5 Reasons To Love the Walt Disney World Monorail

While we've "5 Reasons To Love" posts about Parks, and Resorts, and even specific Lands, we've never before done one dedicated to a single ride. But this is no ordinary ride, it's Walt Disney World's legendary Highway in the Sky. A 14.7-mile system of elevated beamway that services seven stations taking guests to and from Epcot, the Magic Kingdom and three resorts - Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, we're talking about the Walt Disney World Monorail.


Monorail Black Glides Through Epcot


The First Ride - For Guests arriving at Disney's Ticket and Transportation Center the anticipation is building, their so close to being at Epcot or the Magic Kingdom. Out of the car, and off the bus, so close you can almost hear Tiana singing "Almost There." Up the ramp these intrepid travelers march to board their first ride of the day, the Walt Disney World Monorail. Sliding out of the station above it all, they get their first real peek across the Lagoon of the Magic Kingdom.

Ride for Free - I don't often have a length of stay Park ticket when I'm at Walt Disney World, but on my arrival and departure days I always make sure to ride the monorail. On departure day I opt for a longer, more scenic trip to get one last look before having to return home, and I take a ride on the TTC to Epcot route.


Monorail Silver At The Magic Kingdom


Resort to Park Direct - Guests staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort are able to hop on board the monorail from the lobby of their resort and step off at the Magic Kingdom. This easy access not only puts you at the heart of the action, but makes visiting the other resorts for expanded shopping and dining a piece of cake.

Monorail Crawl - An arrival day tradition for my grown-up family, we hop from hotel to hotel aboard the monorail making a stop at each of the hotel bars. Our starting point is usually Tambu Lounge where we indulge in a Lapu Lapu before winding up the evening at the Top of the World or California Grill for cocktails with a Fireworks view.


Monorail Yellow Slips Through The Grand Canyon Concourse


Incredible Views - The Walt Disney World property covers a huge amount of territory, and I enjoy taking first time visitors on a monorail ride so that they can really get an idea of the expanse that the resort covers. Not only do riders get a look at the wild spaces of Disney (where they may catch a glimpse of gators or deer) but a monorail ride shows off waterways, roadways, and Parks. If you time it right, you can even catch the Fireworks from onboard. Unlike when you drive yourself on the monorail you can just sit back and take it all in.


Monorail Lime Over Future World


The Walt Disney World Monorail transports upwards of 7,000 guests per direction, per hour. On a typical day that means that more than 150,000 guests will ride the monorail. It's sleek design and smooth transportation are iconic Disney, and over the years have inspired fan lore and merchandise solidifying it's place in pop culture for decades to come.

Are you a monorail fan? Leave a comment and she which if the 12 trains is your favorite: Peach, Teal, Red, Coral, Orange, Gold, Yellow, Lime, Green, Blue, Silver, or Black?