A View From the Front-The Disneyland Monorail

As part of our series of articles for the Adult Side of Disney, here is this month's installment of free and fun things you can do at  Disneyland® simply for the asking. This month we are riding up front as we hop on board the Monorail.

My first trip aboard the Monorail was in 1959 when it opened as both an attraction that took you on a guided tour through Disneyland.  Originally scheduled to open as part of the original Tomorrowland, Walt Disney himself originally envisioned this sleek transport as the practical form of public transportation of the future.  While at D23 last summer, world renown Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr told the story that The Monorail was one of the original park attractions that he and Walt Disney and worked on. Gurr went on to tell the tale that he was only able to test it one lap around before former President Nixon visited. Nixon and his family went two laps around, accidentally without his secret service. Luckily for all, the Monorail was off and running and continues to thrill visitors to this very day.  I can vividly remember back in 1961 when the tracks were extended and it became a true transportation system as I stepped on board at the station directly in front of the main lobby of the Disneyland Hotel for our ride directly into the Park.  Today there is still no better way for your first glimpse of the Disneyland Resort but did you know that you can do it from the front of the Monorail?   Unlike it’s counterpart in Walt Disney World, although you can no longer ride in the back of the train, the thrill of riding in the front of the Monorail is still available to Disneyland guests merely for the asking. Here are some easy tips to help you along your amazing journey:

Like many other of Disneyland’s Hidden Secrets, it all starts by asking the Cast Member stationed at either the Tomorrowland Station or the Downtown Disney Station. There may be other people who have asked ahead of you. If so, let the cast member know that you are willing to wait for multiple trains in order to be able to ride in the front. Trust me, the wait will be worth it. Before asking, make sure that your party size is within the limit. There is a strict limit of four people, no matter their age or size. If your group is larger than four, not everyone will be able to ride up front.

When given the green light from the Cast Member, make sure that wait in the spot where you are directed to. Wait until the train arrives, and the cast member will check to see if space is available. If so, you will be directed into the front cab of the monorail.

Want to boost your chances of riding in the front quickly? Ride during non peak times, For example, the monorails generally are full to capacity at park opening and closing times, but not many people go to the parks in the middle of the day. Off-peak times offer the best opportunity for a prompt ride in the monorail's front. Then sit back and enjoy the ride and one of the best views in all of Disneyland.  

 There are many insider secrets of free and fun things to do merely for the asking at the Disneyland Resort-from piloting the Mark Twain to sitting in the tinder car of the Disneyland Railroad to sitting in the front of the Monorail, the choices are endless. The only decision you have to make is which one to start with first!

Disneyland's Best Kept Secrets!

Tips From A Disneyland Insider

When our friends over at Theme Parks Done the Grown Up Way asked if I had any special insider tips I could share I of course jumped at the chance.  There are so many little things to at Disneyland®  that will make you feel like a VIP for sure and all you have to do is ask.  Over the next few weeks I'll be helping you to become an insider too, making your next visit to the Happiest Place on Earth even more magical. First up on the list, how to have the best seat on the boat-all aboard the Mark Twain!

No trip to Disneyland®  is complete without a ride aboard the Mark Twain, one of the remaining original Disneyland attractions from 1955.  Located in Frontierland nothing is better than going back in time and cruising along the scenic Rivers of America-unless you’re doing it from the top of the boat.

Disneyland insiders all know that you too can be the Captain of the Mark Twain merely by asking but warning, once you’ve been the pilot of this magnificent vessel, you’ll never want to travel any other way. So just how does one pilot the Mark Twain for this half-mile excursion? Upon arriving at the dock, which also houses the Sailing Ship Columbia, locate a Cast Member before you board to inquire about availability for this once in a lifetime experience.  Depending on the time of day and crowds, you may be able to do it immediately but don’t worry if there’s a bit of a wait as it will be worth it. When your time comes, you will be boarding the boat and directed to the second floor where you will find a door marked “Private” but today that door will be opening for you. Upon knocking, the Captain will be there to greet you and take you on the rest of the way. You will need to climb a steep staircase, emphasis on the steep, as in reality it is more like a ladder. Once reaching the top you will find yourself in the Wheel House itself. 

Part of the honor of steering this magnificent vessel is the signing of the guest book. Be sure to take a moment and look through the list of celebrities that have stood in the same place as you have. One of the most magical parts of being in Disneyland is the history that goes with it and knowing that you are standing in the exact spot where Walt Disney himself once stood.  As part of your command duties, the Captain will tell you to ring the bell and blow the horn at certain points along with steering the Mark Twain itself.  Be sure to take a moment to take it all in and enjoy one of the best views in the Park. 

Along the way you’ll be transported back to in time for a glimpse of frontier life of days gone by, a Native American village and of course  Pirate's Lair . Don’t forget to wave to everyone as they all look up, wave back and wonder who you are and how you got to steer the boat.  All too soon your voyage will come to an end but not before the Captain presents you with a commemorative certificate suitable for framing to always remind you of the day you were the Captain of the Mark Twain Riverboat, located in Frontierland on the Rivers of America Next up-riding on the Lilly Belle Presidential Train Car on the Disneyland Railroad.

Gayle is a lifelong educator by day and avid blogger by night and is the owner and cofounder of the Disney Gals, one of the most popular Disney blogs around! Proud mommy to 5, Grammy to 4 she is blessed to share her life with amazing family and friends who encourage her to chase her dreams no matter where they may lead.  When not in the classroom, she can be found following her son as he dances his way through life, or working with young performers in free nationally recognized after school children’s theater program that she founded 13 years ago. On any given day you will find Gayle skipping her way through life with a giggle and a smile knowing that today is meant to be lived and enjoyed. To learn more about Gayle, click here.