Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[rie'smom]

Let's get 1,000!!

1,000
Oops, 1001

 

[Arnir]

Lots of fans like to discuss and complain as well as comment. Might as well be able to do it here with mostly like minded people.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I'm not sure how Walt would have felt about x attraction or any other specific thing that has been added or taken away since he died. But one thing I do feel fairly comfortable in thinking was that he had little use for and patience with cynicism and relentless negativity. And there's far too much of that here.

Just my opinion.

Scott

Well said.

While I agree that this message Board is a good way to see if others agree with your opinion, it can also snowball into a negativity fest. If you don't like something, write Disney and encourage those who think like you to do the same. Try to turn a negative into a potential positive. I've done that in the past myself and have actually seen positive changes. I know it wasn't just my email to Disney that changed it, but it illustrated that if enough write-in, they just might listen.

 

[si-am]

Or, let's give guests a free three-extra hours in the park at night instead of charging them $10 to $12 for E-ticket night OR charging them $50 for the hard-ticket PPP.

Or, let's give guests free transportation from the airport instead of charging them bus transfer fees.

Or, let's give guests free dining at less busy times of year (or room discounts, bounce-back offers, 4/3 offers, children play/stay free, etc.).

Or, let's rehab attractions and make them better or let's build new world class attractions and keep park ticket price increases in line with previous years.

Or, let's add a new high-tech light show on the Castle for our MK guests and not charge them any extra.

Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Why is it that on threads like this, we only focus on the take-aways and not the additions?

Ew. All of that stuff is basically a cheap money-grub. And I'm really supposed to be happy that I get to see other people's kids projected on the castle for "free"?

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I see that the pixie dust crowd and those who suggest you go elsewhere are here. What fun is that? It's interesting to discuss these things.

By the way, you can get fastpasses if you stay offsite and go to Universal. You just have to buy them. I don't find them necessary though.

So only one side is allowed to discuss an issue?

I've never tried to infer that Disney is perfect, but I do believe that there are two sides to most issues and want to point them out before this becomes just another Disney has gone downhill thread. The positives still far outweigh the negatives for me with respect to Disney when compared to other vacation alternatives.

As I've posted earlier in this thread, I've had a few complaints about Disney. I have even started threads with complaints in the past and heard a lot from the Disney can do no wrong crowd too. I did find the thread a way to encourage others to write in. One item was actually changed by Disney and I've heard strong rumors that one of the other complaints may be addressed in the near future.

 

[morethananyonex]

How about less talk about who has the right to post what and more about the actual topic at hand?

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Ew. All of that stuff is basically a cheap money-grub. And I'm really supposed to be happy that I get to see other people's kids projected on the castle for "free"?

I am sorry that you failed to appreciate MMY (or my point). With respect to MMY, I was too far away to see any actual pictures of guests, but was absolutely amazed at the incredible special effects especially the castle turrent blasting off to infinity and beyond.

And how is offering deep discounts a money-grub? That sounds like Disney trying to still draw guests during a recession. They lost a lot of profits during that time and are now trying to wean guests off those deep discounts. I guess that's why we end up with cynical whiny comments like this.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

How about less talk about who has the right to post what and more about the actual topic at hand?

Splendid idea!

I don't quite understand why some people get their Mickey ears all in a knot if someone else isn't completely enamoured with WDW. This is a discussion board and it is helpful (to me at least) to hear both positive and negative experiences or thoughts. Anyhow...

Back to the topic. If the monorails are truly down for maintenance, that's fine. Making them safer or more efficient makes sense. But if it's a general phasing out of evening EMH and the monorail is going to permanently keep these hours, I'll certainly second guess staying at a monorail resort. Heck, I might even stay offsite and save some money for once.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

We're there!

How about less talk about who has the right to post what and more about the actual topic at hand?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I see that the pixie dust crowd and those who suggest you go elsewhere are here. What fun is that? It's interesting to discuss these things.

By the way, you can get fastpasses if you stay offsite and go to Universal. You just have to buy them. I don't find them necessary though.

They are not the same as just showing your room key. When you buy an Express Pass, it can only be used once on each ride. They scan your card so it "knows" once you've been through. When staying onsite, you can go on something again, and again and again.... and believe me, my boys do.

 

[si-am]

I am sorry that you failed to appreciate MMY (or my point). With respect to MMY, I was too far away to see any actual pictures of guests, but was absolutely amazed at the incredible special effects especially the castle turrent blasting off to infinity and beyond.

And how is offering deep discounts a money-grub? That sounds like Disney trying to still draw guests during a recession. They lost a lot of profits during that time and are now trying to wean guests off those deep discounts. I guess that's why we end up with cynical whiny comments like this.

I don't see free dining as a "deep discount," I guess is the difference. It is a trick to get you to pay full rack rate on your room, and then they offer you "free" food that is about half as tasty and unique and diverse as it once was, to make up for the fact that they are giving it away "free."

The other room discounts.... eh. They are okay. Show me a hotel that does NOT offer discounts though. Disney is just trying to be competitive. They aren't offering discounted rooms out of pure selfless desire to see their guests happy.

I think it's great that you are a "glass half full" kind of person when it comes to Disney but I've been around for too long and have seen far too many cutbacks to be that optimistic about their intentions.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Additionally, keep in mind that people who hang out here love going to Disney. Generally they find it helpful to discuss, think and mull over changes like this when evaluating whether to indeed pull the trigger and book the next trip.

And to hear both sides too!

 

[morethananyonex]

I am sorry that you failed to appreciate MMY (or my point). With respect to MMY, I was too far away to see any actual pictures of guests, but was absolutely amazed at the incredible special effects especially the castle turrent blasting off to infinity and beyond.

And how is offering deep discounts a money-grub? That sounds like Disney trying to still draw guests during a recession. They lost a lot of profits during that time and are now trying to wean guests off those deep discounts. I guess that's why we end up with cynical whiny comments like this.

If the prices weren't so incredibly high in the first place (especially on Deluxes) discounts wouldn't be necessary. It's debatable whether simply weaning guests off the discounts would actually increase profit, if in response people go less/for cheaper.

I wouldn't call it a money grub, but they aren't doing it for our benefit that's for sure.

But a question, did they actually lose profits? I was under the impression that profit has actually been increasing? Could be wrong though.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I don't see free dining as a "deep discount," I guess is the difference. It is a trick to get you to pay full rack rate on your room.

The other room discounts.... eh. They are okay. Show me a hotel that does NOT offer discounts though. Disney is just trying to be competitive. They aren't offering discounted rooms out of pure selfless desire to see their guests happy.

I think it's great that you are a "glass half full" kind of person when it comes to Disney but I've been around for too long and have seen far too many cutbacks to be that optimistic about their intentions.

That's fine. We can agree to disagree. I just want others to see that not everyone is all doom and gloom about Disney.

I've never done free dining myself as it never fit our schedule with our boys in school, but there are some who swear by it. Some will swear you absolutely positively cannot find a cheaper deal offsite than with free dining. How does that a "trick" to get you to pay rack rate? Disney's reported profits have declined for its parks & resort division the past few years. I guess their trick worked!

 

[StitchyPoo81]

I see no more reason to stay at a monorail resort if I cant use the monorail after a certain time

 

[KSDisneyDad]

If the prices weren't so incredibly high in the first place (especially on Deluxes) discounts wouldn't be necessary. It's debatable whether simply weaning guests off the discounts would actually increase profit, if in response people go less/for cheaper.

I wouldn't call it a money grub, but they aren't doing it for our benefit that's for sure.

But a question, did they actually lose profits? I was under the impression that profit has actually been increasing? Could be wrong though.

We've never paid rack rate for a Deluxe. Actually, the most we've ever spent for a Deluxe was $219 per night for the Poly and we were fine with that. We spent $159 at AKL and $189 at the CR. Most of our stays have been Value. I would get so frustrated staying in some cheap dirty motel in Hays, Kansas where I paid more per night than at Disney!!! Go figure.

It's my understanding that their profits are increasing this fiscal year, that was not the case the past couple of years (but I could be wrong too as I only looked at their most recent earnings release). People are NOT going less for cheaper. They are increasing both number of bookings and spending per guest. It's taken a while for that to occur which is why I believe some of the bigger discounts will become less common and they will go back to smaller and targeted discount codes.

 

[DJSMOM]

Ok, I have followed this thread for as long as I can without commenting, doesnt it really boil down to this.........if you are that unhappy with all of the changes Disney is making then speak with your wallet and dont go to Disney or dont stay at a Deluxe, etc etc etc............if after the price changes, cut-backs etc etc still seem like a worthwhile vacation, again speak with your wallet and go to Disney.........

As I stated in my original post, basically I have paid for my trip and built up a very excited 8 year old to stay in his "dream" hotel. we booked with a PIN so I am not paying full price. I would have chosen differently at the time I booked if I knew this was going to happen. It would not be built up in his head. Can I change now? Yes I can. Will I? No. It would break my son's heart at this point. I don't understand why the rehab/ refurb schedule can be published way ahead of time so I know I don't need a watermarks and more ticket but booking my trip for the advertised "perk" of the monorail is no longer available.

For what it's worth I emailed Disney and am awaiting a repsonse. Just voiced my disappointment.

 

[nurtz]

Geesh, I am almost sorry I posted my mostly positive remarks earlier. Am I happy the monorail won't be running after EMH...of course not. I understand why people are upset but why can't someone who just isn't going to let it ruin their trip post without being accused of being "the pixie dust crowd" or having their Mickey ears in a knot? Wow...guess it really isn't a discussion then. I kind of like being a "the glass is half full" kind of gal.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Splendid idea!

I don't quite understand why some people get their Mickey ears all in a knot if someone else isn't completely enamoured with WDW. This is a discussion board and it is helpful (to me at least) to hear both positive and negative experiences or thoughts. Anyhow...

Back to the topic. If the monorails are truly down for maintenance, that's fine. Making them safer or more efficient makes sense. But if it's a general phasing out of evening EMH and the monorail is going to permanently keep these hours, I'll certainly second guess staying at a monorail resort. Heck, I might even stay offsite and save some money for once.

What about a Moderate, another Deluxe not on the monorail or even (gasp!) a value?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

That's fine. We can agree to disagree. I just want others to see that not everyone is all doom and gloom about Disney.
I've never done free dining myself as it never fit our schedule with our boys in school, but there are some who swear by it. Some will swear you absolutely positively cannot find a cheaper deal offsite than with free dining. How does that a "trick" to get you to pay rack rate? Disney's reported profits have declined for its parks & resort division the past few years. I guess their trick worked!

I'm with you! All I need to do is spend 1 day at our local Six Flags to remind me what a bargain WDW really is.
If you're disgusted at Disney for cutting the monorail service, go somewhere else. If they see a large drop in attendance, they might rethink their decision. After all, they don't make changes and then do nothing. They are always surveying, weighing pros & cons, measuring the results of the latest changes, what worked vs what didn't work, etc.