Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[KSDisneyDad]

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...

You work in Disney's accounting department? That's amazing that they don't allocate the monorail costs to all resort guests and even non-resort guests who pay for tickets/parking. I never saw an itemized charge on my receipt for the monorail. Hmmm. Those darn bean counters.

 

[Cafeen]

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?

Disney transportation is only partially paid by resort, it's also paid by the park tickets, dining, merchandising, and parking fees. (As well as numerous other departments). All forms of transportation are currently available to all Disney World guests, on-site or off-site (even the resort launches, yes, though during busy times they can restrict to on-site only). This is how it is currently. (I'm just setting a baseline here ).

So, right now, since everyone DOES pay for all the transportation options.

With that said, the elitist comments come out about restricting a preferred method of transportation, that everyone pays for, to one group of select people simply because they paid more for their resort. Now, not everyone considering this option is the elitist either, however, some of the comments have been along the lines of "why should I have to take a bus? I paid more than you did to stay here". Those are the types of comments that bring out the elitist (and similar) remarks.

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

Only if we restrict it based around some arbitrary choice, say, only people staying at resorts that begin with the letters "A, B, and C". (And hey, that covers all ranges of resorts, so no "elitism" there!)

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...

Everyone pays for the resort monorail, just like everyone pays for the ferry, just like everyone pays for the bus system, just like everyone pays for the express and Epcot rails. They aren't on some special unique account, they're all part of the transportation budget which gets it's money from the other various departments. (While I'm sure some internal accounting does occur, the money from the MK resorts is not likely specifically earmarked for the resort monorail.)

Now, for the span of the hour where both are operating after closing, I would agree, so long as considerations were made for those who have some sort of reason to go to the resorts. This includes ADRs, but also shopping, just wanting to hang around, etc. Though skipping the stop at TTC would help reinforce this from MK, it'd make it difficult for those coming from any of the resorts to get to their cars or going to Epcot* (unless transferring at MK, which would be quite a hassle).

However, I simply don't see outright restricting the resort rail to MK resort guests only during this time as feasible or having a good outcome.

*(Note: this is only taking the 1-hr restriction into account, if MK closed at 8pm and Epcot at 9pm with PM EMH, guests from MK resorts would likely take the monorail to Epcot EMH during this time, hence the increased difficulty on those very same MK resort guests for whom this suggestion is attempting to empower).

 

[maxiesmom]

You work in Disney's accounting department? That's amazing that they don't allocate the monorail costs to all resort guests and even non-resort guests who pay for tickets/parking. I never saw an itemized charge on my receipt for the monorail. Hmmm. Those darn bean counters.

You know, I am kind of crazy and save all my trip paperwork. I've stayed at both the Poly and Contemporary, and neither of those places have a line listed as a monorail service fee. Maybe they forgot???

Isn't saying the people who stay at the monorail resorts pay for the monorail kind of like saying the people who stay at the boardwalk resorts pay for the boardwalk? Utter nonsense.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

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.

Well since the Boardwalk does have those two seperate parking lots wouldn't you agree guests going there to eat or to look around only park in them and not the main parking lot, which should be reserved for those staying at the Inn and Villas sections.

 

[Robo]

The only resorts that have monorail stations attached are the Poly, the GF and the CR.
Since they do, their very design and location,
it seems to dictate that the primary reason that the resort monorail was built was to service those resorts.

 

[Cafeen]

The only resorts that have monorail stations attached are the Poly, the GF and the CR.
Since they do, they must be considered, by their very design and location, the primary reason that the resort monorail was built.

Well, at least 2/3 of them

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Sure.

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

You're probably right, but if you have enough of them and you charge extra, they could be less crowded than the existing "can't call them free" EMH's.

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!

But what if someone eating at a monorail resort who parked at the TTC (or at a monorail resort itself) decided to stop by the MK after dinner? How would they get back to their car if they weren't allowed back on the monorail?

You know, I am kind of crazy and save all my trip paperwork. I've stayed at both the Poly and Contemporary, and neither of those places have a line listed as a monorail service fee. Maybe they forgot???

Isn't saying the people who stay at the monorail resorts pay for the monorail kind of like saying the people who stay at the boardwalk resorts pay for the boardwalk? Utter nonsense.

The only resorts that have monorail stations attached are the Poly, the GF and the CR.
Since they do, their very design and location,
it seems to dictate that the primary reason that the resort monorail was built was to service those resorts.

Service the resorts, but not exclusively monorail-resort guests. Other guests who also wish to dine, shop or visit can do so too. (at least currently )

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

But what if someone eating at a monorail resort who parked at the TTC (or at a monorail resort itself) decided to stop by the MK after dinner? How would they get back to their car if they weren't allowed back on the monorail?

What everyone is saying is that they should limit those who get on the Resort Monorail to access the TTC at the Magic Kingdom. No one has ever said that same rule should be applied to those having dinner at the Monorail Resorts, so those guests wouldn't have any problems getting to the TTC via the Resort Monorail.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

What everyone is saying is that they should limit those who get on the Resort Monorail to access the TTC at the Magic Kingdom. No one has ever said that same rule should be applied to those having dinner at the Monorail Resorts, so those guests wouldn't have any problems getting to the TTC via the Resort Monorail.

Restrict access at all times or just at closing?

 

[Robo]

Restrict access at all times or just at closing?

What difference does it make what any of us say about it?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Restrict access at all times or just at closing?

Just before the Magic Kingdom is about to close, but it won't effect those having dinner at the Monorail Resorts.

 

[Robo]

Well, at least 2/3 of them

I started to reference the later building of the GF, but didn't because there was always, from the beginning of WDW, plans to build at least one (actually two) more Monorail Resorts along the loop.

 

[asta]

And I've said many times on this thread, I understand there are many times that Disney reserves certain things to guests who pay for it or have "earned" it such as Platinum Castaway Club perks, concierge lounges, VIP lounges and viewing areas, etc. However, the monorail has not been exclusive as long as I've been going to WDW. I can't imagine Disney changing it now as that would be very un-PC.

I guess that I have been going to WDW longer than you because I remember when WDW did restrict use of the resort loop to guests at the monorail resorts. This took place at the TTC where a CM was postitioned at the bottom of the ramp to the resort monorail who directed guests going directly to the MK to the other monorail. I don't remember seeing anyone having a problem understanding this policy or even hearing anyone complaining. I don't know when or why it changed but this was definitely the policy on my early WDW visits.

The point in bringing this up is that to some of us who stay at monorail resorts a perk was actually removed when they began to allow unrestricted access to the resort loop. I don't think that I would mind as much losing this benefit except that I know how much nicer it was for us when this policy was in place. Restricting access to only monorail resort guests would not be a new policy, it would just be returning to their original policy.

I don't see this as being elitist at all. I am not willing to pay club level prices, I don't expect to have the benefits afforded to those who do stay at that level. I don't sit around and whine about those who do stay at club level as being elitist. I don't see the difference between a resort monorail perk and a club level perk.

 

[asta]

You know, I am kind of crazy and save all my trip paperwork. I've stayed at both the Poly and Contemporary, and neither of those places have a line listed as a monorail service fee. Maybe they forgot???

Isn't saying the people who stay at the monorail resorts pay for the monorail kind of like saying the people who stay at the boardwalk resorts pay for the boardwalk? Utter nonsense.

To follow your logic - I don't think that guests staying at the YC/BC see an itemized amount on their bills for exclusive use of their pool area. The guests at these resorts still have a strongly enforced perk of exclusive use of their pool. Do you think this was forgotten?? Or maybe certain resorts have exclusive perks to make a stay at that resort more unique and enjoyable to the guests who are paying to stay there.

 

[TLSnell1981]

The only resorts that have monorail stations attached are the Poly, the GF and the CR.
Since they do, their very design and location,
it seems to dictate that the primary reason that the resort monorail was built was to service those resorts.

I agree...a Resort Monorail..for the MK resorts. What a novel idea.

To follow your logic - I don't think that guests staying at the YC/BC see an itemized amount on their bills for exclusive use of their pool area. The guests at these resorts still have a strongly enforced perk of exclusive use of their pool. Do you think this was forgotten?? Or maybe certain resorts have exclusive perks to make a stay at that resort more unique and enjoyable to the guests who are paying to stay there.

Excellent observation.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The point in bringing this up is that to some of us who stay at monorail resorts a perk was actually removed when they began to allow unrestricted access to the resort loop. I don't think that I would mind as much losing this benefit except that I know how much nicer it was for us when this policy was in place. Restricting access to only monorail resort guests would not be a new policy, it would just be returning to their original policy.

But can the monorail resort guests sustain the restaurants, stores, and marinas at those resorts? The 'local' monorail is for guests going to and from the monorail resorts. It's not exclusively for guests staying at those resorts. Again, if it were, it would be called "Resort Guest Monorail". It's not.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

But can the monorail resort guests sustain the restaurants, stores, and marinas at those resorts? The 'local' monorail is for guests going to and from the monorail resorts. It's not exclusively for guests staying at those resorts. Again, if it were, it would be called "Resort Guest Monorail". It's not.

Well it's still called the Resort Monorail because it's how the guests tell the difference between that and the Express Monorail. The Magic Kingdom Monorail station even has a sign outside the ramp which says Resort Monorail.

 

[asta]

But can the monorail resort guests sustain the restaurants, stores, and marinas at those resorts? The 'local' monorail is for guests going to and from the monorail resorts. It's not exclusively for guests staying at those resorts. Again, if it were, it would be called "Resort Guest Monorail". It's not.

I don't know if they can sustain all of the amenities but everything seems very busy when I have stayed at the GF. This is contrary to the idea of squeezing every single ever-loving penny out of the place, but I would rather see the amenities available and be able to use them at a reasonable pace.

Even with that being said, accommodations could be made for those with dinner reservation. What transportation options does WDW make available for those dining at restaurants like the Flying Fish or Boma? Buses? We always use our car so I don't know what others do. I imagine that the restaurants at the monorail resorts could be handled like those at non-monorail resorts.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

What difference does it make what any of us say about it?

My point exactly!

I guess that I have been going to WDW longer than you because I remember when WDW did restrict use of the resort loop to guests at the monorail resorts. This took place at the TTC where a CM was postitioned at the bottom of the ramp to the resort monorail who directed guests going directly to the MK to the other monorail. I don't remember seeing anyone having a problem understanding this policy or even hearing anyone complaining. I don't know when or why it changed but this was definitely the policy on my early WDW visits.

The point in bringing this up is that to some of us who stay at monorail resorts a perk was actually removed when they began to allow unrestricted access to the resort loop. I don't think that I would mind as much losing this benefit except that I know how much nicer it was for us when this policy was in place. Restricting access to only monorail resort guests would not be a new policy, it would just be returning to their original policy.

I don't see this as being elitist at all. I am not willing to pay club level prices, I don't expect to have the benefits afforded to those who do stay at that level. I don't sit around and whine about those who do stay at club level as being elitist. I don't see the difference between a resort monorail perk and a club level perk.

But Disney has not done this for years. They changed it and it's been accepted that anyone can ride it for years. It's not been exclusive to monorail resort guests since at least 1998 when we first visited. Because you didn't see anyone complaining, doesn't mean it didn't happen. How did guests get to their ADR's at 1900 Park Fair, O'hana or Chef Mickey's if they were turned away at the TTC?

To say you want things like they were 15 or 20 years ago is wishful thinking. In those years, Disney has made a lot of changes - some good and some bad. If one wants things the way they used to be, then you are also asking that they get rid of the entire Animal Kingdom park, Soarin', Mission Space, Toy Story Midway Mania, Rock n Roller Coaster or any of the other shows, attractions and resorts that have been added in the past 15 to 20 years since the monorail was exclusive just to monorail resort guests. I guess if that's the case, they should also get rid of evening EMH which will solve this problem fairly quickly.

I don't see the monorail the same as club level service. You are not paying extra specifically for it. I've stayed at the Poly, CR and BLT and have never seen this advertised as exclusive for me and the other guests at those resorts. The monorail resorts cost about the same as the Yacht Club/Beach Club. Any differences in price are probably attributable to theme park views and proximity to the MK, not necessarily the monorail. It's not like they are advertising that you have exclusive use of the resort monorail whereas when you pay for club level, you know you are paying for access to the concierge or club level lounge.

Do I see this desire as elitist? Partly because those who desire this option are clamoring for the way things used to be so they don't have to share the monorail with other guests. All guests pay for the Disney transportation service whether it's part of your theme park ticket, parking fee or resort cost. Disney decided years ago that it was in their best interest to stop this exclusitivity as it must not have been working financially for them. But if Disney does return them to exclusive for just those at the monorail resorts, should Disney also make the Boardwalk exclusive to just those staying at the Boardwalk? Should Disney get rid of all public viewing areas at the Animal Kingdom Lodge? Should Disney not allow anyone to ride the Friendship boats if they aren't staying at the Swan/Dolpin/BW/BC or YC?

It's obvious we'll never agree on this and I think the whole side debate is a bit of a red herring for both sides of the monorail cut debate.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Well it's still called the Resort Monorail because it's how the guests tell the difference between that and the Express Monorail. The Magic Kingdom Monorail station even has a sign outside the ramp which says Resort Monorail.

But yet Cast Members shout out that both monorails get you to the same place and that you're free to join any line. They will even point out that the resort monorail line is shorter. Granted, it may still not get you to the TTC any faster but it does help Disney with crowd control at park closing. And no where on that sign does it say that it is EXCLUSIVE for monorail resort guests. It just means it stops at those resorts. If you choose to get off at a monorail resort or the TTC is your choice. If you wanted to, you could take a resort ferry to the Grand Floridian, walk around and hop on the monorail there, take it back to the MK and then take a ferry to the TTC. Don't know why one would do this, but they could.