MONORAIL CLOSURE - What a BUMMER!

[PAcpl]

I was extremely annoyed at hearing this.

I understand stuff at Disney NEEDS refurbs and maintenance to maintain that Disney "shine". But MAGIC KINGDOM during our trip will see Splash Mountain Closed, TTA closed, Pinocchio Village haus Closed, Plaza Restaurant Closed and then the MK monorail MOSTLY closed?!?! I don't know if they realize this, but the monorail IS an attraction in its own right. Cancelling our trip is not an option, so unfortunately, I could only send them a strongly worded letter... But we *are* very annoyed especially that we had a day planned for breakfast where we split up between Chef Mickey and Kona. All on the monorail line.

I understand your point about the monorail, but February is known for it's closures. Splash you can usually count on for sure. One of the reasons its a value season.

 

[MermaidMommy]

I understand your point about the monorail, but February is known for it's closures. Splash you can usually count on for sure. One of the reasons its a value season.

On our trip in early march, we'll have closures of:
Splash
Peoplemover
Pinocchio's
Plaza
Afternoon Parade
Monorail during the day
Crane at the castle
But, we're paying PEAK prices. Even more expensive than summer prices. How can Disney justify having so many closures when they're charging some of the highest rates of the year?

 

[morethananyonex]

On our trip in early march, we'll have closures of:
Splash
Peoplemover
Pinocchio's
Plaza
Afternoon Parade
Monorail during the day
Crane at the castle
But, we're paying PEAK prices. Even more expensive than summer prices. How can Disney justify having so many closures when they're charging some of the highest rates of the year?

Simple, because you're paying them. Doesn't really matter to Disney if you're pissed off as long as you keep coming.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Simple, because you're paying them. Doesn't really matter to Disney if you're pissed off as long as you keep coming.

Oh, I understand WHY they do it, just now how they can justify it. It's one thing to accept closures when you're playing Value pricing. Peak prices with that many closures is another thing.

 

[morethananyonex]

Oh, I understand WHY they do it, just now how they can justify it. It's one thing to accept closures when you're playing Value pricing. Peak prices with that many closures is another thing.

It's the same answer.

They can justify it because enough people don't change their vacation plans. Once they get hit in the wallet they'll think twice about so many closures at once.

 

[deanimal]

I don't have any ideas or suggestions; I just want to express sympathy for the bad situation. Last time we went to Disney World we brought along my parents and I became very aware of the walking situation. We did one day with several meals at different resorts and moving around on the buses and it really did them in after a few transfers. Everyone knows the Contemporary is known for it's monorail access. For them to take that away without offering any discounts seems pretty unfair to me. I hope you get this sorted out okay.

 

[MermaidMommy]

It's the same answer.

They can justify it because enough people don't change their vacation plans. Once they get hit in the wallet they'll think twice about so many closures at once.

I don't mean how they can justify it to themselves -- I mean, how can they justify it to me, the consumer? "Justify" means to show why something is right or reasonable, and my point is that while Disney may be able to get away with charging those prices -- and clearly they can -- there's no way that they can prove to me that what they're doing is right or reasonable. If we weren't already locked into this trip, I would definitely look at switching dates.

I'm also curious how MK restaurants will handle level-8 crowds the first week of Spring Break with two restaurants closed. Seems like poor planning on Disney's part.

 

[morethananyonex]

I don't mean how they can justify it to themselves -- I mean, how can they justify it to me, the consumer? "Justify" means to show why something is right or reasonable, and my point is that while Disney may be able to get away with charging those prices -- and clearly they can -- there's no way that they can prove to me that what they're doing is right or reasonable. If we weren't already locked into this trip, I would definitely look at switching dates. I'm also curious how MK restaurants will handle level-8 crowds the first week of Spring Break with two restaurants closed. Seems like poor planning on Disney's part.

They don't have to justify it to the customer if the customer is still coming. That's my point.

They justify it by saying everything is subject to be changed and nothing is guaranteed to be there when you walk through the gates.

 

[PAcpl]

On our trip in early march, we'll have closures of:
Splash
Peoplemover
Pinocchio's
Plaza
Afternoon Parade
Monorail during the day
Crane at the castle
But, we're paying PEAK prices. Even more expensive than summer prices. How can Disney justify having so many closures when they're charging some of the highest rates of the year?

Two words:

SPRING BREAK

One of the many reasons I avoid spring break.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Two words: SPRING BREAK One of the many reasons I avoid spring break.

Spring break doesn't usually have so many closures, though. And, pretty much everything I've mentioned is back up and running by mid-late March.

 

[PAcpl]

Spring break doesn't usually have so many closures, though. And, pretty much everything I've mentioned is back up and running by mid-late March.

You're right, DIsney doesn't usually have that many refurbs in March. But again, they justify the peak season prices due to spring break. And as you see, people will still pay, so Disney will stay charge.

I guess a better question to those on this thread who are upset, will this be enough for you to cancel your next Disney trip?

 

[maxiesmom]

Does anyone know what they are doing to the Peoplemover? Are they putting seat belts or lap bars in? My last few trips they have had to slow down or stop the ride because some moron has stood up. It wouldn't surprise me if some sort of restraint was being added.

 

[vicb]

Does anyone know what they are doing to the Peoplemover? Are they putting seat belts or lap bars in? My last few trips they have had to slow down or stop the ride because some moron has stood up. It wouldn't surprise me if some sort of restraint was being added.

I don't think that would be why the monorail slowed down or stopped, people stand all the time as there isn't enough capacity for everyone to sit.

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't think that would be why the monorail slowed down or stopped, people stand all the time as there isn't enough capacity for everyone to sit.

I think you are misunderstanding my post. I'm asking about the refurbishment of the peoplemover ride in the Magic Kingdom. Not the monorail.

 

[vicb]

I think you are misunderstanding my post. I'm asking about the refurbishment of the peoplemover ride in the Magic Kingdom. Not the monorail.

Oh, sorry You mean the TTA, I don't know what they are doing but I would be bummed out about that being closed as it is one of my favs. I just checked a couple of other websites and don't see a specific reason given.

 

[Floridagram]

Thank you so much for all of the insightful thoughts & helpful suggestions.

I really, really appreciate it!

I just think it is UNACCEPTABLE that Disney has made ZERO effort to notify us and other arriving guests of the monorail closure. We are paying BIG MONEY for the perk/convenience/whatever you want to call it of staying at a Deluxe Resort on the Monorail line and having that convenience taken away is frustrating.

I can only imagine how many people will be showing up to the Contemporary, Poly, and Grand Floridian WITHOUT even knowing about the closure.

Again, thanks for sharing your $0.02 with me.

I would at least expect some sort of compensation for the monorail not being available. You are right that you paid a premium price for the use of that monorail. If they are not willing to compensate you something to make up for it perhaps that would help you make your decision on whether to cancel or not.

 

[PAcpl]

Does anyone know what they are doing to the Peoplemover? Are they putting seat belts or lap bars in? My last few trips they have had to slow down or stop the ride because some moron has stood up. It wouldn't surprise me if some sort of restraint was being added.

I think they are completely rearranging the soundtrack.

 

[vicb]

I found the following quote on another website tonight (not sure how accurate it is)



" REFURBISHMENT UPDATE

We already know that the Peoplemover is going down from February 10 to March 27, but it looks like Astro Orbiter will not be going down at the same time. Peoplemover looks to be getting some structural work done to the building as well as general maintenance and cleaning of the trains, track, and station. Recently, I have heard of some issues with the ramps leading up to the attraction. The refurbishment will also address those issues. No changes planed for the themeing, narration, or experience from what I can tell.

While it hasn't appeared on the calendar yet, Astro Orbiter looks like it will be going down during the summer. I'm not sure why they picked then, but my guess is that Astro usually goes down when it storms anyways. The main reason for the refurbishment will be all new elevators, but there will be other extensive work to the ride and the planets from what I am told. No word on if Peoplemover will have to go down briefly for any reason. I would also like to add that sometime in the past two months, the neon has returned to the top of Astro Orbiter.

Carousel of Progress was also mentioned in another thread to go down for a refurbishment in 2014. It look like this may happen in the Fall. There will be come cosmetic stuff with carpeting and seating as well as some ride safety related things. No plans to change or update any of the acts or animatronics.

Finally as a side note, the Tomorrowland Speedway is currently in its one week refurbishment that will mainly be focused on track concrete work especially near the load area. "

 

[KaLyn]

I know this was posted elsewhere as I saw it once but I can't remember now and of course I can't find it either...

What dates does the closure cover?

 

[maxiesmom]

I would at least expect some sort of compensation for the monorail not being available. You are right that you paid a premium price for the use of that monorail. If they are not willing to compensate you something to make up for it perhaps that would help you make your decision on whether to cancel or not.

Disney typically won't offer compensation. As others have posted they state that everything is subject to availability.