I recently visited the Disney Resort line in Tokyo Disney Resort for the first time in a year. What's new with this monorail line in the dream and magic kingdom?
Let's quickly review the Disney Resort line to start. It's a straddle-beam monorail route opened in 2001 by Maihama Resort Line Company. The route is a looped single track running through amusement facilities, hotels and JR East Maihama station. There're four stations over the total operating length of 5.0 kilometers. 6-car trains run counterclockwise throughout the day. Using ATO (automatic train operation) system, a train is operated without a driver; meanwhile, a conductor is on board for door operations and guide announcements to passengers.
Let's head to the main topic. I found that most of the old trains, namely EMU 10 series (Type X), had already been replaced by a new model named the EMU 100 series (Type C). The Type X was commissioned in 2001. Five sets in total were built by Hitachi. Each set has a different body color, namely blue, yellow, peach, purple and green. Only the purple (set 3) and the green (set 4) still survive. The company announced that the set 3 will be operated at least by March 2023. On the other hand, some rail-fans are spreading a rumor that the set 4 will be retired on Micky Mouse's birthday, I mean November 18th. I'm fond of the Type X, because it has corner sofa-type seats where I can relax.
Anyway, I quietly await his birthday.
