Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[kaytieeldr]

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.

You shouldn't assume that. Plenty of onsite guests drive to the MK and use the monorail.

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.

By February, there should be a system well in place. Remember, especially with a stroller, walking back to CR/BLT is likely to genuinely be your fastest option.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Frankly, I've been at WDW many times when the Resorts monorail was the only one operating - not momentarily, but for at least my entire trip. What do you propose then?

Also, restricting access means nobody gets to go to the monorail resorts to just shop or look around. They don't see the upscale resorts, they're not enticed to upgrade in the future. That's not part of WDW's expectation. And when both are running, the signage doesn't say "Monorail Resorts Only" and "Parking Lot".

 

[kaytieeldr]

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).

Actually they told you what you read wasn't true.

 

[Robo]

Actually they told you what you read wasn't true.

Thank you for actually reading the posts.

 

[maiapapaya]

Actually they told you what you read wasn't true.

Thank you for actually reading the posts.

The first reference Liz made to my fireworks example she did not know on what I based my comment. She just said "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." (and then she went on to describe her daughter's experience - not picking on Liz, just referring to how the off topic tangent started) I wasn't referring to Robo at all.

The other time I was talking about was earlier, after I said that access to the Epcot monorail ramp at the TTC is limited to resort guests only before a certain time on days with morning EMH and you replied that it was not accurate (which, in my own personal experience it is - nothing here at all about what anyone has read).

ETA: Really not trying to be argumentative, I'm just trying to clarify what I meant/said!

 

[kaligal]

*
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?

You're paying for the perk of having the monorail stop at your hotel, but it is still public transportation. It's not for the exclusive use of the people staying in the hotel.

Apartment complexes frequently advertise that they're on the bus line. Doesn't mean anyone can't hop on or off the bus there...just that it is stopping there.

I've taken the resort loop a gazillion times and have never waited 45 minutes, so that can't be a regular thing. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that I don't think it happens all that much.

And, again, people staying in monorail hotels might want to transfer at the TTC, anyway. I did once. (But only once. It's much quicker to drive to Epcot.)

 

[Bell30012]

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.

Because I'm 45-years-old. After a LONG day at MK running into EMH walking that short distance with DD8 and pushing sleeping two-year-old sister isn't a fun little walk. Yes, I can walk it and probably will but the truth is we may opt to leave earlier and not take full advantage of the EMH.

At the end of a really long day this old man feels it. No stroller for me!!!

 

[snykymom]

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!!!!

Many guests from other on-property resorts (like AKL - a long bus ride!) drive to MK and park at the TTC. They are entitled to EMH, and are entitled to get back to their resorts.

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 MUST stop at TTC so that monorail guests can get to and from Epcot. Or are you suggesting that monorail guests go from Epcot to TTC, change to the express monorail to MK and then change again to the resort loop? Or go from their resorts to MK, change to the express to the TTC and the change again to the Epcot loop? Three monorails to and from Epcot?? All the time? That would go over REAL big!

(Oh, and by the way, my idea of the resort loop not stopping at the TTC when the express loops shut down was for illustration only about how they could limit the resort loop to resort guests without needing to check IDs and making people mad. It was not a suggestion that they actually do it!)

 

[Cafeen]

Hm... looks like I was a day early with my other stuff...

For those suggesting MK Monorails for MK Resorts only people. I pose a scenario.

I'm at MK, it's closing time and it's 8pm. I have an ADR at Citricos over at the GF at 9pm. It's windy and/or storms are in the area (not wholly unheard of in central FL). I'm staying at CSR (alternative, I'm staying at a condo offsite, since both are entirely possible and not outlandish statements for the scenario) You're saying that I should be unable to take the resort monorail because I'm not staying in a MK resort. So, how do you propose that I get to GF for dinner? What is your solution to a situation such as this?

(Maia you get a pass on this one , as does snyky as I "got it").

As far as the resort stopping at TTC at all... um, of course it's going to stop there, even if it was MK resort only. Even late at night after Epcot closes (which, the tone of the posts suggests a normal hours of operation thing). It's partly for beam traffic as well for guests staying at the Poly where it's quick to walk to/from TTC than the main building. After all, those guests at the Poly did pay a premium and ... .

 

[kaligal]

So, how do you propose that I get to GF for dinner? What is your solution to a situation such as this?

If the monorail is just for the hotel guests, surely the restaurants are, too.

 

[maiapapaya]

The resort monorail is intended to service the monorail resorts for both accommodation & dining. I don't think you can have it not stop at the TTC, even if that were just at night, because there are guests from other resorts who dine at these restaurants, unless WDW was to start a monorail loop bus to transport these guests back to the TTC. However I don't think dining guests really contribute to potential overcrowding. The big issue seems be around situations when the resort monorail would get swamped by large numbers of people exiting the MK & using it for transport to the TTC (not to open up that debate again!)

 

[Traveliz]

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!!!!

I wouldn't assume that at all - night time EMH is open to everyone in the park BUT only those with key cards are allowed access to attractions. Others are allowed to shop and eat and sit or whatever.

Liz

 

[Cafeen]

The resort monorail is intended to service the monorail resorts for both accommodation & dining. I don't think you can have it not stop at the TTC, even if that were just at night, because there are guests from other resorts who dine at these restaurants, unless WDW was to start a monorail loop bus to transport these guests back to the TTC. However I don't think dining guests really contribute to potential overcrowding. The big issue seems be around situations when the resort monorail would get swamped by large numbers of people exiting the MK & using it for transport to the TTC (not to open up that debate again!)

And I will agree that this bit is certainly a concern!

I'm thinking of a possible solution... but it may taint responses to my posed scenario so I will withhold (and probably forget), but it...
has something to do with reserving the front couple of cars (I think they run 5?) for MK resort guests, and letting the "unwashed masses*" use the rest of the cars.

*This is a joke at the level of hyperbole that some are using to describe said situation. I do this a lot.

I wouldn't assume that at all - night time EMH is open to everyone in the park BUT only those with key cards are allowed access to attractions. Others are allowed to shop and eat and sit or whatever.

Liz

There's also a lot of people, for whatever reasons, that drive to the parks even though they're onsite (even MK).

As an interesting note, you are typically required to show your resort ID when entering the park during PM EMH as well, it's not just for the rides. Of course, since it was open to the GP before that time, GP may be in the park to begin with, so rides should be checking as well. It'd be nice if they do something akin to what they do during normal closing, and let guests meander, but put up check points at the paths leading to the different lands to check for ID, which would slowly corral them toward the front. (Not just kick them out, but not let them deeper you know).

 

[maiapapaya]

As far as the resort stopping at TTC at all... um, of course it's going to stop there, even if it was MK resort only. Even late at night after Epcot closes (which, the tone of the posts suggests a normal hours of operation thing). It's partly for beam traffic as well for guests staying at the Poly where it's quick to walk to/from TTC than the main building. After all, those guests at the Poly did pay a premium and ... should have a moving walkway back to their resort? (just thought I'd fill in the blank & throw that out there since we apparently expect special treatment, everywhere, all the time ... that, and it would be super cool!) .

 

[Traveliz]

And I will agree that this bit is certainly a concern!

I'm thinking of a possible solution... but it may taint responses to my posed scenario so I will withhold (and probably forget), but it...
has something to do with reserving the front couple of cars (I think they run 5?) for MK resort guests, and letting the "unwashed masses*" use the rest of the cars.

*This is a joke at the level of hyperbole that some are using to describe said situation. I do this a lot.


There's also a lot of people, for whatever reasons, that drive to the parks even though they're onsite (even MK).

As an interesting note, you are typically required to show your resort ID when entering the park during PM EMH as well, it's not just for the rides. Of course, since it was open to the GP before that time, GP may be in the park to begin with, so rides should be checking as well. It'd be nice if they do something akin to what they do during normal closing, and let guests meander, but put up check points at the paths leading to the different lands to check for ID, which would slowly corral them toward the front. (Not just kick them out, but not let them deeper you know).

You only have to show your resort ID at night to enter AFTER the regular park hours are closed - so it is true that non resort guests are not allowed to enter after regular park hours on a EMH night BUT if you are all ready in the park there is not a problem with staying, eating, sitting, whatever.

Liz

 

[brunette8706]

Many guests from other on-property resorts (like AKL - a long bus ride!) drive to MK and park at the TTC. They are entitled to EMH, and are entitled to get back to their resorts.



The resort monorail MUST stop at TTC so that monorail guests can get to and from Epcot. Or are you suggesting that monorail guests go from Epcot to TTC, change to the express monorail to MK and then change again to the resort loop? Or go from their resorts to MK, change to the express to the TTC and the change again to the Epcot loop? Three monorails to and from Epcot?? All the time? That would go over REAL big!
(Oh, and by the way, my idea of the resort loop not stopping at the TTC when the express loops shut down was for illustration only about how they could limit the resort loop to resort guests without needing to check IDs and making people mad. It was not a suggestion that they actually do it!)

*
OMGOSH! You are right, I stand corrected. My logic was skewed because I totally forgot about EPCOT. My apologies. Thanks for your detailed explanation.

 

[Cafeen]

While nifty, a moving walkway just doesn't have that "cool" factor associated with it.... plus you have to stand, and if you're paying that much for the MK resort, you shouldn't have to stand.

So let's nail down the requirements for the design of the Elite Resort Guests Who Pay So Much For an MK Resort Park to Resort Transportation System. You can call it the ERGWPSMFMKRPRTS for short.

* No standing
* Not a bus <-- Very Important
* Cool factor
* Exclusive to elite MK resort guests only (normal MK resort guests can stuff it!)
* Must be shiny
* Wheelchair, ECV, Stroller accessible <-- Well, this is actually a real one... not a joke
* Faster than walking to CR
* Picks up at the turnstiles (can't have that pesky walk to the station!)
* Cannot use teleportation technology (since it's not invented yet!)

Some of these are more important than others. I think that if all of the other conditions were met, it may not have to be shiny.

(Disclaimer. Again, since my tone is often misunderstood here. The use of the "Elite MK Resort Guests" is a joke. I don't see many people here at all using the level of elitism that I'm describing, there are a couple that come close, but I also understand their point. This is meant to keep this thread a bit more lighthearted. If you have a problem with lighthearted threads... then you have a problem with lighthearted threads )

To quote Silent Bob... "I got nothin'".

You only have to show your resort ID at night to enter AFTER the regular park hours are closed - so it is true that non resort guests are not allowed to enter after regular park hours on a EMH night BUT if you are all ready in the park there is not a problem with staying, eating, sitting, whatever.

Liz

Completely 100% correct. (GP in my post meant "General Public" as in those not a part of the actual perk , I could have made that a bit more clear.)

 

[maiapapaya]

While nifty, a moving walkway just doesn't have that "cool" factor associated with it.... plus you have to stand, and if you're paying that much for the MK resort, you shouldn't have to stand.

Really? A moving walkway isn't cool? (I feel so pas courante!) I guess it doesn't really go thematically with the Poly anyways, but it could work with the CR's retro, futuristic vibe (think The Jetsons).

[and you're right, a little levity is refreshing. It's unfortunate that too often people don't seem to be able to have a healthy debate about different ideas or points of view without it get too heated & degrading to name calling or someone accusing someone else of this or that. After all, we're discussing DISNEY here, not politics or religion!]

 

[kaytieeldr]

* Cannot use teleportation technology (since it's not invented yet!)

And why not??? That's not what the Jetsons led us to believe... or what Carousel of Progress does, either!

 

[lovethattink]

Universal has moving walkways. Strollers and wheel chairs are not permitted on them. Now if Disney could come up with a moving walkway where strollers and wheelchairs are permitted and air conditioned; that would be a cool thing!