Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Another money maker at Disney World

The back story is that some of the guests who stay at Walt Disney World are not content with the free transportation, especially the bus service.  These guests don't have a car and want to get around more easily.

For a period of time until around the 2010s, there would be an occasional taxi called to a destination for a ride. Though, mostly they were used to take people to and from the airport, and rarely would be used within the resort.

Then along came ride sharing services, and guests would sometimes call for a ride between destinations within the resort.

Disney didn't like this very much and created a shuttle service called "Minnie vans" where they had cast members drive people around the resort, kind of like a concierge taxi service. 

But having employees do that is costly and requires insurance and other considerations. And there was still the problem of Uber and Lyft being called onto Disney property and taking some of that business (and reportedly charging less).

Then came the pandemic.  The service was shuttered, and Disney sold all the rde share cars. 

Post-pandemic, Disney brought back the service, but with the twist that they contracted with Lyft to run it for them.

In doing so, It removes competition.  Other drivers know it's not worth making themselves available on Disney's property. At least in part because Disney can (and does)l turn them away at various locations.

Which gives paying customers an alternative (but only one) to bus service. and Disney an additional revenue stream.

And some guests who would prefer to feel special get to do just that.  For a not particularly low price, you can have a dedicated car drive you around Disney property. Another case of wealth inequality showing its face. 

In the end, I guess you could assume they might say "Who needs busses? Those are for the unwashed masses."



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