Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[TriSeb°o°]

I was pleasantly surprised to receive the following voicemail today (I missed the call as I was at lunch in a noisy restaurant) to my email inquiry to Guest Services:

<email>
Regarding the phased reduction of Monorail operations, specifically after both the new EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Monorail operational hours are active, I have the following question based on a scenario: December 2011, Magic Kingdom closes at 7 PM and the Monorail stops operations at 8 PM (If I understand the changes correctly). EPCOT closes at 9 PM and the Monorail stops operations at 10 PM.

If my family leaves EPCOT on the Monorail loop to the TTC at 8:01 PM and arrives at the TTC at approximately 8:20 PM. What will be our options to return back to our home resort of the Contemporary? Will the Magic Kingdom Monorail loop no longer be operating?

Are my primary/easiest rerouting using Disney Transportation options:
Take a bus back to the Contemporary Resort from the TTC? or
Take a bus back to the Contemporary Resort from the EPCOT?

Thank you very much for your prompt response as the new Monorail operational changes (inclusive of those not part of my current questions) and the answer received will definitely play a big part in my final decision in keeping my family's reservation #XXXXXXXX.

Have a magical day!
XXX
</email>

<Voicemail Sunday, July 17, 2011>
This message is for XXX, It’s XXX calling from Walt Disney World, I have an answer to your question about the rerouting of the monorails: if you were coming from EPCOT, at that time of night, if Magic Kingdom has closed previously, if/before EPOCT, than I would definitely just take the bus from EPCOT to the contemporary instead of going through the Ticket and Transportation Center. If you have any other further questions please feel free to give me a call, I am in the office, basically everyday between now and Thursday, between 11 AM and 5:30 PM Eastern Standard time… I will try to answer as many question as you have, again my number is 407-XXX-XXX
</Voicemail>

I can only suppose that/since I provided a verifiable ressie number that I was escalated to receive a personalized response (opposed to the standard responses already posted, I really don't know?) and here is at least one ‘official’ confirmation that both monorails will run/not run independently. I called back but got VM, so I will try again and seize the opportunity of additional questions.

No matter what happens with monorail operations… I am very grateful for the call and the opportunity to call back and discuss the matter one on one. I will report any additional findings.

I trust this is on topic and helps those that are contemplating their next move.

 

[kaytieeldr]

For Pete's sake. I'm not talking about whether it is legal or not. I don't even care if it is legal or not.

I'm just saying that it isn't free. You have to pay for it.

Disney can call it "free" dining all day long. That doesn't mean it is free.

Sigh...
Okay, fine. Pay our everyday (aka rack) rate for your WDW Resort room and get a Dining Plan at no additional cost. Better?

But I'm still as confused as everyone else about what this has to do with slightly reduced monorail hours...

 

[cindyfan]

Like a pp said, we don't know for sure.

Doesn't look good, though.

just wondering why you state this? Are you aware of something that leads you to think "Doen't look good"?

I'd like to stay positive and remind everyone that Disney has stated they are undecided and that given enough feedback they will still run the monorail for the hard ticket events!!

 

[doconeill]

just wondering why you state this? Are you aware of something that leads you to think "Doen't look good"?

I'd like to stay positive and remind everyone that Disney has stated they are undecided and that given enough feedback they will still run the monorail for the hard ticket events!!

Knowing Disney's history of "guest feedback", I can't help being a bit pessimistic. I have a feeling they will wait until after the parties start before deciding whether to bring the service back for the parties.

 

[TriSeb°o°]

A follow up to my previous post #1381… I am again a satisfied customer in receiving a call back from XXX and allowed for as many question as I had. I took advantage and brought up the following topics which received the responses noted (both summarized since I didn’t have a recording to transcribe):

- Special Event Parties: XXX indicated that a decision has not been made or that the information has not been provided. That I would receive a follow up email/call
- Weather Issues/Ferries: XXX indicated that an action plan is being finalized to determine how to best handle inclement weather as this is a real issue. However, more than likely it will entail additional buses.
- Hopping between Magic Kingdom resorts after Monorails stop operating: XXX indicated that a decision has not been made or that the information has not been provided. That I would receive a follow up email/call
- Maintenance, Is this the real reason or a smoke screen to wind down EMH (yes, I asked): XXX indicated that the “Monorail System” maintenance was indeed behind the operational changes
- Indefinite or permanent: XXX indicated that currently the goal is to keep the new operation hours until the maintenance work is complete (no ETA).

Again, I trust this is on topic and helps those that are contemplating their next move.

 

[GadgetRick]

It's funny how everyone is now so nostalgic for E-nights. When I was there during E-nights, I always felt nickled-and-dimed. Why should I have to pay extra? Wasn't I paying enough? (Sounds like some people grousing about the parties, doesn't it?) So we never used it. But we use EEMH all the time - we're late sleepers and don't do rope drop.

I'd guess that many people felt like I did, and that's why Disney got rid of E-nights.

Well, I'm nostalgic for E-ticket nights but I didn't feel I was nickel and dimed. And, actually, I think EMH is/was a better thing (for more people) than E-ticket nights because everyone knows about them now. Back in the day, you had to almost be in the know to know about E-ticket nights--great for those of us in the know but not very good for Disney from a money standpoint to run (most of) an empty park for us.

 

[juliebug1997]

I will say that, if the monorail isn't running for the parties, then I am very likely to switch my reservation to another resort. If I'm going to be on a bus, then I'll do it from somewhere else maybe. Eh.

Let me also add that the bus situation from POR to the MK on our first day there was abominable. 45 minutes. A few waited longer than I did. I mentioned it to a few CMs and, for the rest of our trip, we probably didn't wait longer than 10 minutes. When we left at night from the various parks, we never waited more than 5 minutes and sometimes they had two buses double parked loading people to take them back to their resorts. My only other complaint was the 30 minute wait from Typhoon Lagoon to POR.

 

[Vickmeys]

I was pleasantly surprised to receive the following voicemail today (I missed the call as I was at lunch in a noisy restaurant) to my email inquiry to Guest Services:

<email>
Regarding the phased reduction of Monorail operations, specifically after both the new EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Monorail operational hours are active, I have the following question based on a scenario: December 2011, Magic Kingdom closes at 7 PM and the Monorail stops operations at 8 PM (If I understand the changes correctly). EPCOT closes at 9 PM and the Monorail stops operations at 10 PM.

If my family leaves EPCOT on the Monorail loop to the TTC at 8:01 PM and arrives at the TTC at approximately 8:20 PM. What will be our options to return back to our home resort of the Contemporary? Will the Magic Kingdom Monorail loop no longer be operating?

Are my primary/easiest rerouting using Disney Transportation options:
Take a bus back to the Contemporary Resort from the TTC? or
Take a bus back to the Contemporary Resort from the EPCOT?

Thank you very much for your prompt response as the new Monorail operational changes (inclusive of those not part of my current questions) and the answer received will definitely play a big part in my final decision in keeping my family's reservation #XXXXXXXX.

Have a magical day!
XXX
</email>

<Voicemail Sunday, July 17, 2011>
This message is for XXX, It’s XXX calling from Walt Disney World, I have an answer to your question about the rerouting of the monorails: if you were coming from EPCOT, at that time of night, if Magic Kingdom has closed previously, if/before EPOCT, than I would definitely just take the bus from EPCOT to the contemporary instead of going through the Ticket and Transportation Center. If you have any other further questions please feel free to give me a call, I am in the office, basically everyday between now and Thursday, between 11 AM and 5:30 PM Eastern Standard time… I will try to answer as many question as you have, again my number is 407-XXX-XXX
</Voicemail>

I can only suppose that/since I provided a verifiable ressie number that I was escalated to receive a personalized response (opposed to the standard responses already posted, I really don't know?) and here is at least one ‘official’ confirmation that both monorails will run/not run independently. I called back but got VM, so I will try again and seize the opportunity of additional questions.

No matter what happens with monorail operations… I am very grateful for the call and the opportunity to call back and discuss the matter one on one. I will report any additional findings.

I trust this is on topic and helps those that are contemplating their next move.

Thank you for this info and staying ON TOPIC. It is appreciated!!

 

[TLSnell1981]

A follow up to my previous post #1381… I am again a satisfied customer in receiving a call back from XXX and allowed for as many question as I had. I took advantage and brought up the following topics which received the responses noted (both summarized since I didn’t have a recording to transcribe):
- Special Event Parties: XXX indicated that a decision has not been made or that the information has not been provided. That I would receive a follow up email/call
.- Weather Issues/Ferries: XXX indicated that an action plan is being finalized to determine how to best handle inclement weather as this is a real issue. However, more than likely it will entail additional buses.
- Hopping between Magic Kingdom resorts after Monorails stop operating: XXX indicated that a decision has not been made or that the information has not been provided. That I would receive a follow up email/call
- Maintenance, Is this the real reason or a smoke screen to wind down EMH (yes, I asked): XXX indicated that the “Monorail System” maintenance was indeed behind the operational changes
- Indefinite or permanent: XXX indicated that currently the goal is to keep the new operation hours until the maintenance work is complete (no ETA).

Again, I trust this is on topic and helps those that are contemplating their next move.

Well, I contacted Disney, and was assured, the monorail WILL be available for parties. Sounds like, not everyone is on the same page...

The ferries do not run, during inclement weather. This does mean bus transportation...ugh.

This confirms, my concerns, as well as my doubts..

 

[maxiesmom]

I will say that, if the monorail isn't running for the parties, then I am very likely to switch my reservation to another resort. If I'm going to be on a bus, then I'll do it from somewhere else maybe. Eh.

QUOTE]

I don't understand why you would change your reservation. You would still be able to use the monorail to/from Epcot and MK the rest of the time. You would still be very close to the Magic Kingdom, and the bus or boat ride would be a short one.

Don't get me wrong, I would be disappointed too if I had booked at a monorail resort for my next trip. But I can't see moving where I am staying because I lose that service for maybe a couple hours here and there. Seems almost like cutting of your nose to spite your face.

 

[kaligal]

I don't understand why you would change your reservation. You would still be able to use the monorail to/from Epcot and MK the rest of the time. You would still be very close to the Magic Kingdom, and the bus or boat ride would be a short one.

Don't get me wrong, I would be disappointed too if I had booked at a monorail resort for my next trip. But I can't see moving where I am staying because I lose that service for maybe a couple hours here and there. Seems almost like cutting of your nose to spite your face.

A lot of people book those places because they want to be on the monorail. It saves time and is easier.

If they are paying all that money for the monorail and are told, "Take the bus", they may as well go somewhere cheaper.

I wouldn't take the bus. I'd drive. But there is no way I'd pay monorail resort prices and then have to drive away from my location, turn around and drive back to MK.

I'd go somewhere else, too.

It's not a spite thing. It's just a "What's the point?" thing.

 

[Eponine1]

But I can't see moving where I am staying because I lose that service for maybe a couple hours here and there. Seems almost like cutting of your nose to spite your face.

For most people is the most critical hours of the service of the monorail. When I'm at EPCOT all day long and watching IllumiNations and now everything is over and I want to get back to my resort and quickly....oh wait...the monorial is not running anymore...gotta bus it back....well, that's wrong!!

I WANT and PAY FOR efficiency of being on a monorail resort. If I want to be a bus route resort, I would switch. I don't blame juliebug1997 for wanting to switch...you will save alot of money.

When I'm there in November every single night will be effected for me because MK closes at either 7pm or 8pm. EP at 9pm. Doesn't look like I have much of choice do I?

I think it's just the wrong time of the night to take away the easiest way for monorail resort clients to get back to their hotel.

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't understand why you would change your reservation. You would still be able to use the monorail to/from Epcot and MK the rest of the time. You would still be very close to the Magic Kingdom, and the bus or boat ride would be a short one.

Don't get me wrong, I would be disappointed too if I had booked at a monorail resort for my next trip. But I can't see moving where I am staying because I lose that service for maybe a couple hours here and there. Seems almost like cutting of your nose to spite your face.

So many here have been critical of those who don't like the change, saying "why are you whining? If you don't like it, put your money where your mouth is..... that sort of thing".

So the PP doesn't like it, and says they're putting their money where their mouth is....... downgrading to another resort......... and that's apparently not right?

If they aren't getting the full value of the price of a monorail resort and don't like it, it seems that paying for a less expensive resort is the smart move.

Why criticize? They're doing what's right for them.

 

[Cafeen]

I don't understand why you would change your reservation. You would still be able to use the monorail to/from Epcot and MK the rest of the time. You would still be very close to the Magic Kingdom, and the bus or boat ride would be a short one.

Don't get me wrong, I would be disappointed too if I had booked at a monorail resort for my next trip. But I can't see moving where I am staying because I lose that service for maybe a couple hours here and there. Seems almost like cutting of your nose to spite your face.

A lot of the people in this boat are putting a lot of value in the monorail running for those extended hours. They know that it'll be open for normal hours and treat that as a given when they are up in arms about it "not running".

Whether you place the same value on extended running hours of the monorail is where you differ and why it's not such a big deal to you.

So, yes, it's only a few less hours per night, but some place a much higher value on those few hours than others and hence the loss of those few hours has a greater effect on their travel plans.

 

[hookedonears]

It's funny how everyone is now so nostalgic for E-nights. When I was there during E-nights, I always felt nickled-and-dimed. Why should I have to pay extra? Wasn't I paying enough? (Sounds like some people grousing about the parties, doesn't it?) So we never used it. But we use EEMH all the time - we're late sleepers and don't do rope drop.

I'd guess that many people felt like I did, and that's why Disney got rid of E-nights.

People miss E-nights for one reason and one reason only. The crowds were much, much smaller than they are with Extra Magic hours. I can remember being in the park and feeling like we were the only ones there. That was really cool. Evening Extra Magic hours are just not worth it to us. Having to fight the same big crowds and then being totally worn out the next day. Unfortunately, however even if Disney decided to bring E-nights back, I don't think they’d be quite the same as they use to be, especially with the additions of all of the rooms - The Vacation Club Villas, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, The All Stars, The Pop and the Art of Animation resorts, the crowds would be much bigger anyway.

 

[mom2rtk]

People miss E-nights for one reason and one reason only.

And unfortunately it's for the same reason it will never be back.

 

[TLSnell1981]

We love the park at night. It's cooler, and the lights are magical. This is the main time, we visit MK, so it's big for us.

 

[mom2rtk]

We love the park at night. It's cooler, and the lights are magical. This is the main time, we visit MK, so it's big for us.

If we didn't go in the off season, we'd be the same way. Twice we have made summer Disney visit by staying on-site and staying late one night for a MK fix. It's the only way I'll visit in the summer. During the months of April through October, I'm a Disney vampire.

 

[snykymom]

And unfortunately it's for the same reason it will never be back.

That was my point about E-nights - few people used them. Good for the crowd level, not good from a business perspective.

 

[umichigan10]

I'm sure someone has said this before, so forgive me if I'm repeating this, but I think it comes down to this for the fate of EMH: does Disney turn a profit from them, or atleast break even? If not, then the fate of EMH is doomed.