DaveInTN 3,247 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Yes, they look cool. And yes, they have nostalgic value. But after our recent trip, it's clear to me that the monorails are no longer reliable transportation. And because of the reliability issues with them, and the lack of dependable and timely alternatives, I don't think I'd want to stay at the GF or Poly. The Contemporary at least is within walking distance of the MK. But the alternatives at those resorts, a small launch and the buses, get completely backed up when the monorails are down. For example, one evening INC and I visited the Poly after our dinner at California Grill. Our plan was to do a monorail tour of the Poly and GF, and then return to Cali Grill for the fireworks. However, when we tried to leave the Poly, the monorail line was down because a train died on the beam. They told us it would be a while as they needed to bring in the tractor to push the dead monorail out of the way, and that we could either walk to the GF or TTC, or take a boat to the MK. We walked to the GF, and I figured we'd catch the small boat to the MK and walk to the CR. But because of the monorail issues, the line for the boat was so long we were told it would be 90 minutes before we got on a launch. We bailed on that plan and hurried up to the bus depot, which also had huge lines. But since the buses have so much more capacity than the launches, we were able to get on one that would take us to the MK. From there we ran to the CR and made it up to CG with 5 minutes to spare before the fireworks. We also saw the monorails down on at least 2 other occasions during our stay. So, beware....if you stay at a monorail resort, be prepared for major transportation snafus in the event the monorails go down. Allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination, and know your alternative transportation options before your visit begins. Keep in mind, the best option typically seems to be the buses, but prepare for them to be packed to the gills with sweaty park goers (except buses from the GF....those people don't appear to sweat or smell). BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
geoffdaddy 33 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 On the trip before last, we tried to take the resort monorail over to MK for rope drop after eating Captain Cooks for breakfast, only to end up stuck on the beam for about 20 minutes. Totally missed the rope drop. That said, I still like the Monorail. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beckers 1,136 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 All that money it cost to stay "on the monorail line" I would be soooooo annoyed if the monorail was down. Good thing I am cheap and stay value :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 I'm sure you'll have no argument from any of us! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 ...be prepared for major transportation snafus in the event the monorails go down. Allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination, and know your alternative transportation options before your visit begins. Keep in mind, the best option typically seems to be the buses, but prepare for them to be packed to the gills with sweaty park goers And there's the rub! Because they're still relied upon as a regular source of transportation for the MK resorts, when they go down the burden on buses and boats it's significant. I know they can call in extra buses, but that doesn't mean that it'll happen quickly or easily or that it'll instantly alleviate the backlog. And for those of us not staying at a MK resort but in the middle of a monorail lounge tour, figuring out how to get back to the Fort after a stop or 3 gets even more challenging. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted January 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Had the path between the GF and MK ever been completed, it wouldn't have been a big deal....we could have walked all the way to the CR. My feet are more reliable than any form of Disney transportation. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fotofx....Steve 34 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 The monorails are in the middle of a major upgrade.. Fully automated within the next year. Have to wonder how that is going to work out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 We always ride the monorails. To me it's an attraction. But your right. It's very unreliable. And it's weird. We went to Europe this summer. And the trains are so reliable and easy to use. The monorail isn't that differnet from a regular train. And it's not rocket science. So why can't Disney make it work? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
twiceblessed....nacole 433 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Neat, you betcha. Break down a lot, yep. But what really gets me... is they smell like band-aids. What is that?! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Katman1356...Jason 1,140 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Neat, you betcha. Break down a lot, yep. But what really gets me... is they smell like band-aids. What is that?! Lou would say that's what is holding them together. CCIntrigue...aka Gwen, Travisma, keith_h and 1 other 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Lou would say that's what is holding them together.Now that's funny!!!:rofl:Remind me to give you an up arrow! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AuburnJen 771 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Lou would say that's what is holding them together.There in lies the problem. Look at how much use they have gotten out of them and for how long without a major structural refurb inside and out. I am surprised frankly that the things don't just fall apart on the rails. And realistically, with all the concrete they are pouring at DTD for the "parking decks" (or parking garages as TCD calls them), they could have poured the rest of the line to the parks, and they could have upgraded all the trains. Just MHO. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Lou would say that's what is holding them together. I hope Lou returns! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 There in lies the problem. Look at how much use they have gotten out of them and for how long without a major structural refurb inside and out. I am surprised frankly that the things don't just fall apart on the rails. And realistically, with all the concrete they are pouring at DTD for the "parking decks" (or parking garages as TCD calls them), they could have poured the rest of the line to the parks, and they could have upgraded all the trains. Just MHO. Good post. The monorails are just one of MANY things neglected by the idiots in charge. We need to look no further than the Fort to see how the goal of Disney management is to spend as little as possible on maintenance or improvements and just hope for the best. Could they keep the monorails in tip top shape? Of course. But, they choose not to. More profit for the shareholders and Bobby. That's all that matters to the idiots in charge. (and I'm not the only one who calls them parking garages) :) TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 I hate agree with TCD. Lol. But they're parking garages. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Travisma 1,317 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Think of the millions of people and the hundreds of thousands of miles they have traveled. I'd say their record is pretty amazing. I dont think any municipal system would have held together for so long. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 ... they smell like band-aids. Yes! That's exactly what they smell like. ... they're parking garages. :thumbsup3: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 I hope Lou returns! Me too! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Clark W Griswold 24 Posted January 8, 2015 Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 Those monorails have moved millions of people...I give the maintenance staff credit for keeping them together as long as they have...They DO need replacement...Heck put them on Ebay and they could probably pay for a new fleet with the proceeds! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beckers 1,136 Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 I hate agree with TCD. Lol. But they're parking garages.What else would they be? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 What else would they be?Parking decks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Travisma 1,317 Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 What else would they be?Temporary Automotive Storage Spots TASS Quote Link to post Share on other sites
~Kristina~ 10 Posted January 11, 2015 Report Share Posted January 11, 2015 I heard they were down a lot last month. I agree, replacement or something needs to be done. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DramaMama .......... Janet 75 Posted January 11, 2015 Report Share Posted January 11, 2015 Teal was down today on the TTC to MK line. Had to be pushed off the line. Not sure how long service was out but the ferries from TTC were PACKED. And it was raining. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted January 11, 2015 Report Share Posted January 11, 2015 Teal was down today on the TTC to MK line. Had to be pushed off the line. Not sure how long service was out but the ferries from TTC were PACKED. And it was raining. Ugh. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.