Thoughts on $ of towncar/limos

[mom_rules]

I've been reading that the limo/towncar services have been hit pretty hard by the introduction of ME (while it's free for 18 months).

Do you think that their price will come down some in order to attract business?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I've been reading that the limo/towncar services have been hit pretty hard by the introduction of ME (while it's free for 18 months).

Do you think that their price will come down some in order to attract business?

I think it's more likely that half the drivers will need to seek employment elsewhere, and half the cars will be retired and not replaced.

The towncar companies are small companies that cannot afford to operate at a loss. Chances are that some companies will shrink, and a few may fail. But nobody will be successful by pricing their service below the underlying costs.

There is no way the towncar companies can compete with DME on price. The towncar companies that will continue to attract business are those that provide 100% reliable, high quality, personal service to guests who are willing to pay for such service -- either because those guests like the luxury or because they're not staying at a Disney-operated resort. The price needs to be competitive with other towncar companies, but lowering the price by any significant amount is likely to lead to failure in the long run.

 

[dzneelvr]

Personally, I'm not expecting to pay less. We book a limo both ways and are willing to pay for that luxury. I would believe the price of gas is holding most transport companies hostage as far as offering any discounts based on competition. We wouldn't trade a limo for ME anyway.

 

[mpbs]

I have used towncars/limos and ME. I was impressed with ME, I was expecting so-so service but found it was a pleasant, smooth, and stress free. So as long as Disney offers this service I will use it. It is also very nice not to wait for luggage, and it is magical to have them appear in your hotel room 3 hrs later. The service in my opinion was equal to towncar/limo and it was free.

 

[ducklite]

The actual LIMO companies haven't really been hurt, those who book a LIMO (as opposed to a car service) want what they want, and aren't going to take "mass transit" even if it's "free".

Anne

 

[quicksilver]

The actual LIMO companies haven't really been hurt, those who book a LIMO (as opposed to a car service) want what they want, and aren't going to take "mass transit" even if it's "free".

Anne

Hello ducklite,

The LIMO companies have indeed been hurt with ME. Even though their local business (Weddings, Proms, etc..) will remain the same, the volume for airport to WDW transfers dropped just the same as any other Towncar service. I'm a good friend and also subcontract your dear frien Jim from Golden, and he also had a big drop in reservations (from us included).
Many customers that just wanted a towncar figured that with an extra $100.00 they could get a stretched limousine, but now with the free ME they don't even consider spending the extra $200.00 for it. They might just stick with the Towncar for around $100.00 or go with ME for free. I know, sad but true.

Gregory Nicolas.

 

[ducklite]

Hello ducklite,

The LIMO companies have indeed been hurt with ME. Even though their local business (Weddings, Proms, etc..) will remain the same, the volume for airport to WDW transfers dropped just the same as any other Towncar service. I'm a good friend and also subcontract your dear frien Jim from Golden, and he also had a big drop in reservations (from us included).
Many customers that just wanted a towncar figured that with an extra $100.00 they could get a stretched limousine, but now with the free ME they don't even consider spending the extra $200.00 for it. They might just stick with the Towncar for around $100.00 or go with ME for free. I know, sad but true.

Gregory Nicolas.

That just doesn't make sense. Those who planned on spending the money for a limo all along will still take a limo, as they want the flexibility, privacy, and so forth that comes with this type of transit. I do agree that those who would use a car service will probably often use the free ME instead, but people who choose the luxury of a limo will continue to do so.

Anne

 

[quicksilver]

That just doesn't make sense. Those who planned on spending the money for a limo all along will still take a limo, as they want the flexibility, privacy, and so forth that comes with this type of transit. I do agree that those who would use a car service will probably often use the free ME instead, but people who choose the luxury of a limo will continue to do so.

Anne

Hello Anne,

your statement is true for people who know what they want and would never change their minds and use a shuttle even if paid to do it...
But our reality is that MANY were using a stretched Limousine just for that once in a life time ride, and for just $100.00 more it was possible. Now with free ME they think twice, and most of the time go for the FREE. You'd be amazed how many reservations were made by people that only wanted to experience a Limo at least once in their lifetime.
Like I said above, the local business for limos did not change, but us (and Jim) lost many clients due to ME.

 

[keithomas]

Count me as one that is sticking with a towncar on our upcoming trip. Though it is more out of extenuating circumstances that I prefer to control on my own.

First, my wife and kids will be flying to Orlando without me as I will already be in town for business. They have never done this before, and as much of a supermom as my DW is, I felt it would be that much easier to have someone waiting in baggage claim to take them directly to our hotel (BWV). They also are not arriving until nearly 7pm.

My second reason is that the return trip to the airport will be late in the day on the day before Thanksgiving. Most airports are a nightmare on those days, and our airline is not a "partner" of ME (Southwest). This would mean only arriving 2 hours(at best) early on one of the busiest travel days of the year and still having to stand in line to check bags, security, etc. I've requested our pickup to be 4 hours prior to our flight so that I control my destiny (well, as long as my trusted transport company continues to provide the same level of service they have in the past!)

Different situation and i probably would have chosen to save the cash, but I don't think Disney will opt for free ME forever, so the transfer/towncar business will return and probably improve once people have to pay for a "bus ride" ala the yellow Mears Transport buses.