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The History of the Walt Disney World Monorail: Mark VI, 1989-Present

Nate Rasmussen

by , Librarian, Walt Disney Archives

The Mark VI Monorail made its debut at Walt Disney World Resort in June 1989. Below is a look at one of the first trains being loaded onto the monorail track.

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The Mark VI trains had wider monorail doors, improved air conditioning (great for that warm, summer Florida weather) and communication systems and increased interior height for standees.

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The first two Mark VI Monorails were operated and tested at night without guests until December 1989 when Monorail Blue started transporting guests. This new fleet of monorail trains, built by Bombardier, increased guest capacity by 30 percent.

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Today, the Mark VI Monorail trains carry an average of 16 million passengers annually at the Walt Disney World Resort, and is still one of the coolest “non-attraction” attractions, in my opinion, at Walt Disney World Resort.

See the posts below for more on the history of Monorails at Disney Parks:

Destinations: Walt Disney World Resort

Topics: Disney History

Comments

  • One of my most favorite “non-rides” too. When the line for the Magic Kingdom bus is too long we hop on an EPCOT bus then take the monorail. Such an easy way to travel.

  • I worked on the Monorails at MK and it was great, At the time before the bad accident you got to ride up in front and also got some cool cards when you did, Monorails should be all over the place, one day from the Airport to the parks to say from driving.

  • I am right there with you, Darren. I have been going to the parks since the mid 1970’s and always loved the monorails. I wish it was possible to take it from the TTC to Animal Kingdom to enjoy the long ride from Magic Kingdom resorts rather than be on a bus.

  • Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to be a Monorail Pilot!

    • Me too! 🙂

  • As a teenager, this was my parents favorite way to get to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot! They were the only two parks at the time. I remember my Dad riding the monorail over and over just to be riding it!

  • It’s so beautiful…

  • The Mark VI Monorail trains are the best way to get around WDW in comfort while getting to see the MK and EPCOT from a whole new perspective. One of our family’s favourite “non-ride” rides!

    • I agree – it’s always fun to take the monorail!

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