FP+ is Live! Magic Bands in the park!

[bauer1168]

It seems pretty certain that if you get a MagicBand, you HAVE to use Fastpass+.

If you DON'T get a MagicBand, it appears that you can still make a choice for now.

At the risk of backlash from those who think we shouldn't discuss these things on a discussion board...

Disney has only really mentioned 3 when talking about booking Fastpass+ experiences in advance - and that's what they are touting heavily. They haven't really talked about how things would work in the park in terms of numbers - only that you can change your choices/times up until they expire.

Because of this, there are two camps:

1) The "3 and Done" camp...you get three, and that's it. Of course, the numbers can vary (and they reference that in the T&C, based on all sorts of conditions - it could be different on different days). Per Nick Franklin's video interview, additional "bonus" experiences might be offered.

2) The "it all works the same in the parks" camp...yes, you can pre-book 3, but then in the park that day you can get them just like you always did. I think a lot of the argument here is that all the tests allowed guests to utilize the existing system while also using FP+.

And frankly, I don't even know what camp I'm in these days. I'm just sitting and waiting, but at the same time make sure people know what information we know, and what we don't.

But, since Wi-Fi is being discussed, time to put on my IT Consultant hat...it's what I do...

Wi-Fi is a pain, on any scale. It never works better than "ok". And that's with a single access point. Multiple access points is a nightmare. There are different ways to do it, and none really work well. It's a shared media network - the more devices, the slower it gets, and it isn't linear.As more devices try to transmit, they all have to stop and wait, and argue about who goes next.

Disney is doing Wi-Fi on an unprecedented scale as far as I know.

Since most, if not all of the test runs they've done with FP+ have allowed guests to pull same day regular FPs aswell as the 3 pre booked ones, is it possible that once it does eventually get fully rolled out, they will end regular FP that same day, and all those same day FPs will then be transferred to the kiosks/smartphone app for guests to access? All the kiosks for FP+ would be installed and ready to go, and the FP kiosks we know and use today, could be removed?
Thus explaining why on the test runs guests could pre book and get same day FPs? Which would place it into the camp 2 from your post.

Ofcourse, it's all speculation on my behalf, but I know you've been extremely helpful with all the info you have posted along with others was curious to know if you think it's a possible scenario at all and could explain why guests have been able to pre book and get same day FPs?

 

[doconeill]

Since most, if not all of the test runs they've done with FP+ have allowed guests to pull same day regular FPs aswell as the 3 pre booked ones, is it possible that once it does eventually get fully rolled out, they will end regular FP that same day, and all those same day FPs will then be transferred to the kiosks/smartphone app for guests to access? All the kiosks for FP+ would be installed and ready to go, and the FP kiosks we know and use today, could be removed?
Thus explaining why on the test runs guests could pre book and get same day FPs? Which would place it into the camp 2 from your post.

Ofcourse, it's all speculation on my behalf, but I know you've been extremely helpful with all the info you have posted along with others was curious to know if you think it's a possible scenario at all?

That's the thinking behind it. However, what seems to be against it is there does not appear to be guest-usable kiosks being placed in the parks, but only CM-managed kiosks. At least that's the way it appears at this point.

I can't see the CMs being the focus of getting FPs for everyone. So unless that changes, I can't see same-day FP+ working out for the masses.

 

[Squidgyness]

That's the thinking behind it. However, what seems to be against it is there does not appear to be guest-usable kiosks being placed in the parks, but only CM-managed kiosks. At least that's the way it appears at this point.

I can't see the CMs being the focus of getting FPs for everyone. So unless that changes, I can't see same-day FP+ working out for the masses.

That video I posted a while back seemed to be from a guest perspective using a kiosk, though he was only changing times of prebookings on that instance but it seems guests will have access to kiosks in some form. Admittedly there was a cm nearby to answer questions, but that's standard practice in a new system I'd have thought.

I'm in a hybrid camp ATM in that I firmly believe same day fastpasses will be available, but I don't know if this will be in addition to the three prebooked, or only if you haven't yet used all three prebook slots. As in, you get to the park with one prebooked fastpass, and can then pick only another two on the day, or whether those selected in park would not count towards that three prebooked quota so you could have all three prebooked and still select more in park... They'd have to make it so you can't use the ones in park close to any you've pre ordered though IMO, like they space out fastpasses currently.

Also, one of the compilations robo posted said only one fastpass per ride for that day in advance so no multiple fastpasses for the same ride... Seems awfully restricting when coupled with an only three fastpasses full stop situation...

 

[doggydoc]

I can't see the CMs being the focus of getting FPs for everyone. So unless that changes, I can't see same-day FP+ working out for the masses.

I agree with this. I just don't see how they can implement it. There are at times lines at the current FP machines and they often have to have a CM or two there to make sure people can figure out how to use a system that is as easy as purchasing gasoline via pay at the pump. Can you imagine the lines as people try to sort through the various attractions and time options. Have any of you waited in line behind a family trying to decide which pressed penny they want? Now try to imagine being behind a family of Disney newbies trying to decide which Mountain to ride and when.

Maybe Disney has some unforeseen "Magic" plan to sort this out but I just don't see how. If they do why keep it secret? I really don't understand why the current system couldn't be adapted to RFID and kept in combination with FP+. Unfortunately one of the few definitive aspects of FP+ that has been released is that it will NOT be used in conjunction with traditional FP.

 

[Squidgyness]

I agree with this. I just don't see how they can implement it. There are at times lines at the current FP machines and they often have to have a CM or two there to make sure people can figure out how to use a system that is as easy as purchasing gasoline via pay at the pump. Can you imagine the lines as people try to sort through the various attractions and time options. Have any of you waited in line behind a family trying to decide which pressed penny they want? Now try to imagine being behind a family of Disney newbies trying to decide which Mountain to ride and when.

Maybe Disney has some unforeseen "Magic" plan to sort this out but I just don't see how. If they do why keep it secret? I really don't understand why the current system couldn't be adapted to RFID and kept in combination with FP+. Unfortunately one of the few definitive aspects of FP+ that has been released is that it will NOT be used in conjunction with traditional FP.

But then why put kiosks in in the first place, just for checking times and modifying pre ordered passes? Seems a little pointless. I think they want them to take over the role of current fp machines too. Would make more sense to use them for that too.

 

[doggydoc]

But then why put kiosks in in the first place, just for checking times and modifying pre ordered passes? Seems a little pointless. I think they want them to take over the role of current fp machines too. Would make more sense to use them for that too.

If they are only intended to allow changes to the max 3 FP+ per day then usage would be far less than the current FP machines and thus more likely to be viable.

 

[doconeill]

That video I posted a while back seemed to be from a guest perspective using a kiosk, though he was only changing times of prebookings on that instance but it seems guests will have access to kiosks in some form. Admittedly there was a cm nearby to answer questions, but that's standard practice in a new system I'd have thought.

There are also supposed to be kiosks at the resorts. I'm wondering if that might have been a resort kiosk. But unless they put a TON of those in the parks, I can't see them being viable there for standard Fastpass-getting volume.

I'm in a hybrid camp ATM in that I firmly believe same day fastpasses will be available, but I don't know if this will be in addition to the three prebooked, or only if you haven't yet used all three prebook slots. As in, you get to the park with one prebooked fastpass, and can then pick only another two on the day, or whether those selected in park would not count towards that three prebooked quota so you could have three prebooked and still select more in park... They'd have to make it so you can't use the ones in park close to any you've pre ordered though IMO, like they space out fastpasses currently.

I've thought that they could still offer the equivalent of the current system - get first available slot at a given attraction - and limit it in various ways (can't overlap an existing one, one per attraction no matter what, etc.) But then there's the problem about knowing your return times, etc.

Also, one of the compilations robo posted said only one fastpass per ride for that day in advance so no multiple fastpasses for the same ride... Seems awfully restricting when coupled with an only three fastpasses full stop situation...

Yeah, that's in the T&C - one per attraction, although it's still unclear if that's talking pre-book vs. overall. I have a feeling either way it will be applied.

I think the bigger restriction is the likely tiered selections...

 

[doconeill]

But then why put kiosks in in the first place, just for checking times and modifying pre ordered passes? Seems a little pointless. I think they want them to take over the role of current fp machines too. Would make more sense to use them for that too.

But how many are they putting in? It doesn't seem like there is a lot - maybe one per attraction at this point. That is not going to work for the masses. But it would work for checking/changes for those unable to do it themselves via DME app, because that volume would likely be very small.

I'll try and see how many I can discover next week.

 

[bwang123]

But, since Wi-Fi is being discussed, time to put on my IT Consultant hat...it's what I do...

Wi-Fi is a pain, on any scale. It never works better than "ok". And that's with a single access point. Multiple access points is a nightmare. There are different ways to do it, and none really work well. It's a shared media network - the more devices, the slower it gets, and it isn't linear.As more devices try to transmit, they all have to stop and wait, and argue about who goes next.

Disney is doing Wi-Fi on an unprecedented scale as far as I know.

thats what i do as well. where they made a mistake was that for in park wifi, they should have rolled it out initially with limited access to only disney apps and website, maybe twitter and facebook since they are big into social media. this would make the wireless much more usable from a bandwidth perspective. now that they offer open access, people watch netflix, stream the parades on ustream, etc (all high bandwidth) and they almost can not restrict it because people will complain more than they do now about poor connectivity. if they installed it and let everyone know it was specifically to "enhance" their disney experience while in the parks then that would have been their expectation from the start.

i am fine with more open access in the hotels but why do you really need to watch hulu at the magic kingdom?

 

[Sammie]

The DisUnplugged Podcast team discuss FP+ here for anyone interested

Yes and I totally agree with what Pete said, and he always has such a way with words, to get the point across.

 

[Sammie]

Wasn'tthe same help there for the current FP system as well?



If that was the main issue then why wasn't time enforcement implemented a long time ago. Obviously Disney felt, until recently, that it wasn't enough of a factor to warrant the change.



Complaints about the current FP system could have been addressed a LONG time ago by simply changing some of the parameters. Earlier return time enforcement, longer periods between being able to get another FP, limiting the number of FP's to headliners etc. I actually look to this as some glimmer of hope that the changes won't be quite as severe as feared. It seems like it would have made a LOT more sense to begin limiting FP's BEFORE introduction of FP+ in order to avoid the anger with FP restrictions being tied to implementation of FP+. If those of us that won't be happy with FP restrictions had become used to them already there would be much less resistance to FP+.

I just don't see how you can argue that the previous FP system didn't work then claim that FP+, which is far more complicated, won't suffer at least the same obstacles if not more.

As far as the DIS, Disney feels we are a large enough minority to feel it warrants monitoring the discussion.

I think there is a huge difference between the two programs. For one the old program was delegated simply to the parks, there was no option for planning ahead, or getting assistance on line or at the resort or even in park, as it will be now with the kiosks.

With the program interface to the MDE app. will be huge in getting people involved before they ever arrive.

Of course Disney monitors all the social medias. It does not mean that they are going to change a billion dollar program over the fact that some at the DIS don't like it.

Pete summed it up best on the Podcast and while I can't use his words, here due to filters, basically no one is forced to use it and why be against something that you know so little about it. Give it a chance first.

 

[Sammie]

Depends...haven't yet seen anyone post real credible "official" information that was from a reliable source.

Those that know aren't talking and those talking don't know.

I would never out a source that has shared info not ready for public release.

I would trust what Pete shared.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Can you imagine the lines as people try to sort through the various attractions and time options. Have any of you waited in line behind a family trying to decide which pressed penny they want? Now try to imagine being behind a family of Disney newbies trying to decide which Mountain to ride and when.

This reminds me of the headache I got last weekend watching the people in front of me trying to figure out how to use the automated ticket machine at the movie theater.

These kiosks are going to take longer to use than the old FP machines. Yet, there apparently won't be nearly as many of them as the old machines. Disney must be depending HEAVILY on the fact that MOST guests will be using their own phone/tablet. But, of course, this requires highly reliable wifi

 

[bcrook]

Those that know aren't talking and those talking don't know.

I would never out a source that has shared info not ready for public release.

I would trust what Pete shared.

Pete shared some "new" information (starts at the 29:00 mark). First he said when this gets going that FP+ will only be for people with a valid ticket, they can be booked 60 days in advance, and for those with a disney resort reservation.

Second he said that 3 FP+ prebooked, one park, and that you definitely couldn't use legacy with the FP+, and did not mention anything about extra FP throughout the day. He seemed very confident.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Pete shared some "new" information (starts at the 29:00 mark). First he said when this gets going that FP+ will only be for people with a valid ticket, they can be booked 60 days in advance, and for those with a disney resort reservation.

Second he said that 3 FP+ prebooked, one park, and that you definitely couldn't use legacy with the FP+, and did not mention anything about extra FP throughout the day. He seemed very confident.

Am I understanding this right?

If staying at a Disney resort: 3 FP+ per day, and maybe same day FP+ in addition (no word either way)

If not staying at a Disney resort: only same day FP (either virtual or paper, I guess), with same limitations as now (every two hours, etc). Of course, availability will depend upon what is taken by resort guests using FP+. Which could mean no TSM FP for non-resort guests, at all.

Also, when he says for resort guests only: does he mean initially for resort guests only, and then later for all guests (like we've heard in past), or for resort guests only, forever?

 

[bcrook]

Am I understanding this right?

If staying at a Disney resort: 3 FP+ per day, and maybe same day FP+ in addition (no word either way)

If not staying at a Disney resort: only same day FP (either virtual or paper, I guess), with same limitations as now (every two hours, etc). Of course, availability will depend upon what is taken by resort guests using FP+. Which could mean no TSM FP for non-resort guests, at all.

Also, when he says for resort guests only: does he mean initially for resort guests only, and then later for all guests (like we've heard in past), or for resort guests only, forever?

The requirement of having a resort reservation keeps popping up from people I trust. But there is absolutely nothing in any of the information from Disney. There are strong indications that ticket type could be a limitation (like must purchase at full price from Disney seems to be lurking in the Paperwork), but this concept of staying on site at a resort gives you an advantage is not in any conditions or interviews. Yet it still pops up.

Once again, if Disney intends for additional FP+ the day of after the three prebooked, they are intentionally keeping that a secret and intentionally not leaking it. If Pete has trusted inside information, and he knows that is a big controversy - he said nothing to address it. If it was going to happen, he would have had the DIS scoop of the year.

What do others think. Start watching at the 29:00 minute mark.

As for TSMM. It will be popular to prebook. But, people will only be able to book it one time. Disney could open 15,000 FP a day with an average attendance of 25,000 . If TSMM is tiered with RnR and Fantasmic and you only get to choose 1 in that group, then most likely everyone who comes to the park will get to choose a fastpass for TSMM that really wants one. The problem will be time slots, which will feed the frenzy, and the choice times could easily book up months in advance.

TSMM is the extreme, I would imagine most rides will be available the day of for those guests who haven't prebooked. Which is to me is biggest argument against double dipping with same day additional FP+ acquisitions. It doesn't seem logical to me that on site guests book three choice FP in advance, and then rush to the park and gather more before the others have shown up to claim their 3. That and the idea that the biggest selling point is FREEDOM to switch all day long up to the point FP+ expiration. That has been said in every news release. Flexibility is the key. Flexibility. To ensure this flexibility, there has to be free inventory available to switch with - and it can't only be buzz light year and haunted mansion - fast loading rides that don't even need a FP.

Other than the resort stay requirement, there wasn't anything to change from our initial conversations started in January.

 

[Squidgyness]

There is no information stating that resort guests will have access to more FP+.

The information out there says they get a band that has some extra functionality with personalizing your experience.

Off site get a ticket that entitles them to fastpass+, touch to pay and touch to enter the park. This was stated by Disney themselves back around christmas:

Hi, Todd. Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, and Annual Passholders will receive a band, as well as those guests who purchase a photography package. Guests who stay at non-Disney hotels will receive a ticket with features of touch to enter the park, touch to redeem FastPass+ and touch to pay. These guests can participate in My Disney Experience and purchase a MagicBand if they wish.

Taken from: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/01/taking-the-disney-guest-experience-to-the-next-level/ in the comments. Someone asked about offsite and that was the reply.

I.E. Everyone will have access to fastpass+. Nothing about more if you stay onsite.

However, if there are no same day fastpasses under the new system that effectively means no fastpasses for us next year... that would suck. We can't afford to buy tickets in advance (only when we arrive because of exchange rates), and we don't have smartphones. So, if we couldn't prebook and there were no same-day fastpasses that would mean no fastpasses full stop... hope they don't go down that route. But still, surely you could use the kiosks in park to arrange more fastpasses later in the week, even if not the same day?

Assuming we even decide to do that, i'm not liking the idea that we would have to stay in a certain area because we had a fastpass booked etc very appealing. Might just have to be standby all the way.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Pete shared some "new" information (starts at the 29:00 mark). First he said when this gets going that FP+ will only be for people with a valid ticket, they can be booked 60 days in advance, and for those with a disney resort reservation.

The requirement of having a resort reservation keeps popping up from people I trust. But there is absolutely nothing in any of the information from Disney. There are strong indications that ticket type could be a limitation (like must purchase at full price from Disney seems to be lurking in the Paperwork), but this concept of staying on site at a resort gives you an advantage is not in any conditions or interviews. Yet it still pops up.

I am NOT a resort guest but I DO have a valid ticket. To me that points to the ability to book 60 days out is tied to having a ticket number to enter online and not as much as being a resort guest.

So here is a thought, you made a reservation for a Disney resort room only and that gave you the ability to book FP+s 60 days out. Does the system keep track that those FP+s are tied to that reservation and cancel them if you cancel the reservation?? Also if you have a reservation for 10 days but only a 5 day ticket included in the package, will you be able to book FP+s for all 10 days or for 5 days since your ticket only shows you will be able to be in the parks for 5 days, not 10?

 

[Squidgyness]

I am NOT a resort guest but I DO have a valid ticket. To me that points to the ability to book 60 days out is tied to having a ticket number to enter online and not as much as being a resort guest.

So here is a thought, you made a reservation for a Disney resort room only and that gave you the ability to book FP+s 60 days out. Does the system keep track that those FP+s are tied to that reservation and cancel them if you cancel the reservation?? Also if you have a reservation for 10 days but only a 5 day ticket included in the package, will you be able to book FP+s for all 10 days or for 5 days since your ticket only shows you will be able to be in the parks for 5 days, not 10?

See the quote I linked for Disney guaranteeing access to redeeming fastpass+ with a ticket.

Regards the second question, in one of the compilations Robo linked I seem to remember something that said Disney would limit the number of days you could make a reservation. I imagine this is what that was referring too.

It wouldn't make sense not too, as tickets are valid for 14 days and allowing people to make 14 days of reservations with a five day ticket would be extremely foolish on Disney's part.

 

[Rileygirl]

I am NOT a resort guest but I DO have a valid ticket. To me that points to the ability to book 60 days out is tied to having a ticket number to enter online and not as much as being a resort guest.

So here is a thought, you made a reservation for a Disney resort room only and that gave you the ability to book FP+s 60 days out. Does the system keep track that those FP+s are tied to that reservation and cancel them if you cancel the reservation?? Also if you have a reservation for 10 days but only a 5 day ticket included in the package, will you be able to book FP+s for all 10 days or for 5 days since your ticket only shows you will be able to be in the parks for 5 days, not 10?

First off, I have not listened to Petes Podcast yet, and I will. However, I COMPLETELY agree that both on site and off site guests will have the 60 days, as long as off site has a valid ticket.

To contemplate your second remark, this really made me think. And its an awesome question.

Lets look at the Disney reservation dining reservation to get some insight. Right now, resort guests have the leg up on booking dining reservations because of the 180 plus 10 rule. I would imagine that this would be one of the very first perks for resort guests under this new regime i.e. they get to book the primo fast passes first, giving them a 10 day window starting on the first day of their hotel reservation.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isent' it a standard 10 day window from check in date? Can you book on day 6 even if your ressie is only a 5 day hotel reservation? I dont know the answer definitively, as I have never tried to do it. But I seem to remember the whole 10 days hilighted in blue for available booking, even when I had a 7 day reservation. Maybe someone has true life experience with this.

Anyways, I would think that however the dining ressie system works will be a good indicator on how this FP+ booking window works.

I have really tried to stay away from this thread, but I feel a long post coming on.