Front of monorail rides-current update anyone?

[RutgersAlum]

We did it in mid-July leaving MK around 3pm, off-peak time for sure. Had to wait behind just one other family, about five minutes for next monorail. The driver even gave our 4 yr old a business card that said something like "Monorail Driver" and wing-shaped stickers that said "Monorail Driver," was a nice touch.

Go off peak, have fun!

 

[vsimeone]

DH and I did it last week. We were riding the "express" monorail from MK to TTC. We're old farts but there were only just a couple people boarding the monorail. It was the middle of the day. In fact, when we actually got off at EPCOT (after transfering at TTC) we counted a total of 8 people, including us, get off the monorail. We have NEVER seen it as dead as it was while we were there!!!

We got a fuddy duddy driver also. We didn't get a co-pilots license but we're old people. She probably thought we didn't deserve one!

It was fun anyway. Definately ask to do it!!!

 

[Disney4Drew]

I'm hoping DS will get to ride up front during our trip. He is obsessed with trains, so I think he is going to LOVE the monorail!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

GalDisney, you summed up how I think I will feel. I also trust Disney when I do not trust other parks too. If worse comes to worse, I can close my eyes and hang on until the next stop.

RutgersAlum, I love your name as I have a dear friend who is also a Rutgers Alum. I keep running into the name so it must be a very special place and from the information I read that comes from there, very erudite as well.

Thank you everyone for your input. I am looking forward to adding riding the front of the monorail to my 'been there, done that' list as well as several other things this trip. I was able to get an invite to share an Illuminations Cruise the other day. Life is good! Dis people are the best!!

Slightly Goofy

 

[Tam1067]

In July we rode up there so many times I lost count.

We did go in the front to Epcot from the TTC once, and we also rode in the rain once as well (no windshield wipers on it!). Our drivers were all cool except for one woman who didn't speak to the kids or me at all. But most were very friendly.

And if you're ever a passenger and hear the audio repeat itself as if it's stuck, assume it's a certain driver who finds the ride kind of boring and likes to liven it up for his passengers in the cockpit!

 

[Silly Girl]

We just rode on 8/7 (the 1st day at the parks) we were transferring from the TTC to Epcot. No one was getting on the monorail (I was shocked). Anyway, like many have said we did not get the co-pilot cards like we did 3 years ago. I guess now you have to ask for them. Back then they just gave them to you when you got off. This is one of the great, fun things my DH and DD's just love to do when were at WDW.

 

[dreamergirl78]

This is on my list of things to do. I think Ryan (ds8) would get a kick out of it!!! It's a nice little "perk" that doesn't cost anything! Woo Hoo!

 

[tjmw2727]

I have seen people able to get in the front car at the monorail station going to Epcot. In fact, we were standing there, waiting patiently in order to ride in the front car, when I turned my back to say something to my dd, when another family crept into my place. It was too funny.....I guess I could have made a scene but it just wasn't worth it to me. I just turned and said..."Please, go right ahead. I'm sure your children will appreciate it ever so much more than my dd." They were a bit uncomfortable, but I walked away and got into the 'regular' line rather than wait for the next front car seat.

I actually had a friend try to tell me that only people staying at the GF were allowed to ride in the front car!! Of course this is the same woman that tells everyone what a terrific deal concierge at the GF is since they provide 5 meals a day. Anyone is allowed to ride up front...you may have to wait for a bit, but your turn will come. Just ask the CM who is working the monorail station you are at.

That stinks that happened, let me offer some advice for you and those reading:

If you want to ride in the front make sure to ask the CM rather than just waiting toward the front. The CM's like to keep control of who rides up front and reserve the right to spread "pixie dust". Occasionally riding in front isn't available so I recmmend asking CM prior to waiting.

I had the opposite situation of you and I felt awful. We approached the Epcot monorial at the TTC and the CM asked my dd's if they would like to co-pilot. Naturally they were delighted so he escorted us to the front to wait. Unfortunately, a family was waiting toward the front but nobody (the CM's especially) knew they were waiting for the front car. The CM took us to the front when the monorai arrived and that family was yelling and calling us cutters. I offered to skip the front so that their kids could ride with my kids but they were too upset to listen.

On the resort loop your friend is half right. Each of the monorial resorts is assigned a color monorail and guests of that resort have "first dibs" on that monorial. If I am staying at the CR and the front is empy I can ride the entire route if it is a CR monorial. If its empty but a Poly monorial I can ride until or unless someone from the Poly wants to board the front at the Poly.

The express monorails have no such rules but I highly recommend asking the CM if you can ride up front and letting them know you are willing to wait.

HTH
TJ

 

[cabanafrau]

SlightlyGoofy, just wanted to tell you that I wish you a wonderful trip & hope you will let everyone know how much you enjoy your Illuminations cruise!

 

[raven69david]

My family rode Friday night. You are only allowed 4 so I sat in the first car behind them. They really enjoyed it!!

What about 1 year olds? Do they count as a 1 of the 4? I will be going with BIL/SIL and my 22 month old nephew. There will be 6 of us including the babies. Will this be a problem?

 

[tjmw2727]

What about 1 year olds? Do they count as a 1 of the 4? I will be going with BIL/SIL and my 22 month old nephew. There will be 6 of us including the babies. Will this be a problem?

Yes, In my experience they are very strict with the 4 people max rule as well as no-strollers allowed in the the front of the monorail. In your case I would take turns with one family riding in front while the other takes the stroller(s) and rides in a regular car. Hopefully you can work it out so everyone has a chance.

TJ

 

[disneypookies]

On our last visit to the world, we didn't even know we could do that. So we stood at the line waiting for the mono to stop and the DRIVER came out himself and told us to go up and ride with him. It was great, and very nice.

 

[Fainfamily5]

We did it twice on our trip in July!! It was awesome!!!