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Walt Disney World in Florida is a place to relax and have fun. However, even the most magical place on Earth is not without its occasional traumatic experiences. This is the reality for guests recently aboard one of the iconic Disney World monorails on Halloween, who just got the scare of their lives on this day known for tricks.
Credit: Brian McGowan on Unsplash
Disney World Monorail Evacuation
At around 10 a.m. on October 31, Reedy Creek responded to a stuck monorail at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. According to Fox 35 Orlando, passenger Kris Lenk heard a “loud bang explosion.” This was followed by a big flash of light, causing the monorail to come to a complete stop.
Passengers described the smell of burning rubber, and others said they witnessed smoke rising around the halted vehicle. Furthermore, the monorail broke down high in the air on its way around the resort.
As the scene escalated, firefighters and emergency responders rushed to the site to evacuate guests. Images show that teams needed to use fire ladders and break into the windows of the monorail to escort guests from the vehicle.
A Disney World monorail came to a complete stop this morning while on its way to Epcot. A passenger on board told me they heard a loud explosion sound & then a flash of light. His cart was evacuated about 15 mins ago. Working to confirm what caused it to break down. @fox35orlando pic.twitter.com/BhyMVQ6GSQ
— Pattrik Perez (@PattrikPerez) October 31, 2023
Disney Issues Statement
Disney has officially responded to the incident. The monorail had a flat tire near the EPCOT parking lot area, and no passengers or cast members were injured in the accident.
This morning, the monorail experienced a flat tire near the EPCOT parking lot toll plaza. No guests or cast members have reported injuries, and all passengers were safely evacuated.
Disney's statement about the monorail evacuation earlier today:
"This morning, the monorail experienced a flat tire near the EPCOT parking lot toll plaza. No guests or cast members have reported injuries, and all passengers were safely evacuated.” pic.twitter.com/RwQFa2bny3
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 31, 2023
Disney’s Iconic Transportation System
The monorail system at Walt Disney World is an essential component of the resort’s infrastructure. Since its debut in 1971, it has become an iconic mode of transportation that defines the Disney experience.
The monorail connects the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and select Disney resort hotels, offering a convenient and scenic way for guests to move between these key locations. Its sleek and futuristic design, complete with colorful monorail trains, not only serves a practical purpose but also adds to the overall enchantment and ambiance of Walt Disney World.
Credit: Disney
However, even with Disney magic, the monorail system is not immune to technical issues or unforeseen accidents. While rare, the possibility of shutdowns or evacuations due to unexpected incidents cannot be entirely ruled out.
Disney World places paramount importance on guest safety, and they have rigorous protocols to handle such situations efficiently. Highly trained staff ensure that all passengers are safely evacuated if needed, and constant maintenance and rigorous safety procedures are employed to minimize the risk of such occurrences.
Despite these occasional challenges, the Walt Disney World monorail system remains a beloved and integral part of the resort, providing a unique and memorable way for guests to explore the park’s magic.
Credit: Disney
Successful Monorail Evacuation
So far, no injuries have been reported involving this Disney World monorail evacuation. However, it was a traumatic experience for those passengers just looking to get to their destination at the theme park.
Here’s hoping everyone affected by the event can enjoy the rest of their Halloween at Disney World. Furthermore, the quick response by emergency rescue crews is impressive, and we thank them for their selfless efforts.
