Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Oops.

Considering the subject matter (and sad remembrances,)
how about substituting a different metaphor there?

Nothing else works as well. "disaster" and "lots of frustrated guests" just don't cut it.

Well, but it did happen. Somebody else will have to let you know the length of time (definitely not a half-year or more), but while work was being done on the dock at Epcot, WDW did provide bus transportation from the Epcot-area resorts to the front of the park. Before you ask - because there's no road to the International Gateway.

First of all, I know that (about no roads to the international gateway). Second of all, that's not the same thing - it has to affect transport to 2 parks, not just one. And I would bet money that some guests were unhappy to stay at the epcot resorts and have to take a bus there.

 

[doconeill]

Before you ask - because there's no road to the International Gateway.

Actually, I believe there is...but it is a backstage road so it is very rarely used for guests, and doesn't connect to Epcot Resorts Blvd, so it would have to take a circuitous route.

 

[lovethattink]

Well, but it did happen. Somebody else will have to let you know the length of time (definitely not a half-year or more), but while work was being done on the dock at Epcot, WDW did provide bus transportation from the Epcot-area resorts to the front of the park. Before you ask - because there's no road to the International Gateway.

OT, actually years ago Disney use to provide tram service around the lake at the Epcot resorts. That was another cutback/change that took place over the years. Tram Video

 

[Robo]

Actually, I believe there is...but it is a backstage road so it is very rarely used for guests, and doesn't connect to Epcot Resorts Blvd, so it would have to take a circuitous route.

I was going to mention that, too.

But, the loading/unloading buses would have to make a tight turnaround (see blue line on the image below)
and it could be a bit dangerous for guests in that area if too many buses were running...

AND, the resort buses would be in competition for the special event buses, for which this road/loading area is already used.

(Yes, I already had this map. Just have never needed it before.)

 

[mom2rtk]

frankly based on the posts here, many of those guests seem to think is beneath them?

And you wonder why you feel attacked? I haven't gotten that feeling from the posters here at all. Various posters have tried many ways to explain the various reasons why this matters to them (wheelchair and stroller access, ADR's after shutdown, value for the money they are paying) but it's like you haven't heard.... or don't want to hear....... a word of it. Otherwise you wouldn't make such a statement.

Can't wait for August 1st (or the first MK EMH evening to come after August 1st). I'm looking forward to hearing how this plays out. In fact, I'm expecting a trainwreck.

I think we'll see some issues after 8/1. But I really don't think we'll see much problem until 9/13, the night of the first MNSSHP.

But, I pay for a Monorail Resort and for that premium, I expect adequate usage. In my opinion, it's like paying for Concierge and being given a Standard Room with no credit.

Very well put, and a great analogy.

Heck, we stay at the POP Century, so I'm hardly an elitist. But if they decided to put me up in a Super 8 in Orlando one night of my stay, I'd be really ticked, especially if they expected to do that for the same price. Or if they took the buses offline for a day but provided bicycles!

 

[Kona65]

Disney will continue to do, what Disney does. We as guest will get use to it, except it, and keep coming. That's the way it has always been, and the way it will always be.......

 

[snykymom]

Right, and even if she is giving us the utmost perfect pristine information, due to the way that phone and GR CMs have been, we still won't trust it until it goes "live". So, I applaud the efforts in trying to get an answer, I also recognize that until the actual MK changes are seen and implemented, for at least a week, and then the parties come, for at least a week or two (it takes time to smooth out kinks), then we're not going to actually know the real truth of the matter.

You can blame it on the CMs that told us 2011 DDP was 90$ per night, you can blame it on CMs that tell us it's perfectly ok to park at a resort for a full day at MK, you can blame it on the CMs that tell us that "bus service starts 1 hour before park opening", you can blame it on the CMs that tell us the minimum stay for the FDP promotion is 3 (or 5!) nights, that the list released in the summer is the final list for DDP participants, that RFC and TRex accept any of the 3 plans, that connecting rooms can be guaranteed. There's many more other bits of misinformation they give, but I don't feel like typing them. It's not the fact that we're untrusting of the particular CM in question, but rather due to a slew of misinformation by past CMs, we're untrusting of anything over the phone.

It would take quite awhile for me (or those thinking the same way) to "get over" this skepticism caused by the lack of, or just plain poor, training with the call center CMs. And during this time, information would have to be perfect.

The difference in the instance of the CM under discussion is that this was not information just given off the cuff by a call center CM. This was information given by someone who obviously did some research and actually called the poster back. This was not the situations about which you are talking - the basic, "The CM was most likely wrong -call back and try someone else." For all we know, and is most likely, the CM who made the call is a supervisor of some sort. The CMs who make reservations at the CRO or the restaurant lines are unlikely to have the ability or authority to return a call to a guest.

 

[morethananyonex]

I disagree WDW has the attitude you ascribe to them. They're not abandoning the MK-area resort guests, they're simply providing a form of transportation that, frankly based on the posts here, many of those guests seem to think is beneath them. It's regrettable that you all will be inconvenienced this way. It stinks, okay?

It's a big deal to some of you. It's a big deal to DonaldDoleWhip. I don't know when he originally booked his trip or if it includes ADRs, but in addition to expressing his frustration here, he's speaking with his wallet. He changed his reservation to the Wilderness Lodge.

Most posters seem to be happy just to complain.

And this attitude is why you have so many people responding negatively to your posts. You imply in most of your posts a whole chunk of posters are basically snobs and you're surprised when people "attack" you back? Okay..

 

[goofy4prez]

It's not called a positive outlook, it's called blind justification of a greedy corporation. My positive outlook: Because of this change, I'm going to be at Wilderness Lodge in a few days, where I'll use whatever I paid for (bus or boat) and be happy with it. My realistic outlook: this change is a negative thing for monorail resort guests and represents a cutback in the primary amenity that makes their room rates so high.


Compared to the 8-16 minute monorail ride to TTC (16 minutes includes the waiting time if you just missed a monorail) then the 5-10 minute walk to Poly, that really, really sucks.

I commend you for not only saying how you feel but for putting what you say to action. I would have done the same thing as you. One can only sit back and watch cutbacks for so long as prices stay the same or continue to rise.

I have no problem taking buses. They are a part of getting around Disney and the most certainly are not "beneath me". But, I pay for a Monorail Resort and for that premium, I expect adequate usage. In my opinion, it's like paying for Concierge and being given a Standard Room with no credit.

I guess people can argue that there is no price premium for these resorts but that is not how I understand it to be. I can only say, AKL and WL are less expensive than CR, PR and GF.

Bottom line, it has nothing to do with being "better" than anyone else. It's a question of getting what you paid for, nothing more.

I agree with you my friend, it has nothing to do with having an elitist, stuck-up, snobbish, or better than thou attitude; it is all about getting what you paid more money to receive. WDW Deluxe resorts are advertised as luxury hotels by WDW; for those who don't think they do, then read this. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/ or http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort/

In truth, while they are nice, they are far from deluxe and luxurious when compared to hotels outside of WDW. Remove added benefits such as cutting back on the monorail system just lessons the reason to stay at a monorail resort all the more.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I disagree WDW has the attitude you ascribe to them. They're not abandoning the MK-area resort guests, they're simply providing a form of transportation that, frankly based on the posts here, many of those guests seem to think is beneath them. It's regrettable that you all will be inconvenienced this way. It stinks, okay?

It's a big deal to some of you. It's a big deal to DonaldDoleWhip. I don't know when he originally booked his trip or if it includes ADRs, but in addition to expressing his frustration here, he's speaking with his wallet. He changed his reservation to the Wilderness Lodge.

Most posters seem to be happy just to complain.

But, of course, you disagree. . and, wait for it....the insult.

It's a bit difficult to change your vacation plans, two months out, and will likely cost.. EVEN MORE $$$$. Now, the May trip is a different animal, and changes are in the works.

There it is..the final put-down. Seems to be, what makes you happy.

 

[sandym718]

And this attitude is why you have so many people responding negatively to your posts. You imply in most of your posts a whole chunk of posters are basically snobs and you're surprised when people "attack" you back? Okay..

I agree with you my friend, it has nothing to do with having an elitist, stuck-up, snobbish, or better than thou attitude; it is all about getting what you paid more money to receive. WDW Deluxe resorts are advertised as luxury hotels by WDW; for those who don't think they do, then read this. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/ or http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort/

In truth, while they are nice, they are far from deluxe and luxurious when compared to hotels outside of WDW. Remove added benefits such as cutting back on the monorail system just lessons the reason to stay at a monorail resort all the more.

Yep

 

[kaytieeldr]

Wow, coming from someone who seems to be the lead complainer about the people who have a vested interest in this issue, that certainly is some statement for you to make. Given that you admitted that you never stay at a monorail resort, these"complainers" who you seem to like to argue / debate with have every right to be angry / mad/ and complain.

Well, I didn't say never - I said once. There are resorts I like better. It seems there are many people who aren't affected but are still complaining.

Yes, I don't understand why so many people are being so negative about a change that hasn't even been instituted yet. I don't understand why so many people don't believe WDW has alternate transportation set for ALL the MK-area resorts. If you feel that means I'm complaining about the posts here, well, there's not a lot I can do about that. I do understand that one party reported having to wait 25 minutes for a bus from Epcot to the Polynesian once, but that would seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

 

[kaytieeldr]

frankly based on the posts here, many of those guests seem to think is beneath them?

And you wonder why you feel attacked?

Truly, I was asking a question. I try to be accurate with my punctuation (not to imply in any way that nobody else here is equally, if not more careful).

 

[mom2rtk]

Truly, I was asking a question. I try to be accurate with my punctuation (not to imply in any way that nobody else here is equally, if not more careful).

If that were truly a question, I'd have phrased it differently. Perhaps "Do people feel it is beneath them?" would have been more clear.

 

[TheBacklot]

Methinks the dead horse has been beaten to death. Again anad again. Proof is when people start critiquing each others sentence structures.

 

[mom2rtk]

Methinks the dead horse has been beaten to death. Again anad again. Proof is when people start critiquing each others sentence structures.

Only when they start hiding behind their punctuation.........

 

[Robo]

If that were truly a question, I'd have phrased it differently. Perhaps "Do people feel it is beneath them?" would have been more clear.

http://thesaurus.com

Main Entry: beneath
Part of Speech: preposition

Definition: inferior
Synonyms: below, less than, lesser, lower than, subject, subordinate, unbefitting, under, underneath, unworthy of

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Main Entry: clear
Part of Speech: adjective

Definition: understandable, apparent
Synonyms: apprehensible, audible, clear-cut, coherent, comprehensible, conspicuous, crystal, definite, distinct, evident, explicit, express, graspable, incontrovertible, intelligible, knowable, legible, loud enough, lucent, lucid, manifest, obvious, open and shut, palpable, patent, perceptible, perspicuous, plain, precise, pronounced, readable, recognizable, sharp, simple, spelled out, straightforward, transparent, transpicuous, unambiguous, unblurred, uncomplicated, unequivocal, unmistakable, unquestionable

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Main Entry: pointless
Part of Speech: adjective

Definition: ridiculous, senseless
Synonyms: absurd, aimless, around in circles, fruitless, futile, going nowhere, impotent, in vicious circle, inane, inconsequential, ineffective, ineffectual, insignificant, irrelevant, meaningless, needle in haystack, nongermane, nonsensical, not pertinent, on treadmill, powerless, purportless, remote, silly, stupid, trivial, unavailing, uninteresting, unnecessary, unproductive, unprofitable, useless, vague, vain, worthless

 

[kaytieeldr]

But, of course, you disagree. . and, wait for it....the insult.

It's a bit difficult to change your vacation plans, two months out, and will likely cost.. EVEN MORE $$$$. Now, the May trip is a different animal, and changes are in the works.

There it is..the final put-down. Seems to be, what makes you happy.

Of course I disagree with somebody's opinion by making this change, WDW is saying "up yours" to some guests. Yes. I believe when they say they need longer, uninterrupted, predictable chunks of time to do monorail maintenance.

It's too bad you think giving the impression that a form of transportation isn't up to one's expectations or standards is an insult, especially when I feel I've made it clear it is just the impression I've gotten from many of these posts, and not a fact.

Regarding ease and expense involved in changing vacation plans, well, DonaldDoleWhip did it with no more notice than anybody else had. We don't know if the DoleWhip party had a package or a room-only reservation, but with the latter there's no cost to change (until, possibly, five days before arrival). Yes, there may be a fee to downgrade a package closer than 45 days prior to arrival, but it's always possible the CM could waive the change fee. Ask. Even if they can't, the $50 charge would have to be a drop in the bucket compared to what would be saved by moving out of a Magic Kingdom-area resort. I wouldn't be so quick to change a 2012 trip, either.

I feel bad for anyone who thinks "some people just seem happy to complain" is an insult.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If that were truly a question, I'd have phrased it differently. Perhaps "Do people feel it is beneath them?" would have been more clear.

Ah, c'mon. I could go through this thread and edit a minimum of 60% of the posts for grammar, spelling, structure or punctuation. Do we really need to get that petty? I generally write much better than I speak - see the posts criticizing specific words or terms I've used - but sometimes I write like I talk. That was one of those times.

 

[goofy4prez]

Of course I disagree with somebody's opinion by making this change, WDW is saying "up yours" to some guests? Yes. I believe when they say they need longer, uninterrupted, predictable chunks of time to do monorail maintenance.

While I respect your opinion as different as it is from mine and others, I think this has more to do with Disney cutbacks in it's number of employees servicing the monorail, resulting in a need to cutback the hours the monorail operates. They (Disney) can spin this anyway they want by saying WDW has the safety of the guest in mind, but I'm not buying it. So, while I think " Up Yours" may be a tough choice of words, I would agree with this assessment and say it is WDW once again saying, "here's another cutback while we maintain price or even increase price."