Disney World Monorail Using An ECV Or Wheelchair
7 min read
Photo by Heather Maguire on Unsplash
Indicator For Wheelchair/ ECV Accessibility
A Little Background Information About The Disney Monorail System
This post is all about The Disney World Monorail System using an ECV or wheelchair. The Disney World Monorail System opened with the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1st, 1971—conceived initially as a means of public transportation for the future! In brief, the statistics are astounding! There are estimates of 150,000 daily riders per day and over 50 million passengers per year. The Walt Disney World Monorail System spans 14.7 miles, which includes the spur leading to the maintenance/shop facilities.
Most of the transportation systems at the Walt Disney World Resort are accessible to guests with disabilities. The Disney Monorail System is just one part of the extensive Disney Transport System. Above all, the Walt Disney World Resort guests receive complimentary use of any mode of transportation they offer. In addition to the monorail, The Transport System consists of buses, watercraft, a Skyliner gondola lift system, and parking lot trams. Click on this link for a great map of the “Walt Disney World Transportation Map & Guide” provided by magicguides.com.
How To Use An ECV Or Wheelchair On The Resorts, Express, And Epcot Monorail Lines
Three separate monorail lines travel throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. They all originate from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). The Resort Monorail stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The Epcot Monorail and the Express Monorail originate at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and offer express round-trip service to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.
I don’t want to confuse the issue, but to go to Epcot from the Magic Kingdom, you need to ride to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and switch over to the monorail for Epcot. So, therefore, travel from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom would also be accomplished by transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
For instance, suppose you were staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and you wanted to use the monorail to go to Epcot. So you would go from the Grand Floridian back to the TTC and transfer to the Epcot bound monorail. It doesn’t sound easy, but in reality, it’s simple enough. Follow the signs and, when in doubt, ask any available Cast Member!
Many sites go into more detail about how to use the Walt Disney World Monorail System. However, one of those that I recommend is mickeyblog.com. Here is a link to their post, “Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Monorail System.” Initially published by Mickey Blog on July 26, 2018, it contains useful information presented in an easy-to-read format. My blog post expands on this information because I explain how to ride the Disney Monorail with an ECV or wheelchair. The monorail is convenient to use and fun to ride. Most importantly, its mobility scooter (ECV) and wheelchair user-friendly.
Monorail Stations At The Transportation And Ticket Center (TTC)
The walkways leading to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot monorail station loading platforms at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) are wide but steep. It is relatively easy to navigate if you are using a powered mobility aid, such as an ECV or electric wheelchair. However, guests in a manual wheelchair will find it quite a physical challenge, especially when ascending.
The Epcot Monorail Station
There is a small elevator at the Epcot Monorail station. Incidentally, it only can be used to take you up to the station platform. However, when you debark from the Epcot Monorail, you must come down the walkway. It’s not a straight downward grade, either. Instead, it is a multilevel switchback creating less of a slope at each level. This design provides a more comfortable and less strenuous ascent, plus it decreases momentum while descending. Generally speaking, guests in a manual wheelchair will find the monorail entrance walkway at Epcot easier to use.
The Magic Kingdom Monorail Station
The monorail station at the Magic Kingdom has two entrances, both identified by large signs. For instance, one will lead you to the Resorts Monorail, and the other to the Express Monorail. They both go to the same place, which is the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Naturally, the Express will get you there faster because it eliminates stopping at the Resorts along the way. The walkways to the monorail platform level are broad, and the incline is not as steep as those at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
The Resorts Monorail Stations
Elevators at Disney’s Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Village Resorts take you up to the monorail station platform levels. By the way, before entering the loading platform areas at a Resort, you will have to go through security and bag checks.
Possibility Of Multiple Security Checkpoints
Now, as a word of forewarning, this information is not etched in stone. Procedures explained today could change without notice tomorrow. Just be prepared that you may have to go through multiple security checkpoints, depending on where you’re going. I’m aware that it’s an inconvenience, but you’ll have to deal with it. Moreover, these measures are for your safety! Besides, do you think that Disney enjoys shelling out all that money on security measures? Unfortunately, the crazy world we live in right now dictates these measures.
Procedures For Using The Disney Monorail With an ECV Or Wheelchair
Here are some of the necessary procedures for using the Disney Monorail if you’re in an ECV or wheelchair. First, drive up to the gate with the handicap symbol and stop. There will be a Cast Member nearby to direct you onto the monorail car when it’s your turn. If it’s busy, you may have to wait in a queue until other guests in front of you are directed to board first, as shown above. After the other ECV was on board, the door to the monorail closed. Afterward, a Cast Member closed the handicap gate.
When It’s Your Turn To Board The Disney Monorail With An ECV Or Wheelchair
When it’s your turn to board, a Cast Member will call you to the proper boarding spot and place a portable ramp down on the station platform and into the monorail car. Always make sure that you enter at the lowest speed as you proceed onto the ramp and into the monorail car. Generally, try to pull forward as far as you can go. Lastly, turn off the switch to your mobility aid.
The mobility scooter or wheelchair will not have to be tied down, nor have the wheels chocked. In the meantime, be sure that the brakes are locked on your mobility aid before the monorail starts moving. Additionally, you have the option to leave the mobility scooter or wheelchair and sit in one of the monorail seats. However, it is not mandatory, and you can choose to do whatever is most comfortable.
There’s a good possibility that other riders will be in the car with you too. Some may be standing and holding onto the handrails for balance. When the monorail reaches your destination, the doors will automatically open, and the other guests will get off ahead of you unless going to another stop.
Procedure for exiting the Disney Monorail With An ECV Or Wheelchair
Accordingly, a Cast Member will notice you in the car and put a ramp down so you can exit at this time. Next, turn the mobility aid switch on and be prepared to exit. Usually, you’ll be facing the doors and driving straight out and off the ramp. Move off slowly and entirely before turning towards your intended direction. Just note that you may have to back out of the car at some monorail stops instead of going straight out. However, be assured that a Cast Member will be there to direct and assist you if necessary!
Walt Disney World Monorail System Maps
In conclusion, I hope that the information in this post was helpful. I’ve included maps (from Wikimedia Commons) below, which illustrate the Walt Disney World Monorail System routes. I found both maps informative, but I couldn’t decide which one I liked the best. Therefore, I posted both of them for your reference.
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