Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[momatater]

That really is a bummer for you. I doubt you'll get any sort of reliable answer before the parties start in September, which is when you're going.

Well, I just wrote them back and asked for a specific answer for our stay dates Sept 8-17th, since there are so many nights things are happening at MK. I know I probably won't get a "definite" answer, but I sure can try! We shall see.

 

[GadgetRick]

Not at all. It's only when you spin every single positive thing posted negatively to make a point that I don't get it. If you actually read my whole post rather than cutting and pasting what was appropriate to make your point, you would have seen I've complained in the past about several issues and even agree that I understand the frustration and disappointment with this issue and will write Disney to complain about it.

But as long as you're on this board and have another trip planned to WDW, I assume that Disney is still doing some things right in order for you to part with your vacation $$'s.

First, who said I have another trip planned?

Second, this thread (as have others) was started by someone reporting information which, no matter how you look at it, is negative information. Whether it affects you (in particular) or not, it's not a good thing to give less of something (no matter what the reason--for the most part). When people voiced their concerns about this, some people (and I am not singling anyone in particular out), started posting and making excuses for Disney, saying it's in our best interest, etc. Then, when people questioned the reasoning on this--as happens in all of these threads--the Disney apologists start whining that people are too negative, we should lighten up, etc. I ask why? Why should we lighten up an continue to accept less for more money? That's something which has never been answered before.

We have just as much right to complain about what's wrong with Disney as others have a right to talk about what's right with Disney. So why should we just continue to accept all of this? If people don't complain--and vote with their wallets (something you, and others, keep saying but you also fail to see many of us have been)--how is Disney going to know what they're doing is making the Disney experience less than it once was??? Should we all just tell Disney what a great job they're doing?

And yes, I've seen you complain about things in the past as well. However, nobody is putting a spin on every single positive thing here, it's the other way around, many people are spinning every single negative thing here to make it positive. This was a thread which started out complaining, not the other way around...

 

[TLSnell1981]

That really is a bummer for you. I doubt you'll get any sort of reliable answer before the parties start in September, which is when you're going.

Disney wants to sell, lots of non refundable party tickets, before releasing that tidbit. of course, that was in the original statement.

 

[kaytieeldr]

That's just it, this isn't about planned maintenance and I still don't buy it was ever about maintenance. The Disney apologists started claiming it was for maintenance because they're, "literally falling apart," so they have to cut the service a couple of hours each night to keep this from happening.

{SNIP}

However, there are a lot more information out there to back up those of us who believe this is not a maintenance issue. There's also a history of these kinds of moves lately.

Gotta tell ya, I love that word literally. So many people misuse it ('I was literally glued to my spot'; 'My eyes literally popped out of my head'...). Not this time, though. This time, according to a source I trust here on the DIS - not an apologist, but a reliable, educated, intelligent person not averse to speaking his mind - has cited two incidents where pieces of the trains or tracks have literally fallen off. One started a fire. That sounds like falling apart to me; YMMV.

I've done enough research lately. Perhaps you could provide links to some unbiased sites with the information backing up the 'not maintenance' claim? Up to you. It doesn't matter to me; even as a non-stockholder, I realize I've had to make cutbacks in my spending. It's surprising people resent any company for doing this.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think ticket prices just went up to cover it again. That way it still seems "free" and folks tend to think "what a great deal".

But we are just looking for a reason to rent a car and stay a few nights at US for H Potter, and likely not alone, and a ME fee would qualify.

2 nights and 3 days at US, souv, tix and food for 12.....about $4000, so probably will only do it once-unless its that good. But we have gone to WDW twice since WWOHP opened, and blew it off with the ease of ME etc. But we drop a lot of cash at WDW as well so I think they want us there.

I truly don't think that's why. Ticket prices went up because, well, they do. Every year. It covers the higher annual costs of operating the parks.

Magical Express is, I'm relatively certain, a budget item on the Resorts side. Yes, I know the room rates went up as well. That's an annual occurrence as well. Again, pleading costs, supplies, maintenance, etc., increase - room rates go up because any business operates to earn, not lose money.

 

[GadgetRick]

Gotta tell ya, I love that word literally. So many people misuse it ('I was literally glued to my spot'; 'My eyes literally popped out of my head'...). Not this time, though. This time, according to a source I trust here on the DIS - not an apologist, but a reliable, educated, intelligent person not averse to speaking his mind - has cited two incidents where pieces of the trains or tracks have literally fallen off. One started a fire. That sounds like falling apart to me; YMMV.

I've done enough research lately. Perhaps you could provide links to some unbiased sites with the information backing up the 'not maintenance' claim? Up to you. It doesn't matter to me; even as a non-stockholder, I realize I've had to make cutbacks in my spending. It's surprising people resent any company for doing this.

Uh, having two incidents over how many millions of miles of operation is a far cry from, "literally falling apart". That would imply things are falling off all of the time when this is just not true. Regardless, trying to show your intelligence by discussing a word (which I didn't use, I was quoting) is not making your argument make any more sense...

And, I just love how you make an excuse for Disney for taking something away. In the beginning, it was never announced as a planned maintenance thing. It was after everyone started complaining (this is hardly the only place people have complained) that Disney backpedaled and said it's for planned maintenance. So, please excuse me if I don't buy it. You can buy it--and every bit of PR Disney puts out--but I won't. If I see a (profitable) company cutting back, while I can understand why they're doing it doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Uh, having two incidents over how many millions of miles of operation is a far cry from, "literally falling apart". That would imply things are falling off all of the time when this is just not true. Regardless, trying to show your intelligence by discussing a word (which I didn't use, I was quoting) is not making your argument make any more sense...

Having those to incidents happen very recently/close together, as has been implied - and again, I could be wrong but one was absolutely less than a week before this announcement and the other started a fire - after the system has been operating between nineteen and forty years, certainly could lead the responsible party to be proactive. Even if ALL that ends up meaning is shutting down the monorails for X hours every night and using buses instead, and not (the less likely scenario of) not using the downtime to do repair work. Look at the example earlier about carpooling using one's own car every single day.

It's too bad you feel I was 'showing off my intelligence' over the use of the word "literally". It was actually a compliment. I was impressed over its rare correct usage for a change. I'll have to go back and see who truly deserves kudos.

 

[racefanof88]

I have a great sense of humor and don't get the joke here . Sponsorship or subsidies is what allows Disney to apply more revenue toward attractions, etc. not sponsored by outside companies. How many people would genuinely be pleased were each monorail train be completely wrapped outside with a big, blatant non-Disney advertisement?

Well, my comment was about prices going up. Someone had posted(I went back and could not locate the post) that Disney raises prices to open new attractions and maintain attractions. I was pointing out that Disney also gets millions of dollars from sponsorship to open and maintain attractions. I never implied that it was a bad thing, I can't imagine how much tickets would be if, or what attractions would close and not reopen(ie Wonders of Life), if the sponsorship were not there. The reference to GM was about the government bailout of the auto industry, it was a joke that in a round about way, through our tax dollars, we are the sponsors of TT.

Now to your question about each monorail being wrapped with non Disney advertisements, if they are done tastefully then I don't think it would be a big deal. I wouldn't want feminine products to be wrapped around the trains, but I have a few ideas of things that wouldn't be a big deal at all, ie have trains with professional sports team sponsorship. The Braves have spring training at Disney so that could be a great way to get extra people to go to the WWoS complex and to expand their ESPN venues. While WWoS and ESPN ARE Disney products the Braves are not thus being a win win for Disney.

Honestly I would have no problem with a small ticket price for Disney transportation for off site guests. Now before I get flamed let me justify my reasoning. In my 20 trips to Disney, it is an even split, half on, half off property, and I would not have a problem with say a $1 or $2 a day per person fee, for off site guests, to ride Disney transportation. On my very first trip, many moons ago, I was surprised that we didn't have to pay to ride the monorail. OP guests have to pay $14 a day to park, and it doesn't cost nearly as much to keep up a parking lot as it does to keep mechanical equipment running.

Built into the cost of each Disney room is a convenience fee, we don't see it as such, but it is there, which helps pay for such things as transportation. DME is built into the room prices and is spread out over each and every room so while it appears to be a free service, even those who don't use DME are paying for it.

 

[Eponine1]

Wow!!! Talk about a generice repsonse....momatater...I got the same response. Not one of my questions was answered!

Glad to see they are willing to answer the questions...not!!

Dear ......

Thank you for contacting us regarding the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Your continued enthusiasm and passion for the Disney brand is very important to us. We value your feedback and are sorry to learn of your disappointment with the recent decision to revise the operating hours of the monorail system.

From time to time, we make adjustments to our operations to accommodate for ongoing, planned transportation maintenance. Effective July 11, 2011, the Epcot® Monorail System began closing 1 hour after the regular operating hours for Epcot®. Effective August 1, 2011, the Magic Kingdom® Park Monorail System will be closing 1 hour after the regular operating hours for the Magic Kingdom® Park. We recognize the value our Guests place on transportation while staying on property at our Walt Disney World Resort. Therefore, we will offer buses and watercraft (where applicable) to transport Guests back to their resort when attending our Evening Extra Magic Hours.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and appreciate you sharing your feedback with us.

Sincerely,
.........
Guest Services
Walt Disney World Resort

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Built into the cost of each Disney room is a convenience fee, we don't see it as such, but it is there, which helps pay for such things as transportation. DME is built into the room prices and is spread out over each and every room so while it appears to be a free service, even those who don't use DME are paying for it.

My family and I have never used Magical Express before because we either drove down from Toronto or flew down and rented a car. Now what would be great is when making the reservations no matter if we did it online or by calling that we aren't charged extra for the Magical Express fee, because we always don't accept it as an option and WDW can clearly see that once our reservations have been made.

 

[miprender]

One of the things I liked about the monorail is I did not have to fold up the stroller if the kids had fallen asleep. If I take the ferry back to the TTC can I just push them on or do I need to take them out? I haven't been on the ferry in many years.

Thanks.

 

[lovethattink]

I got my response back too.

First, here is what I wrote:

Hello,

I read today that monorail service from MK to the TTC will end during Extra Magic Hours, starting on August first. We have 2 resort vacations booked, one for August and one for September. Will the ferry service from the Magic Kingdom to the Ticket and Transportation Center still continue during evening EMH? If so, what will happen on days that are too windy or it is thunder storming and boat service typically stops? Will bus service to the TTC be provided? Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

Sincerely,




Here is the response:

Dear ,

Thank you for contacting us regarding the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Your continued enthusiasm and passion for the Disney brand is very
important to us. We value your feedback and are sorry to learn of your
disappointment with the recent decision to revise the operating hours of
the monorail system.

From time to time, we make adjustments to our operations to accommodate
for ongoing, planned transportation maintenance. Effective July 11,
2011, the Epcot® Monorail System began closing 1 hour after the regular
operating hours for Epcot®. Effective August 1, 2011, the Magic
Kingdom® Park Monorail System will be closing 1 hour after the regular
operating hours for the Magic Kingdom® Park. We recognize the value our
Guests place on transportation while staying on property at our Walt
Disney World Resort. Therefore, we will offer buses and watercraft
(where applicable) to transport Guests back to their resort when
attending our Evening Extra Magic Hours.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and appreciate you
sharing your feedback with us.



Guest Services
Walt Disney World Resort

 

[momatater]

Wow!!! Talk about a generice repsonse....momatater...I got the same response. Not one of my questions was answered!

Glad to see they are willing to answer the questions...not!!

I got my response back too.

Well, it doesn't surprise me at all! Thanks Disney for addressing your faithful return guests with generic responses!

I wrote them back and if I do not get a specific answer, I will be calling them next week! I'm NOT going to spend the money for the GF RPC if they can not give me a REAL answer (again, this affects 7 of our 9 nights). I will absolutely put my money where my mouth is and cancel that trip completely and go elsewhere!!

 

[lovethattink]

Well, it doesn't surprise me at all! Thanks Disney for addressing your faithful return guests with generic responses!

I wrote them back and if I do not get a specific answer, I will be calling them next week! I'm NOT going to spend the money for the GF RPC if they can not give me a REAL answer (again, this affects 7 of our 9 nights). I will absolutely put my money where my mouth is and cancel that trip completely and go elsewhere!!

I figured we'd get a canned response. My questions weren't even addressed.

 

[DebbieB]

Well, it doesn't surprise me at all! Thanks Disney for addressing your faithful return guests with generic responses!

I wrote them back and if I do not get a specific answer, I will be calling them next week! I'm NOT going to spend the money for the GF RPC if they can not give me a REAL answer (again, this affects 7 of our 9 nights). I will absolutely put my money where my mouth is and cancel that trip completely and go elsewhere!!

You may get a better answer from the concierge staff. They make reservations for you, they should be able to tell you how you will get there!

 

[labdogs42]

Sorry if this was addressed already in the 75 pages of responses but, does this mean if you are parked at TTC and attending Evening EMH at MK, you'll have to take the ferry boat to get back to the TTC? Yikes! I haven't taken that since I was a kid!

Luckily, I never stay at a mopnorail resort and I sure won't be tempted to now!

 

[momatater]

I figured we'd get a canned response. My questions weren't even addressed.

Mine either.

You may get a better answer from the concierge staff. They make reservations for you, they should be able to tell you how you will get there!

Didn't think of that. I'll give them a call. Thanks

Sorry if this was addressed already in the 75 pages of responses but, does this mean if you are parked at TTC and attending Evening EMH at MK, you'll have to take the ferry boat to get back to the TTC? Yikes! I haven't taken that since I was a kid!

Yup! that's exactly what it means!

 

[morethananyonex]

So all those canned responses from Disney make it pretty clear. The MK monorail system will be closed an hour after the MK does, and the Epcot system will closed an hour after Epcot does. I think it's safe to say that the resort/express line are shutting down together, and Epcot hours do not effect that at all.

Sorry if this was addressed already in the 75 pages of responses but, does this mean if you are parked at TTC and attending Evening EMH at MK, you'll have to take the ferry boat to get back to the TTC? Yikes! I haven't taken that since I was a kid!

Luckily, I never stay at a mopnorail resort and I sure won't be tempted to now!

Yup, that's exactly what it means. The only way to get there would be the ferry or if they start running them, a bus.

 

[lovethattink]

Sorry if this was addressed already in the 75 pages of responses but, does this mean if you are parked at TTC and attending Evening EMH at MK, you'll have to take the ferry boat to get back to the TTC? Yikes! I haven't taken that since I was a kid!

Luckily, I never stay at a mopnorail resort and I sure won't be tempted to now!

I was at the MK Tuesday. They had 3 ferries running. The queue was extremely long, but the line moved almost continuously. If they continue to run 3 ferries during EMH I see no problem getting to the TTC on a fair weather day. However, the ferries don't run in high winds or lightning, so that's the concern I brought up in my email to Disney. But that wasn't really addressed. I'm assuming there will be bus service to the TTC when the ferry isn't running?

 

[morethananyonex]

I was at the MK Tuesday. They had 3 ferries running. The queue was extremely long, but the line moved almost continuously. If they continue to run 3 ferries during EMH I see no problem getting to the TTC on a fair weather day. However, the ferries don't run in high winds or lightning, so that's the concern I brought up in my email to Disney. But that wasn't really addressed. I'm assuming there will be bus service to the TTC when the ferry isn't running?

Or a giant sleepover party in the MK!