Riding with Monorail Conductor - The DIS Discussion Forums

Smile4Me · 07-20-2009, 11:58 AM

I am not sure if this has been discussed much separately from the unfortunate accident---but does anyone know if they are allowing or are going to start allowing families to ride up front with the conductor on the monorails again?
I would love to do this with our 10 yr old nephew in August...I think he'd get a real kick out of it!
I completely understand if they aren't allowing it anymore though! Safety first!

Thanks in advance!

DisneyDadof3 · 07-20-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smile4Me

I am not sure if this has been discussed much separately from the unfortunate accident---but does anyone know if they are allowing or are going to start allowing families to ride up front with the conductor on the monorails again?
I would love to do this with our 10 yr old nephew in August...I think he'd get a real kick out of it!
I completely understand if they aren't allowing it anymore though! Safety first!

Thanks in advance!

It has been discussed at length and every thread seemingly gets closed.

Smile4Me · 07-20-2009, 12:20 PM

I can understand that. I'm just wondering from anyone that has returned recently if they have continued it because I know they stopped for awhile,,or if its not allowed now permanently.

bpsmit28 · 07-20-2009, 12:24 PM

I just got back from 8 days there on Friday and it was not being allowed at this time. I did hear the guy at the Ohana station discussing it with another family and he said that they will eventually do it again, but probably not until the investigation of the incident that has occurred is concluded. That may be some time from now due to the fact that the mother of the individual who passed away as a result is considering suing Disney. Such a sad situation.

Traveliz · 07-20-2009, 12:25 PM

There are no longer allowing riders up front with the driver.

Liz

Smile4Me · 07-20-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpsmit28

I just got back from 8 days there on Friday and it was not being allowed at this time. I did hear the guy at the Ohana station discussing it with another family and he said that they will eventually do it again, but probably not until the investigation of the incident that has occurred is concluded. That may be some time from now due to the fact that the mother of the individual who passed away as a result is considering suing Disney. Such a sad situation.

Thank you! Thats all I needed to know! Moderators can close this thread now if they'd like!

Sandi · 07-20-2009, 01:25 PM

I was wondering the same thing for our upcoming trip, so I'm glad you asked.

CEO · 07-20-2009, 01:30 PM

Before the thread closes, I'd like to confirm that I was at MK this morning and they are definitely NOT allowing guests to sit in the front.

Tisha_PA · 07-20-2009, 01:42 PM

I read a post on another site from a Disney CM that said they will not be doing it for at least the next 6 months.

lfontaine · 07-20-2009, 02:09 PM

If it isn't safe for guests, it isn't safe for a driver either. I think they'll allow it again sooner than 6 months.

brendaziz · 07-20-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lfontaine

If it isn't safe for guests, it isn't safe for a driver either. I think they'll allow it again sooner than 6 months.

I think the whole point would probably be that the reason it wouldn't be safe for guests to do so would probably in theory be to not distract the driver from their job. Don't know how valid an argument that would be but I assume that would be the thinking behind it.

bradk · 07-20-2009, 03:52 PM

I think it has to do with (a) perception and/or (b) insurance company

until they can explicitly go on the record with what went wrong and virtually guarantee it could never happen again to everyone's satisfaction, it won't be happening. it's either this or you close down the monorail entirely.

although i doubt it's a safety issue, the argument that if it's unsafe for a passenger then it must be unsafe for the pilot doesn't hold much water. realistically speaking, how many forms of transportation allow passengers to sit with the person in charge? there's no obligation on anyone's part that it ever returns. but that shouldn't cast any doubt on the safety element.

the fact also remains that (very fortunately) there were no guests in the front at the time, so guests in front can't factor into what went wrong.

DebbieB · 07-20-2009, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendaziz

I think the whole point would probably be that the reason it wouldn't be safe for guests to do so would probably in theory be to not distract the driver from their job. Don't know how valid an argument that would be but I assume that would be the thinking behind it.

That's what I was thinking.

jiminyfan · 07-20-2009, 10:56 PM

It is my understanding from a conversation with a CM, that they want to give their Monorail pilots some time to mourn and adjust to the situation before having them be faced with questions on the incident and etc. I was called due to the canceling of the Train tour and the guest services rep was amazing.

We talked at length about the reason for the tour cancel (the investigation is in that area and they want to keep it secure), to riding in front of the monorail, to how the CMs are handling a death of a co-worker and every thing in between.

I told her that no matter how much time passes, people will eventually be asking about the accident and she agreed, but said that after some time guests will be allowed upfront once again.

CR Resort Fan 4 Life · 07-21-2009, 12:32 AM

According to this story it's now official that riding up front is no longer allowed.

http://www.wftv.com/news/20072414/detail.html

Disney Implements New Monorail Safety Rules
Posted: 9:12 am EDT July 16, 2009
Updated: 1:48 pm EDT July 16, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Monorail drivers at Walt Disney World have some new procedures to follow. Sources have told Eyewitness News that the theme park has made some safety changes in the wake of the crash that killed 21-year-old pilot Austin Wuennenberg.

Disney will only confirm it has 'supplemented' its safety procedures when it comes to track switches.

However, a former monorail pilot with friends still in the department told Eyewitness News those changes include not allowing passengers in the front cabin with the pilot or letting pilots drive the trains in reverse while on a track switch. Also, a coordinator must now be in the tower at all times.

07-20-2009, 11:58 AM	#1
Smile4Me DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,081	Riding with Monorail Conductor I am not sure if this has been discussed much separately from the unfortunate accident---but does anyone know if they are allowing or are going to start allowing families to ride up front with the conductor on the monorails again? I would love to do this with our 10 yr old nephew in August...I think he'd get a real kick out of it! I completely understand if they aren't allowing it anymore though! Safety first! Thanks in advance! __________________ me, bf, Aug '07-POFQ Aug/Sept '08-AKL Aug '09- OKW nephew, 1st trip to WDW Sept '11- WL anxiously waiting!

07-20-2009, 12:20 PM	#3
Smile4Me DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,081	I can understand that. I'm just wondering from anyone that has returned recently if they have continued it because I know they stopped for awhile,,or if its not allowed now permanently. __________________ me, bf, Aug '07-POFQ Aug/Sept '08-AKL Aug '09- OKW nephew, 1st trip to WDW Sept '11- WL anxiously waiting!

07-20-2009, 01:25 PM	#7
Sandi A proud Spartans fan! Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: East Lansing, Michigan USA Posts: 2,425	I was wondering the same thing for our upcoming trip, so I'm glad you asked. __________________ Have a Disney Day! -Sandi Proud Spartan

07-20-2009, 01:30 PM	#8
CEO Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 92	Definitely not Before the thread closes, I'd like to confirm that I was at MK this morning and they are definitely NOT allowing guests to sit in the front.

07-20-2009, 02:09 PM	#10
lfontaine Hakuna Matata!!! Just keep swimming!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: It ain't WDW like I want it to be! Posts: 3,061	If it isn't safe for guests, it isn't safe for a driver either. I think they'll allow it again sooner than 6 months. __________________ 1974? - offsite * 1982? - offsite * 1/1990 - offsite * 11/1995 - Grand Floridian * 11/1996 - Polynesian * 10/1997 - Contemporary * 08/1998 - DL * 11/1999 - Boardwalk Inn * 12/2001 - Animal Kingdom Lodge * 02/2004 - Wilderness Lodge * 11/2004 - Port Orleans French Quarter * 8/2005 - DL Bonus Trip! * 11/2005 - Grand Floridian * 11/2006 - Yacht Club * 11/2007 - Polynesian * 11/2008 - Boardwalk Inn * 5/2009 - DL Grand Californian * 12/2009 - Wilderness Lodge

Sponsored Links
DIS ad Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000+	<div align="center">This information cannot be displayed because your browser does not support inline frames.<a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com">Click Here</a> </div>

07-20-2009, 12:24 PM	#4
bpsmit28 Earning My Ears Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 12	I just got back from 8 days there on Friday and it was not being allowed at this time. I did hear the guy at the Ohana station discussing it with another family and he said that they will eventually do it again, but probably not until the investigation of the incident that has occurred is concluded. That may be some time from now due to the fact that the mother of the individual who passed away as a result is considering suing Disney. Such a sad situation.

07-20-2009, 12:25 PM	#5
Traveliz DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 4,974	There are no longer allowing riders up front with the driver. Liz

07-20-2009, 01:42 PM	#9
Tisha_PA DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Western PA Posts: 690	I read a post on another site from a Disney CM that said they will not be doing it for at least the next 6 months.

07-20-2009, 03:52 PM	#12
bradk She runs to get away from you. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 18,134	I think it has to do with (a) perception and/or (b) insurance company until they can explicitly go on the record with what went wrong and virtually guarantee it could never happen again to everyone's satisfaction, it won't be happening. it's either this or you close down the monorail entirely. although i doubt it's a safety issue, the argument that if it's unsafe for a passenger then it must be unsafe for the pilot doesn't hold much water. realistically speaking, how many forms of transportation allow passengers to sit with the person in charge? there's no obligation on anyone's part that it ever returns. but that shouldn't cast any doubt on the safety element. the fact also remains that (very fortunately) there were no guests in the front at the time, so guests in front can't factor into what went wrong. __________________ Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter with Tiana

07-20-2009, 10:56 PM	#14
jiminyfan Daddy, Dreamer and WDWnut Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Palmyra, PA,USA Posts: 823	not for a while It is my understanding from a conversation with a CM, that they want to give their Monorail pilots some time to mourn and adjust to the situation before having them be faced with questions on the incident and etc. I was called due to the canceling of the Train tour and the guest services rep was amazing. We talked at length about the reason for the tour cancel (the investigation is in that area and they want to keep it secure), to riding in front of the monorail, to how the CMs are handling a death of a co-worker and every thing in between. I told her that no matter how much time passes, people will eventually be asking about the accident and she agreed, but said that after some time guests will be allowed upfront once again. __________________ DavE Jiminyfan 2010 plans in place and three more WDW trips June/July - 4th celebration End of August - Free food comeback offer October - Food and Wine Fest

07-21-2009, 12:32 AM	#15
CR Resort Fan 4 Life DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 24,932	According to this story it's now official that riding up front is no longer allowed. http://www.wftv.com/news/20072414/detail.html Disney Implements New Monorail Safety Rules Posted: 9:12 am EDT July 16, 2009 Updated: 1:48 pm EDT July 16, 2009 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Monorail drivers at Walt Disney World have some new procedures to follow. Sources have told Eyewitness News that the theme park has made some safety changes in the wake of the crash that killed 21-year-old pilot Austin Wuennenberg. Disney will only confirm it has 'supplemented' its safety procedures when it comes to track switches. However, a former monorail pilot with friends still in the department told Eyewitness News those changes include not allowing passengers in the front cabin with the pilot or letting pilots drive the trains in reverse while on a track switch. Also, a coordinator must now be in the tower at all times. __________________ Next Vacation To Walt Disney World 08/10/2010 - 08/20/2010: Disney's Contemporary Resort - Bay Lake View - Atrium Club.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Rip, Ride, Rockit!	OrlandoMagic	Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure Forums	815	01-05-2010 02:48 PM
Long car ride with kids.. activities????	Hidden_Mickey	Community Board	31	08-04-2009 11:17 PM
Splash Mountain - 6 Yr Old Won't Ride	dano164	Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies	95	07-21-2009 04:44 PM
Ride questions	lynnanddbyz	Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies	6	07-21-2009 08:09 AM
Haunted Carriage Ride	larae1983	Camping at Disney World	2	07-20-2009 08:32 AM