Why is Walt Disney World’s Monorail Running Backwards?

Frequent visitors to Walt Disney World often have their travel patterns down to a science, including the familiar counter-clockwise loop the Express Monorail takes from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to Magic Kingdom. However, a recent operational change has altered this routine, with the monorail now running in the opposite direction during certain times of the day.

This adjustment has prompted questions from guests about the new procedure and the reasons behind it. Here is a clear explanation of the monorail’s new “reverse” route.

Monorail Routes

In order to really understand what’s happening with the new monorail route, you have to first understand how the monorail operated before these recent changes. The Disney Monorail has three separate lines; the Express, Resort, and EPCOT lines. Each of these routes have different stops, and even separate operating hours.

What Is the Monorail Route Change?

The operational adjustment applies specifically to the Express Monorail line, which provides direct service between the TTC and Magic Kingdom. During the afternoon and evening hours, the monorails on this line now travel in a clockwise direction around the Seven Seas Lagoon. This is the reverse of the traditional counter-clockwise path that guests have been accustomed to for many years.

This change is currently in effect daily for the foreseeable future. It is important to note that this new procedure only impacts the Express Monorail. The Resort Monorail loop, which services the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and the EPCOT Monorail line continue to operate in their normal directions.

Why Was This Change Implemented?

The primary reason for reversing the Express Monorail’s direction is to improve operational efficiency, particularly at the end of the night. According to reports, running the monorails in a clockwise direction makes it easier and faster for Cast Members to move the trains off the Express beam and into the backstage maintenance facility after the park closes.

Previously, taking a monorail out of service from the Express line could cause temporary delays for guests leaving the park. By streamlining the process of cycling trains to and from the maintenance bay, this change aims to reduce potential downtime and create a more consistent transportation experience as the evening winds down at Magic Kingdom. While the new route adds approximately one minute to the journey from Magic Kingdom back to the TTC, the operational benefits are expected to outweigh this minor increase in travel time.

How Does This Affect Your Trip?

For most guests, the impact of this change will be minimal. The biggest difference is simply the direction of travel during afternoon and evening trips on the Express Monorail. When leaving Magic Kingdom to return to the TTC, you will now travel past the Contemporary Resort on your way back, rather than heading directly across the lagoon.

The morning route from the TTC to Magic Kingdom remains unchanged, operating in the standard counter-clockwise direction. Since the change is designed to enhance end-of-night operations, guests may notice a smoother and more reliable service when leaving the park after the fireworks.

Express Monorail Stops

A Small Change for Better Service

This adjustment to the Express Monorail’s route is a practical measure aimed at improving behind-the-scenes efficiency. While it may feel different for seasoned visitors to travel the loop in reverse, the goal is to enhance the reliability of one of Disney World’s most iconic transportation systems. As you plan your next visit to Magic Kingdom, this is a minor but interesting operational detail to be aware of.

Written by

Rachel Van Norman

Contributing Writer

Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.