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When you think of Disneyland, you probably think of Sleeping Beauty Castle, "it's a small world," Dumbo or Pirates of the Caribbean. All the classic rides that make Disneyland historic such as Jungle Cruise or the Disneyland Railroad. But there's another piece of Disney history that often gets overlooked. The Disneyland Monorail offers a scenic ride through the resort and a quick way from Downtown Disney District into Tomorrowland. But it's also a fundamental piece of Disneyland's heritage that dates back to the early days of the park. In this post, we’ll go through all you need to know about the monorail, one of the most classic and innovative attractions in the park.
Overview of the Disneyland Monorail
The monorail is not just a mode of transportation — it's an attraction in its own right. The sleek, futuristic trains are a visual delight, and each trip feels like a mini adventure. The large windows offer great photo opportunities, especially with the iconic Matterhorn in the background. Whether you’re riding it as a shortcut through the park or simply enjoying the sights, it’s a ride that remains a beloved part of Disneyland's charm. So next time you’re at the park, don’t froget to hop aboard the Disneyland Monorail.
Ride Details
How long is the Disneyland Monorail?
It typically takes around 13 minutes for a round trip on the monorail. It's a scenic 30 mph ride with panoramic views of the park. The route spans over 2.5 miles and offers a bird’s-eye view of several key areas of the park.
What does the Disneyland Monorail go over?
The monorail passes through a few key areas of the Disneyland Resort. Pass through Downtown Disney and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Glide above Grizzly Peak, Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure. Then zoom around the Matterhorn and soar above Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The monorail offers unique vantage points you can't find from anywhere else in the resort.
Where does the Disneyland Monorail stop?
There are two monorail stations at the Disneyland Resort. The Tomorrowland station is located inside Disneyland Park, above Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. The Downtown Disney District station is located across from the LEGO store. This is the main station where you must scan your park ticket to enter.
Can I ride the Disneyland Monorail for free?
The answer in short is no. Valid theme park admission is required in order to ride the monorail. Specifically, a ticket to Disneyland Park, as the only stop the monorail makes is in Tomorrowland. The monorail is considered part of Disneyland Park and functions as both a transportation system and an attraction. However, a ride on the monorail is included in your park ticket, along with any of the Disneyland attractions. With a valid ticket and a theme park reservation, you can ride the monorail as many times as you'd like.
Is there a height limit on the Disneyland Monorail?
There is no height requirement for the monorail. Guests of all ages are welcome to board.
Hours and Perks
What are the Disneyland Monorail hours?
The monorail operates during regular Disneyland Park hours, but exact hours can vary depending on the day, season and any special event happening in the park. Usually, the monorail opens 30 minutes before the park opens for guests with early entry and closes at the same time Disneyland Park does. Check the Disneyland app on the day you are visiting, as ride hours may change based on park schedules and to accommodate fireworks performances.
How often does the Disneyland Monorail run?
Trains run approximately every 10 minutes.
Are there perks for using the Disneyland Monorail?
Scanning into Disneyland at the monorail turnstile is a convenient way to enter the park for guests arriving via Downtown Disney. Located in the Downtown Disney District, the turnstiles allow you to bypass the main park entrance lines. Simply scan your ticket or pass after going through a security checkpoint. This entrance is especially useful for Disneyland Resort hotel guests or those looking for a quicker way into the park. Just be sure to check the monorail's operating hours, as it may not be available at all times.
History
Where did the Disneyland Monorail come from?
The Disneyland Monorail made its debut on June 14, 1959, as the very first daily operating monorail system in the United States. Walt Disney wanted a ride that would not only serve as transportation but also showcase what the future might look like. Walt had been inspired by the futuristic technology of monorails from the 1950s in World's Fairs, which ran cars suspended beneath the rails. When the Disneyland Monorail first opened, the monorail was a groundbreaking innovation. It didn’t just transport people around the park, it was a statement of Disney's vision for the future — clean, efficient and exciting. The initial route connected Disneyland with the Disneyland Hotel, but as the park expanded and changed, so did the monorail system.
How does the Disneyland Monorail work?
The Disneyland Monorail system operates on a track that is suspended above the ground, making it unique compared to traditional train systems. The trains are powered by an electric propulsion system that uses linear induction motors, which are highly efficient and produce little noise and zero emissions. This system, combined with the monorail’s elevated design, makes it a smooth and quiet ride.
Fun Facts
Fun Facts About the Disneyland Monorail
- The Disneyland Monorail is one of the longest-running monorail systems in the world.
- The current monorail trains at Disneyland are the "Mark VII" models, which were introduced in 2008. These trains are more energy-efficient and feature new safety features compared to earlier models.
- There are three monorail trains — Mark VII Red, Blue and Orange.
- The rail extends over 12,300 feet.
- Each train can fit up to 132 guests.
- The monorail was one of the projects that Walt Disney dreamed of for Disneyland. He saw it as an example of what the future could look like — an eco-friendly, efficient mode of transportation that also happened to be thrilling and fun.
Have you ridden the monorail into Disneyland Park? Are you planning a trip to Disneyland Resort? We've got you covered with discount Disneyland tickets and Disneyland Hotel stays! Undercover Tourist has been a trusted, authorized ticket seller for over 20 years.
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Keep hopping!
