FP+ is Live! Magic Bands in the park!

[bcrook]

Yes, if Universal was built out in the middle of a swamp like Disney World was, and they could build and build and build forever and ever and ever more hotels popping up each year, then yes maybe Disney would be worried. Unfortunately Universal is completely surrounded. They have no more room to build really. There's no more room for extra hotels, so unless they knockdown part of it and rebuild that's really their only option.

And in terms of being a unique visitor, the thing that Disney World does really well, that Walt did on purpose because Disneyland did not do this well, was to have this dedicated park system where you would stay on site, eat on-site, transportation on site and go to the park...everything is included and involved. So sure one person in four days might visit for parks and count as four people, but that's four days that they stayed at a Disney resort and ate at a Disney restaurant and bought Disney souvenirs and merchandise for the kids and went to a park and bought all the items in there: food, etc...

Do people go to Universal and think "four days just isn't enough?" No. And unless they figure out a way to build a third theme park 300 feet above the existing theme parks, they'll never really compete.

The funny thing is that everyone on this thread is wringing their hands about how that will have to wait in these horribly long lines now for all their favorite rides. And the same breath they're saying that Universal's doing everything right and Disney is going to lose all their visitors to Universal if they don't watch out. Well which is it?

I, for one, could really appreciate less people at WDW from now on. Especially during Food and Wine... And especially at the Hawaii kiosk!!

If you are there between October 16-20 I'll buy you a beer and we can talk about the beauty of Epcot!

 

[Squidgyness]

Yes, if Universal was built out in the middle of a swamp like Disney World was, and they could build and build and build forever and ever and ever more hotels popping up each year, then yes maybe Disney would be worried. Unfortunately Universal is completely surrounded. They have no more room to build really. There's no more room for extra hotels, so unless they knockdown part of it and rebuild that's really their only option.

And in terms of being a unique visitor, the thing that Disney World does really well, that Walt did on purpose because Disneyland did not do this well, was to have this dedicated park system where you would stay on site, eat on-site, transportation on site and go to the park...everything is included and involved. So sure one person in four days might visit for parks and count as four people, but that's four days that they stayed at a Disney resort and ate at a Disney restaurant and bought Disney souvenirs and merchandise for the kids and went to a park and bought all the items in there: food, etc...

Do people go to Universal and think "four days just isn't enough?" No. And unless they figure out a way to build a third theme park 300 feet above the existing theme parks, they'll never really compete.

The funny thing is that everyone on this thread is wringing their hands about how that will have to wait in these horribly long lines now for all their favorite rides. And the same breath they're saying that Universal's doing everything right and Disney is going to lose all their visitors to Universal if they don't watch out. Well which is it?

I, for one, could really appreciate less people at WDW from now on. Especially during Food and Wine... And especially at the Hawaii kiosk!!

Thinking like that is dangerous. No company is too big to fail. If you think this could in no way bring disneys profits down a lot, and therefore affect business, I'm afraid I disagree.

There is a one billion investment at stake here. They need to recoup that or people will get nervous. If they don't get it by increasing revenue and attendance in park, they'll go after discounts, ticket and resort prices.

It is in all our interests to hope for a system that pleases the most amount of people and gets the majority of people spending more and coming back, and not going offsite to universal anymore, or at least not as much. I don't think this is it. We may have to disagree on this.

 

[MichiganDVC]

Some confirmed things I don't like about the new system:

Booking rides in advance.
Three fastpass limit for this (not touching the issue of same day fastpasses)
The expansion of fastpass attractions (without going into specifics.)
One fastpass per ride a day, no repeat riding of headliners using fastpasses in the same day

Things we can reasonably infer from recent tests:

Counter service prebooking

That's four definite and one probable dislikes right off the bat, and pretty big ones too. Most of all I dislike the fundamental basis of this system, booking rides in advance.

You can say that's selfish, but you can't say I only dislike things that aren't confirmed by disney in their terms and conditions or in the official announcement post, or by physical observation.
.

Just for arguments sake, can you point me to the Disney site where they say all of these things are going to happen? Or is it CM's that people are talking to that are releasing/revealing this information? Because if it's the latter, I just read a recent post where someone had spoken to a CM at Polynesian who swore that there was zero chance of a DVC being built there. And other people swear it's going to happen. So many CM's, although maybe they mean well or just be prone to gossip, probably have no real idea what's really going to happen. Nor do we.

It's fine to be skeptical about changes that you think might happen and that you think might affect your touring plan. But the previous poster was basically saying that they were never coming back to Disney World because of the system that hasn't even been rolled out yet. It's a system they've never encountered, never had the opportunity to work with, or never actually seen the final product of, but they are sure that they are never coming back because of it.

Overreaction theater!

But like I said before: please oh please everybody who's reading this... go to Universal as much as possible!! Do not go to Food and Wine, especially in early November on the weekends. And please don't stay at the Boardwalk resort or Beach club in F&W season. And if you could be a doll and avoid all of the parks this July 17 through the 23rd, it would be much appreciated.

 

[Doug7856]

Just for arguments sake, can you point me to the Disney site where they say all of these things are going to happen?

Here is an article about FastPass+ testing for Be Our Guest at Lunch: http://blog.touringplans.com/2013/02/25/be-our-guest-currently-testing-fastpass-plus-during-lunch/

I for one like this idea, but they have to have more options. If you can place your order to be ready at a specific time, that would be awesome in my world. I'm a planner. I wonder what percentage of travelers like to have an itinerary that is planned out for most of the day? I appears Disney is investing heavily to get that market.

 

[Squidgyness]

Just for arguments sake, can you point me to the Disney site where they say all of these things are going to happen? Or is it CM's that people are talking to that are releasing/revealing this information? Because if it's the latter, I just read a recent post where someone had spoken to a CM at Polynesian who swore that there was zero chance of a DVC being built there. And other people swear it's going to happen. So many CM's, although maybe they mean well or just be prone to gossip, probably have no real idea what's really going to happen. Nor do we.

It's fine to be skeptical about changes that you think might happen and that you think might affect your touring plan. But the previous poster was basically saying that they were never coming back to Disney World because of the system that hasn't even been rolled out yet. It's a system they've never encountered, never had the opportunity to work with, or never actually seen the final product of, but they are sure that they are never coming back because of it.

Overreaction theater!

But like I said before: please oh please everybody who's reading this... go to Universal as much as possible!! Do not go to Food and Wine, especially in early November on the weekends. And please don't stay at the Boardwalk resort or Beach club in F&W season. And if you could be a doll and avoid all of the parks this July 17 through the 23rd, it would be much appreciated.

Right, I may edit this as I go.

See http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/01/taking-the-disney-guest-experience-to-the-next-level/ for the ability to book rides, shows and "etc" in advance.

A complete list of current fp attractions can be found here https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fast-pass/ for reference.

For the fact that expansion is taking place, they tested fp+ at haunted mansion according to those who have been when the test was on (I haven't but I take their word for it as they have seen it themselves)

But also for this and the restrictions on numbers people refer to the terms and conditions for fastpass plus. They (or a link) were posted somewhere a while back but I can't find it ATM. If anyone could find it I'd be grateful. Given that everyone agrees this is what the terms and conditions say (even if not the complete picture), I'm going to safely assume they aren't part of a conspiracy to deceive us poor people who aren't willing to trawl through them. Apologies, i will keep looking .

The press release (http://static.wdwnews.com/files/2013/01/Evolution-of-the-Disney-Guest-Experience.pdf) is interesting as it mentions changing based on feedback. (Pleeeease be true!)

However as far as I know no one has suggested taking as fact anything given to them by a cm. well, I think someone did earlier about a cm mentioning it being rolled out at a certain resort first or similar vague info but people said don't trust them. (Or was it a phone operator?)

If you search for articles on fastpass plus there are some good ones floating about from various stages of progress.

 

[Doug7856]

So did Tom Staggs over promise? Here's what he said in the blog linked by Squidgyness:

Like most people who visit Walt Disney World Resort, my family and I have our “must-do” attractions, and as the father of three boys, those attractions often end with the word “mountain.” Now, rather than dashing as a group, or even splitting up to gather FastPasses, imagine booking guaranteed ride times for your favorite shows and attractions even before setting foot in the park. With MyMagic+, guests will be able to do that and more, enabling them to spend more time together and creating an experience that’s better for everyone.

To me Mr. Staggs at least implies that we will be able to book attractions ending in "mountain". The T&C and testing thus far implies otherwise. I know that this territory has been covered before, but this is the limited information that has been officially provided by Disney.

 

[Squidgyness]

So did Tom Staggs over promise? Here's what he said in the blog linked by Squidgyness:

To me Mr. Staggs at least implies that we will be able to book attractions ending in "mountain". The T&C and testing thus far implies otherwise. I know that this territory has been covered before, but this is the limited information that has been officially provided by Disney.

This is the problem. You'd think disney would realise if they gave out some regular info people would chew on it, write blogs, articles, who knows what. Free publicity!

Either they want more secrecy than many military operations enjoyed, they can't agree on what aims they want, or the execution has gone wrong somewhere. Maybe they think people will react badly... Though it can't be much worse than it is now. I can't see any other explanation.

Maybe they are afraid someone will copy them?

How long has this been in development, because I've heard several years. Surely they'd be farther along by now? People have built theme parks in that time!

 

[Doug7856]

I found an interesting blog on testing for Be Our Guest FP. The screen shots show the ability to order prior to arrival. Seems far along in development.

http://fiddledeeme.com/2013/05/be-our-guest-restaurant-counter-service-fastpass-test-experience/

 

[WillAustin]

Every person who has posted concerns on this thread and every other thread wants to be wrong. I have 43 years of DVC left. I want that time to be as enjoyable as possible.

I really hope all my concern is unwarranted and all my speculation turns out wrong. I would never have been so happy to be wrong.

 

[Squidgyness]

I found an interesting blog on testing for Be Our Guest FP. The screen shots show the ability to order prior to arrival. Seems far along in development.

http://fiddledeeme.com/2013/05/be-our-guest-restaurant-counter-service-fastpass-test-experience/

Alarm bells now ringing in my head... Oh dear. Hope disney don't extend this to all counter service places...

This is getting less and less appealing to me. Non planners getting slowly squeezed out. "Oh but you can opt out or not plan in advance..." Freedom to wait in a huge queue isn't really worthwhile. I hope there will still be some places that don't need planning...

Ugh. Stay positive... Must stay positive, this might only be for BOG.

 

[MichiganDVC]

Here is an article about FastPass+ testing for Be Our Guest at Lunch: http://blog.touringplans.com/2013/02/25/be-our-guest-currently-testing-fastpass-plus-during-lunch/

I for one like this idea, but they have to have more options. If you can place your order to be ready at a specific time, that would be awesome in my world. I'm a planner. I wonder what percentage of travelers like to have an itinerary that is planned out for most of the day? I appears Disney is investing heavily to get that market.

See, I don't see that as having to plan out my whole day. What I want to be able to do is book a fast pass for Toy Story Midway Mania at a certain time of the day preferably not before noon. And yes, I am a planner way in advance. I already have a color-coded spreadsheet for my July trip marking out basically what we're going to do each day during different blocks of hours. But none of my spreadsheets have ever been 100% what we ended up doing, just a good idea from the start. If for some reason I am able to book FastPast+ for my July trip, which I don't see happening but, if I was I know what day generally I think I'm going to head to Hollywood studios and I would book it for that day. I know that on the second leg of my split stay I'll be going to BLT and those will be my Magic Kingdom days. So one of those days would be a good day to book some of my favorite Magic Kingdom rides. I respect that some people like to wake up in the morning, have no idea which park they want to go to, and then just walk out the door and take the first bus that shows up. Great. However I like to make color-coded spreadsheets way in advance, so I will have no problem booking maybe three rides in advance.

Anyway, three rides isn't my whole day. If done well, it should only be an hour or two! All it does is plan at least one park you will attend on a given day.

 

[MichiganDVC]

This is the problem. You'd think disney would realise if they gave out some regular info people would chew on it, write blogs, articles, who knows what. Free publicity!

Either they want more secrecy than many military operations enjoyed, they can't agree on what aims they want, or the execution has gone wrong somewhere. Maybe they think people will react badly... Though it can't be much worse than it is now. I can't see any other explanation.

Maybe they are afraid someone will copy them?

How long has this been in development, because I've heard several years. Surely they'd be farther along by now? People have built theme parks in that time!

Has anyone figured out how what percentage of Disney guests regularly post on DISBoards? I am wondering if something like 85% of the Disney guests are people who don't care about fast pass+, don't go on the DISBoards, and just go there to have a good time? Idk...

 

[bcrook]

I found an interesting blog on testing for Be Our Guest FP. The screen shots show the ability to order prior to arrival. Seems far along in development.

http://fiddledeeme.com/2013/05/be-our-guest-restaurant-counter-service-fastpass-test-experience/

That is a thorough article. I will have to add that to the "what we know" page.

 

[Doug7856]

That is a thorough article. I will have to add that to the "what we know" page.

Barry, thanks for keeping that page up to date. I check it fairly frequently!

 

[Squidgyness]

Has anyone figured out how what percentage of Disney guests regularly post on DISBoards? I am wondering if something like 85% of the Disney guests are people who don't care about fast pass+, don't go on the DISBoards, and just go there to have a good time? Idk...

I wasn't just referring to the disboards.

I just got the new brochures for Florida. No info on fastpass plus yet plenty for the new fantasyland and its planned expansions. Haven't heard many new articles, most are from earlier in the year, the new articles are only what people observe in their limited experience with limited or no official info.

If they don't get newspapers, the Internet, travel companies etc selling this idea, how will they ever get people to take it up for their vacations? Someone my mother knows is going early next summer and another this year, neither have any idea of fastpass or plus. It's going to be one hell of a shock to their system. Disney seem anxious to get people using this on one hand and yet surprisingly secretive on the other.

At this rate they won't be able to start their ad campaign until it launches, slowing down the adoption of fastpass plus significantly. If they got a start on getting some more official info to official sources like newspapers and travel agents, it would at least help to lay the groundwork a little, surely?

Or are they not planning to inform the travel companies till next year? Or this year but just before its due to start? Why? I haven't heard a completely satisfactory answer for withholding information.

 

[mom2rtk]

So did Tom Staggs over promise? Here's what he said in the blog linked by Squidgyness:



To me Mr. Staggs at least implies that we will be able to book attractions ending in "mountain". The T&C and testing thus far implies otherwise. I know that this territory has been covered before, but this is the limited information that has been officially provided by Disney.

I think Mr. Staggs is quite sure that his three boys will always be able to ride the 3 mountains with little or no wait.

 

[mom2rtk]

What I want to be able to do is book a fast pass for Toy Story Midway Mania at a certain time of the day preferably not before noon.

You..... and everybody else.

You have to understand that not everybody owns DVC and gets to visit Disney with the same frequency as you. For someone who visits frequently, popping in and sampling a few things each day can be very satisfying. For someone who might not get back for a few years, surely you can understand their desire to experience the full variety of attractions Disney has to offer.

 

[bcrook]

I wasn't just referring to the disboards.

I just got the new brochures for Florida. No info on fastpass plus. Haven't heard many new articles, most are from earlier in the year, the new articles are only what people observe in their limited experience with limited or no official info.

If they don't get newspapers, the Internet, travel companies etc selling this idea, how will they ever get people to take it up for their vacations? Someone my mother knows is going next summer, they have no idea of fastpass plus. It's going to be one hell of a shock to their system. Disney seem anxious to get people using this on one hand and yet surprisingly secretive on the other.

At this rate they won't be able to start their ad campaign until it launches, slowing down the adoption of fastpass plus significantly. If they got a start on getting some official info to official sources like newspapers and travel agents, it would at least help to lay the groundwork a little, surely?

Or are they not planning to inform the travel companies till next year? Or this year but just before its due to start? Why? I haven't heard a completely satisfactory answer for withholding information.

They started the press blitz in January, all the articles and news stories are listed at the link in my signature. Then everything stopped cold. Something bad happen? Oddly enough in March a full story came out in the DVC magazine, like everything was ready to launch. I think that was an oversight on their part. The story on wdwinfo blog about the magic bands is really the closest to official information I have seen.

 

[Squidgyness]

They started the press blitz in January, all the articles and news stories are listed at the link in signature. Then everything stopped cold. Something bad apen? Oddly enough in March a full story came out in the DVC magazine, like everything was ready to launch. I think that was an oversight on their part. The story on DISunplugged about the magic bands is really the closest to official information I have seen.

I've yet to see any explanation I buy for that sudden silence beyond a screw up somewhere. Did they jump the gun?

 

[jade1]

So did Tom Staggs over promise? Here's what he said in the blog linked by Squidgyness:



To me Mr. Staggs at least implies that we will be able to book attractions ending in "mountain". The T&C and testing thus far implies otherwise. I know that this territory has been covered before, but this is the limited information that has been officially provided by Disney.

You can, one Monday, one Wednesday and one Friday.