Riding the Monorail

[FCDub]

Ben, you're wrong. Sorry.

 

[Ben E N]

Ben, you're wrong. Sorry.

With what? Please help me out here. Do they now charge to park for dining? Is NYE a blackout date? I'm getting vague possibilities and poopooing like this, but no actual helpful feedback or advice for the OP.

 

[Ben E N]

Ben, you're wrong. Sorry.

Well, no offense, but if that's all you have to contribute, I don't take much stock in your post. I don't even know what you are referring to, so I will assume it is my first post, about being allowed to ride the monorail. In that case, no, you are incorrect. Even though the Epcot monorail dips into the park for a bit, people do not get off in the park, so anybody can ride either monorail, once they pass through security, that is.

 

[Lilsia]

OP, I would just park at the TTC and then walk on over to the Poly. It is not that far away and then you can go around to the other resorts and to the parks without worrying about it. Poly has the tiniest parking lot as it is, and with it being NYE I would not want to risk going there and already having the parking lot full. Give yourself some extra time and walk over. Less stress that way.

 

[Ben E N]

OP, I would just park at the TTC and then walk on over to the Poly. It is not that far away and then you can go around to the other resorts and to the parks without worrying about it. Poly has the tiniest parking lot as it is, and with it being NYE I would not want to risk going there and already having the parking lot full. Give yourself some extra time and walk over. Less stress that way.

The only issue there is that OP is offsite. That's a ton of money to front just to avoid a possible risk. I agree with giving extra time, and would double that to extra extra time. The first bit to hope you get into the Poly lot, and the second extra amount to back track to the TT center if they get rejected there. $25 is different to different people, but to me, it's worth fighting for.

 

[FCDub]

Well, no offense, but if that's all you have to contribute, I don't take much stock in your post. I don't even know what you are referring to, so I will assume it is my first post, about being allowed to ride the monorail. In that case, no, you are incorrect. Even though the Epcot monorail dips into the park for a bit, people do not get off in the park, so anybody can ride either monorail, once they pass through security, that is.

The thing you've been arguing about for half the thread despite MULTIPLE people telling you you're incorrect.

 

[Lilsia]

The only issue there is that OP is offsite. That's a ton of money to front just to avoid a possible risk. I agree with giving extra time, and would double that to extra extra time. The first bit to hope you get into the Poly lot, and the second extra amount to back track to the TT center if they get rejected there. $25 is different to different people, but to me, it's worth fighting for.

If $25 for parking is something a person can not afford, then I don't think spending probably double that for breakfast is a great idea. Especially if they were planning on going to the parks that day, they will have to pay that anyway.

 

[Ben E N]

The thing you've been arguing about for half the thread despite MULTIPLE people telling you you're incorrect.

What would that be? That you can park at the resorts for free if you have dining reservation there? There has been statements, unsupported by any evidence, stating that, but that's why I supported mine with at least one outside source. Its a real thing so I don't know where that blowback came from.

 

[Ben E N]

If $25 for parking is something a person can not afford, then I don't think spending probably double that for breakfast is a great idea. Especially if they were planning on going to the parks that day, they will have to pay that anyway.

Yeah but to me it's about 20 minutes extra time to check the Poly lot. Also, with the deluxe parking fee in effect for the first NYE ever, I would put the odds of a space being available in the morning at around 60%. Random guess there though because we have no historical data to base that on. Plus the admiringly very low odds that they could take pity on you and let you park elsewhere for free, I'll put odds there are 2%. So to me you're spending $25 extra to save yourself 38% odds of saving 20 minutes to check the Poly lot. Not worth it to me, but to each their own.
A lot of people can afford places like Ohana specifically because they do scrimp and fight over those $25, and I want to be able to help them if I can.

 

[Lilsia]

What would that be? That you can park at the resorts for free if you have dining reservation there? There has been statements, unsupported by any evidence, stating that, but that's why I supported mine with at least one outside source. Its a real thing so I don't know where that blowback came from.

I think the issue is that with this being on NYE, they is a chance that the lot will be full and they can get turned away or have to pay for valet, even with a reservation. Most times of the year it would be a non -issue. The OP asked if they could just leave their car after they ate and leave the resort. Again, probably not a big deal most of the time. But on NYE, it is reasonable to think that they would want to keep the parking for those actually staying at the resort. Disney giving someone free parking while eating is a bonus because most time they have to space. There are plenty of restaurants in cities that do not even have parking and you have to pay somewhere. A restaurant does not "owe" anyone free parking.

 

[Lilsia]

Yeah but to me it's about 20 minutes extra time to check the Poly lot. Also, with the deluxe parking fee in effect for the first NYE ever, I would put the odds of a space being available in the morning at around 60%. Random guess there though because we have no historical data to base that on. Plus the admiringly very low odds that they could take pity on you and let you park elsewhere for free, I'll put odds there are 2%. So to me you're spending $25 extra to save yourself 38% odds of saving 20 minutes to check the Poly lot. Not worth it to me, but to each their own.
A lot of people can afford places like Ohana specifically because they do scrimp and fight over those $25, and I want to be able to help them if I can.

My point was, they are more then likely going to the park that day. So they will have to pay for parking anyway. Going anywhere on one of the busiest days of the year is not going to be easy.

 

[Ben E N]

My point was, they are more then likely going to the park that day. So they will have to pay for parking anyway. Going anywhere on one of the busiest days of the year is not going to be easy.

Ok, I agree there. There was no mention of going to the park in the original post, so I thought it was a special breakfast, tour the hotels, and then leave day. I remember doing that once when I stayed off site. If you're paying for the parks that day anyway, then your once paid ticket is good all day anyway, so yes do the T&T and just walk it. If not, fight for those $25.

And no, I'm not saying that the hotel owes it to the OP to give them free parking, but they are in fact offering it, as long as it is available. With the new premium charges for overnight parking, historical parking lot availability is not an indication of what it will be going forward, especially at the super expensive to park at premium resorts. It would be foolish to throw in the towel and assume that you won't be able to get in the lot without at least trying first. I agree that it would be wise to have a backup plan in place, though, as NYE is one of the busiest days by a good margin.

 

[buyerbrad]

I'd prefer not to pay the TTC parking cost if possible. I will contact the hotel to see what they have to say about parking availability.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'd prefer not to pay the TTC parking cost if possible. I will contact the hotel to see what they have to say about parking availability.

Okay, but you should, first, that you will not and can not speak with the hotel. Despite having a direct number, all calls to resorts to go a call center. The person you speak with "at the Polynesian" at 9 AM can easily be the one I spoke with "at Pop Century" on my call just before yours.

Second, the answer you get may not be the right one, or it may be accurate in July but not December.

 

[goofy4tink]

Yeah but to me it's about 20 minutes extra time to check the Poly lot. Also, with the deluxe parking fee in effect for the first NYE ever, I would put the odds of a space being available in the morning at around 60%. Random guess there though because we have no historical data to base that on. Plus the admiringly very low odds that they could take pity on you and let you park elsewhere for free, I'll put odds there are 2%. So to me you're spending $25 extra to save yourself 38% odds of saving 20 minutes to check the Poly lot. Not worth it to me, but to each their own.
A lot of people can afford places like Ohana specifically because they do scrimp and fight over those $25, and I want to be able to help them if I can.

The Polynesian has started denying anyone without an existing ADR entry into parking lots on holidays, such as July 4. They then issued wrist bands to those with ADRs. So, you're doing a disservice telling people that they will be able to park if they get there early enough. Entry only with ADRs or those staying there. No shopping, no dropping in to check out the resort.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2018/...or-disney-world-resort-guests/comment-page-4/

As included in that link:

"Now, how will this change affect guests hoping to dine, shop, or enjoy entertainment or recreation at a Disney Resort? At this time, “Day Guests” (those not staying overnight at the Resort) will still be able to self-park without a fee (space permitting, presumably)."

Therefore, parking is included in dining costs, assuming you are actually dining at the resort. Not sure how you guys can read that any differently.

Ok.....this is nothing new. This has always been the case. It is put out now due to Disney's now charging those paying to stay at a resort overnight parking. If you will notice the bolded....the OP wishes to leave the resort and use the monorail to ride around the loop, getting on and off. This is NOT what the bolded allows. Period. No need to read it several different ways. You are allowed to park at a resort while you are at that resort...not while you are away from the resort. Period.

No one is going to argue that you can park if you have an ADR. The issue is if you choose to leave that resort, while leaving your car behind. That is rude, and at times there is signage that alerts the driver to the lack of parking for park access (which basically means you don't leave the resort property).

 

[Ben E N]

The Polynesian has started denying anyone without an existing ADR entry into parking lots on holidays, such as July 4. They then issued wrist bands to those with ADRs. So, you're doing a disservice telling people that they will be able to park if they get there early enough. Entry only with ADRs or those staying there. No shopping, no dropping in to check out the resort

I strongly assume that dining on NYE at O'Hana, the OP has an ADR. You are correct about needing one, though, which is why I mentioned free parking being associated with dining, which for some strange reason people took issue with. The reason I recommended showing up early was in case the lot was full regardless and the OP needed to make backup plans and still make the ADR on time. This was posted specifically because people have been arguing that they will not be able to park there even with an ADR. If there is any confirmation out there that they will save spots for ADR people, I'm sure that would help end this discussion.
In the meantime the only argument I'm trying to make is that it would be dumb to throw in the towel and pay to park elsewhere because you are afraid that a lot you are given free parking to may be too crowded.

As for the ethics of hanging around and riding the monorail after, that's completely fair to bring up for discussion. I know the monorail loop takes 20 or so minutes just to loop around, and that is not including stopping at each resort, looking around, going back through security and then waiting for a new monorail to show up. Adding that to a dining reservation would easily bump the time the car is in the spot to close to three hours, if not over. It would be a shame if someone else couldn't park for their ADR because another is taking too long with theirs.
A more "fair" alternative may be to just walk over to the the Grand Floridian to take a look, then walking back. Others can feel free to take issue with that, as it is leaving the resort, even if just for a short time.

 

[buyerbrad]

We have a breakfast ADR for 10:20am on NYE. We are not staying on property and will not be going to a park.

 

[maxiesmom]

We can all state what policy is, and you can call and ask, but no one can tell you for sure what will happen the day of. The added issue is that you are talking about an exceedingly busy time of year. What may be allowed on Jan 19 may not be allowed on Dec 31. It is up to the CMs there at that exact time.

Policy is you can park for the duration of your meal, with 3 hours being the typical time limit. What you may be told day of, none of us can answer. If the resort is crazy busy you may not be allowed to park there at all. Give yourself extra time, just in case.

 

[Ben E N]

Now that is has been well established that, space permitting, you can park at the Polynesian for free using your ADR, let me actually offer a completely different idea to you.
I have no idea what your day's plans, or trip's plans include, or how often you go to Disney World, so this whole suggestion may be off base. If that is the case, feel free to ignore it.
If your goal is to see Christmas decorations, I really suggest you check out the Wilderness Lodge. It is supposed to be the "best" decorations and vibe on property. To do so, you would need to pay to park at the TT center. You would then take your time eating breakfast, could do a leisurely ride on the monorail to check out each monorail resort, and then then when you get to the Contemporary, take the boat over to the Wilderness Lodge and back. The whole trip would take you a couple of hours, which is why there is no way you could do it if you park at the Polynesian. Depending on your enjoyment of the monorail, and how much time allows for in the afternoon, you could even hop on the Epcot one to see the inside of that park, and how insanely busy it is on New Years Eve.
Just a thought to make this a more relaxing visit for you, and one where you get to see the best that Disney has to offer.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Sorry to revive a thread that has mostly run its course I guess, but @buyerbrad, I just wanted to stress how different things at Poly can be on days like NYE. We stayed at Poly the past two 7/4’s and also NYE this past year. Things can operate ‘differently’ on those days - sometimes with little consistency - so it’s very much a YMMV kind of day when it comes to transportion and sometimes typical DIS advice may not apply.

Maybe obvious given the circumstances, but I would definitely leave yourself plenty of time and be prepared for all options you may encounter... being allowed to park, not allowed to park, needing to valet, etc.

By your late morning ADR - things all around WDW are going to be picking up. This was the traffic to get in the MK toll plaza last year at 8:30AM:





I mention this because even simple things like “just turning around and parking at the TTC” have the potential to be very difficult and time consuming options.

If this were me - and I know this is quite expensive - but I would valet at Poly. It’s $33, super easy, and you avoid any sort of worry about leaving your car. You’ll be dining at and touring the monorail resorts during the beautiful holiday season on one of the most exciting (and crowded) days of the year in WDW - the last thing you want to do is worry about your car.

Just my two cents - good luck OP!