Hey, Gents! Well, day two is down in the history books. Spent all day on the computer watching training videos and working in the training program. It's interesting, a lot of what I'm being trained to do doesn't apply to my job. All I do is look for certain bits of information in faxes that come into one program, transfer that information into the system and then upload it into the electronic records program, that's it. And the information I'm looking for isn't that much either. What I'm being trained on is registration, scheduling and how to take payments in the system. I'm hoping that with all this training they'll keep me and transfer me to a different department where I can utilize this training. Even if they don't, I've been trained on the program and that makes me more marketable....at least in my eyes.

Well, that's all I've got. Have a good evening.
TTFN
I think some of the people who get upset about things like this are a bit out there. Yes it is the loss of something that made you trip easier but it really hasn't been around that long. We used it a couple of times but to return to the airport you had to leave at least 3 hours before your flight and I didn't like that.
Exactly. I'm more upset over how much it costs to take a Disney World vacation than I am for losing ME, something I've never taken, by the way. I was happy when Mears ran their regular buses, probably because I didn't know any better. I go for the experience of being in Disney World and enjoying the theming, rides, the resorts and just being on vacation away from the house. I really do love the theming of the different lands and rides.
I think there are a few things factoring into this cut. First, the pandemic and the reduced crown levels are certainly eating into Disney's bottom line. With fewer people flying right now, this would be an expensive service to maintain. Second, Disney and Brightline(??) have entered into an agreement to build a train stop at Disney Springs for the new high speed line that will connect from the airport so you will still have easy access from the airport. I think as this get closer you will see Disney announce that they will operate buses from the station to resorts to help people out. Third, the contract with Mears was about to expire and I would think Mears would be seeking a long term agreement. At this point in time that is something Disney probably want to avoid. They could also be using it as a negotiating tactic with Mears as they still have a full year before the service ends.
At the end of the day Disney's a business that needs to make money to survive, and this last year hit everyone hard, including the almighty mouse, so cuts will be made. And when this train eventually does get up and running, Disney will have to come up with something to get guests to the resorts because luggage, if I remember, isn't allowed on their buses.
Are you a Communist or something?
I have been accused of being one, but no, I'm not a Communist....that I can assure you.
Sounds exciting! Did you try giving the cat more Scotch?

I'd love to see a drunk cat.
That and the loss of extra magic hours seem to take away just about all of the perks for staying onsite. I'm sure they're cutting costs like crazy right now so we'll have to see if things start to come back once the economy/travel starts to rebound.
The extra magic hours as a loss for me, I admit, but we can only hope that comes back when things go back to normal.
Morning all, and a terrific morning it is. Booked our next WDW vacation at the Boardwalk in December. Never been in December, and I'm hoping the
MVMCP returns and the outdoor masks go away by then.
That's awesome! Always wanted to do Disney at Christmas time, but horrible time of year to travel from the northeast. Also, that's a prime gigging season for the Mrs.
Have an in-person job interview today and virtual interview Thursday. I'm still not sure what to do. I like the idea of a 2/3 day workweek, but I also like the idea making more money. First, I have to get offers, then, I can make those decisions.
Tough spot to be in, man. Make a list of pros and cons for the offers and see where that leads you. Not much help, I know, but that's all I've got.
Good luck on Day 2, studying, and working from home if you can get it. The Department I'm going to is rotating working from home, maybe a week on/ off. That way, if someone comes up positive, they don't have to quarentine the whole department. As PRN, I'll be trained for all units and could be stationed anywhere.
That's not a bad way to do it really. Half in and half out? Smart. And being able to go anywhere is nice because it'll keep things interesting.
I've started drinking black tea in the day and decaf Green tea in the evening. Just Lipton brand. I'd like to try other flavors, but don't want to buy large quantities.
I love tea, especially ice tea. However, in the winter, when it's nice a cold outside, hot tea comes out. Mmmmmm
I never used ME, although, I thought the name tragical express when you leave was funny. My airport, and the next closest, fly into Sanford. We have to drive 2 hours to get to a airport that flies into MCO, and then, flights/ parking cost more at the larger airports. However, we have driven most of our trips.
How long of a drive is it for you? I think it'd a 24 hour drive for me if I did it.
I've said for years that Disney continues to try to price me out of the market. We used go to WDW twice a year for awhile, but reduced that to once a year awhile back due to the increased cost. I keep thinking it's time to sell, but we got a great deal on our DVC contract. At a certain point, it won't be worth it anymore. But, we still have 21 years left on the contract, and our yearly dues are still cheaper than staying a week in a Holiday Inn on the beach. And, we could still have Hilton Head and Vero Beach Resorts as options. But, if DW would agree, I would move to Cocoa Beach area and drive into WDW daily for the best of both worlds.
The cost is what's getting to me. My DW and I agree that we'll take a trip down, but once the final cost is in I doubt we'll be doing another any time soon.
I knew I liked you for a reason even if you were Navy.

Apple isn't my favorite and it can't be store bought....those are almost always horrible.

I actually like apples, it's when they've booked and spiced up (I guess is what happens in apple pie) that I can't stand. Never liked it. Blah!
I'm not overly upset, but then again I only used it twice. Most of the time we drove and now that's automatic.
I'm also not surprised.
Disney is all about money and if it's something that's costing them more than making them money...sionara. Same with SOTMK...going bye bye the 24th.

With COVID, they've lost a lot of money or at least gross revenue and reduced a LOT (staff, rides, shows, dining). Not surprised since the buses, fuel, drivers probably cost way more now than the revenue they get from making it easier for people to get there.
Yep, exactly. I've never used it, so I'm not missing out on anything. They'll be other ways of getting down there...I'm not worried.
coffee and terrific flavor is an oxymoron.
I do use it and like it. But... Losing it isn't going to make me lose sleep either.
I mean... not many places in the world that you can land at the airport and expect luggage pick-up and a "free" ride right to destination.
I'm interested to see what will happen in the next year. Will Disney get a better deal from Mears and revert back? Will Brightline make up for it? (Well... yes and no. You'll get to Disney a lot faster... but you'll be in DTD and have to get to your resort from there... so overall it may take longer... and will involve a transfer... which may be a colossal pain with bags..)
See, now you're being realistic about this. Would you just stop that?!

I look at things practically. It's gonna change whether we want it to or not, it's how we deal with it. Do I like all changes? No, I don't, but I can't sit there and mope about for ever and say I'm not going to go down just because they stopped something. This train service might wind up being a blessing in disguise. And as for guests getting let off at DTD? My guess is that Disney will have shuttles/buses ready to take guests to their resorts. They'll going to have to. Luggage isn't allowed on the resort buses now, so....

But that's just a guess.