Disney does everything it can think of to reduce labor costs. Online check-in eliminates the need to go to the front desk. Call centers answer questions from resort guests. Guests can opt out of daily housekeeping. Now they are trying out robot photographers.
And then, bam! Suddenly, guests are having crates to water and various groceries delivered to the resort. That requires someone to manage the packages, space to store them and someone to give them to the guests when they show up.
This extra package and grocery management is a big loser for Disney. There is no way they can turn it into a profit center and it carries a huge risk upsetting guests who claim their box of Pop-Tarts was "lost" by a cast member and they are now demanding a free breakfast buffet at Cinderella's Royal Table so their kids won't go hungry.
Disney isn't the only one facing this issue. It's also coming up at other resorts. Also, big apartment complexes are finding their staffs are being turned into package wranglers as more people shop online. Some of those places are charging fees.
In the good old days, when you bought something, you went to the store, you picked it up, and you carried it to your destination. All that work was done by you.
The online delivery revolution just moves that work to others -- and some of those others aren't happy to be doing what was once your job.
Anyway, I suspect Disney is starting at $6 to see if it eliminates the bulk of the deliveries. It's a small economic nudge that won't attract too much negative publicity. If that fee fails, they will likely continue to increase the price until its not "worth it" to have food delivered.
Or maybe I am wrong and they will start the Chef Mickey-van service, and for a mere $100 delivery fee a friendly cast member will deliver your food order (food is extra) straight to your room and even put it in the minifridge. They could even decorate the van with cute chef hats.
And then, bam! Suddenly, guests are having crates to water and various groceries delivered to the resort. That requires someone to manage the packages, space to store them and someone to give them to the guests when they show up.
This extra package and grocery management is a big loser for Disney. There is no way they can turn it into a profit center and it carries a huge risk upsetting guests who claim their box of Pop-Tarts was "lost" by a cast member and they are now demanding a free breakfast buffet at Cinderella's Royal Table so their kids won't go hungry.
Disney isn't the only one facing this issue. It's also coming up at other resorts. Also, big apartment complexes are finding their staffs are being turned into package wranglers as more people shop online. Some of those places are charging fees.
In the good old days, when you bought something, you went to the store, you picked it up, and you carried it to your destination. All that work was done by you.
The online delivery revolution just moves that work to others -- and some of those others aren't happy to be doing what was once your job.
Anyway, I suspect Disney is starting at $6 to see if it eliminates the bulk of the deliveries. It's a small economic nudge that won't attract too much negative publicity. If that fee fails, they will likely continue to increase the price until its not "worth it" to have food delivered.
Or maybe I am wrong and they will start the Chef Mickey-van service, and for a mere $100 delivery fee a friendly cast member will deliver your food order (food is extra) straight to your room and even put it in the minifridge. They could even decorate the van with cute chef hats.