The monorail is a great form of transportation that some people don’t know about or think about. It’s another option for transportation into the parks. Plus it’s a great way to see the parks from above. Or if you need a break from the crowds it’s a nice ride to Downtown Disney and back.
Here’s an early morning arrival tip!
The monorail opens when the park opens. So if the park opens at 8 am and you arrive after park opening you could hop on the monorail and bypass all the people waiting in line at the front gates to get in! You get on the monorail in Downtown Disney near the Lego store. So it’s perfect if you park at the Mickey and Friends parking structure. You enter the monorail station and scan your park ticket. Now you ride the monorail into Disneyland and it drops you off right at the Finding Nemo ride. You’re in a great spot to hit up the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Autopia etc. Also if you’re using MaxPass you can make your first selection as you ride into the parks on the monorail since your ticket is now activated!
More monorail tips …
The monorail has two stops one in Downtown Disney near the LEGO store and the other at the Finding Nemo ride inside the parks.
The monorail takes you on a scenic ride through both parks. You can get off at either stop or just stay on for the full loop.
The hours of operation change depending on the park hours. And over this last summer it was closed during the hottest part of the day. So be sure to use the Disneyland app to check if it’s in operation.
Pro Tip: Ask the cast member if you can ride in the front for a great view!
Also you can use the Monorail at the end of your day. Hop on the monorail at the Finding Nemo attraction and it will take you back to Downtown Disney. Then take a short walk back to the Mickey and Friends parking structure if that’s the direction you’re headed.
And if you’re in the parks on a crowded day and you need a break. I would suggest hopping on the monorail and taking the full ride around the parks. The views are fantastic and it’s a nice rest for your feet.
NOTE: On excessively hot days the monorail will shut down at times due to the heat. It just depends on the park operations department so check the app.
