Before the covid pandemic, Starbucks (SBUX) -) offered self-service stations for milk, cream and sometimes various alternatives.
That went away during the pandemic because customers did not like the idea of touching a dispenser that another person had just touched. Never mind the shared counters drinks were placed on, the napkin and straw dispensers that everyone touched — pouring your own milk or cream came with an enhanced risk of illness.
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In reality, maintaining milk stations — sometimes more than one in each store — cost the chain a lot of money. Keeping the dispensers filled was labor intensive and customers got mad when one was empty. And people likely used or wasted more milk and cream compared with the current policy, where those are kept behind the counter.
Starbucks made the change at a time when companies could do anything if they used "public safety" as the reason. Some of those changes, however, were not reversed once the impact of covid lessened and most of society returned to normal
Walt Disney (DIS) -), for example, got rid of parking trams at Disney World. That made sense since the trams were not built for social distancing and smaller crowds meant shorter walks to the parks.
In September Disney fully restored that service, which surprised some park visitors. Now, the theme park giant has brought back another transportation option that some thought might be gone for good.
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Disney World improves transportation
Disney World's massive property creates unique transportation challenges. Magic Kingdom, for example, is not within walking distance from its de facto parking lot, the Ticket & Transportation Center.
To get people to its signature theme park, the company offers its famed monorail and a ferry boat service. You can also ride the monorail to Epcot, between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and to the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Resorts.
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Disney World also offers a boat service between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. In 2019, the company added Skyliner, a gondola service that connects the Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resorts with Epcot's International Gateway and with Hollywood Studios.
Adding Skyliner made staying at the theme park's value resorts, Pop Century and Art of Animation, a lot easier. Those properties used to be served with buses, which were often stressed during peak times.
Skyliner, which is open air, did not close during the covid period, aside from areas where properties it connects were closed.
The service has been popular as it has made it faster to get between parts of the massive theme park in a way that, like the monorail, feels like a ride, not simply transportation.
Disney brings back a popular transportation choice
Disney World's size means that no one transportation solution will work.
The company has brought back another — one that many thought might be a permanent covid casualty. The theme park company disclosed the move on its Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook page.
"Guests at Walt Disney World will once again be able to sail across Bay Lake between Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Marked with its signature blue flag, the watercraft 'blue route' will return for afternoon and evening voyages beginning Oct. 1, making it even easier to grab a bite to eat at neighboring resorts."
That was met with excitement from followers of the page.
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"I had almost given up hope on this completely! I am so happy to see this service return," Denis Iverson McGilvery wrote.
That was the general sentiment shared by hundreds of followers, while a few hoped for even more returns to service.
"This is great news! Hoping to see the second launch at Disney Springs open up soon as well," Elizabeth Kelley added.
