Monorail experience

[maximom]

Just want to remind everyone to ALWAYS ask if you can ride up front with the pilot. Out of 4 trips to MK (2 in; 2 out) we asked and were allowed up front on 3 of them, I didn't think to ask the first time. DS5, DS17 and DH (aka scrooge) all really enjoyed it and were very impressed by the fact that others were looking at us like "why are they so special". Plus DS got the little co-pilot licence!

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

We've ridden in the front of the monorail twice ..... both times from the T&TC to EPCOT ..... I nice looooong ride!

It's a really neat experience!

Debbie

 

[5wdwnutz]

We rode in the front last August. Unfortunately DH missed out and sat in the regular seating area..only 4 allowed in the front.

Kids really enjoyed it and also go the co-pilot license.

 

[Horizons16]

LOVE to get in the front of the monorail... what can i say im a big kid.

 

[Scoobmuzic]

This is a must do on every trip!! We have ridden up front numerous times.

It's just one of those things that it pays to open your mouth and ASK!!!

It's great when you get a CM who is willing to talk about WDW although we have ridden with one who could not have cared less, that's rare though.

 

[tassie42]

When we were there in April we didn't have to ask. They asked us! it was a great surprise and a cool experience! all three kids got there copilots licenses!

 

[baileybaby]

Who do you ask to ride up front? Do you have to be first on?

 

[lovmy2girls]

Scoobmuzic, I know what you mean about one who is not willing to talk about WDW. Our first ride up front with a real tight lip, my husband tried to talk to him and he was not friendly at all. Getting him to even acknowledge we were in the same cabin was like pulling teeth. My two girls tried to talk too but he did not try to talk to them more than he had to. The next one we got spilled his guts out so to speak. He went on and on, wish we could have spent more time with him. He had been there over 26 years. Loves WDW and Walt's vision. He was a pleasure to talk to.

 

[GarrettJD]

When you get to the monorail load platform, just ask the attendant if there's room to ride up front.

We did this on our last trip taking thr resort monorail from the MK to the Poly for dinner at 'Ohana. It was fun, and a great view. We even got copilot licenses (and we were 2 adults with no kids in tow )

 

[Scoobmuzic]

lovmy2girls: My boyfriend is great about getting the CM's to talk about WDW because he loves all things Disney and he just has that kind of personality This time he couldn't seem to get the monorail driver's interest in anything. We felt like we were bothering him! Thank goodness it's not the norm!

 

[Aimeedyan]

We've only had a couple of monorail "scrooge" drivers on our many trips upfront... USUALLY they are nice and chatty. =)

 

[classicpooh]

Just rode up front on Monday... the kids loved it, got their co-pilot's license and thought it was really cool. Our pilot did not say anything to us, but storms were moving in and the kids were enthralled by the experience.
We got on @ the Grand Floridian... We waited about 4-5 trains for the front to be open. I asked the CM @ the monorail gate if it was okay if we waited for the front car and she said it would not be a problem. Our patience persisted!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Just a few notes on drivers...

They are actually driving the train, and there are times when they need to be paying attention to the driving and listening to the 2-way radio, and not chatting with the guests on board. Driving the train is more than moving a stick back and forth, they need to be aware of where the other trains are on the beam, and events happening over the radio.

A few notes on riding up front...

You may always ask, but it's never a guaranteed thing. Front cab is on a first come first serve basis. There are times when loading of the front cab is not available. Only four (4) guests are permitted in the front. (an infant counts as a person) On the Resort monorail, depending on the ownership of the train you board, you may be asked to move to the back to allow others the chance to ride in the front.

 

[bunnyfoo]

For the MK monorail ... which colours correspond to which resort ... TIA

 

[pilotmono]

The train color lineup is different every day determined by leave-outs and the order they come out of the shop.

Some drivers are more outgoing than others, but Tyler is correct, there is much going on that requires a certain amount of focus:

--The train will stop automatically is speed limits are exceeded.
--Many panel indications have audible alerts that require focus.
--Knowing where the train ahead is at all times prevents safety violations.
--The train ahead will radio problems of which there are many so the radio must be monitored.
--The train talks and problems can be anticipated by keeping a sharp ear out for train noises.
--The most diffcult part of driving, with everything else going on, is remembering what color train one is driving so when called on the radio one can respond right away (very important for safety and professional reasons).

If the driver (or pilot) engages the Guests in conversation, the above issues are under control, otherwise it is best to keep quiet and enjoy the ride.