Absolutely unacceptable

[traylorc]

They don't have to comp everyone's stay for the next two weeks, but what about saying "here's a $100 gift card to spend on food or merchandise and a couple extra fastpasses for your trouble" to anyone who complains. They really aren't out $100 per complainer because the food and merchandise doesn't cost them what they charge for it. And it keeps a customer happy enough to return and spend more money.

From a consumer's point of view, Disney charges so much they really are not losing anything from providing a $100 gift card. Evidently there is not a real "cost" to giving away free gift cards.

I'm not sure I agree with that assertion. From a business point of view, there is an opportunity cost for providing that gift card. That gift card represents $100 of revenue per person that Disney has agreed to forego. That gift card represents additional revenues that would have been earned if the gift card was not provided. I think it is a mistake to act as if bypassing revenues does not "cost" Disney anything.

Look...I'm not unsympathetic to the OPs situation. But this is a no win situation for Disney. Let's Disney contacted every single customer and informed them 30 days in advance regarding the situation with the Monorail. I guarantee you there would have been multiple threads started complaining about the fact that Disney only provided a 30 day notice and not a 45 day notice. And even if Disney provided a 45 or 60 day notice, inevitably there would be threads complaining about why they were not contacted even sooner, or why didn't Disney "compensate" them for only receiving notice 60 days in advance. It doesn't matter what Disney does, there are going to be people who feel slighted, question Disney's overall customer service, etc....

But here is the ugly reality...Disney knows this decision to limit Monorail access will upset some of their customers. But Disney is betting on a couple of things: 1) Regardless of how mad people are about the monorail, chances are the majority of people are still going to stay at the MK resorts. 2) Those individuals who are so upset they cancel their trips or refuse to patron Disney in the future, will be replaced by other customers anxious to bring their families to WDW.

Disney is not going to risk revenues at their deluxe resorts by notifying folks 30, 60, 90 or 120 days in advance that the monorail scheduled will be limited. But at the same time, construction and maintenance of your facilities is a fact of life in the hospitality / amusement park industry. Make no mistake about it, Disney is definitely attempting to have their cake and eat it too.

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

I understand what the OP is trying to get across, but, there is always the ferry, why does no one care about it? No flaming, just curious.

 

[minnie mum]

.

 

[wild4dis]

For what its worth, heres what I would do...
At this point you cant cancel because of monetary penalties, besides, who wants to cancel, your excited to go to Disney !!
But I would call the resort and complain, you booked a Disney Monorail Resort, as they advertise it, you pay a premium for that service and it wont be functioning for almost 50% of the time you are there because of a planned work activity (not an unplanned breakdown), how are they going to compensate you for not delivering all the "paid for" services. You know they are not going to change the construction schedule, progress has to happen. I would let them know how dissapointed I am as a paying customer who was not notified by them of this work activity, because it does impact your planning and overall experience. I would expect some type of discount off the daily room fee. When they decline, demand to talk to a manager, and keep going up. Disney really is a good customer service business and I bet if you position yourself right and be professional and courteous (no yelling and screaming) you should get something back........just a thought

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

I'd be bummed if this happened to me, but I would quickly realize that I always go to the parks before 11 am so I can still ride the monorail, and I always come home after 6pm so no change there either....

and I do like a midday break sometimes...and then I will take a boat...which is quite pleasant and not crowded at all midday.

So I wouldn't be bumming that hard or that long.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

From a consumer's point of view, Disney charges so much they really are not losing anything from providing a $100 gift card. Evidently there is not a real "cost" to giving away free gift cards.

I'm not sure I agree with that assertion. From a business point of view, there is an opportunity cost for providing that gift card. That gift card represents $100 of revenue per person that Disney has agreed to forego. That gift card represents additional revenues that would have been earned if the gift card was not provided. I think it is a mistake to act as if bypassing revenues does not "cost" Disney anything.

I understand the concept of an opportunity cost. Yes, there is a revenue hit WDW would take for offering these gift cards. But if it keeps a customer happy, they will come out ahead in the long run.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I really hate to beat a dead horse, but it is only on these boards that the CR, Polynesian and GF are called monorail resorts. Disney classifies them as MK resorts.
They are more expensive due to their proximity to MK, granted. BUT...you still have the ability to access the MK via the boats. And Disney is running a lot more boats during this time period.
WL and AKL are both 'lesser' deluxe resorts because they don't have immediate access to any park. Yes, you can get to MK via a boat at WL..so it is a bit more expensive than AKL.
And YC/BC and BW??? They are usually more expensive than either CR or Polynesian. The GF is a bit higher than they are...simply because Disney promotes it as their 'flagship' resort.

It doesn't matter what WDW classifies them as. They charge a premium for these 3 resorts because of the monorail. And the WL and AKL are the exact same price. The YC/BC and BW are more expensive than the CR, but they are less expensive than the Poly.

 

[goofy4tink]

Sorry Goof, I think that is a huge cop out. No we are not the only ones who classify them as monorail resorts. ever TA I've ever used including AAA touts the ease and fun of using the MONORAIL. I have yet to have one who said "and it will be fun to ride the bus"

this is just my opinion. the ease of the monorail is a big factor for many folks coughing up the extra dough to stay at certain resorts. pretending that the buses are a "just as good" option is silly to me.

I completely understand what you're saying. BUT......for those of us who have been to WDW a lot in recent years, we all realize that the monorail has not been the most efficient way to get around. I don't think I ever said anything about the buses being fun. They aren't. But, for me, by that same token, the monorail isn't fun anymore either. Try being stuck up there, for up to 30 mins. It's no fun. No way to get you down, people getting upset, kids getting scared. And that has started happening with alarming regularity. So regular that many frequent visitors to that particular area that is served by the monorail, now take the boats.
The boats are really quicker to MK...especially from the Polynesian.
But...if you want to ride the monorail at 1:30pm, you will be disappointed..and for that, I'm sorry, and can well understand your upset.

Again, the monorail is running...just not all day. It has been suspended for the much less busy times of day..with addtl boats being put into service to help ease the load. If that upsets so many, then so be it. I just don't see not being able to ride the monorail, for the 25 mins it will take, from the MK to GF, at 2:00pm, as a huge deal. Sure, going from the GF to MK takes a lot less time...unless of course there is an issue and the monorail gets stuck up there....happens a lot. But, that's merely my personal feeling. I am lucky enough to go to WDW frequently...so not being able to ride the monorail whenever I wish to on one stay wouldn't upset me. Obviously, others have booked first time stays or a special stay...and it does upset them.

 

[goofy4tink]

It doesn't matter what WDW classifies them as. They charge a premium for these 3 resorts because of the monorail. And the WL and AKL are the exact same price. The YC/BC and BW are more expensive than the CR, but they are less expensive than the Poly.

But they still get the monorail. Why is everyone acting like there is no monorail service available???? Cutting back on midday service is just not that big a deal. I give up. Nothing I say will make any difference in this argument. Go ahead, complain all you want. Disney is NOT going to care. They have little to no problem filling up any of these resorts.

 

[OnlyDisney]

I don't understand why so many people are saying "just get over it". I'd be upset too, one of the main reasons for staying at a monorail resort is riding the monorail. We don't have a lot of money; it's going to take us years to save up for our second trip. We're planning on staying at the Poly and I know after all that time and money I'd want want to switch resorts. If the monorail was down I wouldn't want to stay at a monorail resort, if the animals were unavailable for some reason I wouldn't want to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, if the back entrance was closed to Epcot I wouldn't want to stay at an Epcot resort. These are basics you'd expect to be included at those resorts and if it wasn't available I'd hope that Disney would bend over to switch you to a different resort.

If someone just found out about the monorail being down, would Disney let you switch to a different resort without being charged for switching so close to your check in date? I know if the monorail was down I'd rather stay at an Epcot resort or Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[diskids2]

I have to agree with OP and I would be upset if I were staying at one of the MK resorts during this downtime.

I would be calling and asking if my reservation could be switched to another resort if it meant that much to my family and I.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I don't understand why so many people are saying "just get over it". I'd be upset too, one of the main reasons for staying at a monorail resort is riding the monorail. We don't have a lot of money; it's going to take us years to save up for our second trip. We're planning on staying at the Poly and I know after all that time and money I'd want want to switch resorts. If the monorail was down I wouldn't want to stay at a monorail resort, if the animals were unavailable for some reason I wouldn't want to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, if the back entrance was closed to Epcot I wouldn't want to stay at an Epcot resort.

I'm not sure why it is a problem for some for OP to come on here and express her frustration. It doesn't matter what Disney calls the Poly; most folks stay there in large part because they like the thought of using the monorail. Without it available during certain hours some of the fun and value of staying at the Poly is not there.
Having said that, if it were me in that situation I'd probably just plan around the repair work and not worry too much about it since the monorail will be available during many hours of the day. I might even consider asking if it would be possible to change my ressie over to the Beach Club or something. It would be a good chance to experience a nice resort I woudl oetehrwise not choose. Nothing wrong with being disappointed and letting off a little steam though.

 

[Reddog1134]

I don't understand why so many people are saying "just get over it". I'd be upset too, one of the main reasons for staying at a monorail resort is riding the monorail. We don't have a lot of money; it's going to take us years to save up for our second trip. We're planning on staying at the Poly and I know after all that time and money I'd want want to switch resorts. If the monorail was down I wouldn't want to stay at a monorail resort, if the animals were unavailable for some reason I wouldn't want to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, if the back entrance was closed to Epcot I wouldn't want to stay at an Epcot resort. These are basics you'd expect to be included at those resorts and if it wasn't available I'd hope that Disney would bend over to switch you to a different resort.

If someone just found out about the monorail being down, would Disney let you switch to a different resort without being charged for switching so close to your check in date? I know if the monorail was down I'd rather stay at an Epcot resort or Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I'm not sure about a standard room agreement but when you purchase DVC at AKV, if specifically states that there is no guarantee there will be animals on the savanna.

 

[Bob NC]

We leave for our trip on Friday and it was only posted yesterday that the Magic Kingdom monorails will not be operating between 11:30am and 6pm EVERY SINGLE DAY WE ARE THERE

So let me get this straight. I'm paying 300 dollars a night to ride the bus to MK? During crazy Spring Break crowds we all know how long the boat line will be to get back to the Poly. Why would Disney schedule this during such a busy time???

Where do I email my complaint?

I'm with you. I wouldn't like it either.

If I were in your shoes I'd be switching resorts. It looks, though, like you really love the Poly. I've stayed there a few times and honestly, I can take it or leave it. BUT, without the monorail I would DEFINITELY leave it.

Have a great vacation!!!!

 

[Jennasis]

It's for a few hours for a few days. It's not permanent...it's not all day. You can still use the monorail, and lines are not bad during those hours it will be down.

I KNOW it's disappointing, but I bet you'll be just fine. Deep breath, relax and remember you're going to WDW!

Quick question, does this affect the EPCOT monorail? Cause you can walk to TTC from the Poly and get the monorail there to Epcot still right?

 

[TLSnell1981]

But they still get the monorail. Why is everyone acting like there is no monorail service available???? Cutting back on midday service is just not that big a deal. I give up. Nothing I say will make any difference in this argument. Go ahead, complain all you want. Disney is NOT going to care
. They have little to no problem filling up any of these resorts.

Maybe.. because we're starting to see a trend?
Yep, Disney's day is not affected one iota. They could care less.

It's for a few hours for a few days. It's not permanent...it's not all day.

First, Disney shutdown the monorail for hard ticket and extra magic hours. It was temporary, but then it was permanent. What's next....?

 

[Jennasis]

Maybe.. because we're starting to see a trend?
Yep, Disney's day is not affected one iota. They could care less.

First, Disney shutdown the monorail for hard ticket and extra magic hours. It was temporary, but then it was permanent. What's next....?

Who knows, but THIS isn't permanent. They're repairing the monorail. They aren't going to spend $$$ to fix it and then dismantle the dang thing.

Disney doesn't "care" because people still show up and fill rooms. Why SHOULD THEY CARE? If you (the general you) are still gonna show up, why should they do more than they're doing? That upset about it..GO ELSEWHERE and vote with your wallet.

 

[richmo]

I'm not going to bother reading thru 12 pages of replies, but I don't really see this as a huge deal.

It may be a little inconvenient, but the hours aren't that bad. The monorails will be operating all morning when most are going into the park and again at night when most leave. The afternoon period is typically fairly light in coming/going traffic, so I would think the boats could easily keep up.

 

[WillAustin]

I think there is a big difference between "inconvenient" and "absolutely unacceptable". Personally, I'd classify this as unfortunately inconvenient and figure out alternatives if needed.

 

[jujube]

I really hate to beat a dead horse, but it is only on these boards that the CR, Polynesian and GF are called monorail resorts. Disney classifies them as MK resorts.
They are more expensive due to their proximity to MK, granted. BUT...you still have the ability to access the MK via the boats. And Disney is running a lot more boats during this time period.
WL and AKL are both 'lesser' deluxe resorts because they don't have immediate access to any park. Yes, you can get to MK via a boat at WL..so it is a bit more expensive than AKL.
And YC/BC and BW??? They are usually more expensive than either CR or Polynesian. The GF is a bit higher than they are...simply because Disney promotes it as their 'flagship' resort.

I have been to WDW more times than I can count, at all times of year. And realistically??? I have seldom seen the monorail even close to full during the hours that Disney is closing it down now. Yes, there were some guests riding it, but not all that many. You can still ride the monorail, at busier times of day. For the less busy times, Disney is putting more boats into service.
It's not as if you have no monorail service at all. It's there, for park opening and closing.

That is incorrect. I have had CMs on the phone and at the resorts themselves call the CR, Poly, and GF, the monorail resorts. This also the phrase used for these resorts on other Disney chat boards.

We were at WDW in November and the monorail was crowded during the 11-6 hours. Not the whole time but we definitely had to wait.

I think there is a big difference between "inconvenient" and "absolutely unacceptable". Personally, I'd classify this as unfortunately inconvenient and figure out alternatives if needed.

Personally is the key word. Personally, I think those who feel it is "absolutely unacceptable" are entitled to their opinions.