FP+ is Live! Magic Bands in the park!

[BriarRosie]

Wasn't there an "Official" Speculation FP+ thread that covers all this already posted?

Yes, please dont get excited because nothing good can come of the new FP+ system. It is just designed by Disney to get people to spend more money in the parks. It is also designed to reward the person that doesnt rope drop and can in the future will be able to get an FP+ without having to get to DHS an hour before it opens.

This will drive people away in droves to other vacation destinations because it will decrease the value of a Disney vacation. Just like the implementation of the FP return time enforcement decreased the value and drove scores of people away.

And any Terms and conditions you read about the FP+ are set in stone. Disney is bound by those previously released T&C. Nothing can change when all the testing is completed.

Disney's IT is totally inept and will not ever be able to get all the systems on the website and mobile app to work on a consistent basis. People will not be able to use the system and any FP+ that they make will be lost by the poor IT designers and system.

People will be forced to carry smart phones or tablets with them all day. people will leave their ringers on and disrupt every ride because they dont want to miss any texts from Disney. Provided that the incompetent IT can make that part of the system work.

People will not be able to figure out any of the proposed kiosks that are setup for FP+

And those bracelets. UGGHH. Nothing to get excited about there. People will have to wear those around. And beware, Disney will track your every movement while wearing one. People will be able to steal your credit card info from those magic bands. Thieves will be everywhere trying to capture info from those bracelets.

Please dont get excited about anything regarding FP+. Nothing good will come from it.

Quite a few inaccuracies you've got there. The biggest misconceptions are the parts about stealing your credit card info. The magic bands do NOT store active credit card info. The cards store an inactive RFID chip that is linked to a centralized record on a database. No personal info is stored on the band. Just like the Key to the World Card, but in wristband form. And no, Disney is NOT going to track your movements. Bog Iger wrote a scathing reply to Congressman Ed Markey from Massachusetts, who brought up those concerns. Bog Iger practically ripped him a new one in his reply.

As for the other assumptions. the enforcement of FassPass return times didn't drive people away in droves. The parks are as crowded as they ever were.

The only part of the post remotely accurate is the IT problem. The app and website for My Disney Experience has some glitches. It didn't work properly for my April trip, but I was still able to make a dining reservation from it while I was on the trip. It's working on some things but seems to have trouble with some prior resort or dining reservations.

 

[BriarRosie]

I honestly feel really badly for travelers who inevitably will just show up at Disney. They are plenty of them out there. They will book a hotel room offsite and plan to just mosey on over to the parks without a master plan. They will not likely know anything about fast pass plus beforehand.

There are going to be so many frustrated people wandering around the parks not feeling any Disney "magic" whatsoever.

Since FastPass has been around since 1998 or so, I really think it's the fault of the people who don't take time to do any basic research of their trips. They don't have to be on the boards, but every guidebook on the market discusses FassPass.

 

[Planogirl]

I called Disney. I told them I am travelling in June and asked if I would have to worry about the new FastPass system. The person on the phone was very surprised I was even asking about this. He said, "Oh, no.. that's only JUST being piloted now and it won't really be rolled out until 2014." Just my 2 cents.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

For real? I'm suspicious. For starters, May 12th isn't a Monday.

Correct

 

[d1gitman]

personally I am willing to drink the koolaid and believe that the eventual implementation of FP+ will be a good thing. while it is in the interest of Disney to find ways to get us in their shops and eateries spending our money, it still is also in their interests for guests to have an overall good time. I would really be surprised if they did not consider all aspects of a guest's experience and how to not negatively impact their experience. i'm sure they have worked at covering all aspects from the commando, rope dropping, running of the bulls to TSM crowd to the smell the roses crowd that still doesn't know about the current FP system. I just don't see Disney rocking the boat to the point that they alienate the masses. Yes, I drink the koolaid and I have faith in the Mouse

 

[Tink3rbell86]

I called Disney. I told them I am travelling in June and asked if I would have to worry about the new FastPass system. The person on the phone was very surprised I was even asking about this. He said, "Oh, no.. that's only JUST being piloted now and it won't really be rolled out until 2014." Just my 2 cents.

 

[monorailrabbit]

Is this not stressing anyone else out? I am not fond of the idea of fp+ at all and don't want to have to so intensely plan my trips! Can someone offer some of the positives of this system for people other than over planners?

I am a tinsy bit stressed myself!

I'm getting quite nervous now, I had hoped roll-outs would be delayed to minimize impact on my September trip.

I am going in Sept too, was hoping it would magically not be live yet...

As the other posters have commented, my main concern is with this concept of having to book my rides 60 days out. It sounds chillingly like ADRs, which never play nice with me because A) I may not really have that much warning on a trip and B) I can't possibly be sure what I'm going to want to ride/eat and when at 2 months.

Obviously, I'm going to hit the big ones like TT, Soarin, ToT, etc, but in what order and time I don't know. Plus, if I get to the park and find out I have a FP for a time when that ride is just not busy, well that's really frustrating, and wasteful. I am afraid though that if I don't book them 60 days out, they'll be gone when I get to the park.

I love the concept of picking them up by phone/kiosk with magic bands in the park. I hate the 3 per day limit/1 park per day (I use PH often) and I really hate the idea of pulling them 2 months out.

I'm undecided about picking them up with a phone... I just don't want to have to worry about it, (I know there will be kiosks, but I fear a long line..) and people don't pay attention when they aren't looking at a phone... I didn't mind going to the rides to pull FP... oh well, I'm sure it won't be as bad as I think

Ideally, I could pull up to 3 at the 60 day mark, for one park per day, and then when I get there I could get additional ones for the park I'm in once my band has been gate scanned. That seems like best case, but unlikely. I'd also be quite happy with choosing between picking three in advance OR using the FP+ system in the park to pull from my phone once I've arrived, with no limits. Or them just not getting rid of the old FP (which is almost what I expected, otherwise the FP+ name is kind of weird, it'd be like PP+ with PP)

Hopefully some of this stuff gets cleared up soon, but I'm not getting Magical feelings here...

THIS!

Matt

Before they roll anything out for FP+ they probably should get the MyDisneyExperience app working properly. It still doesn't recognize my Vacation reservation number and some of my dining reservations are missing (but i can see it all online...except my balance and cant make payments) If these things don't work how do i know that when FP+ is rolled out it will 1. allow me to actually make the FP+ reservation 2. That it will be there when i get to the ride, plus soo many more questions. Why does Disney have the worst website ??

THIS!!!!!

We love to park hop and even tho we do plan out our dinner ADR's it plays a small part in where we may spend our day because we often go back to epcot for dinner. So the fact that now i would have to figure out what park i would be in each day to make sure i had FP and only be able to use the 3 in one park would stress me out.

If they did do it that you could only do 3 in one park each day that may cause more people to not buy park hoppers! I guess we will all just have to wait and see...

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Ok I'm assuming this won't affect DL this summer? (Please say no LOL)

And I have another question that probably no one can answer... but I'll give it a shot anyway. WHO gets the magic band? Just those who stay onsite and purchase a pkg that includes park tickets? What about those that are staying onsite, or off (doesn't matter) and are using tickets they already have? You know- using those 10 day non expiration tickets.... anyone anyone anyone know? I'm just confused who gets the magic bands and when. If you're using tickets you already have to get in the park- when, if ever, would you get a magic band? And would that mean if they implemented only the bands, no longer using tickets at the kiosks, that those that are using days off their own tickets they wouldn't get the band and therefore no FP at all?

And I'm with the crowd that says 1-3 fastpasses per day is the pits.... then to top it off booking that months ahead of time? Oh arghhhhhhhh I finally got past the ADR stuff (so over it since it has to be booked so far in advance and thankfully we've done all the character meals so don't have to plan ADR's for every day of the trip) and I'm not looking forward to planning FP's months in advance. Bah humbug

 

[monorailrabbit]

Ok I'm assuming this won't affect DL this summer? (Please say no LOL)

And I have another question that probably no one can answer... but I'll give it a shot anyway. WHO gets the magic band? Just those who stay onsite and purchase a pkg that includes park tickets? What about those that are staying onsite, or off (doesn't matter) and are using tickets they already have? You know- using those 10 day non expiration tickets.... anyone anyone anyone know? I'm just confused who gets the magic bands and when. If you're using tickets you already have to get in the park- when, if ever, would you get a magic band? And would that mean if they implemented only the bands, no longer using tickets at the kiosks, that those that are using days off their own tickets they wouldn't get the band and therefore no FP at all?

And I'm with the crowd that says 1-3 fastpasses per day is the pits.... then to top it off booking that months ahead of time? Oh arghhhhhhhh I finally got past the ADR stuff (so over it since it has to be booked so far in advance and thankfully we've done all the character meals so don't have to plan ADR's for every day of the trip) and I'm not looking forward to planning FP's months in advance. Bah humbug

I will do my best with some of these, no this is not going to DL... yet...as far as I know, everyone that has a ticket package will get the magic band. I believe there will be some options to pay to upgrade with a character theme or something. I'm guessing resort folks will get their bands at check-in. You would also (I'm guessing) have access to the kiosks and your smartphone for additional FPs (if this is indeed an option) And yes, I agree too, 3 is lame.

DISCLAIMER: This is JUST my understanding... I'm not trying to be an expert or say this is going to be the gospel truth! I am as anxious as you guys to hear people reporting back!

 

[wdwobsessed]

Reading this thread makes me wonder how people survived all those years without FastPass.

I think whatever free variation they have of it people should be thankful for that as its not something they even have to offer.

Geez. Stand in line a bit and maybe interact with your fellow mankind. You may enjoy it!!

 

[RangerPooh]

I just inquired about this at SSR and they had no information about the testing. They even inquired with a manager and still no info on the selection for testing. I'm wondering if its only at select results?

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I am skeptical about this report... Anyone care to confirm? So far I have read 2 posts in this thread that do not support the OP's claims.

How about a photo or two or three?

Anyone ??

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Reading this thread makes me wonder how people survived all those years without FastPass.

I think whatever free variation they have of it people should be thankful for that as its not something they even have to offer.

Geez. Stand in line a bit and maybe interact with your fellow mankind. You may enjoy it!!

A good thought! It is funny how many think FP has been there since 1971. And if they change it in any way it gets personal. Same way so many think about free dining as if it's been offered since the beginning.

 

[AngiTN]

I just inquired about this at SSR and they had no information about the testing. They even inquired with a manager and still no info on the selection for testing. I'm wondering if its only at select results?

Seeing as the test is only on 100 guests, out of all guests in the park system, per day I would say yeah, it's very select and your odds of being selected are slightly better than winning the lottery

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I will do my best with some of these, no this is not going to DL... yet...as far as I know, everyone that has a ticket package will get the magic band. I believe there will be some options to pay to upgrade with a character theme or something. I'm guessing resort folks will get their bands at check-in. You would also (I'm guessing) have access to the kiosks and your smartphone for additional FPs (if this is indeed an option) And yes, I agree too, 3 is lame.

DISCLAIMER: This is JUST my understanding... I'm not trying to be an expert or say this is going to be the gospel truth! I am as anxious as you guys to hear people reporting back!

so does this mean those using tickets they already have, and not a new ticket package, won't get it? And especially not if staying off site?

 

[Princess-ish]

I'm going to be a minority here... but I would LOVE to have access to FP+ for my Sept. vacation and fingers are crossed that they will start pilot testing this soon.

I've had absolutely ZERO issues with the MyDisneyExperience App... although it certainly isn't anything worthy prior to arrival. I downloaded the app, created a Disney account (booked my Disney vacation online, as a guest, and created a new email for this process), had no problems linking my reservation, and creating My Profile and Guest's.

When on the actual site, I assigned characters and created my daily itinerary. The graphics are pretty impressive (which I'm sure plays a part in the occasional lag) and the dinning reservations I had made on my cell (under the same email address) were automatically linked, almost immediately.

At this point... Disney knows exactly where I'll be, when I'll be there, and for what purpose... surprisingly, I like it.

We're the minority, I get that. The couple who wants more table service than counter, more pool time than park, more drinks then ice cream bars, more Deluxe than Value.

If you're telling me, that I can secure my Kilimanjaro Safari fast pass ahead of time, and just arrive at rope drop to ride Everest multiple times... I'm in.

If I can secure a FP for Soarin' and/or Test Track so I'm able to enjoy a nice breakfast at my resort area... I'm in.

If I can secure a FP for Toy Story Mania, so I can head straight to Rockin' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror for a few rides... I'm in.

Those of us on these sites know how to "play the game"... how to work the system... the best days, routes, strategies, etc. I would also venture that if you HAD to plan your day WITHOUT FP... most of you could, and still accomplish the majority. Funny, as I type that... I almost feel like this is Disney's goal all along. Would it force you to add on options like Park Hoppers or maybe even extra days? How nice for Disney

Though at the same time I was nearly baffled at the out cry of foul play when Disney decided to enforce FP times. Never once had my planning style included purposely collecting and holding FP to be used later in the day... clearly I was missing out on something. Yet I never once felt like my vacation/park experience was compromised and often rode E-Ticket attractions multiple times.

No doubt Disney is changing the game and how many of the members of this site (and others) currently tour. For us, and of course, this is just our personal experience and opinion, whatever Disney is doing... is "working" for me... and I greatly look forward to what's to come.

 

[seashoreCM]

Letting the pilot phase or testing phase run for a long time would be the most dangerous thing. It would mean that for many months a small number or rather a moderate number of guests could get extra fastpasses in the form of fastpass plus and everybody else would have to share the remaining paper fastpasses equally with the fastpass + folks also.

Better would be a linkage that imposed the two hour delay for each pre-reserved fastpass + after you enter the park. For example if you reserved 2 fastpass + (regardless of times you chose) then there would be a 4 hour delay from when you entered the park before you could pull paper fastpasses.

 

[White Rose]

Wasn't there an "Official" Speculation FP+ thread that covers all this already posted?

Yes, please dont get excited because nothing good can come of the new FP+ system. It is just designed by Disney to get people to spend more money in the parks. It is also designed to reward the person that doesnt rope drop and can in the future will be able to get an FP+ without having to get to DHS an hour before it opens.

This will drive people away in droves to other vacation destinations because it will decrease the value of a Disney vacation. Just like the implementation of the FP return time enforcement decreased the value and drove scores of people away.

And any Terms and conditions you read about the FP+ are set in stone. Disney is bound by those previously released T&C. Nothing can change when all the testing is completed.

Disney's IT is totally inept and will not ever be able to get all the systems on the website and mobile app to work on a consistent basis. People will not be able to use the system and any FP+ that they make will be lost by the poor IT designers and system.

People will be forced to carry smart phones or tablets with them all day. people will leave their ringers on and disrupt every ride because they dont want to miss any texts from Disney. Provided that the incompetent IT can make that part of the system work.

People will not be able to figure out any of the proposed kiosks that are setup for FP+

And those bracelets. UGGHH. Nothing to get excited about there. People will have to wear those around. And beware, Disney will track your every movement while wearing one. People will be able to steal your credit card info from those magic bands. Thieves will be everywhere trying to capture info from those bracelets.

Please dont get excited about anything regarding FP+. Nothing good will come from it.

The sky is falling!! aaah!

Bracelets do not store data - they only have a code.

Did you know.. Disney is a for profit company?

I read somewhere that there will be helpers at the kiosks, not sure if this si true. Wanna know why I do not know? cause it's not live for everyone yet.

Did you know many people still think regular fast pass is a pay service, or do not know it exsists at all? Lots. I help people get the most out of their trips to WDW daily - at my work I'm kown as the resident disney expert which is funny because I only go every 5 years, and I live in NJ. I still get asked how the harry potter ride is in WDW - or wondering how much fast passes are...or the fact that there three major classes of WDW Resort hotels (if you ignore DVC villas etc.)

Did you know...most people don't book anything and just show up at disney?
They won't know any different from FP to FP+ because they don't care about it like we do.

I hate carrying a card that I need to keep secure - it means i need to carry a wallet and a purse because i do not trust my pockets and I'm not buying shorts with buttons/snaps to carry a wallet to carry a silly card - sheesh. too much work. wear a bracelet? yea. easy, no need to carry anything at all. I wear a watch and jewelry anyway, so no big deal.

If you really think that disney can not change the terms and conditions on anything they put out...wow..then how are they able to do FP+ at all? How are they able to change rules on anything ever? Your whole complaint is very hard to understand because you are complaining that disney made changes and one of your arguements is that Disney can not change the rules.

The sky is not falling.

 

[Magpie]

Letting the pilot phase or testing phase run for a long time would be the most dangerous thing. It would mean that for many months a small number of guests could get extra fastpasses in the form of fastpass plus and everybody else would have to share the remaining paper fastpasses equally with the fastpass + folks also.

Better would be a linkage that imposed the two hour delay for each pre-reserved fastpass + after you enter the park. For example if you reserved 2 fastpass + (regardless of times you chose) then there would be a 4 hour delay from when you entered the park before you could pull paper fastpasses.

I really don't think a hundred guests getting "extra fastpasses" will affect anyone's touring, in any measurable way, regardless of how long they let it run.

Remember the year of a million dreams when they were handing out cards with multiple fastpasses on them? They probably handed out a lot more than 100 each day, and it didn't affect wait times one little bit.

No need to fuss about with four hour delays and unnecessarily complicate things, just to ensure a handful of folks don't get an "unfair advantage". I don't begrudge the lucky testers one bit.

 

[TJBerry]

The sky is falling!! aaah!

Bracelets do not store data - they only have a code.

Did you know.. Disney is a for profit company?

I read somewhere that there will be helpers at the kiosks, not sure if this si true. Wanna know why I do not know? cause it's not live for everyone yet.

Did you know many people still think regular fast pass is a pay service, or do not know it exsists at all? Lots. I help people get the most out of their trips to WDW daily - at my work I'm kown as the resident disney expert which is funny because I only go every 5 years, and I live in NJ. I still get asked how the harry potter ride is in WDW - or wondering how much fast passes are...or the fact that there three major classes of WDW Resort hotels (if you ignore DVC villas etc.)

Did you know...most people don't book anything and just show up at disney?
They won't know any different from FP to FP+ because they don't care about it like we do.

I hate carrying a card that I need to keep secure - it means i need to carry a wallet and a purse because i do not trust my pockets and I'm not buying shorts with buttons/snaps to carry a wallet to carry a silly card - sheesh. too much work. wear a bracelet? yea. easy, no need to carry anything at all. I wear a watch and jewelry anyway, so no big deal.

If you really think that disney can not change the terms and conditions on anything they put out...wow..then how are they able to do FP+ at all? How are they able to change rules on anything ever? Your whole complaint is very hard to understand because you are complaining that disney made changes and one of your arguements is that Disney can not change the rules.

The sky is not falling.

If people were familiar with that poster, they would realize the post was sarcasm.