Monorail Front Rides - GONE!

[mdsd8700]

Although I miss riding in the front of the monorail very much, I understand the reason we cannot. I am glad that both my kids rode in the front several times over the years and we have both pictures and video of it. It is most definately a magical memory!

 

[DisneyChristmas]

We were at MK on NYE for the Millennium. The following morning, because I wanted to be sure to get the New Year's Day pin, I took the monorail from the Poly to MK just before 7 am (all by myself) I had a chance to sit in the driver's cab. As we were underway, the sun was rising and I took some video.

First sunrise of the new millennium from the driver's cab of the monorail.

Dumb luck...but so memorable.

 

[mmjm]

Missytara, thanks for the link. It was an unfortunate accident but I don't think they should restrict the use of the front car. I remember when we were able to ride in the front car with our two kids (3 and 5 yr) one evening for the entire TTC-EPCOT loop, it was a great ride and the kids loved it! It's a shame others can't enjoy it anymore.

 

[TDC Nala]

There was someone who said they were a monorail pilot on the board awhile back, who reported some of the things guests were saying to cast members about the accident. Some of the reported comments were UNBELIEVABLE. I imagine it could be as much about keeping the guests away from the pilots as it is about possible safety of the guests.

 

[rock_doctor]

No rides up there since the crash.

According to Disney, the monorail is safe. There won't be another crash. No cause for concern.

But they won't put anyone in the very safe area.

Gotta love Disney.

Swinging wildly to the other side of the fence is pretty common these days in reaction to an event. I think once people forget it happened and Disney knows the fans want to still do this, they will allow it again. Back in the 70s they use to let you actually drive the monorails.... Welcome to the highly litigious world we live in. Remember we live in a world where they have to put on a bottle of shampoo "do not use internally"....

 

[Lynne M]

Swinging wildly to the other side of the fence is pretty common these days in reaction to an event. I think once people forget it happened and Disney knows the fans want to still do this, they will allow it again. Back in the 70s they use to let you actually drive the monorails.... Welcome to the highly litigious world we live in. Remember we live in a world where they have to put on a bottle of shampoo "do not use internally"....

I doubt if guests will be able to ride up front at any time in the foreseeable future. It's not entirely Disney's choice; I'll bet their insurer has said that guests can no longer be in the front cabin. I wouldn't expect that to change any time soon.

 

[hannah_03]

Awww... well I'm glad we got to enjoy this at least once while they did it.

 

[wcpamotm]

I think rides in the front cabin will be allowed again... sometime after swimming in the lakes is once again allowed.

 

[thej]

We are just very happy that DS & Spouse got to ride in the front on his first visit a few years back. I had done it in the 80s, and was actually surprised they were still allowing it a couple years back.

 

[Missytara]

I think rides in the front cabin will be allowed again... sometime after swimming in the lakes is once again allowed.

I have to agree with that one!

No matter what anyone says about putting safety measures in place, there is still the element of human error, which did play a role in the accident.

I doubt the people who provide Disney's insurance do not want to take the liability.

I am sure the CM's would rather not have to deal with the questions and comments. Can you imagine if they did re-open the front of the monorail, and the poor CM's would have to listen to a hundred people a day ask them.....

"So, are YOU sure it is safe?"

Best left as it is, out of respect to the CM's and to the memory of Austin.

 

[CtinaDitty]

I remember the day that the monorail crashed. I wasn't there, but I do remember reading about it and sending thoughts and prayers their way. I had the opportunity to ride in the front once. I was even given the "co-captain" pin! It was an amazing experience.

But, like others I can totally understand Disney's hesitance to let guests back in the front cabin. Who knows... Maybe one day they will.

 

[kaligal]

Oh please, bashing Disney about this issue? They had an accident that killed a CM and if there had been a family in there would have killed them as well! It's already known that if something goes wrong it isn't a safe area. Since you know that if you put someone who is not required in the area and something does happen you have abolutely no defense. Maybe this accident's specific chain of causation may not occur again just like planes, a different chain of causation could occur. No safety person will ever say that it could never happen again.

It is about liabilty and insurability and that's why the rides haven't returned not something underhanded about Disney.

I'm not bashing Disney, I'm laughing at them.

It's funny.

I know why they won't let people ride up there. They don't want the loss of revenue that comes with the bad PR and having to pay out in the lawsuits when the thing crashes again. Duh.

So, it's funny when they claim that it is safe, but don't allow anyone to ride in the very safe area. Funny/ironic, chuckle; not funny/ha-ha-ha, bust a gut. And it is typical Disney.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I know a senior manager who is in monorails.
2) The accident was a tragedy.
3) But, only an excuse for forbidding front-cab-riders.
4) It had been on the agenda for a while.
. . . so many talked it interfered with the driver *
. . . there have been arguments about people who wanted to ride
. . . sometimes guests would yell at CM's about riding
5) It was something that just simply had gotten out of hand.
6) It is a shame.

* At WDW, the drivers are far busier than at Disneyland.
They need much more attention to the track and conditions.
There are lots of slow ups and stopping along the track.
When distracted, it could lead to a major accident.