Future Transportation at WDW?

[GrumpyFan]

It seems we can't go more than a month or two without some kind of discussion about current transportation issues or speculation about future expansion. So, with all of this discussion, I started thinking about what others' thoughts were on the desired future expansions? I think it goes without saying that this is something that we wish Disney would improve upon, but in what way exactly? There are many options here, what's your thoughts?

Some of the options are:
Monorail - to all the parks, optionally to the resorts
Automated Trains - similar to what many major airports have
Personal Rapid Transit - similar to automated trains, but smaller capacity "pods", carry passengers to specific locations
Buses - no explanation needed
Other ?

 

[DVCOwner]

When I was at Walt Disney World in November I had the chance to meet someone that would know what Disney is looking at in this area. He stated that the the plan is not an all fits one solution to the problem. It looks like the plan will be getting people to one area, such as EPCOT resorts in a mass transit such as light rail or a monorail and than having a local system there to move to each resort and the parks. The same woud be done with Downtown Disney, Magic Kingdom Resorts, etc. When something will happen he could not say.

 

[WdWfanatic21]

Monorail!!!!!! There's nothing better than hopping on a monorail and being transported to a park.

 

[Texas84]

Whoever selects buses should be perma-banned

 

[Master Yoda]

Buses, but with one major change. The buses must be able to load a scooter, stroller and/or wheel chair completely unassisted. No ramps, lowering, straps, etc. They should be able to get on and off as easy as any other passenger.

 

[GrumpyFan]

Monorail!!!!!! There's nothing better than hopping on a monorail and being transported to a park.

True, Monorail is a cool and somewhat unique experience, but Walt envisioned multiple forms of transportation to carry people. I just think newer, and perhaps better transportation options have been invented that might work better.

 

[copcarguyp71]

Subterranean pneumatic transport FTW!

 

[AintNoOtherMan]

More monorails for sure. They're something only Disney offers, which isn't bad marketing. Plus they're just incredible! The speed. The views. It's a perfect experience.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Buses, but with one major change. The buses must be able to load a scooter, stroller and/or wheel chair completely unassisted. No ramps, lowering, straps, etc. They should be able to get on and off as easy as any other passenger.

Pesky old laws prevent that from happening as far as straps, etc. A large portion of the fleet are now low bodied that do not require a lift, but they do require a ramp and the vehicle, be it a wheeled chair or scooter, must be secured so that in the event of an accident it doesn't become a projectile. Sorry, I don't think that will ever change.

 

[copcarguyp71]

Standardized ECV's could provide self securing restraint points IMO. I think if there as a wheelbase and securing point standard that this could work. Simply drive in and "dock" with the securing mechanism on the bus. Easy peasy!!!!

Heck TDO could even make this a money maker for them as they could require you to use "compliant" standard ECV's that only they could provide...at least for the first year or so which would pay for the installation costs. If you wanted to use the bus service your ECV would have to comply to their standards. After a short while the other rental companies would catch up but the initial cost of modifying the buses would already be paid for in full.

http://rjmobilityservice.com/mobility-products/wheelchair-safety-restraints/ez-lock/

 

[copcarguyp71]

Buses, but with one major change. The buses must be able to load a scooter, stroller and/or wheel chair completely unassisted. No ramps, lowering, straps, etc. They should be able to get on and off as easy as any other passenger.

Agree...while the other modes are cooler and more fun to experience I really do not feel like having to dig into my pocket so much deeper for park tickets just to simply get around.

 

[TDF]

Obviously buses are the future of WDW, lets face it. I can definitely see the duel buses like being tested. I can also see wait times being posted and something being done to improve customer complaints about wheelchairs. May it be them waiting in line and not just pulling up getting loaded and there family of 20 joining them like it’s nothing.
- Justin

 

[GrumpyFan]

Another option that I didn't consider in the poll, gondolas.
http://thedisneyblog.com/2013/01/08...o-walt-disney-worlds-transportation-problems/

 

[Rodent73]

I think we can all agree that the transportation system needs improvement. I have heard rumours of driverless buses, monorail expansion, and a larger more advanced version of the people moved being looked at. I'm not 100% sure of what the final out come will be, but my sources have indicated that disney is all ready looking in to this.
I also heard a rumour of outside the parks. A transportation system to replace the magical express from the airport. Maybe something from the new train station they are building beside the Orlando airport?

 

[Konor]

Any transportation question that isn't answered with...

isn't truly answered.

 

[Matt_Black]

Teleporters! Brought to you by those fine minds at X-S Tech! Seize the future with X-S!

 

[disneyspirit]

It's not that I mind walking, but it does take a toll after a few days. I wish there was a Tomorrowland type of people mover to take you between the World Showcase and Future World.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Amazing the progress that has been made in three years.

 

[BigRedDad]

Additional monorail tracks are not going to be added. It is too cost ineffective. My FIL was working on a bid for one at an airport. The overall cost runs about $30k per foot of track. For the cost of 2-miles of track, they can build 3-4 DVC resorts. When factoring in cost/benefit, getting $0 return on a $316M investment is a waste of money. When you tell the same purse holder that they can spend $300M, sell 2,000 units at each DVC resort for $25,000 a pop and then charge those same people $1,000 a year for 50 years, the eyes light up like Christmas trees. On top of that, they will rent unused rooms out at $400-$1,000 a night, it makes the decision easier.

You will not see much of a change to the transportation system. They only changes may be more efficient buses way down the road. Could they potentially build a ground rail system? It is possible but still unlikely. There would have to be a hub and that means transportation hopping.

 

[marni1971]

Whoppie ! First monorail discussion of the year!