Co-Captain of Monorail?

[TravelinSouth]

I've read a lot on DIS tips that asking to be the co-captain on the monorail is something that has been a favorite of a lot of kids.

How exactly do you go about doing this? Is it hard to get this opportunity? We are not staying on the monorail line, but are eating at a few of the resort restaurants on the monorail. But, in reality, will probably only ride the monorail 2-3 times. Is it likely that I can get my DS's (2 & 4) to have this opportunity?

Thanks

 

[jkcyoung]

We did this last December and my boys (then 2 and 4) loved it. We were having breakfast at Ohana so we took the bus from our resort to the MK. We got in line for the monorail to take it to the poly, it was not crowded because the park was not open yet. I had also read about riding up front, but totally forgot about it. When the monorail pulled up the driver got out and let a family out of the front car and I just aked him if we could ride. It was really cool. Just ask and if no one is in there they will let you ride.

 

[Miss LD]

we were taking it when it wasn't too busy and DS (4) was asking the CM about the different monorail colours. When ours pulled up he asked if DS would like to help drive.
It was amazing - DH was with him. He even got a business card thing that is his monorail license.
Ever since he's told everyone that when he grows up he wants to drive a monorail!

 

[zoemurr]

and did it 4x I think. If you're not in a hurry you can certainly do it. Just ask the CM near the monorail if the front is free. If it is not say, "Can we wait until a free one arrives? My boys would really like to try it." They'll probably have you stand off to the side and let others board. There is certainly a chance you wouldn't have to wait at all, depending on how busy it is. Some of the drivers are much more talkative and friendly than others, and sometimes you will receive a little "co-pilot" card. It's worth waiting for.

Only 4 people can sit up there at a time. My kids were 5/7 and a few times there were 2 people up there and they went by themselves and we sat behind them. (We just told the driver where to let them off.. I see yours would be too young for that.) Have fun!

We'll be there in 6 days!

 

[nilseks]

We saw several children doing it when we were there, so one time we waited in the front line, and when the monorail driver pulled up we asked him and he said NO. He was clearly a very crabby little man. It really ticked me off because my son is soooo into trains and he really just wanted a chance to ride up front. For the rest of the trip he refused to get in the front of the line and let us ask again...he was really crushed. That was our one and only Disney disappointment ever.

But anyway, to answer your question, you just wait at the first 'stall' in the station and ask. And I believe they almost always say yes?

 

[TravelinSouth]

Thank you everyone for your tips. I'm trying to put all my details together in these last few weeks, and your previous experience definately helped. I don't think my boys will mind waiting for that opportunity. I hope we only see nice drivers! They will love this!

 

[crisi]

He was clearly a very crabby little man.

Clearly? Perhaps he had a horrible headache and was just trying to finish his shift. Perhaps he recently had parents who didn't watch their children and had his fill of risking bad parenting for the day (not saying you would have been bad parents, but like "crabby" he can't tell that by looking at you. Perhaps he had a really horrible cold and wanted to make sure you didn't catch it. How about instead of assuming the worst, you take the "no" and assume the driver had his reasons.

 

[crisi]

The technique we've used with the most luck.....When the monorail is pulling up to the station and you'd have to run to get it....don't. Take your dear sweet time with the stroll. Then ask. Chances are pretty good no one else will be waiting (sometimes they will). We've had the least luck on the resort monorails, as there are multiple stops and no guarentee the front will be clear for you

Note the front only seats, I believe, four. So if its more than four of you, someone will need to sit in back. On trips where we've had a bunch of folks, we don't bother to try since SOMEONE will end up disappointed.

 

[bellazachmom]

When we were at WDW last September we noticed signs at the TTC ( and Epcot, I think) that indicated where to wait to ride in the front of the monorail. There were usually a few families waiting there already, and sometimes a train would come in and the front would already have someone in it so it wasn't ever a "sure thing" but by waiting at the sign you knew that you would eventually get to ride with the driver. Does anyone know if the signs are gone?

 

[WallE]

We passed on the opportunity last time and I wished we had done it. It was our first trip and did not know. Our DS was offerred to be the guest conductor at the train at MK. It was truly a magic moment.

 

[nilseks]

Clearly? Perhaps he had a horrible headache and was just trying to finish his shift. Perhaps he recently had parents who didn't watch their children and had his fill of risking bad parenting for the day (not saying you would have been bad parents, but like "crabby" he can't tell that by looking at you. Perhaps he had a really horrible cold and wanted to make sure you didn't catch it. How about instead of assuming the worst, you take the "no" and assume the driver had his reasons.

Wow, sorry my response rattled your cage so much. I could justify why I said he was crabby, because there was more to the story, but I won't, because I don't like to be snarky. I'm just hear to learn and share my experiences. Nothing to get mad about!

 

[heazer]

Geesh! Talk about not assuming the worst of people! I think that is supposed to apply both ways. hehehe

None of us should be scolding each other for our opinions or feelings about our experiences.

Offering a suggestion of what the cast member could have been going through that day is totally appropriate, but a scolding isn't required.