Walt Disney World Monorail System
written by our agent, Kim Inman, specialist in Disney Destinations from St. Louis, MO
Walt Disney World Monorail System
If you have questions about the Disney World Monorail, hopefully this article will help answer them. It’s a quick, easy, and fun way to get around Disney World! Add the Monorail to your “must do” list next time you visit Disney World!
What is the Monorail?
The Monorail is a free transit system in use at the Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom, Epcot and select Disney Deluxe Resorts are all connected via the Monorail system.
What are the Monorail Routes?
The Monorail system has three separate lines that travel throughout Disney World. This may be the part that is confusing! Which one do I use? Where does it stop? Let me explain about the three different lines.
The Resort Monorail runs in a continuous loop making the following stops (clockwise in this order):
- Magic Kingdom Park
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
- Disney’s Polynesian Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Express Monorail runs in a continuous loop between the TTC and Magic Kingdom.
The Epcot Monorail runs in a continuous loop between the TTC and Epcot.
Each line has several Monorails running at a time.
What is the Monorail Schedule?
In general, the Monorail system begins operating one hour before the park opens to one hour after the park closes. If you are unsure or need specific times, feel free to ask a Cast Member for assistance. If you have reservations for a character breakfast before a park opens, you’ll want to verify what time the Monorail starts running and allow yourself enough time. The Resort Monorail typically starts running at 6:30am to accommodate 7:00am breakfast reservations.
What can I take on the Monorail?
A common question is do you need to breakdown strollers? Children can remain in their strollers and be rolled right onto the Monorail. The Monorails are also wheelchair and ECV accessible. Luggage and alcohol are not permitted. If you are checking out of your resort and have time to explore Disney World one last time before heading home, you can leave your luggage with your resort’s Bell Services.
What is the Monorail seating like?
The seats are bench style with poles to hold on to while standing. Most of the time, you are on the Monorail for a short period of time. The longest Monorail ride is when you use the Epcot Monorail to travel between the TTC and Epcot.
There are 12 Monorail trains in use at Disney World. Each Monorail consists of 6 train cars. Each car can hold approximately 20 seated passengers and 40 standing passengers. So, each Monorail can hold about 360 passengers total.
How do I get from Epcot to Magic Kingdom?
From Epcot, take the Epcot Monorail to the TTC. You then have to exit the Epcot Monorail and board the Express Monorail. After exiting the Monorail ramp, look for the Monorail sign to “Magic Kingdom”.
How do I get from Epcot to the Contemporary Resort?
From Epcot, take the Epcot Monorail to the TTC. You then have to exit the Epcot Monorail and board the Resort Monorail. After exiting the Monorail ramp, look for the Monorail sign for “Resort Hotels”. The Resort Monorail will stop at the Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Magic Kingdom Park, Contemporary Resort and then back to TTC.
If you are headed to the Polynesian, you can also walk from the TTC. The Polynesian is right next to the TTC and within walking distance!
Did you know?
The Monorail trains are sometimes “wrapped” to promote an upcoming movie. Summer 2013 brought the Iron Man 3 and Monster University Monorails!
Please stand clear of the doors!
