Is it true that Disney will be restricting the monorail use to resort guests only ?

[Chancedabowsa]

Has anyone heard this ? You must show a key ?

[DizCaptain]

I cant see this happening too soon because the only way to MK if youre parking at TTC is by monorail or boat. The boats get crowded enough plus some people do not like boat rides. So even if this is true, they'd have to make a walkway from TTC which cant be finished too fast. But Im pretty sure this isnt going to happen...

[bicker]

They used to have indications here and there that they were prepared to limit resort hotel monorails (only) to guests of those hotels, and on at least one occasion, I was present when that was imposed (but only one occasion over 23 years).

[MountNittany]

They used to do that with buses also, and they got rid of that. I doubt it.

[Horace Horsecollar]

Has anyone heard this ? You must show a key ?
Yes. The Disneyland Resort in California sometimes limits the Monorail to hotel guests, or gives priority to hotel guests.

The Disneyland Resort is transitioning from old monorail trains to new ones. They had some problems with the old trains and with the new trains, so sometimes only one or two trains would be running. That meant that there was sometimes a shortage of monorail capacity.

If you're asking about WDW, I'm not aware of any similar restrictions, despite the severe damage to two trains during the tragic collision that took the life of a Monorail Pilot.

[doconeill]

Not being familiar with Disneyland, how is park admission handled if it takes you within Tomorrowland? Are there turnstiles there?

I know when first built, it was just a loop with the one stop...

[bicker]

If I remember correctly, when we stayed there (about 20 years ago) tickets were checked at the station at the hotel.

[zeroed]

Hopefully they won't restrict it.

Truthfully Disney is probably only one critical incident away from changing who they allow on the resort monorail. All it will take is some offsite savage to commit a serious violent crime at a monorail resort and the investigation to reveal that he travelled there by rail. The rich people who stay at places like GF will scream for restriction the loudest .

I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't been advocating this anyway.

[Crazy4Disney72]

Not being familiar with Disneyland, how is park admission handled if it takes you within Tomorrowland? Are there turnstiles there?

I know when first built, it was just a loop with the one stop...

There are two places to get on the monorail at Disneyland, one in Tomorrowland to go to Downtown Disney and the hotels and one in Downtown Disney to go to Tomorrowland. If you are getting on in Downtown Disney, you have to go through security and ticket turnstiles because you will be exiting into Tomorrowland at DL. If you get on in Tomorrowland, you are already in DL so you don't have to be searched, show tickets, etc. Guests of the three DLR hotels are supposed to have priority boarding the monorail but they must only enforce that during really busy times because of all the times I've been there, I've only ever actually seen a CM checking for resort ID at the bottom of that line once.

[Cheshire Figment]

In all of my trips to WDW, the only time I was ever asked to show Resort ID when entering a monorail was on December 31, 1999 when I was transferring from an Epcot monorail to the Resort beam.

[zulemara]

they shut down the express monorail an hour after MK closes(not including EMH) and they then turn to resort monorail as the only transportation to the parking lot(ferries are down 45 min after closing). This being the case, I don't see them restricting it.

[tvguy]

There are two places to get on the monorail at Disneyland, one in Tomorrowland to go to Downtown Disney and the hotels and one in Downtown Disney to go to Tomorrowland. If you are getting on in Downtown Disney, you have to go through security and ticket turnstiles because you will be exiting into Tomorrowland at DL. If you get on in Tomorrowland, you are already in DL so you don't have to be searched, show tickets, etc. Guests of the three DLR hotels are supposed to have priority boarding the monorail but they must only enforce that during really busy times because of all the times I've been there, I've only ever actually seen a CM checking for resort ID at the bottom of that line once.


I have lost count how many times I have been to Disneyland, usually staying at the Disneyland Hotel. The only restrictions I have ever seen on the Monorail were when California Adventure was being built....you could not ride roundtrip, you had to get off at the hotel stop if you boards in Tomorrowland, or in Tomorrowland if you boarded at the hotel.
The Monorail at Disneyland is more of an attraction than a transportation system, unlike WDW.
Prior to California Adventure opening, they used to run a parking lot type shuttle from the main gate to the hotel for hotel guests, but that tram no longer operates.

[wishdisney]

i can see them restricting the resort monorail to resort only guests, but not the express monorail or the EPCOT monorail.

the monorail is one of the biggest icons on WDW property, its like, you're chasing non deluxe resort guests and local guests away from telling them they have to take a bus or the ferry boat. and i'm not a fan at the disney buses at all. the TTC would just be useless if local guests have to find some other way to the MK.

[skier_pete]

They would never restrict the express monorail...as PP pointed out, it is a necessity to the

They also would never restrict the resort monorail - simply because it isn't just hotel guests that eat at the restauarants at these resorts. Do they then restrict the buses, too? If I was at AK, and I want dinner at 1900 Park Fare, I could take a bus directly to GF. But if I was at MK and wanted to eat at 1900 Park Fare, I can't if they restrict the monorail.

Disney prefers you stay on site, because they get more of your money...but if you don't stay on site - they still will gladly take your money.

Because of that, this rumor makes NO sense at all.

SkierPete

[TDSAXX]

I think the time it takes to check all those ID's would actually slow things down and possibly require more CMs. So I don't see any advantage for Disney to do this.

[Maistre Gracey]

They also would never restrict the resort monorail...
Add me to the list of people who have seen the resort mono restricted.
I've only seen it once, and it was at park closing with a major mob scene at the mono station.

I have seen the boat driver to the Poly ask for room keys on more than one occasion.

MG

[patsal]

It wouldn't be cost prohibitive if they had a room card reader type turnstyle that would only allow access with current room keys. I have seen transportation limited and ID's requested inthe past, so I don't doubt they could if they really wanted to.

[rodkenrich]

I can understand limiting it to resort guests and giving priorities, but disenfranchising the day guests would be "not a good thing".

[skier_pete]

Add me to the list of people who have seen the resort mono restricted.
I've only seen it once, and it was at park closing with a major mob scene at the mono station.

I have seen the boat driver to the Poly ask for room keys on more than one occasion.

MG

I guess I should be more specific - I didn't mean it would never get restricted - at times - I meant they would never make it resort guests only ALL the time. The examples given - at park closing - it makes sense why they would restrict it...trying to allow guests to get back to their hotel in favor of those just using it to get back to the hotel - OK.

[mitros]

There was a time when you had to show resort ID to get on any Disney transportation. We always thought that was a good idea, but it hasn't been the case for years. I want to say it was at least 10 years since we have seen these restrictions.

[doconeill]

I can see there being less issues if they restricted the resort monorail at park close to resort guests only departing the MK, but I don't think there is a lot of reason to restrict it otherwise. Has it really been a problem?

What I DO think is that perhaps they should reverse directions. I say that because right now, from the MK, the resort loop goes to CR, TTC, Poly, GF. CR guests can easily walk back to the CR, so few probably get off there on a packed trainset, then it stops at the TTC, where few again would get off and some may even try getting on. If they reversed direction, the first two stops are the two where there is probably a majority of the guests that are departing.

[Maistre Gracey]

I can see there being less issues if they restricted the resort monorail at park close to resort guests only departing the MK, but I don't think there is a lot of reason to restrict it otherwise. Has it really been a problem?

What I DO think is that perhaps they should reverse directions. I say that because right now, from the MK, the resort loop goes to CR, TTC, Poly, GF. CR guests can easily walk back to the CR, so few probably get off there on a packed trainset, then it stops at the TTC, where few again would get off and some may even try getting on. If they reversed direction, the first two stops are the two where there is probably a majority of the guests that are departing.
I think a few years back this idea would have had merit.
Now it seems as though WDW travelers have learned they can take the resort mono to the TTS. At one point they didn't catch on to this, but now I see a load always getting off at the TTS.

Perhaps they should eliminate the stop at the TTS for the resort mono..

MG

[Cheshire Figment]

I think a few years back this idea would have had merit.
Now it seems as though WDW travelers have learned they can take the resort mono to the TTS. At one point they didn't catch on to this, but now I see a load always getting off at the TTS.

Perhaps they should eliminate the stop at the TTS for the resort mono..

MG
So how do people staying at the monorail resorts get to or from Epcot? They don't run buses.

[kmk1180]

I think the time it takes to check all those ID's would actually slow things down and possibly require more CMs. So I don't see any advantage for Disney to do this.

Not to mention, Disney WANTS you to stop at the resort and eat and buy souveniers....spend money
Limiting to resort guests would cut back on that..and Disney doens't want that to happen.

[bicker]

And wants you to feel special because you've chosen to pay the premium to stay at a deluxe resort.

[jenedpey]

My own guess on why this rumor started is that Disney does restrict monorail access at WDW multiple times each week. This is only for Extra magic morning hours, but they check for resort I.D. at the TTC before allowing you to access the ramps to go up to the monorail. This only affects the people who choose to drive from a resort hotel to the TTC for whatever reason, but helps to block a crowd from building outside the MK entrance.

[KAB1]

Has anyone heard this ? You must show a key ?

I was in Disney in June and complained to Management about this exact issue when I returned home. We stayed at the GF and sometimes waited at least an hour to an hour 1/2 for the monorail when leaving the MK at night. This was due to thousands of day guests boarding the resort monorails. I remember years back when you had to show a resort ID to board the monorail. Management told me, that the reason for not checking resort ID's is because they need to space the crowds evenly between both monorails. Monorail cast members were putting in too much overtime because it was taking hours after closing to transfer day guests back to the TTC. I was then informed that we are in a recession and disney also needed to make cutbacks.

[Maistre Gracey]

So how do people staying at the monorail resorts get to or from Epcot? They don't run buses.
That's true... I never claimed to have all the answers.. :teeth:

MG

[wishdisney]

I was in Disney in June and complained to Management about this exact issue when I returned home. We stayed at the GF and sometimes waited at least an hour to an hour 1/2 for the monorail when leaving the MK at night. This was due to thousands of day guests boarding the resort monorails. I remember years back when you had to show a resort ID to board the monorail. Management told me, that the reason for not checking resort ID's is because they need to space the crowds evenly between both monorails. Monorail cast members were putting in too much overtime because it was taking hours after closing to transfer day guests back to the TTC. I was then informed that we are in a recession and disney also needed to make cutbacks.

okay...I'm pretty sure guests know to take the express monorail to and from Magic Kingdom. maybe you picked the wrong time to go on the monorail?? A LOT of people stay at the deluxe resorts. please do remember its not just the GF it stops at, it also stops at the Contemporary and the Poly...and now you are probably going to get Bay Lake Tower guests walk to the Contemporary to take the monorail. I have NEVER in my life time taken the resort monorail from the TTC to MK. never.

--edit, after re reading your post--

well even though the resort monorail station goes to the resorts, it does mention the TTC so basically Disney will have to honor those guests wanting to go to the TTC since it is publicized on the sign above the enterance.

[micki7337]

I heard this rumor this Year when I was at ESPN the Weekend. What I was told by a CM was that they were going to limit monorail acess at peak times to Resort guests. When I asked about this and How it was to be implimented I was told that they had not worked out the details of how this would work but that they would limit the acess to the resort monorail at times like park closing time or during certian events like the no so scary or very merry. thay might also limit the acess during the extra magic hours at night.
Still I do not see this hapening in my opinion because it would cause tons of confusion and what about those guests that hwanted to get a lat night bit at a monorail resort or what ever.
I just hope this never happens

[FireDancer]

Is there a credible source for this rumor? And CMs are not credible, I have heard way too many false rumors from them.

This is one of those things I think gets made up and put on the rumor board with no legitimate source such as a leaked memo or printed policy.

[zulemara]

I can see there being less issues if they restricted the resort monorail at park close to resort guests only departing the MK, but I don't think there is a lot of reason to restrict it otherwise. Has it really been a problem?

What I DO think is that perhaps they should reverse directions. I say that because right now, from the MK, the resort loop goes to CR, TTC, Poly, GF. CR guests can easily walk back to the CR, so few probably get off there on a packed trainset, then it stops at the TTC, where few again would get off and some may even try getting on. If they reversed direction, the first two stops are the two where there is probably a majority of the guests that are departing.

There are 2 39 passenger boats running at all times that take guests from MK to GF and it's the first stop on the route

I was in Disney in June and complained to Management about this exact issue when I returned home. We stayed at the GF and sometimes waited at least an hour to an hour 1/2 for the monorail when leaving the MK at night. This was due to thousands of day guests boarding the resort monorails. I remember years back when you had to show a resort ID to board the monorail. Management told me, that the reason for not checking resort ID's is because they need to space the crowds evenly between both monorails. Monorail cast members were putting in too much overtime because it was taking hours after closing to transfer day guests back to the TTC. I was then informed that we are in a recession and disney also needed to make cutbacks.

See above. Don't get on the resort monorail to go to GF. That's dumb. The first stop on the boats are the GF and at closing we almost always have 3 boats on that route(note: 3 stops, 3 boats and sometimes 4 boats=pretty much no wait between boats)

[KAB1]

There are 2 39 passenger boats running at all times that take guests from MK to GF and it's the first stop on the route



See above. Don't get on the resort monorail to go to GF. That's dumb. The first stop on the boats are the GF and at closing we almost always have 3 boats on that route(note: 3 stops, 3 boats and sometimes 4 boats=pretty much no wait between boats)

And what do you do if you have a husband who has a fear of boats. Don't you think that at $500 a night, that the monorail should have some restrictions?

[kyoung6166]

Is there a credible source for this rumor? And CMs are not credible, I have heard way too many false rumors from them.

This is one of those things I think gets made up and put on the rumor board with no legitimate source such as a leaked memo or printed policy.

There is no way that Disney can limit the Monorail to Resort Guests Only. Disney considers everyone a guest once you step onto their property. Once on the property you can go anywhere you like including the resorts. Disney counts on you visting everywhere including different resorts especially during the holidays. This rumor is completely false. Imagine having to wait for the boat to get to Magic Kingdom, it would be a 4 hour wait for all the non-resort guests.

[doconeill]

There is no way that Disney can limit the Monorail to Resort Guests Only. Disney considers everyone a guest once you step onto their property. Once on the property you can go anywhere you like including the resorts. Disney counts on you visting everywhere including different resorts especially during the holidays. This rumor is completely false. Imagine having to wait for the boat to get to Magic Kingdom, it would be a 4 hour wait for all the non-resort guests.

I think it is safe to say that Disney would never restrict the Express Monorail. I still think it is possible, under certain circumstances, to restrict the Resort Monorail, but only at rare times.

[bicker]

Precisely, and I think people are poorly served by assuming that there is "no way" that Disney would ever limit something which they very well might, and well served by understanding that something like that could happen (but generally does not).

[FireDancer]

I think it is safe to say that Disney would never restrict the Express Monorail. I still think it is possible, under certain circumstances, to restrict the Resort Monorail, but only at rare times.

Unless they restrict access to the resorts to guests only the won't limit the monorail. I want to get to the ADR I have at The Wave or Kona.

Again, is there any credible source of information that they are doing this? Speculation without supporting sources is a waste of time.

[bicker]

So you mean the personal experiences that various posters have related don't count? :rolleyes:

I think you can rest assured that there is a 99.9% chance that you'll have no problem whatsoever using the resort monorail.

[doconeill]

Unless they restrict access to the resorts to guests only the won't limit the monorail. I want to get to the ADR I have at The Wave or Kona.

Again, is there any credible source of information that they are doing this? Speculation without supporting sources is a waste of time.

You apparently didn't read my post very carefully, or my previous post.

I still think it is possible, under certain circumstances, to restrict the Resort Monorail, but only at rare times.

There are multiple ways to get to the monorail resorts. What I am saying is that say at park close on a late night, say after an EMH, it would be perfectly reasonable to restrict the resort monorail to resort guests only. At that time NO ONE should have ADRs, and in the rare instances that someone needs to get to the resort who is not a resort guest, they can take the boat launches or in the case of CR just walk.

[TDC Nala]

If I was at AK, and I want dinner at 1900 Park Fare, I could take a bus directly to GF. But if I was at MK and wanted to eat at 1900 Park Fare, I can't if they restrict the monorail.


It's true that you can't walk from MK to GF. There is a boat - which probably wouldn't operate in bad weather. I'd think no restrictions, except possibly at crazy park closing times.

[zulemara]

And what do you do if you have a husband who has a fear of boats. Don't you think that at $500 a night, that the monorail should have some restrictions?

no, I don't. A person in a wheelchair has restrictions too and they have to wait for special buses or use the monorail if they can't transfer. If someone has a fear of boats, you have to live with the consequences. Why should thousands of other guests be inconvenienced because you have someone with a fear of boats?

[zulemara]

You apparently didn't read my post very carefully, or my previous post.



There are multiple ways to get to the monorail resorts. What I am saying is that say at park close on a late night, say after an EMH, it would be perfectly reasonable to restrict the resort monorail to resort guests only. At that time NO ONE should have ADRs, and in the rare instances that someone needs to get to the resort who is not a resort guest, they can take the boat launches or in the case of CR just walk.

Actually on EMH nights the express monorail is shut down an hour after normal park closing and only the resort line runs. This is true for the gold boat and the ferry boats
It's true that you can't walk from MK to GF. There is a boat - which probably wouldn't operate in bad weather. I'd think no restrictions, except possibly at crazy park closing times.

ha! I wish that were true! We've driven in 35+mph wind and rain so strong you can't see the grand from MK. There are times we don't run, but they are not very frequent. The monorails go down wwaayy more than we do.

Also someone said it would take forever to get in the park without the monorails. When we have 3 ferry boats running, which carry 200 more people than the monorails, it's actually just as quick if not quicker to take the ferry than the monorail

[bicker]

And often, the bus is actually the fastest way to get somewhere. Monorails and boats aren't there for speed... they are there as part of the cool-factor.

[KAB1]

no, I don't. A person in a wheelchair has restrictions too and they have to wait for special buses or use the monorail if they can't transfer. If someone has a fear of boats, you have to live with the consequences. Why should thousands of other guests be inconvenienced because you have someone with a fear of boats?

Then maybe those thousands of other guests should pay the prices to stay on WDW property. Instead they complain about not being able to use the monorail when they are paying $30 a night at the local Motel 6.

[TestTrackBoy]

So how do people staying at the monorail resorts get to or from Epcot? They don't run buses.

You take the resort monorail from any Magic Kingdom resort to the TTC, get off the resort monorail and board the Epcot monorail. The only time Epcot buses would be at thoes resorts would be if the monorail is down or during a really busy time.

[SueM in MN]

You take the resort monorail from any Magic Kingdom resort to the TTC, get off the resort monorail and board the Epcot monorail. The only time Epcot buses would be at thoes resorts would be if the monorail is down or during a really busy time.
Cheshire Figment was answering someone who said there would be no reason for MK area resort guests to go to the TTC.
He was pointing out that the monorail at the TTC is the way for MK resort guests to get to Epcot since there are no buses.

[Mouseaholic!!!]

no, I don't. A person in a wheelchair has restrictions too and they have to wait for special buses or use the monorail if they can't transfer. If someone has a fear of boats, you have to live with the consequences. Why should thousands of other guests be inconvenienced because you have someone with a fear of boats?



I agree about the boats. If someone had a deathly fear of a boat and it was the only way to transfer to the MK, they probably would choose a different resort. The Wildie comes to mind.

For me....I'm ALL OVER the boat ride to and from the MK....but that's just me.


I was in a scooter for our early December trip to WDW. We truly enjoy all the holiday events at EPCOT so we choose BWV for our resort.....because I could scoot to TWO of the four parks easily and especially EPCOT where we spent most of our time.

The problem is when a guest is not familiar with disney parks and transportation.

[TDC Nala]

ha! I wish that were true! We've driven in 35+mph wind and rain so strong you can't see the grand from MK.

And - no offense to the drivers - but no way would I be getting on those open boats in weather like that.

[zulemara]

And - no offense to the drivers - but no way would I be getting on those open boats in weather like that.

you don't have to...I'm just pointing out that we rarely shut down. In addition, the storms happen in the afternoon 95% of the time, not during closing. and still, all the boats are protected against lightning and the cruisers and ferryboats are covered. It's just the launches that get you really wet. You could go on a monorail, a box could get struck by lightning, and then you're stuck. Yes, it has happened.

[manning]

I think the time it takes to check all those ID's would actually slow things down and possibly require more CMs. So I don't see any advantage for Disney to do this.

It could be done. Just change the key card to the type of material used for AP or issue transportation card. Then all you do is insert the card into the slot at the turn style. I was in Washington DC in May and that is the method Metro uses. Passenger flow during rush hour was smooth.


When WDW first opened all disney transportation, except for the express monorail and ferry, was restricted to hotel guests.

If the restriction is done I can see park to park buses being available to all. It would have to be for park hoppers.

[honeymo78]

When WDW first opened all disney transportation, except for the express monorail and ferry, was restricted to hotel guests.



While this isn't the monorail, as a child we stayed almost exclusively at Fort Wilderness in the cabins and I distinctly remember being required to show my resort id card to get on the buses that stopped near pioneer hall to take us to the parks and even to use the internal bus.

[A Mickeyfan]

Unless they restrict access to the resorts to guests only the won't limit the monorail. I want to get to the ADR I have at The Wave or Kona.

Again, is there any credible source of information that they are doing this? Speculation without supporting sources is a waste of time.

Exactly.. if you have an ADR and are staying on property without a car, how would you get to one of the monorail resorts if you are at the MK :confused: Disney would not expect you to leave the MK, go to your resort, take the bus to DTD, transfer to the bus where your ADR's are. Beside, when you purchase a Disney pass, that also includes the rights to Disney transportation... especially if they are hoppers, how else would you hop if you did not have a car (which is why the don't ask for room keys on their transportation anymore)

[bicker]

When Disney restricts resort transportation to guests of that resort, those considerations are secondary to the primacy of the guests of that resort.

Remember, if you ever find yourself affected by one of these exceedingly rare circumstances, you always have an option to take a taxi from one resort to another.

[CharacterFan]

I've been asked twice. Once on Dec 31, 2005 going from Epcot to the TTC.

Once on a morning that had MK morning EMH. They were holding non-resort guests (even those w/ breakfast adrs) around 7am ish. We got to ride on the first monorail of the day. We did notice as we were leaving the station they allowed everyone in, and stopped checking keys. This was March of sometime between 2006-2008. I'm sorry I don't remember the exact date. (been a few times :rofl: )

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Earlier this month when my family and I were just at WDW we rode the Resort Monorail a number of times and were not asked once to show our KTTW cards to prove we were staying at the Contemporary.

[mitros]

Over the 20 odd years that we have been going to WDW, there have been several instances where they asked for IDs on one or the other transportation modes. Nothing recently, though.
I recall one incident back around 1998 or so, where they checked our resort IDs getting on the little tour boat {looks like a little tug boat} going from the MK to the Polynesian resort.

[bicker]

I think the bottom line for all this is
1) It doesn't happen very often, but
2) It could happen to you.
Be prepared for either possibility. Do not hinge any critical plans on the assumption that you'll be able to use resort transportation if you're not a guest of that hotel, i.e., always have a backup plan that you're ready and content to adopt, should you be tunred away from the resort transportation.

[mitros]

I think the bottom line for all this is
1) It doesn't happen very often, but
2) It could happen to you.
Be prepared for either possibility. Do not hinge any critical plans on the assumption that you'll be able to use resort transportation if you're not a guest of that hotel, i.e., always have a backup plan that you're ready and content to adopt, should you be tunred away from the resort transportation.

Perfect answer. You have, in fact, said it all............

[splash327]

There is no way that Disney can limit the Monorail to Resort Guests Only. Disney considers everyone a guest once you step onto their property. Once on the property you can go anywhere you like including the resorts. Disney counts on you visting everywhere including different resorts especially during the holidays. This rumor is completely false. Imagine having to wait for the boat to get to Magic Kingdom, it would be a 4 hour wait for all the non-resort guests.

In the 70s and 80s you needed to be a resort guest to be on the resort monorail. They had cardboard ids that you had to show to get on the resort monorail.

[sotoalf]

As recently as 1991 or 1992, Bob Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide would insist that day guests stand their ground when cast members restricted use of the local MK monorail to resort guests.

[pilferk]

Disneyland: It's happened during "gridlock" and park closings due to high attendance (in other words, during the most busy days of the year like NYE). They have a process in place to restrict access to the monorails to resort guests ONLY.

WDW: Never happen. First of all, it's one of only 2 ways back to the parking lot, and it's by far the more efficient of the 2 (the boat is a slow loader/mover). Second, I HIGHLY doubt they'd restrict access to the hotel monorail to resort guests only for one simple reason: They WANT the theme park guests frequenting the shops and restaurants on the monorail resorts. They're not going to make transport to those destinations more difficult, because it would drive away customers.

If there was ABSOLUTE gridlock, or some sort of mechanical failure that was resulting in a few trains out of service, or some sort of special event, I can see them trying to do it for a short period of time (hours, maybe) just to ensure that guests have access to a way to get back to their hotels. But barring that, in the way I'm guessing you mean (some sort of long term policy change)...nope. Not likely.

[pilferk]

Add me to the list of people who have seen the resort mono restricted.
I've only seen it once, and it was at park closing with a major mob scene at the mono station.

I have seen the boat driver to the Poly ask for room keys on more than one occasion.

MG

I've seen the boat drivers ask for keys at park exit, ESPECIALLY the Poly boat captain. I suspect that's because, with it's ease of access to the TTC, that non-Poly guests use it as a way to get back to parking (which is NOT what it's for).

[manning]

Disneyland: It's happened during "gridlock" and park closings due to high attendance (in other words, during the most busy days of the year like NYE). They have a process in place to restrict access to the monorails to resort guests ONLY.

WDW: Never happen. First of all, it's one of only 2 ways back to the parking lot, and it's by far the more efficient of the 2 (the boat is a slow loader/mover). Second, I HIGHLY doubt they'd restrict access to the hotel monorail to resort guests only for one simple reason: They WANT the theme park guests frequenting the shops and restaurants on the monorail resorts. They're not going to make transport to those destinations more difficult, because it would drive away customers.

If there was ABSOLUTE gridlock, or some sort of mechanical failure that was resulting in a few trains out of service, or some sort of special event, I can see them trying to do it for a short period of time (hours, maybe) just to ensure that guests have access to a way to get back to their hotels. But barring that, in the way I'm guessing you mean (some sort of long term policy change)...nope. Not likely.

As a hotel guest I would prefer exclusive use. After all I'm paying big money for a hotel room.

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

*phew*
After reading the title of this thread -I was sure hoping that wasn't the case!
After reading the rest of the thread- I agree that there are many reasons that surely this will never happen, atleast not at Disney World.

[pilferk]

As a hotel guest I would prefer exclusive use. After all I'm paying big money for a hotel room.

I would prefer a whole host of free in-room amenities, free poolside cabana's, and a personal "real" concierge service.

But that doesn't mean, for a variety of reasons, I'm likely to get them. You're paying "big money" for that hotel room based almost entirely on ONE factor: location.

Part of that "location" is that Disney largely views those resorts as almost part and parcel of the theme park. They WANT day guests going over to the Contemp for breakfast or dinner with Mickey. They WANT day guests going over to the GF for dinner at Citricos. They WANT day guests going to the Poly to shop and visit 'Ohana's. They're not going to do anything permanent to interfere with that revenue stream. And, as we've seen from Disney time and time again, if they DO something to meet a guest "preference", you may very likely get that "preference" at the incurrence of some extra cost (higher prices in the restarants, longer waits for a monorail (since less use means less trains needed), etc).

I've stayed at the Contemp a number of times, and the Poly a couple times. I "get" that it's frustrating, at park closing, to have to deal with the crowd. But the liklihood is that, unless there are some sort of extenuating circumstances (like those I mentioned), Disney isn't going to permanently make the resort monorail loop "exclusive". It just doesn't make that much sense to do it.

[bicker]

I would prefer a whole host of free in-room amenities, free poolside cabana's, and a personal "real" concierge service. Those things cost "big money" by comparison to resort transportation exclusivity. Resort transportation exclusivity is even less costly to offer than exclusive late evenings at the parks. The only thing preventing resort transportation exclusivity from being a significant issue is that the need for it simply isn't that big.

[pilferk]

Those things cost "big money" by comparison to resort transportation exclusivity. Resort transportation exclusivity is even less costly to offer than exclusive late evenings at the parks. The only thing preventing resort transportation exclusivity from being a significant issue is that the need for it simply isn't that big.


True, that's one of the "variety of reasons" (and maybe the primary one) I won't get them. But both "things" cost Disney something, with what I suspect would be little in the way of reward. I CAN get many of those things, for pretty close to Disney's Deluxe resort rates (especially if we're looking at the GF)...just not with the same location benefit. Until location is no longer viewed by the consumer as being "more valuable" than those extra amenities, Disney has no impetus to give me the freebies I WANT. Ditto on resort transportation exclusivity.

And then, resort transportation exclusivity would COST them revenue because there would be no easy way for day guests to visit the resorts and spend money. How that loss of revenue would compare to the "big money" costs for those other things, I'm not sure. I think we can agree that it's SOMETHING. So I'm still relatively confident that Disney isn't going to cut off any revenue without some corresponding "balance" (not necessarily monetary, but with some worth like a sharp increase in guest satisfaction that might lead to increased bookings on property).

My point is this: We can all "want" stuff from Disney. It doesn't mean Disney is going to give it to us without good reason. And good reason isn't "because I'm paying big money for the hotel room". The fact you're still paying that "big money", WITHOUT all the stuff we're talkinga bout, is actually the OPPOSITE of what Disney considers "good reason". Right? What would be the "good reason" for resort transportation exclusivity (we're talking permanent change, not occasional use due to extenuating circumstances)? I just can't see one.

Maybe things will change down the road...maybe the Waldorf and 4S resorts will spur Disney on to taking steps for more amenities. But there is some pretty steep competition in the hotelier dept in Orlando, and they haven't taken those steps yet. Doesn't mean they won't, but I still think it's unlikely. Anything is possible, I guess.

[bicker]

My point is this: We can all "want" stuff from Disney. It doesn't mean Disney is going to give it to us without good reason. And good reason isn't "because I'm paying big money for the hotel room". The fact you're still paying that "big money", WITHOUT all the stuff we're talkinga bout, is actually the OPPOSITE of what Disney considers "good reason". Right? Abso-friggen-lutely. :thumbsup2

What would be the "good reason" for resort transportation exclusivity (we're talking permanent change, not occasional use due to extenuating circumstances)? I just can't see one. Me neither. I do think, though, that way too many people refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of the occasional imposition of the restriction, and fight tooth and nail to deny that it is the way it is, so much so that they do themselves and everyone who they influence a disservice, setting them all up for disappointment. There is a real issue there, an issue of customer satisfaction. The occasional imposition of the restriction is an imperative. It is not acceptable to hit folks paying big bucks ostensibly just for the advantage of convenience due to location with bad experiences because folks who aren't resort guests are utilizing the resort transportation. (Read that again if you're hitting the Reply button... that sentence almost surely does not say what you think it says.)

So one "good reason" for broadening the imposition of the restriction may be to shake free of the difficulties encountered from occasional imposition due to the conflicting expectations of different guests (reasonable expectations by resort guests; unfounded expectations by non-resort guests).

A lot of it would come down to just how much unfounded expectations are spread, and how much our society prompts those with unfounded expectations to exacerbating situations to the supplier's detriment. The best example of this is the guy who was "told" that he could walk in to Le Cellier for dinner at any time he wanted, and when told that there are no seatings left for the rest of the evening, proceeds to complain loudly and bombastically enough to disturb diners in the restaurant. If our society more often than not rewards those guests ("squeaky wheel gets the grease"), then that fosters the benefits of making rules far clearer and broader than they absolutely need to be.

And again, as I mentioned before, this is not specific to Disney. A great example of this from the cable television world is how the impression spread about how you could get "free cable" by employing measures that received service you weren't actually paying for. Cable's answer (really satellite's answer -- they did it first) was to encrypt everything. However, that harms everyone, even the folks who weren't transgressors, because now everyone needs a decryption box on every television.

So my point is this: A combination of the spreading of unfounded expectations, and a deepening of the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" perspective could result in a situation where they will have to employ far more control over resort transportation than they do now -- and that in doing so, everyone could get hurt (resort guests would all have to carry their own resort IDs; lost IDs cause a problem; etc.)

[pilferk]

Abso-friggen-lutely. :thumbsup2

Me neither. I do think, though, that way too many people refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of the occasional imposition of the restriction, and fight tooth and nail to deny that it is the way it is, so much so that they do themselves and everyone who they influence a disservice, setting them all up for disappointment. There is a real issue there, an issue of customer satisfaction. The occasional imposition of the restriction is an imperative. It is not acceptable to hit folks paying big bucks ostensibly just for the advantage of convenience due to location with bad experiences because folks who aren't resort guests are utilizing the resort transportation. (Read that again if you're hitting the Reply button... that sentence almost surely does not say what you think it says.)


Actually, it does. :)

And I agree. It's imperative that Disney have the OPTION. And that Disney, when they run into the sorts of things I mention (gridlock, technical malfunction, special event), which I consider to be "exceptions to the Normal Operating Conditions", that they use it. Because the primary purpose of that loop is to get people back to their hotel rooms. And NOT being able to do that would be detrimental to Disney's guest service reputation, their ability to charge for that "location premium", etc. Basically, everything you mention.

And I 100% agree that as a "short term" (relativley) solution/option, it DOES happen, and folks should be aware that it MIGHT happen on their trip and to them. They should know their alternatives:

You can walk to the Contemp from MK.
You can walk to the Poly from the TTC.
You can cab it from the TTC to the GF. That last one is the one I suspect would have the most "objectors" because it incurs extra costs. There are other options, but none really particularly convenient or time effective.


So one "good reason" for broadening the imposition of the restriction may be to shake free of the difficulties encountered from occasional imposition due to the conflicting expectations of different guests (reasonable expectations by resort guests; unfounded expectations by non-resort guests).

A lot of it would come down to just how much unfounded expectations are spread, and how much our society prompts those with unfounded expectations to exacerbating situations to the supplier's detriment. The best example of this is the guy who was "told" that he could walk in to Le Cellier for dinner at any time he wanted, and when told that there are no seatings left for the rest of the evening, proceeds to complain loudly and bombastically enough to disturb diners in the restaurant. If our society more often than not rewards those guests ("squeaky wheel gets the grease"), then that fosters the benefits of making rules far clearer and broader than they absolutely need to be.


Gotcha.

I'm thinking you're thinking of something specific (ie: the Unofficial guide's stance that you should "fight" if asked for resort ID on Disney transportation) here?

But that's why I seperated out, originally, the "change policy so 100% of the time it's restricted" vs the "occasional situational changes to reflect operating conditions".

The first, I think, is unlikely. The second is always a possibility.


And again, as I mentioned before, this is not specific to Disney. A great example of this from the cable television world is how the impression spread about how you could get "free cable" by employing measures that received service you weren't actually paying for. Cable's answer (really satellite's answer -- they did it first) was to encrypt everything. However, that harms everyone, even the folks who weren't transgressors, because now everyone needs a decryption box on every television.

So my point is this: A combination of the spreading of unfounded expectations, and a deepening of the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" perspective could result in a situation where they will have to employ far more control over resort transportation than they do now -- and that in doing so, everyone could get hurt (resort guests would all have to carry their own resort IDs; lost IDs cause a problem; etc.)

Gotcha. And I agree 100%.

In a nutshell (and using my example, above), people need to be aware (and accept) that the second is a possibility, so the first does not get "imposed" on us all.

[bicker]

Actually, it does. :)Heheh... well, I meant that only if you thought you disagreed with it. :)

I'm thinking you're thinking of something specific (ie: the Unofficial guide's stance that you should "fight" if asked for resort ID on Disney transportation) here?Perhaps the most egregious of examples of what I was referring to, because it was actually published by a purportedly reputable publisher. However, any and all fostering of unfounded expectations, and fostering of the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" philosophy adds to the problem.

[manning]

Abso-friggen-lutely. :thumbsup2

Me neither. I do think, though, that way too many people refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of the occasional imposition of the restriction, and fight tooth and nail to deny that it is the way it is, so much so that they do themselves and everyone who they influence a disservice, setting them all up for disappointment. There is a real issue there, an issue of customer satisfaction. The occasional imposition of the restriction is an imperative. It is not acceptable to hit folks paying big bucks ostensibly just for the advantage of convenience due to location with bad experiences because folks who aren't resort guests are utilizing the resort transportation. (Read that again if you're hitting the Reply button... that sentence almost surely does not say what you think it says.)

So one "good reason" for broadening the imposition of the restriction may be to shake free of the difficulties encountered from occasional imposition due to the conflicting expectations of different guests (reasonable expectations by resort guests; unfounded expectations by non-resort guests).

A lot of it would come down to just how much unfounded expectations are spread, and how much our society prompts those with unfounded expectations to exacerbating situations to the supplier's detriment. The best example of this is the guy who was "told" that he could walk in to Le Cellier for dinner at any time he wanted, and when told that there are no seatings left for the rest of the evening, proceeds to complain loudly and bombastically enough to disturb diners in the restaurant. If our society more often than not rewards those guests ("squeaky wheel gets the grease"), then that fosters the benefits of making rules far clearer and broader than they absolutely need to be.

And again, as I mentioned before, this is not specific to Disney. A great example of this from the cable television world is how the impression spread about how you could get "free cable" by employing measures that received service you weren't actually paying for. Cable's answer (really satellite's answer -- they did it first) was to encrypt everything. However, that harms everyone, even the folks who weren't transgressors, because now everyone needs a decryption box on every television.

So my point is this: A combination of the spreading of unfounded expectations, and a deepening of the "squeaky wheel gets the grease" perspective could result in a situation where they will have to employ far more control over resort transportation than they do now -- and that in doing so, everyone could get hurt (resort guests would all have to carry their own resort IDs; lost IDs cause a problem; etc.)

You would have to carry it to get into your room. When they did have the program it was one id to a party.

I think where the desire for id's are coming from are DVC owners who pay for the transportation through their dues. The most outcry is coming from the SSR where people are parking in DTD and going over and using the SSR buses. There I could see IDing the riders or putting some kind of control at the point where you can walk to DTD. Now there you could put in a gated system where you need a key card to pass thru. That way you wouldn't delay the bus flow.

[bicker]

You would have to carry it to get into your room. When they did have the program it was one id to a party.I can imagine scenarios where someone, let's say a teen, might not have their hotel room key, but might be in need of transportation from a theme park back to their hotel, where Mom and Dad are waiting, perhaps cooking dinner in the DVC villa. SeewhatImean?

Of course: Easy fix: Just have the teen carry the room key. Still, different from what perhaps some might want to do.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think where the desire for id's are coming from are DVC owners who pay for the transportation through their dues. The most outcry is coming from the SSR where people are parking in DTD and going over and using the SSR buses. There I could see IDing the riders or putting some kind of control at the point where you can walk to DTD. Now there you could put in a gated system where you need a key card to pass thru. That way you wouldn't delay the bus flow.But what about those guests who might stay at a WDW Resort and take the bus to Downtown Disney, then decide to visit one of the theme parks after. On paper it would make the most sense to walk over towards Saratoga Springs and get on the bus from there, plus they wouldn't have their cars parked at Downtown Disney so they would not be getting around the rules. Plus WDW states their transportation system can be used by anyone.

[pilferk]

I think where the desire for id's are coming from are DVC owners who pay for the transportation through their dues. The most outcry is coming from the SSR where people are parking in DTD and going over and using the SSR buses. There I could see IDing the riders or putting some kind of control at the point where you can walk to DTD. Now there you could put in a gated system where you need a key card to pass thru. That way you wouldn't delay the bus flow.

There's another option that's was thrown around, too (specifically concerning the SSR/DTD "issue"):

Charge a nominal fee (say $10) for parking at DTD. If you're a resort guest, you get free parking. If you're a day guest, you get a ticket. If you spend more than a certain amount (and it can be really nominal, like $20 or so) at DTD, you get your ticket punched and you don't pay. No "validation" and you pay on your way out.

The thought process is that the couple of $ savings over parking in the Disney lots isn't worth the hike over to SSR and then onto their bus system. Likewise, the "validation route" would cost you more than parking on the Disney lots.

The biggest objection I've seen concerns "drop offs". During the discussion I don't recall seeing a good solution for that issue. But it was awhile back.

Keep in mind, I have no particular feeling about doing the above, one way or the other. I've just seen it mentioned and thought I'd throw it out there.

[pilferk]

But what about those guests who might stay at a WDW Resort and take the bus to Downtown Disney, then decide to visit one of the theme parks after. On paper it would make the most sense to walk over towards Saratoga Springs and get on the bus from there, plus they wouldn't have their cars parked at Downtown Disney so they would not be getting around the rules. Plus WDW states their transportation system can be used by anyone.

You could set the system up so that ANY resort room key would work...no matter what resort you're staying at.