Magical Express-Think about it!!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think there are some very valid points here.

I found these boards last November. ALL of my info came from the DIS boards. We went to WDW in January and had a Town Car. It was $1 more than it would have been for the Mears shuttle, which I did NOT want to attempt. Hmm. For A DOLLAR more we can have private transportation and a grocery stop! That was a complete no-brainer.

Now we are going back in October. We realized we probably didn't REALLY need the grocery stop. We booked a flight for Friday night so even with ME delays we'll be good to go on Saturday morning. Our Town Car was $80 round trip and we tipped $10 each way. ME is saving us $100. That's an extra night at Pop, which offests coming in on Friday instead of Saturday. Sorry - still a no-brainer.

We'll see if we like ME. I really think the whole draw is that it is FREE. If I had to pay for it and it was just a little cheaper than a Town Car we would get the Town Car.

It is unfortunate that Disney is a monopoly, but everyone out there is free to come up with a plan for competition. Do I think that's really possible? Probably not. But if someone COULD come up with a way to compete with ME then nothing is stopping them. There are other corporations that stomp on "the little guy" all the time. Look at WalMart. How many independent grocery stores have gone under when a Super Center came to town? It is all about free enterprise and supply and demand and all that good stuff. If you have a corporation with BILLIONS of dollars then they will always figure out how to get a bigger slice of the pie even if it means putting the little guys out of business. Sad, but true. And none of us are staying home to protest, either. Disney is an amazing experience, and the majority of people don't want to sit and ponder business ethics when planning a vacation.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I saw a Magical Express bus pull up at AKL on Saturday afternoon. Not too many people exited or waited to board. I'd say the bus was about 1/2 full. Seems like a great service to me. Hope Disney keeps it.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I think I will use ME from the airport but look to something else for teh trip back to spend a little more time at WDW. Any suggestions on teh cheapest, most reliable way to get back?? Thanks!!

ME picks you up 3 hours before your scheduled departure time (2 1/2 hours before aircraft boarding time).

Towncar companies typically schedule return trips to the airport 2 1/2 hours before your scheduled departure time (2 hours before aircraft boarding time). A private one-way towncar, which holds up to 4 passengers, from WDW to MCO is $55-$60 plus tip.

With a cab, you can cut it as close as you want, at the risk of missing your flight. I'd recommend 2 1/2 hours before your scheduled departure time (2 hours before aircraft boarding time), but I'm sure that others would say that's more time than necessary. The price is around $50 (depending on distance and time) plus tip, with the actual amount determined by the taxi meter.

 

[Cinderella37]

As a Towncar customer, I hadn't considered using ME. We've had some good Towncar drivers and some bad, but we've always used the service. For this trip, though, the lure of no hassle baggage service is tempting. I haven't booked anything yet, as I'm giving WDW a month to get the bugs out of the system. An operation of this scale and dealing with so many different entities is sure to have glitches in the beginning. Just because it didn't come off perfectly from day one, doesn't mean it won't ever come together as intended.

If it's still inconsistent and there are baggage issues in a month or so, we'll book a Towncar. If the reports are postive, we'll try ME. Remember the disaster that Disneyland was on the first day of operation (wet blacktop, food shortages, no working water fountains, etc.). A shaky beginning doesn't necessarily predict the success of a venture.

 

[bytheblood]

Remember the disaster that Disneyland was on the first day of operation (wet blacktop, food shortages, no working water fountains, etc.). A shaky beginning doesn't necessarily predict the success of a venture.

Amen sister.

 

[seashoreCM]

Some questions to ponder, now that Magical Express has launched:

1. Why didn't Mears offer it (not free, and with all self service carry on luggage) first?

2. Why is there a thread on this forum titled "Slimy Orlando Car Service Companies"?

3. Why didn't taxi companies promote a slightly discounted mileage-wise flat fare from Orlando Airport to Disney resorts?

4. Why didn't car rental agencies offer frequent deep discount specials on insurance, collision, young drivers' fees, etc.?

 

[Grumpy'n'Goofy]

I don't think just because some people posted their reviews that is all there is to know. You are more likely to post a review when you don't get what you thought you should. If you have a great experience most people won't post about it.

^^^^correct^^^^
Well said, I couldn't agree more.

 

[pirateparrot]

Some questions to ponder, now that Magical Express has launched:

4. Why didn't car rental agencies offer frequent deep discount specials on insurance, collision, young drivers' fees, etc.?

Orlando probably has the lowest rental car prices of anywhere in the country. I really don't think they will go much lower and still make money.

 

[texas munchkin]

I will be honest.... I want to take the towncar because it makes me feel special to be picked up at the airport. I know it's silly. But I am a single mom, one income... no child support. This trip is the one big thing for myself and my daughter each time we take it. It's been 4 years because she has been busy with church youth group trips since entering those "TEEN YEARS" (now would be a good time for all you to pray for me..lol). She will be 16 this year. It will most likely be our last trip together while she is still my "little girl". Summers to come will probably consist of her working to get that all important first car. So I want to make this trip as special as I can. ( sniff sniff) We have always stayed in value or even worse OFF SITE.. before because it was all i could afford. This year I managed to save some extra money, so we are taking the towncar, moved up to moderate --- not a deluxe -- but a move up the ladder for us (not to knock values.. we have had some wonderful times at the All Stars). We are going to have some nice - most likely expensive meals -- and make the most of this time together. Have some camping trips planned for the rest of the summer, so this is our chance to "live it up" so to speak.. at least on our level. Anyways I have rambled long enough.. Didn't mean to turn this "nice" debate on ME vs towncar into a sobfest, but once I got started I couldn't stop.. Thanks for listening.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't really understand your point. A significant number of guests book on price. People paying $79 for airfare think it's too much.

Some questions to ponder, now that Magical Express has launched:

1. Why didn't Mears offer it (not free, and with all self service carry on luggage) first?

They did. Make the luggage self-service and Mears needed 4 locations at the airport. ME gets rid of luggage, gets the number of customers way up. ME buses only have to leave from one location and has the volume necessary to get the waiting time down and the number of stops reasonable.

2. Why is there a thread on this forum titled "Slimy Orlando Car Service Companies"?

In part to show people why companies like FL Tours don't compete on price.

3. Why didn't taxi companies promote a slightly discounted mileage-wise flat fare from Orlando Airport to Disney resorts?

A flat fare might help taxis compete but gas, insurance and airport fees are expensive. A flat fare would help customers that are concerned about being long hauled but probably wouldn't lower the normal fare by much.

4. Why didn't car rental agencies offer frequent deep discount specials on insurance, collision, young drivers' fees, etc.?

Rental car rates in Orlando are already rock bottom. We can rent a car for a week for $100. Remember all those taxes and fees don't go to the rental agency. Price sensitive guests don't buy the optional coverages from the rental agency and I suspect the rental agencies would rather not rent to the young drivers at all.

 

[bicker]

I don't really understand your point. A significant number of guests book on price. People paying $79 for airfare think it's too much.

I've seen a few people say this. I agree with the sentiment completely, but is that sentiment generally-accepted (around the DIS, at least)? It seems to me that the people who think $79 for airfare is too much may not "get" the point you're making by saying what you're saying here. That begs the question with regard to the setting of reasonable versus unreasonable expectations, etc. And that's where I'm beginning to worry about ME: What kind of expectations are being fostered by the promotional materials? Are folks being led to believe that this is a direct replacement for shuttle service? If so, what is Disney's motivation for offering such a high level of service for no additional fee? Is the objective to establish a bit more foundation for the significantly higher room rates than that available for comparable rooms off-site? I just haven't gotten my head around why Disney is offering this service, yet, I guess.

 

[Lewisc]

Disney's public explanation is ME is part of the celebration.

All of Disney's new packages for 2005 center on keeping the guest on site for their entire one week vacation. Guests can add an extra day or two to their passes for literally a few dollars. Instead of trying to drop a day off your LOS passes guests will now add the extra days, even they're only going to use it for a few hours. MYW Dining is a good deal for most guests and a GREAT deal for some guests.

ME express guests generally won't have a rental car or a towncar grocery stop. Disney can expect some additional business from those guests. The integrated luggage system may reduce some of the problem with guests looking for a room early and for guests flying with a participating airline the pressure for late check outs may be reduced. If there is a long term transition from rental cars to ME Disney may be able to reduce some of their parking lots.

Most of us think ME is way for Disney have the guests spend more of their dollars on Disney property. It also reduces the pressure to compete with offsite properties on price.

Bicker, you haven't been here recently. I always think any airfare around $200 R/T is a good deal, particularly if I get the flights I want. I fly SW and if the fare is much higher than that I'll burn a RR ticket. I can't believe the number of guests who won't book at $79 but insist on waiting for a $49 fare sale. Some posters wait too long and have to drive long distances to find an airport with a good fare. Someone from the Boston area wound up driving to Islip for a flight and others wind up driving.

SW locked in their fuel prices and can make money at fares lower than other airlines.

If so, what is Disney's motivation for offering such a high level of service for no additional fee? Is the objective to establish a bit more foundation for the significantly higher room rates than that available for comparable rooms off-site? I just haven't gotten my head around why Disney is offering this service, yet, I guess.

 

[All Aboard]

Buses from WDW resorts to the parks are included in your room rate. Now, buses from MCO to WDW resorts are included in your room rate. What's the big deal?

It just doesn't seem like WDW is out to put anyone out of business. They have just enhanced their package, and have likely attracted more people to come stay at their resorts.

It's not personal, it's business.

 

[bicker]

Most of us think ME is way for Disney have the guests spend more of their dollars on Disney property.

I guess I've never done much "going off-site" to have dinner -- but I know a lot of folks have. Spread over a family of four and over seven days, that could amount to a good amount of revenue. And the cost-of-service, at least out of Disney's pocket, is probably less than that. Makes a lot of sense.

Bicker, you haven't been here recently.

I've been keeping myself the WISH board. Glad to be back to the full board!

 

[paulh]

as ME is only avalable at MCO and a lot of charter flights from uk and uro zone fly into sansford we wil still be using TCs or hire cars if we are flying into there and its not available from many of the outher airports in the area so the limo firms should see that they will have to start picking trade from there and not just MCO think about 50 million people go to florida each year (might be lower) and not all fly in to mco ME makes it hard for the limos ect it would have been harder if they had instaled the light rapid transport system in from MCO (disney wanted this and were willing to ditch mears if it came about) so for the likes of quicksilver(used them in past and inlaws use them next week from sansford) ect hold in there dont let them grind you down we want you there for us who have to fly to different airports
Paul

 

[Pedler]

If so, what is Disney's motivation for offering such a high level of service for no additional fee? Is the objective to establish a bit more foundation for the significantly higher room rates than that available for comparable rooms off-site? I just haven't gotten my head around why Disney is offering this service, yet, I guess.

I think we are a case in point for why Disney created the MYM programs this year including ME, Dinning and the new ticket pricing. Our first plan was for 5-6 days in Florida, stay at the Nick hotel, rent a car and do Disney 4 days. Then after we started taking a look at things we went to staying at a moderate, then a deluxe. Next thing you know we are adding the dinning package and then dropping the rental car. Suddenly we are staying 7 nights at WL with the Dinning package, going to the parks on the day we arrive and using ME. They just captured a much larger portion of our vacation dollars.

Of course the real interesting thing about it is that we are normally very independant travelers and don't to packages at all. (We did our honeymoon in Italy for 2 weeks without reservations) Yet in this case we think the package is great and are happy to do it. Like I said we are a case study for how Disney is benefiting from the new marketing programs this year.

I do agree with one poster that said they did not think Disney was doing this to put the other transportation services out of business. I don't think Disney cares about them at all. ME is just a good way to keep people on site and increase spending at Disney and not other attractions. Other transportation companies are just collateral damage.

 

[Lewisc]

It's not just off-site dinner. Think no rental car. No trips to the outlet malls. No trips to the themed McDonalds. No trip to the grocery store for snacks, soda and bottled water. No trip off site for mini-golf.

Combine that with the MYW ticket pricing and you're looking at no trip to Sea World.

I guess I've never done much "going off-site" to have dinner -- but I know a lot of folks have. Spread over a family of four and over seven days, that could amount to a good amount of revenue. And the cost-of-service, at least out of Disney's pocket, is probably less than that. Makes a lot of sense.

I've been keeping myself the WISH board. Glad to be back to the full board!

 

[bytheblood]

Awww! you're just jealous that I didn't say you were the brightest!

Don't flatter yourself.

 

[yomecage]

I have been quite throughout all the conversations because I am not very good with my PC or the internet... I have to say I was excited to be a part of the ME and was reading all the post from all the more experienced forum people.. I was excited with the ME all the way up to the hotel which in my mind was a little slow and very crowded.. Every thing at the Contemporary was good untill the bags were lost and my 4 day vacation was almost in the toilet...I was very upset but the hotel took care of me and my family and gave me a refund on my stay and a $50 voucher for a taxi back to the airport. I have to say this vaction was almost lost but as always disney tried there best to make it right... I just wanted to try ME because it was new!! Next time I will look at taking some other form of transportation...


I love the Morrocon restaurant....

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I have been quite throughout all the conversations because I am not very good with my PC or the internet... I have to say I was excited to be a part of the ME and was reading all the post from all the more experienced forum people.. I was excited with the ME all the way up to the hotel which in my mind was a little slow and very crowded.. Every thing at the Contemporary was good untill the bags were lost and my 4 day vacation was almost in the toilet...I was very upset but the hotel took care of me and my family and gave me a refund on my stay and a $50 voucher for a taxi back to the airport. I have to say this vaction was almost lost but as always disney tried there best to make it right... I just wanted to try ME because it was new!! Next time I will look at taking some other form of transportation...


I love the Morrocon restaurant....

Good enough with his/her pc and the internet to post the same identical message on 6 different threads almost simultaneously....