Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[maiapapaya]

Original intent? So we need to go back to 1971? In last week's Allearsnet newsletter, they discussed the opening of the MK and in particular the transportation. What is ironic is that the original imagineers intended for Double Decker buses to supplement the monorails. Now, everyone is up in arms about having to take a bus when they are staying at a monorail resort.

But yet many of those same posters want the so-called "original intent". Does this mean they are okay with buses?

... And again, if we use RFID chips, barcodes, CM's checking tickets or CM's with a bullhorn, how do we handle those who just want to visit a monorail resort to eat at Chef Mickey's, shop at the Poly or rent a Sea Raycer from Sammy Duval's? Disney wants that revenue from those not staying at a monorail resort so why would they revert back to the days of limiting access?

Cindyfan said she thought it was the "original intent" of the resort monorail itself... I don't think she was referring to Disney's original conceptualizations of how tranportation would work. Obviously none of us know that unless we were at those planning meetings, but in the end this is the design they went with ... a monorail servicing TTC to MK and a monorail servicing the resorts around the lagoon.

Obviously the TTC stop was built in to allow non resort guests access for dining and monorail resort guests access to the TTC.

I think most people who have spoken about "limiting access" are talking only about boarding at MK for people not travelling to a resort and only during the busiest times.

It's amazing how these threads take on a life of their own. Someone makes an innocent comment or expresses a particular POV, it ticks someone else off and the debate/tangent ensues. I blame this all on Disney (because that's what we all like to do anyways! ) Lack of clarity & information causes people to come up with their own theories, hypothoses and rumors. It would seem a lot more thought should have gone into this new policy. A lot more notice should have been given and they should have been a lot more forthcoming with reasons, and details. Maybe they underestimated the value to their customers of their beloved monorail? (unlikely) It just seems like someone really dropped the ball on this (their own staff don't even seem to know what the heck is going on).

 

[DebbieB]

I spoke to the manager at Boardwalk about 10 years ago about the parking situation. He honestly said that they don't want to discourage business for the boardwalk restaurants & shops. It's the same thing with the monorail - they are not going to make it "resort guests only" because they don't want to discourage people from stopping in for a meal or shopping or checking it out for a possible future visit.

 

[mfd25wife]

I spoke to the manager at Boardwalk about 10 years ago about the parking situation. He honestly said that they don't want to discourage business for the boardwalk restaurants & shops. It's the same thing with the monorail - they are not going to make it "resort guests only" because they don't want to discourage people from stopping in for a meal or shopping or checking it out for a possible future visit.

I'm glad because we go to BW, BC, YC, and CR to shop and/or eat just about every trip. We stayed at BW and BC for the first time on our last trip, but go over every year since the year I forgot a swimsuit and a CM told us that was probably the best place to go if we didn't want to leave the WDW resort area.

 

[Experiment_626]

Also, this thread has nearly 1,900 posts, but my guess is that several hundred of them have absolutely nothing to do with monorails no longer operating. How many pages have we just filled up going off on this tangent about who is "entitled" to ride the resort monorail? Plus, let's not forget the free dining tangent and debating whether or not adding new attractions was a good thing or a bad thing or the corporate sponsorships that Disney gets or how some guests spin everything positvely and other guests spin everything negatively. We have gone off track many many times on this thread.

Seems to happen a lot on this board. That's one of the drawbacks of posting a polarizing thread on one of the "main" boards in a site with lots of members. After the thread gathers 5-10 pages of replies, the number of people unwilling to read all the replies -- but who are still interested in the topic itself -- starts to rise rapidly. Eventually, you're left largely with a core group of members who have followed the thread fairly closely since inception and who have read most or all of the replies, along with the members who have actually made a series of ongoing posts to the thread and are therefore following it very closely. Finally, there's that group mentioned above who come in at any point after the first dozen pages or so and post something that usually starts with "I haven't read all the replies to this thread because I don't have the patience, but ..." and then either:

1. Ask a question that has already been asked and answered earlier in the thread, sometimes more than once.
2. Restart an earlier argument that had died down, (sometimes innocently, sometimes not).
3. Post incorrect information that has already been refuted.
4. Post something completely off the wall, whether in earnest or not, i.e., "A cast member at my local Disney Store told me they're taking the monorails down earlier every night because they're going to add rocket engines to the back of them so they'll go 200 miles per hour. Also, riding them will cost $50 per day to pay for the rocket fuel."
5. Ask "So has anyone gotten to the bottom of this and figured out what is actually going to happen?"

Sometimes this reduces the value of really long threads. I guess it's the price we pay for belonging to a popular forum.

Scott

 

[crostorfer]

After reading through at least 5 more pages of responses on this issue, I just wanted to add as a side note that I don't think that it is fair that any time those of us who frequent the monorail resorts complain about seemingly anything, it makes us "elitist" and "entitled". I don't see how suggesting that the Resort Monorail not stop at the TTC is at all elitist.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Because you asked ... personally (which I have said many times) my answer would be (c) and only if at certain times (eg. just after fireworks on party nights when there's a big rush of people leaving the MK) the resort monorail was being swamped by people not going to the resorts. This would only be a potential problem with boarding at the MK, so dining guests wouldn't be affected (I guess it would create a problem for someone trying to go from the MK to a resort for a late ADR)

Personally I dont' have a problem at all about the Epcot monorail closing as per the current policy and having to take a bus back to the resort (so I don't think I'm a "too good to take the bus snob" or a monorail whiner). We value staying at a monorail resort for the ease of travel back & forth to the MK, so I think where my own concern arises (and at this point a large part is that no one has dealt with the MK loops closing early so it's an unknown) how it will work for the monorail resort guests once the MK monorails stop running. So far we've been told to take the boats or buses. Unless WDW has a bunch of boats tucked away somewhere that's going to create massive waits for the launches and I'm not excited about taking a jam-packed little boat across the lagoon in the dark with my kids (call me paranoid, but I worry about safety - I know they try to avoid liability, and wouldn't overload the boats, but even when they fill them to capacity I'm not comfortable). Then there are weather conditions when the boats can't run. I'm not sure how the buses would work. I'm thinking it would be one to the TTC and then connections to the resorts. We normally stay at Poly, so I don't know if they would bother with a bus to the resort from there, but walking to the resort with a sleeping child in your arms is not fun at the end of a long day (especially because I am fairly petite & DH would likely have his arms full with our sleepy big girl and the Poly is a fairly spread out property - it can be a bit of a hike back from the TTC!)

So, given those options, it was a huge relief to hear that it would appear that WDW is trying to compromise by leaving the resort loop running until 11:00. This alleviates issues with those dining at these resorts and is a huge help to people with younger kids trying to get back to their resorts. So, again I only ever suggested checking ID's if WDW's intent of running this monorail later (than the express) was to service these resorts and people staying at these resorts were being restricted in boarding by large numbers of people trying to get to the TTC.

Again, I really am not wanting to perpetuate this debate (because it's way beyond flogging a dead horse) but you asked for a clarification of opinion so I'm giving it.

Thanks! I think there are so many different opinions on this that debating them becomes difficult. Some seem to want it restricted all the time while others just part of the time. And this isn't confusing?

I'm glad to hear that you found it a huge relief that Disney will keep the MK monorail open until at least 11:00 pm every night. I agree. It's not the perfect scenario, but at least it doesn't create the havoc as outlined earlier in this thread of those who wish to eat at monorail resorts after the MK closes OR who wish to return to their monorail resort after Illuminations.

We'll have to agree to disagree on making the resort monorail exclusive to monorail resort guests. And I stay at the monorail resorts. I just don't believe that it will be that big of an issue based on my past experiences, but I only visit WDW once a year so I am sure there are times that are a lot different.

 

[Johnny_B]

I admit I did not read all 126 pages of this thread. However, I did see someone mentioned that DVC called and said the new policy is the monorail will be open until 11pm every night. This seems to have gotten lost in the "MK resort guests deserve better/MK resort guests are snobs" chatter.

Can anyone else confirm this?

 

[TLSnell1981]

After reading through at least 5 more pages of responses on this issue, I just wanted to add as a side note that I don't think that it is fair that any time those of us who frequent the monorail resorts complain about seemingly anything, it makes us "elitist" and "entitled". I don't see how suggesting that the Resort Monorail not stop at the TTC is at all elitist.

I really, don't understand, "the elitist", "entitled" or PC arguments. Disney isn't "one size fits all". It's why, they offer a variety of services, etc. Why should, some pay for services, they don't need or want? Why should some pay for a service, that everyone uses?

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Guest parking is still a problem many nights. The valet lot is empty, but resort guest's parking is full. Your choice..pay or park across the street.

Sometimes, they do a decent job at the gate, but are inconsistent...

I guess we were fortunate at our stay at BWV. We always found parking even when returning late at night. I won't call it good parking as the parking lot was far from the entrance unlike at BLT where the parking lot is very close to the entrance.

This is what I was thinking they'd do-make the cards distinctive with a bright color or something so all you'd have to do is flash it to get through. We're only talking about an hours worth of limited access for resort guests only.

My home resort is BLT but whenever I stay at another DVC resort I will have take a bus or ferry to get back to TTC. No big deal, thats the way it is. Doesn't make Monorail Resort guests elitist. Disney's still providing transportation, Why bellyache about every thing that changes!!

I guess I am confused. Has someone actually confirmed with Disney that it is their intention to restrict monorail resort use to monorail resort guests? Or is this just a desire of those staying at the monorail resort guests? It was my interpretation that when Disney said they'd keep the monorail loop open until 11:00 pm each night that there was no intention to restrict its use. However, some guests expressed a desire that this be the case. Perhaps I misunderstood. Can someone confirm what it is that Disney is planning to do?

After reading through at least 5 more pages of responses on this issue, I just wanted to add as a side note that I don't think that it is fair that any time those of us who frequent the monorail resorts complain about seemingly anything, it makes us "elitist" and "entitled". I don't see how suggesting that the Resort Monorail not stop at the TTC is at all elitist.

Perception = Reality

If a lot of guests perceive it that way, then Disney has to deal with that reality.

Regardless, is it really practical to not stop at the TTC? What if a monorail resort guest left their car in the Epcot parking lot? What if a monorail resort guest is returning from Illuminations and wants to ride the monorail to the TTC and catch the resort monorail back to their resort? What if a non-monorail resort guest is eating dinner at V&A and wants to get back to their car? Haven't we rehashed these examples enough in the last 5 pages?

BTW - I stay at the monorail resorts and I perceive this as elitist.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I admit I did not read all 126 pages of this thread. However, I did see someone mentioned that DVC called and said the new policy is the monorail will be open until 11pm every night. This seems to have gotten lost in the "MK resort guests deserve better/MK resort guests are snobs" chatter.

Can anyone else confirm this?

Actually that is what sparked this whole debate.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

A cast member at my local Disney Store told me they're taking the monorails down earlier every night because they're going to add rocket engines to the back of them so they'll go 200 miles per hour. Also, riding them will cost $50 per day to pay for the rocket fuel.
Scott

What?????

I can't imagine that could ever work. The turns aren't even banked on the monorail...do you think it could do 200 mph and not fly off the track????

 

[maiapapaya]

We'll have to agree to disagree on making the resort monorail exclusive to monorail resort guests. And I stay at the monorail resorts. I just don't believe that it will be that big of an issue based on my past experiences, but I only visit WDW once a year so I am sure there are times that are a lot different.

We always visit in the fall so I think evening EMH's at the MK may have higher traffic than say ones in peak seasons when the park is open much later (therefore more people leaving at the same time) Also, in the fall a big issue is the MK closing at 7:00 on party nights (which usually run 4 nights/week).

I admit I did not read all 126 pages of this thread. However, I did see someone mentioned that DVC called and said the new policy is the monorail will be open until 11pm every night. This seems to have gotten lost in the "MK resort guests deserve better/MK resort guests are snobs" chatter.

Can anyone else confirm this?

I think there has been further confirmation of this, but until we see it on official WDW letterhead or the resort monorail actually rolling until 11:00 who knows for sure!

After reading through at least 5 more pages of responses on this issue, I just wanted to add as a side note that I don't think that it is fair that any time those of us who frequent the monorail resorts complain about seemingly anything, it makes us "elitist" and "entitled". I don't see how suggesting that the Resort Monorail not stop at the TTC is at all elitist.

Ah, common you spork-wielding snob, you know you want that red badge of priviledge! (although it might look odd with your invisibility cloak! )

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I really, don't understand, "the elitist", "entitled" or PC arguments. Disney isn't "one size fits all". It's why, they offer a variety of services, etc. Why should, some pay for services, they don't need or want? Why should some pay for a service, that everyone uses?

So I don't have to pay for DME since I don't use it? Where can I apply for that refund?

The monorail has been used by everyone for years. Taking it away could be perceived as a huge negative. What about a couple staying at the Yacht Club, driving to the TTC and eating at V&A? How does that couple get back to their car? One can't take a bus directly from the Yacht Club to the Grand Floridian.

 

[crostorfer]

Ah, common you spork-wielding snob, you know you want that red badge of priviledge! (although it might look odd with your invisibility cloak! )

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Maybe they should make Lapu Lapu's the official Poly ID badge. We'll get special treatment everywhere. And carrying them into the park will make It's a Small World a lot more tolerable, and may actually make the Hall of Presidents interesting...

 

[KSDisneyDad]

We always visit in the fall so I think evening EMH's at the MK may have higher traffic than say ones in peak seasons when the park is open much later (therefore more people leaving at the same time) Also, in the fall a big issue is the MK closing at 7:00 on party nights (which usually run 4 nights/week).

If the evening EMH's in the fall have more traffic than the one's last month, I will never visit in the fall!!! The lines just to get through security around 7:00 pm were longer than I've ever seen them for the MK (including getting there just after rope drop). The crowds were unbelieveble. Forty-five minutes for Splash at 11:30 pm! Just another reason that Evening EMH's don't really excite me much anymore.

Can we resurrect our discussion about bringing back E-Nights?

 

[Robo]

Can we resurrect our discussion about bringing back E-Nights?

Sure.

I figure that an E-Ride night crowd in 2012 would look pretty much like a sold-out MNSSHP crowd.

 

[maiapapaya]

So I don't have to pay for DME since I don't use it? Where can I apply for that refund?

The monorail has been used by everyone for years. Taking it away could be perceived as a huge negative. What about a couple staying at the Yacht Club, driving to the TTC and eating at V&A? How does that couple get back to their car? One can't take a bus directly from the Yacht Club to the Grand Floridian.

I think most people who have suggested this (in one form or another) have only talked about limiting access (under certain circumstances) at the MK, so dining guests shouldn't be affected (ie. they could freely board and the TTC & travel to/from the resorts).

ETA: I think DME is actually a clever trick on the part of WDW marketing and having it for "free" is just to make us think it's a good thing ... you know voluntarily allowing ourselves to be corralled on Disney property to only eat their food and buy their stuff! No refund for you for not falling into the trap!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Maybe they should make Lapu Lapu's the official Poly ID badge. We'll get special treatment everywhere. And carrying them into the park will make It's a Small World a lot more tolerable, and may actually make the Hall of Presidents interesting...

Amen to that sista! The first time I took DD6 on IASM when she was 4 I thought it was nostalgic & cute ... not so much now that the song has been bored into my brain!

If the evening EMH's in the fall have more traffic than the one's last month, I will never visit in the fall!!! The lines just to get through security around 7:00 pm were longer than I've ever seen them for the MK (including getting there just after rope drop). The crowds were unbelieveble. Forty-five minutes for Splash at 11:30 pm! Just another reason that Evening EMH's don't really excite me much anymore.

Can we resurrect our discussion about bringing back E-Nights?

This statement was actually just my theory and not backed up by anything. My thinking was, as someone with younger kids, they are capable of hanging around for a while for evening EMH in the fall when the parks close earlier (therefore making the actual hours of the EMH earlier). I don't think we would ever go (for now) when EMH's are super late if we visited at another time of the year. My assumption was that other families would behave the same way. Of course my theory didn't take in other variables such as generally larger summer crowds and ppl purposely planning around EMH to avoid the mid-day heat etc.

Yes, let's go off on another tangent! (while we wait for a CM to tell someone something new & conflicting with previously mentioned information so we can all start fighting again! )

 

[Deb & Bill]

Well at least the Boardwalk has two other parking lots for guests who have ADR's or are there to visit. One is to the left of the guard shack and the other is across the street behind the Hess. So one thing the Monorail Resorts are lacking is seperate parking lots, one for guests that are staying at them and another for visitors to their restaurants.

The extra parking is for people visiting the BW venue, which is not included in any resort. It is a separate location. The YC and BC don't have separate parking lots for visitors and guests. Neither does AKL or WL. Nor does Swan and Dolphin.

 

[TLSnell1981]

So I don't have to pay for DME since I don't use it? Where can I apply for that refund?

The monorail has been used by everyone for years. Taking it away could be perceived as a huge negative. What about a couple staying at the Yacht Club, driving to the TTC and eating at V&A? How does that couple get back to their car? One can't take a bus directly from the Yacht Club to the Grand Floridian.

DME...is paid for by all guests..but not all use it. The MK resort monorail is the exact opposite. A few pay, but all should have access?

They aren't taking away, the monorail...only restricting it, during certain times. Big difference...

 

[andylcq]

It is really disappointing.