Originally Posted By Indy18 If I take the first Monorail from Downtown Disney into the park, how long after opening will it arrive? Will it get there to late to beat some of the opening rush? I'm wondering what would get me to the rides quicker -- the main entrance or the monorail? Thanks!
Originally Posted By Darkbeer The Main Entrance is the way to go... Monorails are known to not always be operating at park opening due to maintenance issues, and only the first train load gets to the park first. The first train usually leaves the station a few minutes after opening (due to laoding procedures), then by the time it get to the park, and you unload, usually it is about 15 minutes after park opening.
Originally Posted By monorailblue ^^^ I can't argue with Darkbeer's expertise, but let me add that when I worked Monorail (1999-2000), we left the hotel station *before* opening for an on-time arrival in Tomorrowland at opening time--and that was for early entry. (At least, we did this as often as we were running.) We had early entry at 7:00 those summer mornings (park opening at 8:00), so the opening CMs actually began arriving at 5:15 a.m. As the park closed at midnight, closing CMs weren't off until 1:15 a.m. The Monorail was actually only "closed" for 4 of each 24 hours. Anyhow, I would trust Darkbeer on this.
Originally Posted By Misty Wow Monorailblue - I hope no one was a closing CM and an opening CM within the same few days!
Originally Posted By iluvdisneyland Try closing Outdoor Vending 6:30PM-3:00AM and then back two hours later for 5:00AM Opening to 1:30PM. Now THAT sucked.
Originally Posted By imadisneygal Yes, but think of the overtime! Yeah, that does suck. Grad Nites were famous for those back to back, not enough time in between shifts.
Originally Posted By monorailblue iluv---yes, that would suck, but you and I both know that no one is regularly scheduled for those shifts together, and people only get them when they volunteer for them and there is a very great need. My closest was a 1:00 a.m. off time (I think it was a Fantasmic! GC, back when there was a third show), with a 5:15 a.m. start time. Good thing I slept through it and was late!
Originally Posted By iluvdisneyland <----Never volunteered for that shift!! But the need was great and they knew I would do it, and I did do it. It's better if I keep working any way...
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Regardless of when, in my mind it a bit 'wrong' to enter Disneyland by getting off the monorail. Convenient, yes, but the feelings of seeing the train station, the Mickey floral display, and walking through the tunnels to get to Town Square are all gone. It's akin to walking into the middle of a movie.
