The Walt Disney World Monorail system is one of the most efficient ways to get around Disney World property. However, there are limitations. The monorails only stop at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Transportation and Ticket Center, and a few resorts. In fact, the monorails are some of the most used transportation at Disney World. Unfortunately, the monorails at Disney World are closing permanently and will be replaced with walkways.

Disney is removing the monorail and installing walkways instead
Disney is removing the monorail and installing walkways instead. Photo via Disney

Not long ago we reported here on Disney adding an upside-down loop to their monorail. This had many guests excited as it would make the ride more thrilling. However, the announcement of the monorail closing permanently will be ending that aspirational project early. Many people are wondering why Disney is removing their famous monorail system and replacing it with walkways.

The Disney Monorail Problem

As you might be aware, the monorails at Disney World aren’t without problems. In fact, back in 2009, there was a monorail crash, which resulted in the death of the driver. On top of that, every year, the monorails are evacuated multiple times due to mechanical failures. This oftentimes leaves people stranded in the hot cars for hours before being rescued. However, neither of those are the reason for the monorails closing permanently.

Disney Monorail upside-down loop is canceled with this new announcement
Disney Monorail upside-down loop is canceled with this new announcement

The reason Disney World is closing its monorails is due to climate change. Disney is constantly striving to be more environmentally friendly. In fact, we saw this here with Disney World encouraging guests to shower in the rain instead of at their hotels. For those not familiar, the Disney monorails don’t run on gas, but electricity. One might think it’s environmentally friendly, but it’s not.

There is a common misconception that if something is electric, it’s automatically better than gas. However, electricity needs to come from somewhere. In this case, Disney uses massive amounts of natural gas to power the monorail. As you might guess, this is bad for the environment. In fact, sources claim that the Disney monorails are worse for the environment than the Disney busses. It’s because of this that Disney is removing the monorails and replacing them with walkways.

Walk From Magic Kingdom to EPCOT

Disney will soon start laying the ground for a walkway from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT. This walkway will essentially follow the tracks of the monorail. It will go to the Transporation and Ticket Center, the Magic Kingdom Resorts, EPCOT, and the Magic Kingdom. Instead of people having a quick monorail trip to EPCOT, they will have to walk there. Of course, Disney will still offer buses between the two parks, but the schedule isn’t always reliable, especially on busy days.

Disney will install more walkways to replace the monorails and save the earth
Disney will install more walkways to replace the monorails and save the earth. Photo via disneytouristblog.com

This announcement comes as no surprise. In fact, just recently Disney opened a new walkway from the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom. Little did we know, Disney was planning to remove the monorail for years. The walkway from the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom was a test. They wanted to see how much it got used and if people liked it. If they did, Disney would take the next steps to build more walkways and eventually close the monorails.

The good news is Disney isn’t going to remove the monorail until the walkways are finished. This means you still have time to hear “Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.” The biggest problem is the walk from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT is nearly 4 miles. This is a long walk, especially in the Florida heat. It will be interesting to see how much that walking path gets used.

What do you think of Disney closing the monorails to be more environmentally friendly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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