Disneyland Monorail

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The Disneyland Monorail System is a monorail system that operates at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. It was the first daily operating monorail in the Western Hemisphere and has become an iconic part of the Disneyland experience.

History

The Disneyland Monorail System was inaugurated on June 14, 1959, as part of a major expansion of Disneyland that included the addition of the Matterhorn Bobsleds and the Submarine Voyage. Originally, the monorail was a simple loop that traveled around Tomorrowland, but it was later expanded to connect with the Disneyland Hotel.

The monorail was designed by WED Enterprises, now known as Walt Disney Imagineering, and was based on the ALWEG monorail system. The original fleet consisted of two trains, the Mark I models, which were later upgraded to the Mark II and then the Mark III models. The current fleet consists of the Mark VII models, which were introduced in 2008.

Design and Technology

The Disneyland Monorail is a straddle-beam monorail, meaning that the train straddles a single rail that is elevated above the ground. This design allows for a smooth and quiet ride, as well as a unique visual aesthetic that fits well with the futuristic theme of Tomorrowland.

The monorail trains are powered by electric motors and draw power from a bus bar located on the side of the beam. The system is fully automated, although operators are present on each train to ensure safety and assist guests.

Route

The current route of the Disneyland Monorail is approximately 2.5 miles long and includes stops at Tomorrowland inside Disneyland Park and the Downtown Disney District. The monorail provides a convenient and scenic way for guests to travel between these locations, offering views of the park and surrounding areas.

Significance

The Disneyland Monorail was a groundbreaking transportation system when it was introduced, showcasing the potential of monorail technology as a viable form of urban transit. Although monorails have not become widespread in urban settings, the Disneyland Monorail remains a beloved attraction and a symbol of Disney's commitment to innovation and imagination.

Also see

• Walt Disney World Monorail System
• Tomorrowland
• Disneyland Resort
• Walt Disney Imagineering