[Question] Monorail at DLR Pointless?

[TheClaw]

I'm new here, so I may be touching on something that has already been hashed over a billion times. If so, sorry.

Is it just me or is the Monorail in Disneyland pretty much pointless? Walt meant for it to be an example for a future mode of transportation, so why isn't it being used that way. My specific point, that I have always wondered, is why don't they put a station in DCA, the Grand Californian, etc since it goes through there anyway.

I know it's kind of seen as one of the main benefits to staying at the DLH, but it could still be that, and wouldn't it help bring more people into DCA like they're trying to do, and create even more incentives to stay at Grand Californian?

As it sits, it's basically (for me) something to get on when you're tired of walking, and want to sit down and enjoy the view for a few minutes.

Are there any plans, or have there been any plans to up the monorail into something useful?

Any thoughts?

[Darkbeer]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

When the Monorail was first built, it had only ONE stop, so while Walt said some nice things on TV, he (and his team) built an Amusement Park Ride.

After a few years, they did add the Disneyland Hotel Stop, basically as a Thank You to Jack Wrather, who built the DLH.

As for additional stops, it currently takes more time to load a train than for it to get to the other station. Even Las Vegas has figured out that the Monorail is not a good option for mass transit.

[The Forbidden Eye]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Well for one thing, there is already a station at DTD which means that a station at GCH would be too close to each other. Meaning the ride time between GCH and DTD would be one minute at least.

A popualr discussion around boards like this is a monorail station in DCA. Although a good idea, it's not going to work out because not every guests purchases Park-hopper tickets. If a guest buys a ticket for DCA only, then they can only get off at that station and DTD. They wouldn't be allowed to exit at Tomorrowland. It would be a hassle for the CM's checking each guests park admission.

Right now, there is no official plans to extend the monorail beyond the resort boundary lines.

But now we have the Mark 7's instead of the 5's. But you already knew that.

[Scary Scott]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

As much as I love the Idea for using a monorail for city to city transprot (think Sacramento to LA with a few stops in between) I dont see the point in adding more to disneylands without adding more track or making it a city monorail simply because the track is too small and not everyone buys park hopper tickets

[DisneyIPresume]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Is it just me or is the Monorail in Disneyland pretty much pointless? Walt meant for it to be an example for a future mode of transportation

Any thoughts?

You just answered your own question.

It was example of transportation. When it first opened in 1959 it didn't even stop at the DLH. And just because it stops at the DLH doesn't mean it was Walt's intention to use it solely as a mode of transportation. His main point was to show what transportation in the future was going to be like.

[TheClaw]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

A popualr discussion around boards like this is a monorail station in DCA. Although a good idea, it's not going to work out because not every guests purchases Park-hopper tickets.

I thought of that, and it makes sense. I guess I just thought of the benefits of this thing as a mini transportation system (like WDW). Perhaps they'll come up with a new way of handling park tickets in the future (RFID tags, etc) that would make this an easier option. And I agree with statements that a GCH station would be too close to the DTD station.

I guess I'm alone in thinking the Monorail has more potential than just a (great) ride.

The new trains look incredible, BTW!

[Bob Weaver]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Well, if they ever build a third park where the cast parking lot is (south of Katella, east of Harbor) then the Monorail could be extended over there and it would really be useful. And if they ever give up and just allow admission to any Anaheim park for one flat price, then a Monorail stop in DCA would make sense (and might make DCA more popular).

[Darkbeer]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Well, if they ever build a third park where the cast parking lot is (south of Katella, east of Harbor) then the Monorail could be extended over there and it would really be useful. And if they ever give up and just allow admission to any Anaheim park for one flat price, then a Monorail stop in DCA would make sense (and might make DCA more popular).

Sorry, but using the Monorail for a Parking Lot Tram does NOT work.

The Monorail is a fixed, limited capacity form of transportation, and isn't flexible enough for the types of fluctuating volumes a Amusement/Theme Park parking lot has.

When Buzz Lightyear is open, they tend to have multiple buses lined up when they are actively parking guests there, and then cuts down until close to park closing, when they have to gear up again due to the large amount of guests expect transportation in a short period of time.

Look at how the current DLR Parking Lot trams work, they have 4 stations (maximum) that can dispatch every minute or so at peak times. Unless you can find a way to make Monorails enter the station every minute, it just isn't practical.

Heck, Las Vegas has a dual track, but still can't dispatch trains faster than every 6 minutes.

[mycroft16]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Something doesn't have to be used as it's example is intended to still work as an example.

Even as an attraction, it shows that monorail technology can be built easily and quickly (was done in 6 - 8 months I think), and work incredibly efficiently and effectively long term carrying many passengers quickly.

So no, it isn't pointless. Technology can be demonstrated for other uses in a non-standard way.

[Bob Weaver]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Sorry, but using the Monorail for a Parking Lot Tram does NOT work.

But that's not what I meant. I did not mean building a third parking lot, I said and meant building a third park, as in a third theme park.

[JerrodDRagon]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

It may not be the best system but it is cool, and its cool when you think about that attraction being built 50 years ago.

[d1mex]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

It may not be the best system but it is cool, and its cool when you think about that attraction being built 50 years ago.

Exactly. It's not necessarily where it takes you, but how.

[TheClaw]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

I think I came across as being anti monorail. I'm not, and I love it! I love what it is now. I was just thinking about what it could be.

Thanks for playing along!

From the defensive responses, I see that this is a loved ride just as it is.

So, I do have a question though about the lack of theming to the rail and supports. Is there a reason why they've never upgraded the look of the plain cement supports? Disney normally goes above and beyond with the details. Obviously the track itself has specs that must be met for the train to run on it correctly, but they could have made the choice to detail the supports (stone work, engravings, TL theming, or just ANYTHING). I don't think the supports would need to stand out, because the focus is the train - but they are kind of plain. They're the only place or thing I can think of in DLR that is just plain, unstained, untextured concrete.

[Code90]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Darkbeer has a point. The Disneyland Monorail is limited in capacity. It cannot handle the demand of an extension to any parking lot.

Even a stop inside DCA could put unnecessary strain on the low capacity system. Not to mention the ticketing issues that would ensue.

The only way you can get around ticketing issues for multiple theme parks is to have stations outside the theme parks like in WDW. At DLR, that obviously wouldn't be practical.

The Disneyland Monorail is just an attraction. Think of it as the forerunner to the WDW Monorail System. It cannot be expanded without making dramatic upgrades and changes.

[leopardchucks]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Even Las Vegas has figured out that the Monorail is not a good option for mass transit.

The thing with the Las Vegas monorail is that it is priced to gouge your wallet aka only for tourists who don't know better. As a resident, I have only been on it once to test it out and was disappointed. It's too expensive and it doesn't go to very many places. Our bus system is much better for getting around and doesn't break the bank for low-income individuals who are the majority of riders on public transit here.

I have not been on the DLR monorail since the 80s. I agree with the OP. A stop at DCA would be awesome. I guess I'm just lazy.

[Timon]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

A magnetic WEDway, like WDW has, could replace the parking lot trams.

The DL Monorail has too low a capacity, poorly located stations on too short a route. That being said I'd leave it like it is, an attraction with historic and sentimental value. Oh and way cool looking trains.

[Circa1966]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

The DL Monorail has too low a capacity, poorly located stations on too short a route. That being said I'd leave it like it is, an attraction with historic and sentimental value. Oh and way cool looking trains.

Cool collage, but you got a WDW train in there! You need a Mark III to make the picture complete... :blush:

[Steve DeGaetano]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

So, I do have a question though about the lack of theming to the rail and supports. Is there a reason why they've never upgraded the look of the plain cement supports? Disney normally goes above and beyond with the details.

Theme the rail and the pylons?? That would be like theming the tracks of the Disneyland Railroad. They are what they are.

[rokketride]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

a magnetic wedway, like wdw has, should replace the parking lot trams.

fify

[Timon]

Re: Monorail at DLR Pointless?

Cool collage, but you got a WDW train in there! You need a Mark III to make the picture complete... :blush:

Actually I haven't been able to find clean and clear shots of red Mark III and IV's to complete "All Monorails Named Red". I wanted the Mark VII featured as the newest in the middle, which worked out.