I worked at Disneyland in 1986 and 1987 (Tomorrowland Foods) and when the first two Mark V trains were having issues with tire and brake wear, a number of us were asked to "work" a 6 hour shift riding one of the as yet unmodified Mark III trains. We were weighed and then boarded the train for dozens and dozens of trips around the route. There were tests at specific speeds, a couple full speed through the hotel station runs and braking tests until brake fade set in hard. I can still remember the driver talking/laughing over the train PA "We're not stopping.... we're not stopping..." That was definitely one of my favorite shifts during my time at DLND.
Dude, I LOVE the side by side comparison you did of the track! Such a stroke of genius. As a big fan of Disneyland history, comparing historical shots to the present day park is something that absolutely fascinates me and I will watch all day long. Thank you! And if you can find a way to do something similar in the future, I'm all over it. :)
When you are having a bad day, just come and watch Alex tell the story of the monorail. From my earliest memories of Disneyland as a small child, the Monorail has been one of the top attractions for me. I remember wanting to grow up and me a monorail driver. It never happened but I still think to myself that when I retire I want to be a monorail driver part time. Just to complete the circle. Thanks for another wonderful 2 part series Alex. I'm not having a bad day anymore.
Awesome - Great memories. Would've loved to work at Disneyland as a cast member assigned to the monorail in my younger days (I still have that dream 💗).
One of the most iconic Disneyland photos, is of the Monorail above the Submarine Voyage, in front of the Matterhorn, taken at night. Great report Alex!
As a kid in the 1970's and 1980's, the Mark III's, then later the Mark V's were the models of monorails I remember most! I remember I rode in the forward nose cone cabin once, on a Mark V. Since the nose cone seating was "first come-first serve," that meant that you had to get your party to gather at the very first boarding gate and once the attendant slid the gate open, you had to QUICKLY sprint to the nose cone loading door! This was easy when I was in my late teens/20's with friends (I was an APH for all those years), but as a young kid, my visits to the park were with my mom, plus other older adults, including grandparents... and they would NEVER even attempt to do it! LOL I also remember being VERY disappointed when the Mark V's were introduced. The loss of the dome bubble for the operator just made the new Mark V's a little less interesting. I was also at WDW once in 1984 when I was 11, so I am assuming that I rode the Mark IV's when I was there. Once again, Alex this 2-part series was excellent and brought back a lot of memories! I did have two questions for you... 1) Were the bubble canopies for the controllers modified and made larger on the Mark I's after their initial premier? 2) You commented that the Mark IV's were designed and built specifically for WDW-- Have those Mark IV's been replaced/rebuilt as a different model type?
The bubble canopy remained the same size, they waited until the Mark II before they designed a larger one. The Mark IV at Walt Disney World was replaced between 1989-1991 with the Mark VI. More information on that will be in my video about the Walt Disney World monorail system.
What a great way to start the day, a Alex The Historian / Yesterday's Archive video and a cup of hot coffee. The best part of the Monorail ride is where it winds through the Autopia, it is the most enjoyable view, going through the trees with views of the Submarine ride and Autopia ride then winding around the Matterhorn. The best part of the ride. As always you turn out a work of "Art." Thanks again for your HOURS of work and great narration.....
Nice series! Glad you covered the history of the barn and the changes to the beam way throughout the years--great info! The only historical point left out was about the Disney heirs selling (to Disney) the monorail, street cars, and Disneyland railroad in 1982. I'm also doubtful about the elimination of the three train operation - for many years prior, the Disneyland Monorail System had a wireless monitoring and block system that could stop a train completely if the pilot entered into an occupied zone, which I personally witnessed. It's more likely that elimination of three train operation was to reduce replacement, maintenance, and operating costs. Nevertheless, excellent series!
Thank you. Yes the reason I didn't mention the selling of Disney owned property in 82 is because I mention the topic a few times in my other Disneyland history videos, particularly my Disneyland Railroad documentary. Yes I'm aware of the automated braking system on the Mark V and Mark VII. But through all the years they had the automated block system, they stopped the three train operation the same week as the crash at Walt Disney World. I dont think the two situations were mutually exclusive.
We used to ride the monorail from the park to the hotel just to eat at the Monorail Cafe. It was well themed and had great hamburgers. It had better food than the park. We were sad when it didn’t re open when the hotel was upgraded. Thanks great video
Great documentary. One of my favorite disneyland 'hacks' is to escape to downtown disney for an afternoon coffee at starbucks, then freshen up at the disneyland hotel before heading back into the park.
Alex I must tell you something., I have studied Disneyland, and Disney for over fifty years. I thought there was NOTHING I did not know about the park. However every time I watch one of your videos, I learn something new. Keep up the good work. I love them. Waiting for the Jungle Cruise, I know when you will do it, it will be as enjoyable as the others.
Great video!! The original windows of the Mark VII monorail only popped out and had only a small opening around the outer edge to let air in. They were later replaced with the current windows that pop out and have the section that can be lowered so half the window is open. Replaced due to the AC issues you mentioned in the video.
I’ve been watching Disneyland history videos for years and years now, and I’ve gotta say discovering your channel brings back the emotion like learning things for the first time. You’re an amazing story teller!
Excellent run down as always. I can recal one school trip (spring 1986) from vancouver on a sunday night there was a traffic accident right below the hotel station. Thats how i always knew the track hadnt been moved.
I rode both the Mark V & VII in 2007. With the pilot on both the same day. You could tell the Mark V rode a bit rough. Mark VII was nice and "tight" I'm ONLY guessing that I may have ridden on the Mark III as a kid. It was surely nice to get those rides in. I also got to do WDW's in the front several times. One of my fav Bob Gurr stories was when they lost a shoe collector just short of the station. A little boy had to "go" So he did off the side of the monorail between the Matterhorn & the station! In the words of the late great Roy O. Disney. "God bless 'em, let 'em p "
Wow, the amount of detail your research uncovers is mind blowing! Always interesting and entertaining and always makes me miss Disneyland! Thanks Alex!
You reminded me I've yet to ride the monorail! I've always loved it and I'm really glad it's still around. I do believe I'm overdue for a visit anyway... Great work as always, Alex. I love your Queen Mary videos, too. I know I always say it, but your narration is the best!
Another great series Alex, I'd have to say I like Mark II & III much more then V & VI for sure, VII is also good . I feel like those best represent what Walt wanted the future! Thanks for the history lesson!
Obviously, the Disneyland Hotel/Downtown Disney Monorail Station serves as the second gate into Disneyland Park. I heard that they once offered tail cone tours, where you could board, ride the Monorail, and get off at the Disneyland Hotel Station without having to pay admission to the park. But they obviously discontinued that. There has also been some talk about them adding a stop in California Adventure, but I don't think it would work well. Because 1: the length between there and Downtown Disney would be shorter than the already short leg from Tomorrowland to Downtown Disney. And 2 (and more importantly): It would be somewhat hard to keep track of guests who have park hopper tickets/annual passes compared to those with one park per day tickets. But at least while Disneyland Park has the Downtown Disney Monorail Station as its second entrance, California Adventure has a second entrance from the Grand Californian Hotel. Honestly, it's hard to imagine Disneyland without the Monorail, as it truly defined futuristic technology (the essence of Tomorrowland).
0:01 5:03 These Disneyland Monorail Trains At Disneyland Resort Theme Park At Anaheim California In The United States Of America Are A Bit Like The British Rail InterCity 125 High Speed Main Line Diesel Express Passenger Trains. Thanks A Lot Mate. PS I've Also Might Go And Check Out The Walt Disney World Monorail Trains At Walt Disney World Resort In Orlando Florida In The USA During My The City Of Orlando And Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Museum And Universal Orlando Resort And Walt Disney World In Florida Holiday Megatrip On My 30th Birthday Celebrations This Year. Wish Me Luck. X
Being From Anaheim. There was Always talk about the Monorail going from Disneyland--Down Katella Ave to Angel Stadium and Amtrack Station. Do you know whatever happened to those plans or was it always just Fantasy?
This is wonderful, Alex, and I’m so glad you’re talking about Disneyland, CA. I went there with family in 2000 and have a great deal of fondness for it as family were always in that area for years and that’s where they used to go regularly. It now gets lost this side over the Pond with Disneyworld, Florida. But I love the original Disneyland. And I remember/we rode on the monorail so it’s lovely to see this and learn it’s history 😊. Thank you! An excellent piece of research and work.
