A replacement for monorails and buses?

[sachilles]

Yeah its called a parking expansion and its already open. Speedway is completely gone.

Whoa, that didn't take long.

 

[Josh Hendy]

But there's a long term plan involving new lanes, an overpass etc. in the area of the MK toll booths, right?

 

[rteetz]

But there's a long term plan involving new lanes, an overpass etc. in the area of the MK toll booths, right?

Yes that work hasn't started yet as far as I know.

 

[zaccaglin]

Yes that work hasn't started yet as far as I know.

They have began surveying and core samples but no official ground breaking yet. Ranger construction still has all their equipment and offices onsite from the parking expansion so they may be starting the toll plaza remodel after the holidays.

 

[DavisVacationer]

I recently heard on the Disney Dish Podcast w/ Jim Hill that he thinks the Mouse will be building a new TTC sometime in the near future anyway that isn't as close to the Poly as it currently is, which doesn't allow them to expand the resort- esp. with the new Bora Bora Bungalows.

Also the fact that the TTC was built in 1971 with a refurb in 1982 (for the Epcot expansion) and ungrades here and there in the mid 90's. The entire resort needs a new centalized TTC for the parks, and maybe this new area makes it easier for guests to get from parking lots to Monorail/Watercraft/Bus. Would love to see them do a pilot expansion to the Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk Resort Area, then to DHS eventually. Make all the Deluxe resort hotels on the monorail line. Bring in AKL down the road too?

I've got to think that Disney has looked at the cost and fesability of replacing the monorail cars. They are really iconic, but getting long in the tooth, and need a refurb (interiors) pretty badly IMO.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I recently heard on the Disney Dish Podcast w/ Jim Hill that he thinks the Mouse will be building a new TTC sometime in the near future anyway that isn't as close to the Poly as it currently is, which doesn't allow them to expand the resort- esp. with the new Bora Bora Bungalows.

Also the fact that the TTC was built in 1971 with a refurb in 1982 (for the Epcot expansion) and ungrades here and there in the mid 90's. The entire resort needs a new centalized TTC for the parks, and maybe this new area makes it easier for guests to get from parking lots to Monorail/Watercraft/Bus. Would love to see them do a pilot expansion to the Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk Resort Area, then to DHS eventually. Make all the Deluxe resort hotels on the monorail line. Bring in AKL down the road too?

I've got to think that Disney has looked at the cost and fesability of replacing the monorail cars. They are really iconic, but getting long in the tooth, and need a refurb (interiors) pretty badly IMO.

All of those things make sense (even from Jim hill)...

More DVC space is always gonna be a priority - they don't need to say it...it's true.

The monorails in particular...need a long term plan. They can't use them as such workhorses without incurring large costs over time. They have been very hesitant to continue the system as currently constructed by investing in new trains.

But I think the TTC itself is obselete. The design of the "approach" to the park over water and using a satellite lot and heavy transport is way outdated. It was meant to be "majestic"...now it's "expensive"

I think they would be wise to relocate the lot and rework the magic kingdom area altogether. There's a lot of angles that make sense that way.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

In order to "expand" the monorail...they would have to completely replace it.

That is 1950s/1960s technology that is incredibly expensive to build. It's not energy efficient or modern by any measure. While fairly dependable...it is a one trick pony and offers little variability/dependability. It has a large overhead team of "Doctors" that takes care of the trains and tracks almost literally around the clock.

It's day has somewhat "passed". That type of thing is an obsession of sorts for people named "disney"...and they are beyond gone now.

 

[manning]

It is possible to do if:

Not too expensive to build
Figure out a way to have the stops on spurs so main line can move at constant speed. that is figure out where the car should stop. Possibly passenger punches in destination.

The system can be built lower to allow easier maintenance and removing of passengers.
Also each unit should have motors strong enough to push disabled units. This way units can be pushed by the unit behind to a maintenance spur (of course the disabled unit should be pushed to a station first to unload then go on). This should solve the problem that exists with the monorail. One unit goes down and they all are stopped until it is removed. What I see of the one in the park switching can be accomplish. The spot were the tracks splits.

Come to think of it there is a system in use at Heatherow airport.

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...irport.&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-004

 

[manning]

.

 

[manning]

It is possible to do if:

Not too expensive to build
Figure out a way to have the stops on spurs so main line can move at constant speed. that is figure out where the car should stop. Possibly passenger punches in destination.

The system can be built lower to allow easier maintenance and removing of passengers.
Also each unit should have motors strong enough to push disabled units. This way units can be pushed by the unit behind to a maintenance spur (of course the disabled unit should be pushed to a station first to unload then go on). This should solve the problem that exists with the monorail. One unit goes down and they all are stopped until it is removed. What I see of the one in the park switching can be accomplish. The spot were the tracks splits.

Come to think of it there is a system in use at Heatherow airport.

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...irport.&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-004

[/QUOTE]

 

[manning]

It is possible to do if:

Not too expensive to build
Figure out a way to have the stops on spurs so main line can move at constant speed. that is figure out where the car should stop. Possibly passenger punches in destination.

The system can be built lower to allow easier maintenance and removing of passengers.
Also each unit should have motors strong enough to push disabled units. This way units can be pushed by the unit behind to a maintenance spur (of course the disabled unit should be pushed to a station first to unload then go on). This should solve the problem that exists with the monorail. One unit goes down and they all are stopped until it is removed. What I see of the one in the park switching can be accomplish. The spot were the tracks splits.

Come to think of it there is a system in use at Heatherow airport.

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...irport.&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-004

 

[zaccaglin]

I recently heard on the Disney Dish Podcast w/ Jim Hill that he thinks the Mouse will be building a new TTC sometime in the near future anyway that isn't as close to the Poly as it currently is, which doesn't allow them to expand the resort- esp. with the new Bora Bora Bungalows.

Also the fact that the TTC was built in 1971 with a refurb in 1982 (for the Epcot expansion) and ungrades here and there in the mid 90's. The entire resort needs a new centalized TTC for the parks, and maybe this new area makes it easier for guests to get from parking lots to Monorail/Watercraft/Bus. Would love to see them do a pilot expansion to the Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk Resort Area, then to DHS eventually. Make all the Deluxe resort hotels on the monorail line. Bring in AKL down the road too?

I've got to think that Disney has looked at the cost and fesability of replacing the monorail cars. They are really iconic, but getting long in the tooth, and need a refurb (interiors) pretty badly IMO.

All good points however the rail system and TTC is undergoing many changes to its current sitting as we speak. The train platform itself has been undergoing new emergency exits, and what appears to be lighting and fire system upgrades in the ceiling. Holes in the ceiling near existing lights and new fire alarms can be seen from multiple cuts and plywood patches/discoloration of paint. I've also heard talk that the cast building on the left side of TTC next to the poly has been remodeled throughout the inside. I don't see them taking any of the above down or out in the next 5-10 years after dumping so much money into it.

Then there's the trains, yes they are iconic. And I'm sure they've budgeted new trains, however they are currently trying a new semi automation system on them. I'm assuming as a test and break in on what could possibly be on new trains? Only time will tell there.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

the Mouse will be building a new TTC sometime in the near future

1) From what we have been told, the new TTC is under construction on the right side of World Drive as you approach MK.
2) There is a lot of earth-moving equipment scarfing the land and doing dirt-fill.
3) Looks big enough for a TTC, but cannot know for sure until the OFFIICAL word is published.

 

[Eoghann]

But I think the TTC itself is obselete. The design of the "approach" to the park over water and using a satellite lot and heavy transport is way outdated. It was meant to be "majestic"...now it's "expensive"

It's an impressive sight the very first time you go, no doubt about it. But there are a lot of negatives, not least of which is how much longer it makes actually getting into the park.

 

[Maineiak]

It's an impressive sight the very first time you go, no doubt about it. But there are a lot of negatives, not least of which is how much longer it makes actually getting into the park.

I have to agree with this. On our recent trip back over late November, it took us 90 minutes from departure of the Disney Springs Hilton to passing through security at MK. Part of that was our bus driver took a longer route for some reason...but aside from that, from bus departure to passing the turnstiles (I know they're not turnstiles anymore) was close to an hour. The monorail was down and they were funneling people to the ferry. From there, the line to get through security was backed up almost to the ferry unloading dock. It created quite a mess.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

1) From what we have been told, the new TTC is under construction on the right side of World Drive as you approach MK.
2) There is a lot of earth-moving equipment scarfing the land and doing dirt-fill.
3) Looks big enough for a TTC, but cannot know for sure until the OFFIICAL word is published.

Interesting...if anyone could nab a picture or two I'd like to see it?

 

[cranbiz]

1) From what we have been told, the new TTC is under construction on the right side of World Drive as you approach MK.
2) There is a lot of earth-moving equipment scarfing the land and doing dirt-fill.
3) Looks big enough for a TTC, but cannot know for sure until the OFFIICAL word is published.

Interesting...if anyone could nab a picture or two I'd like to see it?

You and me both. Before Seven Seas Dr or after? If after, before or after the water bridge?

 

[sachilles]

Makes no sense to be between 7 seas dr and the water bridge, doesn't accomplish much.

 

[LeeAndRobin]

1) From what we have been told, the new TTC is under construction on the right side of World Drive as you approach MK.
2) There is a lot of earth-moving equipment scarfing the land and doing dirt-fill.
3) Looks big enough for a TTC, but cannot know for sure until the OFFIICAL word is published.

We saw this construction when we were there back in late Sept/early Oct. I wondered what it could possibly be at the time, as I had heard nothing whatsoever about it. Now I guess I know.

Edit: Can't be a new TTC where we saw the construction. What we saw was just before Epcot Center Drive, but that makes no sense for a TTC.

Final edit: On further investigation, it looks like what we saw was construction related to the new solar farm.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The "TTC" concept only really made sense in the Magic kingdom/Epcot world.

The monorails basically became a museum piece during the Disney decade...when 20,000 onsite rooms popped up and flying became pretty standard.

Remember That was built for a driving public and was the ticket booths.

If not for the monorails...it would probably be mostly gone already