Disney’s monorail procedures changed in years leading up to accident
Walt Disney World now requires drivers, when switching off the resort’s Epcot loop, to operate their trains from twin controls in the rear cab. This policy change comes as a result of the pilot in last weekend’s monorail collision remaining in the front cab, while attempting to make the loop switch.
The Orlando Sentinel spoke with former monorail pilots, who stated that this new policy was once the standard procedure but changed to save time. No one could pinpoint the time frame as to when this policy change occurred. Per those pilots interviewed by the Orlando Sentinel, though, the procedure the pilot followed in last Sunday’s crash has become common during the past decade.
The process of switching tracks requires the monorail pilots to manually override the automated anti-collision systems on the trains. Without this computer assisted system, pilots thus must remain extremely vigulant and cautious during the track switching operation.
Disney would not comment to the Orlando Sentinel as to why the procedure changed over the years.
The publication did receive the opinion of two monorail pilots that worked at the resort within the past five years. They believe the change occurred to ferry guests quicker along the Epcot loop.
3 Disney World monorail employees on paid leave during deadly crash investigation
Updating an earlier report from WESH 2 News, Walt Disney World has placed three Disney World monorail employees, who were working during the Sunday 2am accident, on paid leave, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
WESH 2 News quickly updated the earlier article of two Disney employees on unpaid disciplinary leave, to reflect the statements coming from Disney spokespeople.
The Orlando Sentinel quotes Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty as stating that’s it’s “part of the investigative process” and “not a disciplinary action.”
This now calls into doubt this “source inside Disney” that WESH 2 News had cited earlier. WESH 2 News reporting style has already come under fire from some Disney Cast Members over how the news outlet showed a recreation of the monorail crash. (See Disney Cast Members express outrage over TV monorail crash re-creations using children’s toys)
Disney declined to release the names of the employees on leave. They did state that it was a monorail pilot, a worker in the monorail’s maintenance shop, and a transportation manager. When the accident occurred, these three had crucial responsibilities in two train monorail operation.
Disney Suspends 2 Employees After Monorail Crash
The on-duty manager and coordinator at the time of the deadly crash have been suspended without pay, reports WESH Orlando. Citing a source within Disney, the two Disney employees believed to be responsible for the switching of the two monorail trains during the 2am collision Sunday are facing disciplinary actions.
This action is not surprising after WESH Orlando released information that linked the on-duty manger at an off-site restaurant during the time of the fatal crash that took the life of 21-year-old monorail pilot Austin Wuennenberg.
The National Transportation Safety Board still needs to complete their investigation. So we don’t have all the facts. The federal agency did determine the crash was not the result of a mechanical failure but the NTSB still is unsure what or who is responsible. Unfortunately, it’s sounding more like human error and maybe a break down in monorail operational procedures. There are supposedly multiple people that have the ability to witness and react to these types of problems. Two people that have this ability would be the two monorail pilots involved. One of the pilots, Wuennenberg, according to the NTSB report react. He stopped his train in an attempt to reverse course.
The social networks continue the Austin tributes and discussions. Disney fans wish for Disney to erect a permanent tribute to Wuennenberg on the Walt Disney World Resort, with the hopes one of the monorails could be named after him.
Family, friends remember Austin Wuennenberg as more than a Disney monorail pilot
Most people know Austin Wuennenberg as the Walt Disney World monorail pilot who died in the Sunday 2am crash. During the Wednesday memorial service, his uncle Bill Shanahan reminded everyone that there was more to the 21-year-old than his death.
A brilliant student. A thoughtful companion. A skilled computer programmer. A devoted family man. Someone that always made his friends smile.
Click here to read the full Orlando Sentinel article about this well-loved young man and remember to celebrate the life of Austin Wuennenberg.
Full NTSB Statement On Disney Monorail Crash
Safety Board Releases Factual Findings
WESH Orlando has the National Transportation Safety Board statement on Wednesday about the Disney World monorail crash. Click here to read the full text.
The NTSB’s findings also indicate that Austin Wuennenberg, the 21-year-old monorail pilot killed in the crash attempted to reverse Monorail Purple before the crash.
In exclusive interviews Wednesday, two sources told WESH 2 News the on-duty manager over the Disney monorail was off property during the Sunday morning accident.
To read more please click over to the WESH Orlando web site.
Funeral service set for Disney monorail pilot Austin Wuennenberg
According to the Orlando Sentinel, funeral services have been set for Austin Wuennenberg, the monorail pilot killed in Sunday’s terrible crash at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Kissimmee, said Twis Lizasuain, a Kissimmee Police spokesperson who is acting as a spokesperson for the Wuennenberg family.
Also check out the Orlando Sentinel article, Disney visitors remember monorail pilot Austin Wuennenberg with an e-mail from Diane Cimino of Briton, Conn. whose family on a recent trip had the pleasure of meeting Wuennenberg. She shared, what is now a bitter sweet video of the monorail pilot. In the video, he shares a memorable moment Cimino’s 4-year-old grandson Christyan, giving the young boy plenty of the Pixie Dust treatment.
Attempt to switch tracks may have caused Disney monorail crash
National Transportation Safety Board to investigate incident
On Monday in an unprecedented move, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated it will investigate the fatal crash of two Walt Disney World monorail. The federal agency is best known for probing airline crashes.
Initial reports from other investigators Sunday, indicated that the accident occurred from a track switch that never happened.
An Orlando Sentinel article from last night outlines the timeline of the collision.
The 2 a.m. Sunday collision occurred as one of Disney’s trains was supposed to utilize a transfer spur to move from the resort’s Epcot line to a Magic Kingdom line so it could return to the system’s maintenance bay for the night.
Instead the switch didn’t occurr and the train apparently moved in reverse back down the Epcot line. The onboard collision-avoidance system likely was set on override. The train slammed into a second train with a handful of passengers on board.
Austin Wuennenberg, 21, a monorail pilot on the second train was killed. He is being remembered fondly on various social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook. Disney has stated that none of the guests were injured. The pilot of the other monorail, who has yet to be identified, was not seriously injured.
Disney World will reopen monorail — with extra safety features
After the deadly Sunday 2am Walt Disney World monorail crash, the Orlando Sentinel is reporting that the Disney monorail has resumed operation. The publication cited a note to Walt Disney World employees this morning, stating that new safety sensors were added to monitor track switches. Per the note, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration “released” the monorail system back to the resort.
Investigators will continue their search into what caused a deadly crash early Sunday following Fourth of July fireworks shows.
The predawn collision occurred as one of the trains was being transferred off the system’s Epcot line, which ferries guests between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, according to Disney’s note. Austin Wuennenberg, 21, was the lone fatality.
Wuennenberg described fondly his monorail pilot job on Facebook. He felt is was “running the highway in the sky.”
As the news broke Sunday morning, people rushed to social networking sites, like Twitter and Facebook, to discuss the sad event.
Austin is being remember on Twitter with people adding the hash tag #Austin to their tweets.
A Facebook Group was constructed to honor the memory for the Disney monorail driver. Click here to join.
Disney World monorail collision kills 1
Around 2am, two Walt Disney World monorails collided, according to reports from local news services. Emergency services immediately responded to the incident. 8 people were evaluated total following the crash. One monorail driver was killed. The other driver is fine physically. There were 5 to 6 guests on the monorail at the time of the crash. Disney World Public Relations tells Local 6 that they will release more information later this morning.
Statement from Disney
Mike Griffin, vice president of public affairs at Walt Disney World, issued the following statement Sunday following the wreck:
“Today, we mourn the loss of our fellow cast member. Our hearts go out to his family and those who have lost a friend and coworker. The safety of our guests and cast members is always our top priority. The monorail is out of service and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement to determine what happened and the appropriate next steps.”
To read more about this terrible accident, please check out the WKMG Orlando article and the News 13 article.
Disney’s Hong Kong Plan Hits Blockage
Last week the Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong agreed at a cost of 3.5 billion Hong Kong dollars ($450 million) to expand Hong Kong Disneyland. This expansion is an effort to boost the park’s fortunes. Saturday, Hong Kong lawmakers now require the governement and the Walt Disney Co. to disclose the theme park’s performance before approving the expansion plan.
Disneybrit Podcast August WDW Meet
The Disneybrit Podcast is hosting their FIRST EVER in park meet! Here’s your chance to meet up with other like minded Disney fans at the Magic Kingdom Park. So if you’ll be at Walt Disney World in August…or need an excuse to go visit The Most Magical Place On Earth, then come join the Disneybrit Podcast on Friday, August 14, 2009 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace in the Magic Kingdom!
You can RSVP for this event on Facebook by clicking here. You are not required to RSVP for this event, but it will give the organizers an idea of the number of people attending.
If you have questions concerning this event, please contact the Disneybrit Podcast at disneybrit@hotmail.com
Please subscribe to the Disneybrit Podcast at www.disneybrit.com or iTunes.
1,000 Immigrants Celebrate U.S. Citizenship at WDW
As the American people begin their Independence Day celebrations, 1000 new Americans will celebrate their U.S. Citizenship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!
“This year, Disney parks are asking our visitors ‘What Will You Celebrate?‘,” said Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton in her welcoming address. “And on a weekend when our entire nation celebrates its independence, we are honored to host — and celebrate — 1,000 individuals who are embracing American citizenship.”
Westfest 2009 Master Planning Spreadsheet Revealed!
Will and Shannon’s proposed Westfest 2009 itinerary. As always, it is subject to change. But this is how it looks pre-trip.
What is the Master Planning Spreadsheet?
The Master Planning Spreadsheet (MPSS) is how Will plans out his trip itineraries to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It takes into account park hours (including Extra Magic Hours), dining reservations, shows, park rehabs, and special events. This allows Will to feel as if he can Embrace the Magic as much as possible!
It doesn’t plan out to the second park touring though. Its purpose is to establish blocks of activity time.
It may sound obsessive. It may sound insane! But it works for those that use it correctly. Ask anyone that has toured a Disney park with Will and they all agree to the funness and practicality of the Master Planning Spreadsheet.
What’s the Focus of this MPSS?
Although we’re going for DPN Westfest, this trip is still a family vacation. We don’t have an opportunity to visit Disneyland very often so we need to find a good balance between Westfest meets and family park time.
We might be able to make more Westfest meets. We might not be able to make Rope Drop every morning or stay until park close every night.
But this is the plan pre-trip. More likely, this is the hope of what we can accomplish on the trip. As time and circumstances dictate, plans change so things could get dropped or added.
Are You Attending Westfest?
You should be attending!! We hope to see you in the park. Especially at the meets hosted by the Magic Never Ends and the Travelears! Those are sure to be most fun!!!
Visit DPNWestfest.com for more information, including event schedules and media from past Westfests.
Unfortunately, we probably will be unable to add you to any dining reservations, but we would encourage you to make your own reservations!
Questions? Comments?
E-mail us at podcast@magicneverends.com
Call the Voice Mail Line at 206-350-2422
Disney theme park ticket prices to rise
LOS ANGELES (AP) — As if rising gas and food prices weren’t enough, a ticket to the Magic Kingdom will soon cost a few bucks more.
The Walt Disney Co. said Friday it is raising one-day ticket prices at its domestic parks starting Sunday.
Tickets for those aged 10 and older to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., will rise from $71 to $75, while tickets for children aged 3 to 9 will go from $60 to $63.
At Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., one-day prices will rise from $66 to $69 for those aged 10 and older, and from $56 to $59 for children aged 3 to 9.
The price increase applies in varying degrees for longer stays, while the park hopper option, an add-on that allows ticket-holders to move among any of Disney’s parks, will cost $50, up from $45.
Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gKZZiVoft-oaoHYXzuhzye92XGJAD929QEH00
Pirates of the Caribbean Beach Resort
According to Scott Powers at the Orlando Sentinel:
Walt Disney World has unveiled a rendering and a few details of some retheming and renovations in the works for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort — theming it after the hugely-popular Pirates of the Caribbean ride/movies/games franchise.
Beds that look like ships. Dressers that look like old crates. Curtains that look like tattered sails. The attached artist’s rendering shows a few of the details.
Disney is planning the look for 384 rooms in the Trinidad South Village Area, set to be ready sometime next year. The resort has a total of 2,112 rooms.
Disney also announced a revised Magic Your Way plan. For fixed price per day, guests can add a Quick Service Dining starting Jan. 11, 2009. The package offers two quick service meals and two snacks for each night of stay, as well as a refillable drink mug for unlimited refills of non-alcoholic beverages at Disney resort hotels.
Clients who book through Walt Disney Travel Co. also will receive a new benefit — 30 minute play-cards for Disney’s resort hotel video arcades.
Some interesting changes coming! Shannon and I aren’t huge fans of the WDW quick service (QS) establishments. There are some fine QS places. But we chose the Dining Plan to “afford” better food at the table service (TS) restaurants. And the Dining Plan gives us QS credits. So not sure if we’d only want to eat at QS while at WDW.
But I do see a benefit to this plan. It takes people away from the sit-down establishments and shuttles them towards the quicker moving counter service. It’s a big boom in potential revenue for Disney. Disney gets the guaranteed money from the QS Dining Plan without negatively affecting any potential walk-up customers as the previous Dining Plan did to the sit-down restaurants. QS places might experience a higher volume though but so much that people can still eat at their favorite QS spot.
Additionally those that wanted to participate in the savings from a Dining Plan can now do so. Or tempt those that were on the fence before about purchasing a Disney Dining Plan. While no price is quoted, it is QS after all and probably be around $30/person for each night of their stay.
The re-theming of Caribbean Beach Resort will probably generate some groans from the general public. More, pirates?! I like pirates! I am unsure why Disney didn’t think of this sooner. I’m more interested in staying at CBR with the pirate theme.
Plus, again, we look at the money angle. Most boys love pirates. They want to be pirates. Now the little Disney boys will want to stay at CBR, an under-performing and often criticized resort. This also might tempt families to upgrade from a value to a moderate resort.
Disney has tempted me again. Although not a fan of QS places so much, I want to test out this new dining plan. And I love pirates so I want to stay at CBR. Guess that means more “research” trips!
