Personal Pod Transport Arriving Soon?

[jt04]

I do not think I would be saying that unless I had plans on my desk and funding in the bank for such a project. Just because it is "cool" does not mean that it will provide Disney a ROI and it certainly does not mean that the will do it for that reason alone.

For this to get done in the short term it would probably have to be a collaborative effort by Disney, technology companies and the government. WDW would provide a great test of the system before it was implemented on a wider scale in cities. Or Disney could wait and let others work out the bugs before implementing it.

For those concerned about footings and infrastructure expense, remember this is likely to use state of the art composites in both the track and vehicles which will have many benefits.

This is the future of mass transit. WDW will have it sooner or later.

 

[jt04]

I agree with what someone else said that it wouldn't be crowd efficient. Its true, those things only carry one family at a time so it wouldn't be very efficient on crowded summer days.

And lastly, this looks like it would be ten times more expensive than any monorail expansion.

Wrong on point 1. It is continuous load that has been computer simulated. It works.

Wrong on point 2. They are building it in England (even as we speak) and it is not more expensive compared to monorails (not even close).

 

[yankspy]

What happened to "If we can dream it then we can do it". I am not saying that it would not be difficult and expensive (new ideas usually are) but I would have to say that eventually the WDW transportation system will be drastically changed. I am not saying that I expect it soon but I should think it will happen someday.

 

[captainkidd]

Yes. It is going to happen. Because it's a cool idea it's going to happen.

The only thing in question is when.

That's the exact same thing everyone said about the monorail extension in 1989. Still waiting on that one.

I have no doubts this could happen. Obviously, it is being done in the UK right now. But I think what people are referring to is this taking over as the main means of transportation at WDW. There is no way possible that could happen.

What I question is, why bother doing it at all if it's not available everywhere on property to every guest? What's the point? How is it going to solve the transportation problems at WDW?

The only way I see this being done is as an attraction of some sorts.

 

[luckyeye13]

Assuming 8 people per pod, we would need about 5 pods for each bus.

...
- buses can hold about 40 people I believe

Actually, the WDW buses hold 72 Guests each (regardless of the model). So each bus would have to be replaced by nine pods at peak times. I know that some people have mentioned that Disney could just use bigger pods, but bigger pods would require a number of modifications that may or may not be feasible at this point. For example, a bigger pod would draw more power and that would require either a much bigger battery or much more powerful power supply systems for each power zone in order to make that work.

Also, as a few people have correctly pointed out, the system is being implemented at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 to link the terminal and the car park. At present, though, those are the only two stations that will be on the system when it opens next fall. According to the expanding map at the end of the video on YouTube, the system will eventually cover more stations, including Terminals 3 and Heathrow East (which will be the combination of Terminals 1 and the soon to be demolished 2) and their car parks. Keep in mind, though, that this is still all in a relatively small area. The Heathrow PRT system won't even go to Terminal 4 (again, according to the video), which is a decent distance away. So to compare the future service area of the pods at Heathrow with the potential service area at WDW is like comparing an apple with a really big pumpkin. Another difference will be the number of passengers using the system. I know that for many of us who are in America, it may be a strange concept, but a good proportion of people going to Heathrow actually don't get there by car! There are plenty of buses, the Heathrow Express and Connect trains to Central London, and the London Underground that transport lots of passengers and staff to and from the airport. Plus, staff who work at the airport and do choose to drive already park at designated lots that, in all likelihood, will not be linked up to this system.

I am not saying that this type of a system would not work at WDW, but I am saying that judging its viability at WDW based on its future success at Heathrow is not a good idea. WDW would be a whole different animal for a system that, so far, has been limited to small service areas with just a few stations.

 

[yankspy]

I wonder if this idea could be used with a "maglev" system?

 

[DisneyJoe]

What I question is, why bother doing it at all if it's not available everywhere on property to every guest? What's the point? How is it going to solve the transportation problems at WDW?

The monorail isn't available everywhere on property either. You need to implement something like this in stages, just like the monorail was implemented in 2 stages. I don't think anyone said that this would replace all modes of transportation at WDW, just some of the more congested bus routes.

I personally don't have any problem with transportation at WDW - others do.

It would also be the "green" thing to do.....

 

[captainkidd]

The monorail isn't available everywhere on property either. You need to implement something like this in stages, just like the monorail was implemented in 2 stages. I don't think anyone said that this would replace all modes of transportation at WDW, just some of the more congested bus routes.

I personally don't have any problem with transportation at WDW - others do.

It would also be the "green" thing to do.....

I don't have any problems with the transportation either. I mean, the buses could run a bit more frequently at some resorts, but that's not a huge issue.

I just don't see this as being a much less expensive venture than expanding the monorail.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I've approximated that to link all the parks, resorts, waterparks, and downtown areas...it would cost roughly about 2 billion dollars. (Non-elevated track...and roughly 75 miles of it)

Say they charged $15.00/day for parking and the use of the pods. (You could add it to the room cost so resort guests would think they're getting it complimentary). And say, that they took $100,000/day (average) and put it towards the project. To make their money back...it would still take them 55 years.

Wow, looking at those numbers, that doesn't make it sound feasible at ALL!

(Less if you count the savings on oil and drivers)

 

[JWG]

I think (hope) we can agree, there is no "non-stop" service solution for all of WDW. There is no feasible way to implement a fast, efficient, cost-effective non-stop system.

For those about to argue the bus system, keep in mind the ongoing maintenance cost of the fleet, plus fuel, plus drivers, etc. That, and it's not truely non-stop. Epcot resorts are part of a loop. Typically Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon are part of a them park loop (ie, from Epcot resorts to Blizzard Beach to Animal Kingdom).

I do think this has merit and could work in the only way a true mass transportation system can work of size and scale (somewhat proven by the airline industry - not that they're a model for efficiency) - some type of hub and spoke system. You may have 1-5 main hubs (Epcot area & resorts, Magic Kingom area & resorts, etc.) with spokes connecting specific venues to a the hub (think TTC with the monorail changing station on a larger scale).

If it works right, if you're at say Boardwalk going to Magic Kingdom and you select that destination as you approach the Boardwalk "stop" it hopefully plans for you through the whole system. So you get on your Boardwalk pod to the Epcot area hub, you then change to a new pod (or maybe you don't, but the hub does away with having so many tracks to work with and you just continue through without stopping making it more of a switching station), now you're on your way to the Magic Kingdom area hub (TTC?) where you again either maybe do or don't change pods but get track switched to the Magic Kingdom spoke. At no point do you have to reenter your destination and if you do switch pods you're told which pod to go to and it's either waiting or close as you approach the hub.

Even with pod-switching, I think it'd be faster than the current bus system that is hampered by controlled intersections, potentially slower speed limits and lengthy wait times. As a frequent guest of the Boardwalk, I traditionally wait about 20 minutes for an Animal Kingdom bus, I then stop at various other Epcot resorts en route (as well as Blizzard Beach), finally arriving at Animal Kingdom about 45 minutes after I've stepped out of the hotel.

Do I actually think this will happen at Disney in the next 10 years? No. Disney is no longer (in my mind) interested in being at the forefront of technology and human experience like they were during the days of the World's Fair. They're now about shareholder value (as is every company). So until it's ROI favorable or "cookie-cutter" designe cheap I don't think they'd do it.

Do I think that buses will be replaced someday with a new form of transportation that's better? Absolutely. It's already been discussed that cars replaced horses and planes replaced trains. Something will come along to imrpove on the bus system someday. I hope I'm still going to Disney to experience it whenever that day is.

I like this idea. Could potentially be more efficient, require fewer cast members to operate (not a real plus other than for Disney in labor cost), a better guest experience (less waiting), etc. if done well.

Maybe for WDW's 75th...

 

[imagineer boy]

Wrong on point 2. They are building it in England (even as we speak) and it is not more expensive compared to monorails (not even close).

Well, consider having those overhead roads being built in the soft, Florida soil. Prices go up quite a bit!

 

[DVCOwner]

I am not as negitive about this as many. I looked at the web site and they show many ways of making it happen such as a larger car.

First, high volumes can be handled with a 15 passenger version for rush hour traffic or long hauls.

The system could start small and be expanded. I would think that connecting the Boardwalk area to the Monorail system at Epcot could be done as a first step. This would connect several hotels to the existing system. Than the next "loop" could be to DHS and nearby hotels. I still think that this would be affordable and would work.

 

[JWG]

Well, consider having those overhead roads being built in the soft, Florida soil. Prices go up quite a bit!

I have to believe a pod will weigh less than a bus (and certainly a monorail train). So, while it is likely more expensive in FL than Europe, compared to the monorail price I still think it has to be less. Pavement isn't a fair comparison because the weight is more evenly distributed than on a pylon overhead structure. But the weight on any one of those supports should be less than when a monorail passes over today, no?

I'm also wondering if it has to necessarily be suspended in the air. Many commuter train systems run parallel to the existing road structure. Could this not do the same? Intersections would be the only issue - giving right of way to continuous pods means tunnlers are suspended systems at that point.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Well, consider having those overhead roads being built in the soft, Florida soil. Prices go up quite a bit!

They don't need to be overhead though. If they just went up and over the existing roads like an overpass, or under wouldn't that be okay? I'm not sure...I'm really asking because I'm sure these have enough power to ascend and descend hills.

 

[luckyeye13]

I wonder if this idea could be used with a "maglev" system?

I suppose if there is a way for maglev to be setup with the kind of switching and other aspects that are needed for this kind of system, there would be nothing to prevent it from being used. However, my understanding is that maglev is horendously expensive at this point in time. Word is that Dubailand was to have a maglev system, but it was scrapped due to cost. So if a construction project in a part of the world where every project enjoys an almost unlimited budget thought a regular maglev was too expensive, it is not likely that will we see maglev-operated pods at WDW anywhere in the near (or, for that matter, distant) future.

 

[JWG]

I suppose if there is a way for maglev to be setup with the kind of switching and other aspects that are needed for this kind of system, there would be nothing to prevent it from being used. However, my understanding is that maglev is horendously expensive at this point in time. Word is that Dubailand was to have a maglev system, but it was scrapped due to cost. So if a construction project in a part of the world where every project enjoys an almost unlimited budget thought a regular maglev was too expensive, it is not likely that will we see maglev-operated pods at WDW anywhere in the near (or, for that matter, distant) future.

That can't be true! I didn't think Dubai said "no" to anything! :shrug:

 

[gettingsmaller]

I've approximated that to link all the parks, resorts, waterparks, and downtown areas...it would cost roughly about 2 billion dollars. (Non-elevated track...and roughly 75 miles of it)

Say they charged $15.00/day for parking and the use of the pods. (You could add it to the room cost so resort guests would think they're getting it complimentary). And say, that they took $100,000/day (average) and put it towards the project. To make their money back...it would still take them 55 years.

Wow, looking at those numbers, that doesn't make it sound feasible at ALL!

(Less if you count the savings on oil and drivers)

ah, but you are forgetting the goodwill of going green and the possibility of government intervention in the form of grants, etc. for reducing carbon emissions, pioneering a large-scale implementation, etc.. Not to mention the money saved (which you touched on) for reducing or eliminating the need for buses, drivers, fuel, maintenance, etc..

Also, I sure don't see much mention of the efficiency of the routes of pods vs. buses. Last year, we were at WDW for 12 days. We spent about 11 days riding buses from place to place. THEN, we rode the monorail from MK to the Contemporary. You try doing that, and you will see the obvious difference--no stop signs and no red lights. The monorail skips all of that. So, although you might need quite a lot of pods, I think the travel time--and, hence, the "recycle time"--of the pods would be better than that of buses--meaning you would need less overall capacity vs. buses.

Now, I'm not saying that this new system is coming to WDW. It would be cool. I have no idea if it would be cost effective. As someone mentioned, I think it would be an attraction in itself--at least for a while. So, if you can spend $250 million on EE (did they? I don't know), you could spend the same on a partial system that may actually pay for itself in increased bookings, reduced bus costs (fuel, labor, etc.), free publicity, etc..

What about a small pilot system that goes from a premium resort to a park? For example, from AKL to AK. All of a sudden, you have an added incentive for people to book those rooms. Also, isn't there a DVC at AKL or nearby? Yet another incentive for people to buy. In time, more resorts could be linked to nearby parks, etc.. They wouldn't have to lay down all 75 miles of track at once, and they could use smaller runs as pilots for determining the feasibility/ROI of future/larger routes...

 

[Kwit35]

I have not read every single post, and maybe somebody already said this, but this sounds an awful lot like the TTA. It is so efficient at getting people on and off, there is hardly ever a wait. Why not cover the cars and use that type of system running from park to park or resort to park. There could be centralized turnstiles/roundabouts that would take you off the main track and redirect you to the destination point. Anyway, just a thought.

 

[Rob562]

You also have to wonder if Siemens, who is already a corproate partner with Disney in multiple projects, is developing any kind of a PRT system. They already have a Transportation division that handles trains and light rail.

If (and that's a big *if*...) they were developing their own PRT system, I could definitely see them partnering with Disney to build a complete prototype system that could be a real-world example of the future of PRT.

-Rob

 

[Kwit35]

Inside the pod could be an interactive touchscreen map of the park displayed with descriptions of the attractions and parade/show times...so you can plan out your day while you ride to the park.

Just knowing the wait times, before you get to the park, would be awesome!