MONORAIL CLOSURE - What a BUMMER!

[flicx]

In an ideal world, sure. When the monorail trains are running smoothly with no delays, interruptions, or breakdowns, you're right. But you're talking about a 40+ year old system that's had no major replacements or repairs for 20 years or so - not because they're not necessary, but because guests get so angry at being inconvenienced.

The monorail isn't the fastest route om the Contemporary the Magic Kingdom. or almost everyone, that would be the walkway to the park, since the monorail makes three stops first. Even coming back to the hotel, by the time you walk in the opposite direction to the monorail, you could have walked halfway to the Contemporary. That doesn't even account for time spent waiting for the monorail.

Here is the thing, Disney is charging primo bucks for the monorail resorts 400 ,500 and more a night. If there is that kind of a problem with the monorail be honest and forthcoming with that information. Tell guests when they reserve a room don't make them find out on forums and other places. Also lets be clear Disney's lack of repair on the monorails is their own fault, not the guests. They should have been doing maintenance for those years not let it get to this point. Many people don't want to and can't walk after a day in the park back to the contemporary. I have stayed there quite a few times and the walk back isn't bad for an able bodied person, however a senior citizen or mother with children may have trouble especially after a long day! The point is that many, many guests stay at the monorail resorts for the monorail. The extra money they get is for a convience factor at these resort hotels. If Disney is offering less you should be made aware and or offered a discount!

 

[flicx]

One other point I missed was I googled the walking distance from the contemporary to the magic kingdom. A person with a pedometer said it is a half mile one way.

 

[FireDancer]

One other point I missed was I googled the walking distance from the contemporary to the magic kingdom. A person with a pedometer said it is a half mile one way.

That is about right. I got about 700 meters when I measured it with Google Earth. Less then 2 times around a track. The difference between the walk from there and the walk to the monorail is about 580 metes. It's pretty close.

I understand that even 580 can be a lot for some people but if you look at it in relation to all the miles your have walked, pushed a stroller or wheel chair, or ridden an ECV already I just find it unbelievable that an additional 580 meters will really hurt anyone. Nothing at all to 580 metres? Maybe. Miles to miles + 580meters? Not buying it.

 

[nugov2]

One other point I missed was I googled the walking distance from the contemporary to the magic kingdom. A person with a pedometer said it is a half mile one way.

It is a very pleasant walk going there and going back...for everyone but DH who had to carry exhausted kids on his shoulders the whole way back


I understand your frustration OP, I'd be ticked off too. Sorry I just saw the commercial for WDW today where they advertise the monorail resorts and while I get repairs on things WDW needs to be upfront with booking guests or contacting them if it just came up. Bad, bad customer service and another example where WDW is starting to forget about the things that used to make them one of the best in customer service. It isn't right...it is sneaky. They could easily email all guests informing them. You shouldn't have to find out through a message board about it.

 

[GoofyDisneyDaddy]

The information about themonorail downtime was posted here as soon as it was announced by Disney - December 18. The other unofficial sites would be as efficient (for the few whose primary siurce the DIS isn't ).

Disney has NOT announced that the monorail will down at all. THAT IS THE ISSUE. They advertise the monorail heavily -- put a huge markup on the hotels with monorail access, and then don't feel any obligation to let their guests know ahead of time of this planned maintenance, except to leak it to a few rumor sites as unofficial information. Horrible customer service because they don't want to risk losing any money form bookings.

ETA: as if to prove my point, currently the advertisement for me on disboards states "Disney Deluxe Resorts" and is a picture of monorail red with the GF in the background.

 

[Flight]

For me a stay at the Contemporary is only because of the convenience of the Monorail. For decades the Contemporary has been directly associated with the Monorail. This is not an idea that I have come up with on my own. Every bit of marketing and advertising put out by Disney on the Contemporary shows the Monorail through the hotel. People then book their vacation with that in mind

The hotel must notify all guests with reservations that there will be restricted service. Room rates need to be adjusted. There are better hotels available but the Monorail is the draw.

 

[xipetotec]

I am new here to the disboards and I need some advice.

Our family booked our vacation over 6 months ago and we are staying at the Contemporary Resort for 10 days in early March.

I just found out today that the monorail will be closed weekdays from 11:30AM-7PM during our stay. I have 9-month-old twins and we needed to rely on the monorail for our mid-day breaks. And feedings/naps. And for our transportation to the Poly and Grand Floridian for lunch & early dinner meals. And for park hopping to Epcot, etc. And my elderly parents needed to rely on the monorail too.

I don't want to take buses and boats. We are paying a premium for the convenience of the monorail at a DELUXE MONORAIL RESORT, which is why we selected a monorail resort over 6 months ago.

And I am confused why Disney hasn't notified us of this monorail closure information? A letter or an email or something. Anything. It was upsetting to read about it on another website.

And they just announced this closure 1 month ago? That is ridiculous considering they encourage customers to book dining reservations 180 days out and FP+ 60 days out.

Is anyone else affected by this? Have you complained? I understand the monorail needs maintenence. But the LACK OF NOTICE and SHORT NOTICE is frustrating and unacceptable.

We are considering cancelling our trip. Our infant twins won't remember the trip anyways.

I was extremely annoyed at hearing this.

I understand stuff at Disney NEEDS refurbs and maintenance to maintain that Disney "shine". But MAGIC KINGDOM during our trip will see Splash Mountain Closed, TTA closed, Pinocchio Village haus Closed, Plaza Restaurant Closed and then the MK monorail MOSTLY closed?!?! I don't know if they realize this, but the monorail IS an attraction in its own right. Cancelling our trip is not an option, so unfortunately, I could only send them a strongly worded letter... But we *are* very annoyed especially that we had a day planned for breakfast where we split up between Chef Mickey and Kona. All on the monorail line.

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

You too can stay at a monorail resort. All you have to do is pay the crazy inflated prices the people complaining about no monorail are paying. There really isn't a shortage of rooms available to book.

Yes I am aware I too can stay there. And we usually do stay at GF. Went the past 2 Decembers... But no trip for GF scheduled for us till next December. Just saying ill gladly take their places until we can go back... Even with the monorail down.

 

[Tropical Wilds]

I found out about the closure last week and we're staying at the Poly during Princess Half weekend... The whole reason we picked there was to have a monorail for the races and a monorail to go back and forth with a 3 year old for naps and breaks. We almost cancelled the whole shebang and deferred the race since my family refused to compromise on a monorail (and they're paying)... Then they gave me a discounted room and free dining.

I'll suffer through a bus if they'll pay for my dining and still give a great room discount.

Seriously though, I thought it was a disaster, but it'll run as normal on weekends and during the week I can live with a bus. I usually stay at Pop, so I'm happily used to buses, though Pop's location in relation to the other parks is better than Poly. And we can walk to the TTC from the Poly, so that opens up EPCOT for us still. Really, after thinking about it, it isn't the huge drama I thought it would be. I'm more bummed that I managed to hit Splash during it's refurb for like the 3rd year running.

My son is 3, almost 4, so no stroller on this trip... But even last year when we went, it wasn't as bad as I thought to ride a bus with a stroller.

 

[Runnergal]

I agree it sucks. We were at the CR with an infant and a toddler in Nov and I really relied on the monorail. We were there only 3 days, but we purposely only did MK and Epcot, and only ate at restaurants accessible by monorail just so that I wouldn't have to deal with folding up a double stroller to get on a bus. And one of my dc walks-I can't imagine how difficult it is with two infants. We paid a premium to stay at the CR for this convenience. To not be notified of such a significant matter to me is unacceptable and I would definitely let them know how annoyed I am. Luckily you are able to walk to the MK but with 10 days at you will surely want to visit other parks. I might consider rescheduling if I were you.

 

[Crystal824]

I would be upset over this too. I personally don't mind the walk from the CR to the MK. In fact, I think it is easier and faster than dealing with the monorail. With that being said, it does make your ability to get to Epcot and the other monorail resorts for dinner an issue. I would definitely be upset over that especially given the cost of the monorail resorts. Disney should offer a discount or at least let people know. When we stayed at the Poly a number of years ago, they made sure to let us know when we booked that the pool would be closed. Mind you our trip was in early March so it ended up being too cool to swim anyway. I would think this closure would be an even bigger deal.

 

[flicx]

That is about right. I got about 700 meters when I measured it with Google Earth. Less then 2 times around a track. The difference between the walk from there and the walk to the monorail is about 580 metes. It's pretty close.

I understand that even 580 can be a lot for some people but if you look at it in relation to all the miles your have walked, pushed a stroller or wheel chair, or ridden an ECV already I just find it unbelievable that an additional 580 meters will really hurt anyone. Nothing at all to 580 metres? Maybe. Miles to miles + 580meters? Not buying it.

Here is the thing add it up, walk to and from 1 mile. Say you are like my family and like to leave the park to swim and come back, and maybe you are on club level and come back to enjoy some of the snacks once too. That is what an extra 3 miles added on to your day. I know for fact my mother could make it through the park ok, but add an extra bunch of miles, it ain't gonna happen. That is where the monorail comes in to cut down the miles.

 

[Northernmousefan]

As a very frequent guest who specifically chooses the resort based on transportation choices the closure is a significant issue! This is magnified when travelling with a large group and some are at the GF, some at the Poly and some at Bay lake/contemporary. That being said, some were new about the partial closures. The monorail is a godsend for single parents with a child in a stroller (the biggest reason for staying at a Mk resort).

 

[jbish]

I was extremely annoyed at hearing this.

I understand stuff at Disney NEEDS refurbs and maintenance to maintain that Disney "shine". But MAGIC KINGDOM during our trip will see Splash Mountain Closed, TTA closed, Pinocchio Village haus Closed, Plaza Restaurant Closed and then the MK monorail MOSTLY closed?!?! I don't know if they realize this, but the monorail IS an attraction in its own right. Cancelling our trip is not an option, so unfortunately, I could only send them a strongly worded letter... But we *are* very annoyed especially that we had a day planned for breakfast where we split up between Chef Mickey and Kona. All on the monorail line.

Hopefully your breakfast plans can still work - the closure is scheduled to start at 11:30 and only M-F.

 

[FireDancer]

I found out about the closure last week and we're staying at the Poly during Princess Half weekend... The whole reason we picked there was to have a monorail for the races and a monorail to go back and forth with a 3 year old for naps and breaks. We almost cancelled the whole shebang and deferred the race since my family refused to compromise on a monorail (and they're paying)... Then they gave me a discounted room and free dining.

I'll suffer through a bus if they'll pay for my dining and still give a great room discount.

Seriously though, I thought it was a disaster, but it'll run as normal on weekends and during the week I can live with a bus. I usually stay at Pop, so I'm happily used to buses, though Pop's location in relation to the other parks is better than Poly. And we can walk to the TTC from the Poly, so that opens up EPCOT for us still. Really, after thinking about it, it isn't the huge drama I thought it would be. I'm more bummed that I managed to hit Splash during it's refurb for like the 3rd year running.

My son is 3, almost 4, so no stroller on this trip... But even last year when we went, it wasn't as bad as I thought to ride a bus with a stroller.

Maintenance is weekdays only and not until after 11:30am. The 5k is early enough on Friday that it shouldn't matter and there is no maintenance on the day of the half.

From some of the responses here you'd think it will not be running at all. It will be running all weekend (unless something unforeseen happens just like every day) and will be running in the mornings and evenings.

 

[gocubsgo]

I found out about the closure last week and we're staying at the Poly during Princess Half weekend... The whole reason we picked there was to have a monorail for the races and a monorail to go back and forth with a 3 year old for naps and breaks. We almost cancelled the whole shebang and deferred the race since my family refused to compromise on a monorail (and they're paying)... Then they gave me a discounted room and free dining. I'll suffer through a bus if they'll pay for my dining and still give a great room discount. Seriously though, I thought it was a disaster, but it'll run as normal on weekends and during the week I can live with a bus. I usually stay at Pop, so I'm happily used to buses, though Pop's location in relation to the other parks is better than Poly. And we can walk to the TTC from the Poly, so that opens up EPCOT for us still. Really, after thinking about it, it isn't the huge drama I thought it would be. I'm more bummed that I managed to hit Splash during it's refurb for like the 3rd year running. My son is 3, almost 4, so no stroller on this trip... But even last year when we went, it wasn't as bad as I thought to ride a bus with a stroller.

Did I understand this correctly
Free dining and discounted room rate given because of posters' concern to Disney about monorail closure?

 

[Tropical Wilds]

Maintenance is weekdays only and not until after 11:30am. The 5k is early enough on Friday that it shouldn't matter and there is no maintenance on the day of the half.

From some of the responses here you'd think it will not be running at all. It will be running all weekend (unless something unforeseen happens just like every day) and will be running in the mornings and evenings.

I agree with the last part, the concern on our part was that my family refuses to travel without being in a monorail adjacent hotel... They were willing to cancel as opposed to paying Deluxe prices without having full use of a monorail, which is understandable. Our room was originally more expensive than low on-season, without monorail during the day.

They were, however, more willing to be flexible with Moderate pricing and free dining.

 

[Tropical Wilds]

Did I understand this correctly
Free dining and discounted room rate given because of posters' concern to Disney about monorail closure?

I called RunDisney to cancel, they asked why, I told them, I was put on hold and they came back with an offer to free dining and a room discount.

Could have been a variety of factors... We booked through RunDisney which is different than regular booking, so we already eligible for runner's discounts, perhaps a better one was released that I was eligible for (the same thing happened when I booked for Wine and Dine at CBR at actually the same day span before check-in), perhaps they cut the room rate after booking due to monorail closure, perhaps they looked at how much my parents charged to the room after our last trip to the Poly and gave us a better deal to keep the reservation... Maybe some combination thereof.

The free dining, though, they specifically told me was to keep us from cancelling. Again, perhaps the factors above influenced the offer, but that's what we were told when we went to cancel through RunDisney about 3ish weeks ago.

 

[MamaGripsLuvsWDW]

That definitely is a bummer., and would make me mad too.

Obviously, deciding whether or not to cancel your trip is up to you. But, I would definitely be contacting Disney to let them know that access to the monorail all day was a very important part of your decision to book at the Contemporary, and that their alternative transportation will not work well for you. You might also want to think about what would be reasonable to compensate you for the inconvenience (if you would rather not cancel).

Great suggestion! I would do the same. :/ Would put a wrench in my plans too.

 

[xipetotec]

Maintenance is weekdays only and not until after 11:30am. The 5k is early enough on Friday that it shouldn't matter and there is no maintenance on the day of the half.

From some of the responses here you'd think it will not be running at all. It will be running all weekend (unless something unforeseen happens just like every day) and will be running in the mornings and evenings.

Well then, I guess that works out FOR ME. But it still sucks for everyone else in that maintenance window. Especially with all the other refurbs going on at MK.