Magical Express - Money Express?

[Zippa D Doodah]

I wouldn't pay any extra for DME. Some trips we fly; some we drive. If there was an additional charge for DME I'd rent a car on those trips when we fly. I'd be sure to eat off-site some.

 

[minnie61650]

I personally do not see them charging for DME. I do see an increase in room rates which would accomplish pretty much the same thing.

I agree.
WDW will add the increased cost into the room rate and keep ME "free".

Those rumors ( to start charging for ME) have been around since WDW first started ME.

I do not believe those rumors have an ounce of truth in them.

WDW fought so hard to get a light rail system that would take guests directly from MCO to WDW.

When that idea failed they stated offering their "free" direct to WDW ME
service.

This has worked very well for WDW to keep guests onsite.

If WDW started charging for ME it would completly defeat the orignal statagey that is working so well for them.


Just my 2 cents

 

[mitros]

I wouldn't pay any extra for DME. Some trips we fly; some we drive. If there was an additional charge for DME I'd rent a car on those trips when we fly. I'd be sure to eat off-site some.

We love your McCain "sticker"

Eating off site can be a genuine plus. There are quite a few decent spots to have a meal in the area, even if you go to one of the Universal restaurants!

 

[Another Voice]

WDW fought so hard to get a light rail system that would take guests directly from MCO to WDW. When that idea failed they stated offering their "free" direct to WDW ME service.

That's incorrect.

What Disney fought so hard for was to prevent ANY station between the airport and WDW. The plans for both the light rail link and the Orlando-Tampa high speed train included a stop on International Drive at the Convention Center. The taxpayers of Florida decided they didn't want to fund a non-stop commuter train that would benefit no one except Disney.

Once it was clear that the I-Drive stop was necessary, Disney refused to allow the line to enter Disney property and killing the plans.

The "free" bus is an unwanted, temporary measure Disiney had to settle for to make their 'Destination Disney' plan lock guests on property. The Company would much rather the state have paid for everything, but not at the expense of dropping potential customers at the doorstep of competitors.

 

[minnie61650]

That's incorrect.

What Disney fought so hard for was to prevent ANY station between the airport and WDW. The plans for both the light rail link and the Orlando-Tampa high speed train included a stop on International Drive at the Convention Center. The taxpayers of Florida decided they didn't want to fund a non-stop commuter train that would benefit no one except Disney.

Once it was clear that the I-Drive stop was necessary, Disney refused to allow the line to enter Disney property and killing the plans.

The "free" bus is an unwanted, temporary measure Disiney had to settle for to make their 'Destination Disney' plan lock guests on property. The Company would much rather the state have paid for everything, but not at the expense of dropping potential customers at the doorstep of competitors.

Thanks AV. When I said "take guests directly from MCO to WDW." I did mean non-stop.

Thank you for explaining it much more clearly than I did.

 

[Another Voice]

I'm sorry if that came off as harsh, but Disney is trying to paint itself as a victim in this whole affair and the last thing that's needed is another company manufactured myth that's taken as the truth.

There have been several potential plans that almost happened. The best was around the time when EPCOT Center opened. Disney was even setting land aside to create a Central Florida Transportation Hub - a place where you could have transfered directly from a Miami-Orlando-Airport-Tampa train directly to WDW's monorail system, where busses and people driving from offsite could have parked.

Then Michael Eisner came onboard and nixed the whole plan because the state wanted the train have a stop between MCO and WDW. The company has kept that position ever since and have killed many, many transportation plans over the year (and they've pretty much trashed transportation on their own property as well).

The reason why the state wants a non-Disney stop is simple. They get more tax revenue from off-property businesses than they get from Disney (what, you think the sales tax you pay buying that plush on Main Street actually goes to the state and county?). Orlando is trying to build itself into a major convention and meeting destination; they've sunk hugs amounts of money in the Orlando Convention Center. And since the rail line would be financed by the taxpayers, the state feels it should benefit multiple groups instead of a single corporation (especially one that can blow a hundred million on a Underdog remake).

We could have been riding at 200 mph for a more than a decade now except for Disney's amazing greed. Somewhere along the line the concept of "resort" has been lost among multiple "profit centers" - Disney has lost the ability to see the greater profits while they've been counting pennies.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Charge $45 and a group of 3-4 will find a car service cheaper. Even a couple may decide a car service is worth the extra few dollars. Others may find the extra money for a rental car worth it.

Charging that much will reduce ridership. Lower ridership may result in increased wait times before a bus is dispatched and more stops per bus. It's been posted that the average time from landing to arrival is 70 minutes. Increase that to 90 minutes and another group of potential passengers will bail.

I'll speculate Disney will start charging guests for resort parking before (or at the same time) they start charging for DME. Many hotels in the Orlando area now charge for guest parking. On-site SoG, Swan and Dolphin all charge for guest parking. Off-site the Universal hotels, Gaylord Palms, Mariott (convention hotel) and other hotels charge for guest parking.

What a total rip off... I can see charging in an inner city with limited parking OR charging for Valet, but the parking is not that limited at most Orlando Hotels... boy talk about bilking the customers.

 

[Padrepride]

It wouldn't be smart for Disney to charge for the ME. People would start renting cars allowing them to go off site. And with Potterland coming to US, it wouldn't be a good idea to let guests go.

 

[yitbos96bb]

agree completley and if the downtunin bookings happens, and they chrge for it.it will send the bookings down further still.
Think the would alter the DDP, to days you want rather than all your stay,before they charge for ME

This is Disney we are talking about... They make a lot of dumb decisions, so your very good and reasonable one on the DDP would NEVER fly... as a stockholder, I'm still uber-ticked on the whole Song of the South thing... I could buy the racial insensitivity argument, IF they hadn't constantly released films with racial insensitivities in them... The WWII cartoons, Dumbo (the crows and the carnies are both racially insensitive), Peter Pan (The portrayal of American Indians... not to mention the smoking which they BUTCHERED the Pecos Bill cartoon by trying to remove his cigarette). The argument doesn't hold water and for some stupid reason Eisner and now Iger has a bug about the film. From a shareholder point of view, withholding a movie that is the most requested Disney film to be put on DVD... a film whose DVD release guarentees 10's to 100's of million of dollars in revenue is a disservice to shareholders and should result in the firing of Iger and any on the board who support this stupidity. We hear the complaints about company revenue and stupid ideas to raise revenue such as ME charging or cost cutting maneuvers such as limiting Fantasmic, while they ignore some of the other avenues of income available.

Ok sorry that got a little OT... ultimately though under the current regime, we will see some very stupid decisions and just have to hope Iger and his cronies don't run our beloved company into the ground.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I believe that they wanted to do a deal with the City to run light rail.

It was highly protested for a couple of reasons. Taxes and taxies.

So, they went with ME and basically thumbed their noses at everyone.

Floridians complaining about the smallest of taxes... there's a SHOCK ;-) I'd love to see some of them move to the East coast, or the Chicago area or West coast and then we will see how much they complain about added taxes... EVEN the temp ones added to build a light rail...

That being said, I'm surprised that Orlando didn't figure out a way to push the costs on the tourists... either with additional Hotel tax or rental car tax...

I know I helped pay for the Chiefs new stadium... KC (or the State of Kansas or Missouri... I'm not sure who) passed a HUGE tax on rental cars to pay for a lot of it. I'm surprised Orlando wouldn't do something similiar.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I'm sorry if that came off as harsh, but Disney is trying to paint itself as a victim in this whole affair and the last thing that's needed is another company manufactured myth that's taken as the truth.

There have been several potential plans that almost happened. The best was around the time when EPCOT Center opened. Disney was even setting land aside to create a Central Florida Transportation Hub - a place where you could have transfered directly from a Miami-Orlando-Airport-Tampa train directly to WDW's monorail system, where busses and people driving from offsite could have parked.

Then Michael Eisner came onboard and nixed the whole plan because the state wanted the train have a stop between MCO and WDW. The company has kept that position ever since and have killed many, many transportation plans over the year (and they've pretty much trashed transportation on their own property as well).

The reason why the state wants a non-Disney stop is simple. They get more tax revenue from off-property businesses than they get from Disney (what, you think the sales tax you pay buying that plush on Main Street actually goes to the state and county?). Orlando is trying to build itself into a major convention and meeting destination; they've sunk hugs amounts of money in the Orlando Convention Center. And since the rail line would be financed by the taxpayers, the state feels it should benefit multiple groups instead of a single corporation (especially one that can blow a hundred million on a Underdog remake).

We could have been riding at 200 mph for a more than a decade now except for Disney's amazing greed. Somewhere along the line the concept of "resort" has been lost among multiple "profit centers" - Disney has lost the ability to see the greater profits while they've been counting pennies.

Sadly, you can make that arguement for A LOT of places in this country... Heck, we could easily have a high speed rail system like Japan and Europe have, except the airlines have fought tooth and nail to keep it from happening. Its also why Amtrak almost completely died a few years ago.

 

[jfinke]

I know I helped pay for the Chiefs new stadium... KC (or the State of Kansas or Missouri... I'm not sure who) passed a HUGE tax on rental cars to pay for a lot of it. I'm surprised Orlando wouldn't do something similiar.

Actually, I think it was St. Louis that you helped pay for. KC residents were pissed they were paying for a St. Louis stadium and got nothing for KC.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

There are a lot of St Louis residents (me included) that think they should build their own stadiums too! The only bigger waist of tax $$$ here is the new runway that bought up my entire neighborhood and now has maybe 2 to 3 planes a week land on it.

 

[MarriedToAPrince]

If they do start charging $45 each way then I think we will end up renting a car. I agree that charging would not be a great way to get people to stay on site for activites, thus losing business. With us using DME we stay on site at all times and spent all our money at WDW versus going elsewhere.

 

[yitbos96bb]

If they do start charging $45 each way then I think we will end up renting a car. I agree that charging would not be a great way to get people to stay on site for activites, thus losing business. With us using DME we stay on site at all times and spent all our money at WDW versus going elsewhere.

No..> this was in 2006 and the rental car bills all clearly said KC Stadium Tax

 

[troynkasey]

I would find it hard to believe they would charge for ME for the reasons already stated. #1, if it's free, more people take part and then more people are "stuck" on property and can't travel off to pick up goods, so they purchase on property at a markup. #2, if they don't charge, they can write that fee off and factor it into room prices and other locations. Trust me, it's not free. We're paying for it somewhere else!! But now they can charge everyone a tad more for their room to pay for ME. it's a great idea really. Give someone something they believe to be free.

If I'm charged, then I spend money on a rental car to get there. That is money I don't spend on everything Disney. I also use the transportation to drive and get groceries and snacks instead of eating at the resort...further limiting what I spend on Disney.

Personally, I think it would be a foolish move to charge. They will lose out in the end.

 

[jfinke]

On April 4, 2006, Jackson County voters approved a tax increase for $850 million for renovations to Arrowhead and nearby Kauffman Stadium. However the voters rejected a tax increase for $170 million to place a rolling roof on the stadium. Before the election the NFL awarded the 49th Super Bowl in 2015 to Kansas City provided it have a climate controlled stadium. With the passing of the stadium bill, the Chiefs new lease became effective. With the new lease, the Chiefs will remain at Arrowhead until at least 2031.

Question 1 sought a three-eighths-cent sales tax to raise an estimated $850 million during 25 years to finance $425 million in construction costs, with the remainder spent on interest and future major stadium repairs.[11]

Voters approved of the first question on the ballot (a 3/8 cent sales tax to help renovate Kauffman & Arrowhead Stadiums) by 53%.

Question 2 was on the ballot to raise $140 million for a rolling roof that could be used over both Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. A county use tax was to have been imposed that was equal to the county sales tax. The rolling roof plan did not pass, by a margin of 52% to 48% and Kansas City chose to withdraw its request to host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.[12]

Both questions were placed on the ballot with the agreement that ticket prices would be raised to increase the county's revenue from the Chiefs. The NFL blocked the ticket price increase and parking prices were raised instead to live up to the Chiefs' side of the agreement. Reconstruction for the stadiums started on October 3, 2007 with refurbishment of nearby Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals baseball team, and the stadiums will be done by the year 2010.

The renovations were originally going to force the Wizards to find a temporary home following the 2006 season, but delays have allowed them to return for 2007. The Wizards will move to CommunityAmerica Ballpark in 2008 while they consider other locations in Greater Kansas City for their soccer specific stadium.

On August 15, 2007, the Chiefs announced final plans for the renovated Arrowhead Stadium, which will cost $375 million. The cost was increased by $50 million due to an additional payment by the Hunt Family, whom were originally intending to donate just $75 million. The renovated stadium will feature the Chiefs Hall of Honor, currently known as the Chiefs Hall of Fame, a tribute to Lamar Hunt, and "horizon level" seating in which Luxury suite owners will be sitting outdoors.[13] The stadium and new player and coaches facilities are still on schedule to be completed by the beginning of the 2011 NFL season. Though the stadium is referred to as "New Arrowhead Stadium," the building as of this time will not be renamed.

They are redoing the stadium. And I think it was just Jackson County, which is KC, MO proper. I thought that the St. Louis stuff was for a new stadium and was with state money. However, after a bit more research, it looks like that was struck down and had some city funding plus others.

n June 2001, the State of Missouri signed a contract with the team, proposing a ballpark in downtown St. Louis, but a subsequent funding bill was struck down in May 2002, leaving the saga open.[5][6] Team owners sought a location near Madison, Illinois, adjacent to Gateway International Raceway, until the city of St. Louis drafted a financing plan for the team to construct the new stadium in downtown St. Louis.[7] The Stadium was financed through private bonds, bank loans, a long-term loan from St. Louis County, and money from the team owners. The development, including the Ballpark Village will cost approximately $646 million with the stadium alone costing $346 million.

 

[TDC Nala]

$45 is ridiculous. Mears itself charges $30 round trip. Maybe that's for handling the baggage, but what if you don't have baggage to handle, just carryons?

 

[sharonmickey]

Years ago, before ME, I paid $29 roundtrip for Mears to transfer each person to and from Disney. For a family of four it was less expensive to take a town car. If Disney decides to charge for ME I would most likely either rent a car or go back to using a town car to transfer me.

 

[Laneychris]

I doubt Disney would charge $45.00 I read on another board $25. but that seems to much as well.