Disneyland Monorail

About Disneyland Monorail

The Disneyland Monorail System was originally opened in 1959 as an E-ticket ride which circled through Tomorowland and Fantasy Land stopping only at the Tomorrowland station. Today, it is a fun, scenic ride transportation ride with speeds peaking 40 MPH running off electricity from a "third rail" on the track. It travels a 2.5 mile loop from the Tomorrowland Station to the Downtown Disney Station and back. It is a great way to get from the hotels to the back corner of the park.

The lines for this ride is generally a walk on. However, beware of certain times you will wait for a while.
1) At lunch when people go to Downtown Disney for food and back to the hotels.
2) At dusk when kids go to the hotel rooms
3) After major shows like the fireworks or Fantasmic.
4) Park Closing

The best experience is riding up front in the cab with the driver. Enjoy your trip on the "Highway in the Sky!"

Usually, they run two out of the three trains, although three might be run on extremely busy days. All trains now run at full capacity, so wait times have decreased.

Disabled Guests: While the queue is now a cement ramp, you may chose to use the elevator. Ask a Cast Member for assistance. -- Last edited by Eric 5675

[Update this description | Read previous versions]

Photos from Disneyland Monorail

Safety

• Report an injury accident at Disneyland Monorail
• Keep yourself and your kids safe with our Theme Park Safety Tips

Readers' Opinions

Just FYI, the monorail has only changed course twice; once in 1961 when it was expanded to the hotel and back and when the Indiana Jones Adenture was built the beam had to be pushed further out. The route was NOT changed when California Adventure was built and the ride between Tomorrowland and the Hotel/ Downtown Disney has not changed. Also, it is a national mechanical landmark which would make it very hard to get rid of. With a third theme park,the expansion of California Adventure, and Disney's plans to buy surrounding properties, it looks like the monorail won't go away, but might be expanded. - Eric Ey

I have always enjoyed the monorail, but wish it actually went around the resort. - Jeff Krinock

Although we’ve gotten used to the shorter ride between the park and hotel, it’s unfortunate that it happened. As with the People Mover, I think this attraction won’t survive another Disney close look. Having written that, we absolutely love riding this monorail – especially back to the hotel for a quick rest. Most folks, at least by their expressions, seem to feel the same way, too. - Bud Webb

Very smooth ride! Only times that this isn't enjoyable is when the lines take an hour or two to board. Still a classic in my mind, and an icon for Disneyland. If this ever leaves the park, I will definitely be sad as the horn on the Monorail instantly sparks up memories of Disneyland! - Brandon Mendoza

A scenic ride through the Disneyland resort thats also an energy saving way to Downtown Disney/Hotels from Tomorrowland or vice versa. A fast way to get away from the parks and eat at a Downtown Disney restaurant like the ESPN Zone or Rainforest Cafe. Even if you aren't going to a specified destination, the monorail is a neat ride to try. - Manny Barron

If you are staying at any of the Disney hotels or are in Downtown Disney, it's quick to take it. But if you are taking it to get in when the park first opens, don't except to get in a short line. It leaves after they let the guests in the park. - Erin : )

I am used to being able to use this as a transportation without having a ticket. I was rather dissapointed that you had to have a ticket for the park, understandble yes, but still dissapointing. - Ben James

I'm still amazed at how sleak this is and how far it can take you. Do this if you plan on going to Downtown Disney. - Wilfredo Alvelo

A good way to get to the Disneyland hotel. - Chloe !

Search Theme Park Insider

Reader Reviews, by Theme Park

United States/Canada Top 20 ^*

• Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
• Disneyland
• Epcot
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Universal Studios Florida
• SeaWorld Orlando
• Disney's California Adventure
• Universal's Islands of Adventure
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Busch Gardens Tampa
• SeaWorld San Diego
• Knott's Berry Farm
• Canada's Wonderland
• Cedar Point
• Kings Island
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg
• Hersheypark
• Six Flags Great Adventure
• Six Flags Great America
• ^* By 2008 attendance

Other U.S. parks

• Holiday World
• Kings Dominion
• Legoland California
• Silver Dollar City
• Six Flags Magic Mountain

International parks

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Disneyland Paris
• Tokyo DisneySea
• Universal Studios Japan
• Hong Kong Disneyland

Water parks

• Aquatica
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon

Theme Park Insider on Twitter

• Subscribe to our Twitter feed
• Become a fan on Facebook
• Watch our videos on YouTube

Theme Park Reviews, Features, Advice

• How to plan your vacation on a budget
• Theme Park Insider's 'four-hour' tour plans
• How to stay safe when visiting theme parks
• What's under construction for 2009/10
• TPI at the Tournament of Roses Parade

Theme Park News Archive

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004-2005