That's a pretty much simplistic way of looking billions of dollars worth of investment. They, of course, do not nitpick every possible detail, but, they do specify what results they expect from that investment. They would be absolute fools to leave anything to chance. Especially in light of just how visible and important to the overall reputation of WDW concerning the Monorails. No they don't design the motors or the operating systems that run them, but, they do specify what they expect out of them. When you build a house you don't specify every single individual 2X4 used in the construction, but, you do specify that it will be wood as opposed to metal and 2X4 instead of 2X6 construction or vice versa. So I don't believe for a minute that necessary detail isn't quite extensive. It would be totally irresponsible to do it any other way.
All I can say is if I were on the board of directors, and I found out that management committed that much money with out specifications that will meet every need and fully planned and, having rooms full of engineers (imagineers, if you like) and they didn't get to work with their design and design requirements, that management would be on the unemployment line very quickly. I don't know exactly what they do, but, I do know what any manufacturer would demand, but, would need specific requirements based on realistic engineering that will fit the need of the company. They set the requirements and they are bid on in a basic sense. Later when the reality sets in and building is happening, problems arise and then the manufacturer suggests changes or even Disney suggests changes. Those require change orders and those alone can sometime double, triple or even quadruple the costs of the projects.
But, like I said, I have never had a Monorail built, and I suspect you haven't either but are speculating on how you think it is done. Although Monorails were not my area, buildings, highways, earth moving, basic and water systems, sanitation systems and many other things were done, but, not without elaborate blue prints and requirements of the vendor spelled out with no doubt. We had our own engineers that would study the "blueprints", for lack of a better word, to determine the cost to give that end product to the customer. Also perhaps find a problem that cannot be done as is, and either decide against attempting to do it entirely or inform the customer of the problem for possible correction. All that before ever being awarded a contract.
So let's just agree to disagree about this since it really is unimportant for the fans point of view, but, how things like this are done to prevent lawsuits and injury due to flaws in the finish product are part of the process.
