Getting back to the TTC after EMH when driving

[Toulouse]

We are planning on driving to MK for two EMH nights on our trip and of course will be parking at the TTC.

How is the transport back to the TTC after EMH?

Is it true the Express Monorail isn't offered?

Is the ferry less crowded (and does it even run) as everyone is of course staying at a resort and likely taking the buses to their resort?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Plenty of guests who stay at WDW on-site resorts choose to drive instead of using Disney transportation. So there will definitely be transportation back to the MK parking lot (via TTC). If the Monorails are down for maintenance, the ferries will still be running. The ferries have a huge capacity.

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

We are planning on driving to MK for two EMH nights on our trip and of course will be parking at the TTC.

How is the transport back to the TTC after EMH?

Is it true the Express Monorail isn't offered?

Is the ferry less crowded (and does it even run) as everyone is of course staying at a resort and likely taking the buses to their resort?

Our last trip we use the ferry twice. This was our 10th trip and 1st time using the ferry. No monorail service. Ferry was great. Held a lot of people. I would now pick it over the monorail.

 

[Toulouse]

Thanks so much guys

 

[MAYNARDS99]

We almost always have a rental car at WDW. However, when we go to the Magic Kingdom it is easier to take the Disney bus. The bus stop at Magic Kingdom is right outside the park gates - no monorail or boat to the TTC needed.

The wait for the bus trip to your resort is often shorter than the wait for the ferry or monorail.

 

[Toulouse]

We almost always have a rental car at WDW. However, when we go to the Magic Kingdom it is easier to take the Disney bus. The bus stop at Magic Kingdom is right outside the park gates - no monorail or boat to the TTC needed.

The wait for the bus trip to your resort is often shorter than the wait for the ferry or monorail.

Yeah, our problem is that we have a 7:20 ADR for O'Hana that night followed by MK EMH - want to drive to O'Hana and unfortunately can't leave the car at Poly for more than 3 hrs if not staying there so have to move over to the TTC before EMH.

 

[N365PA]

I understand the rule that you cant leave it there for more than 3 hours, but we've never seen them enforce it. I have had dinner at the Yacht Club then strolled over to Epcot for enjoy a few rides.

That being said, with my experience of EMH at night, the park is quieter and the exit isn't as hectic as a normal night right after the fireworks. The Ferry is almost always quicker than the monorail (I'm a nerd, I've timed it many times) but I still prefer the Monorail...where else do you get to ride a Monorail?! You'll have no problems getting back to the TTC after EMH closing.

Clint

 

[Toulouse]

I understand the rule that you cant leave it there for more than 3 hours, but we've never seen them enforce it. I have had dinner at the Yacht Club then strolled over to Epcot for enjoy a few rides.

That being said, with my experience of EMH at night, the park is quieter and the exit isn't as hectic as a normal night right after the fireworks. The Ferry is almost always quicker than the monorail (I'm a nerd, I've timed it many times) but I still prefer the Monorail...where else do you get to ride a Monorail?! You'll have no problems getting back to the TTC after EMH closing.

Clint

Beautiful, thanks so much. I've read that the only resorts that DO enforce it are the MK resorts - I think I'll just ask them at the gate and see what they say. We are staying on site, if they'll let me park the car late at the Poly that would be ideal.

Now here's another silly question, can one actually WALK from MK to the TTC? Or from MK to the Poly?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Beautiful, thanks so much. I've read that the only resorts that DO enforce it are the MK resorts - I think I'll just ask them at the gate and see what they say. We are staying on site, if they'll let me park the car late at the Poly that would be ideal.

With an evening dining reservation at the Poly, you can park there. Have your confirmation number or print-out with you, "just in case" you want to present it at a guard gate.

When you get to the Magic Kingdom parking toll gate, stay to the right (but to the left of the bus lanes) so that you don't enter the MK parking lot. Follow the signs to the Poly. Tell the guard at the Poly that you're there for dinner at Ohana. I haven't seen the three-hour passes used for years, nor has a guard ever told me I need to leave immediately after dinner. In any case, if your car is in the Poly lot somewhat longer than three hours, it's not a big deal. It won't be ticketed or towed.

It's a controversial subject her on DISboards. It's true that resort parking lots are not for theme park parking. (As someone who frequently stays at the Boardwalk, I'm glad the parking lot guard turns away people who only want to park for Epcot.)

However, if, after dinner at a restaurant at the Poly, someone decides to see the MK fireworks from Main Street instead of from the beach at Poly, it's not a big deal.

There's a big difference between an on-site resort guest wanting to park at a resort to spend money on dinner there, and an off-site guest wanting to park at a resort just to visit a theme park without paying the $14 theme park parking fee.

Now here's another silly question, can one actually WALK from MK to the TTC? Or from MK to the Poly?

No. It's impossible. There are waterways with no bridges across them.

However, there is direct boat service between Poly and MK. The boats are much smaller than the ferries. The boat from Poly to MK is nonstop. The return stops at Grand Floridian on the way.

Check a directory map or ask a cast member at the Poly for the location of the dock for the MK boat.

 

[francie57]

If you have an ADR at O'Hana you could take the bus to MK and then use the resort monorail to go to Poly. Otherwise you could valet park at Poly and then they don't care how long you leave the car there.

 

[KrazeeK120]

You could park at the TTC and walk to the Poly and then monorail over to MK. Then take the monorail or ferry back to the TTC after EMH is done. That will help you avoid having to move your car.

 

[Toulouse]

Thanks so much - lots of good ideas! We have to do a similar thing on two separate nights so I have lots of options - thanks again as always.