the temperature drops below freezing, two trains will be parked inside the Contemporary Resort; but in practice, trains can be left in any station (even on the express side of a resort station). Trains typically only spend one night out of shop, since routine maintenance is performed nightly. During busy seasons, some trains may be in service for over 24 hours at a time. | |||
The Monorail Shop also has a painting room located on Beam 10 that is elevated {{convert|25|ft|m}} off the ground and has a lift mounted on the wall for the painters. It takes anywhere between three and six weeks to paint a monorail train. To access the wheels and underside of the monorail, a portion of Beam 1 inside Shop is removable, primarily used to change load tires.].]] | |||
If a train is stopped at a station platform or at the work platform along the Epcot beam, guests can exit the train onto the platform. Exiting a train is possible even when the doors of the train cars are closed. The large rectangular window in the middle of each car is an emergency exit and can be removed from the interior of the car. A cast member outside the car can also forcibly open the rightmost door panel of the car by releasing the air pressure holding that panel closed. The air pressure release is a handle beneath the rectangular center window that is similar in appearance to a car door handle. | |||
].|left|223x223px]] | |||
===Severe Weather Protocol=== | |||
If a train is stopped on open beam, then guests evacuate through emergency exits located in the roof of the train. Guests open roof hatches by first removing decorative plastic from the ceiling above a bulkhead footstool and then by lifting open a hinged hatch that will flip across the bulkhead dividing two train cars. Guests evacuate to the roof by climbing through the open hatch onto the top of the train. The bulkheads separating cars are designed as firewalls that will contain a fire within a car to just that car. The open hatch allows guests in the affected car to transfer to an adjacent car where they can safely wait for evacuation by fire response crews. | |||
On nights before hurricanes and other severe weather events are predicted to affect the Walt Disney World Resort, three monorails and two service tractors will be left out on the system in case issues occur as a result of the weather. Two trains and a work tractor will be parked inside the Contemporary Resort with the storm doors closed. One train will be parked at Epcot and the work tractor normally stationed on the Epcot Spur will be parked at the Epcot platform of the Transportation and Ticket Center. This way, if any of the switch beams were to go offline, a maintenance team would be able to fix any issues and there would be at least one monorail to transport guests. | |||
Monorail service must cease whenever sustained winds are expected to exceed {{convert|39|mph}} or greater.<ref>{{cite web |title=Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World News |url=https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/severe-weather-information/news/08sep2017-transportation-and-pet-care-operational-update.htm |website=wdwmagic.com}}</ref> | |||
===Towing=== | |||
] | |||
The diesel-powered "work tractors" are the tow trucks of the system, and can tow a train to Monorail Shop, located around the bend from ]. Monorail Operations at the Walt Disney World resort has three separate tractors (Red, tagged '1'; Blue, tagged '2'; and Green, tagged '3') that allow for the simultaneous towing of three different monorails. In the event of a power failure on one of the monorail lines, the tractors are still operational, as they are powered by on-board diesel engines. When not in use, two of the work tractors will usually be parked at the shed while the third is parked on a small {{convert|62|foot}} maintenance spur approximately {{convert|1300|feet}} along the Epcot beam from the ] to allow for faster access to any issues on that part of the system. | |||
==Safety== | |||
If the emergency affects the entire train, then guests are evacuated to the surface of the beam. Guests again open the emergency roof hatches, but do not simply move to the adjacent car. Instead, they use a small handrail present along the top of each train car to move all the way to the front of the train. The trains pilot can attach a knotted rope to both the top and the base of the windscreen, and guests use the rope to shimmy down the windscreen to the surface of the beam. They finally start walking along the beam away from the train. An example of this was seen in 1985 when Monorail Silver caught fire on the EPCOT beam.<ref name="OSNarc">{{cite web | |||
===Train safety=== | |||
|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/orlandosentinel/access/91759037.html?dids=91759037:91759037&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jun+27%2C+1985&author=Bob+Levenson+of+The+Sentinel+Staff&pub=Orlando+Sentinel&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=200+ESCAPE+FIRE+ABOARD+MONORAIL+DISNEY+WORLD+PASSENGERS+CLIMB+TO+SAFETY+ON+ROOF | |||
Safe train spacing is maintained via a ], referred to as MAPO, installed in the cab of each train.<ref name="Jose"/> MAPO appears in the top center of the pilot's console and looks similar to a horizontal stop light. There are three lights—green, amber, and red—and a push-button labeled "Override". The term "MAPO" itself comes directly from ], who formed a new company to deal with Disneyland's transportation system directly from the profits made by '']''.<ref name="HMorg">{{cite web |url=http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/Secrets/Imagineering.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415020040/http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/Secrets/Imagineering.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=April 15, 2013 |title=Hidden Mickeys |access-date=June 21, 2007 |publisher=Hidden Mickeys.org}}</ref> | |||
|title=200 Escape Fire Aboard Monorail - Disney World Passengers Climb to Safety on Roof |accessdate=2007-06-26 |publisher=The Orlando Sentinel |first=Bob |last=Levenson |date=1985-06-27 }}</ref> | |||
Each monorail beam is divided into blocks based upon pylon numbering. The currently illuminated MAPO color indicates how far ahead the leading train is currently located. A green MAPO shows that the leading train is three or more blocks ahead, amber means two blocks ahead, and red indicates that the next train is in the very next block. A block is roughly between 500 and 1000 feet (about 150 and 300 m) long, although this varies. The start of each block is called a "hold point", as pilots may need to hold their trains at that location until the train ahead moves away. Guests riding in the front cab of a monorail can identify hold points by the yellow reflective tape around a pylon's number and by two yellow reflectors attached to the top outside edges of the monorail beam at that pylon. | |||
For safety, trains must be kept at least two blocks apart during normal operation. A red MAPO indicates that train spacing has become unsafe. When a red MAPO occurs, the train's on-board computer locks out the pilot's propulsion control and applies emergency brakes. The pilot cannot resume control of the train until either the MAPO clears or the pilot presses and holds the MAPO override button.<ref name="Jose"/> | |||
] Emergency Services provides fire response and rescue for the Walt Disney World Monorail System and maintains an all-wheel-drive fire truck specially designed for monorail rescue.<ref name="ReedyCreek">{{citeweb|last=The Reedy Creek Fire Fighters Association Local 2117|url=http://www.reedycreek.org/apparatus.html|title=Our Apparatus|accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref> | |||
It is the pilot's responsibility to avoid a red MAPO during normal operation. When the MAPO switches from green to amber, this indicates that the monorail is approaching the train ahead. The pilot must stop the train before crossing into the next block of beam way and hence before the MAPO switches to red. Should a pilot cross the hold point and receive a red MAPO, this counts as a safety demerit against the pilot. If a pilot accumulates three demerits on his/her record within a two-year period, then they will be transferred out of the monorails department and into a different role at Walt Disney World.<ref>{{cite web |title=Disney World Monorail |url=http://www.orenstransitpage.com/otpdisneypics/monorail.htm |access-date=September 20, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825011016/http://www.orenstransitpage.com/otpdisneypics/monorail.htm |archive-date=August 25, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
=== Platform safety === | |||
Safety tests are performed daily to ensure that the MAPO system is working properly on each train. At the direction of the monorail station conducting the test, each train will intentionally overrun a hold point to verify that a red MAPO occurs and that the emergency brakes activate. Pilots perform tests in forward and reverse when bringing a train onto the system for the first time that day. The indications are called into Monorail Central with the emergency brake pressures. | |||
] | |||
Some stations have remotely-opened or even automated gates that bar riders from approaching the monorail track (and, thus, any approaching or departing train) until the operators have determined that it is safe to allow people to board the train.<ref name="WDWmagic">{{cite web |url=http://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation.htm |title=Transportation News & Information |accessdate=2007-06-21 |publisher=WDWMagic}}</ref> The cast member at the station gives the riders instructions on how to board. Other stations have manually operated gates to serve this function. | |||
A red MAPO will also occur when the pilot approaches a section of un-powered beam, a spur line, or a switch beam thrown in the direction of a spur line. Pilots must engage the MAPO override when moving trains through a switch to the spur line. Red MAPOs occurring due to safety tests, switching, or beam power loss do not count as demerits against the pilot. {{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} | |||
The trains are powered by over 600 VDC, drawn from small rails (bus bars) running along the side of the beams. These bus bars are similar to the electrified or "third" rail of a subway train and they are incredibly dangerous. | |||
===COVID-19 precautions=== | |||
As the train floor is slightly raised above the platform, a portable ramp must be used to load guests in wheelchairs. For many years, the ] station was not handicap-accessible. An elevator has since been added to the platform. | |||
During the ], ] installed plastic dividers to the monorail to isolate guests from potential exposure to ] and to safely increase monorail capacity. The dividers were placed into four sections capable of sitting about two adults. The plastic was made up of material that was modified to fit onto the existing handrails with zip-ties.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Figueroa |first1=Jessica |title=PHOTOS: New Plastic Dividers Installed on Walt Disney World Monorails |url=https://wdwnt.com/2021/01/photos-new-plastic-dividers-installed-on-walt-disney-world-monorails/ |website=WDW News Today |date=January 12, 2021 |publisher=AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA FAMILY & PARENTING PUBLISHER |access-date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> | |||
=== |
===Emergency evacuation=== | ||
Emergencies requiring train evacuation will be handled differently depending upon the location of the train and the nature of the emergency. | |||
Monorail service can be suspended during severe thunderstorms. Should such a storm arise quickly, the trains will advance to the next available station and hold there until given the all-clear.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} Trains that are caught between stations can be ordered to come to a full stop and wait for the storm to pass. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} | |||
If a train is stopped at a station platform or at the work platform along the Epcot beam, guests can exit the train onto the platform. Exiting a train is possible even when the doors of the train cars are closed. The large rectangular window in the middle of each car is an emergency exit and can be removed from the interior of the car. A cast member outside the car can also manually open the rightmost door panel of the car by releasing the air pressure holding that panel closed. The air pressure release is a handle beneath the rectangular center window that is similar in appearance to a car door handle. | |||
== Guest Relations == | |||
The train is also known around the world for its friendly advice and familiar voice used for years: "Please stand clear of the doors; Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas." This voice belongs to ], "The Voice of Disneyland."<ref name="Jose"/> | |||
If a train is stopped on an open beam, then guests evacuate through emergency exits located in the roof of the train. Guests open roof hatches by first removing decorative plastic from the ceiling above a bulkhead footstool and then by lifting open a hinged hatch that will flip across the bulkhead dividing two train cars. Guests evacuate to the roof by climbing through the open hatch onto the top of the train. The bulkheads separating cars are designed as firewalls that will contain a fire within a car to just that car. The open hatch allows guests in the affected car to transfer to an adjacent car where they can safely wait for evacuation by fire response crews. | |||
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: ]}}]] --> | |||
Riders may ask a ] if there is room to ride up front with the pilot. There is seating room for four individuals, however not all Resort train requests are honored depending on availability of the seats. To maximize availability for passengers wanting to sit with the pilot, those riding in front must disembark at the next station. Monorail pilots may give out ] co-pilot licenses to guests riding in front with them. | |||
If the emergency affects the entire train, then guests are evacuated to the surface of the beam. Guests again open the emergency roof hatches, but do not simply move to the adjacent car. Instead, they use a small handrail present along the top of each train car to move all the way to the front of the train. The train's pilot can attach a knotted rope to both the top and the base of the windscreen, and guests use the rope to shimmy down the windscreen to the surface of the beam. They finally start walking along the beam away from the train. | |||
== Toy monorail == | |||
] Emergency Services provides fire response and rescue for the Walt Disney World Monorail System and maintains an all-wheel-drive fire truck specially designed for monorail rescue.<ref name="ReedyCreek">{{cite web |last=The Reedy Creek Fire Fighters Association Local 2117 |url=http://www.reedycreek.org/apparatus.html |title=Our Apparatus |access-date=June 23, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705093427/http://www.reedycreek.org/apparatus.html |archive-date=July 5, 2008}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
===Security checks=== | |||
A battery-powered miniature toy monorail is sold in numerous gift shops at ]. As of ], the blue monorail is sold through stores throughout Walt Disney World. The ] and the "Monorail Switch Station", which closely resembles the Transportation and Ticket Center are the only accessories that are still sold{{Fact|date=February 2007}}. In the early 2000s, accessories sold included the ], the ], the ], and a number of rides, such as the Mad Tea Party. Although there are other Disney Theme Park play sets available, none of those (including the new Spaceship Earth) interact with the monorail. | |||
Since April 2017, bag searches and walk through ] checks have been systematically performed on guests before they board the monorail, including at the ] and the three resort monorail stops. The security cordon extension was put in place to reduce congestion at the entrance to Magic Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogmickey.com/2017/04/photos-magic-kingdom-security-checkpoints-move-transportation-ticket-center-resorts/|title = PHOTOS – Magic Kingdom security checkpoints move to the Transportation & Ticket Center and resorts|date = April 3, 2017}}</ref> Until late 2019, guests taking the monorail to Epcot would need to go through security again at the Epcot entrance, but this was eventually fixed in late 2019 by the relocation of Epcot's main entrance checkpoints.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogmickey.com/2019/10/epcot-monorail-station-double-security-screening-annoyance-to-be-fixed-soon/|title = Epcot Monorail Station 'Double Security Screening' Annoyance to be Fixed Soon|date = October 20, 2019}}</ref> | |||
===Platform safety=== | |||
] Station.]] | |||
The Express station at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and both stations at the ] have ] that bar riders from approaching the guideway (and, thus, any approaching or departing train) until the operators have determined that it is safe to allow people to board the train.<ref name="WDWmagic">{{cite web |url=http://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation.htm |title=Transportation News & Information |access-date=June 21, 2007 |publisher=WDWMagic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624025411/http://www.wdwmagic.com/transportation.htm |archive-date=June 24, 2007 }}</ref> The cast member at the station gives the riders instructions on how to board. The other stations have manually operated gates to serve this function. | |||
All platforms are ]. Because the train level is higher than the platform level, a portable ramp must be used to load and unload guests with disabilities at all stations. For many years, the ] station did not have ADA access, but an elevator has since been added to the platform. | |||
===State oversight=== | |||
As part of legislation passed in 2023, the ] (FDOT) is tasked with certain oversight and regulatory tasks. The department works with Disney staff to ensure proper maintenance and safety of the monorail system through routine inspections as dictated by state law.<ref name="WKMG-FDOT">{{Cite news |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/12/12/new-images-show-state-inspection-of-disney-world-monorail/ |title=New images show state inspection of Disney World monorail |last=DeForest |first=Mike |date=December 12, 2024 |website=WKMG News 6 |access-date=December 14, 2024}}</ref> | |||
===Incidents=== | |||
{{Main|List of incidents at Walt Disney World}} | |||
There has only been one fatal incident in the history of the Walt Disney World Monorail System. On July 5, 2009, an ] after Monorail Pink and Monorail Purple collided on the Epcot line near the Transportation and Ticket Center.<ref name="death">{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/05/monorail-crash-at-disney-_n_225869.html |title=Monorail Crash At Disney World Leaves Employee Dead |work=] |access-date=September 25, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402175146/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/05/monorail-crash-at-disney-_n_225869.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref> Before the collision, up to four guests could sit in the front cabin with the operator. After the incident, no passengers are allowed in the operator's cabin. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|Disney|Trains|Florida}} | |||
{{commons|Monorail#Monorail at Disney World|Monorail at Disney World}} | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] (monorail system at ]) | |||
* ] | |||
* ] (monorail system at ]) | |||
* ] (mass transit rail system at ]) | |||
==Notes== | |||
* {{section link|List of incidents at Walt Disney World|Monorail}} | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
==External links== | |||
* {{cite web | |||
{{Commons category|Walt Disney World Monorail System}} | |||
| url = http://www.monorailexpress.com | |||
* {{cite web |url=http://www.monorailexpress.com |title=Monorail Express |work=monorailexpress.com |access-date=August 2, 2006}} | |||
| title = Monorail Express | |||
* {{cite web |url=http://www.nycsubway.org/Disney_World,_Florida |title=Disney World Monorail |work=NYCSubway.org |access-date=August 2, 2006}} | |||
| work = monorailexpress.com | |||
* {{cite web |url=http://wdwhistory.com/Monorail |title=Disney's Monorail |work=WDWHistory.com |access-date=August 2, 2006}} | |||
| accessdate = August 2 | |||
* {{cite web |url=http://www.bigfloridacountry.com/monorail.htm |title=WDW Monorail via BFC |work=bigfloridacountry.com |access-date=August 2, 2006}} | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
* – WDWMagic.com (Unofficial WDW Site) | |||
}} | |||
* {{cite web | |||
| url = http://world.nycsubway.org/us/disney/ | |||
| title = Disney World Monorail | |||
| work = NYCSubway.org | |||
| accessdate = August 2 | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
}} | |||
* {{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.wdwhistory.com/Transportation/Monorail/ | |||
| title = Disney's Monorail | |||
| work = WDWHistory.com | |||
| accessdate = August 2 | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
}} | |||
* {{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.bigfloridacountry.com/monorail.htm | |||
| title = WDW Monorail | |||
| work = bigfloridacountry.com | |||
| accessdate = August 2 | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
}} | |||
{{Walt Disney World}} | |||
{{USpplmver}} | {{USpplmver}} | ||
{{Orlando Roads}} | |||
{{Disney rail transport}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 08:12, 25 December 2024
Transit system in Florida, United States Not to be confused with Disneyland Monorail.
Walt Disney World Monorail System | |
---|---|
Monorail Coral traveling on the Epcot Line in April 2009 | |
Overview | |
Owner | The Walt Disney Company |
Locale | Walt Disney World |
Transit type | Straddle-beam Monorail |
Number of lines | 3 |
Number of stations | 6 |
Daily ridership | 150,000+ |
Annual ridership | ~50,000,000 |
Website | Disney Monorail Transportation |
Operation | |
Began operation | October 1, 1971; 53 years ago (1971-10-01) |
Operator(s) | Disney Transport |
Number of vehicles | 12 |
Train length | 203.5 ft (62.0 m) |
Technical | |
System length | 14.7 mi (23.7 km) |
Electrification | Busbar, 600 V DC |
Average speed | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
Top speed | 40 mph (64 km/h) |
The Walt Disney World Monorail System is a public transit monorail in operation at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando. The resort operates twelve Mark VI monorail trains on three lines of service. The monorail system opened in 1971 with two routes (Magic Kingdom: Resort and Express) and with Mark IV monorail trains. It was expanded to three lines (Magic Kingdom: Resort and Express, plus Epcot) in 1982, and the rolling stock was updated to Mark VI trains in 1989.
As of 2016, the system was one of the most heavily used monorail systems in the world, with over 150,000 daily riders. It is surpassed by the Tokyo Monorail in Tokyo, Japan, which has over 300,000 daily riders; and by the monorail system run by Chongqing Rail Transit in Chongqing, China, which has over 900,000 daily riders on Line 2 and Line 3 combined. The Walt Disney World system therefore is one of the most famous monorails, beside the Disneyland Monorail at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
In 2023, the Florida state government passed legislation authorizing the Florida Department of Transportation to oversee elements of the monorail system – including safety and maintenance, as well as authorized the department to perform routine inspections and compile necessary reports.
Lines, stations, and infrastructure
Walt Disney World |
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Theme parks |
Water parks |
Other attractions and areas |
Resorts |
Affiliated services |
Transport |
The Walt Disney World Monorail spans 14.7 miles (23.7 km), with around 50 million Disney guests traveling on the monorail each year. The system opened with the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, 1971. It initially featured four stations: the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney's Polynesian Resort, the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Contemporary Resort. The Epcot line and station were added during that park's construction, opening on October 1, 1982. The most recent addition was the Grand Floridian station, which was opened in 1988 along with the resort hotel. Since then, no further additions have been made, and no expansions are planned due to prohibitive construction costs, though a legal easement for monorail construction through Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa dating back to 1970 still exists.
There are two distinct routes on the monorail system, with three different services:
- Magic Kingdom Express: The Express service runs counter-clockwise around the outer loop, providing nonstop service between the Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
- Magic Kingdom Resort: The Resort line runs clockwise around the inner loop, and also services the resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon with stops at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
- EPCOT: The Epcot line runs from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Epcot, with trains operating along a single beam on a clockwise loop.
A spur track at Magic Kingdom station connects the Express and Resort lines to the maintenance shop. Another spur connects the Epcot and Express lines and is located northeast of the Transportation and Ticket Center.
The monorail beams, which are made of concrete with a special polystyrene core to lighten their weight, came by train from the state of Washington.
Rolling stock
Specifications
The old (top) and new (bottom) control systems of the Mark VI. The original control system served from 1989 with the introduction of Mark VI Blue until June 2007 when the final train, Blue, was converted to the new LMCU2 system.Walt Disney World Monorail System | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The trains in use since 1989 are Mark VI trains, built by Bombardier Transportation. Each train is 203 ft 6 in (62.03 m) long (consisting of six cars) and can carry 360 passengers. The trains are driven by eight 113 hp (84 kW) motors which are powered by a 600-volt electrical system running through a busbar mounted on each side of the concrete beam. Each train also has seven inverters on board that convert the 600 V DC to 230 V AC for use by the air conditioners and air compressor, and additionally has a battery-backed 37 V DC low-voltage supply that provides power for the train's electronics. The trains are also equipped with a towing knuckle at each end to allow it to be pushed or pulled by a special diesel-powered tractor if need be.
Maximum speed during normal operations is 40 mph (64 km/h), with several speed zones throughout the system with limits ranging from 15 to 40 mph (24 to 64 km/h). These speed limits are strictly enforced by the train's computer and cannot be overridden without the operator engaging a special lockout. Attempting to drive the train too quickly in a given speed zone will result in an "overspeed stop."
Train spacing is maintained by the Moving Blocklight System (MBS), also known as the MAPO system (for "Mary Poppins), which establishes a number of "holdpoints" throughout the system. At any given time, there must be at least two holdpoints between a given train and the train ahead of it. When the train detects that there are fewer than two holdpoints between itself and the preceding train, the emergency brakes are immediately applied and cannot be released until sufficient spacing becomes available or the operator overrides the system. Failure to maintain adequate spacing is known as an "overrun," and is treated as an extremely serious offense.
Below is a list of the models of monorails (and their specifications) that have operated on the Walt Disney World Monorail System:
Mark IV Monorail | |
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Manufacturer | Martin Marietta |
Period of Service | 1971 to 1991 |
Length: | 5 cars: 171 feet (52 m) |
6 cars: 201 feet (61 m) | |
Width: | 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 m) |
Height: | 11 feet 7 inches (3.53 m) (6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) above top of beam) |
Weight: | 5 cars empty: 92,000 pounds (42,000 kg) |
5 cars gross: 122,600 pounds (55,600 kg) | |
6 cars empty: 108,500 pounds (49,200 kg) | |
6 cars gross: 145,100 pounds (65,800 kg) | |
Passenger Capacity: | 5 cars: 40 per car + 4 in the nose = 204 seated |
6 cars: 40 per car + 4 in the nose = 244 seated |
Mark VI Monorail | |
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Manufacturer | Bombardier Transportation |
Period of Service | 1989 to Present |
Length: | 203 feet 6 inches (62.03 m) |
Width: | 8 feet 4.5 inches (2.553 m) |
Headroom: | 6 feet 10.75 inches (2.1019 m) |
Height (from bottom of skirt to top of shell): | 12 feet .5 inches (3.670 m) |
Weight: | 6 cars empty: 92,000 pounds (42,000 kg) |
Passenger capacity: | 20 seated passengers – per car |
40 standing passengers – per car | |
360 people – total train |
Automation
Starting June 22, 2014, the monorail began operating on a different timetable in order to accommodate work to automate the system. Disney stated that the system would provide a more efficient service with enhanced safety, as well as more frequent dispatch of the trains, faster switching times, and monorail arrival information. Pilots are still seated in the front cab, but only supervise the monorail in case of an emergency. Platform attendants operate a control panel to dispatch and operate the monorail system.
Identification
Each train is identified by a colored stripe, and given a name according to that color. The complete list of colors used is below:
- Blue *
- Black *
- Coral *
- Gold *
- Green *
- Lime *
- Orange *
- Peach *
- Pink **
- Purple **
- Red *
- Silver *
- Teal *
- Yellow *
* Identifiable by deltas.
** Retired following July 2009 incident
To help visually identify Green from Lime, Pink from Coral and Blue from Teal, the Lime, Teal, and Coral stripes have trapezoidal "deltas" within the color stripe in between the passenger doors on each car. Originally, Monorail Lime's deltas (and those of the older Mark IV Lime) were painted a dark blue in homage to the original Walt Disney World monorail cast's costume colors (lime and blue), but the colors were changed when the entire monorail fleet was repainted in the early 2000s. In mid December 2018, Monorail Lime's white delta was repainted to the original dark blue scheme following a refurbishment; these were retained following another refurbishment in 2022. Monorails Coral and Teal have white deltas to differentiate them from Monorails Pink and Blue, respectively. Although Monorail Pink was retired from service following its crash with Monorail Purple in July 2009, Monorail Coral retained its White deltas until October 21, 2021.
In November 2009, Disney put Monorail Teal into service. Monorail Teal was built using the undamaged portions of the two trains involved in the July 5, 2009 crash. The colors of the two trains involved, Pink and Purple, were retired from service. The twelfth train, Peach, was placed into service on October 7, 2011, to restore the resort's fleet back to twelve trains. It was assembled using the undamaged center cars from the Purple train, but with new end cabs replacing the damaged sections from the Pink and Purple trains.
Special liveries
In March 2010, Disney debuted Monorail Coral in TRON livery on the Epcot line as part of a marketing plan for Tron: Legacy.
Since the Tron paint scheme in 2010, there have been several other monorail wraps. On March 31, 2012, Monorail Red was converted into a special scheme commemorating the release of The Avengers, similar to the previous promotion for Tron: Legacy. The monorail ran on the Magic Kingdom line and sometimes on the Resort line as the Epcot line loops through the park itself, since Disney is not able to feature specified Marvel characters inside its Florida parks due to Marvel Entertainment's license agreement with Universal Destinations & Experiences that was in place prior to the purchase of Marvel in 2009.
In March 2013, Monorail Black was given a similar conversion to promote the release of Iron Man 3. In April 2013, Monorail Teal was converted into a special scheme commemorating the release of Monsters University. In November 2015, Monorail Black was decorated in Star Wars designs commemorating the release of Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. In February 2016, Monorail Orange was decorated in Zootopia designs and was named the Zootopia Monorail System to reflect the Zootopia Transit Authority, commemorating the release of Zootopia. In June 2018, Monorail Orange was decorated in Incredibles designs to promote the release of Incredibles 2. A year later, Monorail Yellow was decorated with Toy Story characters to promote Toy Story 4. In September 2021, Monorail Gold debuted with a wrap for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary.
Refurbishment
In 2019, all of the monorails were refurbished with new brakes, a new interior, and repainted exterior. Monorails Silver, Green and Black were the first to be refurbished between June and December 2019, and monorail Lime was the last in August 2022. The vast majority of monorails also had deltas added; it is unknown why this was done, since there are no Monorails that are similarly colored, other than Blue and Teal, and Green and Lime.
A simpler list of dates is below:
- Monorail Silver: Returned on June 30, 2019, with black deltas.
- Monorail Green: Returned on October 2, 2019. Received black deltas in July 2023.
- Monorail Black: Returned on December 6, 2019, with red deltas, the same color used for the outlines. Underwent a second refurbishment in December 2022, and repainted with a red pinstripe outline.
- Monorail Peach: Returned July 14, 2020. Black deltas were added in April 2024.
- Monorail Blue: Returned on October 29, 2020, with silver deltas.
- Monorail Red: Returned on February 12, 2021, with black deltas.
- Monorail Orange: Returned on May 17, 2021, with black deltas.
- Monorail Gold: Returned on August 15, 2021,
- Monorail Coral: Returned on October 21, 2021, with teal deltas.
- Monorail Yellow: Returned on December 15, 2021, with black deltas.
- Monorail Teal: Returned on May 28, 2022, with black deltas.
- Monorail Lime: Returned on August 11, 2022.
Pre-recorded announcements
The monorail system uses a set of pre-recorded announcements to instruct and entertain passengers. Prior to departure when the pilot closes the doors, an announcement asks guests to "Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas." One of the most well-known phrases within the resort, it was recorded by Jack Wagner, who was known as "the Voice of Disneyland." During the system's early years, the trains featured Wagner's narration of the sights and scenery along the way, as well as information on special events, the resort, and the monorail system itself. Although his narration has since been replaced, Wagner can still be heard today as the "Please stand clear of the doors" phrase remains with his voice, partly because it is installed on a separate system.
In 1988 following the construction of the Grand Floridian Resort stop, Kevin Miles replaced Jack Wagner as the voiceover. Miles worked in Epcot as part of the 'Voices of Liberty' in the American Adventure pavilion at World Showcase. Sometime before 1998, Disney employee Matt Hanson replaced Kevin Miles, and in 2004 Hanson was replaced by Joe Hursh. Hanson is still with the Walt Disney Company. On April 13, 2012, at around 5:00 EDT, Disney activated a newer version of the monorail narration that features Tom Kane.
Maintenance
Monorail Shop ("Shop" for short) is Disney's monorail maintenance facility located a short distance northeast of the Magic Kingdom, and provides space for up to ten of the twelve Mark VI trains on its upper level, while the bottom level houses the four steam locomotives and passenger cars of the Walt Disney World Railroad in the Magic Kingdom on its west side, and a road vehicle maintenance facility on the east side. On any given night, two to five monorail trains are parked at various stations on the system. On nights where the temperature drops below freezing, two trains will be parked inside the Contemporary Resort; but in practice, trains can be left in any station (even on the express side of a resort station). Trains typically only spend one night out of shop, since routine maintenance is performed nightly. During busy seasons, some trains may be in service for over 24 hours at a time.
The Monorail Shop also has a painting room located on Beam 10 that is elevated 25 feet (7.6 m) off the ground and has a lift mounted on the wall for the painters. It takes anywhere between three and six weeks to paint a monorail train. To access the wheels and underside of the monorail, a portion of Beam 1 inside Shop is removable, primarily used to change load tires.
Severe Weather Protocol
On nights before hurricanes and other severe weather events are predicted to affect the Walt Disney World Resort, three monorails and two service tractors will be left out on the system in case issues occur as a result of the weather. Two trains and a work tractor will be parked inside the Contemporary Resort with the storm doors closed. One train will be parked at Epcot and the work tractor normally stationed on the Epcot Spur will be parked at the Epcot platform of the Transportation and Ticket Center. This way, if any of the switch beams were to go offline, a maintenance team would be able to fix any issues and there would be at least one monorail to transport guests. Monorail service must cease whenever sustained winds are expected to exceed 39 miles per hour (63 km/h) or greater.
Towing
The diesel-powered "work tractors" are the tow trucks of the system, and can tow a train to Monorail Shop, located around the bend from Space Mountain. Monorail Operations at the Walt Disney World resort has three separate tractors (Red, tagged '1'; Blue, tagged '2'; and Green, tagged '3') that allow for the simultaneous towing of three different monorails. In the event of a power failure on one of the monorail lines, the tractors are still operational, as they are powered by on-board diesel engines. When not in use, two of the work tractors will usually be parked at the shed while the third is parked on a small 62 foot (19 m) maintenance spur approximately 1,300 feet (400 m) along the Epcot beam from the Transportation and Ticket Center to allow for faster access to any issues on that part of the system.
Safety
Train safety
Safe train spacing is maintained via a moving blocklight system, referred to as MAPO, installed in the cab of each train. MAPO appears in the top center of the pilot's console and looks similar to a horizontal stop light. There are three lights—green, amber, and red—and a push-button labeled "Override". The term "MAPO" itself comes directly from Walt Disney, who formed a new company to deal with Disneyland's transportation system directly from the profits made by Mary Poppins.
Each monorail beam is divided into blocks based upon pylon numbering. The currently illuminated MAPO color indicates how far ahead the leading train is currently located. A green MAPO shows that the leading train is three or more blocks ahead, amber means two blocks ahead, and red indicates that the next train is in the very next block. A block is roughly between 500 and 1000 feet (about 150 and 300 m) long, although this varies. The start of each block is called a "hold point", as pilots may need to hold their trains at that location until the train ahead moves away. Guests riding in the front cab of a monorail can identify hold points by the yellow reflective tape around a pylon's number and by two yellow reflectors attached to the top outside edges of the monorail beam at that pylon.
For safety, trains must be kept at least two blocks apart during normal operation. A red MAPO indicates that train spacing has become unsafe. When a red MAPO occurs, the train's on-board computer locks out the pilot's propulsion control and applies emergency brakes. The pilot cannot resume control of the train until either the MAPO clears or the pilot presses and holds the MAPO override button.
It is the pilot's responsibility to avoid a red MAPO during normal operation. When the MAPO switches from green to amber, this indicates that the monorail is approaching the train ahead. The pilot must stop the train before crossing into the next block of beam way and hence before the MAPO switches to red. Should a pilot cross the hold point and receive a red MAPO, this counts as a safety demerit against the pilot. If a pilot accumulates three demerits on his/her record within a two-year period, then they will be transferred out of the monorails department and into a different role at Walt Disney World.
Safety tests are performed daily to ensure that the MAPO system is working properly on each train. At the direction of the monorail station conducting the test, each train will intentionally overrun a hold point to verify that a red MAPO occurs and that the emergency brakes activate. Pilots perform tests in forward and reverse when bringing a train onto the system for the first time that day. The indications are called into Monorail Central with the emergency brake pressures.
A red MAPO will also occur when the pilot approaches a section of un-powered beam, a spur line, or a switch beam thrown in the direction of a spur line. Pilots must engage the MAPO override when moving trains through a switch to the spur line. Red MAPOs occurring due to safety tests, switching, or beam power loss do not count as demerits against the pilot.
COVID-19 precautions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Walt Disney World installed plastic dividers to the monorail to isolate guests from potential exposure to COVID-19 and to safely increase monorail capacity. The dividers were placed into four sections capable of sitting about two adults. The plastic was made up of material that was modified to fit onto the existing handrails with zip-ties.
Emergency evacuation
Emergencies requiring train evacuation will be handled differently depending upon the location of the train and the nature of the emergency.
If a train is stopped at a station platform or at the work platform along the Epcot beam, guests can exit the train onto the platform. Exiting a train is possible even when the doors of the train cars are closed. The large rectangular window in the middle of each car is an emergency exit and can be removed from the interior of the car. A cast member outside the car can also manually open the rightmost door panel of the car by releasing the air pressure holding that panel closed. The air pressure release is a handle beneath the rectangular center window that is similar in appearance to a car door handle.
If a train is stopped on an open beam, then guests evacuate through emergency exits located in the roof of the train. Guests open roof hatches by first removing decorative plastic from the ceiling above a bulkhead footstool and then by lifting open a hinged hatch that will flip across the bulkhead dividing two train cars. Guests evacuate to the roof by climbing through the open hatch onto the top of the train. The bulkheads separating cars are designed as firewalls that will contain a fire within a car to just that car. The open hatch allows guests in the affected car to transfer to an adjacent car where they can safely wait for evacuation by fire response crews.
If the emergency affects the entire train, then guests are evacuated to the surface of the beam. Guests again open the emergency roof hatches, but do not simply move to the adjacent car. Instead, they use a small handrail present along the top of each train car to move all the way to the front of the train. The train's pilot can attach a knotted rope to both the top and the base of the windscreen, and guests use the rope to shimmy down the windscreen to the surface of the beam. They finally start walking along the beam away from the train.
Reedy Creek Emergency Services provides fire response and rescue for the Walt Disney World Monorail System and maintains an all-wheel-drive fire truck specially designed for monorail rescue.
Security checks
Since April 2017, bag searches and walk through metal detector checks have been systematically performed on guests before they board the monorail, including at the Transportation and Ticket Center and the three resort monorail stops. The security cordon extension was put in place to reduce congestion at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. Until late 2019, guests taking the monorail to Epcot would need to go through security again at the Epcot entrance, but this was eventually fixed in late 2019 by the relocation of Epcot's main entrance checkpoints.
Platform safety
The Express station at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and both stations at the Magic Kingdom have remotely opened or automated gates that bar riders from approaching the guideway (and, thus, any approaching or departing train) until the operators have determined that it is safe to allow people to board the train. The cast member at the station gives the riders instructions on how to board. The other stations have manually operated gates to serve this function.
All platforms are ADA-accessible. Because the train level is higher than the platform level, a portable ramp must be used to load and unload guests with disabilities at all stations. For many years, the Contemporary Resort station did not have ADA access, but an elevator has since been added to the platform.
State oversight
As part of legislation passed in 2023, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is tasked with certain oversight and regulatory tasks. The department works with Disney staff to ensure proper maintenance and safety of the monorail system through routine inspections as dictated by state law.
Incidents
Main article: List of incidents at Walt Disney WorldThere has only been one fatal incident in the history of the Walt Disney World Monorail System. On July 5, 2009, an operator was killed after Monorail Pink and Monorail Purple collided on the Epcot line near the Transportation and Ticket Center. Before the collision, up to four guests could sit in the front cabin with the operator. After the incident, no passengers are allowed in the operator's cabin.
See also
- Disney Transport
- Disney Resort Line (monorail system at Tokyo Disney Resort)
- Disneyland Monorail (monorail system at Disneyland)
- Disneyland Resort line (mass transit rail system at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort)
- List of incidents at Walt Disney World § Monorail
- List of monorail systems
- Rail transport in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
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{{cite web}}
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- "Monorail Express". monorailexpress.com. Retrieved August 2, 2006.
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- Walt Disney World Monorail System – WDWMagic.com (Unofficial WDW Site)
People mover and monorail systems in the United States | |
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- 1971 establishments in Florida
- Alweg people movers
- Free public transport
- Monorails in the United States
- Passenger rail transportation in Florida
- Rail transport in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
- Railroads of amusement parks in the United States
- Railway lines opened in 1971
- Rapid transit in Florida
- Walt Disney World transit