Have you ever asked to ride with the monorail driver?

[DisneyNutMary]

Last summer, when we were going from the TTC to Epcot, I asked the CM at the station if we could ride up front. It was empty so he said 4 people could ride up front, so I took my DS and my niece and nephew. It was really cool. They loved the view from up there

 

[bunnyfoo]

... does anyone have a picture of what they looked like? I'm thinking that I could have used them in my scrapbook ... I should have asked for one Oh well.

 

[S. C.]

We rode up front 3 times last july. We got to WDW a day early was lucky enough to add on a night at the resort with a continuation of stay, that way we kept the same room.

Since we didn't have tickets to the parks till the following day with the package we decided to ride the monorail. It was not crowded and we rode in front with the pilot 3 times. I agree the ride from MK to epcot was the best, it was just getting dark and everything was lite up. We had one very informative driver who gave us alot of info on the monorails & the training that he took, at the end of the ride I asked could i take a picture of him with our GS. He let our GS sit in his seat and stood next to him for the pic. GS also got a co-pilots liscense. All the drivers were friendly, just not all talkative.

 

[JOC]

We rode the full EPCOT loop in April 2002 and from the MK to the Polynesian in December; got the co-pilot's license both times.

 

[cgcw]

This is one of our favorite things to do. We always make time to wait for a turn in the front. It's a great vantage point and the kids really love it.

With the exception of a few, it seems like most of the pilots don't care to be pleasant and exchange small talk. We've had the experience where they don't acknowledge us or even make eye contact. I hate when they do this to my kids who are just looking at them in awe. Seems to me that they would enjoy doing this with guests. And, I'm really kind of surprised that the emphasis for a special type of personality to do this job isn't made through Disney. JMHO.

 

[bobcat]

We have had both talkative drivers and those who didn't say a word. It was fun either way. Remember this is their job and they are driving the monorail, it doesn't drive itself. Just as you will have bus drivers that are very personable and seem to go above and beyond and then you have bus drivers that don't even acknowledge there are people on board.

I love the MK to Epcot loop!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Extra monorail co-pilot cards are kept in a small cardholder located on the wall behind the driver and to their left. It is pretty much self-serve...

 

[NomadFamily]

We rode up front today! It was fun. Our driver was great. Only DD5 and I were waiting for the front when the monorail pulled up, and we had asked in advance if we could sit up front. Once we boarded, a coupld of other children jumped in and the platform CM got a little angry and them for not asking and was ready to eject them, but the monorail driver put his finger up to his lips (as if to say shhhhh to the platform CM) and said "it's alright" in a very warm, quiet voice...and smiled at the kids. Then he proceeded to tell us about how fat the monorail can go and kept us up on his current speed. Without us asking, he haded us the drivers license at the end. it was a nice experience.

 

[DisneyCP2002]

I rode up front with the drivier many times while I was down there last year. I loved it and since it was usually only me I always shared the ride with others because I hated being the only one riding up front. Always ask and unless it's bad weather they will usually try and comply with your request.

 

[Virgo10]

I've done this many times. My most memorable trip was being up front with only the driver and her supervisor. The driver was a trainee and we went from the MK to EPCOT. It was great talking to the lady training her. I got a lot of information about how the monorail runs and the view.... it can't be beat!

Roberta

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi NomadFamily.

he proceeded to tell us about how fat the monorail can go

I thought the monorail was looking a little chunky lately...

 

[scakul]

We've done it twice and it was really fun. Once it was during a big thunderstorm. It was amazing to see it from the front. We waited to ask until non-peak times, like early evening and didn't have to wait.

 

[Wampy2]

We are a family of four, but the youngest will be in stroller (umbrella), will they let us ride up front with her in it? I guess we could also fold it up but was just wondering if they'd frown upon it, don't know what it looks like up there?

Thanks!

 

[mom2of2]

We took our stroller on. Have a look see....
This is a pic of the stroller from the stroller swap riding in the front of the monorail!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1459&papass=&sort=1&thecat=998

 

[Uncle Scar]

If you get a chance to ride up front do it. It's worth the wait and is fun for the kids (and big kids too).

We 've done it several times and keep planning to do it each time we go.

The pilots have been very nice and shared stories/information that's been interesting and helpful.

 

[Mike]

I was reading this thread and the Trans and Ticket Spiel from the monorail started to play on Florida Project Radio. Funny coincidence! Talk about putting you in the mood - I got the visual from the great descriptions and the audio to go along with it. Is it August yet?!?!?!?!?

 

[fklhou]

We have done this several times. If you stay at the Poly, the GF or the Contempary, talk to the CM and see if they know if the monorail will be adding passengers in the front compartment on that ride. It is not too hard to get on one of the trains going to the monorail resort hotels.

If you are not staying at a monorail resort hotel, then timing is everything, Again, talk to the CM.

Good luck

 

[jilljill]

Originally posted by Buckaroo's Dad
Hi NomadFamily.




I thought the monorail was looking a little chunky lately...

BD,
You are too funny!!!

 

[nataliesdaddy]

yep - this is a magical experience for a youngster - she got a big kick out of it -

 

[Ratpack]

Riding up front is a must do. Last we did it for the first time and it was great. We did the MK loop. All the drivers signed DD's autograph book and some drew crazy monorail pics in it. Then at the last stop they let DD sit at the controls for photos and gave all of us a monorail co pilot's license. A great way to start our vacation.