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

[Centauri Space Station]

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.

Bag check at Epcot is outside the monorail exit, all monorail guests get checked prior to getting on

 

[Roy G. Dis]

Sometimes charming (when you've got time), sometimes annoying (when you've got kids). But not a mistake.

 

[larryz]

Another facet to consider is that people today have the attention span of a gnat. That - and it’s all about instant gratification.

The extra 20 or so minutes is not comprehensible to them.

TL;DR

 

[larryz]

Honestly, I always hated the effort it took to leave MK. You've been there all day in the heat and crowds and you're tired and you just want to go home. So then it's another hour or more shuffling in crowds and slow moving transport trying to get across the lake, then more crowds trying to get a tram, and (for me) then you still have another 90 minute drive back home to Tampa. It would always be such a long process and definitely a lot less magical then arriving.

* we were FL AP for a decade or so pre-pandemic but haven't been back in several years so this was my experience

You should have moved to Brandon. It's only an hour from the gate.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

They make up quite a bit in charging premiums for monorail resorts. It helps control traffic, I think it has worked out for them pretty well.

You realize they didn’t charge “a premium” for those until October 1988, right?

It was Walt Disney's idea. He wanted the Magic Kingdom as isolated as possible. Though it's been made redundant by the encroachment of resorts and bus stations at the gates, it's still a thrilling introduction to one of most magical places on Earth.

Did you say that with a straight face?