Disney World monorail tragic anniversary

July 5, 11:32 AMLas Vegas Family News ExaminerDesiree Peeples

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Monorail photo by Orlando Vacations

Today's fatal Disney World monorail crash, where one driver was killed, is an unfortunate event considering this year is the 50th anniversary of the historic Disneyland - Alweg Monorail system.  Walt Disney officially dedicated the monorail at Disneyland on June 14, 1959 after he and an impressive team of "imagineers" worked together to create a state-of-the-art people mover.  The monorail at Disney World opened in 1971 and was showcased as the only elevated, single-track transit system in the eastern part of the country. 

The history of the Disney monorails includes other tragic incidents as well.  In 1986, a teenager suffered second-degree burns and shock when he fell while trying to retrieve a hat that fell onto the monorail tracks.  And in 1985, two flat tires caused a monorail fire at Walt Disney World where seven people were treated for minor injuries. 

The concept of the monorail has influenced other transit attractions that are also popular today.  Here in Las Vegas, the Las Vegas monorail is based on the same technology and design as the Disney monorails.  Built in 1993, the Las Vegas monorail runs a 3.9 mile route between seven strip hotels, and is the only driverless public monorail system in the world.