Limo drivers get to keep circling

[jcraycraft]

Looks like Disney's Magical Express is not making any new friends with the limo divers now... Seems like there must be a lot of people using DME!!!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...jul22,0,3380482.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

Limo drivers get to keep circling
They get space at the airport but will have to wait to resolve their dispute with Disney.
By Steve J. Collins
Sentinel Staff Writer

July 22, 2005

Limousine owners came away from a meeting with Orlando International Airport officials Thursday with a promise for a handful of reserved parking spaces but otherwise a large dose of frustration.

Airport officials and representatives of the Greater Orlando Livery Association met for the second time this month to discuss concerns raised after the May introduction of Disney's Magical Express, which offers Disney guests a free bus ride from the airport to any Disney hotel or resort.

Limousine owners say the new shuttle service is getting preferential treatment. They say limos have been moved to make room for buses, which has made it more difficult for drivers to pick up passengers.

Airport Executive Director Bill Jennings said he's committed to reserving four spots at each terminal for limousines, and there will be additional spaces open for any commercial vehicle. "I just have to figure out what the wording on the sign should be," Jennings said.

However, livery association officials said they're frustrated their chief concern -- that Disney representatives have greater access to the airport than limo drivers -- wasn't addressed. The two sides will meet again in early August along with Disney officials.

Airport regulations say that limousine drivers must wait for passengers near baggage claim and may not solicit business. By contrast, Disney employees whose job it is to direct passengers to Magical Express buses have greater access. Limousine owners complain that they're losing business.

"As long as Disney Magical Express maintains a presence on the third level, we'll never have an equal playing field," said Michael Mckenzie, an association executive board member.

At issue is whether Disney employees are violating the airport's solicitation policy by speaking to people who haven't already arranged to take a bus. After the first meeting with the limo owners, Jennings said Disney employees shouldn't be speaking with people who hadn't already arranged for a ride. He softened that stance Thursday.

"Disney's position is that when you book a hotel you automatically have admission to Disney Magical Express," Jennings said.

Jennings said he wants to sit down with Disney officials before coming to a final decision on the rules regulating Disney's greeters. That the issue hasn't been resolved left some frustrated.

"We feel as though we came away with nothing except another meeting," said livery association president Randy Terranova.

Steve J. Collins can be reached at 407-420-5664 or scollins@orlandosentinel.com.

 

[wannab@dis]

cry me a river! Let's see... let's have a spot that is long enough for a some busses. Those busses will hold a LOT of people. Or, should we have the same amount for limos that can hold very few people comparably. Inconvienance the few or the many?

And this mess about the DME employees not talking to the guests. Please! That's just as ridiculous.

 

[Melerella]

In my opinion, if it was company other than Disney, they wouldn't say anything.

 

[abe_bb]

They (limo drivers) are just sore that they are losing business.

Now, our trip isn't for a bit yet (less then 60 days!) but the way I understand it, once we get off the plane there will be someone right there directing disney traffic to the busses (since we can skip the baggage claim).

Limo drivers are angered because they are not allowed at the actual "unloading" area - they have to wait at the baggage claim.

Also, they don't like the fact that the busses are taking up too much room - this I agree with - kind of. They do run a business, and if disney is filling the parking with busses, it is effectively shutting them out. It's not right because, frankly, not everyone there is going to Disney! (sad, but true)

Should they get reserved parking? Yes, but then that is going to open up a whole new can of worms... ("Why does company A always have a limo their, and my company B never does?")

Finally, about them complaining that the disney people are talking to guests... it is not just guests.

The limo drivers cannot hand out business cards while waiting for passengers - so they cannot self- advertise at baggage claim.

The Disney people, on the otherhand, are beign allowed to talk to anyone - just having a big "disney here" sign is an advertisement. And it draws people to come and ask questions.

Honestly - what would draw your attention more: A brightly colored display and a bubbly cast member, or a quit englishman holding a "smith party of 5" sign?

So they have valid complaints, but it wouldn't be an issue if it wasn't Disney. They are just angered that Disney took a big chunk out of their clientel.

 

[righttrack]

Disney giveth the business and Disney taketh away. Thats the story. Sure Disney created this area and is responsible for the development. Luckilly for drivers, there is quite an active convention business in Orlando. The smart will survive.

 

[ThreeCircles]

Perhaps we should look at it this way:

Which is better for the environment and for unclogging congested highways and roads? A single bus carrying 50 passengers or 5 limos carrying 10 people?

See! Disney is helping the environment and unclogging roads! :sohappy:

 

[Trishnh]

I think the real issue here is the Limo companies are losing business and they are not happy about that. A lot of the issues they are complaining about came about after 9-11, not because of ME. Yes, there are Disney employees there to point the way to unfamiliar travellers. I wouldn't say they are soliciting customers. If someone already had reservations with a limo company, they are not going to change upon arrival at the airport. It all comes down to losing business and money. I, for one, have always used a limo company and loved it, but I just can't pass up on the free ME service now!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hi there all, When I used DME for the first time in May it took a bit of looking around to find a person in blue with a Mickey hand. They certainly werent all in your face or so obvious that I couldnt miss them. I dont believe that the CMs there are actually "stealing" business from a towncar service. In most cases, I would think that people would have arranged their travel from the airport to the resort prior to their departure. Also if a towncar isnt allowed to solicit business, what would they be doing at the airport if they arent there to pick up a customer? Belle

 

[Scooter]

I think the limo services have a legitimate complaint.

This isn't about numbers, it's about service.

Limos now have to park a ways away from the building and come in and walk guests out into the hot Florida sun to their special far away limo parking area while Disney Buses can just pull up to the curb.

I personally don't mind walking to the limo parking area, but I imagine those with health and hot weather issues might be upset.

This could have an effect on the Limo service's bottom line and if I was a limo company owner, and I was losing money because of what I thought were preferential treatment issues, I'd be upset too.

Just my thoughts

 

[djronnieb]

Rock on Disney!!! Once again the mighty Mouse has won! I love stories like this. Disney once again has proved why they are the number one company and the ones who always break new ground first!


I love it when Disney rules!

 

[patricia27]

Do you have to book the bus or do you just get on?
Do the buses do the rounds of all the hotels? Or do they have one for
the Epcot resorts and another for the All star resorts etc ?

 

[wannabeBelle]

Do you have to book the bus or do you just get on?
Do the buses do the rounds of all the hotels? Or do they have one for
the Epcot resorts and another for the All star resorts etc ?

The bus must be booked in advance. A simple phone call takes care of this. Call as soon as you have all of your flight information finalized to allow time to get the DME booklet that will have your luggage tags, ticket for the bus etc to be shipped to you.
If you dont want to have your luggage transported from the airport to Disney for you, DONT put the special yellow barcode tags on your luggage and just proceed to baggage claim, pick them up, then head over to the DME area for assignment to a bus
My understanding is that they are trying to group the hotels by area. I believe there isnt supposed to be more than 4 stops per bus. Hope this helps!! Belle

 

[WDWCP]

Rock on Disney!!! Once again the mighty Mouse has won! I love stories like this. Disney once again has proved why they are the number one company and the ones who always break new ground first!


I love it when Disney rules!

I agree, but it has to be done with some caution on Disney's part. Disney could come up with anything new, but if they implement it wrong or too strongly, they may convince local officials (wheather it be airport officials, government, local groups, etc...) to act out against Disney. An conservative approach by Disney sometimes will allow for more profits than if they go too strong and push lawmakers to enact some sort of statute that restricts what they are doing in some way...

 

[wdwishes2005]

Perhaps we should look at it this way:

Which is better for the environment and for unclogging congested highways and roads? A single bus carrying 50 passengers or 5 limos carrying 10 people?

See! Disney is helping the environment and unclogging roads! :sohappy:

Go Disney!

 

[pbc]

Okay, this "rah-rah go Disney! Disney is number one in everything!" atittude worries me. Once Disney dominates every single part of your vacation...competition is gone, and Disney is free to charge whatever they want.
I think some people forget that Disney's number one goal isn't to provide you with a fun time. Their ultimate goal is profit. The larger that profit, the happier the suits that run the company are.

 

[Carrousel.Lover]

Okay, this "rah-rah go Disney! Disney is number one in everything!" atittude worries me. Once Disney dominates every single part of your vacation...competition is gone, and Disney is free to charge whatever they want.
I think some people that Disney's number one goal isn't to provide you with a fun time. Their ultimate goal is profit. The larger that profit, the happier the suits that run the company are.

Exactly! Everyone seems to think DME will be free forever. Disney was very careful to NOT say it would be and to state that it was free during the Happiest Celebration on Earth. So, when they wipe out the competition and suddenly charge a premium rate will it be rah rah Disney? I am glad that people are benefiting from DME now and it being free but how many honestly believe that it will continue to be free? Disney is a business. Yes, the business is to make you think they are catering to your needs whether they charge you or not.

 

[disneyplanet]

Okay, this "rah-rah go Disney! Disney is number one in everything!" atittude worries me. Once Disney dominates every single part of your vacation...competition is gone, and Disney is free to charge whatever they want.
I think some people forget that Disney's number one goal isn't to provide you with a fun time. Their ultimate goal is profit. The larger that profit, the happier the suits that run the company are.

Exactly! Everyone seems to think DME will be free forever. Disney was very careful to NOT say it would be and to state that it was free during the Happiest Celebration on Earth. So, when they wipe out the competition and suddenly charge a premium rate will it be rah rah Disney? I am glad that people are benefiting from DME now and it being free but how many honestly believe that it will continue to be free? Disney is a business. Yes, the business is to make you think they are catering to your needs whether they charge you or not.

Correct lets look at both side.

I used a limo my self becuase I am a vacation club memeber and normaly come down with 8 to 15 guest

my view, i go twice a year.

DME = free now but may and probley go like mears $25 per person ( i been told by a driver this is what it may be next year) ( or free with package deal not for free for DVC)
DME = like the bus stops everyware before going to my stop. (had two stops before ours)
DME = when you are a large party like that you have to wait two of three buses or split up. (had to split up)

last years i used & will use in nov
limo = one price for whole party ( two vans) (cheaper than $25 per)
limo = for me only my stop and also will make a (publix) stop


Oh by the way Disney did not what to build a airport at this time. so its orlando intrenation airport ( not disney air port) there are other business there and other desination. so to make it hard on those going other than disney is just wrong also.

 

[patricia27]

Thanks "wannabebelle" for the information--- it certainly is a saving I can see why the cab drivers aren`t happy.

 

[optjay]

Disney is just improving the guests visits, they saw one more way to make your trips cheaper and easier. Buisness is buisness ! its to bad the limo drivers are loseing but that happens. Walmart has also put alot of smaller cos out of buisness.Is Universal going to start complaining about Disney adding free dinning to their package prices? After all that is going to take buisness away from them.
Im a DVC member and am now planning a short trip to WDW and staying at a non DVC resort BECOUSE of free dinning and transportation ! Great marketing !!!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Thanks "wannabebelle" for the information--- it certainly is a saving I can see why the cab drivers aren`t happy.

You are certainly welcome!! The idea here is to get guests to come, stay at the Disney hotels, stay on Disney property and spend every last dime of their vacation dollars at Disney. I dont pretend to think it is otherwise. I think DME was the absolute best business move Disney could have made in years!!! If they were looking to get and keep people on the proerty for dining, going to more parks etc, you have to make it appealing. Offering a free shuttle to and from the resort area is appealing. As I have said I Have used Mears in the past and dont really have much reason on many of my trips to leave Disney so for me I am getting the same service I used to pay for, done better and for free!!! I dont see a down side to this as of yet. Belle