Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[Traveliz]

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).

I am such a long time visitor I remember showing my ID to get on the bus to go to MK in the mornings from a resort bus stop!

Liz

 

[maiapapaya]

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

I am only repeating what I have read in the Poly forums, I did not make this up. They may not have done it this year, but it has been done in the past. From the Poly forum last summer ...
" I don't know if anyone else has posted about the July 3 and 4 fireworks, but the POLY DID use wristbands at the pool on July 4--they handed them out that morning and warned us all to keep a room key with us. Also, on both July 3 & 4, they had ropes up at the entrance to the beach from the pool, and a sign stating that the beach was for the use of Poly guests."

 

[TLSnell1981]

I am such a long time visitor I remember showing my ID to get on the bus to go to MK in the mornings from a resort bus stop!

Liz

I remember.

 

[Robo]

I am only repeating what I have read in the Poly forums, I did not make this up. They may not have done it this year, but it has been done in the past.

From the Poly forum last summer ...
" I don't know if anyone else has posted about the July 3 and 4 fireworks, but the POLY DID use wristbands at the pool on July 4--they handed them out that morning and warned us all to keep a room key with us. Also, on both July 3 & 4, they had ropes up at the entrance to the beach from the pool, and a sign stating that the beach was for the use of Poly guests."

Sorry, but that info appears to have been "made up," likely by someone with intent to personally steer others away from attempting to access the Poly beach.

Why do I say that?

Because Traveliz was actually at Poly Beach on July 3 & 4, 2010.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37270968#post37270968

July 06, 2010
Traveliz
DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 5,328

I was there on the third (on purpose) and then we ended up there on the 4th as well.

It is true there are signs at the entrance of the parking lot but that refers to parking only - anyone is welcome - in fact that sign is up often and it only refers to the parking situation not entering the Poly area.

On the 3rd it was lightly raining and not as busy.

On the 4th we got crazy and were Downtown Disney and about 8 decided to go over to the MK.

We had no trouble entering and parking the TTC and to be honest I was shocked at the number of people arriving that late.

We parked in Grumpy and we walked to the TTC (the trams were running even from the closer Dopey area. As we entered the TTC area to go to the Poly walkway we noticed dozens (if not hundreds, seriously) of people walking from both the parking lot, monorail and ferry area directly onto the Poly walkway. It was unlike anything I have ever see over there.

We went to the GCH to use the restrooms and the building was busy but not crazy. Outside the beach was mobbed. The Poly was clearly expecting and welcoming visitors.

We have gone many times over the 4th and NYE and this is the first time I have seen this...there was an additional tent up (between Hawaii and the sidewalk but not in front of the guests rooms there) serving food and drinks and a long line of customers. There were CMs (with the Poly costume on) walking up and down the beach and sidewalk selling the light up toys etc that they sell at the parades, and there were trucks (I saw three) of towels being delivered for anyone (no resort ID needed, nothing asked for) for people to take to sit on at the beach or wherever.

The beach right in front of the pool was jam packed. Sunset Pointe was pretty busy too although still spots there and there were plenty of spots all along down the beach and walkway.

The sound on the 3rd was better than the 4th - it was clearer and it came from the Electrical Water Pageant barges. There is a spot in the fireworks where the patriotic lights of the Water barges come on and that is something that only viewers from the Poly area would see -- it was really neat.

I have been many times over the 4th and NYE and this night was absolutely the busiest I have ever seen the Poly beach. It was fun too. I thought it interesting the Poly has gotten on the bandwagon and brought out additional CMs for food, drinks and souvenirs...smart move on their part!

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

I am only repeating what I have read in the Poly forums, I did not make this up. They may not have done it this year, but it has been done in the past. From the Poly forum last summer ...
" I don't know if anyone else has posted about the July 3 and 4 fireworks, but the POLY DID use wristbands at the pool on July 4--they handed them out that morning and warned us all to keep a room key with us. Also, on both July 3 & 4, they had ropes up at the entrance to the beach from the pool, and a sign stating that the beach was for the use of Poly guests."

IF done it was in a very limited area - right in front of the pool I believe - the whole rest of the beach was free and clear (well busy with people but PLENTY of space for more bodies). We were there at the spot on the beach we like (2010) and it was not a problem. My daughter was there this year and a number of her friends the next night. I am not doubting there was a special viewing area right next to the pool but I am defintiely positive the entire area was not on lockdown. I AM SO ticked I did not take the picture of the people STREAMING in as we were entering from the TTC around half hour to show time.

The beach is long and it would be impossible to rope off the entire area...well it could be done BUT if it had been done I bet there would have been a ton of pictures of that.

Liz

ETA: I guess I could have just waited for Robo to bring up my post...thanks.

 

[Sammie]

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.

Ok thanks for the explanation, and yes Disney could definitely do this, and personally I would have no problem with it. The new LILO system actually has build into it the ability to do much with the resort ID such as limit access to buses for resort guests, pools, gyms, etc. So yes they could even limit monorail access.

 

[maiapapaya]

Sorry, but that info appears to have been "made up," likely by someone with intent to personally steer others away from attempting to access the Poly beach.

I have absolutely no reason to think this poster a liar. He wrote this on July 12 (2010) after he returned from the Poly. What would be the point in "making this up"? There is absolutely no benefit a week after the fact. There had been a lot of pre-July 4 buzz in the Poly forum about the 4th fireworks because a local paper had written an article about great ways to celebrate the 4th and one of their suggestions was to go to WDW & watch the fireworks from the Poly beach. This poster was just checking in after his visit to express his relief that management had implemented some measures to address pool hopping & the fireworks.

I was going to suggest what you just said Liz and that maybe you entered the beach from another location and the poster I quoted only saw the main beach area (that doesn't make what he posted untrue). But the point is that some attempt was made to limit access to the main beach to Poly guests.

 

[Sammie]

I have absolutely no reason to think this poster a liar. He wrote this on July 12 (2010) after he returned from the Poly. What would be the point in "making this up"? There is absolutely no benefit a week after the fact. There had been a lot of pre-July 4 buzz in the Poly forum about the 4th fireworks because a local paper had written an article about great ways to celebrate the 4th and one of their suggestions was to go to WDW & watch the fireworks from the Poly beach. This poster was just checking in after his visit to express his relief that management had implemented some measures to address pool hopping & the fireworks.

I was going to suggest what you just said Liz and that maybe you entered the beach from another location and the poster I quoted only saw the main beach area (that doesn't make what he posted untrue). But the point is that some attempt was made to limit access to the main beach to Poly guests.

I have personally experienced limited access to the Polynesian Beach on the 4th of July also.

Only those with ADRs and resort guests were admitted into the parking lot on the day of. Parking lots were very heavily secured. The night of CMs were walking the beach prior to the fireworks, checking IDs. Those without Polynesian ID were asked to leave.

There were also CMs stationed at the boat launch and monorail station making announcements and there were sandwich board signs stating that the beach was closed that night to anyone without an ADR or resort guest.

So yes it has happened before, maybe it is a crowd level situation. I just know I have seen it.

Did someone sneak in, well of course they did. But they were making an attempt to control the crowds.

 

[Traveliz]

I have personally experienced limited access to the Polynesian Beach on the 4th of July also.

Only those with ADRs and resort guests were admitted into the parking lot on the day of. Parking lots were very heavily secured. The night of CMs were walking the beach prior to the fireworks, checking IDs. Those without Polynesian ID were asked to leave.

There were also CMs stationed at the boat launch and monorail station making announcements and there were sandwich board signs stating that the beach was closed that night to anyone without an ADR or resort guest.

So yes it has happened before, maybe it is a crowd level situation. I just know I have seen it.

Did someone sneak in, well of course they did. But they were making an attempt to control the crowds.

Trust me the dozens (seriously might have been hundreds of us) coming in from the monorail/boat/ttc area were not sneaking in.

Liz

 

[Sammie]

Trust me the dozens (seriously might have been hundreds of us) coming in from the monorail/boat/ttc area were not sneaking in.

Liz

I am simply reporting what I have personally experienced your mileage might vary.

Point is limited access to things is not something foreign to Disney, Club 33 at Disneyland is another example.

Would there be some hue and cry at first sure, but eventually it would die down.

Disney is trying to survive in a bad economy and right now in everything money speaks.

If they get enough complaints about over crowded pools, beaches, whatever then yes they could possibly make changes.

The new computer system is set up to make the Resort ID card very restrictive if they want it to be.

Club Level is exclusive to those paying for the service, any of these changes could be simliar and honestly see nothing wrong with it, if Disney needs to limit access.

If I am staying at SSR does not bother me in the least if I was not able to ride the resort monorail at certain times. If I wanted to dine there I can drive or taxi or bus transfer.

 

[maiapapaya]

Ok, wow, we're so very off topic now. Sorry. I know I was a part of that. I just posted some examples to defend some things I had said. Unfortunately as a result at least twice people flat out told me what I said was not true. Sorry, but if that happens I'm going to back up what I said, just like I'll defend myself if someone insults me or tries to put words in my mouth. Anyways, hopefully we can get a little more back on track (excuse the pun).

 

[Sammie]

Ok, wow, we're so very off topic now. Sorry. I know I was a part of that. I just posted some examples to defend some things I had said. Unfortunately as a result at least twice people flat out told me what I said was not true. Sorry, but if that happens I'm going to back up what I said, just like I'll defend myself if someone insults me or tries to put words in my mouth. Anyways, hopefully we can get a little more back on track (excuse the pun).

And I followed right behind you off the track, lol,

As to the monorail actual schedule I figure we might not know until the day off. I am sure it will change and change again.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I can, muster a rant..to get us back on track.

 

[Traveliz]

I am simply reporting what I have personally experienced your mileage might vary.

Point is limited access to things is not something foreign to Disney, Club 33 at Disneyland is another example.

Would there be some hue and cry at first sure, but eventually it would die down.

Disney is trying to survive in a bad economy and right now in everything money speaks. If they get enough complaints about over crowded pools, beaches, whatever then yes they could possibly make changes.

The new computer system is set up to make the Resort ID card very restrictive if they want it to be.

Club Level is exclusive to those paying for the service, any of these changes could be simliar and honestly see nothing wrong with it, if Disney needs to limit access.

If I am staying at SSR does not bother me in the least if I was not able to ride the resort monorail at certain times. If I wanted to dine there I can drive or taxi or bus transfer.

I agree and I think the extra 1000 people that come into the Poly for fireworks and buy drinks and dinner and food and gifts are probably welcome.

BUT I too agree that I am tired of this talk. I am taking my firework talk and stepping back. July and December yearly I post about seeing the fireworks from the Poly (typically as a non Poly resort guest, although we have stayed there a few times over the holidays). From now on I vow to post only around July and December to tell my exact experience and stay out of the conversation the rest of the time.

and to stay on track (nice pun) I am anxious to read the reports of what is really happening there. Will be there for a week or more in August and will post my first hand observations (whether it will be believed or not is another matter).

I will not be staying on property (will be at our condo) so I will be one of those renegades trying to use the monorail after allowed hours.

Liz

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

I'm assuming there won't be bus transportation to TTC, since those staying for EMH are suppose to be resort guests and would have their own busses. I guess the Shades of Green will have to run a bus from EPCOT and the MK on EMH nights, since normally you would ride the monorail to TTC and catch the bus there (or to the Poly and walk). This whole think is nuts. I'd be really if I were staying at a monorail resort!!!!

 

[Bell30012]

The truth is, I just want a clear picture of the rules before our February trip to BLT. Should I not plan on taking advantage of EMH at MK? CR has never had great bus service to HS and AK. However, the monorail has been the great plus.

When you use a stroller, you don't have to fold the stroller to travel on the monorail. Another great plus.

 

[brunette8706]

If you're "just trying to plan a vacation", then why does it matter if it's maintenance or if it's a cutback, if it saves money or if it's necessary? Why difference does the reason make? If you think the reason is legitimate, you'll go, but if you don't, you won't? Now, I understand if all you want to know is which monorails will be running when, but the rest is irrelevant to your plans.


They could deal with this issue very easily: have the resort monorail not stop at the TTC. Then only resort guests would be able to get where they wanted to go. Guests from Epcot could take a bus directly to their resorts if the Epcot loop stopped or if Epcot guests needed to get to the TTC directly.

This is my pet peeve. When existing Magic Kingdom, say late at night, (monorail resort guests) have a choice to A. Use the boat or B. Use the RESORT MONORAIL! But...............every darn guest at MK uses the RESORT MONORAIL to go back to their cars and on to their destination, which incidentally are NOT THE MONORAIL RESORTS. This happens because the monorail stops at the TTC. WHY? The monorail should just stop at the 3 monorail resorts (Polynesian, Grand Floridian and the Contemporary).

 

[kaligal]

It occurs to me that the shops at Mousegear and The Emporium are often still hopping an hour after park closing. I wonder if more people will rush to get out or not. At Epcot, they'd have to if they had to take the monorail. MK will still have boats or busses, though.

This is my pet peeve. When existing Magic Kingdom, say late at night, (monorail resort guests) have a choice to A. Use the boat or B. Use the RESORT MONORAIL! But...............every darn guest at MK uses the RESORT MONORAIL to go back to their cars and on to their destination, which incidentally are NOT THE MONORAIL RESORTS. This happens because the monorail stops at the TTC. WHY? The monorail should just stop at the 3 monorail resorts (Polynesian, Grand Floridian and the Contemporary).

The resort monorail stops at the TTC because it is there. Even if only resort people rode it, there are some of them who want to transfer at the TTC. What do you suggest people at GF who want to monorail to Epcot do? Ride all the way to the Poly and then walk through the Poly grounds to get to the TTC?

I've stayed in monorail resorts more times than I could count and I never thought twice about the people getting off at the TTC. But then, I don't give any more thought to the destinations of other people on public transportation than I do to the destinations of other people on the highway.

And "every darn guest" doesn't ride it. Most ride the regular monorail (just not more than an hour after park closing.)

 

[brunette8706]

It occurs to me that the shops at Mousegear and The Emporium are often still hopping an hour after park closing. I wonder if more people will rush to get out or not. At Epcot, they'd have to if they had to take the monorail. MK will still have boats or busses, though.The resort monorail stops at the TTC because it is there. Even if only resort people rode it, there are some of them who want to transfer at the TTC. What do you suggest people at GF who want to monorail to Epcot do? Ride all the way to the Poly and then walk through the Poly grounds to get to the TTC?

I've stayed in monorail resorts more times than I could count and I never thought twice about the people getting off at the TTC. But then, I don't give any more thought to the destinations of other people on public transportation than I do to the destinations of other people on the highway.

And "every darn guest" doesn't ride it. Most ride the regular monorail (just not more than an hour after park closing.)

*
I'm sorry but the "other" guests that are not staying at the monorail resorts, in my opinion should take the "other" monorail. Real simple.

Now I will say that all people are entitled to ride the monorail, your ticket price is paying for the use of all the Disney transportation. But, the RESORT MONORAIL, in my opinion, should only be reserved to service the people staying at the monorail resorts. I have seen the RESORT MONORAIL lines so crowded and backed up that at times the wait for us was up to 45 minutes. Aren't people payiing for this "perk" while staying at these 3 resorts?

 

[maxiesmom]

The truth is, I just want a clear picture of the rules before our February trip to BLT. Should I not plan on taking advantage of EMH at MK? CR has never had great bus service to HS and AK. However, the monorail has been the great plus.

When you use a stroller, you don't have to fold the stroller to travel on the monorail. Another great plus.

Why not just walk if the monorail isn't running? It is less than a 10 minute walk from MK to the Contemprary. You can just leave your little ones in the stroller, and hike back. Wouldn't work the best if it was raining, but it is an option.