DeSantis-Ordered Inspections of the Monorail Begin in Disney World

Actions pertaining to one of Governor Ron DeSantis’ bills affecting Walt Disney World are underway. This time, the legislation targets Walt Disney World Monorail transportation. Here is what has been reported so far and the potential impact on Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort.

House Bill 1305

It is no secret that Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World are tied up in a bit of a legal battle. That battle includes multiple lawsuits. Legislation did not end with the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversite District taking over the governance of Disney. In May of 2023, DeSantis also signed a bill that Disney claims directly targets the Monorail.

House Bill 1305 allows the Florida Department of Transportation to regulate the Disney Monorail. It states, “The department shall adopt by rule minimum safety standards for…privately owned or operated fixed-guideway transportation systems operating in this state which are financed wholly or partly by state funds, and any governmentally or privately owned fixed-guideway transportation systems operating in this state which are located within an independent special district created by local act which have boundaries within two contiguous counties.”

The bill also provides requirements for the Monorail to be suspended during DOT Safety inspections. It can include extended inspections that potentially require multi-day closures. Any closure could cause disruptions for Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort. This is particularly true for those who are paying extra to stay in a resort with access to the Disney Monorail. It could also spell trouble for everyone parked at the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Disney does offer Ferry Boat and bus services and increases those offerings when The Resort Monorail, The Express Monorail, or The EPCOT Monorail are down. However, those who have experienced Monorail downtime know that alternate methods of transportation can become backed up during those periods.

Inspections Begin

Now, according to News 6, the Florida Department of Transportation has begun its inspections. Florida Department of Transportation officials have already been meeting with Dinsey engineers to learn about the Disney Monorail Transportation System. They have been particularly interested in the maintenance and inspection process. Disney has also provided safety manuals and documentation.

Now, the Florida Department of Transportation is conducting field inspections. The agency must also adopt its own safety standards for the Monorail.

Under the existing rules, the state may conduct both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. Also, operators must report death or injuries to the FDOT within 2 hours of the occurrences. The state can also conduct independent accident investigations.

Florida Senator Nick DiCeglie, who is chair of the Florida Senate transportation committee, has made statements addressing concerns over the potential for a Disney Monorail shutdown. “That is going to be a last resort action. There would have to be some significant safety concerns in order for that monorail to be shut down.”

What do you think of this new government oversite of Walt Disney World Monorail Transportation? Let us know in the comments. And, feel free to share this story with others.

Source: News 6

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