Riding Monorail- just to ride the Monorail

[campinggal]

Hi All!

Just curious- we are staying at the WL and having dinner the first night at Chef Mickey's. I know we can take a boat from WL to Contemporary. However, I would love to be able to ride the Monorail for the complete loop after dinner- and maybe even snag the front with the driver. I thought it would be a fun first night thing to do with DD to get the 'lay of the land'. If we do luck out and get up front, will we be able to ride up front for the complete loop?

Also, how frequently do Monorails come by when one is waiting at a stop?

Thanks!

 

[ducklite]

Unless you are going at a really slow time, you're chances of making the complete loop up front aren't all that good. It just depends on who wants to get on.

I've never waited more than about 15 minutes for a monorail, normally they seem to run every five to ten.

Have fun!

Anne

 

[ncbyrne]

There are three separate loops, with two going to the MK and one to Epcot. Two of the loops are side by side, with the monorails operating in opposite directions. One stops only at the MK and TTC, while the other stops there and at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary. The third loop travels between the TTC and Epcot, and makes a loop through the Future World portion of Epcot before stopping to allow passengers to disembark. If you want to ride the monorail to Epcot, you will have to change trains at the TTC.
The different monorail trains are identified by the color of the strip along the side of the vehicle, and each can travel both forward and in reverse.
Up to four passengers at a time can ride up front with the driver. If you want to do this, simply ask the CM working at the station as soon as you arrive. If there are people already waiting for this privilege, you can ask to wait for a subsequent monorail. As with the buses, they arrive every 20 minutes, but more often at peak times.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Riding in front is easy, and yes, you can make the full circle. HOWEVER, there are some tips you need to know first.

Each resort has thier own train. When that particular train comes in, the folks in the cab must exit, and make room for those waiting at the resort. Should there be a vacancy in another resorts train, one may ride in the front until that resort. If someone is waiting, one must exit to make room.

For example:
Lime - Contemporary
Orange - Polynesian
Coral - Grand Floridian

Orange pulls into the Contemporary, and has room for 4 guests. You may board this train, but once it gets to the Polynesian, if there are guests waiting, you must exit and move to the back. They get priority.

Lime pulls into the Contemporary with 4 guests on board. They must exit and move to the back, to make room for those folks waiting at the Contemporary.


So your best bet is to go up to the Host, and ask to wait for the Contemporary's Train. It might be 10-15 minutes, but you'll get the full circle.

Because the Monorail Front Cab is such a hot item, and subject to controversy, we do have some strict rules for the cab.

• The front cab has a MAXIMUM capacity of 4 guests. Big, small, young, old, toddler, infant, grandmother, doesn't matter. If they count on your tax return, they count here. There are *NO* exceptions to this rule, EVER. Should you have more than 4 bodies, the extras may ride in the back.
• Strollers MUST be folded for the Front Cab.
• There is no switching from the back of the train to the front. Once you step foot in the back of the train, you will not be allowed to board the front, even if part of your party is there.
• There are times when we are not boarding the Front Cab. This can change at any given moment, and is subject to the discresion of the Pilot, as well as Monorail Central. It is very well possible for you to have been not allowed in the front, and then the hold is released midway to the next station, where someone else might board.
• When in the cab, the Pilot's primary responsibility is to driving the train. Yes, they do drive those things, and there are times when they really need to pay attention to what they are doing.
• You are more than welcome to ask as many questions as you would like, keeping in mind the previous statement.
• Please refrain from lightup toys and flash photography at night. They can distract the driver, and flashes can really blind them. You are more than welcome to take pictures, but ask the driver first. This way, the flash won't blind them.
• Ownership of trains may change throughout the day. Just because Purple belonged to Polynesian this morning, doesn't mean that it will later tonight.

Bottom line... have fun.

 

[campinggal]

Awesome responses everybody!! Thank you!

I'm probably more excited about this prospect than my daughter (who at this point, really has not point of reference since this is her first visit).

Thank you Tyler for your very thorough response. I love the detail and now will feel like a monorail pro when I get there.

Good luck in your new position! I hope to see you in person in your driver role when we are there in a few weeks!!

 

[debster812]

campingal,

I have to tell you, the monorail ride at night is one of my most cherished childhood memories. We were lucky enough to go to WDW 4 times in 10 years with my parents and grandmother. Because Nana was footing the bill, we stayed on the monorail. We would eat dinner, stroll around, take a monorail ride around one of the loops, then find a spot on the beach and watch the electrical light pageant on Bay Lake. Every Night for a week.

You will love it. And, if you want a long ride, hop over to TTC at a slow time, and ride the EPCOT loop. We just did this last January (DH, myself and DS) and started the tradition all over.

Have a GREAT time

Debbie

 

[danny1649]

For the good information on getting to ride up front