[inluvwithdisney]

Found this on another website:

Limo operators: Disney's airport deal could be end of them
an Associated Press report 09/13/05

ORLANDO - Limousine operators asked airport officials Monday to end an arrangement that allows Walt Disney World to whisk visitors directly to the resort without having to wait for luggage, saying it has given the company an unfair advantage and could put many of them out of business.

Disney's Magical Express has been an important new marketing tool for the theme park, but the Greater Orlando Livery Association says it has cost its members at least $100,000 a month in business at Orlando International Airport, the state's busiest, since the program started in May.

"Disney has incredible access. No other shuttle service has the type of access that Disney has," said Larry Colleton, an attorney for the association, which has about 200 members with 600 vehicles.

Colleton sent Bill Jennings, executive director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, a letter Monday asking him to cancel the airport's contract with Disney. Airport spokesman Rod Johnson officials were aware of the letter but didn't have any immediate comment.

Disney pays the airport authority 50 cents a passenger, or about $2,500 a day to allow them to operate the service.

Disney spokesman Jacob DiPietre said the company hasn't violated any of the provisions of its contract with the airport authority. About 5,000 of the 90,000 travelers who pass through the Orlando airport each day use Magical Express.

"This service has created hundreds of new jobs and injected millions of dollars into our local economy," DiPietre said.

Unlike limo employees, Disney workers have access to the airport's third floor where they have picked up not only visitors with reservations for the bus service but those travelers in need of transportation to the theme park resort who don't have an advanced booking, a violation of the contract, Colleton said in the letter.

Disney employees also have access to the baggage claim area and a section behind the luggage carousel, places usually restricted to airport and airline baggage handlers, giving the theme park resort another leg up on the limo operators, Colleton said.

Disney's Magic Express lets visitors on domestic flights, staying at Disney hotels, check their luggage at their hometown airports and bypass waiting at the luggage carousel at the Orlando airport. Visitors find their luggage in their Disney hotel rooms at check-in after arriving at the resort by motor coaches provided by a Disney contractor.

The airlines participating in the service, which use specially marked baggage tags, include American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Song, United Airlines and Ted.

Critics have said that the service is yet another way Disney tries to keep its visitors on Disney property without access to other theme parks, shops or restaurants.

"There will be less and less competition because more and more small businesses who make up GOLA will no longer exist," Colleton said in the letter.

[OffKilterFan]

On one hand, I fully sympathize with the limo companies....but on the other, business is a game of getting the cometition, and this is one heck of a way to do it.....so do you stifle or praise a 'nearly' perfect business tactic?

[mickey]

From those owners I have spoken with, they are just trying to hold out until the free period ends. I think once Disney starts charging money for it, it should leve the playing field quite a bit. They also feel that this 18 month period will shake out the weaklings in the group, and only the quality companies will remain.

[jk8]

Hmmm, good point!

[BuzzLightyear]

I hope the limo companies can hang in there.

[arwright_2]

I just read in the All Ears Newsletter that they are extending the complimentary Magical Express transfer service through the end of 2006 even after the Happiest Celebration on Earth ends in October 2006.

[Boss Mouse]

Is the Magical Express worth using?

[palmickey]

Originally Posted by arwright_2

I just read in the All Ears Newsletter that they are extending the complimentary Magical Express transfer service through the end of 2006 even after the Happiest Celebration on Earth ends in October 2006.

I read that too!

Originally Posted by OffKilterFan

On one hand, I fully sympathize with the limo companies....but on the other, business is a game of getting the cometition, and this is one heck of a way to do it.....so do you stifle or praise a 'nearly' perfect business tactic?

AND - I agree with this too! Being a totally DISNEY guest this is a great service that Disney provides for their guests. I just hope that the limo companies find a way to survive.

[Grumpy]

We will be going next September and ME will still be free but we are still planning on getting a town car or something. We will be getting in after 1:00 a.m. and I just want to be able to go to the resort and not have to wait for ME to bring our luggage. So I hope they stay in business.

[Cavey]

Does anyone see the absured logic here?

The limo drivers are demanding WDW reduce services to it's guest.

[quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Cavey

Does anyone see the absured logic here?

The limo drivers are demanding WDW reduce services to it's guest.

That was never the case. We are only concerned that since it is free for a long period of time (too long to be just a marketing promotion), many of us will not survive. After many years building a "relationship" with Disney guests, building a company from scratch, giving jobs for many people, Disney decides to offer a service free. That is just not fair for many of the smaller companies that will simply dissapear. The surviving ones, me among them, will do all they can to remain in business till Disney looks for their $4,500,000 a month lost to promote ME and most of all exterminate many (MANY) competitors.

Also the main complaint we were having in regard of the ME meet and greeters at the airport is that they were soliciting business which is illegal. Simple as that. Do what is right, and what Disney pays the airport to be allowed to do : Meet and Greet ONLY!

My best regards to all.

Gregory Nicolas.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by quicksilver

That was never the case. We are only concerned that since it is free for a long period of time (too long to be just a marketing promotion), many of us will not survive. After many years building a "relationship" with Disney guests, building a company from scratch, giving jobs for many people, Disney decides to offer a service free. That is just not fair for many of the smaller companies that will simply dissapear. The surviving ones, me among them, will do all they can to remain in business till Disney looks for their $4,500,000 a month lost to promote ME and most of all exterminate many (MANY) competitors.

Also the main complaint we were having in regard of the ME meet and greeters at the airport is that they were soliciting business which is illegal. Simple as that. Do what is right, and what Disney pays the airport to be allowed to do : Meet and Greet ONLY!

My best regards to all.

Gregory Nicolas.

Gregory -
Hang in there. Hope it gets better soon. AS for the soliciting busines, thats' just wrong.

[wdwjeff]

I've used Quicksilver several times, with excellent service all the way around. Between the personal, professional service, the grocery stop, the comfort, and the privacy, I won't be using ME, as far as I can see. If you're already spending thousands on a vacation, it's worth an extra hundred or so for what Gregory and his service can provide. Feel free to use me as a reference, Gregory(you can PM me if you want, and I'll give you my personal details). You're the best!!!!

[Batgirl]

Here, here! We had Quicksilver take my mom to and from WL last May. Even now, every time the trip comes up, she raves about how great the service was, how nice the driver was, etc.

We were thinking about going on ME, but just reading this thread reminded me what a great service they have and we will now use them again. Hang in there until 2006!

[dznygrl]

I can absolutely understand why limo companies would be upset. Yes, ME is a great service to those who use it, but I saw nothing wrong with using towncars & limos before. It's not a big expense compared with the full cost of the trip, and personally I think I would still use a towncar over ME just for the convenience!

Hang in there Gregory - I have not had the chance to use Quicksilver yet, and I look forward to it!