Earlier today, we made our way over to Disney’s Pop Century Resort to check out the progress of the Disney Skyliner gondola system. We noticed that the installation of large pylons started on Hourglass Lake for the gondola station. Check out the photos and video below:
Quite a few months ago, Walt Disney World finally announced that they had purchased new parking trams to transport guests in their theme park parking lots. We of course had spotted the trams long before this, just sitting around in the Transportation and Ticket Center parking lot long before this, but where awaiting the debut of the much-needed replacement vehicles. Now, Walt Disney World is finally getting around to painting these new trams with the color-coding system (somewhat similar to the monorail) that they promised…
Photo courtesy of bri_guy81 on Instagram
The tram was spotted today at the TTC in all of its vintage stylings. While the color seems like a bit much, it is nice to see the older logos and typefaces in use.
There is still no word on when these will debut and what the other colors will be, but we will let you know as we (and fellow readers, like this one) spot more of them around.
The latest Eyes and Ears Cast Member publication has an interesting article about changes coming to and already in place for the various transportation systems at the Walt Disney World Resort. Below you will find the text from that story, as well as some, photos, videos, and added insight we can offer:
New experiences, improved services, and the latest technology abound in Walt Disney World Transportation and Parking Operations. “Our buses, monorails, boats and trams aren’t just modes of transportation for our Guests and Cast Members,”says JasonKirk vice president of Walt Disney World Transportation Operations, “They are apart of the fun and a part of the immersive Disney experience.”
THEMED BUS MARQUEES – Special greetings themed to a bus’s destination now appear on the marquees. ‘Charmed To See You” is one of the greetings for buses headed to Magic Kingdom Park.
WE’RE ON THE WAY – New digital screens at all of our resort bus stops let Guests know in real-time when their bus is scheduled to arrive.
SORCERER CLASS – An all-new interior themed to the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” mesmerized Guests during a limited play test in 2016. Nicknamed “the fun bus.‘ it featured a custom light show, advanced GPS technology and comfy seats. (Video below)
TEAM OUTFIT – Whether piloting the General Joe Potter or sailing as part of the Sassagoula River cruise, watercraft Cast Members across property now sport new costumes.
TRIVIA CRUISE – Cast Members adapted the spontaneous monorail trivia game for our Guests traveling by boat. “Can you name all three of the Magic Kingdom ferryboats?”
FRESH LOOK – The new monorail Cast Member costumes sport a colorful embroidered patch made up of 12 colors representing each of the monorails
TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE – Technology has been updated to a more automated system as part of several recent enhancements, for a safer and more efficient ride.
TRIVIA TRAIN – Monorail Cast Members are hosting spontaneous trivia contests for Guests aboard the monorail and Guests can win prizes. “How many monorail cars make up a monorail train?”
TRANSPORTED IN STYLE – Our parking trams will receive an all-new paint job inspired by the monorail colors. New, custom-made tram tractors will also ensure a quieter transit.
We spotted one of the trams out a few months back, but it seems they will now be getting color stripes like the monorails.
PREFERRED PARKING – Guests at all four Walt Disney World theme parks are loving to park preferred!
ARE WE THERE YET? – “We’ll be there in 223 elephant steps.” says the educational, new signage in the parking lots at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. That’s about a four- minute walk in human steps.
Starting today, guests can book a private water taxi service from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Private watercraft service now be offered to and from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Walt Disney World Resort has always offered complimentary watercraft service to and from the resort, but will now offer an additional paid program. The service departs from the Grand Floridian and can be used by guests traveling to any destinations around the Seven Seas Lagoon. It is however warned that private return service from the Magic Kingdom may not be available due to the regular boat traffic in that area.
The service can accommodate up to 10 passengers per boat and costs $20 each way per family. The private experience is available throughout the day, based on availability. Reservations can be made by calling the recreation team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort between 8AM and 6PM at 321-318-8212.
WDWNT Reporter Josh Siegel visited the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and took a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:
Welcome to the Transportation and Ticket Center
Read More about Josh Siegel’s 8/27/11 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
WDWNT Reporter Robert Ashburn visited the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip (including lots of Fantasyland progress), so let’s take a look:
The spur beam for the Monorail is complete
Read More about Robert Ashburn’s 7/26/11 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
Adam Roth visited the Magic Kingdom on sunday morning and has a number of newsworthy photos from Fantasyland and beyond to share with us, so let’s take a look:
Construction walls up at the tram unloading platform  Transportation & Ticket Center
Read More about Adam Roth’s 7/17/11 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
WDWNT Reporter Nick Corjay visited Walt Disney World on Sunday and has a few newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:
At the Magic Kingdom, work on Disney Clothiers rolls on
Read More about Nick Corjay’s 10/24/10 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
After a few days of delay, Jose Castillo has finally provided us with pictures from the last day of his latest trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look at some of his pics from Monday:
The balloon window-clings have now reached the Walt Disney World buses
“Follow that bus to the best kept Disney secret!!!”
WDWNT Photographer Jose Eber has some interesting updates from outside the parks to share with us today, so let’s take a look:
Some work going on at the Monorail platform of the Transportation and Ticket Center
A closer look
The Bay Lake Tower addition to Disney’s Contemporary Resort continues to take shape
A close-up shot later in the evening
A final look at the Main Street U.S.A. Christmas tree as the holiday season closes on January 4th at WDW
We end this short report with a look at a deserted TTC at the end of the day
