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View Full Version : No MK Area Water Launches?


J. Thornhill
05-28-2001, 02:47 PM
I read on Screamscape that water launches to the MK from the Mk area resorts is going to be discontinued due to budget cuts. Does anyone have any further info on this? If so, I'll be very upset! :mad: :mad: :mad:

OnWithTheShow
05-28-2001, 03:35 PM
I didnt think there were water launches from any of the MK resorts except for Wilderness lodge. There is also a launch to the TTC.

J. Thornhill
05-28-2001, 05:39 PM
The Contemporary, the Polynesian and the GF all have boat service to and from the MK.

J.-

Another Voice
05-28-2001, 05:50 PM
The Screamscape rumor also reports that the Friendships in the World Showcase at Epcot will also be discontinued.

lisapooh
05-28-2001, 06:10 PM
Ft Wilderness has a boat to MK also.
No big deal for me though. The stupid things were never accessible anyway. If the able-bodied have to put up with the nonsense I have to go through all the time maybe they'll scream loud enough to get some changes.

*Glitter Serenity*
05-28-2001, 06:44 PM
Does this mean that the ferry won't be running between the TTC and Magic Kingdom? If so, that makes me mad... I loved riding the ferry much more than the monorail. And it was such a great picture-taking opportunity. *sigh*

*Serenity*

toefungus
05-28-2001, 07:13 PM
No, the one from the TTC to MK isn't going to close. It's the boats from the resorts to the MK that are suppose to be closing.

Captain Crook
05-28-2001, 08:23 PM
Now most of you know I'm an avid Disney defender (Landbaron always reminds me of the 'rose colored glasses' I wear), but I'm here to say that if this rumor comes to pass I will be one disheartend puppy. I loved the launches from the Poly and what about WL? The launch is the only special transportation they have. It'll certainly be tough to sell the WL as deluxe with just bus transit...I know, I know that bus transit is all AKL currently has but at least AKL is dedicated service, WL shares with the Poly, TTC, FW, etc...

There had better be more than cost cutting behind this decision because I feel the "deluxe" tag of these resorts will be severly damaged should this rumor come true...:(
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

toefungus
05-28-2001, 08:39 PM
I doubt that they'll cut the boat from WL. They are probably getting rid of the other launches because all of those resorts are connected by monorail.

Barb
05-29-2001, 04:05 PM
There is nothing better than a leisurely boat ride back to your resort after a day at the MK! I look forward to that! And, of course, that is the only transportation to the MK from WL. What would they do-use buses there, too? Yech!

YoHo
05-29-2001, 04:15 PM
If this rumour proves true, I will make DVC-Landbaron look like Micheal Eisner's bestest buddy in the whole world.

They may have finally hit the wall with me.


Of course Screamscape isn't all that accurate, so I'll be praying they're wrong.

DVC-Landbaron
05-29-2001, 09:05 PM
I am absolutely amazed with some of my closer friends on this board (you know who you are). Why are you surprised by this move? After all, why should Disney shell out the expense of keeping around expensive boats and/or launches when a bus will serve the purpose? Surely you can see that this WILL increase the bottom line. By cutting this needless frivolity we can expect to realize additional savings thus allowing us to bail out some sinking enterprise that Ei$ner has gotten us into. I don’t know, makes sense to me. Smart business move. Isn’t that what you guys always say? Ei$ner acting fiscally responsible. Nothing more, nothing less. Like they said in the Godfather, “It’s business, Sonny, and you’re taking it personal.”

OH!! I get it!! They finally cut something that is near and dear to your own heart!! Sooooo!! Now you can feel the pain!!! But come on guys!! A bus will do the job! What’s that you say? Nothing magical about a bus? So what?! It gets you there. Innovative and creative transportation!! HA!!! Don’t make me laugh!! We’ve got to be competitive you know.

But seriously. For me it was shorter hours (unannounced), bus schedules and Mickey-head butter. For you it’s a launch. Everyone has got a breaking point. Give Ei$ner enough time and he’ll drive everyone away. Welcome to the fold!!! We’ll schedule your Ei$ner-bashing baptism as soon as possible. ;)

HorizonsFan
05-31-2001, 09:27 AM
If they close the Friendships in the Epcot area, how do we get to MGM or Epcot? They can't expect everyone to walk and running busses would seem more costly than the current system...
BTW, if they are getting rid of the Friendships they must be having one last hurrah because there are three of them making the route right now instead of the usual two.
I am a little upset by the early closing of most of the counter service places at MGM. All but two close at 4 or 5. We had a hard time finding a burger at dinner time the other day.
I have a good picture of the BAH construction that I'll post later. I'll be here till next Wednesday. Anybody want me to find any specific info?

JeffJewell
05-31-2001, 09:40 AM
...I think by "Friendships" they were referring to only the two ferries from the front of World Showcase lagoon to the docks near France and Italy.

I'm not even enough of an Eisner-basher to suggest he'll cut the boat service from the Boardwalk area to MGM (although it wouldn't surprise me as much if they cut the Boardwalk area to Epcot boats. Much shorter walk).

The MK boat cuts were presumed more palatable because of the monorail. By that reasoning, the WL launch should stay, as it's the only alternative transport available. We'll see if it does, I guess.

Jeff

F.C. Fan
05-31-2001, 09:42 AM
That's not much of a hurrah, they used to run 4 Friendships at 1 time in the good ole days.

DVC
I totally agree with you.

IASW Rider
05-31-2001, 09:53 AM
I'm also right there with ya, DVC-Landbaron!

And I am extremely disappointed with the prospect of the monorails being the only method of transportation for the MK Resorts. As much as I enjoy riding them, imagine how crowded they will become if the launches are no longer in service. And I will certainly miss the relaxing boat trips from the MK to the Poly, in the evenings.

Captain Crook
05-31-2001, 10:16 AM
IASW RIDER, I won't be missing those rides too much, because I won't be staying at those resorts any longer. Cost cutting is one thing, but to so dramitically change the make up of a resort & mess with the guest experience is quite another.

Remember however, this is just a rumor from screamscape and their % isn't all that high...
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

IASW Rider
05-31-2001, 02:00 PM
I definitely understand your point. I have been staying at the MK resorts since I was a child (and since the MK was the only park at WDW!), so I have a sentimental attachment to them. Thus far, I have not noticed many major / "experience altering" changes at those resorts, during repeat visits. However, I will be back at the Poly in 3 days, and if I notice any such changes or hear about any in the future, I would consider "boycotting" them, as well! In the mean time, let's hope that the launch issue (and any related ones) are just rumors, as you said!

KAP
05-31-2001, 02:25 PM
The massive changes that have occurred since my parents stopped working at the MK in early April have had me quite upset and I don't have any trips planned. The MK boat rumor is the one that makes me think "What next?". This hurts FW and WL the most since that means it is a two step process to get to the MK. An amazing thing since they are MK resorts. Bad enough that it is almost impossible to reach the MK for EE when you stay at those resorts.

When I asked a MK CM about the rumor it was the first she heard of it. She did pose another possible reason - the water levels are so low the boats are starting to hit bottom.

gary
05-31-2001, 03:24 PM
They've stopped boat service before (or at least considered it) because of the water level.

YoHo
05-31-2001, 03:31 PM
Okay, If they come out and say its due to waterlevel, I'll be okay, but I worry then that that will affect WL and FW more then Poly, Contemp and GF, since those Launches are considerably Smaller.

Maybe we'll see a dredger out this summer.

Captain Crook
05-31-2001, 04:28 PM
You know, my initial reaction to this rumor was exactly that, as we have heard about the low water levels in their lakes and the drought is really severe...But I still wonder why it wouldn't be stated. Certainly even if Disney has made no formal decision they would have heard these rumors and should want to make damage control...

I hope they won't take them (the launches) away under the guise of water levels and just never bring tem back!

IASW RIDER, the job is yours, should you choose to accept it...To visit the Poly with the direct intention of squeezing someone for the information needed to put this rumor to rest! Good luck and keep your guard up (that was the best Mission Impossible spiel I could write, sorry;) .
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

YoHo
05-31-2001, 04:41 PM
This thread will self distruct in 10 seconds.:bounce: :bounce:


Actually, Disney may not feel the need to respond to Screamscape. I know If I were in charge, Screamscape would be last on my list.

The DIS would be second since none of you know my real name and I could become CEO and none of you would know so I could have fun messing with your heads only to make your Jaws drop when the truth comes out. :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

IASW Rider
05-31-2001, 06:00 PM
Captain, I accept your mission and hope to do you (and all the rest) proud! I may even be able to provide you all with my findings while at the "target location", as I will have a laptop with me! I will also check the water level of the Seven Seas Lagoon with some secret ruler-like device (which I will have to conjur up within the next 48 hours!), to determine whether the water-level-explanation could possibly be true. I will, of course, keep my eyes open for Yo Ho, in case he happens to become CEO before then, and admonishes me for researching a potentially bogus rumor!

JeffJewell
05-31-2001, 06:30 PM
I hope they won't take them (the launches) away under the guise of water levels and just never bring tem back!

Just thought I'd take this opportunity to agree with you completely.

Jeff

Captain Crook
05-31-2001, 08:37 PM
Jeff, I am stunned and giddy! Just goes to show that we can find common ground if we so choose! LOL!

Agent Rider...Please be careful, wear dark colors at night and keep your transponder set at all times (although I don't know what the hell a transponder might be...).
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

KidDurango
05-31-2001, 08:52 PM
I am not certain on the current state of the launches and water taxis, but I had actually assumed that they had already been discontinued due to water levels. They were shut down in the summer of '98 when this drought was just getting started. We got a little rain and they came back, but frankly the water situation is far worse now.
As an additional note, when they were shut down in '98 it was not because the boats were running aground, but because the floating docks were dropping so low that they were unsafe. The angles where the different sections met or joined the land had become so steep, that any guest traveling in a wheelchair would not have been able to board. The docks were modified to accomodate lower water levels, but I don't think anyone ever anticipated this. I have seen several lakes in the Orlando area that have been there all my life, just vanish.

Captain Crook
05-31-2001, 09:03 PM
Thanks Kid! That is a bit reassuring on the Disney front...Although I think we'll keep Agent Rider on the job at this time (can always use corroboration).

We've started getting more rain here in the south, I guess you haven't as of yet, huh?
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

Safari Steve
05-31-2001, 09:38 PM
The reason the Ferries are still running is because they run in channels... much more of this dry weather and they may have to stop running too. Last year at this time there were big problems that resulted from the pumping of water from retention ponds to 7SL via the MK waterways... Bay Lake is deeper than 7SL, so they may be running launches from FW and WL to the Contemporary... the only alternative is to block the water bridge and pump water from BL to 7SL... and that would be very expensive, not to mention making it very difficult to run any other way from FW and WL. The daily showers are starting, which is nice, but at this point (we're now into the 4th year of the drought officially) we need like 3 good sized tropical storms to bring us out.

minijeanie
05-31-2001, 10:26 PM
Does anyone know the timeframe in which the closures will take place? We are going to Poly at the end of August, and I was so looking forward to taking the boat rather than using the monorail.

lisapooh
05-31-2001, 10:35 PM
FWIW, the launches from WL and FTW are NOT accessible to guests in wheelchairs unless the guest can get out of the wheelchair and it can be lifted into the launch. This effectively means guest in ECVs and Power wheelchairs cannot use the launches.
What will the guests from these resorts do if they stop the launches. What the handicapped have been doing for years. Take the bus to TTC and take the monorail to the MK. So what's the big deal? I've been stuck on these buses for years!

Captain Crook
06-01-2001, 06:14 AM
Lisa Pooh, you kind of miss the point (I think). If special loading needs are not allowed by these launches that is one issue altogether, but if the launches are discontinued, your already complicated route to the Park will just get worse as all of these people will now have to be accomodated on the busses as well.

Suffice to say, Disney probably won't be adding busses to meet this need, so the crowding just gets worse...

Anyway, here's to hoping this is just a water related issue & it's still just a rumor... as of now...

:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

SpaceMountain_uk
06-01-2001, 08:35 AM
If its true the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness will Not be affected It says the Monorail Resorts.


Screamscape has heard that there is a plan to cease all boat transportation between the Magic Kingdom park and the Monorail Resort Hotels (Polynesian, Grand Floridan, and Contemporary) as another resort budget cut

IASW Rider
06-01-2001, 08:51 AM
Agent Rider checking in, Captain. Transponder in hand, I will see what I can do when I arrive on the shores of the Lagoon!

Here's a depressing thought - if the launches may be discontinued due to low water levels, does that mean that the Electrical Water Pageant will not be "running" at night for the same reason???? :confused:

YoHo
06-01-2001, 11:49 AM
The Water Pagent, Sprites and Saftey boats all run in much much shallower water.

Living next to the great lakes, I know a lot about low water (all that snow last winter apparently didn't help. A whole bunch of resort communities around the lakes had to pony up big bucks to dredge the small harbors. The problem in 7SL is that concrete water bridge. it has a fixed depth. Ironically, the FW/WL boats being bigger would be more sucseptable to problems. I don't know about the ferries, but they are likely flat bottom and thus won't have too much of a problem. On the other hand, the comment about the boat docks is really relevent. At my parents cottage in Wisconsin we use floating docks. Its been inconvient to say the least.

So we shall see.

Captain Crook
06-01-2001, 11:57 AM
Yoho, I agree that it is the floating dock issue that is paramount. Obviously, most important to Disney would be the dreaded trip & fall scenerio. They will not risk lawsuits to keep the boats running I am sure...
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

DVC-Landbaron
06-01-2001, 12:11 PM
I spent the first few years of my WDW in Fort Wilderness. And the "old" memory ain't what it used to be (except when it comes to prices and MAGIC! lol ;) ). But I do recall talking to a CM (the pilot of the boat) that water level was critical because of the dock height in relationship with the boat (dependant on the water level). And I seem to remember him telling me that on occasion, they didn't run the bigger boats for that very reason. Or was it the smaller ones. I really can't remember, but one size of the watercraft is more forgiving than the other.

Now, this was thirty years or so ago. And I may be all "wet" anyway. Just thought I'd add what has been in the back of my head since I saw this thread.

----------------------------

BTW, do you like my new signature quotes? ;)

F.C. Fan
06-01-2001, 03:29 PM
I personally would love to see them do something different then the Ferries or Friendships.

Since the water level is low maybe think about an alternative form water transportation hydrafoils or even better yet HOVERCRAFTS (I can dream can't I).

The pros- the water levels wouldn't matter,(as far as the hovercrafts are concerned) , they would also be alot faster and more efficient than the ferries, Friendships, and the other boats in the Disney navy.

The cons would be the upkeep, cast members to operate them, and I'm sure the fuel would be sky high as well. Plus I'm sure they would cost a pretty penny and unfortunately the would cause rough wakes toward the boats the guests rent.

If only they could run on steam, solar, or even propane.

Ah just let me dream for a minute or so. ( If we can dream then we can do it yes we can yes we can):p

Landbaron- I like the phrases

YoHo
06-01-2001, 03:35 PM
Since Propane comes off the top of the same refinery as Unleaded, I doubt it is much cheaper.

That does bring up another valid point, Gas Prices. Disney has to keep the busses (at least for now), the Fuel costs on those boats may be getting high.

Personally, I don't want the trip to the Kingdom to be any faster then it is. Part of the joy is seeing that castle get closer and closer. Fast has no place here.

Jennasis
06-01-2001, 03:46 PM
Don't Disney busses run on CNG (compressed natural gas)? It's better for the environment and cheaper too. Busses here in the NY metro area do.

mousehut101
06-01-2001, 04:07 PM
Disney magic is not painted school buses with colorful mickey faces on them putting out black smoke. How does Disney say it again...."Enviormentaly!" Yeah, thats it.
Sorry for the sarcasm here, but 1/2 the fun is getting there, and WALT NEVER dreamed that his property would be over flown with nasty dirty UNenvormentaly friendly busses. The should at least get them running on Compressed Natural Gas, like in NYC. Think about it, a city 1/2 the size of DW was able to do it ;) why cant they? As for the fact that buses will do. I dont think so. No one think so MK or the CR without thinking of the monorail, or EVEN the ferry launches. They have been going since '71, why stop 30 years later if it was such a waste of money!!!!:mad:!!!! This whole Ei$ner deal really gets me. I hate that guy, hopefully he will leave the company soon (yeah I know, Im just dreaming....WAY to much!) He did turn the company around, but not without cutting too many corners. Why does he waste money from DW and bring it to DL or other dumb "adventures" of his? Like the movie division? That is totally sperate if you ask me, and should remain that way. If money is made in one place it should stay there.
And as for the water level being to low, how would they run the big water ferry from WL/FW->MK? They must have larger hulls then the little tinny ferries. For ALL the money you spend a night at the PR/GF...they CAN AFFORD the extra $300 tops to run that thing each day.

Again, im sorry for my sarcasm, but I think I should let my steam out :mad: and voice my concern about the latest problems with disney.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

YoHo
06-01-2001, 04:16 PM
First of all, I don't think you mean to direct that at Landbaron, since he would agree with just about every word. Secondly, if you read the posts here, most of us are suspecting the FW/WL boats will be killed too.
third, the boats have been shut down before.
fourth, nobody is suggesting the Buses are a good solution. (although, I beleive FW had buses for many many years, possibly even before Eisner)


Finally, to Hell with Natural Gas. If they're gonna do busses, they should do busses like San Fransico where many of them run on electric guywires just like trolleys. Perosnally, I think that would be the best solution since then they could switch over to light rail in some areas and support it all from a central location. All of which has NOTHING to do with this rumour which may not even be true.

DVC-Landbaron
06-01-2001, 04:21 PM
HOLD THE PHONE THERE BUDDY!!!

Im sorry DVC-Landbaron, but im going to have to TOTALLY disagree with you on this one. Disney magic is not painted school buses with colorful mickey faces on them putting out black smoke.
Have you not followed anything I've said the last year or so!!?? I HATE BUSES!!! You are EXACTLY right. The concept of transprotation around Disney should be MAGICAL! Plain and simple. And in my mind, there is nothing magical about buses. Lauches!! Boats!! Monorails!! Flying Carpets!! Transporters!! These are magic. Buses I see every day in Chicago and you know what? Everytime I do see one, belching that black smoke, a little magic actually slips away.

Whatever gave you the idea that I would like buses!!??:confused:

F.C. Fan
06-01-2001, 04:48 PM
This is a true story that I unfortunately had the Dis- pleasure of living. One night my wife and I were leaving MK to go hotel hopping or to Downtown Disney this thing they picked us up in made the normal busses seem like a celeberity's private tour bus. It was a truck that pulled a trailer with very few windows. I swear this truck and trailer looked like one of the rigs they hall the big Mainstreet horses to and fro in. Sea World and Busch Gardens also use these types of trucks to hall their famous Clydesdales in. It was outfitted with seats, I think it even had air-conditioning, the speaker system blew our ear drums out, and hand loops for those of us unfortunate enough to have to stand. The whole way over to our destination my wife and I kept mooing like the cattle we were. Needless to say we'll never ride in any type of vehicle like that again.
So if you think the buses were bad, it can get worse, MUCH MUCH WORSE.:p

Janet2k
06-01-2001, 09:33 PM
If the Magic Kingdom Water Taxi boats go no more, then I, too, shall go no more.

Screamscape claims (I thought I would put the quote here since there was some confusion regarding this particular rumor):
“Park News - (5/26/2001) The budget cutting may continue it seems. Early word is that there is a plan to remove the Friendship boats from service within Epcot itself. They will still run from the International Gate to the resorts and Disney/MGM Studios however.”

That rumor, too, has me sad, but not as much as the Magic Kingdom Resorts’ one. I don’t follow Screamscape, so I was happy to read on this thread that their accuracy record isn’t the greatest. I pray that their accuracy record with these rumors is abysmal.

I like F.C. Fan’s hovercraft idea, however I am afraid that they would be too “loud.” It was a great idea, though, for something new & interesting.

disneyjanet
06-02-2001, 01:45 AM
Hi all. I'm normally a lurker but I thought I'd comment today. As far a buses go there is a much better (perhaps more magical?) version than either the natural gas like NYC or electric from San Fran. In Vancouver BC Canada they operate a few fuel cell buses that run on hydrogen and produce zero emmisions other than water vapour. Unfortunately since they cost a lot more than the traditional diseal buses (as do the electric, and the natural gas one too) I wouldn't bet on Disney considering them. I've also wondered if Disney ever considered putting in Sky Train like in Vancouver. It is made by Bombardier as well but is cheaper than monorail while still being on an elevated track. Just a thought. I also am not too surprised that the friendships in Epcot are going since they got rid of the double decker busses as well. It seems like such a shame.

Janet

JeffJewell
06-02-2001, 06:37 AM
I don’t follow Screamscape, so I was happy to read on this thread that their accuracy record isn’t the greatest. ...people are left to suggest that Screamscape is/isn't accurate based on their own experiences with what they've read on the site.

I personally have found it wise to pay attention to Screamscape. The nature of the rumors business is that nothing is set in stone--otherwise it wouldn't be a rumor--so, eventually, reality will often contradict even a 100% accurately reported rumor that really was being considered.

If anyone wants my opinion (stop throwing things. You're only going to mess up your monitor), I'd guess that the low water levels brought up the topic that they might have to suspend launch service again, then some weisenheimer suggested that they could save some money if they got rid of them entirely. It's the kind of suggestion that would probably get some airplay in WDW's current budgetary environment.

So, I feel that Screamscape probably accurately reported something that is being considered. That doesn't mean it will certainly happen.

Jeff

hoosll
06-02-2001, 06:39 AM
This may sound extreme but if they were to stop resort launches, I would not return to Disney World. It is one of the things that provides the magic, especially to the Deluxe resorts but I wouldn't put it past Disney to do this. Suddenly AKl becomes MORE similar to other deluxes that would depend on buses.

People ask what you do first when you get to the World, for us it has been riding a launch! I think it is the best way to approach MK, WL, GF, Poly, etc.

HorizonsFan
06-02-2001, 08:35 PM
I'd guess that the low water levels brought up the topic that they might have to suspend launch service again, then some weisenheimer suggested that they could save some money if they got rid of them entirely. It's the kind of suggestion that would probably get some airplay in WDW's current budgetary environment.

I think you hit the nail on the head, Jeff!

lrodk
06-02-2001, 10:18 PM
Posted by safari Steve:

Last year at this time there were big problems that resulted from the pumping of water from retention ponds to 7SL via the MK waterways.

Disney is currently pumping water into Bay Lake from a nearby water source. You can see the pump and long hose running parallel to the roadway approach of the Magic Kingdom Toll plaza.

World Showcase lagoon, as are the waterways along the Epcot Resort/MGM section, are currently being replenished by a lake located out of view behind China.

Yesterday's rainfall was certainly good news. But as Safari Steve mentioned, they need more of these types of showers to help replenish what's already been lost.

Yesterday marked the beginning of hurricane season for Florida, so there's a pretty good chance that they'll be ok during the upcoming summer months. For now it seems that the worst is over.

YoHo
06-03-2001, 11:33 PM
Talked to Chris, our Travel Agent at TDS Woodfield Mall. She had heard nothing about the launches, of course, she's CRO, and so would be the last to know.

(she enjoyed DCA on her recent trip though.)

IASW Rider
06-04-2001, 07:33 AM
"AGENT RIDER" here, reporting in from the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney's Polynesian Resort. Just wanted to let you all know that my fiance and I took a launch from the MK to the Poly yesterday afternoon, and the gentleman driving the boat said that he has heard ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the possibility of discontinuing the launches. When I asked him about the water level situation, he demonstrated to us (by pointing out the water line on the cement shore line), that the water level is currently only an inch or 2 below normal, and that "if one or 2 good hurricanes come", the levels should be completely back to normal! About an hour after our ride on the launch, a huge thunderstorm came, which lasted for about an hour - maybe that helped a little bit! I know that one can't always believe what CM's say, because they themselves might not have all of the information, but our launch captain seemed to know what he was talking about! I also asked various random Poly CM's, and they had not heard anything about the possible discontinuation of launches, either. Will continue doing research and asking around........"AGENT RIDER" signing off from WDW!;)

YoHo
06-04-2001, 11:28 AM
Now I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Its good to know that the lagoon isn't shallow, although above reports indicate that that is due to pumping from other reseviors.

We shall see.

daannzzz
06-04-2001, 02:37 PM
I recall about a year ago reading and artical ( I don't know where or who wrote it) about upcoming changes at the Deluxe Resorts ( and all the WDW resorts) regarding them to be "run more effeciantly". I don't remember everything that was mentioned to be "cut", It may have said something about the water taxi service as that is in the back of my head. Among the stuff mentioned was another item that you all may have heard. The discontinuation of haveing purchases delivered to your room. They would instead be routed to package pick up where you could get them as you leave the park. I had forgotten about this until I read about it again in the last few weeks and that that change would occure soon.
I certainly hope they do not discontinue the boats as that was one of the things that was so wonderful and relaxing about the WDW resort. As for purchases being delivered to the room... that doesn't affect me much but the rest of the shopaholics in the family will be depressed about it.
Dan

YoHo
06-04-2001, 02:46 PM
Polynesian had package pickup centralized in 1999. As I recall, the way things turned out, it was determined that in fact many of the Deluxe and moderates already ran things this way without any problems, so the fuss all died down.

Captain Crook
06-04-2001, 03:52 PM
We really appreciate the effort and as such I'm approving you a large salary increase...Just tell your superior I approved it! ;)

Seriously though, it's good to know the launches are still running and they don't appear in immediate danger of closing (like tomorrow)! And Orlando has had rain!!!

Oh and IASW Rider, I hope you're having (had) a good time...Did you play Millionaire???:D
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

HorizonsFan
06-05-2001, 09:52 AM
I played Millionaire Cap'n and it's a blast. I got on the leader board each time but never higher than third.
I'll try again tomorrow then I have to go home :( .
BTW, I was mistaken in my previous post. There are currently 4 Friendships doing the Bay Lake route.

IASW Rider
06-06-2001, 08:43 AM
Greetings once again from WDW!

I asked a few more people, and have still not found one who has heard anything about the possibility of the launches being discontinued. The 2 resort launches and the TTC ferry have been running consistently since we've been here!

Thanks for your greetings and wishes. We have been having an amazing time, here! Everything has been absolutely perfect......and my boyfriend proposed to me the first night we were here, at the Poly!:D

Will be playing Millionaire today, in fact, and visiting with a friend of ours who works as a tech on the show!

Will let you know if I hear anything else! :D