Michael over at the All Things Diz blog has some great analysis of the current anecdotal reports of light attendance at Disney World despite the Disney Company’s announcements that things are, mostly, fine. The other demographic they don’t break out is per resort occupancy, just… Read More »Disney World Attendance Light or Not?
This whole week Disney’s Wide World of Sports is given over to the inaugural ESPN Rise Games. ESPN Rise is the sports channel’s attempt to unify all their coverage of competitive and elite amateur sports under one brand. The ESPN Rise games is the real… Read More »Inaugural ESPN Rise Games kick off at Disney’s Wide World of Sports
I’m hearing some very interesting rumors about projects at Walt Disney World. I can’t vouch for their 100% accuracy, but I thought I’d share none-the-less. At least one of these will forever change the way you experience the parks and resorts. There’s the recently posted… Read More »Big Rumors
When it rains it pours. Although it wasn’t raining today at 2:40pm, two Disney busses collided on the roads outside the Magic Kingdom resulting in many minor injuries and 12 guests being sent to the hospital. All injuries are described as minor. This comes 11… Read More »Disney Bus Crash near Magic Kingdom sends 12 to hospital
I’m trying to compile a list of known changes made to procedures or operations at Walt Disney World since the Monorail Accident that resulted in the death of one monorail pilot. If you can help me add anything I’m missing I’d appreciate it. Guests are… Read More »List of Changes Disney’s Made Since Monorail Death
FC Barcelona soccer star Leo Messi is continuing his celebration of his team’s UEFA Champions League title by spending a week at Walt Disney World near Orlando, FL. Messi, one of the sport’s biggest stars, is experiencing many of Disney’s attractions, including visiting Disney’s Wide… Read More »Argentine soccer star Leo Messi meets Mickey Mouse
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