2hours to get to my car...

[Jakester]

If the park is crowded (as I imagine it would be during a Saturday night in the summer) why would any one think it would be quick to get anywhere after the park closes? People don't just disappear.

I was expecting some people, just not ALOT, HALF THE PARK AMOUNT of people leaving 1hour after closing

 

[Jakester]

To be fair you, per your own story, only spent half that time actually trying to get to your car.

You can blame Disney that it took you 2 hours to get to your car when you spent half of that time hanging out in the the park.


EDIT: Also, is the boat ride from Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian really 40 minutes long? That doesn't seem right.

once on the boat, it didnt take long, it took a while to get onto a boat

 

[Bravo 229]

actually, at 12:15, there was no longer any line for the ferry so all things considered, it would have been equal, if not slightly shorter to wait had you stayed in line for the Ferry.

I don't remember what time it was, but at the time we were loaded on the GF/Poly boat the line for the Ferry was still extended far out of the Ferry queue. We were loaded on the third or fourth boat that docked while we were waiting. It probably would've been about equal, but I went with the shorter looking line to avoid a meltdown someone in my party that doesn't know the meaning of the word patience. lol

 

[peachykeen]

Honestly I think a lot of people overestimate the wait time for the Monorails/boats. For example, when the Express Monorail ramp is packed full of people all the way down to the very bottom of the ramp, that is about a 6 minute wait until you are about to get on a train (assuming trains are running the regular 2-3 minute intervals which they usually are at the exit.)

Even if the entire ramp is full and we have most of our queue full, that wait is about 20 minutes tops. It's so funny to me to hear Guest's exit the park and see the line and say with all sincerity that they honestly believe the line is going to take hours. When I tell them it is 15-20 minutes they don't believe me. :shrug: Meh, don't trust me I just work here. (Not saying that to anyone on this thread specifically, but that's what runs through my head when people ask me a question and think they know the answer better than me.)

Bottom line is, the line for the Monorails is almost never as long of a wait as it appears. Moving 350 people every 3 minutes clears them out pretty quick! Normally if I am doing fireworks exit Audience Control, the finale is roughly 12 minutes after the hour, and we are usually tearing down the queue at about 45 after the hour, meaning from beginning to end the rush is only about 30 minutes.

Obviously if the Monorails aren't running, that information isn't very helpful But just for general reference when you all are there next and the Monorails are (hopefully) running.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Honestly I think a lot of people overestimate the wait time for the Monorails/boats. For example, when the Express Monorail ramp is packed full of people all the way down to the very bottom of the ramp, that is about a 6 minute wait until you are about to get on a train (assuming trains are running the regular 2-3 minute intervals which they usually are at the exit.)

Even if the entire ramp is full and we have most of our queue full, that wait is about 20 minutes tops. It's so funny to me to hear Guest's exit the park and see the line and say with all sincerity that they honestly believe the line is going to take hours. When I tell them it is 15-20 minutes they don't believe me. :shrug: Meh, don't trust me I just work here. (Not saying that to anyone on this thread specifically, but that's what runs through my head when people ask me a question and think they know the answer better than me.)

Bottom line is, the line for the Monorails is almost never as long of a wait as it appears. Moving 350 people every 3 minutes clears them out pretty quick! Normally if I am doing fireworks exit Audience Control, the finale is roughly 12 minutes after the hour, and we are usually tearing down the queue at about 45 after the hour, meaning from beginning to end the rush is only about 30 minutes.

Obviously if the Monorails aren't running, that information isn't very helpful But just for general reference when you all are there next and the Monorails are (hopefully) running.

Exaggerations with transport tend to happen a lot. Just like how you hear that bus rides to/from AKL take forever when they really do not.

 

[Mammymouse]

I don't know what Disney's crowd numbers would be from the average end of night exit rush, but I would guess that they move more people safely and timely than any city could handle. Just think about when you leave a sporting event, concert, parade or other large gathering anywhere else the massive traffic snafus there are. I'm always impressed the amount of people that Disney can move so quickly. The only time I get a little impatient is when we are waiting for a bus and every other hotel stop has had at least three or more buses pick up and we have not had even one.

 

[Monorail Lime]

I had to ask a monorail pilot why (how) all the monorails were back under shelter (at stations) if lightning struck. I didn't get how they got there if power went out. He explained that the stations have some backup power, enough to get the trains back. I wasn't sure I quite followed that. Hearing that the MAPO sensors went out explains a great deal. Does that mean the bus bar kept power, but the trains obviously couldn't continue going like normal without collision sensors?

Keep in mind that most cast members don't really know (or care) how the system works and will give whatever answers they think will end a guest conversation quickly.

 

[echovictor]

Honestly I think a lot of people overestimate the wait time for the Monorails/boats. For example, when the Express Monorail ramp is packed full of people all the way down to the very bottom of the ramp, that is about a 6 minute wait until you are about to get on a train (assuming trains are running the regular 2-3 minute intervals which they usually are at the exit.)

Even if the entire ramp is full and we have most of our queue full, that wait is about 20 minutes tops. It's so funny to me to hear Guest's exit the park and see the line and say with all sincerity that they honestly believe the line is going to take hours. When I tell them it is 15-20 minutes they don't believe me. :shrug: Meh, don't trust me I just work here. (Not saying that to anyone on this thread specifically, but that's what runs through my head when people ask me a question and think they know the answer better than me.)

Bottom line is, the line for the Monorails is almost never as long of a wait as it appears. Moving 350 people every 3 minutes clears them out pretty quick! Normally if I am doing fireworks exit Audience Control, the finale is roughly 12 minutes after the hour, and we are usually tearing down the queue at about 45 after the hour, meaning from beginning to end the rush is only about 30 minutes.

Obviously if the Monorails aren't running, that information isn't very helpful But just for general reference when you all are there next and the Monorails are (hopefully) running.

I love the insider info on these forums. I've never asked anyone how long it would take to clear a line, but I am one of those that looks at the line and assumes it will take forever. (I'll also spend an extra 10 minutes driving around my elbow to avoid stop lights.) BUT knowing this, I will now wait patiently...that is if they are running when I'm leaving.

 

[gallerie]

From what I remember reading on Facebook, Monorails went down this afternoon after a close call with a lightning strike shutting the system down for the rest of the day while repairs were underway...

unfortunately this meant stress on the remaining options.

But isnt that the whole idea of using so many buses -- that they can more quickly react to situations and it sounds like they had time if it shut down in the afternoon..... sounds like that argument should be shelved to me.

 

[janoimagine]

So tonight (August 20, 2011), i was leaving Magic Kingdom. Park closed at 11pm, i stayed inside the park until about 11:50pm hoping it would be quick to get onto a boat or something. To my suprise a LONG DANG LINE for the Ferry stretching to Baggage check and a 90minute Bus wait (to go to TTC), i was very mad and confused onto what i was going to do, so i decide to take a boat to poly and walk, i got on in about 15minutes, got there, and luckly a bus was waiting with nobody on it to go to TTC, so i get on (he warned me about the long drive but i didnt care, sparred me walking). so 15minutes later i get dropped off at TTC (1:00am) and i was dreading the long walk to goofy parking lot but to my suprise (and luck) they were running the trams (2hours after closing). I was soo happy to get to my car.

My point in all of this is It takes me 2hours just to get to my car now ??????
Common Disney, realize how we feel and replace the dang monorails so they can run full time...

This is the first time i am considering actually complainning to mangement about this....

Other than that, Fantastic day at Magic Kingdom and Enjoyed the Tiki-Room so much i saw it twice

Your also attending the park ... in peak season ... on a weekend ... in the Summer. :shrug: Just sayin'.

 

[worldfanatic]

Wow that's nuts! I don't think I'll ever understand the reasoning behind some of Disney's decisions!

Yeah, I just don't understand why Disney would order that lightning strike.:brick:

Sometimes it pays to read.

:ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL:

I also wondered about a walking path. Had I been in a long line for the ferry at 10pm, I would probably prefer to walk back to TTC (probably on the Contemporary side). I've run that road many times on the marathons, but if memory serves, there's no sidewalk for most of it. COULD they put in a sidewalk to give folks a second option in evenings like last night?

They'd be surprised how many people would enjoy that stroll heading in and out of the parks, even on smooth transportation days.

There's plenty of us who are totally opposite of "WDW Commando" mode, and love the longer walks around Disney World.

That would be a Gem!

 

[toolsnspools]

They'd be surprised how many people would enjoy that stroll heading in and out of the parks, even on smooth transportation days.

There's plenty of us who are totally opposite of "WDW Commando" mode, and love the longer walks around Disney World.

That would be a Gem!

Absolutely, especially if the water parade were going on. The lagoon is so nice at night. It would be perfect for winding down after a long day in MK. I might even leave the park early to get away from the crowds for the fireworks.

 

[BigTxEars]

:ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL:



They'd be surprised how many people would enjoy that stroll heading in and out of the parks, even on smooth transportation days.

There's plenty of us who are totally opposite of "WDW Commando" mode, and love the longer walks around Disney World.

That would be a Gem!

I am with you No interest in commando mode for me either

 

[mimitchi33]

I was leaving Magic Kingdom. Park closed at 11pm, i stayed inside the park until about 11:50pm hoping it would be quick to get onto a boat or something. To my suprise a LONG DANG LINE for the Ferry stretching to Baggage check and a 90minute Bus wait (to go to TTC), i was very mad and confused onto what i was going to do.

I saw an insane crowd for the fireworks on my last trip, and I believe I saw a long line for the monorail during one EMH evening of the trip.
Speaking of trams, there was this little joke me and my sister made about a tram on our trip during the evening hours, thinking it was a normal car:
"Poor little tram is going to be stuck in traffic!".

Back on the subject, why wait 90 minutes for the buses? I only waited 15 minutes for a bus to take us to Hollywood Studios for dinner, but why 90? I would be eating dinner at Hollywood Studios, riding Toy Story Mania! and The Great Movie Ride at the time!

 

[AEfx]

Honestly I think a lot of people overestimate the wait time for the Monorails/boats. For example, when the Express Monorail ramp is packed full of people all the way down to the very bottom of the ramp, that is about a 6 minute wait until you are about to get on a train (assuming trains are running the regular 2-3 minute intervals which they usually are at the exit.)

Even if the entire ramp is full and we have most of our queue full, that wait is about 20 minutes tops. It's so funny to me to hear Guest's exit the park and see the line and say with all sincerity that they honestly believe the line is going to take hours. When I tell them it is 15-20 minutes they don't believe me. :shrug: Meh, don't trust me I just work here. (Not saying that to anyone on this thread specifically, but that's what runs through my head when people ask me a question and think they know the answer better than me.)

I think the problem is becoming, people don't want to have to spend 10-30 minutes (once you count actual transport times, etc.) just getting across the lagoon. At the beginning, or especially end of the day, it feels even worse.

Now, I get the romantic notions of it...and I like it in that respect. But...especially since I know it's an illusion, it's just like, come on, LOL. I'd even prefer if there were a large walkway over the lagoon so I didn't have to wait in line.

You spend all day waiting in lines at WDW. It is just feeling like having to wait in line to get transportation to get across the lagoon just to wait in line to get in is past it's prime. Especally if you park far away and take a tram - so just to get to Main Street, you have to wait in 3 lines.

Maybe it's just our culture losing patience, and I'm sure some people love the wait for the fact that it's not "instant", I think by and large if you asked most people, "Would you rather have a cool mode of transport to the gate, but have to spend 10-30 minutes on each side of your visit for a potential 20 min to an hour of just getting across the lagoon...I think most people would vote against it.

 

[zulemara]

I think the problem is becoming, people don't want to have to spend 10-30 minutes (once you count actual transport times, etc.) just getting across the lagoon. At the beginning, or especially end of the day, it feels even worse.

Now, I get the romantic notions of it...and I like it in that respect. But...especially since I know it's an illusion, it's just like, come on, LOL. I'd even prefer if there were a large walkway over the lagoon so I didn't have to wait in line.

You spend all day waiting in lines at WDW. It is just feeling like having to wait in line to get transportation to get across the lagoon just to wait in line to get in is past it's prime. Especally if you park far away and take a tram - so just to get to Main Street, you have to wait in 3 lines.

Maybe it's just our culture losing patience, and I'm sure some people love the wait for the fact that it's not "instant", I think by and large if you asked most people, "Would you rather have a cool mode of transport to the gate, but have to spend 10-30 minutes on each side of your visit for a potential 20 min to an hour of just getting across the lagoon...I think most people would vote against it.

That's because most people who go to WDW don't understand the history and reasoning for it. Yes, it's a culture change, but the lake is there and it's not going anywhere. I'll take one from the company's Pleasure Island philosophy here and say "if you don't like it(the clubs being closed), go somewhere else"

We are not six flags, Cedar point, US, Seaworld, or any of the other parks. We are Disney and things are done for a reason to immerse you in the experience. People need to accept it and plan for it just like anything else.

 

[David S.]

That's because most people who go to WDW don't understand the history and reasoning for it. Yes, it's a culture change, but the lake is there and it's not going anywhere. I'll take one from the company's Pleasure Island philosophy here and say "if you don't like it(the clubs being closed), go somewhere else"

I'm sure you're not speaking for Disney here, regarding "if you don't like it, go somewhere else"

I do understand the history and reasoning behind it, and I'm sure AEfx does too.

The company was landlocked in Cali, and didn't have space for the "Grand Approach", but in Florida they had the land to try it. The fact that the Lagoon was created due to excavating dirt to elevate the MK no doubt contributed as well.

But I find it interesting that this type of "Grand Entrance" - making guests dependent on a transportation queue to enter and leave the park - was not duplicated for the Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong Magic Kingdoms. Perhaps experience in Florida showed them that while aesthetically interesting, this approach can cause logistical problems.

Personally, I can enjoy the "buildup" in the mornings; that is, when the monorails are running smoothly and not down or delayed, causing me to wonder if I'll miss the Welcome Show/Rope Drop even though I parked my car a full hour before park opening

In the evenings though, after the park is closed, I am less enthusiastic on nights when the park closes WITH the fireworks, there is a long queue for the monorails and ferries, and I am dead tired and just want to hit the pillow so I can wake up and do it all again at a different park the next day! In those moods, I totally understand where AEfx is coming from.

That said, on nights when the queues aren't bad and there's a nice cool nip in the air, a ferry boat ride standing on the upper deck, watching the beautiful Magic Kingdom lights fade away in the distance, can be quite lovely and sublime

 

[Zummi Gummi]

If they would just build that bridge (one of those ones like they have at Epcot that raise and lower so the water pageant boats could still get through), people would finally be able to walk to the GF (and the Poly if they were feeling especially ambitious).

We're talking what? 20 feet?

 

[Brian_B]

How does your apparent lack of time management skills constitute news and/or a rumor again?

 

[David S.]

If they would just build that bridge (one of those ones like they have at Epcot that raise and lower so the water pageant boats could still get through), people would finally be able to walk to the GF (and the Poly if they were feeling especially ambitious).

We're talking what? 20 feet?

Great idea! This would provide a convenient pedestrian alternative for Floridian and Poly guests (like Contemporary guests have now).

And it would also provide a scenic and more "legitimate" walking path to the TTC as well, since there is a nice and pretty walking path connecting the Poly to the TTC