Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[02AggieGirl]

Goodness! I am really late on finding this thread! Would someone mind giving me brief recap of important info? Or could the OP add links to the first post? I've read througha few of the first and last pages.

 

[kimgof]

Monorail, no Monorail....Gotham City here we come!

 

[TLSnell1981]

Has anyone other than the one person on the DVC forums been told that the resort monorail will run unto 11pm, because I haven't.

And I have talked to DVC also.

I spoke with DVC, yesterday. No info, regarding the resort monorail. Although, the CM "confirmed", they would run for parties. So, who knows...

 

[Bell30012]

Since I have a reservation at BLT for February, I called today to ask specifically about the monorail. I was told that the MK line will run until 11 PM.

 

[Sammie]

I spoke with DVC, yesterday. No info, regarding the resort monorail. Although, the CM "confirmed", they would run for parties. So, who knows...

Exactly at this point not sure even Disney knows. It will be a case of having to wait and see and even then it is likely to change.

The only constant with Disney is that everything is subject to change.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Exactly at this point not sure even Disney knows. It will be a case of having to wait and see and even then it is likely to change.

The only constant with Disney is that everything is subject to change.

Unfortunately, this has become the norm with Disney. I hate being patronized, placated, or spoon fed a load of manure. How about, a little straight up, honesty? Why even write a memo, if you don't have a clue?

 

[maiapapaya]

Good question and I hope that is not the case (and we stay at BLT). I realize that you're only innocently responding and my post is intended to share my thoughts only in response to those who actually think Disney should limit monorail service only to monorail guests.

It would seem to me the ONLY reason to limit monorail service to monorail resort guests after a certain time is to prevent crowding. I guess that I believe that between one hour after closing and 11:00 pm, that most guests would be staying at a WDW resort somewhere. (Hard ticket events excluded as that hasn't been decided as far as I know, but it's hard to keep up). And isn't all WDW transportation open to all resort guests (even in the Epcot examples given)? To desire to limit monorail service to only resort guests to prevent crowding comes across as elitist, even if that's not the intent.

Plus, I always thought that the monorail/ferries were designed to transport guests to and from the parking lot as well as to be a means of transportation for those staying at the CR or Poly (and later GF). Granted, there are two MK monorail tracks - Express and Resort. However, many resort guests drive to the MK rather than take Disney transportation. Not everyone is enamored with the Disney bus system. Yes, those guests can still get to the TTC via the ferry, but why limit it to just the ferries if the monorail is also running? Disney should not turn anyone away from the monorail if you enter the station by closing time. For that reason alone, again the ONLY reason to limit monorail service to only monorail resort guests is so that those guests don't have to wait in line a bit longer. While we're at it, why don't we ask Disney to change the direction of the resort monorail resort loop at park closing? The GF and Poly generally cost a lot more than the CR. Don't those guests deserve to be dropped off first as they paid more?

Just to clarify, because things get lost in all the back and forth ... I gave the Epcot example in response to a poster's comment that "I didn't realize you could just pay more for priority service on attractions with Disney now. Sorry, this is elitist BS." My intent in mentioning EMH (and the Epcot monorail) was to show him that at times guests can pay more - in this example staying on site - and get a priority service.

You are right that my comments about possibly checking resort ID ONLY pertained to a very specific situation where there would be guests at the MK for the gap between official monorail closing (the TTC loop) and the rumored 11:00 pm hours of the resort service. I tried to be very specific. So this would really only be an issue during the off season when the MK closes early or during hard ticket events. And really I only imagine a situation where this might be a problem if there is a high volume of people leaving the MK before 11:00 (eg. after the fireworks on party nights) when there would be a back log at the ferries and people who hate the buses, so would head to the monorail.

As I mentioned earlier it would appear if WDW is considering running the resort loop it is to service the resorts. And here is why I don't think what I said is elitist ...

People visiting Disney (whether day guests or resort guests) are entitled to use Disney transportation. There is no specific mode tied to this, just transportation. However, given that there is a premium to stay at a monorail resort and that BLT was probably marketed with the cookie that it is the only DVC property on the monorail you could argue that these guests have paid extra for the service of the RESORT loop.

If guests are entitled to use of an amenity tied to their resort and crowding is deemed a problem by management there are examples where they do limit access. I didn't just come up with this idea because I am an elitist snob. The no pool hopping policy is an example. At BC & later Poly people who hadn't paid to stay at those resorts caused crowding problems at those resort pools. Management responded by requiring guests to show resort ID & wearing wrist bands. Another example is Wishes. Lots of people like to watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly. There are probably lots of people there who aren't Poly guests and it's not normally an issue. But on occasions when the beach becomes too packed and Poly guests are impeded from using the beach to view the fireworks (something all guests are welcomed to watch from various vantage points on the property) the management again requires resort ID. This happens specifically on New Years eve & July 4th.

So I don't think I'm being elitist in saying under the scenario I described if the resort monorail boarding at MK is swamped with people trying to get to the TTC, and Disney's intent of running the resort loop at this time is to provide the monorail resort guests with the service they paid to receive, that they might check ID's.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Goodness! I am really late on finding this thread! Would someone mind giving me brief recap of important info? Or could the OP add links to the first post? I've read througha few of the first and last pages.

I've been reading this thread since post 700 or so and I still don't know what's going on with the monorails other than the fact that there are changes that have made some guests very very unhappy and has ruined many upcoming vacations.

I think the only certainty is that the monorails will stop 1 hour after regular park closing even if there is Evening EMH. This started already for Epcot and will start for the MK on August 1st.

Everything else is rumor or speculation based on conversations with various CM's. The strongest rumor seems to be that the MK Resort loop (not the Express loop) will stay open until at least 11:00 pm each night even if the MK closes before 10:00 pm. There does not appear to be any official response on whether or not the monorail will operate for hard-ticket parties such as MNSSHP, MVMCP, etc.

Personally, I think that if the MK resort loop stays open until 11:00 pm each night, it solves most issues raised on this long thread (the hard ticket parties being the only exception and there are lot of those). But again, there are those who believe that even this compromise is not good enough so the debate continues.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

So I don't think I'm being elitist in saying under the scenario I described if the resort monorail boarding at MK is swamped with people trying to get to the TTC, and Disney's intent of running the resort loop at this time is to provide the monorail resort guests with the service they paid to receive, that they might check ID's.

I actually understand what you're saying, but no amount of explaining by Disney will soften tired guests at the end of a long day after the fireworks. I believe that the outcry would be horrible as many of those guests will PERCEIVE it as elitist. And for any company, especially Disney, they have to keep in mind that Perception = Reality.

The examples you showed really only affect a few guests. How many people really try to pool hop anyway. And every time I watched fireworks from the beach at the Poly, there weren't that many other guests around (perhaps on July 4th, but I've never been during that timeframe). When you affect large numbers of guests such at MK closing, it would be a PR nightmare. Much more so than the small number of us on this thread. JMHO.

 

[Cafeen]

Goodness! I am really late on finding this thread! Would someone mind giving me brief recap of important info? Or could the OP add links to the first post? I've read througha few of the first and last pages.

You may want to check Robo's thread also on here, it it's a bit more succinct and he's been trying to keep the debate over here (which is fine). He also has updated the first post with the most current info...

But, for starters.

1. Internal information leaked about monorails closing 1 hour after regular closing time. Posted on... um... another site. This seemed to lump express and resort together for MK and cited "events" as being something it's closed for.
2. Internal CM memos were posted stating roughly the same thing, and as part of the FAQ that it was permanent.
3. Orlando Sentinel released article claiming temporary and maintenance reasons (the next day) after speaking with Disney rep. Also claimed that Disney was undecided about the holiday parties (MNSSHP and MVMCP)
4. Lots of debate happened, emails were sent to Disney that resulted in no clear answer. Phone calls transcribed that again didn't really answer anything. People tried to use the "It's only a few hours two nights a week" response, were thwarted by the "It's 5/7 of my nights and I'll be needing them" responses
5. Some busing detail was discovered (mainly because it went into effect) that Epcot now has two new routes for late nights after the Epcot line closes: TTC/CR and Poly/GF
6. Much much much more debate, arguing, etc happened
7. DVC Member Services put out an answer stating that the Resort Monorail would be opened until 11pm
8. Some more debate happened, including people receiving contrary answers and clamoring for MK Resort ID checks at MK Monorail station p)
9. We're left pretty much where we started with regards to knowing why and how it's going to work.

Now, as for a summary of the known info:

1. Epcot monorail has stopped service 1 hour after normal closing time starting July 11
2. One bus (route) runs from Epcot to TTC & CR, another (route) from Epcot to Poly & GF during this closure time.
3. Beginning August 1, the MK monorail system will be affected by the same closure rules (1 hour after normal MK closing).

What we don't know:

1. What are the true reasons for the cut back on hours? Disney claims maintenance, but the potential permanent nature seems more financial.
2. If the MK lines will really be shut down at different times (Express at close + 1hr, resort at 11pm)?
3. What will happen come September when the parties start closing MK down at 7pm?
4. How (If) Non-MK resort guests will be able to utilize the monorails between express shut down and 11pm (Assuming #2 is true)?
5. Who put the bomp (in the bomp, bomp, bomp)?
6. What is the question to Life, the Universe, and Everything? (We know the answer is 42)

And for any company, especially Disney, they have to keep in mind that Perception = Reality.

Except for in the case of a certain other big long debate/insult ridden thread .

 

[maiapapaya]

I actually understand what you're saying, but no amount of explaining by Disney will soften tired guests at the end of a long day after the fireworks. I believe that the outcry would be horrible as many of those guests will PERCEIVE it as elitist. And for any company, especially Disney, they have to keep in mind that Perception = Reality.

The examples you showed really only affect a few guests. How many people really try to pool hop anyway. And every time I watched fireworks from the beach at the Poly, there weren't that many other guests around (perhaps on July 4th, but I've never been during that timeframe). When you affect large numbers of guests such at MK closing, it would be a PR nightmare. Much more so than the small number of us on this thread. JMHO.

Well it was enough people pool hopping that management felt they needed to address the problem ... same with the fireworks. From what I've read the Poly beach used to be JAMMED on July 4/Dec.31 (just trying to show precident of limiting access due to crowds)

You are so right - "perception = reality", as clearly demonstrated with the insulting comments and assumptions made about people in this thread.

But, it would seem that Disney has previously done what has been suggested, based on an earlier post from centurythree ...

I guess I'm not seeing what the fuss is about. I remember park closes at MK watching the CMs turn away guests from the resort monorail. The only thing I can't remember with absolute certainty was whether or not they were turning away only off-property guests or any guest who wasn't staying at a monorail resort. I believe it was the latter because only a very few people were allowed to pass to the resort monorail. At the time, I think they checked your keys. It would be just as easy to do now what they did then.

I understand that this was before a lot of people on the DISboards ever set foot at WDW, but Disney's done it before and I see no real reason why they wouldn't do it again.

[*]Some more debate happened, including people receiving contrary answers and clamoring for MK Resort ID checks at MK Monorail station p)
...

Except for in the case of a certain other big long debate/insult ridden thread .

p) Back atcha!
And, BTW, no clamoring here. I believe I initially used the word "hope". Of course depending on your perception of what "hope" actually means ...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If guests are entitled to use of an amenity tied to their resort and crowding is deemed a problem by management there are examples where they do limit access. I didn't just come up with this idea because I am an elitist snob. The no pool hopping policy is an example. At BC & later Poly people who hadn't paid to stay at those resorts caused crowding problems at those resort pools. Management responded by requiring guests to show resort ID & wearing wrist bands. Another example is Wishes. Lots of people like to watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly. There are probably lots of people there who aren't Poly guests and it's not normally an issue. But on occasions when the beach becomes too packed and Poly guests are impeded from using the beach to view the fireworks (something all guests are welcomed to watch from various vantage points on the property) the management again requires resort ID. This happens specifically on New Years eve & July 4th.

Here are some other examples which I can add.

At Bay Lake Tower only DVC members staying there on DVC points can have access to the Top Of The World lounge when wanting to watch Wishes or to get some drinks. So anyone staying there on a regular room only reservation that is not a DVC member can't even access something in the resort they are staying at, in my opinion on paper that sounds a lot more elitist. I have heard other DVC members say they should open it up to DVC members staying at other DVC Resorts. Now if they ever do decide to let other guests up there shouldn't the next set be non DVC members already staying at Bay Lake Tower?

Plus anyone staying at Bay Lake Tower is allowed to swim at the Contemporary pool if they want to, however when you flip everything around anyone staying at the Contemporary is not allowed to swim at the Bay Lake Tower pool. So basically their pool is just like Stormalong Bay because not even DVC members can pool hopp there, however when I first heard that news I thought why can those people use the Contemporary pool and not have it the other way around? I mean both the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower are basically sister resorts, so shouldn't anyone staying at the Contemporary be allowed to swim there to makes things fair? Also their full name is Bay Lake Tower At Disney's Contemporary Resort. Guests who stay at the Wilderness Lodge are allowed to swim at the Wilderness Lodge Villas pool area. I am using them as an example because their DVC section opened years later just the same way Bay Lake Tower did. That means Bay Lake Tower became the first DVC Resort connected to a Deluxe Resorts that doesn't welcome guests staying at the other section.

 

[Traveliz]

Well it was enough people pool hopping that management felt they needed to address the problem ... same with the fireworks. From what I've read the Poly beach used to be JAMMED on July 4/Dec.31 (just trying to show precident of limiting access due to crowds)

You are so right - "perception = reality", as clearly demonstrated with the insulting comments and assumptions made about people in this thread.

But, it would seem that Disney has previously done what has been suggested, based on an earlier post from centurythree ...






p) Back atcha!
And, BTW, no clamoring here. I believe I initially used the word "hope". Of course depending on your perception of what "hope" actually means ...

Off topic but the Poly beach fireworks example won't work even for the 4th and December 31 as this past July 3/4 and December 30/31 my daughter/different friends drove over to the TTC, walked onto the Beach and watched the fireworks. Was never asked for a resort ID nor even saw anyone in a security position. The last few times we have been on those holidays we have actually talked to security guards and manager and never was an ID requested.

So I don't think there is really a precedent for limiting access based on the Poly Beach fireworks.

Liz

 

[TriSeb°o°]

Lots of debate happened, emails were sent to Disney that resulted in no clear answer. Phone calls transcribed that again didn't really answer anything.

Fair Enough. The last thing I want to do is add fuel to this contentious dialogue by posting/transcribing an official response received from a Disney GC CM (i.e. unclear response or response that indicates 'still pending an official response').

UnSub’ing/Exiting thread.

 

[02AggieGirl]

I've been reading this thread since post 700 or so and I still don't know what's going on with the monorails other than the fact that there are changes that have made some guests very very unhappy and has ruined many upcoming vacations.

I think the only certainty is that the monorails will stop 1 hour after regular park closing even if there is Evening EMH. This started already for Epcot and will start for the MK on August 1st.

Everything else is rumor or speculation based on conversations with various CM's. The strongest rumor seems to be that the MK Resort loop (not the Express loop) will stay open until at least 11:00 pm each night even if the MK closes before 10:00 pm. There does not appear to be any official response on whether or not the monorail will operate for hard-ticket parties such as MNSSHP, MVMCP, etc.

Personally, I think that if the MK resort loop stays open until 11:00 pm each night, it solves most issues raised on this long thread (the hard ticket parties being the only exception and there are lot of those). But again, there are those who believe that even this compromise is not good enough so the debate continues.

You may want to check Robo's thread also on here, it it's a bit more succinct and he's been trying to keep the debate over here (which is fine). He also has updated the first post with the most current info...

But, for starters.

1. Internal information leaked about monorails closing 1 hour after regular closing time. Posted on... um... another site. This seemed to lump express and resort together for MK and cited "events" as being something it's closed for.
2. Internal CM memos were posted stating roughly the same thing, and as part of the FAQ that it was permanent.
3. Orlando Sentinel released article claiming temporary and maintenance reasons (the next day) after speaking with Disney rep. Also claimed that Disney was undecided about the holiday parties (MNSSHP and MVMCP)
4. Lots of debate happened, emails were sent to Disney that resulted in no clear answer. Phone calls transcribed that again didn't really answer anything. People tried to use the "It's only a few hours two nights a week" response, were thwarted by the "It's 5/7 of my nights and I'll be needing them" responses
5. Some busing detail was discovered (mainly because it went into effect) that Epcot now has two new routes for late nights after the Epcot line closes: TTC/CR and Poly/GF
6. Much much much more debate, arguing, etc happened
7. DVC Member Services put out an answer stating that the Resort Monorail would be opened until 11pm
8. Some more debate happened, including people receiving contrary answers and clamoring for MK Resort ID checks at MK Monorail station p)
9. We're left pretty much where we started with regards to knowing why and how it's going to work.

Now, as for a summary of the known info:

1. Epcot monorail has stopped service 1 hour after normal closing time starting July 11
2. One bus (route) runs from Epcot to TTC & CR, another (route) from Epcot to Poly & GF during this closure time.
3. Beginning August 1, the MK monorail system will be affected by the same closure rules (1 hour after normal MK closing).

What we don't know:

1. What are the true reasons for the cut back on hours? Disney claims maintenance, but the potential permanent nature seems more financial.
2. If the MK lines will really be shut down at different times (Express at close + 1hr, resort at 11pm)?
3. What will happen come September when the parties start closing MK down at 7pm?
4. How (If) Non-MK resort guests will be able to utilize the monorails between express shut down and 11pm (Assuming #2 is true)?
5. Who put the bomp (in the bomp, bomp, bomp)?
6. What is the question to Life, the Universe, and Everything? (We know the answer is 42)

Except for in the case of a certain other big long debate/insult ridden thread .

Thanks so much to both of you! It really is just a crazy mess, huh? Guess we will see how it plays out.

 

[Cafeen]

Fair Enough. The last thing I want to do is add fuel to this contentious dialogue by posting/transcribing an official response received from a Disney GC CM (i.e. unclear response or response that indicates 'still pending an official response').

UnSub’ing/Exiting thread.

Um... ok?

Have fun?

Am I just that insensitive or did they read it the wrong way? There was no offense meant at all and now I'm a bit confused...

For anyone responded to that question, please don't focus on the quoted response or the quotee, just the facts in the discussion and if I got any bits wrong with the (albeit tongue-in-cheek and a bit exaggerated at times) summary.

 

[Sammie]

How in the world did this get so off topic that now the discussion is about the perks that DVC members get over others.

Those perks are available to anyone that wants to pay the money to become a member.

 

[raidermatt]

Sounds like Disney S.O.P for when these changes go down. Guests don't know what's going on completely because most of the people within Disney don't really know what's going on.

That tells me it's not likely a simple maintenance issue. If that were it, Disney would have no problem letting everyone know what was going on, at least by now.

It's more likely there are other reasons and nobody really wants to take the responsibility for telling the guests they have decided to make the change.

So you get what we have, a lot of confusion.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

How in the world did this get so off topic that now the discussion is about the perks that DVC members get over others.

Those perks are available to anyone that wants to pay the money to become a member.

I was just giving examples where some might guests might think those are elitist because they might not make sense to others. So giving access to the Resort Monorail for guests staying at the Contemporary/Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian during the more busy times is something WDW could consider doing one day, since they don't mind giving perks that belong just to DVC members. I am not saying those perks they already get are bad or anything because I agree anyone who wants them can join DVC. I just used them as examples only to show it's something that they already get which others don't.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Yes, there was a time, ID was checked regularly for the Resort Monorail. But, the Express was also, open. So, it's not like, only a select few, were able to ride (the monorail).