If Disney attractions didn't get a tune-up now and then, it would raise more eyebrows than temporary, albeit inconvenient, closures. Guests anticipate Disney vacations more than a kid waiting for Christmas morning, and with all the planning and money that pours into these trips, it's understandable for a shut-down attraction to cause some disappointment.
Still, one Disney Park closure has seemingly been shrouded in mystery, and Guests have been anxiously awaiting news of its reopening date.
The Modern Marvel Gets an Update
America's first single-rail transportation system hit the scene in 1959 when Walt Disney proudly launched the monorail into the Disney scene. A mechanical engineering marvel that drew just as much attention as it did crowds, Disneyland's monorail became an instant Park staple.
While it's stopped in its tracks intermittently since its opening for tweaks and updates, it's officially closing down today, July 5. Disneyland gradually released information on the official website about the monorail's operations, but Guests have mainly been left in the dark about its future. Those with summer plans have been awaiting a reopening date to be announced, and on the day of its closure, it's finally here.
Industry insider Scott Gustin shared an official update on social media about the beloved monorail:
NEW: The Disneyland Monorail will be closed for refurbishment from July 5 August 31.
NEW: The Disneyland Monorail will be closed for refurbishment from July 5 August 31. pic.twitter.com/1TTdjjFHZw
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 5, 2023
Although some have said they saw the update on the Disneyland website, others, like @sideofspread, learned about the news from Gustin:
That would have been nice to know lol. Wonder if it is unplanned.
Alternative Route
Disney Guests have commented on the cosmetic pitfalls of the Disneyland monorail over recent years, and perhaps this refurbishment will be a more comprehensive overhaul than previous updates. In the meantime, those with planned summer Disneyland vacations will likely miss out on the monorail, with its closure extending through the end of summer.
The monorail ride at Disneyland is a short one, just 20 minutes long. However, it transports Guests from the Downtown Disney District and the nearby Disneyland Hotel on an air-conditioned Disneyland Resort tour with views of Disney California Adventure and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Compared to Walt Disney World, Disneyland Park is manageable to navigate on foot, but the beloved Park tour via the monorail will be missed by many this summer. Disney hasn't released details about the monorail's closure, which updates are happening, or why the refurbishment is extensive. Disney Fanatic will continue to share updates as they come.
