FP+ Capacity per Park Summary of Work so far 2/9/2013

[mom2rtk]

The trip I took last summer with 12 people including 6 Tweens and teens, where we hopped daily and rode the headliners constantly - that would be a different story. 13 days on site with one headliner a day would have caused crankiness.

If they do indeed limit access to headliners, I think they move themselves down even further on the list of desirable teen destinations. Disney is very good at market research. Surely they know this. And surely they wouldn't write of the teen segment completely just as they are ramping up to build Avatarland.

Or maybe they would? Who the heck knows.

 

[bcrook]

Actually the shoe I have been waiting to drop has been onsite/offsite as opposed to resort level. We stay value and probably won't change that based on the FP options. If the difference is substantial between resort levels, I'd probably just stop going.

As for onsite/offsite.... here's my thinking. Disney keeps saying they are cutting back on discounts. Despite what anyone says, the economy has not rebounded, and it's entirely possible that we are back in recession. And Disney has ALL those rooms to fill. They have a very expensive infrastructure to support. The word on the street is that they are revamping Free Dining to be not nearly as enticing as years past. I'm thinking the rumor I saw said it wouldn't even be offered at value resorts. Disney may prefer to upsell folks to the mods and deluxes, but I'm quite sure they don't want their value resorts sitting empty. I just don't think they can stop the discounts without something...

Oops sorry about. You have been consistent about that. Either way, a shoe will drop, and those FP will be the carrot or will they be 14 carat?

 

[mom2rtk]

Oops sorry about. You have been consistent about that. Either way, a shoe will drop, and those FP will be the carrot or will they be 14 carat?

I think that's really the point. The picture just seems incomplete. There's SOMETHING left to drop. Maybe more than one SOMETHING. It doesn't even have to drop at rollout. Given the less than stellar online reception so far, I can see them adjusting what they are rolling out, but saving the "refinements" for somewhere down the line without the spotlight shining as brightly on it.

 

[Rileygirl]

Barry: Your two examples paint the perfect picture of where fp+ can succeed, and where it may fail. I think its going to be a hard go for local residents too, maybe. And possibly the educated users teenagers (the regular resort guest would maybe be thrilled to get their kids on one headliner, our kids are use to riding BTMRR endlessly at night during the parade during slow season.) But, I dont think we are the target Disney is trying to hit.

I also wonder how the Brazillian tour guide operator is going to manage 60 friends online - this may be a nightmare for large tour groups. (but selfishly, I dont care!)

The FP+ might lure off site guests to come onsite to value. I hear you Mom2RTK, that it might drive you off. But the net result for Disney? Might drive more on. But there is lots that we probably dont know. Its just a wait and see type deal I guess. Perhaps the first phase is going to be, disney resort perk as compared to off site, similar to EMH is now. Either that sells, or it doesnt. Then, there may be a deliniation of what type of resort gets how much, what, and when. But first they have to make the fp+ a desired commodity.

 

[andeesings]

I also wonder how the Brazillian tour guide operator is going to manage 60 friends online - this may be a nightmare for large tour groups. (but selfishly, I dont care!)

ANY large groups! If I take my students to compete at Festival Disney, there's NO WAY I can get them to coordinate booking this stuff in advance, and even though we split into groups of ten, even "day of" would be outrageously difficult (you ever try to coordinate large groups of teens??).

 

[bcrook]

ANY large groups! If I take my students to compete at Festival Disney, there's NO WAY I can get them to coordinate booking this stuff in advance, and even though we split into groups of ten, even "day of" would be outrageously difficult (you ever try to coordinate large groups of teens??).

Yes, I am taking a group to France for Spring Break. And I agree WDW would be much more difficult. Getting a large group on and off the Metro will be a piece of cake compared to trying to link everyone through that My Disney Experience App!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Yes, I am taking a group to France for Spring Break. And I agree WDW would be much more difficult.

I'm confused. Isn't France in the World Showcase at Epcot?

 

[bcrook]

I'm confused. Isn't France in the World Showcase at Epcot?

My goal is to see all the real places in the France Video at Epcot! I need to get over to the French Alps - That might be 2016. Last spring break we went to Spain and Gibralter (which was very much like Great Britain at Epcot) and then crossed the Straits to Morocco. This year we might slip into Italy for Lunch. 2016 will be a combined a France through Switzerland to Germany trip.

When that is done, I will have to turn my attention to Asia!!!

Disney better start building some more Pavilions, otherwise I won't know where to travel. Plus add some e-ticket rides, that will help the FP+ shortage.

 

[Rileygirl]

Nice Barry

No chance you want to adopt me, is there?

Mom2RTK - you make me giggle. ty!

andeesings- now I feel bad about being selfish! It will be a nightmare. Perhaps disney will have staff onboard just to help with large groups though.

 

[bcrook]

Nice Barry

No chance you want to adopt me, is there?

Mom2RTK - you make me giggle. ty!

andeesings- now I feel bad about being selfish! It will be a nightmare. Perhaps disney will have staff onboard just to help with large groups though.

I am always traveling with about 20 teens! Sometimes it is not as exciting as it sounds! My wife tagged along ONE time!

 

[Rileygirl]

Well, that does tarnish the shine a bit. Not so attractive when supervising several teenagers.

But your epcot f&w sounds wonderful! Ok, Sorry, I am off topic. Back to the regularily scheduled topic of fp+ .......

 

[golf4miami]

I was listening to the Unofficial Guide's podcast with Jim Hill from July 27th, 2012 and they were talking about FP+. To be honest, it sold me a bit more on the technology although I'm still a little skeptical. However, the one thing that really caught my attention was that Jim said from first testing to full implementation it was probably going to take Disney somewhere around 5 years to get everything worked out and acting properly.

So maybe, FP+ isn't coming as soon as we all think it is? Also, I don't know how I feel about it going to take that long. I hope this means that they are going to take their time and do it in sections so they can be more methodical and get it all (mostly) right the first time. Thoughts?

Also, something was mentioned about the different level of the resorts getting different level of service through MM+ based on where you stay with Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower being the highest end of service.

The title of the Podcast was Episode 15: Jim Hill's Magic Kingdom Stories if you're interested. I found it on iTunes.

 

[m86]

Regarding Stand-By lines, I often read at the priority of fastpass will be increased. Does Disney really want those in Stand-By to wait much longer than they do now?

I mean, three fastpass+ does not make up for increased waiting times for everything else.

Also, I think all these smartphones will sort of ruin the park atmoshere.

 

[EagleScout]

If the educated user gets 5 FP+ a day, that would better than three. Except if there is a limit on headliners and hopping limitations, I am not sure it helps much outside the Magic Kingdom. If I go to Epcot early, and save my 5 FP+ for dhs later. What would use them on? Book TSMM and star tours. Then what? Great movie ride? Use one for Fantasmic! And get a reserved seat at Indy?

I definitely think getting a FP for TSMM for my time after being at Epcot is cool. But not being able to pull a tower of terror or a rock n roller coaster would overshadow that.

This is a tough sale for me. My kids love to ride the e tickets multiple times, this limitation is the biggest drawback. As you said earlier, RD is going to be more critical than ever.

Just a quick contrary view. While I recognize that MANY people like to maximize fp and e-ticket, there are others who want to guarantee at least one e-ticket for kids (particularly if not rope drop types), and also thoroughly enjoy some of the other shows, parades, etc that currently sometime require "waits" (ie, getting a spot) that can rival e-ticket standby at busy times. Now the devil may be in the details, and i may regret supporting even the concept of fp+, but for the past several trips, we have literally not been able to do Soarin or TSMM due to long fp return times, but if I knew when my fp was, I would simply plan my day to get there around that time. Our trips typically consist of one or both grandmas, my wife and I, our kids, and sometimes her sister and their family. My mom-who loves parades, and some MILD rides, and whose only experience with thrill rides is watching her kids/grandkids, was thrilled when I described concept for upcoming trip. The demands of having toddlers and elderly on trip typically limit us regarding marquis long wait attractions anyway, so this may be a welcome change for us personally. This may change when all of our kids are a bit older and want to do sm or tt or tot or rnrc 5 times.

 

[Rileygirl]

Golf4miami: I think FP+ will be coming online as soon as Disney can do it, they want the magic bands out there. Not for the rides, but for food and merchandise. (if you read all of this thread, I think we discuss why magic band is so great for sales, maybe on page 4 or 5 or so.) Therefore I think there will be a big push to get it out there after Easter.

But: It will take years to get this thing fully operational (I can hear the star wars music sounding in my head when I say that outloud - Darth Vader strutting around saying - we must complete the DeathStar! I want it fully operational for the Emporer when he arrives!) The first wave of technology in its most basic form (I think) should be coming out fairly soon. JMHO

M86: I think it is going to be a fine line that Disney treads regarding standby and fast pass lines. On one hand, they are going to want to maximize the FP line so its an absolute treat for the guest to use, and make the standby line annoying enough to make us WANT, NEED, DESIRE, COVET the FP. KWIM? How annoying and how great each will be? I am not sure how far Disney will take it. I am anticipating that we will have to all make adjustments from our previous ways of touring. Whether there is a 'net gain' for our own particular touring style, or a 'net loss", each person really has to figure that out I guess.

EagleScout: Excellent Point: its a reminder to us that everything is relative to the way we tour- and to a big extent, who is in our tour party. And, there are going to be advantages out there for 'us' users, we just have to figure out how to fully utilize them. And its awesome when pepople say how they think they can make the system work for their circumstances, or how it will be a bummer for other peoples circumstances, because then we as a group can maybe figure out how to maximize the benifits, and minimize the issues when this thing goes live. I hope more people comment on potential pluses or potential problems with they way they tour. Its helpful for everyone! TY!

 

[bcrook]

I was listening to the Unofficial Guide's podcast with Jim Hill from July 27th, 2012 and they were talking about FP+. To be honest, it sold me a bit more on the technology although I'm still a little skeptical. However, the one thing that really caught my attention was that Jim said from first testing to full implementation it was probably going to take Disney somewhere around 5 years to get everything worked out and acting properly.

So maybe, FP+ isn't coming as soon as we all think it is? Also, I don't know how I feel about it going to take that long. I hope this means that they are going to take their time and do it in sections so they can be more methodical and get it all (mostly) right the first time. Thoughts?

Also, something was mentioned about the different level of the resorts getting different level of service through MM+ based on where you stay with Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower being the highest end of service.

The title of the Podcast was Episode 15: Jim Hill's Magic Kingdom Stories if you're interested. I found it on iTunes.

As for that line about the Contemporary being the highest end of service. That is an odd and intriguing statement. I would think the Grand Floridian would be on equal footing with the Contemporary. It would be interesting for the Contemporary to all of a sudden become the elite flagship resort for WDW. As for Bay Lake Towers...it is a DVC resort, they can't really change the point totals, and I can't imagine one DVC resort getting a better perk than another resort.

In regards to the 5 year plan. I HOPE SO!!! I hope we have 5 years of improved queues, AND a new land at DHS and AK, and improved rides at Epcot, and cool interactive experiences that transforms the park into a "ride" in itself.

I agree with Rileygirl - Disney has to get as many people on the magicband as soon as possible. I would imagine that Disney will introduce some changes with the opening of the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. At that point, FP+ capacity will go up again.

 

[bcrook]

Just a quick contrary view. While I recognize that MANY people like to maximize fp and e-ticket, there are others who want to guarantee at least one e-ticket for kids (particularly if not rope drop types), and also thoroughly enjoy some of the other shows, parades, etc that currently sometime require "waits" (ie, getting a spot) that can rival e-ticket standby at busy times. Now the devil may be in the details, and i may regret supporting even the concept of fp+, but for the past several trips, we have literally not been able to do Soarin or TSMM due to long fp return times, but if I knew when my fp was, I would simply plan my day to get there around that time. Our trips typically consist of one or both grandmas, my wife and I, our kids, and sometimes her sister and their family. My mom-who loves parades, and some MILD rides, and whose only experience with thrill rides is watching her kids/grandkids, was thrilled when I described concept for upcoming trip. The demands of having toddlers and elderly on trip typically limit us regarding marquis long wait attractions anyway, so this may be a welcome change for us personally. This may change when all of our kids are a bit older and want to do sm or tt or tot or rnrc 5 times.

I understand completely. My Food and Wine trip works the same way. It may work great sometimes and less great other times.

I am not sure what the long FP return times means though? Is that referring to late in the day return times or NO return times as in Toy Story Midway Mania.

I can see how using the FP for mild or the non e-ticket rides could still be useful in the Magic Kingdom. I could use 5 FP+ in the MK. But in Disney Hollywood Studios, If I had 5 FP+ and I could only use ONE on TSMM or RnRC or ToT, I am not sure what I would use the other 4 on. Maybe Star Tours, and then ??? It is even worse at Animal Kingdom. They might as well give 20 FP+ at that park, Because if you can't use the FP for the same ride and only 1 e-ticket, I am not sure what I would use them on.

Epcot is a little better - I might use a FP+ on Spaceship Earth at noon, I would use one on Maelstrom, and maybe a QS meal and Illuminations.

 

[keishashadow]

As for that line about the Contemporary being the highest end of service. That is an odd and intriguing statement. I would think the Grand Floridian would be on equal footing with the Contemporary. It would be interesting for the Contemporary to all of a sudden become the elite flagship resort for WDW. As for Bay Lake Towers...it is a DVC resort, they can't really change the point totals, and I can't imagine one DVC resort getting a better perk than another resort.

In regards to the 5 year plan. I HOPE SO!!! I hope we have 5 years of improved queues, AND a new land at DHS and AK, and improved rides at Epcot, and cool interactive experiences that transforms the park into a "ride" in itself.

I agree with Rileygirl - Disney has to get as many people on the magicband as soon as possible. I would imagine that Disney will introduce some changes with the opening of the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. At that point, FP+ capacity will go up again.

it would be a very powerful selling tool for DVC to be able to designate all their properties at the head of the FP+ pack.

i'm skeptical about the program's benefits for those who enjoy (in DIS-speak relatively) last minute visits to the parks. There's something to be said for being spontaneous to keep things fresh when you visit multiple times in a year.

 

[EagleScout]

I understand completely. My Food and Wine trip works the same way. It may work great sometimes and less great other times.

I am not sure what the long FP return times means though? Is that referring to late in the day return times or NO return times as in Toy Story Midway Mania.

I can see how using the FP for mild or the non e-ticket rides could still be useful in the Magic Kingdom. I could use 5 FP+ in the MK. But in Disney Hollywood Studios, If I had 5 FP+ and I could only use ONE on TSMM or RnRC or ToT, I am not sure what I would use the other 4 on. Maybe Star Tours, and then ??? It is even worse at Animal Kingdom. They might as well give 20 FP+ at that park, Because if you can't use the FP for the same ride and only 1 e-ticket, I am not sure what I would use them on.

Epcot is a little better - I might use a FP+ on Spaceship Earth at noon, I would use one on Maelstrom, and maybe a QS meal and Illuminations.

To clarify/confirm, yes to both regarding "long fp return" - i was referring to return times that are so far away under current fp system if not arrive early as to be nearly useless b/c our plans do not necessarily envision staying in park for 5 or 6 hours with toddlers and 80 year olds, and if all fp used up then literally useless.

 

[bcrook]

it would be a very powerful selling tool for DVC to be able to designate all their properties at the head of the FP+ pack.

i'm skeptical about the program's benefits for those who enjoy (in DIS-speak relatively) last minute visits to the parks. There's something to be said for being spontaneous to keep things fresh when you visit multiple times in a year.

I see what you are saying. It would be a wonderful selling tool.

I wasn't clear in my statement. I meant, I can't see how one DVC resort would get a better FP+ perk than another DVC resort. For example, I don't really see BLT getting a more advanced FP+ than GF DVC or the Beach Club DVC or Villas at Wilderness Lodge.