FYI - The New Gates at the Parking Lot and Kennel

[des1954]

Do you mean unauthorized users or just people that use the transportation, but don't spend $ at WDW?

I think some people are under the impression that if you are not staying at a resort you are not supposed to use WDW transportation. Not true. If you are an AP holder, you are entitled to use any and all WDW transportation. I don't know what the other passes entitle in regards to transportation.

The only time we park at any of the resorts is if we want to roam around a particular resort. If we go over specifically to resort hop, we park at DTD & go from there by bus. It's much easier.

 

[clkelley]

Carol- Thanks for posting this info. So, this means that a returning registered guest with a KTTW card can enter either in the old returning guest lane, or this new one?

That is a good thing.

I think.

I didn't think they would allow guests to return via this gate, as this could interfere with bus traffic. I still have concerns about knuckleheads trying to come in through this gate. I can't tell you how many times I saw the old gate that used to be near the kennels broken. For a while, it seemed like it was every trip. I predict similar problems with this one.

TCD

Yeah, as we were leaving Monday, we did see somebody just sitting at that gate and a bus was wisely just sitting around the corner waiting on him to figure out he had to turn around.

 

[clkelley]

I think some people are under the impression that if you are not staying at a resort you are not supposed to use WDW transportation. Not true. If you are an AP holder, you are entitled to use any and all WDW transportation. I don't know what the other passes entitle in regards to transportation.

The only time we park at any of the resorts is if we want to roam around a particular resort. If we go over specifically to resort hop, we park at DTD & go from there by bus. It's much easier.

I'm also thinking technically, anyone who has business at the destination can use Disney transport.

Let's say offsite day guest family goes to MK for the day on their GAD free pass. They decide they want to have a late lunch early dinner somewhere, then come back to the park. Of course, they haven't booked in advance, so everything is booked, but the guest services person actually recommends Coronado Springs Pepper Market to them and directs them to the bus stop. The family takes the bus over to Pepper Market, they have lunch, they explore the gift shop, then ride the bus back to Magic Kingdom.

All perfectly allowed!!

 

[Bearikens]

When I checked out yesterday I gave my opinion (aka showed my southern behind) to a couple of the managers about concerns over the changes to overflow & the new gate. It just so happened that when we pulled up to stop at front desk, there was a whole group of manager types (we're talking ties & ladies in high heels) standing in the parking lot pointing and watching people come in while someone else seemed to be explaining things. They broke up their meeting just as I approached. I asked what was going to happen this year at Halloween when all of the locals came to visit. They said that wouldn't happen because security would stop them. I laughed & said sure. They tried to explain that this is why they had the new gate installed, to keep 'outsiders' from using overflow parking, and everyone would now be forced to go thru security. I was told that only those with resort id or who had a reservation at HDDR would be allowed in. They said that those who aren't FW guests would be told to park in lot & take bus. I pointed out that because there is no system past the parking lot, they really didn't have to park, they'd be able to just drive around. I asked what would happen if someone like me showed up sometime and said I was going to TE for lunch/dinner. The answer? Oh, they'd let ME in if I was coming to eat or shop. I then pointed out that EVERYONE could say that & they'd be let in, and then they could drive their cars all over the campground, and then they'd be able to steal golf cart chargers and bikes. I then viewed a shocked/puzzled look. The next statement.... I guess we have some things to figure out that should have been talked about before the gate was installed. PRICELESS!

I hate to bring this point to the table, but what is in place now to prevent someone from entering the overflow lot, driving through the campground and kidnapping a child. A car would make their escape a great deal easier.

Additionally, as previously stated, if the general public were allowed access to the campground, what's to prevent them from saying to themselves that they don't want to take the bus and will just park wherever they can find room (my site, your site, sides of the road, etc) closer to the stores and restaurant. What about those people speeding through the campground?

It seems to me that they should reinstall the guest/bus gate exiting the parking lot at the main road to the campground and mobile security should actually enforce the parking and driving rules. Sounds like the towing company will be busy.

 

[Magicbus]

I'm also thinking technically, anyone who has business at the destination can use Disney transport.

As a practical matter, anyone on WDW property, with or without tickets or passes, a WDW resort guest, offsite guest, or day tripper, is able to use WDW transportation because no one is asked to show anything when boarding. No clue what the official WDW policy is though. Years ago, guests did have to show something, but that's impractical now because of the numbers. Imagine the drivers or Ferry CMs having to check for key cards at closing time?

 

[des1954]

As a practical matter, anyone on WDW property, with or without tickets or passes, a WDW resort guest, offsite guest, or day tripper, is able to use WDW transportation because no one is asked to show anything when boarding. No clue what the official WDW policy is though. Years ago, guests did have to show something, but that's impractical now because of the numbers. Imagine the drivers or Ferry CMs having to check for key cards at closing time?

But our favorite bus driver would do it with a smile on his face!!

I remember the day when you had to show your resort I.D. to board a boat or bus. But then again, I think that was back when the Magic Kingdom was the only park.

 

[DisCamper]

You had to have this for I think all of the 80’s or a Resort ID

 

[Magicbus]

We were there in 87 for the first time and stayed off property. We did use the monorails but I don't remember if we had to buy those transportation tickets or not.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I wish we could have been at the Fort this past weekend to have to deal with all the problems of having to leave.



we were stuck at home and having to work,,


but lord knows thats so much better than having to deal with Fort traffic.

We are so fortunate not have to deal with all the headaches of being at the Fort.

 

[MandMLUVMMandDVC]

On Monday evening and Tuesday morning the new entry gate at the former overflow area was in the 'up' position. Nobody had to put a card in the machine to enter. How's that for security??

The back-up of people trying to leave Monday was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen at the world! Kenny said he was stuck in the traffic jam and he was almost back to the trading post. Because the parking lot was overflowing, guests (like Jen) couldn't get a spot to park for the day. There were 3 people around my site (not counting Jen) who were told to just stay in their sites until they are done at the parks. One family didn't come back until 10:30pm. I agree with Jen, what if they had reservations for that site and it was being used as a parking space?

I agree with Bearikens, relocating the security booth to the area just past the parking area/checkin/front desk and putting up good signage and only allowing in those who are actually registered at FW to drive in, would solve some of the problems.

 

[LORNADUCK]

I am not sure what their reasons for making these changes are. But they are not helping. Every time we were at the pool the locals were there in numbers. Richie even asked someone if they were staying there and they said that they weren't but they knew someone that was, then he hear one of their party say oh my Mom couldn't come today. I am sure they are getting in easy, since when Rich has come in and just flashed a blue card, not current. I went out to the store with Jen on Sun and she just flashed her drivers license and said she was going back to her site. We saw people in the parking lot that were not resort guests. Bob told me the other day he followed people out to the parking lot, with tables and chairs and the filled 3 cars full. I have never seen the pool so full as in the last 2 times we have been there. They have to do something.


I guess I want to change my wording for the term locals - I see Deb's point and I don't want to offend anyone. I mean people who are not resort guests. I do on occasion come into the fort and hang out when I am not a resort guest, but I don't use the pool. I come to see fiends or eat at trails end or have a drink and go to the park. Not sure if this is altogether fair (parking there and going to the parks) but we have done it.

 

[des1954]

Until something happens that brings a lawsuit against Disney, they won't change a thing. The guard is more of a "greeter" and question answerer than anything else. He/she is there to give the illusion of security. Nothing more.

They don't care if locals come in and use the pool because they might buy something from the Snack Bar or trading posts. And, it assists in giving the impression that FtW is a popular place to be. (which we all know is true). And, we all know Disney is not going to turn its' back on any revenue generating opportunities.

Now, when the weather cools down a bit, I hope they don't stop me from coming in with my bicycle to ride around the Fort. I generally don't use the pool, but will stop in at the front porch for a break and a cold drink.

 

[devores]

I can attest to the max exodus on Monday. I was stuck in the line waiting to get out. A couple of things contributed to this. First, the Fort staff was directing everyone through the one exit. They would not utilize the other two exits available. The second was the one exit everyone was forced to use was right next to the cart return. And I guess everyone decided to return thier carts right before they drove out.

Several times troughout the weekend, I noticed cars trying to get through the new gate. On one occasion I was on a bus waiting to go through and there was a car sitting at the gate. The car would not move and allow the bus through. We waited about 10 min for the person to realize they could not go through there anymore. They ended up driving off. I also noticed cars sitting off to the side and waiting for others to go through so they could follow them through the gate. I got to the point I would stop just inside the gate and wait for it close behind me.

This new gate will not eliminate the locals comming into the fort. Sunday was a true testimate of that. The pool was packed, and I would venture to bet that only 10% of those at the pool that day were actual guests. All this will do is force them to park at DTD and ride the bus over. This means even more people on the busses going to the Fort. The bus service to the fort was bad enough to begin with, now it will be unbearable.

Disney does need to find a way to keep non resort guests from accessing the Fort. All of the thefts and bad heppnings at the Fort are commited by the locals, IMHO. Most campers are good honest people who enjoy too much to drink on accasion.

 

[des1954]

Devores - I have deleted all my posts attacking you on this thread. I apologize profusely for my unkind remarks and will not excuse my own behavior. Suffice it to say that every now and then the "Evil Debbie" creeps out of her hole. I am sorry - and if we ever meet up at the Fort, you have every right to punch me in the nose. Then, we'll sit down and have some laughs over a beer. I'll buy!

 

[clkelley]

I wish we could have been at the Fort this past weekend to have to deal with all the problems of having to leave.



we were stuck at home and having to work,,


but lord knows thats so much better than having to deal with Fort traffic.

We are so fortunate not have to deal with all the headaches of being at the Fort.

Well Said Frank!!!!!!

 

[clkelley]

I agree with Bearikens, relocating the security booth to the area just past the parking area/checkin/front desk and putting up good signage and only allowing in those who are actually registered at FW to drive in, would solve some of the problems.

Actually, the way they had it before they installed the new gate worked. 99.9% of the time, allowing anyone to park in the overflow lot was fine. Adding those poles then allows them to use HUMAN security on the overflow lot when necessary on expected days of high local visitation. (July 4th, Halloween, etc.). Then human security can restrict overflow lot visitors to those with reservations.

The guards at the main gate should then watch closer for resort IDs and ONLY allow registered guests in that area.

Then they need to gate the pool and hand out wristbands.

Then human security needs to patrol the overflow lot better and check for parking passes for overnighters!!

 

[devores]

deleted.....

 

[des1954]

Continuing my apology to Devores.

 

[devores]

deleted...

 

[Lil' Lisa]

IMHO we should all go to Typhone Logone and cool off.