Originally Posted By ReelJustice <<Hey, the monorail broke down tonight again! They certainly are running well!>> WDW has never been in better shape! Viva Meg!
Originally Posted By ChiMike Hokie, you better knock off the hyperbole or you will be confused for Leo next.
Originally Posted By leobloom I'm known for hyperbole? Dare you imply that my posts occasionally sound like some pagan's worship of the porcelain god? Outrageous!
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>But the smell of the monorails is charming, right? Surprised we haven't had a thread where someone praises the smell as quintessentially Disney<<< When they smell CLEAN, like they did about 10 years ago. Now? They smell like BO and words I can't say here!
Originally Posted By WDWVacationer Unfortunately, this situation keeps getting worse. Is it possible losing 2 trains for about a year and one for 2 years now has put strain on the other 11 trains or does 1 missing train not make a difference? The oldest trains in service are 22 years old, and the youngest are 20. The first fleet ran 18-20 years. It is time for new trains, a need I don't see satisfied soon. I wonder what the future of the system is?
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost I don't know but it would seem that it is inevitable that they have to find a way to keep them going, either by replacing or rebuilding. Monorails are more than just a mode of transportation for WDW, they are an intricate part of its identity. Without it something really huge would be missing. More so then the Skyway or the subs. There is not a picture anywhere or film clip that doesn't show the monorail trains featured prominently in the show. It was focused on as a VERY, VERY BIG DEAL in the overall atmosphere of WDW, even more then DL where they began. Expensive to buy, expensive to operate but without them WDW becomes a third or forth class destination, just like everyone else that competes with them. I hope that they can see that through their closed wallets.
Originally Posted By brotherdave Just as Cinderella's Castle is a symbol for the Magic Kingdom and Spaceship Earth is a symbol for Epcot, the monorail is a symbol for ALL of Walt Disney World. To lose the monorail would be a HUGE blow to the resort and to WDW's identity.
Originally Posted By dshyates My prediction is that the monorails will cease operations completely, and that TDO will leave the beams as a constant reminder that Disney used to be a progressive Co. that is now just a fat bloated media pusher.
Originally Posted By MousDad >>My prediction is that the monorails will cease operations completely, and that TDO will leave the beams as a constant reminder that Disney used to be a progressive Co. that is now just a fat bloated media pusher.<< They could always use the rails to hang promos for the latest company they've bought.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 I dont see that happening. There are some things that even Disney understands would be a guest killer and the monorails is one of them. I expect that at some point a new fleet of monorails will be announced. The bigger problem might be who will build them. Disney hasn't had much luck with the companies that they have used to build new monorails
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Just as Cinderella's Castle is a symbol for the Magic Kingdom and Spaceship Earth is a symbol for Epcot, the monorail is a symbol for ALL of Walt Disney World. To lose the monorail would be a HUGE blow to the resort and to WDW's identity.<<< Agreed 10000%.
Originally Posted By dshyates Yep, Disney had a heck of a time with Bombardier trains that Disneyland just recieved. Stuff like no AC and fixed windows. DUH!!!! Who coulda thunk they would need AC in LA?
Originally Posted By Bolna I just can't believe what they are thinking... Seems like Fantasmic not being shown daily anymore all over again. However on this question: <<The bigger problem might be who will build them. Disney hasn't had much luck with the companies that they have used to build new monorails>> Well, they already are in business with Siemens who for sure would love to build new monorails - they build trains.
Originally Posted By Bolna Oh, and about people lingering in the parks - especially at Epcot I am sure there are a number of people who come out rather late, but can't be counted as just lingering around: Those with very late reservations at the WS restaurants. You can get a reservation there until just before 9pm, so it may very well take you more than 1 hour to finish your meal and get to the front of the park.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost >>>>Oh, and about people lingering in the parks - especially at Epcot I am sure there are a number of people who come out rather late, but can't be counted as just lingering around: Those with very late reservations at the WS restaurants. You can get a reservation there until just before 9pm, so it may very well take you more than 1 hour to finish your meal and get to the front of the park.<<<<
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost Oops! Hit the wrong key... Anyway, I don't know how late they make ressies in Epcot...I never do them, but, if it is past closing then Disney would owe them a way home, if they stay on site. Of course, all the other resorts other than the monorail resorts rely on buses or boats to get late diners home. I'm sure they may be thinking that even the MK resorts can do the same thing. I'm not saying it is a good business move, but certainly one that would or could be thought as plausible.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN It amazes me the WDW monorails are still operating..since they are so old and in major need of replacing.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer ^ 20 years old, same age as when the first ones were replaced. It's time.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN .. and you have to smirk when the mono spiel on the way to/from EPCOT mentions something about the time when the monorail modernization project was completed, upgrading the monorails... Hahaha what a joke.
