[Question] Monorail efficiency

[Code90]

What are your thoughts on the current efficiency of the DL Monorail? When they ran 3 Mark Vs, that really kept passengers moving during busy times. With 4 Mark V monorails, there used to be 1 train offline for maintenance while the system continued running at full capacity.

I know some think the difference between 2 and 3 trains isn't much, but I beg to differ. Wait times were in fact less. The station operators just had to keep things moving so the approaching train did not have to stop and wait.

Since DL only purchased 3 Mark VII monorails, does this mean that those days are over? Are they always going to require passengers to get off the monorail at DTD during busy times just to make up for the lack of a third monorail? I hate one way service. They never required passengers to get off at the DL Hotel station. Too bad DL didn't get 4 new monorails.

[gwynn1977]

Re: Monorail efficiency

I think with all the problems that Disneyland had with the window situation on these new monorails, it's probably a good thing that they only got 3 of them. Otherwise the wait for them all to be fixed would have probably taken even longer. But I do understand the frustration that people have since the monorail is now a one way ride. I remember the days when I used to get on the monorail and ride it from the park to the hotel, and then remain in my seat and ride it back into the park. It was a nice little break from the park and some really nice views as well!

[Code90]

Re: Monorail efficiency

I think with all the problems that Disneyland had with the window situation on these new monorails, it's probably a good thing that they only got 3 of them. Otherwise the wait for them all to be fixed would have probably taken even longer. But I do understand the frustration that people have since the monorail is now a one way ride. I remember the days when I used to get on the monorail and ride it from the park to the hotel, and then remain in my seat and ride it back into the park. It was a nice little break from the park and some really nice views as well!

I disagree in the sense that the window issue is a temporary problem. Now that all the windows are fixed, DL is still going to be down one monorail.

I agree with you in that I think the vision of the DL Monorail being an experience/attraction has been lost by making it a one way service. That's disappointing.

[The Forbidden Eye]

Re: Monorail efficiency

What are your thoughts on the current efficiency of the DL Monorail? When they ran 3 Mark Vs, that really kept passengers moving during busy times. With 4 Mark V monorails, there used to be 1 train offline for maintenance while the system continued running at full capacity.

I know some think the difference between 2 and 3 trains isn't much, but I beg to differ. Wait times were in fact less. The station operators just had to keep things moving so the approaching train did not have to stop and wait.

Since DL only purchased 3 Mark VII monorails, does this mean that those days are over? Are they always going to require passengers to get off the monorail at DTD during busy times just to make up for the lack of a third monorail? I hate one way service. They never required passengers to get off at the DL Hotel station. Too bad DL didn't get 4 new monorails.

Well, I wouldn't say that the current operations is working. The new Monorail design was done completely wrong and WDI now has to go back and modify the new trains. But I think the reason why there are only 3 Mark 7's is that it saves them money on mainiting a Monorail fleet. The number of monorails running does factor on how fast the line goes at both stations.

I think two monorails on the track isn't too bad of a number. But I think that it would be a hassle for both the station CM's and the ones driving the monorails to communicate so that the monorails don't have to wait for the station ahead to be clear. They will probably go back to 3-trains once Blue completes it's overhaul and before Orange is scheduled for it's overhaul in a few months or years.

[The Forbidden Eye]

Re: Monorail efficiency

I think with all the problems that Disneyland had with the window situation on these new monorails, it's probably a good thing that they only got 3 of them. Otherwise the wait for them all to be fixed would have probably taken even longer. But I do understand the frustration that people have since the monorail is now a one way ride. I remember the days when I used to get on the monorail and ride it from the park to the hotel, and then remain in my seat and ride it back into the park. It was a nice little break from the park and some really nice views as well!

It's not one-way all the time. It only happens when the park is too crowded. It's so that the line at DTD can move at a faster pace. They also can limit it to Hotel Guests only if it gets even busier.

I remembered back in 2005 in December, during the Candelight weekend that the monorail wasn't one-way when I went on, and was able to do a round trip.

[Tomorrowland_1967]

Re: Monorail efficiency

If the entire Monorail Mark VII fiasco was a reality TV show ... Disney would get top ratings! :lol:

Mark VIIs from the get-go = The ultimate in "Comedy of Errors"

[Code90]

Re: Monorail efficiency

It's not one-way all the time. It only happens when the park is too crowded. It's so that the line at DTD can move at a faster pace. They also can limit it to Hotel Guests only if it gets even busier.

I remembered back in 2005 in December, during the Candelight weekend that the monorail wasn't one-way when I went on, and was able to do a round trip.

The Monorail never used to be one way, though (except before park closing). And it ran just as, if not more, efficiently when three monorails were running... Even during peak times.

Perhaps it's necessary for them to restrict passengers now by prohibiting round trips at times. However, the Monorail was always an attraction/experience since it opened in 59. I don't like how they've changed the rules on this.

I understand if one way service is temporary, but there needs to be a concerted effort to return it to its permanent round trip state while keeping the wait time at DTD to a minimum.

If the entire Monorail Mark VII fiasco was a reality TV show ... Disney would get top ratings! :lol:

Mark VIIs from the get-go = The ultimate in "Comedy of Errors"

Exactly.

[The Forbidden Eye]

Re: Monorail efficiency

Perhaps it's necessary for them to restrict passengers now by prohibiting round trips at times, but this shouldn't be the case. The Monorail was always an attraction/experience since it opened in 59. I don't like how they've changed the rules on this.

I understand if one way service is temporary, but there needs to be a concerted effort to return it to its permanent round trip state while keeping the wait time at DTD to a minimum.

Try telling that to DOSH. I'm pretty sure they had something to say about that, even though I doubt they had some involvement in the current operating mode the monorail is now. It was DOSH that made the tempoary rule on not running the Mark 7 in 80+ weather for the saftey of guests, as well as reducing the capacity in each cabin.

[ni_teach]

Re: Monorail efficiency

If the entire Monorail Mark VII fiasco was a reality TV show ... Disney would get top ratings! :lol:

Mark VIIs from the get-go = The ultimate in "Comedy of Errors"

Between the Monorail windows and the Dragon it was the "Comedy of Errors" summer.

[Code90]

Re: Monorail efficiency

Try telling that to DOSH. I'm pretty sure they had something to say about that, even though I doubt they had some involvement in the current operating mode the monorail is now. It was DOSH that made the tempoary rule on not running the Mark 7 in 80+ weather for the saftey of guests, as well as reducing the capacity in each cabin.

We may want to double check, but I think that rule has been lifted after the window mods. I have to give them credit. The new windows look good.

I just wish they'd act as quickly getting a third monorail in operation as they did with the windows.

[Tomorrowland_1967]

Re: Monorail efficiency

There should be a joke like the old classic ... "How many ___ does it take to screw in a light bulb?"

Would anybody like to take a crack at this one?

Something with the number of window designs they went through.

Go ahead :lol: ....................................

[The Forbidden Eye]

Re: Monorail efficiency

We may want to double check, but I think that rule has been lifted after the window mods. I have to give them credit. The new windows look good.

I just wish they'd act as quickly getting a third monorail in operation as they did with the windows.

Yeah, I did mentioned the rule was temporary since I knew that rule wouldn't last forever.

Well, the CM's would have to be re-trained to handle a 3 train operation when the time comes. But don't expect a 3 train operation happeneing anytime soon. Monorail Red just came oout of a major refurb and Blue is surely next. I would think that if they are planning on a 3-train operation return, then they would test it out again before Blue goes offline.

[Tomorrowland_1967]

Re: Monorail efficiency

You know ...............
It's amazing.

The company has no problem spending unheard millions to billions ... from ABC to Fox Family Channel .... to MARVEL, etc. (Oh, don't forget the go.com in which 600 million was poured into) .........

Yet .. when it comes to something like the next design for DL's Monorail system ... or even a Tomorrowland remodel that is totally well over due ... they can't do anything.

Priorities!

Not a lack of money.

Priorities!

It's not high on their list.

So ...
lets end all this chitter-chatter from topic to topic we all play ... "it cost too much for this .. too much for that"..................

they got it................... They just don't care.

A 4 train system should be standard .. as it has been for decades.

[The Forbidden Eye]

Re: Monorail efficiency

There should be a joke like the old classic ... "How many ___ does it take to screw in a light bulb?"

Would anybody like to take a crack at this one?

Something with the number of window designs they went through.

Go ahead :lol: ....................................

How many Imagineers does it take to change the windows on the Mark VII's?

How many Tech's does it take to fix one huge Dragon?

How many drugs does it take to kill Michael Jackson?

OOps! Too soon! :lol:

[Eric5675]

Re: Monorail efficiency

Yeah, I did mentioned the rule was temporary since I knew that rule wouldn't last forever.

Well, the CM's would have to be re-trained to handle a 3 train operation when the time comes. But don't expect a 3 train operation happeneing anytime soon. Monorail Red just came oout of a major refurb and Blue is surely next. I would think that if they are planning on a 3-train operation return, then they would test it out again before Blue goes offline.

Actually, last I heard, they were being retrained on it because they had plans to run 3 trains more often during peak times due to poor capacity of the entire train (about 10 less people per train) than the Mark Vs coupled with higher park capacity then they have had since the early 90's

[Code90]

Re: Monorail efficiency

How many Imagineers does it take to change the windows on the Mark VII's?

None. Because WDI expects others to fix their mistakes.

[Timon]

Re: Monorail efficiency

Here's dumb question I'm sure all you Monorail Merlins' know. Where is the 4th Mark V monorail chassis? Crushed or stored?

[filmfreak11]

Re: Monorail efficiency

For those of you who are actually seeking answers and tips instead of the ones who complain, complain, complain and don't make an effort to find an answer:

USUALLY on weekends, expect the trains to be one-way approx. 6pm-9:30pm. This is when hotel guests use the DTD station to get in the park for evening events and after they finish dinner at the hotels and DTD restaurants.

If you are in TL and Monorail is down, your options are 1) Walk through Main Street to get to DTD and DL hotels or 2) Wait and take the steam train to Main Street...

DTD station may also be used to access the Simba parking lot.

If you try to go back to Mickey & Friends Parking Structure in DTD, well you're right in the middle of where you want to go. Either walk past between ESPN & Rainforest to the structure or walk through DTD to the tram stop, wait there, then take the tram back in the general direction you just came from to the structure...

From DTD to TL, it's always one-way. All guests exit in TL.

Ask CMs and pay attention to signs notifying of wait times, how many trains are operating, etc. There are 2 signs in TL that will display to guests if it is a one-way trip. Otherwise you may ask a CM or a CM will speak in the PA.

Monorails always close when DL park closes.

If too many people take round trips from TL, then not many people from DTD will be able to board.

FOLD YOUR STROLLERS BEFORE BOARDING THE MONORAILS.

IMO, 2-train operation during weekdays seem to work fine. 3 trains during weekends would seem nice.

One-train on the line really does slow things down.

If two trains, next train will be in the station approx. every 5 minutes.

If one train, train will return to the station approx. 12-15 minutes.

[Code90]

Re: Monorail efficiency

For those of you who are actually seeking answers and tips instead of the ones who complain, complain, complain and don't make an effort to find an answer:

I just want to refer back to the original point of my post which was... Disneyland needs to do everything possible to get 3 monorails back out on the line.

The points that you bring up are very helpful to those who don't understand the current procedures, but I'd like to remind everyone again that one-way trips were never needed in the past. That's because the system ran more efficiently in years past. A major contributing factor to their efficiency was having a third train in operation.

I will admit, occasional one-way service does help keep the lines moving under the current circumstances. However, Disneyland should not be complacent with that. One-way trips were intended to be a temporary thing during the construction of DCA. The problem is they found one-way trips to be so effective that running 2 trains on busy days is no longer a big deal.

IMO, 2-train operation during weekdays seem to work fine. 3 trains during weekends would seem nice.

One-train on the line really does slow things down.

I agree with you that 2 trains on weekdays is fine, but 3 trains on weekends, summers and holiday periods is a necessity and would be more than just nice.

Bottom line... The current procedures are okay if they are considered temporary. Unfortunately, with the way things are now, 2 trains and one-way trips seem to be the new norm.

[Fantasmanatic]

Re: Monorail efficiency

Every time I rode the Monorail over summer they never enforced the one way only rule. Several time I thought I would get to ride with the driver but people stayed up front and I couldn't. One time I rode round trip up front with the driver and I even asked if I needed to get off and they said no. Personally I think the capacity is fine, its normally only a 10 minute wait.