It’s not every day you see black smoke rising over the Grand Floridian, especially from one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic transportation systems. But that’s exactly what guests witnessed early this morning when Monorail Silver reportedly experienced an electrical malfunction, producing smoke and sparking a small fire. The incident has forced the temporary closure of the monorail system, leaving Disney fans scrambling for alternate ways to get around the resort.
If you’ve ever ridden the monorail at Walt Disney World, you know it’s more than just transportation—it’s part of the Disney experience. Gliding between the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and several resort hotels, the monorail is practically a theme park attraction on its own. It’s sleek, futuristic, and a symbol of the Disney magic in motion. And this morning, that magic got a little…smoky.
What Happened on Monorail Silver
Shortly before 9 a.m., an emergency call was reportedly made regarding a fire near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Social media quickly lit up with eyewitness accounts. While Walt Disney World has not yet commented officially, guests posting online shared a firsthand look at what went down.
Chris, known online as @CHRIS_MAGIC_DCL, was on his morning run when he spotted the scene. His reaction captures the shock many felt:
“I didn’t have seeing a monorail have a electrical fire on my bingo card while on my morning run this morning! There was quite a bit of smoke that smelled like burning electrical insulation coming out between the cars! By the time I went and got my phone they got it out. It was the express and looked empty! They have the walking path to the magic kingdom closed.”
I didn’t have seeing a monorail have a electrical fire on my bingo card while on my morning run this morning! There was quite a bit of smoke that smelled like burning electrical insulation coming out between the cars! By the time I went and got my phone they got it out. It was… pic.twitter.com/0YDY6kPQ7O
— CHRIS in the Concierge Lounge (@CHRIS_MAGIC_DCL) November 23, 2025
Chris even shared photos of the smoke rising between two monorail cars. From the images, it appears the smoke was coming from the joint between two connected cabins—likely near the train’s electrical systems. The smell of burning insulation added to the alarm, though it seems the fire was quickly contained.
Marlene Borrego (@MarleneBorrego3_) also posted about the fire on X, adding:
“Monorail in front of the Grand Flo this morning around 9:30am with a small fire.”
Monorail in front of the Grand Flo this morning around 9:30am with a small fire pic.twitter.com/AOSqoXSqUq
— Marlene Borrego (@MarleneBorrego3) November 23, 2025
Her photo further confirmed the scene, showing a small plume of smoke near the train. Together, these posts offer one of the clearest looks yet at what’s become one of Disney World’s most unusual morning incidents in recent memory.
Guest Safety and Operational Impact
At this time, the Walt Disney World monorail system has been completely shut down. This includes the Express line to Magic Kingdom and the resort loop connecting the Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, and Contemporary Resort. Guests relying on the monorail to move between parks or hotels were redirected to alternative transportation, including buses, boats, and walking paths.
The closure also temporarily affected the Magic Kingdom walking path, which was blocked off as a safety precaution, according to Chris. While there’s no confirmation of injuries or guests being onboard Monorail Silver at the time, the reports suggest that the train was either empty or nearly empty.
Disney is known for strict safety procedures, especially regarding its transportation systems. Cast Members are trained to respond quickly to emergencies, and protocols are in place to handle situations like electrical fires. While this was an alarming scene for guests and runners nearby, the swift response likely prevented a more serious outcome.
Why This Is a Big Deal
The monorail is one of Walt Disney World’s signature attractions. It’s not just a mode of transportation—it’s a part of the Disney brand experience. Disruptions are rare, and anything involving fire or smoke immediately grabs attention from guests and social media.
Disney fan communities and bloggers have been analyzing every detail of the incident, from the timing to the exact location near the Grand Floridian. Some have noted how unusual it is for the system to experience an electrical issue that produces visible smoke, while others have speculated on whether routine maintenance could have prevented it.
What Guests Should Know Right Now
Until Disney reopens the monorail system, visitors need to plan for alternate ways to get around the resort:
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Resort buses connecting hotels to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
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Boat service from select resorts
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Walking paths where accessible
Guests should also allow extra travel time when moving between parks and resorts, especially during morning and evening hours when the system is normally heavily relied upon.
The Takeaway
While this morning’s incident may have caused some panic and inconvenience, it’s a reminder that even the most iconic parts of Walt Disney World are mechanical systems, subject to the occasional hiccup.
The combination of black smoke, the smell of burning insulation, and a temporary closure is unusual, yes—but Disney’s focus on guest safety and rapid response appears to have kept the situation under control. The monorail system is expected to reopen once Disney completes an assessment and ensures that all systems are safe for operation.
For fans and guests, this incident will no doubt become one of those “remember where you were” Disney moments—the morning you saw smoke rising from Monorail Silver and learned that even in the Happiest Place on Earth, surprises can happen.
