I continue to disagree
lewisc said:
Just don't pretend it's a level playing field.
Either you believe in a free market economy or you don't. I assume from your comments you don't but rather you believe in protectionism, an economic policy that has proven destructive in every instance from small (local) to large (entire countries). It's ashame that rather than reward the innovation demonstrated in Disney's program you are instead faulting them for being in business. I, for one, fault the low quality, expensive providers.
I find fault with every one of your points. Unfortuately the order in which your points are given do not lend themselves to a coherent counter-argument so please forgive the change in order, but I will address each point.
First, there is nothing illegal or unethical about Disney giving away free shuttle access to/from WDW from/to MCO. A long standing precedent exists in the form of airport hotel shuttles. Disney has a right to give away whatever it wants for free as long as A) it does not have a monopoly which it never will since I doubt MCE will be expanded to every possible destination in the Orlando metro market and beyond and B) it makes business sense which in the case of making it easier for guests to get on property (a LONG standing complaint) is in the best interests of Disney as they compete with other destinations.
Second, Disney is not soliciting business because with a free service there is no business being conducted. Mears, cabs, and limos would be free to solicit participants (can't call them customers) if free rides were compatible with their business model. Why aren't they complaining about hotel shuttles which solicit? Why don't the cab/limo drivers go after the hotels that provide free shuttles to the area attractions?
Third, if, in fact, cabs/limos are paying a higher fee it is likely due to the fact they are generating profit from their services whereas Disney is not. Disney's profits derive from the stay at the hotel, again just like area hotels who provide free shuttles. The airport is required to provide equal access by law but if the precedent is to attach fees to profits, and a company has no profits to show, then they certainly cannot justifiably charge the same amount.
Fourth, Disney does not benefit from driving the competition "out of business" for multiple reasons. First, MCE takes a LONG TIME compared to getting a cab and for many people time is more valuable than money. Second, MCE is focused only on Disney resorts and not everyone that spends time and money on WDW property stays at a Disney resort. Third, MCE takes you to your resort hotel, not alternate destinations including others off Disney property. It is actually a very limited service. Fourth, it is in Disney's best interest for people to continue to use alternate transportation because Disney loses money on each bus that departs. However for each guest who loathes using the other options available Disney now looks like they care.
Finally, you imply that giving Disney improved access was unfair. However these people are Disney customers coming to stay at a Disney resort. Any level of access, including being able to pull the bus up to the airplane with the bags teleported directly to the armoire drawers in the room, is perfectly reasonable. Admittedly I'm sure Disney used their power to drive these benefits, but they should as it is in the interest of improving customer service. These people are not coming to ride in cabs so the cabs/limos cannot argue for equal access because they don't deserve it. Disney built the destination. Disney does the marketing. All these guys do is leach off Disney's business performing a necessary service. They should be thanking Disney for all the years they had before MCE.
The problem isn't Disney, it's the fact that the other shuttles, cabs, and limos did such a poor job charging such high rates. Think of how badly you have to be screwing people to create that kind of opportunity. And then think of how stupid you have to be for biting the hand that's feeding you.
The answer for the chauffeurs is to lower costs, improve service, and work to become competitive by advertising the downsides of MCE and delivering service that eliminates those pain points. It's not Disney's fault for getting involved, it's the fault of the existing chauffeur services for creating the opportunity for Disney to get involved.
Oh, and remember that Disney hasn't done this in California, Japan, France, HongKong, ...
