Monorail Vs. Ferry Boat

[HM999thGhost]

Which does everyone prefere?? I take the monorail most but my parents always make me take the ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom at least once...but the monorail is by far better and faster. But then in the evening from the Magic Kingdom when it closes the line to get on the monorail is huge!! And if it was raining....the monorail smells all musty like and wet....and very cold!!

 

[tigsmom]

I would rather ride the boats, but we always take at least one ride on the monorail. :wave:

 

[ogryn]

I remember arrive once at the MK, and my Mum was like lets take the ferry.

I just looked at her like "you have to be joking right ". She wasn't. That sucked.

If I want to ride a ferry, I can drive down the road and take one to Portsmouth, The Isle of Wight, France or Spain. I want ride the cool monorail....

 

[HM999thGhost]

Does anyone have any information on that "new" dock by the ferry boats to the Magic Kingdom??? When I was there they looked red, I don't know if they have been painted or not but is there a new ferry that is faster/bigger?

 

[disneyfamily]

Now this is the ultimate question. My family has this argument every time we visit MK. I prefer the ferry, you never have to wait long and can always find a seat. Granted it takes a little longer to get over to the park, but how many times have you ridden the monorail and had to wait just before the teminal due to traffic on the line?

The next ultimate question should be.......Do you take the tram from the parking lot or just walk?

 

[civileng68]

times

Actually if you get to the ferry boat just as it's loading you'll be in the Magic Kingdom before you would be if you waited for a monorail.

If the ferry is not loading at that time the monorail is quicker. It's very simple.

We timed it and if it's loading get the ferry.

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

We used to exclusively ride the monorails up until last year. Now we ride the ferry more often. For us, the ferry is a more relaxing ride over the MK since it never seems to be full when we go.

 

[Gucci65]

Monorail in the morning. We are usually in hurry to get in the door.

Ferry at night. Especially if we leave right before the fireworks (you get a good view from the ferry)

 

[mandib]

If its around sunset its pretty to take the boat usually we take the monrail though. I like the boats especially when no one is on there.

 

[Main Street USA]

My perosnal preferencefor the trip over and back is the Ferryboat. I happily use the monorail for my trip to Epcot, or even as great transport between MK resorts.

The Ferryboat has a certain old time / classic feel that I look for when I visit the Magic Kingdom. Not to mention the cool morning and evening breezes.

 

[freaklarm]

It is just five (5) minutes from departing to arrival in the Ferry boat.

 

[epcotisbest]

We usually take the monorail in the mornings and the ferry boat in the evenings. No particular reason, just habit. We like them both, and since we started going only in the off-season, crowds are never an issue as we are early birds and usually get there about an hour or so before opening. This lets you park right up front and you don't even need to use the tram. It is nice to slowly park the car, hang out a little while then casually walk over to get ready for the monorail.
Ricky

 

[Budahman]

ferry vs monorail

I love the monorail. Its probably one of my top 3 things in all of wdw. The ferry is very fun to ride as well. For me it really just depends on my mood when getting to that area at the TTC. I do like the idea of taking it when the park closes for a cool view of the fireworks. I'll have to do that. As for me and the tram vs walk thing.......HM.....
I'd say that depends also. Definatly on the distance from where I parked.
Tak Care all.....

 

[MonorailGreen]

Monorails all the way!! The ferry is a tradition while going to the Magic Kingdom though... but you must do BOTH to get the full "Disney" experience :slurp:

 

[CaptChris]

Monorails all the Way!!!!!!


Once when my family went down in 1988, the monorails were being refurbished during our entire WDW stay. I was 14 years old, and I couldn't wait to ride the monorails again. Too bad for me! The first day at Magic Kingdom, we took the ferry. It was like riding the staten island ferry, but less scenary! The next few days, they took us by tram from the TTC to the gate of Magic Kingdom!

The next time we went in 1996, we stayed on property, and one day, I insisted we take the Epcot to TTC, and then MK Express line just for the ride to get my fix!!!!! We then took the Magic Kingdom bus to our hotel.

The monorails rule for fantasy mode transportation. I don't think they are economically feasible for expansion, but if you can ride it during a non peak time it is lots of fun. Besides, what would WDW be without the fleet of monorails gliding over us?

 

[Cruella]

We are having breakfast at the Polynesian Saturday morning before heading to the MK. I had thought about us taking the monorail over and leaving our car at the Poly. Do you think this would be allowed and is it worth it? We've never ridden on the monorail before but I'm afraid the trip getting back that night may be too busy to attempt it.

 

[MichRX7]

Originally posted by CaptChris
The next few days, they took us by tram from the TTC to the gate of Magic Kingdom!

Back in the day trams to MK were a third option. Monorail, Ferry or Tram. We used to love the trams almost as much as the monorail. It was something unique taking those roads. I'm guessing it wouldn't be so exciiting anymore since now every bus goes to the MK gates. It was sort of exciting that you had to go through the TTC before getting to the MK. It made it even more magical like you were going to some far-off place separated from the rest of the world.

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by Cruella
We are having breakfast at the Polynesian Saturday morning before heading to the MK. I had thought about us taking the monorail over and leaving our car at the Poly. Do you think this would be allowed and is it worth it? We've never ridden on the monorail before but I'm afraid the trip getting back that night may be too busy to attempt it.

This should be no problem. When you arrive at the Poly tell them you are there for breakfast, eat and head to the park. When you are ready to leave just drive out. We have done this when we ate at the Contemporary (dinner) and headed out to e nights.
Have fun. :wave:

 

[Polyman]

Cruella - Parking at the Poly

No, it's not allowed - it is worth it - but everybody does it. Just look at the Poly parking lot on any day. It's always chock full during the day when people are supposed to be at the parks, and empty at night when the quests are supposed to be in their rooms.

Anyway, when you drive into the Poly you will be asked by Security "How can I help you today?" or something to that effect. AS you are going to breakfast, just tell them that. They will then give you a 3 hour parking pass that you are to leave on the dashboard. Have your breakfast then proceed to MK via monorail and enjoy the whole day and evening there. Don't worry about the 3 hour time limit. We normally go for 12 days each time we visit, during which time we go to the MK at least 9 or 10 times. We ALWAYS park at the Poly and each time we tell a different story to security. Coming to eat, coming to take a boat ride, coming to walk around, coming to shop, etc. We've never had a problem. Don't ever tell them you are going to MK - they'll make you turn right around and leave.

At night, if you stay until closing when everybody is leaving at the same time, you'll see a cattle maze of people heading for the express monorail to the TTC. You can usually just walk up the ramp to the resort monorail with little or no crowding. Even if there are people on the ramp, you'll get to the Poly 3X faster than if you parked in the MK parking lot and had to wait for the express.

Enjoy!

 

[tigsmom]

Re: Cruella - Parking at the Poly

Originally posted by Polyman

Anyway, when you drive into the Poly you will be asked by Security "How can I help you today?" or something to that effect. AS you are going to breakfast, just tell them that. They will then give you a 3 hour parking pass that you are to leave on the dashboard. Have your breakfast then proceed to MK via monorail and enjoy the whole day and evening there. Don't worry about the 3 hour time limit.

We have never been given a timed parking pass at any resort...I guess I should have asked if they were staying on property. We always do and have a parking pass from our resort...usually the WL. We often drive around the world and park at the various resorts and have never had a problem.
I would imagine if you were staying off property there would be a problem. What about the locals who often take advantage of Disney's great restaurants?