Monorail resort hopping

Sheila E.

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 27, 2009
Messages
198
It's been over 12 years since weve been to Disney but on our non park day we enjoyed driving over to the Polynesian and eating there at Captain Hooks and checking out the gift shop and and just walking around and checking out the resort then hop the monorail and do the same at the other 2 resorts, we didnt have problems parking there before but I've heard things are getting stricter can anyone let me know if were still allowed to do this or will we have to figure out other modes of transportation.
 
WDW is strict on resort parking. Capacity is a real issue. We stayed at Poly a month ago and the parking lot is small, especially for HA parking which is what we use. The Contemporary is small IMO as well, and we have had to search for parking spots when staying there as well.

If you have an ADR, you can show ID at the gate where they will match it with your dining reservation. You have (I believe) 3 hours. Parking at TTC will get you on the monorail by going through a security checkpoint. Note there is security posted at each resort monorail station.

Enjoy!
 
Unfortunately no, you will not be allowed to do this.

Are you staying onsite or offsite?

If you are staying offsite you're best to drive to Disney Springs and take a bus to the Polynesian. If you are staying onsite you can drive to TTC parking lot and take monorail/walk to Polynesian.
 
WDW is strict on resort parking. Capacity is a real issue. We stayed at Poly a month ago and the parking lot is small, especially for HA parking which is what we use. The Contemporary is small IMO as well, and we have had to search for parking spots when staying there as well.

If you have an ADR, you can show ID at the gate where they will match it with your dining reservation. You have (I believe) 3 hours. Parking at TTC will get you on the monorail by going through a security checkpoint. Note there is security posted at each resort monorail station.

Enjoy!
Unfortunately OP will not have an ADR as they are going to eat at Capt. Cook's which is a quick service location. They will not be able to park at the Polynesian.
 
Unfortunately OP will not have an ADR as they are going to eat at Capt. Cook's which is a quick service location. They will not be able to park at the Polynesian.
Yes, and that was why I suggested TTC. Perhaps they will choose to secure an ADR in order to park there.
 
Another option is ride share. If you are staying on or off property you can always uber/lyft to one, tour around on the monorail and then either uber/lyft your way back to where your staying.

Be wary though security like others have mentioned are very strict and there is no uniform policy that I've seen. This past trip I used lyft several times with and without an ADR (which is the best way to go btw) and at times I was carded to confirm my reservation and others the share driver waved through. it can be hit or miss.
 
In May of this year we drove to Polynesian twice and both times told the guard we were going to Trader Sams and they waved us through.

We WERE going to Trader Sams -- but didn't have any ADR because it's walk-up only. We may have just been lucky or caught them on a lighter day? I guess the moral of the story is don't count on it but it's possible.
 
For hopping between resorts, parking may be more challenging, but the monorail is still a great way to get from one resort to another. If you're not able to park at one resort, you can also use Disney's complimentary bus or monorail services, or even consider using Disney's Minnie Vans.

To be safe, I'd recommend checking the specific resort parking policy when you arrive or calling ahead to confirm. Enjoy your trip!
 
For the Poly you can always try and if you get rejected driving to the TTC is not so much of a hassle. From there, you can walk to the Poly as well.
 
For the Poly you can always try and if you get rejected driving to the TTC is not so much of a hassle. From there, you can walk to the Poly as well.
It sounds like Poly might be more difficult than ever to park at Poly without a room or dining reservation, with the new tower open. Probably best to park at MK/TTC and walk to Poly.
 
I too suggest parking at TTC and walking over; it's not bad. Or, you could just hop on the resort monorail.
 
WDW is strict on resort parking. Capacity is a real issue. We stayed at Poly a month ago and the parking lot is small, especially for HA parking which is what we use. The Contemporary is small IMO as well, and we have had to search for parking spots when staying there as well.

If you have an ADR, you can show ID at the gate where they will match it with your dining reservation. You have (I believe) 3 hours. Parking at TTC will get you on the monorail by going through a security checkpoint. Note there is security posted at each resort monorail station.

Enjoy!
if I were to look on a map where in relation to the parks and resorts is the TTC?
 
one more question if we want to go to get breakfast over at Poly how crowded will the TTC parking be in the mornings?
If you have a reservation for breakfast at the Poly (not QS), you will be able to park for roughly 3 hours. If you plan to go to the parks after, then you are better off parking at the TTC/MK lot. It will be busy in the morning as it is the parking lot for the Magic Kingdom. There is a parking charge ($30 now, I believe) if you are not staying on Disney property. You would park in the lot, take the tram to the TTC and then walk to the Poly.
 












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