
The Walt Disney World Resort monorail is one of the most iconic elements of the theme park resort. Aside from the Cinderella Castle and other theme park weenies, it is one of the most recognizable elements that scream “Disney.”
It connects guests staying at the Contemporary Resort, The Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian Resort to the Magic Kingdom and the Ticket and Transportation Center.
Related: Disney World Guests Be on Alert, Rare Health Hazard Currently Threatening Resort
It is also one of the most convenient ways to get from the Ticket and Transportation Center to EPCOT.
Disney World Monorail Incident
Earlier today (Tuesday, October 31), the yellow monorail train suddenly stopped on its track. Helicopter footage captured images of the stalled “highway in the sky.”
https://twitter.com/PattrikPerez/status/1719367854670156274
The Reedy Creek Fire Department and the Orange County Fire Department responded to the unusual incident. Disney guests were forced to evacuate the monorail train.
NEW: Reedy Creek confirms that a Disney monorail was stuck and that Reedy Creek Fire Department and Orange County Fire Department responded. People being evacuated. #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/fIuuQQnfeK
— Landon McReynolds (@LandonProducer) October 31, 2023
Disney Guest Statements
According to Fox 35 Orlando, Disney guest Kris Lenk heard a “loud bang explosion” followed by a big flash of light. Soon after, the monorail came to a complete stop.
Other Walt Disney World monorail passengers described the smell of burning rubber, and some witnessed smoke rising around the train.
Images show that teams needed to use fire ladders and break into the windows of the monorail to escort park guests from the vehicle. It does not seem that any individuals have been injured due to the monorail stopping or the evacuation efforts.
Disney Maintenance Issues?
This incident follows a string of situations where Walt Disney World attractions have been criticized for failing to be adequately maintained. Many reports have pointed out ride shutdowns, audio-animatronics not performing as designed, and other problems.
Related: Sheriff Reportedly Arrives on the Scene After Disney World Ride Shuts Down
To be fair, however, Walt Disney World Resort, just like all theme parks and resorts, malfunctions occasionally. The “rise” in the cases could be due to increased social media coverage over the past few years and the company itself being under the microscope.
If there’s one thing people seem interested in these days, it’s the Walt Disney Company. Many are curious to see what will change in the coming years. Disney has many fans and haters, all wondering what the company, its movies, and its theme parks will look like in a few years.
Related: It’s Official, DeSantis’ Disney Board Scraps Firefighters Perks
With a dropping stock price, poor box office returns, bad PR, and CEO shake-ups, everyone is curious about the company’s future. And when you add controversial decisions made by former Disney CEO Bob Chapek or current Disney CEO Bob Iger, it only heightens the tension.
Related: ‘I Miss Chapek’ Fans Attack Bob Iger During Fan Event
The monorail incident also highlights the value of organizations like the Reedy Creek Fire Department. With a lot of focus on the Reedy Creek-based lawsuits involving the state of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis, it adds even more fuel to the fire.
As of this writing, Disney has not released any comment or further information about this morning’s monorail incident.
This is a developing story. Please check back later as more details come to the surface.