Before the castles, fireworks, and costumed characters, many Walt Disney World visitors start their day with something more mundane: the parking lot tram.
For generations of guests arriving by car, these open-air shuttles have marked the unofficial beginning of the Disney experience—a short but familiar ride from the asphalt to the magic.
Introduced in the early 1970s, the trams are among the most enduring aspects of the resort’s infrastructure. While they rarely make headlines, their impact is quietly significant. Designed to ease the transition from vehicle to vacation, they reflect Disney’s long-held commitment to convenience and guest service. That consistency, however, doesn’t mean the trams are frozen in time.
Over the decades, the fleet has seen intermittent upgrades, particularly in the wake of service disruptions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, tram operations were suspended entirely. When they returned, the rollout was slow and phased, with changes aimed at improving both comfort and efficiency. Now, another update has quietly arrived—and this time, it’s not about the vehicle, but what guests hear once they board.
Disney Unveils Tram Updates
Disney has introduced a new automated safety spiel to its parking lot trams, bringing a fresh layer of standardization to the experience. “As you board, please lower your head and watch your step. Push down on the handle and pull out on the door,” the announcement begins. “Please fold and stow all strollers and wheelchairs before we depart. Children may not ride while in strollers.”
The message continues with instructions for remaining seated and facing forward, citing the possibility of sudden stops. It also warns riders not to retrieve dropped belongings until reaching the next stop and informs them that all bags are subject to screening. “Weapons of any kind, including firearms and knives, as well as selfie sticks, are prohibited,” the spiel concludes. “If you have any of these items, please return them to your vehicle now. Thank you and welcome aboard.”
The automated announcement plays before the traditional tram safety message, which still reminds guests to keep “hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the vehicle.” Cast members continue to supplement both recordings with their own real-time reminders during each ride.
A System That Moves Millions
Each of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—features its own tram fleet. The service typically begins shortly before park opening and continues well after closing, ensuring guests don’t have to walk the sometimes considerable distance between their cars and the front gates.
At Magic Kingdom, the trams drop guests at the Transportation and Ticket Center, where they transfer to the ferry or monorail. EPCOT guests are delivered straight to the park entrance. Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom offer similarly straightforward service, with trams dropping guests just steps from security.
Tram boarding zones are clearly marked and usually located at the end of each parking section. Many include shaded waiting areas and safety signage. Though rarely the focus of Disney marketing, these zones and vehicles handle a staggering volume of guests each day—and with the new announcements in place, they’re doing so with an extra layer of clarity and consistency.
Have you heard the new tram spiel at Walt Disney World Resort yet?
