Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Unofficial WDW Attractions: Transportation

By Ryan Reed




We all go to Disney World with so much excitement for Tower of Terror, Pirates, Test Track and the countless other Disney attractions. But what about the other “attractions” found in Disney World? The ones that were never meant to be something we all look forward to experiencing. I want to take a quick look at some guest favorites that were meant to serve a purpose rather than something special we miss when we aren’t vacationing in the happiest place on earth. Continue after the page break for more...



The Monorail
 
 
The Monorail sets up what’s to come with an amazing experience heading to the Magic Kingdom.


“Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas.” Who can’t hear the tone and cadence of this perfectly? Hearing this, no matter where you are, instantly puts you on the monorail heading towards the Contemporary. For so many people, this is the first “wow factor” after arriving in Walt Disney World. After you arrive (by the services of another guest favorite that will be discussed very soon) at the Ticket and Transportation Center, you make your way up the ramp and wait in line for the last step before heading down Main Street USA. The familiar voice in the famous spiel adds to the excitement as you take in the sights as if it was your first time ever visiting Walt Disney World. Next thing you know, you see it: Cinderella’s Castle. To me, this has to be a large reason why people hold the monorail close to their hearts. Yes, it’s a shining example in use of technology, but it gives you your first sight of the Magic Kingdom before you even step foot in the park. No matter where you are on this ride system, you have a great view of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the incredible hotels Disney has created. This is a must for every Disney guest and one that most have experienced on every trip to Disney World.
 

The Tram
 
You’ve waited this long; now you’re just a tram ride away from your favorite park.
 


Next on our list is something most guests will experience before making their way to each of the four theme parks on property. Those who park get to enjoy a leisurely tram ride to the entrance. This was created to simply transport guests from their vehicles to the entrance in the fastest, easiest, and safest way possible. Not that Disney didn’t put extra effort into the vehicles, it’s just they were never meant to be a fond memory of a Disney vacation. That’s exactly what they turned out to be. I think of riding the Tram and immediately get that feeling of finally “being there” again. It’s an experience that is just as much a part of a Disney vacation as Space Mountain.



Disney’s Magical Express
 
 
This is the very beginning to a great Disney vacation for so many guests.
 
 
 
I’ve never had the pleasure of taking the Magical Express from the Orlando International Airport as we have always rented a vehicle on our trips down to Disney World. Having said that, the general consensus is it’s part of the entire experience of going to Walt Disney World for many guests. I’ve only heard great things and people say it is a must do on each of their trips and it wouldn’t be complete without it. I mean, who wouldn’t want their luggage brought to their room for them? Again, this bus service is well done by Disney but not meant to have the lasting memory of an “attraction” but that’s exactly what it does.
 

The Busses
 
 
The bus system is well done but what it adds to your Disney vacation is unexpected and welcomed.

 
 
Although I haven’t taken advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, I have ridden the busses around property countless times. I have so many memories throughout my life of using these busses and it’s another experience that has become associated with my Disney vacations. The busses add to the excitement with the anticipation and atmosphere they bring as you head to the parks. As you finish your breakfast and sip your coffee, you make your way to the bus stop at your Disney resort. You then come to a happy crowd of guests eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next bus. As you board, everyone is buzzing. The energy seems to affect everyone on board. As you travel to your favorite park, you overhear everyone’s plans and desires for that given day. You sit back, take it all in, and discuss what you’re excited to see with your own family. Sure this may just be a means to an end, a mode of transportation, but it’s actually an experience; one you won’t forget. You may not realize it, or even notice it, but your memories will prove that something as simple as the Disney busses bring something special to an amazing vacation.

The world-class attractions found in Walt Disney World are what every guest looks forward to. What Disney has to offer is simply mind blowing due to the attention to detail and over-the-top thrills and experiences. However, the seemingly mundane transportation offerings that Disney provides leave a lasting memory when you think back to your vacation. The services that you didn’t think twice about at first are now something you look forward to on your next visit. So, what do you think? Do you gush over these things as well? Or is their something else like this you look forward to before every trip? Let me know in the comment section below.



1 comment:

  1. Anything that floats! There´s nothing like a night ride on a water taxi back to your hotel room...

    ReplyDelete