History of the Disneyland Parking Tram

[@AlextheHistorian]

PLEASE READ: Yes, this video is a re-upload. It had to be re-edited like all my other Disneyland history videos, to remove copyrighted content. No, at 1:03 that is not an assault. The video was a publicity video of the hotel, everyone on camera were paid extras. The man and woman were "hamming up" the acting, he was encouraging her to get in the pool, she didn't want to get wet. But yes, from a distance it looks like a disturbing disagreement. But it's not, it's just bad acting.

[@ivoryandcat]

I'm an LA native, so I've been going to Disneyland since I was born in 1975. My Grandpa always called the tram, the first ride of the day. It was always one of my favorite, I never got upset about parking really far from the gates, longer tram ride.

[@thebear7086]

"Now that common sense is gradually becoming a thing of the past..." Boy, is that true!!

[@fredtracy1673]

That, and a bunch of zombies with their faces glued to a cellphone. 🧟‍♂️

[@luisn818]

@@fredtracy1673 yea Fred you’re absolutely right.

[@webguy943]

What’s come on sense?

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

Very interesting look at something many park guests take advantage of and never thought about the history of. Thanks! "Comon sense is gradually becoming a thing of the past" Well put!

[@Fish_Feet]

“Commen sense is a thing of the past” best part

[@Video81501]

I loved your comments about common sense. Great stuff! I remember riding these back in 1980 - truly my first Disneyland ride!

[@chawa623]

man I love learning about anything n everything about the history n secrets of Disneyland n Disneyworld!

[@steffenmeister1]

Good job, Alex. As a former cast member and Disney aficionado of former days, I have to look pretty hard to find things I don't already know about the park. I've learned a number of new things from your videos. Keep 'em coming!

[@highbison]

Great content. Alex has such a good voice for narration!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@frank_dangelo]

Thanks for your informative video. Well done!

[@bobcheapek4334]

Bob Gurr working on the world's first parking lot trams was a.... _tram-endous_ opportunity

[@brynmichael8029]

Lol! Common Sense! Great way to put it!

[@stephaniecowans3646]

The current trams are really cramped, leg room-wise and because I have really bad knees (severe arthritis over damaged knee joints), I have to sit side-ways so that takes up some room. I wish the trams had been designed with a bit more leg room. Makes getting into/out of them really difficult for people with mobility issues.

[@JSTRonline2]

I'm so glad I got to drive the original Bob Gurr trams. They were beefy lol. Had to go through an OSHA hearing test and wear earplugs bc there was no sound deadening from the engine. The new ones are easier on the ears and brakes were touchy, but the old ones were a lot more fun to drive I think.

[@stevenorsinelli4029]

Loved it! Well produced and well written!

[@jetsons101]

Still a great watch the second time around. Thanks Alex for your time and effort you put into your work....

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@themagicboy6548]

I just love the tractors, cab-foreward is one of my favorite vehicle designs, its a single-seat cab, and the front opens like an Isetta! It's the prefect design for me

[@marxdesign]

Happy Birthday, Bob !!!

[@madelinelipscomb3453]

the original tractors had me GAGGING! great work alex! I have NOCLUE where you find this history!

[@daniaguinaga1754]

This was great! I never thought about the history of the tram! I hope they bring them back soon. I hate walking 15 minutes just to get in the park.

[@webguy943]

Especially when its raining

[@SamareckRage]

After discovering the trams at Universal Studios were designed by Winnebago, I started to become curious as to how the Disneyland trams came into being. I had no idea and was pleasantly surprised to discover Bob Gurr designed them!! Though I’m saddened about the trams current state of disrepair. I hope Disney saves them somehow because this video really makes me want to ride them again!

[@susieuramoto7491]

I loved this Alex. ❤. Thank you for creating this and all you do on your channel. Professional, informative and heartwarming. 😊

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Susie!

[@MikeBramm]

Unfortunately, the trams have not been running since Disneyland re-opened in 2021. Now that Disney is playing with Genie+, I wouldn't put it past them to add VIP vans to the tram route. "Just pay $10 extra dollars and ride to the esplanade in luxury."

[@Cody-Bear]

Haven't been to Disneyland since leaving my job there in 2008 and I'd honestly would've been confused about the doors thinking they'd be automatic if it had not been for this video 😂

[@rufuspipemos]

I drove these trams at Disneyland from 1985-88.

[@lostinart]

Once again, good job! I remember riding them from our car in the good ole days when Disneyland was more magic and less of a money grab. Those days where magical and I wish you could have been there. There was so much hope!

[@AlextheHistorian]

I remember Disneyland in the mid 90's. It was still a very nice experience, before fast passes, before exorbitant prices, before the overcrowding.

[@lostinart]

@@AlextheHistorian before California adventure . And the use of screens in the attractions. Star tours was fine but now it’s all they do. And projections. Mickeys railway is a perfect example of that. And avengers campus and even smugglers run. Sad.

[@generaltophat5877]

Really missing these things right about now

[@mikethemechanic7395]

Was at Disneyland the second week of Dec 21. Was shocked when the tram was not being used. The walk back sucked so bad. I had my wife and 8 year olds in tow. The last time we went was 2018. The genie plus was bullshit and the hopper pass also. My kids have been going since ages 1,3,5,6,8. That’s the last time we will go.

[@isaacgomez9638]

The walk is a dooooooozy hope these are brought back soon

[@Ericland_Entertainment_Inc]

Agreed. I DO NOT like wasting energy before the main event: Disneyland

[@JennNofficial]

I miss the tram so much 😢😫

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

They must be glad they don't have to consider the lagoon underpass when designing a tram anymore now that the current MK trams only use the much less steeper and shorter underpass that goes under Seven Seas Drive to drop off guests at the entrance to the TTC. Ugly? Sure, but its design worked and thus became an iconic part of the Disney experience

[@AlextheHistorian]

Hi Avery! Haven't seen you comment in a while!

[@gabrielncali8999]

Alex, great video! Yes, I loved watching it for the re-upload! I especially love the “common sense” comment! 🤣🤣🤣

[@alisterfolson]

To save time, money and convenience we used the Toy Story parking outside the park. Worth it imo

[@Nightfall69]

I can't wait for the trams to return. Walking in isn't bad, but after a full day at the parks I dread having to hoof it back to Mickey and Friends.

[@luisn818]

Hahaha agreed. It’s over a mile each way I believe

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Loved the music Alex

[@NorseNerdleMeister]

I can hear the sound of those doors opening and closing all the way from up in Portland!

[@jimbodeek]

The current Disney World tram tractor design brings things full circle… Just as the early Disneyland trams were pulled converted airport tractors, the new tractors are modified airport tugs!

[@CosmoCosmo123]

I have pictures of us in Disneyland in the 60’s riding Donkeys and driving little cars that weren’t attached to anything.

[@Alexandra-se5dn]

I have the dream key and walking that long walk was so tiring im so glad they are back 😭

[@ddespair]

Here’s a fun mystery to solve. At 00:16 , center of the screen, right between the tram there is a silhouette to the right of Boo and just above Mr. Incredible. I’ve seen a lot of people stumped on who or what it is supposed to be. I thought it was eve, but she doesn’t have the circle on the top. I still don’t know what it’s supposed to be to this day!

[@AlextheHistorian]

It's Eve, she doesn't have the circle for her eyes because it's a silhouette. But it's her.

[@rosie2525]

oh wow i had no idea the original trams had guests sitting sideways ! so cool ^^ thanks for the video, alex ! also-- love the common sense bit 💁🏽‍♀️ i remember being very confused when i first saw the doors but i guess people really were just jumping off djsjs

[@AlextheHistorian]

Mostly they jumped off because they dropped things like hats, glasses and cellphones.

[@davedthomson]

Seeing the original single axel passenger vehicles with guests facing outward from the tram sides, I immediately noticed the striking similarity to trams at Six Flags over Texas, Georgia, (both parks opened in the early and late 1960s), Mid-America (early 1970s) and Great Adventure (late 1970s - mid 1990s) . Purely a guess on my part, but I'd be willing to wager that Six Flags may have purchased those first trams from Disneyland when they replaced the tugs and passenger vehicles with the wider and more powerful front facing trams in the 1960's.

[@NorseNerdleMeister]

There used to be an RV park at DL and was taken out for more parking I believe. We used to stay there when I was a kid, can you maybe do a video on things like that that were there before the expansion?

[@AlextheHistorian]

That was Vacationland USA. I dont know if I'll ever cover stuff like that. I usually only stick to what's inside Disneyland. But ya never know.

[@JetHawk]

I use my E-scooter by parking in a neighborhood and taking the E-scooter out of my trunk. It's free and much faster than waiting for the tram. It's like having a car that I can park right next to the Disneyland gates, the bike rack.

[@emeraldzebra9360]

They should just use some no longer used pushback tugs from the airports. Plenty compact enough and plenty of power to get the jobs done. Plus no off the shelf tractor tough/compact enough... I highly doubt that

[@AlextheHistorian]

Today at Walt Disney World, they DO use airplane taxis. Back then, there weren't any off the shelf tactors small enough, that were powerful enough to go up the steep grade by the lagoon. If there were, Disney would have used them instead of spending millions reinventing one. Bob Gurr himself explained extensively why tractors couldn't be used for that job. I did my research.

[@tonymac144]

Alex bring back some Disneyland vlogs!

[@AlextheHistorian]

I haven't lived in California for 2 years, I can't visit Disneyland like I used to :(

[@TankCop]

I never used them. Always walked

[@flyingmyles]

They've even made it to Disneys private island!

[@45BradB]

Having spent over a decade at WDW Transpo and WWS I give you a 5/10. A good effort but factually you got several things wrong and omitted many others.

[@Kayyleeeeee]

I remember when you boarded the trams from outside back when there was the pinnochio lot. I wonder when they changed the trams to inside the lot.

[@Howard892]

Doors are major pain in the butt....

[@chrismetzger8875]

The ride to get to the magic.

[@coondogtheman]

Common Sense being a thing of the past. Way true. Could not have said that any better.

[@Mark3nd]

Does anyone know if there's a position to work for Disneyland Parking Tram maintenance and Driving? I have yet to find such videos on how to get the job

[@AlextheHistorian]

When you apply to work at Disney, unless you're applying for a job requiring a degree, then Disney kind of decides where you go. I applied as a custodian in 2009, and they said "actually we're putting you in restaurants as a bus boy".

[@Mark3nd]

​@@AlextheHistorian That actually sucks

[@DanielGomez-gw4kt]

Alex the Historian like what you just said at the beginning of video, Disney calls these vehicles parking lot trans or trans for short.and the name stuck since they originated back in 1955, from the original Disneyland parking lot. Now foreign people from other countries who used vehicles like this for their own theme parks, amusement parks, fairs and world's fairs would call them shuttles and parking lot shuttles. And I know that's eventually true. But of course Disney fans, including myself and you will always call these vehicles as trams for short and parking lot trams. Because obviously the name stuck since 1955, from the original Disneyland parking lot. And the truth is when Disney has their own shuttles such as the ones that service the Toy Story parking lot of the Disneyland Resort, and the ones at Walt Disney World. Some of those buses in Walt Disney World are called shuttles, even the buses use for the Toy Story parking lot of the Disneyland Resort are also called shuttles. So whatever type of buses Disney uses for some of their theme parks, resort hotels and parking lots that connect to them. Some of those buses they use, some of them are called shuttles. I don't know who invented the name shuttles at both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, but whoever from Disney username shuttle for some of their buses. Obviously the name stuck, whoever invented that name for some of the Disney buses

[@bonwatcher]

Disneyland is one place where they adhere to OSHA rules pretty strictly when it comes to staying behind the yellow lines at the tram loading zone. Of course there's always one wiseguy that has to put his foot back over the line after being told to stay behind the line. Proof of the statement that common sense is a thing of the past. 😒

[@hannahtorres8900]

Is there a way to access the sources used for this video?

[@lauri-jeancarlson8476]

hoping trams will come back again soon

[@AlextheHistorian]

Me too!

[@ScanFan_Ed]

Great topic, Alex!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@Perich29]

The Future parking tram could be all electric.

[@derekneeley354]

“Common sense is gradually becoming a thing of the past” 😂 that sucks

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Act one it didn't have doors lol smh. I remember one time being so sleepy at the end of the night I went to sleep on the tram. Lol. But I don't drive or know how so I hardy ride the tram that if it running now. But I always get off on the harbor side lol.

[@Jinnoth]

I want to see a museum buy one of thsoe Disneyland tran sets and preserve it

[@cocegueda3208]

Anyone work at Disneyland as a tram driver? Please let me know if it's hard to drive a tram or tips on how to turn correctly while operation the tram. Asking because, I will be a tram driver at Disneyland April 3rd thank you

[@lerkscore]

#BringBackTheTrams

[@jrios29]

This re-upload might actually be a video of a defunct attraction 😳 Curse you, Chapek!

[@robertbrown6879]

What trams? No more trams. Gone. Disney corporation. People aren't paying enough money for parking and trams. No more trams.

[@kevinthe2nd73]

4:59 I may have caught a mistake. You said 2009. I think you meant to say 1999.

[@AlextheHistorian]

No, it was 2009. Carsland is not that old, it barely opened in 2012. Plus, when I was a teenager in 2008, we used to ride the Lion King Tram for fun.

[@kevinthe2nd73]

Owe. I thought you were talking about before California Adventure was built. But yeah, closing Lion King Tram to build Cars Land. That makes sense.

[@jjeb8591]

Disney needs to figure out something now to bring back trams or use busses for the guest. The non replacement all these months for the rats eating through the wiring during the closure is ridiculous. Seeing old people and young kids struggling on the long walk is not nice.

[@DanielGomez-gw4kt]

Alex the Historian I thought you already post this video from before ? I do remember watching a video on KZbin about the history of the Disneyland resort parking lot tram, but I'm really confused. I don't know if this was the same video I've seen before that you posted, or if I might have seen another one 🤔

[@AlextheHistorian]

Read my pinned comment at the top^

[@briancalifornia1]

I heard the trams are scrapped and they’re being replaced I don’t know if it will be next year or the following year but they will be getting them

[@disneylandca5957]

Disneyland wearing mask

[@MeederC]

Comment

[@AlextheHistorian]

Response

[@jetsons101]

@@AlextheHistorian Reply

[@scotth1423]

Common sense is now becoming a thing of the past! LMAO! Funny, but true!

[@robsheiffele6181]

At time code 1:04 it appears that a woman poolside is being assaulted

[@AlextheHistorian]

That was a publicity video, all of them were paid extras. The guy was likely acting as a joke to "c'mon get in the water is great, don't doddle around!"

[@kommandantgalileo]

1:43 there is no such thing as a "Tar mac"

[@AlextheHistorian]

dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/tarmac

[@kommandantgalileo]

@@AlextheHistorian I meant in airports, there is no tarmac, it's called the apron.

[@AlextheHistorian]

I know, but its also called a tarmac in some countries because of the old name.