Update: turns out the driver of Monorail Pink was placed on administrative leave as well. All the leave is with pay pending the results of the investigation. Local TV channel WESH is reporting that two Disney World employees have been suspended pending further investigation of… Read More »Disney suspends two cast members over Monorail Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary statement on the July 5th collision of two Monorails at Walt Disney World that left one cast member dead. It contains what we have to take as the most accurate description of the tragic unfolding to date. The full report can take 6 months or more.
One of the most heartbreaking details revealed by the NTSB is that the Monorail Purple pilot died while trying to switch his train into reverse and save the lives of his passengers. An upstanding young man and a hero. I hope Walt Disney World finds some way to honor his heroic actions.
Update: The Orlando Sentinel has discovered a potentially unsettling detail. The Manager who was responsible for Monorail Central Control was off property at the time of the crash, although still issuing commands through their radio. They had been asked to take over the Central Coordinator duties after the original coordinator left early due to illness. My sources tell me it’s unlikely this was a contributing factor to the crash. But having the coordinator in the station as an extra pair of eyes during switch times is probably a bonus.
The full text of the statement below the cut:
Read More »NTSB releases preliminary statement on Monorail Accident
Many voices in the theme park industry and across Disneyana are beginning to struggle with what should happen next at Walt Disney World. What should happen now that a life has been tragically and unnecessarily lost? I’m not yet ready to make any suggestions as … Read More »What should Disney change after Monorail Death?
The Orlando Sentinel has posted a very moving video of Austin Wuennenberg the monorail pilot killed in the tragic Sunday morning accident at Walt Disney World. The video was recorded just a few weeks ago when the Cimino family of Briton, Conn., took a ride… Read More »Fallen Monorail Pilot Receives Tribute from Guests
We’re still a few months away from Hurricane season, but preparation for storms is always ongoing at Walt Disney World. Disney has a “Hurricane Policy” (not yet updated for 2009) for their Magic Your Way Guests whose vacation might be affected by a severe storm, but what else do they do?
With picture-perfect skies outside his window most days, Walt Disney World Emergency Operations Coordinator Eric Alberts dedicates his time to preparing for inclement weather. “Safety for everybody that works or stays here is our top priority,” Alberts says as he checks the latest forecasts.
By expertly planning for severe weather in advance, Walt Disney World Resort made history in 2006 as the first theme park and resort area to be recognized by the National Weather Service as a StormReady® Community. Committed to maintaining its leadership in emergency management, Walt Disney World Resort just renewed its StormReady status through 2012 and remains the only recognized commercial site in Florida. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca. has also earned recognition as StormReady.
The boy who was severely injured in 2000 on Roger Rabbit Cartoon Spin at Disneyland has died. At this point it is unclear if there is any direct correlation, but the child suffered severe brain damage from the accident. Everyone at The Disney Blog sends… Read More »Boy severely injured in 2000 on Roger Rabbit Cartoon Spin at Disneyland dies
Please tell me this isn’t typical of how Disney treats their injured guests. August 14th 2008 started out as a great day at Blizzard Beach for Adam, but when he got stuck on a water slide, he severely injured his leg to the point where… Read More »What happens if you break your leg at Disney’s Blizzard Beach
The Walt Disney World Resort worked behind the scenes to carve itself an exemption to the recently passed Florida law that allows employees to bring a concealed weapon to work with them as long as it remains in the car. That exception was for employers… Read More »Walt Disney World redefines Bring-A-Gun to work exclusion.