Increased foot traffic at Epcot's International Gate...

[nickys]

but at the mk resorts you do have two options. at the 'contemporary you can walk or take the monorail (to mk) at the Grand floridian you can go by boat or the monorail to mk or monorail and bus to Epcot. The only one I'm not sure about is the Poly. Wilderness lodge you can take the Boat to MK or a bus to the TTC.

I will be shocked if they only do gondolas to Epcot, what are they going to do with the hundreds of guest with a fear of heights? with kids that don't want to ride them?

Doesn't specifically have to be buses but I thought most deluxes give you a couple of options to get to the parks. Even the epcot resorts have boats and walking to HS.

Ok I'm changing my opinion to agree with Captain america. If they are going to get rid of the Epcot buses and the only choice for those resorts is going to be the gondolas, they need a plan. I sure as heck would not stay there with only that form of transportation.

animal kingdom is the exception because it's out in the boondocks, lol away from every thing.

We have discussed this before in this thread, several times.

One of the reasons for introducing the gondolas is to reduce the bus traffic around WDW.

The plan, revealed by several of our insiders, is to all but cut the buses from AoA, POP and CBR to Epcot and DHS.

Anyone not wanting to ride the gondolas have plenty of other resorts to stay at. All Stars, Coronado and the two Port Orleans resorts.

Since you now know this, don't plan to stay at one of those resorts. It really is that simple.

Not sure why you brought up the deluxes. Only the new Riviera resort is affected, which is all DVC. Like OKW and Saratoga and Kidani, having only one means of transport is nothing new for DVC resorts.

And as for other ways to get to Epcot and DHS. There are actually several possibilities:
-taxi
-Uber/lyft
-Minnie vans
-bus elsewhere and transfer

Poly by the at is boat or monorail. WL is boat or bus to MK. No Disney buses run to TTC, except rarely. Such as for example, resort monorail is down, they will run a bus to TTC for transfer to the Epcot line sometimes.

 

[eliza61nyc]

We have discussed this before in this thread, several times.

One of the reasons for introducing the gondolas is to reduce the bus traffic around WDW.

The plan, revealed by several of our insiders, is to all but cut the buses from AoA, POP and CBR to Epcot and DHS.

Anyone not wanting to ride the gondolas have plenty of other resorts to stay at. All Stars, Coronado and the two Port Orleans resorts.

Since you now know this, don't plan to stay at one of those resorts. It really is that simple.

Not sure why you brought up the deluxes. Only the new Riviera resort is affected, which is all DVC. Like OKW and Saratoga and Kidani, having only one means of transport is nothing new for DVC resorts.

And as for other ways to get to Epcot and DHS. There are actually several possibilities:
-taxi
-Uber/lyft
-Minnie vans
-bus elsewhere and transfer

Poly by the at is boat or monorail. WL is boat or bus to MK. No Disney buses run to TTC, except rarely. Such as for example, resort monorail is down, they will run a bus to TTC for transfer to the Epcot line sometimes.

I did not bring up the deluxes. some one mentioned that IG is a favorite hidden gem for folks at the BC, YC and the Boardwalk which happen to be deluxe resorts.

I am a dvc owner at the BEACH club which will be affected THAT is why it I brought it up.

 

[nickys]

I did not bring up the deluxes. some one mentioned that IG is a favorite hidden gem for folks at the BC, YC and the Boardwalk which happen to be deluxe resorts.

I am a dvc owner at the BEACH club which will be affected THAT is why it I brought it up.

Not sure I understand. You talked about gondolas being the only transport to Epcot and DHS. This was your quote:

"Doesn't specifically have to be buses but I thought most deluxes give you a couple of options to get to the parks. Even the epcot resorts have boats and walking to HS".

POP, AoA and CBR will only have gondolas to Epcot and DHS. Your quote referred to deluxes, which those resorts are not.

 

[nickys]

What about the scooters though? Wouldn't that slow down the gondolas a lot.

The scooters will be able to board gondolas. Try the gondola thread for details. It is slow loading at the stations, plenty of time for scooters, strollers and everyone else to load.

Plus we now have some visual evidence of a station set-up which could be used for extra loading suitable for scooters that could even be stopped without affecting the main loading areas.

 

[eliza61nyc]

Not sure I understand. You talked about gondolas being the only transport to Epcot and DHS. This was your quote:

"Doesn't specifically have to be buses but I thought most deluxes give you a couple of options to get to the parks. Even the epcot resorts have boats and walking to HS".

POP, AoA and CBR will only have gondolas to Epcot and DHS. Your quote referred to deluxes, which those resorts are not.

Lol that was a response to a direct question from larryz. You'll have to play connect the dots. We were discussing the impact on the deluxe resorts.
The original topic was about the IG entrance which is always used by deluxe resorts.
You'll have to go back and follow the bouncing thread

But the basic concern is if that area gets flooded with additional guest how will that affect those of us who stay at the Epcot area resorts which are deluxe.

No problem

 

[nickys]

Lol that was a response to a direct question from larryz. You'll have to play connect the dots. We were discussing the impact on the deluxe resorts.
The original topic was about the IG entrance which is always used by deluxe resorts.
You'll have to go back and follow the bouncing thread

But the basic concern is if that area gets flooded with additional guest how will that affect those of us who stay at the Epcot area resorts which are deluxe.

No problem

Ah, OK. Makes sense now. But bouncing threads, surely not?!

 

[eliza61nyc]

Ah, OK. Makes sense now. But bouncing threads, surely not?!

Lol you remember those old cartoons where they had the bouncing red ball following the dialogue. God I'm old.

Anyhoo, so let me ask, do you think the Gondolas will be an issue to that back gate.

 

[nickys]

Lol you remember those old cartoons where they had the bouncing red ball following the dialogue. God I'm old.

Anyhoo, so let me ask, do you think the Gondolas will be an issue to that back gate.

Up until some point last week, I was fairly confident it would make little difference. The original plans had the gondolas inside the secure zone, so all that needed to happen was a couple more tapstiles and a reconfiguration of the approach to the IG.

Sadly, it now seems they are leaning towards not doing that. Meaning all security checks will need to be done at the IG.

However, other than at rope drop, I doubt it will make too much difference. What they could do, if they go with the latest plans, is move the security checks back for the Epcot resort guests.

That way you have a 3 prong approach, each with their own security checks (from gondolas, boats and foot) and then the tapstiles at the entrance where they are now.

Otherwise rope drop will become more of a bottle neck. But then I don't rope drop and likely never will. So it won't affect me that much. Honestly a few minutes queueing just doesn't bother me though. Whatever happens I will still want to stay at BCV?

It doesn't make any sense to me though. The gondolas should all be inside the secure zone, just like the monorail. Hopefully sense will prevail.

 

[Dutch Inn '76]

Meaning all security checks will need to be done at the IG.

I'll be surprised if this is the final outcome. They are trying to decentralize security checks so that there is never a large bottleneck of people waiting around for anything *outside* of the security bubble. This is a prime terrorist/psycho target, and The Mouse certainly doesn't want that. This is why they moved the security check away from the front gate of the MK.

 

[nickys]

I'll be surprised if this is the final outcome. They are trying to decentralize security checks so that there is never a large bottleneck of people waiting around for anything *outside* of the security bubble. This is a prime terrorist/psycho target, and The Mouse certainly doesn't want that. This is why they moved the security check away from the front gate of the MK.

Exactly! That's why I was so surprised when Martin confirmed the latest thinking. Maybe they're floating ideas around, trying to see where they can cut costs.

Reconfiguring the IG won't be cheap but it doesn't make sense to reign back now on decentralising security checks, as you say. I really hope they revert to plan A soon.

 

[MisterPenguin]

What about the scooters though? Wouldn't that slow down the gondolas a lot.

Wheeled vehicles not a problem on the gondolas...

Gondola on wheels...

 

[winstongator]

Is anyone else concerned about the future crowds at Epcot's International Gate? What was once a laid-back, sparsely-populated entrance (during most times) may soon be much more crowded with the gondola's dropping off guests. Think all of the increased foot traffic will affect the Boardwalk or the near-by resorts (Beach, Yacht, BoardWalk)?

Did you hear the Testa/Hill podcast episode on this?

 

[eliza61nyc]

Wheeled vehicles not a problem on the gondolas...

wow, though if someone with a double stroller gets on, not much room for others

 

[MisterPenguin]

wow, though if someone with a double stroller gets on, not much room for others

We'll see when we get specs for the gondola. Sources say it's a newer model of an 8 seater which is bigger than most ski lifts' 8 seaters. But with the bench seats folded up, they should fit with a few companions who'll need to stand.

 

[correcaminos]

Yea, it's a shame that there will be no one around making sure that doesn't happen isn't it? What year does everyone think we live in anyway. With the building full of lawyers that work for Disney don't any of you think that they might have thought about that? That is the same team that were so concerned about the trams that they had dumba$$ doors put on them. It will work, it will be fine and we all will live happily ever after no matter how many doomsayers cross the path.

I'll withhold all judgments until we see it all in action. I hope they can reduce the usage of buses throughout the parks so anything new that works I'm good with it.

My post was really to let people know those who rent scooters aren't always inexperienced, but that the equipment can be to blame

 

[surfsupdon]

I hope the SkyLiner will jolt some life into the Epcot Resorts at night. I love being outside when the promenades are alive with activity and people. Atlantic Dance is FUN when people are inside having fun. Hopefully this will encourage Disney Guests to use the area more. It is not as nice in the evening when it is desolate.

 

[Bronson55]

Wow, best intelligent,adult, non judgemental , non hidden agenda response to the scooter issue I have ever read. How refreshing! Thank you Willmark
Wish we would all follow the same thought process with other hot buttons common to these threads such as service dogs, tour groups, etc.. Biggest problem is the exaggeration of problem magnitude .

I used to so enjoy these forums for the wealth of knowledge they provided and also to enhance the anticipation of my next WDW trip. Sadly, things have changed not so much for the better. Almost every forum turns sour by the second page. Points of view turn into out right out insults and often take on bizarre tangents purely for antagonistic value. For example what is the need of sneaking in those political barbs disguised as humor ?

 

[Dutch Inn '76]

I hope the SkyLiner will jolt some life into the Epcot Resorts at night. I love being outside when the promenades are alive with activity and people. Atlantic Dance is FUN when people are inside having fun. Hopefully this will encourage Disney Guests to use the area more. It is not as nice in the evening when it is desolate.

EXACTLY RIGHT. The Boardwalk needs more people.

 

[OneofThree]

I hope the SkyLiner will jolt some life into the Epcot Resorts at night. I love being outside when the promenades are alive with activity and people. Atlantic Dance is FUN when people are inside having fun. Hopefully this will encourage Disney Guests to use the area more. It is not as nice in the evening when it is desolate.

EXACTLY RIGHT. The Boardwalk needs more people.

I'm inclined to believe that the effect of the gondola system will primarily be increased traffic through IG. I think the reason you don't see more people on the Boardwalk remains the same. If I'm staying at CBR for example, and am leaving Epcot through IG after a hot, tired day, I'm probably more interested in a shower and some rest than I am Atlantic Dance Hall. Disney Springs is huge draw at night as well, and likely captures those who are looking to go out. I don't see how gondolas change any of that.

 

[surfsupdon]

I'm inclined to believe that the effect of the gondola system will primarily be increased traffic through IG. I think the reason you don't see more people on the Boardwalk remains the same. If I'm staying at CBR for example, and am leaving Epcot through IG after a hot, tired day, I'm probably more interested in a shower and some rest than I am Atlantic Dance Hall. Disney Springs is huge draw at night as well, and likely captures those who are looking to go out. I don't see how gondolas change any of that.

I see your point in that situation. But if i am staying at Caribbean, I am way more inclined to have dinner at Crews Cup, get ice cream at Ample Hills, and then dance a few songs at Atlantic Dance because there is easy, direct access to that area now. Pre SkyLiner, I would avoid plans at the Crescent Lake Resorts if I were not staying there. Disney Transport was annoying. But now post SkyLiner, it is an easy way to get to a whole area of great restaurants and night time fun.