Credit: Norm Lanier, FlickrWhen guests board the Monorail at Walt Disney World, they expect magic—not mayhem. But for one unlucky group of passengers, an ordinary ride turned into a test of patience, discomfort, and for some, unexpected humor.
What began as a quick transfer from EPCOT quickly spiraled into an hour-long ordeal that left guests stuck on a Monorail train without a clear explanation. And as word spread on social media, it became clear that this wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was a moment that sparked frustration, memes, and a whole lot of questions.
A Scenic Ride Gone Sideways
On the evening of January 20, a Monorail train running the EPCOT line suddenly came to a halt just beyond Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The train, suspended above ground and packed with guests, didn’t move for more than an hour. From within those aluminum walls, a quiet tension began to build. Some guests were anxious. Others, understandably irritated. And still, others just pulled out their phones.
Nobody knew what was happening. There was no announcement, no cast member update over the speakers—just silence and a dim view of the resort in the distance. As the wait dragged on, guests sat shoulder to shoulder, wondering whether this was a mechanical issue, a safety protocol, or something worse.
Social Media Lights Up
One of the most widely shared posts came from professional wrestler Joey Janela, who took to X to share his own version of the chaos.
“We were stuck on the Monorail for an hour tonight at Disney,” he wrote, before lightening the mood with an unexpected twist: “luckily they hooked us up with $50 gift cards.” Janela went on to detail exactly how he spent the compensation—soft shell crab sliders, chili poblano tacos, and a sushi doughnut from EPCOT. “Well worth it” was his final verdict”
We were stuck on the Monorail for an hour tonight at Disney, luckily they hooked us up with $50 giftcards, mine was quickly spent at Epcot on Softshell crab sliders, chili poblano tacos and sushi doughnut in record time. Well worth it 🤣🤣🤣
— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) January 21, 2026
While some followers were quick to joke about his luck—especially the food haul—others latched onto the bigger issue: why was there no communication? Why did it take an hour to resume movement? And most of all—how often does this happen?
Over on Instagram, user @jenna_doesdisney also documented the incident, sharing a brief video with hashtags like #epcot, #monorail, and #waltdisneyworld. In the video caption, she wrote that the Monorail was “stalled out for over an hour just past the Contemporary causing major disruptions”.
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It wasn’t just those on board that were impacted—others behind the train at the Magic Kingdom station were also stuck waiting, only to be ushered off and told to find buses instead.
The Ride That Didn’t Move
For those unfamiliar with Disney’s Monorail system, it’s more than just transportation. It’s an iconic experience. Gliding above the parks, weaving through resorts, and offering sweeping views of Magic Kingdom and EPCOT—it’s a rite of passage for first-time guests and a nostalgic favorite for regulars.
But when that system breaks down, it disrupts more than just schedules. It shakes the reliability of a structure that’s been running since 1971. It also strands guests without restrooms, air conditioning, or consistent updates. And for some, that turns a magical evening into an uncomfortable nightmare.
The EPCOT Monorail isn’t immune to these types of issues. Over the years, there have been scattered reports of Monorail cars stalling, doors failing to open properly, and even one instance where a door opened mid-ride. Disney has continuously worked to modernize the fleet, but malfunctions still occur—and when they do, the ripple effects are immediate.
Guests React
Comments on Joey Janela’s post and Jenna’s video quickly flooded in. Some were jealous of Janela’s $50 food spree, while others shared their own Monorail horror stories. One user mentioned being stuck in a different car on a different night, also without clear communication. Another joked, “I’m not even a Disney person but if the food’s that good, maybe it’s worth the breakdown.”
Still, others were less amused. Being suspended mid-air for over an hour can be stressful, especially with children or those who are prone to anxiety. And without access to restrooms or assistance, even a small delay can feel like a major ordeal.
The Monorail did resume operations the following morning, and Disney hasn’t officially commented on the reason behind the breakdown.
Whether it was a mechanical failure, a safety precaution, or a software issue, the lack of transparency left guests speculating.
Not the First, Not the Last?
This isn’t the first time Disney’s Monorail system has faced scrutiny. It remains a beloved part of the resort, but it also carries a history of delays and maintenance issues. For years, fans have called for an entirely new fleet of trains, citing the system’s age and increasing downtime.
Disney has made updates, including refurbishments to the interiors and improved automation, but the structure still relies on a decades-old foundation. And while most guests get from point A to point B with no issues, it’s these rare—but memorable—failures that stick in people’s minds.
What makes this instance particularly noteworthy is how quickly it spread online. Between the viral X post from a professional wrestler and the Instagram video from a Disney content creator, this story was seen by thousands. It’s a reminder that in today’s world, a stalled Monorail isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a headline.
Final Thoughts
There’s something symbolic about the Monorail stopping dead in its tracks. For many, it represents the perfect Disney contradiction: awe-inspiring technology and theming wrapped in logistical uncertainty. On any given day, it might whisk you effortlessly into the magic. And on rare nights like this one, it might stop without warning, leaving you staring at the darkened sky, wondering what happens next.
In the end, most guests got a good story out of it. Some, like Joey Janela, even got a meal. But for others, it was a reminder that even at the Most Magical Place on Earth, things don’t always go according to plan. And next time you board the Monorail? Maybe take a bathroom break first. Just in case.