Changes in the outpost area

[bigdisneydaddy]

We managed to make it over to FW a few times during this trip (12/19 thru 12/28) I noticed that they changed the parking area back to the way it used to be. the entrance on the far side was open without going through security and the old security booth in the roadway is completely gone.
There is a temporary bus stop over near the kennel being used while the original one is being improved and rebuilt.
We also noticed a lot of trailers and RV's parked in the lot. Looks like early arrivers were taking advantage of some rest time before entering FW.
looking forward to the new bus stop, it looks bigger and I heard they were improving the traffic flow in that area also.

 

[risy]

Hey Big Daddy!

I'm glad to hear some changes were made. It took FOREVER to get through the gate last time we visited.

Can you clarify though? Is there no gate security now? How are they limiting access, especially at night?

Thanks for the info!

 

[rapriebe]

They still have security at the main entrance. The old security booth that was torn down was back on the main road (turn left out of FW) and head towards 535 or Downtown Disney. It can take some time to get thru the main gate especially during peak hours of check in 'cause the campers can get backed up waiting for security to verify their name is on the sheet. At times you still need to use your key card to get thru the gate by the old bus stop but most times the gate was up.

 

[risy]

Can you bypass that little shack and get to the card reader? Maybe I'm just not remembering it correctly, as DH is the driver.

 

[rapriebe]

I don't believe that you can get to the card reader from the other entrance in the larger parking lot. The temporary bus stop separates the 2 parking lots so I don't think you can drive between the two.

Once you have registered, it would be nice to be able to drive on the right side of the guard shack (where the buses go) when the guard is tied up with campers but they make you stay on the left side and wait in line.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

The parking lot is divided like it used to be. To enter FW you still have to go through the guard shack and then through the gate with your card.
What I was talking about was the other end of the parking area, for a time you couldnt get into ANY of the parking lot without going through the main security, now if you only need to park and get on the bus etc, you can pull into the parking lot without going through security.
Sorry I didnt do a very good job of explaining that

 

[MrKTI]

They did this awhile back, essentially blocking off the overflow lot from the main, check in parking lot.

Now you have to go thru the (internal) guard gate every time you come in, whether you are staying or not. Not an improvemnet in my opinion, especially around check in time when folks are backed up. You used to be able to enter via the overflow lot, and drive up to the automatic gate ... opening it with your key.

No way to bypass the main guard shack like at the other resorts, the other lane is for busses only.

I assume security was the driving force, or maybe to better control internal traffic congestion.

The guard house out on the main road was kind of wierd too, not sure what it was supposed to accomplish. They normally just waived you thru. Just a wide spot in the road now.

All in all, way less convienient in my humble opinion ... progress.

John

 

[We4mickey]

you must go past the gaurd housee in order to get to the card reader.
there is no other way to get into the campground.

 

[tim5055]

Actually, for the time being there is no card reader security. The construction fencing for the new bus terminal blocks it so they have both the in/out gates locked up.

The guard shack in the road was a throwback to the days that there was no security at every hotel lot. Without this guard gate, day visitors could have snuck in the back way and parked at a hotel rather than paying for parking.

I just got back from my latest trip and will start working on a trip report.

 

[RocklandRVers]

My understanding from what we heard during our stay 12/19-12/30 is that a lot of the changes we see recently are due to hurricane damage. The outpost bus stop is being totally rebuilt and they have a temporary bus stop in the overflow lot. There are a couple of other bus stops throughout the campground that are closed due to damage.

As for the old gate at the entrance to the overflow lot, that apparently was an alternate pay gate for MK parking. One of the hidden secrets is that if you come into WDW that way, you can bypass the main gates and not pay for parking at MK. Of course if you are already a resort guest you park free anyway.