Was Magic Kingdom’s parking and transportation system a mistake?

[Kramerica]

a most worthy angle.

I've been both a fly in to MCO every 3rd year type guest and a 15 minute drive to the parking lot super user Anual Pass local guest: when I wore my local hat it got annoying fast to the point that we commonly would avoid that park out of the 4.

I should have mentioned this in the original post, but this is thelargest headache. I live 20 minutes from property, it’s so nice going to Hollywood studios and having a five minute walk to the gates from the parking lot as opposed to the whole process of getting to MK

 

[Walt Disney1955]

I am wondering how things would have been in 1971 with this set up. Less people sure, but no doubt less ferries and less monorails. So I am wondering about the growing pains back then from when they started up and had to figure out just how many boats/monorails they actually needed to keep the lines flowing.

 

[cloudboy]

I am wondering how things would have been in 1971 with this set up. Less people sure, but no doubt less ferries and less monorails. So I am wondering about the growing pains back then from when they started up and had to figure out just how many boats/monorails they actually needed to keep the lines flowing.

Actually, no. The three current ferries were built 2 in '72, and the third in '76. Well before even Epcot.

As for the monorail trains, they started with 10. The original Mark IVs were extended by one car in the early 80's, and 2 more trains were brought in '84. The Mark VI's remained at 6 trains, but carried more passengers, though I do not know how many. But in any case, there has not been a significant increase in capacity since the mid 80's. In fact, between 2009 and 2011, after the crash before they rebuilt the cabs, they actually had reduced numbers.

 

[Goofyernmost]

The ferry's that are there now did not exist back then. They had a couple of side paddle boats on the lagoon, I think, but they primarily planned on the Monorail to carry the load. It didn't take long before that didn't work well anymore.

 

[cloudboy]

The ferry's that are there now did not exist back then. They had a couple of side paddle boats on the lagoon, I think, but they primarily planned on the Monorail to carry the load. It didn't take long before that didn't work well anymore.

Just one year. They started work on the 2 diesel ferrys in '72.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

Actually, no. The three current ferries were built 2 in '72, and the third in '76. Well before even Epcot.

As for the monorail trains, they started with 10. The original Mark IVs were extended by one car in the early 80's, and 2 more trains were brought in '84. The Mark VI's remained at 6 trains, but carried more passengers, though I do not know how many. But in any case, there has not been a significant increase in capacity since the mid 80's. In fact, between 2009 and 2011, after the crash before they rebuilt the cabs, they actually had reduced numbers.

Okay, just to clarify, they did not have the ferries on opening day in 1971? All of the traffic had to go through the monorails? I mean, why even have the lagoon if you aren't going to use boats to transport people across? Why wait a year to figure that out?

 

[Goofyernmost]

Okay, just to clarify, they did not have the ferries on opening day in 1971? All of the traffic had to go through the monorails? I mean, why even have the lagoon if you aren't going to use boats to transport people across? Why wait a year to figure that out?

They felt that the place was going to be a success, but not to the degree it almost immediately was. They just had to react to an unexpected start up. Plus they don't give away those boats and I'm sure that even then they had to be frugal. Also they might just not have been completely built at the time of the park opening but had been ordered.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Okay, just to clarify, they did not have the ferries on opening day in 1971? All of the traffic had to go through the monorails? I mean, why even have the lagoon if you aren't going to use boats to transport people across? Why wait a year to figure that out?

They didn’t have the current ferries. They had different boats. Trams we’re also used at times.

 

[SaucyBoy]

It can be a pain getting to and from the park, especially when the weather is nasty. I'll never forget running out of MK late one August night trying to beat an oncoming thunderstorm. I made it onto the ferry boat only to be delayed a few minutes because of the EWP vacating back to dock. Halfway across the lagoon, a bolt of lightning lit the sky and heavens opened, I had a soaking walk back to the car.

That said, I think the design is still wonderful. There's nothing like riding the ferry across the lagoon and seeing the castle come into view. When I was a kid I believed the Magic Kingdom was on its own island, for lack of a better word it's a magical experience.

 

[Kirby86]

It's more of a hassle when you're leaving, but overall, I like the setup; it's unique.

 

[NelleBelle]

One of the BIG drawbacks of not staying on property--leaving! I'd take waiting in a bus line any day over waiting in line for ferry or a monorail (I think the ferry is a better choice--you don't get crammed in like sardines quite so bad on the ferry like you do on the monorail, plus the monorail has an odor, especially at the end of the night).

 

[FettFan]

Simple question. Was the idea of forcing you to either take a ferry or monorail to get to the gates of Magic Kingdom a mistake? We understand the novelty of watching the castle appear in view from taking the ferry or the fun of the monorail. But I often question if it’s worth the extra time, upkeep on vehicles and cost to pay cast members to operate them.

After getting stuck in a rainstorm tonight, getting soaking wet and knowing we had to pack into a monorail or slow moving ferry just to get to the parking lot. I would have killed for a standard Epcot style situation. Just curious if everyone else feels it’s as cumbersome as I do!

Consider this dismaying observation: the most insufferable crowds are at bag check.

Bag check at Epcot is right at the entrance.

Bag check at the Magic Kingdom *used* to be at the entrance. But they moved it to the TTC.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Watching the fireworks from across the lagoon is magical. Watching fireworks in a parking lot is decidedly less so.

 

[Married5Times]

Consider this dismaying observation: the most insufferable crowds are at bag check.

not saying I agree whatsoever nor am I saying I disagree in the slightest...........I'm just absorbing what you wrote:

any chance to expand a bit more on that??? are you saying that because that is where the mode guest dissatisfaction kicks up? I mean getting busted down in Disney customs aint fun especially when I'm trying to bring in my 9mm , flask of Jonny Walker, a selfie stick and an oversized kids wagon full of food

 

[NelleBelle]

Consider this dismaying observation: the most insufferable crowds are at bag check.

Bag check at Epcot is right at the entrance.

Bag check at the Magic Kingdom *used* to be at the entrance. But they moved it to the TTC.

I thought the bag check lines were a ton better with the new scanners? I personally can't use the scanners and have to opt for a "pat-down" or whatever you want to call it--the type of CGM/insulin pump I have can't go through, so bag check for me has always been a bit longer now. But I generally just by pass the crowd and walk directly up to the security guards and them I need a manual inspection due to a medical device.

 

[Married5Times]

I can't even begin to think about some of the items bag check sees from time to time. What if some girl was packing a "personal" item and security pulled it out of her purse/bag not recognizing what it was until it made it on to the table.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I can't even begin to think about some of the items bag check sees from time to time. What if some girl was packing a "personal" item and security pulled it out of her purse/bag not recognizing what it was until it made it on to the table.

I'm sure they've seen worse, besides it is human function. Would anyone die of shame if someone pulled out a partial roll of TP.

 

[Married5Times]

I'm sure they've seen worse, besides it is human function. Would anyone die of shame if someone pulled out a partial roll of TP.

no, probably not

but that is not what I was alluding to........... think battery-powered item, an item that I can't imagine one needing for a day at the park(perhaps forgot it was in her purse and brought along by mistake)

 

[flynnibus]

Okay, just to clarify, they did not have the ferries on opening day in 1971? All of the traffic had to go through the monorails? I mean, why even have the lagoon if you aren't going to use boats to transport people across? Why wait a year to figure that out?

They went as far as having steam powered side wheelers initially... they were replaced with bigger and faster diesel boats.

 

[Goofyernmost]

no, probably not

but that is not what I was alluding to........... think battery-powered item, an item that I can't imagine one needing for a day at the park(perhaps forgot it was in her purse and brought along by mistake)

I'm sure that neck message's will be treated with taste and discretion. Who brings that stuff along by mistake.