Riding the Monorail Just for Fun

[Sortin]

Hi! We are going to Disney World in October and I remember LOVING the monorail ride when I was a kid, but haven't been back since.

How do I ride the monorail just for the heck of it? We aren't park hopping, so I'm concerned that we won't be able to ride it between Epcot and MK which is the one I want to ride.

Could we just ride the entire loop and end right back where we started?

Just confused. Thanks!

 

[Hendoendo]

In deference to the Beatles song...You don't need a ticket to ride...You can just hop on it at the TTC and take your ride. The Monorail stations are outside the MK and Epcot gates so you don't have to enter to ride

 

[my2disneydivas]

We ride the monorail just for fun at least twice during each of our stays at WDW (mostly because our girls beg us to) but it is a good way to just sit and relax for a little bit!

 

[Jestocost]

If starting at Epcot, you can ride to the TTC and change to the resort or express loop there. The resort loop runs clockwise and will make stops at the Poly, GF, MK and CR before getting back to the TTC. The express loop runs counter clockwise and stops only at the MK and TTC. Once back at the TTC, you can switch back to the Epcot line to return to your starting point.

Starting at the MK, you can catch the express or resort monorails and ride to the TTC, switch there and just ride the Epcot monorail both ways, then switch back at the TTC to return to the MK.

 

[SDSorority]

Ride away, my friend!

 

[Luv2Diz]

We like riding the resort loop just for fun. It is enjoyable to get off and wander the resorts (especially love the Poly!) and enjoy their shops, grounds, and occasionally a meal at one of the resort restaurants.

 

[sharadoc]

Plus the Epcot monorail goes inside the whole of Future World, so you can see it all. We did that on our kids first time there and it was a cool way to preview the park.

 

[Kaler131]

We also do this!! One evening about 5 years ago, we were on the Monorail going through EPCOT and the driver had to stop (not sure why...some hold-up somewhere down the line) so we got to sit and watch some of the Illuminations fireworks.

 

[cg1200]

Try to plan a meal or something at one of the monorail resorts. You have many options and its a great way to see a different resort. Chef Mickey's at CR is good for all ages and Ohana is awesome too at the Poly.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would suggest to make an ADR for one of the restaurants at the Monorail Resorts, this way it will make it very easy to ride the Resort Monorail around and visit the others resorts.

 

[MarthaJr.]

We do this every trip! Tip: Ask the CM if you can sit in the front with the driver. We've been able to do this several times. Really neat to get the driver's take on Disney, learn interesting facts and what a view! The driver gives you a little card indicating you are an honorary pilot. You can only have 4 people in your group and ride at off peak times for this special treat!

 

[danaw11]

We do this every trip! Tip: Ask the CM if you can sit in the front with the driver. We've been able to do this several times. Really neat to get the driver's take on Disney, learn interesting facts and what a view! The driver gives you a little card indicating you are an honorary pilot. You can only have 4 people in your group and ride at off peak times for this special treat!

I was wondering if they still allow this. I had read that they has stopped for a while but others postings seem to indicate that they still allows it at resort stops (instead of MK/Epcot/TTC stops). Thanks!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Sitting up front with the Monorail drivers is no longer allowed and it's been like that ever since they re-opened after the accident this past July. I was also at WDW in August 2009 and December 2009 so I can confirm this to still be true.

 

[cg1200]

I would suggest to make an ADR for one of the restaurants at the Monorail Resorts, this way it will make it very easy to ride the Resort Monorail around and visit the others resorts.

Totally. Without an ADR you will likely be waiting a very long time.

 

[pwmitch237]

Totally. Without an ADR you will likely be waiting a very long time.

This is confusing, if you're referring to eating at a restaurant without an ADR, then yes you'd be waiting a very long time. However, whether or not you have an ADR would not affect your ability to ride the monorail.

 

[danaw11]

Sitting up front with the Monorail drivers is no longer allowed and it's been like that ever since they re-opened after the accident this past July. I was also at WDW in August 2009 and December 2009 so I can confirm this to still be true.

Thanks for the update!! That is when I remember than stopping it as well.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for the update!! That is when I remember than stopping it as well.

You're welcome.

 

[Oglet]

Imagine being a Monorail Pilot with someone riding up front and as it turns out its a media ambush with someone throwing all kinds of questions at you about a situation that deeply impacted the life of everyone working there.

I believe that's the real reason it is not practiced anymore.