Is there any news on the Epcot monorail?

[-vickimouse-]

I am getting frustrated that the Epcot monorail is not re-opening. Everyone is anxious for resorts and restaurants, but I am anxious for this Epcot line to re-start. Any insider info? I know there is no "news" or announcements from Disney yet. I'm surprised, frankly, that they wouldn't have it up and running pre- Memorial Day!!

 

[jt04]

Cost cutting while crowds are low and busses have enough capacity.

Disney considers the crater bad show for now or at least until they have no other option.

And three, possibly using the downtime to complete refurbishment of the fleet.

Not an insider, just my hunches.

 

[castlecake2.0]

It won’t return until:

1) capacity can be increased on the trains (they need all the trains they can get plus all three ferries running PLUS busses running at peak times to move guests from TTC to MK and back with currency social distancing)

2) they call back 30 ish more Cast that the department needs to have the EPCOT
station operational

I’d guess probably fall ish

 

[HairyChest]

The fact that the college program is back leads me to believe things are really picking up. I wouldn’t be suprised at the monorail returning by the end of this month/memorial weekend.

 

[HarperRose]

I think the disaster that is currently the middle of Epcot has a lot to do with it, too.

 

[ParksAndPixels]

All the reasons above are likely contributors. On property now and it was nice to see crews still working on beam cleaning on Epcot line last night (outside of the park). The parts of the line we’ve seen running around property so far look much better! If it’s got to be down, I’m glad to see the time is being put to use.

 

[mattpeto]

prob at Remy’s opening.

 

[jrhwdw]

The fact that the college program is back leads me to believe things are really picking up. I wouldn’t be suprised at the monorail returning by the end of this month/memorial weekend.

IDK a thing but does DCP work with the Monorails?

 

[HairyChest]

IDK a thing but does DCP work with the Monorails?

No. But it means the CMs that are covering for the DCP cast members can go back to other positions. It also means crowds are ramping up so more transportation is needed.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

A lot of CM's have been called back and the college program is restarting.
I'd say around Memorial Day you'll see all those CM's starting and capacity increase and more things like the monorail opening.

 

[monorail81]

No. But it means the CMs that are covering for the DCP cast members can go back to other positions. It also means crowds are ramping up so more transportation is needed.

Yes. DCP does cast in Monorails. Promise.

 

[Goofnut1980]

I think the disaster that is currently the middle of Epcot has a lot to do with it, too.

Good call. You don't want the guests to see all of the mess if at all possible.

 

[castlecake2.0]

Needing more cast is just part of it, the big issue is needing the trains to keep people moving between TTC and MK. If you take trains away to service EPCOT then you’ll need busses to make up the difference at MK. There’s no point starting epcot again until the trains can have regular capacity back.

 

[WondersOfLife]

Yes. DCP does cast in Monorails. Promise.

Correct. It’s an option on the list of interests when you apply.

 

[castlecake2.0]

Yes. DCP does cast in Monorails. Promise.

Though I believe just platform hosts but not pilots?

 

[marni1971]

Needing more cast is just part of it, the big issue is needing the trains to keep people moving between TTC and MK. If you take trains away to service EPCOT then you’ll need busses to make up the difference at MK. There’s no point starting epcot again until the trains can have regular capacity back.

The Seven Seas loops are limited by track capacity aren’t they? Unless all 12 are running on resort and express.

 

[Epcot_Imagineer]

The Seven Seas loops are limited by track capacity aren’t they? Unless all 12 are running on resort and express.

How many trains are permitted by the blocking system on each of the loops? Additional question, is MOPA still what the blocking system is called or was that terminology phased out with all of the additional automation that was done?

 

[castlecake2.0]

The Seven Seas loops are limited by track capacity aren’t they? Unless all 12 are running on resort and express.

So usually max capacity is however many stations are available. So that would be 5 on express and 5 on resort, but right now it’s only 4 until Poly station reopens. Currently they are taking 2 trains offline at a time for refurbs which leaves 10 available. So doesn’t seem likely they would want to strain the system until all trains are back in service and can be loaded pre Covid levels.

 

[marni1971]

So usually max capacity is however many stations are available. So that would be 5 on express and 5 on resort, but right now it’s only 4 until Poly station reopens. Currently they are taking 2 trains offline at a time for refurbs which leaves 10 available. So doesn’t seem likely they would want to strain the system until all trains are back in service and can be loaded pre Covid levels.

That’s the theoretical maximum, but are they running that? Just asking since I’m not allowed in to see for myself.

 

[HarperRose]

So usually max capacity is however many stations are available. So that would be 5 on express and 5 on resort, but right now it’s only 4 until Poly station reopens. Currently they are taking 2 trains offline at a time for refurbs which leaves 10 available. So doesn’t seem likely they would want to strain the system until all trains are back in service and can be loaded pre Covid levels.

There are only two stations on Express (MK and TTC).