Monorails to no longer operate during Evening Extra Magic Hours

[brunette8706]

Man, I hate when people reply inside a quote and then I have to pull out the whole quote and do that whole double quote thing... such a PITA.


No, see, the monorails have been breaking down more often lately. It's an observation held by most on this board (even the "ZOMG DISNEY SUCKS NOW!" crew). The pieces falling off were, in fact, seen by people. The monorail was down on July 3 for an extended amount of time for one reason or another. All of this happens more than it did years ago. That's not opinion. What is opinion is that it suggests that the maintenance has either been lacking, or needs to be increased for the age of the beams and trains. (However, it's a rather logical conclusion to make).

Yes, I'm saying that 4 extra hours per week, especially the 2 extra hours each of the 2 nights, could preserve and fix issues they normally couldn't. They're not going to tear it down and rebuild in that time, but they could fix bigger issues with those extra two hours they normally wouldn't be able to.

Let's say they have a 6 hour turnaround overnight. If they have a project that's going to take them at least 6 hours, they wouldn't be able to do it that night. If they now have 2 nights that give them 8 hours, they'd be able to get that project completed and move on to other spots. It's not about what they can get done from 10pm to midnight, but from 10pm to 6am. (Times are used to illustrate that 2 hours can make a difference and are not to be taken as exact times they do anything). It also saves 2 hours of wear and tear on the engines and beams. 2 hours * ~6 trains is 12 train hours per night, or 24 per week. Stretch this out and you'll save your trains for much longer. At least, that's the theory.

Again, you're calling them liars. So, you don't believe anything they say then? After all, if just by me saying there's a grain of truth in the maintenance issue makes me a "cool (sic) aid" drinker, that must mean that by you refusing to believe any of it makes you not believe a single thing they say? Is that true?

If it is, that's fine, it's your thing. I tend to look at things a bit more open-mindedly though.

You're not telling it like it is. You're exaggerating and using hyperbole. Do you have the numbers to show that their unhappy base is growing? Truly growing? Or are you going by a few message boards representing < 1% of the yearly visitors where people are more prone to post negatives than positives? Or are you simply transferring your own personal opinion onto everyone else who may have a small complaint and translating that into yet another totally unhappy customer?

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As you seem to be an expert on my thought process, I see no point continuing a discussion with this subject any further with you. As you also seem to come to the conclusion that anyone that disagrees with your point of view can not be correct in their assessment of what they see, it would be futile to go any further. That being said, in my opinion you have written nothing that shows that I am wrong in my judgement. Further, seeing as you brought it up, there is no more "hyperbole" in my words than they are in yours.

Have A Magical Day

 

[Wadecool]

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As you seem to be an expert on my thought process, I see no point continuing a discussion with this subject any further with you. As you also seem to come to the conclusion that anyone that disagrees with your point of view can not be correct in their assessment of what they see, it would be futile to go any further. That being said, in my opinion you have written nothing that shows that I am wrong in my judgement. Further, seeing as you brought it up, there is no more "hyperbole" in my words than they are in yours.

No further response from you is required. Have A Magical Day

Wow, that's pretty harsh. Somehow, I don't think you really meant that last part.

 

[Zeppelin]

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So, what's wrong with Wiki?

You're telling me because of the extended hours they will not have enough time to "maintain" their transporation mode i.e. the monorail? This makes no sense. They have been maintaining their transportation for 40 years, now all the sudden your telling me that they need that EXTRA hour or so to maintain the vehicles? That's absurd.

Hey Flix!

agree 1000%- so the few nights per week they have extra magic hours they need to shut down certain monorails for maintenance??? pleeeze...

we are paying a lot of money to stay at the CR next month- i don't want to have to deal with walking back to the resort at 1AM with my 8YO or waiting for a bus....and the fact is people pay top $$$ for the Poly/GF/CR in large part for the convenience factor...

this is very disturbing and must say, a crappy way to treat the patrons that are spending top $$$ or a few more $$$ to have a better experience...

 

[Zeppelin]

No, see, the monorails have been breaking down more often lately. It's an observation held by most on this board (even the "ZOMG DISNEY SUCKS NOW!" crew). The pieces falling off were, in fact, seen by people. The monorail was down on July 3 for an extended amount of time for one reason or another. All of this happens more than it did years ago. That's not opinion. What is opinion is that it suggests that the maintenance has either been lacking, or needs to be increased for the age of the beams and trains. (However, it's a rather logical conclusion to make).

yet with that they raise ticket prices....i'm sure it will all be good in the end but you pay top $$$ for Disney and you expect a lot in return- this is not Palisades Park...

 

[nytimez]

Actually, I think they're both right.

Disney quality is declining even as prices go up. More people are unhappy.

BUT... they are being "replaced" by more than enough customers who don't care, or just started going to WDW and don't know how far down the hill its slid in recent years, is a lot more meaningful -- and since the company is doing incredibly well right now, it will continue down the path of cutting costs and expenses in any way they can.

Obviously, there comes a tipping point when everyone else starts to get unhappy. I won't pretend to know what that point is.

Personally, I still enjoy WDW -- but it's clearly not what it once was, and I do notice most (or many) of the corners they've cut.

Also, I don't buy the argument that there are significant problems that can be corrected in four extra hours a week. If they can be corrected in four extra hours a week, they're not that significant. I think the problems are more a sign of neglect and cost-cutting in recent years than anything else. But you can't really prove or disprove either position on that.

 

[rbenn81]

I haven't read all 138 pages. I remember when this was first reported I read the announcement as the monorails were closing 1 hr after park closed. Not just on EMH evenings but every evening. Has there been clarification that it's just going to effect EMH nights? TIA

 

[mom2rtk]

I haven't read all 138 pages. I remember when this was first reported I read the announcement as the monorails were closing 1 hr after park closed. Not just on EMH evenings but every evening. Has there been clarification that it's just going to effect EMH nights? TIA

A poster earlier in the thread reported talking to a CM by phone. They were told that they had not fully considered how this would affect hard ticketed parties, so no firm answer on that. Go ahead and buy your tickets though. I think they thought through how to sell those.

 

[flicx]

A poster earlier in the thread reported talking to a CM by phone. They were told that they had not fully considered how this would affect hard ticketed parties, so no firm answer on that. Go ahead and buy your tickets though. I think they thought through how to sell those.

Now thats funny!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I could go through this list one by one, but I'm not going to bother for the sake of other readers...

I'm not as restrained as Cafeen ; I'm going to comment on some of the price increases listed below.

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I can certainly refute your above inflammatory post. I will preface by saying I don't really appreciate your name calling (ignorant etc.)

Further, I did not use the word "lie" so please don't put words on the screen that I did not use. I used the word "absurd", meaning illogical. Yes, it is illogical in my opinion that the trains are being cut back because of maintenance. Of course the Disney spokesperson stated this. But again, in my opinion I'm not buying it.

Second, I'm connecting the dots here. Let me explain, everything Disney has been going through the roof price wise, and there has been some major cutbacks, while at the same time some of the quality has been going down in my opinion. See my ongoing list of "cutbacks" and "price-increases". Everything's been going through the roof, prcewise; in no way are price increases or jumps restricted to WDW.

Disney Refillable mugs - Will now have a sensor for all your beverages, gee, I wonder how much that is gonig to cost? Very little, and it's unlikely the cost will be passed on to guests. It's WDW cracking down on abuse of the soda dispensers, and better being able to achieve or exceed projects revenues from soda and refillable mug sales.

Strollers - $18.00 2008, now $36.00 This one I'll concede. Disney saw a market, an opportunity -again - to increase revenue and took it. The increase could also have something to do with increased costs - paying CMs, maintaining strollers intended for infants & toddlers but used for elementary schoolers & preteens, as pack animals, and as battering rams.

Ticket prices have increased As they do every year.

Restaurants ie. buffets $26.99 2007 now $36.99 NOT INCLUDING HOLIDAY SURCHARGES of an additional $4.00 which makes your meal close to $40.00! This is the third or fourth year for the surcharges, and, okay, they do it because they can. Again, revenue. But that buffet increase is only $2 per year, and covers higher pay, utilities, insurance, food costs, supplies...

Resorts Value season has been shortened throughout the year. Likely - and this is just my opinion, I don't have any proof (before anybody figuratively sneers and says "that's your opinion" ) but it's likely due to more guests coming at all times of the year, therefore Disney not needing to entice people as much with lower prices

Resorts stays for the weekend is now higher, never used to be. Nice while it lasted, but higher weekend/lower weekday pricing is typical in resort and vacation areas (the opposite is true in business districts). Walt Disney World simply caught up with the business.

Disney Dining Plan will increase. Well, it does every year. Is next year's increase greater than this year's? The overall price does seem high.

Disney food items have been taken off menus/buffet i.e. Prime Rib etc.

Parades have been shorten.

Mickey's Halloween Party - Decorations have been reduced.

Mickey's Halloween Party - Candy for kids have been reduced.

EPCOT fireworks display, is not even close to what it used to be.

Christmas Decorations - have been cutback. EPCOT winter of lights was gorgeous but they do not have this anymore.

Lastly, my logical thinking is that the monorail cutbacks are just that, CUTBACKS. I don't buy the "maintenance" game. If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, acts like a duck...well.........? I'm guessing, in my opinion, based on previous patterns as stated above, that it is indeed a cutback.

Thanks!
Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Wow, that's pretty harsh. Somehow, I don't think you really meant that last part.

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Hey Wadecool!

After re-reading my own post, I believe you're right, my bad. I'm going to delete my last statement.

thanks!
brunette

 

[TLSnell1981]

A poster earlier in the thread reported talking to a CM by phone. They were told that they had not fully considered how this would affect hard ticketed parties, so no firm answer on that. Go ahead and buy your tickets though. I think they thought through how to sell those.

Yeah, but MY CMs (both of them) said, "the monorail WILL available for parties."

**Now, that I think about it.. They didn't specify WHEN (they will be available) **

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, I still think there was something wrong in that plan if it now requires shelving the monorail at a time when paying customers need its service.

Paying customers - although doesn't that include everyone? - need transportation, not necessarily the monorail. Walt Disney World has already replaced the after-10 PM EPCOT monorail with buses to the MK-area resorts and the TTC. I don't read the Trip Report Board, but I haven't seen anything negative on the Transportation Board...and there've already been at least two EMH nights.

The plan at this point is to substitute buses for the monorail trains starting one hour after regular park closing time. I still don't trust the DVC Board rumor. If buses are working to/from Epcot, there's no reason to think they won't work at the Magic Kingdom except, frankly, guest responses.

 

[nytimez]

Yeah, but MY CMs (both of them) said, "the monorail WILL available for parties."

They were referring to private parties. You can now rent out the monorail on EMH nights and ride around WDW, partying. Book yours today!

 

[Oglet]

They were referring to private parties. You can now rent out the monorail on EMH nights and ride around WDW, partying. Book yours today!

Yep, Its called drinking around the lagoon.

You stop at each resort, get a drink and finish it off while on the monorail.

 

[flicx]

If buses are working to/from Epcot, there's no reason to think they won't work at the Magic Kingdom except, frankly, guest responses.

Yes,and guest responses are your paying customers telling you what they want! Not wise to upset the customer!

 

[puntagordabob]

This isn't even a cutback. It's a change..

Definition of Cut back. Babylon English. cut down on, reduce something, use less of something

Sorry...its a Cutback.... calling it something else might make it sound better...but in the end it is what it is.....

I think the real problem that seems to be escaping many here is that it is not why they are doing this blah blah blah...

BUT rather HOW they allowed the system and the monorail trains to get to this point where they HAVE to make this change. Let us remember that late nights were part of the MK equation before EMH entered the mix..... so Ask the question that needs to be asked: Why did the funds that were clearly needed not injected into the monorail transportation department in the amounts truly needed to allow the transportation department to do the tasks they needed to do..... ??????? We should remember though that the monorail transportation department and its workers have done a super job and that it is not their fault that some bean counter robbed the funds needed to pad profits or whatever.

 

[Planogirl]

Do I really see people arguing about opinions? I don't see too many hard facts here but rather a lot of assumptions and personal opinions.

It sounds like Disney needs to replace the monorails or at least completely rebuild them. Wouldn't it be wise to take one or two offline and completely rebuild them rather than cut back a few hours? I don't see how a few hours helps.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Definition of Cut back. Babylon English. cut down on, reduce something, use less of something

Sorry...its a Cutback.... calling it something else might make it sound better...but in the end it is what it is.....

Well, they're closing the monorail an hour after Epcot (now) and MK (Monday) close to the general public and replacing that mode of transportation with buses.

That sound like a change.

Ask the question that needs to be asked: Why did the funds that were clearly needed not injected into the monorail transportation department in the amounts truly needed to allow the transportation department to do the tasks they needed to do.....

Probably it's not the funds. Probably it's the guests complaining they MUST have the monorail and only the monorail will do. Disney conceded for so long, now the need to do more intensive work than routine maintenance.

 

[TLSnell1981]

They were referring to private parties. You can now rent out the monorail on EMH nights and ride around WDW, partying. Book yours today!

Except..I, specifically, referred to MNSSHP. I guess, technically, that could be considered a "private party". Nah..

 

[TLSnell1981]

.

It sounds like Disney needs to replace the monorails or at least completely rebuild them. Wouldn't it be wise to take one or two offline and completely rebuild them rather than cut back a few hours? I don't see how a few hours helps.

Definition of Cut back. Babylon English. cut down on, reduce something, use less of something

Sorry...its a Cutback.... calling it something else might make it sound better...but in the end it is what it is.....

I think the real problem that seems to be escaping many here is that it is not why they are doing this blah blah blah...

BUT rather HOW they allowed the system and the monorail trains to get to this point where they HAVE to make this change. Let us remember that late nights were part of the MK equation before EMH entered the mix..... so Ask the question that needs to be asked: Why did the funds that were clearly needed not injected into the monorail transportation department in the amounts truly needed to allow the transportation department to do the tasks they needed to do..... ??????? We should remember though that the monorail transportation department and its workers have done a super job and that it is not their fault that some bean counter robbed the funds needed to pad profits or whatever.