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04-01-2008, 11:55
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Sofi Pollar| Sentinel Staff Writer
08:10 AM EDT, April 01, 2008
A groundbreaking new method of travel was today given the go ahead which will revolutionise the way guests get around the parks and resorts of Walt Disney World
With Fuel costs continuing to skyrocket and environmental concerns very much in the spotlight at present, a newer, greener mode of transportation has been sought.
Walt Disney co. CEO Roger Iger this morning announced the extensive plans for the futuristic “WEDPods”, a fully automated eight-person vechicle which travels along a single track and utilises both solar and electrical power for its functionability.
“It has long been the goal of the Walt Disney Corporation to introduce a new and exciting means of transportation which will have the same impact as the monorail did when it was first introduced in the 50’s at Disneyland”
“The WEDPod design stems from the popularity of the WEDway people mover and takes it that one, significant step forward, creating a hassle free, environmentally sound transport system” said Iger.
It has long been rumoured that Walt Disney World would one day expand its monorail route to include the Epcot Resort and Hollywood Studio’s area, however rising costs have always been regarded as a stumbling block for such a move.
“Monorail expansion has been on the backburner for sometime, but with a couple of miles of track running into the hundreds of millions of dollars to build, our focus was on creating a unique and cost-effective way of getting our guests from A to B” - WDI chief transport and infrastructure engineer Don Sravski
“The WEDpod is much smaller in scale, allowing us to implement it in pre-existing resort locations. It runs along a ground-level rail, with a traditional two-way layout”
“The Pod itself comfortably seats 8 guests and each will be wheelchair and ECV accessible”
So how does it work?
“The WEDPods destination, be it park or resort will be input prior to departure from the specially designed ‘PodStop’ stations”.
“All guests have to do is tell the on-duty operator where they want to go and jump aboard, the operator will do the rest. The WEDPods then travel automatically to your chosen destination”
Those expecting the WEDPod to be an out-of park E-ticket ride may be a little disappointed however, as the WEDPod’s top speed only reaches 45mph.
“The WEDPod routes run along side roadways for the most part, although we’ve tried to take the most direct path where possible. Despite its limited speed, its still fairly comparable in journey time as it would be by car”
So what is to become of the existing bus fleet that currently transports guests around?
“Disney’s Magical Express will continue, and we hope expand over the coming years, with a link to Sanford a possibility. Cruise Line coach transfers will also remain and will likely have additional resources in line with the arrival of the new liners”
The WEDPod transportation system will be introduced in phases, with the first of those scheduled to complete by early 2011. Further phases will follow with completion of the entire network planned for 2014.
Source :- Orlando Sentinel (http://www.aprilfool.co.uk)
Sofi Pollar| Sentinel Staff Writer
08:10 AM EDT, April 01, 2008
A groundbreaking new method of travel was today given the go ahead which will revolutionise the way guests get around the parks and resorts of Walt Disney World
With Fuel costs continuing to skyrocket and environmental concerns very much in the spotlight at present, a newer, greener mode of transportation has been sought.
Walt Disney co. CEO Roger Iger this morning announced the extensive plans for the futuristic “WEDPods”, a fully automated eight-person vechicle which travels along a single track and utilises both solar and electrical power for its functionability.
“It has long been the goal of the Walt Disney Corporation to introduce a new and exciting means of transportation which will have the same impact as the monorail did when it was first introduced in the 50’s at Disneyland”
“The WEDPod design stems from the popularity of the WEDway people mover and takes it that one, significant step forward, creating a hassle free, environmentally sound transport system” said Iger.
It has long been rumoured that Walt Disney World would one day expand its monorail route to include the Epcot Resort and Hollywood Studio’s area, however rising costs have always been regarded as a stumbling block for such a move.
“Monorail expansion has been on the backburner for sometime, but with a couple of miles of track running into the hundreds of millions of dollars to build, our focus was on creating a unique and cost-effective way of getting our guests from A to B” - WDI chief transport and infrastructure engineer Don Sravski
“The WEDpod is much smaller in scale, allowing us to implement it in pre-existing resort locations. It runs along a ground-level rail, with a traditional two-way layout”
“The Pod itself comfortably seats 8 guests and each will be wheelchair and ECV accessible”
So how does it work?
“The WEDPods destination, be it park or resort will be input prior to departure from the specially designed ‘PodStop’ stations”.
“All guests have to do is tell the on-duty operator where they want to go and jump aboard, the operator will do the rest. The WEDPods then travel automatically to your chosen destination”
Those expecting the WEDPod to be an out-of park E-ticket ride may be a little disappointed however, as the WEDPod’s top speed only reaches 45mph.
“The WEDPod routes run along side roadways for the most part, although we’ve tried to take the most direct path where possible. Despite its limited speed, its still fairly comparable in journey time as it would be by car”
So what is to become of the existing bus fleet that currently transports guests around?
“Disney’s Magical Express will continue, and we hope expand over the coming years, with a link to Sanford a possibility. Cruise Line coach transfers will also remain and will likely have additional resources in line with the arrival of the new liners”
The WEDPod transportation system will be introduced in phases, with the first of those scheduled to complete by early 2011. Further phases will follow with completion of the entire network planned for 2014.
Source :- Orlando Sentinel (http://www.aprilfool.co.uk)