Absolutely unacceptable

[Tropical Wilds]

I believe what I read was that they're only working on a portion of the track between the GF and the MK. Not several parts. If so, obviously it can't be done.

I read on two spots that during the closure they're doing planned repairs to one section of track that was going to happen later this year as well as unplanned repairs to the portion of the track where it became weather-damaged this winter. They decided to consolodate it all into one closure instead of 3.

 

[Tropical Wilds]

I don't buy, Disney "didn't know".. Disney didn't inform guests because it's less expensive to offer compensation, rather than lose bookings. Guests aren't informed, until it's too late. They, either, suck it up or...suck it up.

Disney's making a habit of "surprise" closures. A really crummy way to treat customers. I don't like, the current trends... or paying a premium for less...

Disney isn't losing bookings... People who wanted the ease-of-use of the monorail and proximity to the park for their hotel aren't going to switch to offsite bookings. They'll just book later or elsewhere.

All signs point to this being a sudden, unplanned closure.

 

[jujube]

The Serenity Prayer has been used, the circle is now complete.

Can we sing "Kumbaya" now?

I don't like Mickey bars...or Dole whips.

I don't like Dole Whips but I like Mickey bars.

The taste of a Zebra Dome would gag a maggot.

Agree 100%
Last April after checking in at AKL, we went straight to get a zebra dome after having read so much about them on the DIS. My friend and I both took one bite and threw them in the garbage can.

Disney isn't losing bookings... People who wanted the ease-of-use of the monorail and proximity to the park for their hotel aren't going to switch to offsite bookings. They'll just book later or elsewhere.

All signs point to this being a sudden, unplanned closure.

Has everyone who made a reservation at one of these resorts called you and told you this info?

 

[Tropical Wilds]

Has everyone who made a reservation at one of these resorts called you and told you this info?

And the reason for being rude would be...?

Honestly, it's just basic business and consumer actions strategy, business 101 stuff. People who are booking for proximity to a location, ease of travel, and ammenities of a higher-end hotel will most likely not switch to an offsite hotel. When the source of frustration is a feature that's removed, consumers don't respond by making the source of frustration more frustrating.

As in, if somebody wants an easy and fast way to get from point A (hotel) to point B (parks) and they make a hotel choice based on that need and the planned source to accommodate the need is removed, consumer trending and strategy dictates that the consumer will not respond by choosing an alternative that makes the original goal harder. Staying offsite would do that. It further limits transportation options, increases the distance from the park, and removes the convienence. A rational consumer who views transportation as so important that they cannot stay at a resort that has removed one of their three travel options which come and go every 10 minutes will not respond by moving to a hotel offsite with even less travel options at a less frequent time.

 

[Tropical Wilds]

I do understand the safety issues here, I also understand what it is like to pay mega bucks to stay at these resorts. When you are paying a premium price, you should get what you pay for. Since they are doing this construction at "peak" time, they should not have the room rates at "peak" rate.. they should have them at "value" since all that you are paying for are not going to be accessible during all the hours they should be. There are going to be down times involved. I am sure if it were handled that way, there would be no complaints on this board.. you get what you pay for in so many words, now you aren't. It is all a money game.. Disney must do the work, but won't budge on the rates.. and that is wrong.

But Disney doesn't lower rates when a ride is closed... I didn't pay less going in January when Fantasmic, the light parade, BTMRR, KRR were closed, or get a refund going out the door because RRC, SpMtn, and ToT closed periodically during the day.

This is the same sort of thing. A feature that isn't operational, as can happen. The resorts in question still have 2 travel options to get to and from their hotel during the day and all 3 options available during the peak travel times. Considering most hotels only have 1 option that may or may not come every 20 minutes, having a hotel with 2-3 options (depending on time of day) that come every 10 minutes priced down to the same rate as a moderate at the same timeperiod is not a reasonable expectation, especially considering the hotel price factors in things like dining experiences, entertainment options, proximity to parks, room views, and quality of the hotel, all of which are still there and still a factor even with the monorail closed.

I think that's where a lot of the lack of sympathy is coming from... The people who are used to only one option to get to and from the parks are looking at the people complaining at now being "limited" to two travel options during off-peak times that come with an increased frequency and are wondering what the big deal is. A bus brings a tired family back for ADRs, naps, swims in the pool, etc just as well as a monorail does.

 

[jujube]

And the reason for being rude would be...?

Honestly, it's just basic business and consumer actions strategy, business 101 stuff. People who are booking for proximity to a location, ease of travel, and ammenities of a higher-end hotel will most likely not switch to an offsite hotel. When the source of frustration is a feature that's removed, consumers don't respond by making the source of frustration more frustrating.

As in, if somebody wants an easy and fast way to get from point A (hotel) to point B (parks) and they make a hotel choice based on that need and the planned source to accommodate the need is removed, consumer trending and strategy dictates that the consumer will not respond by choosing an alternative that makes the original goal harder. Staying offsite would do that. It further limits transportation options, increases the distance from the park, and removes the convienence. A rational consumer who views transportation as so important that they cannot stay at a resort that has removed one of their three travel options which come and go every 10 minutes will not respond by moving to a hotel offsite with even less travel options at a less frequent time.

I was not being rude. You said that Disney was not losing bookings and that people would schedule their reservations for another time and that they would not go offsite. I just wondered how you knew what all of these people were choosing to do with their vacations.

 

[flicx]

I do understand the safety issues here, I also understand what it is like to pay mega bucks to stay at these resorts. When you are paying a premium price, you should get what you pay for. Since they are doing this construction at "peak" time, they should not have the room rates at "peak" rate.. they should have them at "value" since all that you are paying for are not going to be accessible during all the hours they should be. There are going to be down times involved. I am sure if it were handled that way, there would be no complaints on this board.. you get what you pay for in so many words, now you aren't. It is all a money game.. Disney must do the work, but won't budge on the rates.. and that is wrong.

Yes yes this is absolutely the point. Nice post!!

 

[Tropical Wilds]

I was not being rude. You said that Disney was not losing bookings and that people would schedule their reservations for another time and that they would not go offsite. I just wondered how you knew what all of these people were choosing to do with their vacations.

I'm going to guess that Disney employs people who take the same, or similar, classes in consumer trending that I did... Especially since the ones I took were at Disney... And their analysts arrived at the same conclusion.

But again, considering they had the survey team out only 5 days before the closure to take user surveys, I'm going to say this wasn't a planned closure that they knew about months ago.

 

[Mad Hattered]

 

[KellyNY]

I'm going to guess that Disney employs people who take the same, or similar, classes in consumer trending that I did... Especially since the ones I took were at Disney... And their analysts arrived at the same conclusion.

But again, considering they had the survey team out only 5 days before the closure to take user surveys, I'm going to say this wasn't a planned closure that they knew about months ago.

I did not take those classes and I understand your point completely, infact I stated pretty much same thing few pages back, basic logic!

 

[dimndgal1]

...but hearing about the monprail being broken is reeeeeally getting that episode of Simpsons stuck in my head.

" Lyle Lanley: Well, sir, there's nothing on earth Like a genuine, Bona fide, Electrified, Six-car Monorail! What'd I say?
Ned Flanders: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: What's it called?
Patty+Selma: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: That's right! Monorail!"

 

[ToddyLu]

OK I didn't read the whole thread but that MJ pic is just plain creeppppyyyy! ( an yes, I did watch the premier of the video on MTV way back when and it scared the crap out of me--I was babysitting)

 

[Rip]

But Disney doesn't lower rates when a ride is closed... I didn't pay less going in January when Fantasmic, the light parade, BTMRR, KRR were closed, or get a refund going out the door because RRC, SpMtn, and ToT closed periodically during the day.

This is the same sort of thing. A feature that isn't operational, as can happen. The resorts in question still have 2 travel options to get to and from their hotel during the day and all 3 options available during the peak travel times. Considering most hotels only have 1 option that may or may not come every 20 minutes, having a hotel with 2-3 options (depending on time of day) that come every 10 minutes priced down to the same rate as a moderate at the same timeperiod is not a reasonable expectation, especially considering the hotel price factors in things like dining experiences, entertainment options, proximity to parks, room views, and quality of the hotel, all of which are still there and still a factor even with the monorail closed.

I think that's where a lot of the lack of sympathy is coming from... The people who are used to only one option to get to and from the parks are looking at the people complaining at now being "limited" to two travel options during off-peak times that come with an increased frequency and are wondering what the big deal is. A bus brings a tired family back for ADRs, naps, swims in the pool, etc just as well as a monorail does.

No, it isn't the same thing (the rides only close either for planned refurbishment or technical malfunctions, in the case of planned refurbishment, Disney generally puts that info out there.....).

And no, a bus doesn't bring you back just as well as the monorail does. If so, there wouldn't be such a drastic price difference.

Again, Disney knew of this in advance, and chose not to inform these guests strictly so they wouldn't lose bookings, i.e. $$.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Disney isn't losing bookings... People who wanted the ease-of-use of the monorail and proximity to the park for their hotel aren't going to switch to offsite bookings. They'll just book later or elsewhere.

All signs point to this being a sudden, unplanned closure.

I disagree. I believe, occupancy, at the GF and Poly would suffer...probably CR too. They would lose bookings, during that period of time (at those resorts).

I definitely, would NOT book a "monorail resort", if the monorail was closed. I wouldn't consider, paying peak rates either. I'd change my dates, or book an alternate Disney property. Doesn't make up for the empty rooms..

 

[Sammie]

I don't buy, Disney "didn't know".. Disney didn't inform guests because it's less expensive to offer compensation, rather than lose bookings. Guests aren't informed, until it's too late. They, either, suck it up or...suck it up.

Disney's making a habit of "surprise" closures. A really crummy way to treat customers. I don't like, the current trends... or paying a premium for less...

Then you know, don't go. I really do not know what you want them or anyone else to tell you.

You really seem to dislike them a great deal, yet you keep going.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Then you know, don't go. I really do not know what you want them or anyone else to tell you.

You really seem to dislike them a great deal, yet you keep going.

I would want prior notice and the choice..

I've made no bones about it, if not for a non refundable deposit and disappointing my grandkids..we wouldn't be going this year. I'm not happy with the current management or the trend..

We normally visit, at least, twice a year, but after our spring trip (been booked, over a year)...no future plans. We've reached, the tipping point. We'd already cut back on dining. The quality and menu choices have decreased, but prices have increased. The merchandise is generic..half of MK is under tarp or closed...shows reduced, etc., etc.

 

[KellyNY]

I would want prior notice and the choice..

I've made no bones about it, if not for a non refundable deposit and disappointing my grandkids..we wouldn't be going this year. I'm not happy with the current management or the trend..

We normally visit, at least, twice a year, but after our spring trip (been booked, over a year)...no future plans. We've reached, the tipping point. We'd already cut back on dining. The quality and menu choices have decreased, but prices have increased. The merchandise is generic..half of MK is under tarp or closed...shows reduced, etc., etc.

I think you should put it in your signature, I mean that you are done with Disney. I am actually serious, how many people ask you this question and all because they see your next trip.

 

[Tropical Wilds]

...but hearing about the monprail being broken is reeeeeally getting that episode of Simpsons stuck in my head.

" Lyle Lanley: Well, sir, there's nothing on earth Like a genuine, Bona fide, Electrified, Six-car Monorail! What'd I say?
Ned Flanders: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: What's it called?
Patty+Selma: Monorail!
Lyle Lanley: That's right! Monorail!"

I hear those things are awfuly loud...

 

[TLSnell1981]

I think you should put it in your signature, I mean that you are done with Disney. I am actually serious, how many people ask you this question and all because they see your next trip.

We have many magical memories....32 years worth. But, I don't snort It truly makes me sad to see Disney's decline, under Iger and Co.

 

[SpinTheWorld]

I hear those things are awfuly loud...

I shouldn't have stopped for that haircut.

*Jeremy
www.spinstheworld.com