Would this Monorail Idea Work?

[JeremytheCamel]

One note, if you drive you will still have to fold and drag the stroller onto the parking tram or walk all the way. Though if you get to the parks early that shouldn't be a problem since you should be upfront.

We plan on getting there very early. Do the ferry and monorail operate early for EMH? I think that's one of our last concerns.

PS- this isn't our FIRST time going to Disney. We did go Summer of 2010 but we didn't stay with WDWR and we didn't have a clue what we were doing. This time we're following Scars advice. BE PREPARED!

Thanks again!

 

[chartle]

We plan on getting there very early. Do the ferry and monorail operate early for EMH? I think that's one of our last concerns.

PS- this isn't our FIRST time going to Disney. We did go Summer of 2010 but we didn't stay with WDWR and we didn't have a clue what we were doing. This time we're following Scars advice. BE PREPARED!

Thanks again!

Yes either the ferry and/or the monorail will be running, they have to, its the only way to get from the TTC (MK parking lot) to the MK. If you go really early only the resort monorail may be running but it still will drop you off at the MK front gates.

 

[cel_disney]

We are WDW Vets and have been several times with single and double strollers...We find that its SIGNIFICANTLY easier to take the bus to/from MK than to drive there. There are just too many hassled with getting 2 kids buckled into carseats, stroller folded up into the van, driving, parking, unpacking kids and stroller, getting on tram (in one of the very few spaces that is suitable for a double stroller), getting off tram (sometimes this is harder to navigate depending on the age of your kids and how hard it is to manage your double stroller), then getting into a line (the monorail line is a lovely incline with a nearly 100+ lb stroller full of kids and stuff), waiting for the monorail, loading into a spot with room for someone to hold the stroller and a place where the kids can see out the window or sit down on a bench because they whine about riding the monorail from their stroller - thats not very fun!, then out of the monorail with MANY more people than are on a single bus to the front gates...and then there is the reverse at the end of the day...particularly to include that climb up the monorail ramp with that 100+lb double stroller! **!

The buses to MK are much more straight forward...walk to busstop, pack up stroller and wait for bus, load bus with stroller and kids, arrive at MK, unload bus, take several flat steps to front entrance....on the way out, its the same in reverse...no ramps, no multiple transfers, nada...

I dont think any magic is lost by skipping out on the MK arrival...in our family, magic is gained by the less stressful entrance...

We do often drive to Epcot and DHS. The parking situations there are very different - easily walkable, not requiring the use of the tram for all 4 of us (sometimes I take the tram with 1 or 2 kids and my DH walks with the stroller but thats just because its fun not because its required..)...

Have a wonderful trip! You will love the convenience of staying on site and onsite transportation for being able to go home mid day for a rest or to escape the heat!!

 

[wdwrich]

Or you could do what my wife does when we eat breakfast at Poly.. her and the kids take the monorail to MK and I have to go move the car.

Save yourself the trouble of moving the car after breakfast. Just park at the TTC (MK parking) and use the walkway to the Poly (short 5-7 min walk). After breakfast, you can all monorail to MK together- no need to move your vehicle!

 

[Bound and Rebound]

We find that its SIGNIFICANTLY easier to take the bus to/from MK than to drive there. There are just too many hassled with getting 2 kids buckled into carseats, stroller folded up into the van, driving, parking, unpacking kids and stroller, getting on tram (in one of the very few spaces that is suitable for a double stroller), getting off tram (sometimes this is harder to navigate depending on the age of your kids and how hard it is to manage your double stroller), then getting into a line (the monorail line is a lovely incline with a nearly 100+ lb stroller full of kids and stuff), waiting for the monorail, loading into a spot with room for someone to hold the stroller and a place where the kids can see out the window or sit down on a bench because they whine about riding the monorail from their stroller - thats not very fun!, then out of the monorail with MANY more people than are on a single bus to the front gates...and then there is the reverse at the end of the day...particularly to include that climb up the monorail ramp with that 100+lb double stroller! **!

We have never stayed onsite, but do have 2 kids and a double stroller. We find it so simple to arrive early, getting a close parking spot so we don't need to use the tram, and take the ferry across the lagoon to MK. Even when we parked further back in the lot, we've been know to walk to the ferry as it was faster to do that then wait with the crowd to cram onto the tram.

It is also a flat walk to and from the launch and our kids love the views from riding the boat. You just stroll on and to the other side, then stroll off when you land at the MK. It is very cool and breezy when you take the ferry too!

Have a great vacation!

 

[goofy4tink]

As far as driving to the parks versus taking the disney buses, I suggest trying it both ways. Since it's your first disney experience, it might be less stressful to let disney do the transporting to the parks. We've been in your shoes with a double jogger so we can totally relate. It's not that bad on the buses, really -- you'll get some people who will frown at you for having a double jogger, but in my opinion it's better to have the kids cozy and comfortable.

When I mentioned the hassle of taking the strollers on the buses, especially double strollers, I wasn't concerned with anyone frowning at stroller users. I know I don't. The only issue I have with stroller users??? The parents who think they can leave their kids in the strollers and just roll onto the bus, as is. Or the parents who keep their kids in the stroller all the way through the line, and then when they get to the bus door, stop everything to take the kids out, remove their bags, and fold up the stroller!! Or the parents who decide that they have to remain together..even though that means mom and the kids are sitting towards the front of the bus (when some nice person offered to give up their seats) and dad refuses to move to the back of the bus, where it's wider and the stroller isn't blocking the aisle, preventing others from boarding the bus, or having to climb over the stroller to get to the emptier rear of the bus.
But, I find that the vast majority of stroller using parents are responsible and use common sense...but as in everything else, it only takes a few bad apples to ruin it for everyone else.

We plan on getting there very early. Do the ferry and monorail operate early for EMH? I think that's one of our last concerns.

PS- this isn't our FIRST time going to Disney. We did go Summer of 2010 but we didn't stay with WDWR and we didn't have a clue what we were doing. This time we're following Scars advice. BE PREPARED!

Thanks again!

The lots are open very early. That shouldn't be an issue. The ferry/monorail operate early as well. The monorail starts at 7am if I remember correctly.

 

[tbaptista]

Yes, your resort parking pass will get you into the Theme parking for FREE.

As for parking at resorts with monorail access, those parking lots are restricted and you can't get in without a pass.. if your just visiting or dining they will give you a two hour parking pass so you can't really use them for monorail access. Or you could do what my wife does when we eat breakfast at Poly.. her and the kids take the monorail to MK and I have to go move the car..

Do they always give the 2 hour pass? Stayed at POR in July and went to chef mickey at the Contemporary never got a 2 hr pass they just let me right in. Also did the Spirit of Aloha at the Poly again they let us right in.

Now I know it is frowned upon but I did leave my car in the lots and visited MK.

Me thinks that only people who are staying completely offsite get the 2 hour pass.

 

[tbaptista]

Also, anyone ever take the resort tram from TTC to avoid the long lines in the morning? It is great!!!

Also works when leaving to get back. Never any lines at the resort monorail and it always stop at TTC.

 

[gmeh1]

Do they always give the 2 hour pass? Stayed at POR in July and went to chef mickey at the Contemporary never got a 2 hr pass they just let me right in. Also did the Spirit of Aloha at the Poly again they let us right in.

Now I know it is frowned upon but I did leave my car in the lots and visited MK.

Me thinks that only people who are staying completely offsite get the 2 hour pass.

Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. And no, they don't issue 2 hour passes to those that are completely offsite. They do have a sign stating that parking is NOT permitted for access to the parks at all the resorts within range of the parks. If you want to break the rules, fine, but, if you happen to get towed, don't moan about it.

 

[tbaptista]

If I had a 2 hour pass I would definitely move the vehicle or valet it but the lots seemed pretty empty when I arrived so I rolled the dice and came up big.

 

[gmeh1]

If I had a 2 hour pass I would definitely move the vehicle or valet it but the lots seemed pretty empty when I arrived so I rolled the dice and came up big.

Lucky you.

 

[tbaptista]

Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. And no, they don't issue 2 hour passes to those that are completely offsite. They do have a sign stating that parking is NOT permitted for access to the parks at all the resorts within range of the parks. If you want to break the rules, fine, but, if you happen to get towed, don't moan about it.

I would have to agree. If you get towed thats the consequence. To then moan/complain is just silly. It's like speeding and crying cause you got a ticket. Most do it and if you get caught, deal with it!

 

[siskaren]

Really? You're actually posting a way to get around rules?

 

[tbaptista]

H

 

[goofy4tink]

Do they always give the 2 hour pass? Stayed at POR in July and went to chef mickey at the Contemporary never got a 2 hr pass they just let me right in. Also did the Spirit of Aloha at the Poly again they let us right in.

Now I know it is frowned upon but I did leave my car in the lots and visited MK.

Me thinks that only people who are staying completely offsite get the 2 hour pass.

That can change...and it was actually a 3 hr pass. You just don't know, until you get to the resort, if you'll be allowed to park there.

Also, anyone ever take the resort tram from TTC to avoid the long lines in the morning? It is great!!!

Also works when leaving to get back. Never any lines at the resort monorail and it always stop at TTC.

What long lines in the morning??? And at park closing?? Hugely long lines for the resort line, as well as the express line. That is why people want the resort line for resort guests only..have to show ID at park closing. Won't happen though.

Need I say "refillable mug".

No, not on this board. Completely irrelevant.

 

[goofy4tink]

Here we go again......Resort parking if for those actively using that resort....staying there, eating there, shopping there. Park access?? Yeah, not so much. You want to leave your car at the Polynesian and head off to the MK for the day? Pay to valet park your car. Same goes for CR, GF, BW, YC/BC. Those that are paying a lot of money to stay in these resorts are paying for the perk of park proximity. Why in heaven's name do some feel it's their right to park anywhere they want to, regardless of where they have paid to stay??

It's always a lot of fun to watch the BW guest parking lot empty out at 9:30/10pm...right after IllumiNations!!! Those guests arriving home, at BW, for the night, have to drive around and find a further removed spot since the close up spots are full. Then, IllumiNations ends and there are plenty of spots. Gee, wonder why that is?? Same thing happens at BLT...I like to sit on my balcony and watch people walking back to their cars, parked close to the walkway to MK, and get in them and drive away..right after the park closes for the night.
I wish Disney would make anyone not paying to stay in the resort pay a parking fee...they could get their parking voucher stamped in the resort if eating...as long as they weren't there for over 2 hrs, they could park for free, with that validation.

 

[tbaptista]

Here we go again......Resort parking if for those actively using that resort....staying there, eating there, shopping there. Park access?? Yeah, not so much. You want to leave your car at the Polynesian and head off to the MK for the day? Pay to valet park your car. Same goes for CR, GF, BW, YC/BC. Those that are paying a lot of money to stay in these resorts are paying for the perk of park proximity. Why in heaven's name do some feel it's their right to park anywhere they want to, regardless of where they have paid to stay??

It's always a lot of fun to watch the BW guest parking lot empty out at 9:30/10pm...right after IllumiNations!!! Those guests arriving home, at BW, for the night, have to drive around and find a further removed spot since the close up spots are full. Then, IllumiNations ends and there are plenty of spots. Gee, wonder why that is?? Same thing happens at BLT...I like to sit on my balcony and watch people walking back to their cars, parked close to the walkway to MK, and get in them and drive away..right after the park closes for the night.
I wish Disney would make anyone not paying to stay in the resort pay a parking fee...they could get their parking voucher stamped in the resort if eating...as long as they weren't there for over 2 hrs, they could park for free, with that validation.

I would be more than happy to pay $30 to park at BLT to walk to MK.

 

[tbaptista]

That can change...and it was actually a 3 hr pass. You just don't know, until you get to the resort, if you'll be allowed to park there.

What long lines in the morning??? And at park closing?? Hugely long lines for the resort line, as well as the express line. That is why people want the resort line for resort guests only..have to show ID at park closing. Won't happen though.

No, not on this board. Completely irrelevant.

I must of hit the monorail at funky times. Got to the TTC at 9am and the MK monorail ramp was packed. Mean while the resort rail was empty.

When we left MK after the 2nd electrical parade about 11:30 pm again the TTC ramp for the rail was packed while the resort line was completely empty.

My wife couldn't believe everyone was waiting in the lines while we walked right on.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would be more than happy to pay $30 to park at BLT to walk to MK.

Why would you pay $30 to valet park??? It's only $15.

 

[goofy4tink]

I must of hit the monorail at funky times. Got to the TTC at 9am and the MK monorail ramp was packed. Mean while the resort rail was empty.

When we left MK after the 2nd electrical parade about 11:30 pm again the TTC ramp for the rail was packed while the resort line was completely empty.

My wife couldn't believe everyone was waiting in the lines while we walked right on.

You must have, indeed, hit it just right. The vast majority of resort people have been reporting, for years, that the resort monorail line is way too crowded with people that hop off at the TTC....cars are not crowded at all after that stop. Go figure.