One thing we love about visiting Disney World is that there’s free transportation that takes us pretty much everywhere at the resort.
The Monorail
There are buses, boats, the Skyliner, and OF COURSE, the Monorail. Now, we love taking the Monorail as it’s so convenient if you’re staying in the Magic Kingdom area, but we do think that this classic Disney transportation could use a few updates, so hear us out.
So here’s what we think the Disney World Monorail desperately needs.
Expansion
Currently, the Disney World Monorail only goes to three hotels (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary) and two parks (EPCOT and Magic Kingdom). We don’t know if Disney ever planned on expanding it, but wouldn’t it be nice if it went further around the resort? Yes, it would take a lot of track to make that happen, but some hotels feel so OUT THERE that they could use a better transportation system than just buses (Coronado Springs, we’re looking at you).
Wouldn’t it be nice if the Monorail went to more places?
Imagine if the Monorail at least went to Disney Springs — that would be a game-changer right there. We doubt this is something that will ever happen, but we can dream.
I Go to Disney World Every Day and I CRINGE When I Hear This on the Monorail
More Theming
If you’ve ever been on the Monorail, it’s, well…it’s so PLAIN. There’s no kind of theming, except that it looks kinda’ modern (but what modern would’ve looked like in the 70s). If you’ve seen photos of the Monorail in Tokyo Disney Resort, it has Mickey theming with Mickey-shaped windows and even Mickey hand holds. Why can’t we get something like that?
It’s so…plain
What might be even more fun is if each Monorail had its own theme, so it would be even easier to tell each train apart. But, yeah, we think the Monorail could use a little freshening up with some fun Disney details.
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More Hand Holds
At the beginning or end of the day, there’s a good bet the Monorail will be crowded and you’ll have to stand up while you’re riding it to a park or back to your hotel. The thing is, the Monorail desperately needs more handholds and poles to hold onto so you don’t go flying around the car while it’s in motion.
We really need more things to hold onto in these cars
This is an easy fix, though — Disney could add this, so we’re making that suggestion right now!
This EPCOT Monorail Hack Feels Illegal (But It Isn’t!)
Digital signs
It kind of blows our mind that Disney hasn’t already thought of this: but why isn’t there a clock or some kind of digital sign that lets us know when the next train is arriving. This could really come in handy if you’re headed to Magic Kingdom from the Transportation and Ticket Center and want to decide if the Monorail or a boat might be faster.
Monorail stations should have digital signs
Even better, why can’t we track the next Monorail in the app? We can get times for buses, so why not the Monorail?
Kiss, Marry, Kill: Magic Kingdom Monorail Hotels
Specific sections for those with special needs
It’s already a little more difficult for people who have strollers or who are in wheelchairs or with ECVs to board the Monorail, but what if there were dedicated spaces for those who need it so they could have their own line to get and off the Monorail, as well as specific sections or cars equipped to handle those who need more space for moving around.
Boarding the Monorail at the Transportation & Ticket Center
It would speed up the boarding process, but would also make it easier for those who need it to get on and off the Monorail.
Only The LUCKIEST Disney Fans Get To See This EPIC MONORAIL HALLWAY!
Better sound system
It is VERY difficult to hear any announcements on the Monorail. We don’t know why all the announcements sound so garbled, but an upgrade is certainly needed.
Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.
We know, we know, it’s almost a rite of American transportation systems to have unintelligible announcements, but Disney could do better.
RARE VIDEO: We Watched TWO Disney World Monorails “Race” Each Other!
Yes, we love the Monorail and it’s one of the most efficient transportation systems in Disney World. But we think it could be even better, so, Disney, we hope you’re paying attention.
We’re Begging Disney World for This Monorail CHANGE
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What do you think? What should Disney World change about the Monorail?
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Well, yeah. EVERYONE wants the WDW Monorail to expand. But it’s around $100 million per mile to do so which is why it hasn’t happened since Disney built Epcot Center back in the early 1980s.
I kinda like the 1970s vibe of the WDW monorail.
You want a clock. Why do we always have to look at a clock? Relax and be patient.
Your suggestions are excellent! I hope Disney is listening. Thank you. You referenced Tokyo Disneyland and this is a resort we have not yet visited. The word on the street is that Tokyo Disneyland is so well done, and operates at such a high standard, it is what Disneyland or Walt Disney World would be like today if Walt Disney were still with us, calling the shots, and advising on the creative and design efforts.
Although a change might be needed for ECVs and strollers, I would hesitate to do it with separate lines. Way too many people already think ECVs get preferential treatment on buses so we do not need more people upset with us on the monorails. Including strollers might help but I do feel it works well with the current system other than 2 people on EVCs, traveling together, cannot ride in the same car section (although they do try to put us in the same car).
Yes please! Intercom is embarrassing! Insides need a desperate refresh too! And I’m really worried about all the new people who will ride it from the new poly tower!! I’ll say the lights on the bottom are fun 🤩
All of your points could be solved by simply redesigning the passenger cars into a single long corridor with seats along the sides of the car. With the benches out of the way more EVs and strollers can fit without having to have special cars.
I also agree with extending the lines but to the EPCOT area hotels so that we can ride to Magic Kingdom.