MONORAIL CLOSURE - What a BUMMER!

[PAcpl]

Resort monorail stops at MK, CR, TTC, Poly, and GF.

Express monorail goes between MK and TTC following the same path as the resort monorail.

Epcot monorail goes between Epcot and TTC. When the MK monorails are down, people will need to walk/bus/ferry from TTC to get to various resorts and MK.

So how would you recommend getting from the monorail resorts to Epcot when the monorail is down? We are staying at BLT so walking to the MK is what we planned on anyway. I am just at a loss as to getting to Epcot. Should we even bother with the monorail or are we better off just busing/cabbing it to Epcot?

We are also upset. Staying at Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort in March. Fully booked our trip on/at a monorail resort for a REASON. Paying big money for the location and convenience of the monorail. We haven't even started our vacation and we already feel irritated and inconvenienced.
THAT.IS.NOT.THE.PURPOSE.OF.A.VACATION.

What upsets me MORE is Disney not giving guests full disclosure about an issue that they know is a huge factor in choosing to stay there in the first place. It is not okay that we have not personally heard anything from them about the closure. It is actually ridiculous. They have all of our personal contact information and could easily email, write, or call us.

As another poster said, "They haven't notified people because they don't want to lose business at some of the most expensive resorts on property" and "There is no way I would be paying CRs rate with the monorail down. No way."

After reading this post and others, we have contacted our TA to try to switch us to a different resort. Maybe Wilderness Lodge.

The other issue is OVERCROWDED buses and boats when the monorail is down. It is an issue.

At least we have this information NOW so we can make changes to our vacation. I suspect a number of folks are going to be quite angered when they show up on their vacation to this little surprise.

ALL the articles have stated that there will be more buses and boats running while the monorail is down so over crowding (in February & March) shouldn't be issue.

The monorail is a big convenience yes, but you are not paying the Deluxe resort price just for the monorail. Remove the monorail and compare The Polynesian to All Star Music. You're still getting deluxe resort accommodations.

The lack of communication is one thing and yes, that is rediculous and Disney should be ashamed. But come on people, how many people would kill to go to Disney? Here we are (myself included) crying about a line on the monorail being shut down. It could always be worse.....

 

[ses1230]

So how would you recommend getting from the monorail resorts to Epcot when the monorail is down? We are staying at BLT so walking to the MK is what we planned on anyway. I am just at a loss as to getting to Epcot. Should we even bother with the monorail or are we better off just busing/cabbing it to Epcot? .

If you are planning on getting to Epcot at RD it won't be an issue since the monorail won't be down until 11:30am. If you are planning on later arrival or going back to the resort mid day, I think there will be busses to/from CR and Epcot.

Cab is always in option as well.

 

[morethananyonex]

So how would you recommend getting from the monorail resorts to Epcot when the monorail is down? We are staying at BLT so walking to the MK is what we planned on anyway. I am just at a loss as to getting to Epcot. Should we even bother with the monorail or are we better off just busing/cabbing it to Epcot?

We're at BLT in a few weeks too.

Epcot is looking to be the biggest pain when the monorail is down. Going by what they've done in the past, the only option we have to get to Epcot is to go to the TTC by way of bus from CR and then take the monorail to Epcot, or walk to MK and take the ferry to TTC and again monorail to Epcot if you're trying to avoid busses.

From what people have said, when the Epcot monorail is running there are no direct Epcot to monorail resort busses even if the monorail is not running from the TTC to the resorts. Keep in mind that the monorail will be running until 1130 AM and after 7 PM, so if it's at all possible to stay at Epcot between those hours, do it. That's what we're planning. On our Epcot days we'll tour World Showcase while our son naps in his stroller and return after 7 PM.

If you want to cab it, that will be the easiest way. Not an option for us as we don't want our son in the cab without a carseat or using one from the cab company, but if it works for you and you're willing to pay don't mess with Disney transportation trying to get from BLT to Epcot.

 

[JanaDee]

So how would you recommend getting from the monorail resorts to Epcot when the monorail is down? We are staying at BLT so walking to the MK is what we planned on anyway. I am just at a loss as to getting to Epcot. Should we even bother with the monorail or are we better off just busing/cabbing it to Epcot?



ALL the articles have stated that there will be more buses and boats running while the monorail is down so over crowding (in February & March) shouldn't be issue.

The monorail is a big convenience yes, but you are not paying the Deluxe resort price just for the monorail. Remove the monorail and compare The Polynesian to All Star Music. You're still getting deluxe resort accommodations.

The lack of communication is one thing and yes, that is rediculous and Disney should be ashamed. But come on people, how many people would kill to go to Disney? Here we are (myself included) crying about a line on the monorail being shut down. It could always be worse.....

This is a Disney discussion board, we discuss issues with our Disney vacations.

March is Spring Break for many people throughout the country, so yes, overcrowding could be an issue.

I always find the argument "you aren't paying for the monorail" ridiculous when you're staying at a monorail resort that Disney charges highway robbery prices for, strictly for the convenience of the monorail.

 

[morethananyonex]

This is a Disney discussion board, we discuss issues with our Disney vacations.

March is Spring Break for many people throughout the country, so yes, overcrowding could be an issue.

I always find the argument "you aren't paying for the monorail" ridiculous when you're staying at a monorail resort that Disney charges highway robbery prices for, strictly for the convenience of the monorail.

I agree. If it wasn't for the monorail and the ability to walk to MK we would not be staying there. There's a reason those 3 resorts cost so much more than the others, even deluxes off the monorail line. To us, CR has one of the least appealing themes out of all the deluxes, however its location and transportation can't be beat.

That's like saying if you stay at Beach Club you're not paying for the ability to walk into Epcot, so if they closed International Gateway it wouldn't be a big deal.

 

[Minnesota!]

Honestly, the only thing that irks me about it is Disney's lack of communication. It's shady.

If I were in the situation...I would switch resorts based solely on that.

I don't think it will be a huge inconvenience overall, but them not telling guests well in advance - stinks.

 

[McLaughlinS]

Aside from the lack of disclosure and notification, with which I agree should have been more forthcoming, here are my thoughts on this situation and this thread.

1. Entitlement issues.
2. Uneducated travelers.
3. People spending money on what they really can't afford.
4. Busses are NOT for any one other than the unwashed masses.
5. Children in need of naps can only be transported by monorail.
6. People have planned their vacation around, and paid way too much for, what amounts to a couple train rides back and forth to a single park.
7. This construction event is going to cost Disney millions of dollars in comps.
8. People generally don't venture into other forums on this board, i.e. Transportation.
9.Perhaps there is a reason for the 35% discount this winter/spring.
10. Heaven forbid someone has to WALK at Disney World!

 

[vicb]

To the OP,

I'm sorry you are having this for your first Disney trip and I understand your disappointment and frustration. Glad you felt free to vent here, that is one of the purposes of the DisBoards.

I will never forget my first family trip many years back to WDW, so naive that I paid rack rate and when we were in MK my DD and DH ran up to Space Mt. so excited because there was no line only to discover it was closed for rehab! Felt so deceived and dumb!

Anyway, I'll bet you have been planning and thinking about your trip being a certain way for a long time and this has thrown you for a loop. Just wanted to reassure you that it will probably be just fine to stay at CR. Yes it will have a few more inconveniences but I'll bet you will still have a fun trip.

If you feel the need to switch resorts you could consider an Epcot area resort which is my favorite area. I stayed at the Poly once but would probably not choose that area again over Epcot area. Even when my kids were little we loved the BWI and BC. I thought the Poly felt a bit islolated especially in the evening, more to do in Epcot area resorts.

Hopefully all will work out for you, good luck!

 

[morethananyonex]

Aside from the lack of disclosure and notification, with which I agree should have been more forthcoming, here are my thoughts on this situation and this thread.

1. Entitlement issues.
People entitled to something they paid thousands of dollars for? How spoiled of them.
2. Uneducated travelers.
Uneducated on what?
3. People spending money on what they really can't afford.
Because only people who can't really afford something get upset when something they see value in is removed.
4. Busses are NOT for any one other than the unwashed masses.
Again, What? Talk about putting words in people's mouths
5. Children in need of naps can only be transported by monorail.
Nobody said that. However it is far, far easier transporting a small child on the monorail where they don't have to be removed from their strollers, especially if only one adult is heading back with them.
6. People have planned their vacation around, and paid way too much for, what amounts to a couple train rides back and forth to a single park.
For us it amounts to multiple rides back and forth to Epcot, as well as the convenience of hopping on the monorail and getting to other resorts where our ADRs are. The majority of ours were made in the MK area for this specific reason. We are inconvenienced most days of our vacation.
7. This construction event is going to cost Disney millions of dollars in comps.
8. People generally don't venture into other forums on this board, i.e. Transportation.
This monorail information was on this board too when it was announced, that doesn't mean everybody it impacts saw it.
9.Perhaps there is a reason for the 35% discount this winter/spring.
Funny, because Disney has been giving discounts like this for years already. What construction are they doing to the Epcot resorts that warrants that same 35% discount?
10. Heaven forbid someone has to WALK at Disney World!
It is not possible to simply just walk in most situations people are describing. It's a matter of using more methods of transportation and wasting precious vacation time.

My thoughts in bold.

 

[McLaughlinS]

My thoughts in bold.

Good. We agree on #7.

 

[morethananyonex]

Good. We agree on #7.

Haha. Hopefully that's the case, because as of now I've gotten nothing for it.

 

[tarak]

My thoughts.

Aside from the lack of disclosure and notification, with which I agree should have been more forthcoming, here are my thoughts on this situation and this thread. 1. Entitlement issues. Really? The OP shouldn't feel entitled to receive something he/she paid for? Because I was curious, I went to Disney's website and clicked on the page for the Polynesian. The second point under the heading "What makes this resort unique" is Monorail Resort. There is no disclaimer that it is not a monorail resort M-F between the hours of 11 and 7:30. 2. Uneducated travelers. The OP found out about the closure through a source other than Disney. So it appears he/she was, in fact, educating him/herself. But honestly, someone shouldn't have to resort to google to find out what, if anything, is going to be unavailable when arriving at a resort. I should find out from that resort beforehand. 3. People spending money on what they really can't afford. I have no clue what point you're trying to make here. That a person is more or less justified in being upset about the monorail being out of service based on the ability to afford a vacation? Those who scrimp and save to stay at CR have no right to be upset because they shouldn't be going in the first place? 4. Busses are NOT for any one other than the unwashed masses. Could you please show me where anyone has stated this? 5. Children in need of naps can only be transported by monorail. No, but as others have pointed out, if a child is napping in a stroller, it's a lot easier to roll him on the monorail, than scoop him out of the stroller, collapse the stroller, and board a bus. 6. People have planned their vacation around, and paid way too much for, what amounts to a couple train rides back and forth to a single park. Who cares how people choose to spend their money? I would never stay at a monorail resort if I knew the monorail were not going to be available. 7. This construction event is going to cost Disney millions of dollars in comps. It might. And it should. 8. People generally don't venture into other forums on this board, i.e. Transportation. I've found that to be true of most forums. 9.Perhaps there is a reason for the 35% discount this winter/spring. Disney has offered this discount just about every year. The monorail being out of service isn't likely the reason for the discount. 10. Heaven forbid someone has to WALK at Disney World! The OP isn't upset about not having the monorail carry her family all over the parks. Just not having it available to get to the parks. And the fact that Disney didn't bother to share this information with her.

OP, I would look at switching resorts, to be honest. Or request some sort of compensation in exchange for the monorail not being available.

 

[jk and ek]

The lack of communication is one thing and yes, that is rediculous and Disney should be ashamed. But come on people, how many people would kill to go to Disney? Here we are (myself included) crying about a line on the monorail being shut down. It could always be worse.....

just because things could be worse does not invalidate this being an annoying thing to deal with or that those who are complaining have a right to be irritated that they paid a premium for hotels based on features that will not be fully available. this isn't a subjective or arbitrary complaint.

i mean, just because other people would 'kill' to go to disney does not mean i should accept cruddy things just because i do get to go. it's not like a wealthy benefactor appeared and gifted us this vacation...we worked very hard for the money that was spent. i just don't buy the 'count your blessings' or whatever line of reasoning, sorry.

 

[jk and ek]

Aside from the lack of disclosure and notification, with which I agree should have been more forthcoming, here are my thoughts on this situation and this thread.

1. Entitlement issues.
2. Uneducated travelers.
3. People spending money on what they really can't afford.
4. Busses are NOT for any one other than the unwashed masses.
5. Children in need of naps can only be transported by monorail.
6. People have planned their vacation around, and paid way too much for, what amounts to a couple train rides back and forth to a single park.
7. This construction event is going to cost Disney millions of dollars in comps.
8. People generally don't venture into other forums on this board, i.e. Transportation.
9.Perhaps there is a reason for the 35% discount this winter/spring.
10. Heaven forbid someone has to WALK at Disney World!

and all of this? borderline to outright insulting. there's so much wrong happening here that there aren't enough hours in my day to even being to fully respond, but i just have to say the judgmental/accusatory/hostile tone is extremely disturbing. and rude.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I agree. If it wasn't for the monorail and the ability to walk to MK we would not be staying there. There's a reason those 3 resorts cost so much more than the others, even deluxes off the monorail line. To us, CR has one of the least appealing themes out of all the deluxes, however its location and transportation can't be beat.

That's like saying if you stay at Beach Club you're not paying for the ability to walk into Epcot, so if they closed International Gateway it wouldn't be a big deal.

Good analogy. Pretend the whole walking loop from YC to BC to BW to Epcot is going to be blocked off from 11 to 7 every day. You have to exit the other way, but don't worry we'll have extra buses to get you to Epcot and the other resorts.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I get OP's frustration. But to be fair, monorail service was pretty crappy when we were there last year, and there were no planned closures then. It really seems like the monorail isn't the awesome form of transportation it used to be. I definitely wouldn't rely on it as a primary form of transportation any more.

 

[TDC Nala]

Really, your choices are use the alternate transportation, cancel, or change resorts.

Changing resorts doesn't seem like the thing to do if your emphasis is on MK. You're booked at the only resort that is a short walk from MK.

If you want to cancel, and you're within 45 days, I would say call, explain (not yelling) that the monorail closure is unacceptable for your party and you expect to be able to waive the cancellation fee.

 

[cseca]

OP, I totally feel you.
Ignore posters who belittled your feelings.
You are ENTITLED to your feelings. Everybody does.
(There I used the despised "E" word).
How you react to it is what's important

We are DVC owners so we know how it feels to lose the monorail when staying at BLT.

Now think about this carefully...
I have 2 toddlers as well so I know how important naps are.
As some PPs have said, the walk from MK to BLT/CR are really not bad. So once walk back to your room a day should not be a problem.
The problem is when you want to go to EPCOT.

I'm not sure what is the alternative transport, 1 bus from BLT/CR to EPCOT? Or are they bussing everybody to TTC and then you have to transfer over to the monorail.
If they do bus to monorail then I would totally be miffed, because that's a lot of work with (a) stroller(s).

If you are mainly spending your time at MK, I would say just suck it up.
We've done this before twice (monorail closure during our stay, stinks but what can we do since the kids love MK).

But if your main park is EPCOT, I would reconsider maybe asking them to find availability at BW or BC or YC.

Either way, you will have fun I'm sure.

Again, ignore the other non helpful posts.
I don't know why people bother to write things like that.

 

[FIRSTTRIPTODISNEY]

I am the one who started this thread and I am exceedingly GRATEFUL to those of you who have provided me with HELPFUL & INSIGHTFUL advice, experiences & perspectives.

I will be contacting Disney about our concerns and I have no problem telling them that it is unacceptable and downright shady that they have NOT EVEN CONTACTED US about the closure. It is deceptive of them.

Depending on their response, we are either switching resorts or cancelling. Bottom line: we paid a premium for the CR based solely on the monorail's convenience factor with infants & aging parents, and since the monorail will not be fully available to us on our trip, we will not be staying there.

Thanks again for the HELPFUL responses!

 

[Sugardimples]

OP, you do realize that the monorail will really only affect your travel to/from EPCOT, don't you? MK is walking distance; Studios and AK are not on the monorail line. You will need to take the bus to Studios and AK. I don't want you to be even more surprized when you get there and find this out. Just to be clear, the monorail has never gone to Studios or AK so bus services is the norm for these two parks from the CR.