FP+ is Live! Magic Bands in the park!

[Rileygirl]

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[Disney_Princess83]

And yes, I agree with your comment about the late sleepers. In reading one thread after another over the past 6 months or so, I have noticed one constant. The late sleepers are the one group consistently happy about the new system.

We are late sleepers and we don't like what the new system seems to offer. We often park hop so the one park per days isn't good for us. The limit to 3 FP's per days with only 1 headliner isn't great for us either. We would rather ride our favourite over over and over again then get FP's for Dumbo and Mickey's Philharmagic (depending on what's on the "B" and "C" list of attractions)

 

[Squidgyness]

I 100% disagree that this new fp+ system is for planners. 100% disagree.

Planners only make up a small percentage of the market, and why would disney spend 1 billion on it if they were only targeting planners. Not logical.

This infrastructure change is being put in place for 4 reasons
1)Data, control and information for off site guests
2)Improve experience for the majority of Disney vacation goers (not a small percentage, the majority)
3)Using the existing disneyworld structure to make more money off the relatively same number of guests (business 'lean', cost effective)
4)Disney's answer to FOTL being used by Universal.

I agree this is what Disney want. But will it happen? That is the big question.

I do not know why I feel so passionatly invested in the fact that joe vacationer's experience is going to be 10 times better. I could be wrong. I have already stated my reasons why I think non-planners will 'plan' if you can call it that. (its not planning, its 3 clicks of a mouse!) If I have not swayed you by those arguements, I never will. I think we will know how this all pans out, only 2 or 3 years after this system is in place! So, I agree to disagree with lots of you on this issue. Thats ok - lord knows my husband thinks I am never right!

I think you might be right with many people deciding to plan ahead because disney will make it three clicks of a mouse. And that forces us people who don't plan, not because of laziness or ignorance but because we don't want to and never will, into to a tighter spot as FP's are booked up.

We have discussed the first 3 items at length. I dont know if I have ever discussed how I think this new system will act like fotl, and I wont get into it now, as I am a hound on the scent of the ticket structure thing. I will say, though, this fotl thing I have been thinking was totally inspired by several comments mom2rtk said on another thread. Ill get back to it and throw out some ideas, and you can see if its as crazy as the IPAD carrying CM with golf pencils or a ticker tape printer on their belt....

I await this post

One this is for sure Squidgy: Disney is trying to woo the off site person, even if they continue to stay off site. Because the fp+ structure is tied to the media ticket, not to resort reservations. Universal is wooing onsite guests with fotl, but disney is going to try and woo everybody with its own version of fotl.

Yes, I do think this is targeted at everyone. I also can't see where the advantage for onsite over offsite will come in, I think that might just be wishful thinking on the part of onsite guests wanting some more perks. (Which they are entitled to feel they want... I just don't see Disney taking them up )

Rumours of a big announcement coming from Disney
How often have we seen this, supposedly something coming, something big. Why has Disney not announced anything?

This remains a huge concern, definitely.

Here is my guess. Disney intended to have fp+ operating by now. They were hoping to have some real data on how happy, or unhappy people were going to be. Depending on the public reaction, Disney was going to go little, moderate, big or really big. Why spend extra dollars when you dont have too?

Hmm. I hope you are right, because if feedback is negative, this means change will not be too difficult to attain... but they definitely should have been further along, I agree. Could mean people going next year will be caught in the tail end of it's introduction. The bumpy ride might affect two years of vacations, not good for people taking them or for Disney tbh.

And hey, MesaBoy,, I know you are a Uni expert. When does the Park Attendance stats for all theme parks come out, traditionally? Do you know? Im sure disney has them already, but I would really be interested in those numbers. They have to be coming out soon......

Ok, off to research.

ps- hollygolitely, one of my most favorite posts on all the disboard forums was your comment that thrill rides are not targeting so much an age group, but a height group. That was brilliant insight, imo

Answers in bold. Great post! Made me think.

I will say this system seems like it could be very divisive. Not a great thing in anyones book, regardless of which side you are on or who is in the majority.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

I 100% disagree that this new fp+ system is for planners. 100% disagree.

Planners only make up a small percentage of the market, and why would disney spend 1 billion on it if they were only targeting planners. Not logical.

I don't believe Disney is targeting anyone! I believe there are other things they are after and improving guest experiences isn't one of them. Thats not to say that that isn't what happens but it isn't the goal. Building some new great rides/lands would do far more in improving guest experiences. Not only would guest that have been to Disney before want to come back even more to see what is new. Guest that have never been would hear about all of this cool new stuff that Disney has and want to check it out. Has anyone tried to go to a new resturant the first weekend it opens??? And as for marketing, which Disney commerical is likely to catch someones attention? One showing the cool new land Disney has or one talking about booking your rides in advance?? I know Universals HP commericals got my attention. But new rides....that would bring in your repeating guest along with new guests. More guest would equal more money being spent in stores and on food. This new system can have NO WHERE NEAR the draw that new rides or lands do. I understand where you are coming from with looking into the future but can Disney wait 5 to 10 years to see this fulling increase their numbers?? Another point on this is, I own a dance studio. And every year I offer my parents the opportunity to register online and pay their registration fee online. Less than 5% do this. This too is only a few clicks, put in your name and number and you're done! Most of my parents continue to come into the studio and register. It is going to take a LONG time for Disney to draw all of these non planning, off-site guest into this system.

Again, the more I read the more I believe this new system has nothing to do with improving guest experiences. Disney may want us to believe that and it may actually happen for some guest but as I see it, it can't be Disney's goal in all of this!

 

[bcrook]

We are late sleepers and we don't like what the new system seems to offer. We often park hop so the one park per days isn't good for us. The limit to 3 FP's per days with only 1 headliner isn't great for us either. We would rather ride our favourite over over and over again then get FP's for Dumbo and Mickey's Philharmagic (depending on what's on the "B" and "C" list of attractions)

On the glimmer of hope side (although the capacity thread shows that this is not sustainable) the only glimpse of what the actual system could look like was from a Dash&Maggie post.

No tiers at Epcot. But the initial selection was all choices grouped in one of four time periods. The terms and conditions clearly say those initial choices can be changed while at the park, but my guess is that we won't be able to break up the grouping before we arrive.

I understand it can all change, but it was a fluke sneak peak. It was enlightening.

 

[Rileygirl]

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[g-dad66]

When we talk about only being allowed to choose 3 FP's with the new system is this 3 attractions entirely of our choice or will you have to choose from a pre-determined list? Posters talk about Disney directing the less informed to less desirable attractions. Will this just be via "suggestions" or will be limiting what we can choose? (based of course on the limited info & speculation since TPB don't seem too willing to divulge anything else)

I think most of us suspect we will get to pick only one FP from the headliner (e-ticket) A-tier: e.g. Space, Splash, and Big Thunder at MK -- pretty much the same way it was done in testing.

The other 2 FP choices would be for B-tier and C-tier attractions.

Time will tell if this is correct or not.

 

[Rileygirl]

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[mom2rtk]

I think most of us suspect we will get to pick only one FP from the headliner (e-ticket) A-tier: e.g. Space, Splash, and Big Thunder at MK -- pretty much the same way it was done in testing.

The other 2 FP choices would be for B-tier and C-tier attractions.

Time will tell if this is correct or not.

I think if we find out it's 3 attractions of our choice, many of us will shut up and go away. (I would still feel I was losing out, but not to the degree I think I will right now.) But I just don't think they have the capacity to let everyone choose 3 mountains in the MK. Or TSMM, ToT and RnR at DHS. If they are trying to solve problems people are supposedly having getting access to certain rides, letting people choose 3 attractions of their choice could make the problem worse instead of better.

I would prefer not to pre-schedule my rides, but could live with it. My issue is with the substantial rationing that appears to be coming along with it.

They really just need to A) get the show on the road or B) let loose with a bit more information.

 

[bcrook]

I think that Disney was not just thinking about the bottom line with this new system. They were hoping to have something that the majority of people loved, and saw as a positive, just like people LOVED the my way ticket, but had no idea how this was going to make disney a pile of money.

And, just to stir the pot, think about this. If you had a vested interest in making people register online, so you could profit administratively (less time involved in typing into your data base) then you should think that 5% savings is not the threshold price to make people do it.

Disney will know exactly what the threshold price will be. Maybe its 10% off theme park ticket for purchases online 60 days or before. Maybe its the total elimination of a paper ticket, that the only way to buy a 'ticket' from disney is online, and if you dont have a computer, then your AAA specialist does it online for you, or your travel agent.

And, further food for thought. Do you know that right now, Disney is lobbying the gov't in florida to change the terminology in theme park tickets? Seems its only fraud if you try and transfer a multi day ticket if it has the words not transferable on it. Hmm, a magic band would look a little weird with 'not transferable' on it. Especially if they are hoping to sell charms to make it more a pretty souvineer........death of the paper ticket.

If you have to go on line and buy your ticket, it will be for specific dates like a cruise. This will allow Disney to charge different rates throughout the year. If I go Columbus Day weekend, I will pay more for sat, sun, mon, and less on tues wed. Airline/hotel pricing. It is the natural next step. This would end the practice of no expiration. I am not sure how Annual passes would work, unless there was tiered levels or credits.

It would help balance out crowds. It worked well for DVC. With point system.

I just looked up the flex pass for SeaWorld, universal, IoA, and water parks. That looks like a huge steal of a deal. 14 day passes! Call me clueless.

Disney shouldn't have encouraged me to do all this research!

 

[jade1]

And yes, I agree with your comment about the late sleepers. In reading one thread after another over the past 6 months or so, I have noticed one constant. The late sleepers are the one group consistently happy about the new system.

Agreed

Yes...and keep in mind the late sleepers are the majority

And Disney recognized that.

Disney is almost forcing the late sleepers into the feeding frenzy for a certain number of rides. Only 60 days earlier. If you want a afternoon FP+ for TSM, you best be online the morning it opens up because the consensus among the rope drops is that we ALSO want those afternoon FP+s for TSM. And since many of us are planners, we will be up at whatever time those FP+s open to get the spots that we want. AFter all, isn't that why most of us are there at rope drop, so that we have more choices. Mind you, I don't believe this will be the case for most rides. But certainly true for a select few. What happens when those late sleepers finally log on to find the only FP+s for TSM they can get is 10:30 or earlier. How happy will they be then?? And how much will this affect the crowds for early mornings?

Not just late sleepers-everyone who wants a particular time/attraction.

Your confusing "late sleepers" with "planners". Furthermore, your confusing work weeks with vacation. Many/most of us are up every day for work all year, and usually on a computer first thing. That's why we don't rush on vacation. Not only that-only 1 person in your group needs to get all the FP+'s. That's the equivalent to having one person leave the room with all the park passes and getting everyone a FP for TSM.

As for those that sleep to late-then they are in the same boat as currently anyway, plus its only one day-pick EE, or TOT and adjust your schedule, then get up tomorrow and get TSM.

Or have a AAA rep get what you want each day.

 

[maiapapaya]

I think most of us suspect we will get to pick only one FP from the headliner (e-ticket) A-tier: e.g. Space, Splash, and Big Thunder at MK -- pretty much the same way it was done in testing.

The other 2 FP choices would be for B-tier and C-tier attractions.

Time will tell if this is correct or not.

I think if we find out it's 3 attractions of our choice, many of us will shut up and go away. (I would still feel I was losing out, but not to the degree I think I will right now.) But I just don't think they have the capacity to let everyone choose 3 mountains in the MK. Or TSMM, ToT and RnR at DHS. If they are trying to solve problems people are supposedly having getting access to certain rides, letting people choose 3 attractions of their choice could make the problem worse instead of better.

I would prefer not to pre-schedule my rides, but could live with it. My issue is with the substantial rationing that appears to be coming along with it.

They really just need to A) get the show on the road or B) let loose with a bit more information.

And this is what makes me wonder how TPB, plan to convince me that this will make my park experience "better." Only allowing one FP either for Splash or BTMR or SM, and then the other two limited to something we don't really care about isn't helpful, and actually takes away from how the current system has worked. I have visions of rope drop suddenly becoming a mob scene as people try to get their favs in without access to FP's.

The possibility of maybe adding other FP's once in the park (if that happens) doesn't help either when, as I mentioned, we are from out of country, so roaming data fees are prohibitive with our phones, while current park wifi is sketchy and the kiosks could be frustrating time wasters.

Regardless of why Disney has cooked up the FP+, they need to be able to sell it to their customers that it is a good thing for their experience. With the current vague info, it seems it may be that way for first timers, but not so much for the experienced WDW visitor. My secret wish, without better info, is that testing has shown the logistics and potential bugs are really big, messy nightmares and they can the whole idea.

 

[Squidgyness]

And this is what makes me wonder how TPB, plan to convince me that this will make my park experience "better." Only allowing one FP either for Splash or BTMR or SM, and then the other two limited to something we don't really care about isn't helpful, and actually takes away from how the current system has worked. I have visions of rope drop suddenly becoming a mob scene as people try to get their favs in without access to FP's.

The possibility of maybe adding other FP's once in the park (if that happens) doesn't help either when, as I mentioned, we are from out of country, so roaming data fees are prohibitive with our phones, while current park wifi is sketchy and the kiosks could be frustrating time wasters.

Regardless of why Disney has cooked up the FP+, they need to be able to sell it to their customers that it is a good thing for their experience. With the current vague info, it seems it may be that way for first timers, but not so much for the experienced WDW visitor. My secret wish, without better info, is that testing has shown the logistics and potential bugs are really big, messy nightmares and they can the whole idea.

That's the conundrum here.

The limited advance FP+ scenario doesn't seem particularly helpful or attractive. It might make things better for people like me (who don't plan and don't want to see standby times increase under this new system) but for most people, they'd want or need more to be really attracted by this system.

The scenario with more or unlimited FP+ doesn't seem workable to me.

And yes, Flexi Ticket is a heck of a steal. If we do go back, it's going to be the main reason why. I want to see the new stuff at SW and US, Disney is just going to be there.

I can't help but hope the reports that introducing FP+ at places like HM have slowed down standby lines considerably have made them reconsider this system.

Keeping my eyes peeled for news, but there is no schedule, no more news of testing, no more information released to the press... Gah! I need more information darn it!

 

[bcrook]

Agreed



And Disney recognized that.



Not just late sleepers-everyone who wants a particular time/attraction.

Your confusing "late sleepers" with "planners". Furthermore, your confusing work weeks with vacation. Many/most of us are up every day for work all year, and usually on a computer first thing. That's why we don't rush on vacation. Not only that-only 1 person in your group needs to get all the FP+'s. That's the equivalent to having one person leave the room with all the park passes and getting everyone a FP for TSM.

As for those that sleep to late-then they are in the same boat as currently anyway, plus its only one day-pick EE, or TOT and adjust your schedule, then get up tomorrow and get TSM.

Or have a AAA rep get what you want each day.

You are painting a very good picture. There will be a lot of veterans who feel like you do. It really does help if you stay 7-10 days to get to everything. I enjoyed that last summer.

On the other hand, it is not uncommon for my teenage kids to arrive MK at 4:00 and still be able to grab a splash fastpass, BTMRR, and Peter Pan. Especially on late nights. First week of June. Or to get multiple splash passes.

So, all evening visitors will not thrilled if tiers are involved.

 

[Rileygirl]

If you have to go on line and buy your ticket, it will be for specific dates like a cruise. This will allow Disney to charge different rates throughout the year. If I go Columbus Day weekend, I will pay more for sat, sun, mon, and less on tues wed. Airline/hotel pricing. It is the natural next step. This would end the practice of no expiration. I am not sure how Annual passes would work, unless there was tiered levels or credits.

It would help balance out crowds. It worked well for DVC. With point system.

I just looked up the flex pass for SeaWorld, universal, IoA, and water parks. That looks like a huge steal of a deal. 14 day passes! Call me clueless.

Disney shouldn't have encouraged me to do all this research!

Thats brilliant! Egads

 

[Rileygirl]

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[joshsmom]

Somewhere in this thread, I had asked about people scheduling 60 days (or however long) out and then NOT using their time slot for whatever reason (they decided to go to a different park, didn't want to ride then, etc). I know that Disney put CC holds on some ADRs because of no shows. How do you think they could control for FP+ no shows? Wouldn't that kind of defeat the purpose if people scheduled but then didn't show up? With the current system, I'm sure there's a certain percentage that don't use their FPs for whatever reason. Many times we just hand them to other families on our way out. That won't be possible with FP+. So would those slots just go unused??

 

[bcrook]

Somewhere in this thread, I had asked about people scheduling 60 days (or however long) out and then NOT using their time slot for whatever reason (they decided to go to a different park, didn't want to ride then, etc). I know that Disney put CC holds on some ADRs because of no shows. How do you think they could control for FP+ no shows? Wouldn't that kind of defeat the purpose if people scheduled but then didn't show up? With the current system, I'm sure there's a certain percentage that don't use their FPs for whatever reason. Many times we just hand them to other families on our way out. That won't be possible with FP+. So would those slots just go unused??

I bet they overbook the FP+ like airlines based on no shows rates. They will have very good data.

 

[mom2rtk]

Gah! I need more information darn it!

If it helps, we could all make some up for you.....

Kiosks

Colour me stupid, I just had a thought.
Perhaps the reason we have not seen any 'physical new structures' hitting all the theme parks is because Disney intends to revamp the existing fast pass machines.

I have had this though because of something Doconeil said, that to change the interface of hardware is not too hard from a tech standpoint.

If you take that in conjunction with the conjecture that paper media is on the way out, then the current fp machines will be useless in a couple of years.

Perhaps they just intend to change say 50% of the fp machines over to fp+ magic kiosks. Serve both purposes for the temporary transition, and slowly phase out the old fp with the new fp+

It could be done easily I bet, but perhaps the IT people could weigh in on this idea.

bcrook, the idea of tying tickets to specific times of the year, WOW. A whole new way to make more money.

how about this? instead carrot to get people to prebuy tickets 60 days in advance, its a little more stick.. ie price marginally increases over the time frame of your supposed trip....... just enough to make you want to get them 60 days in advance, but not enough to hurt last minute buyers..........

I have been encouraged that the lack of more kiosks in the parks yet is due to technical glitches slowing down (changing?????) the entire project. But I've also been afraid it could just be that they are working on them behind the scenes and could potentially just show up overnight.

As for the tickets, back when this discussion started in earnest, someone threw that idea out there (maybe bcrook even then???? I've lost track.) But it would be somewhat like airline tickets with dynamic pricing. I could TOTALLY see them doing that. But it saddens me as well. My only recourse in all of this has been to stick with trying to find the slowest time of the year I can stand the weather and going then, hoping any FP adjustments would have less impact. But I do think Disney's discount offerings have already shifted many of the peak crowds into those slower weeks. Add dynamic ticket pricing and it would undoubtedly shift even more. It's just starting to feel like a losing battle.

 

[Squidgyness]

Boy, if they introduce date specific pricing that would really throw us.

Buying a ticket at the gate, would we be asked what dates we were going to use it? We don't know... maybe if they did the different pricing in 2 week blocks or had the price of the first date you buy the ticket apply to the rest. That would help keep it from being too complicated and make it easier for people to buy at the gate.

Plus, if they made the price of your first day the ticket becomes valid apply to the rest of it, that would be more incentive to go earlier to save money on tickets and therefore go at less busy times of the year, filling the parks at those times. "Ooh, look! If we shifted our booking a few days earlier we could save money every day of our tickets!" whilst disney gets people in during weeks they have lower attendances.

I don't know how attractive that would be though. Some people are just locked into dates. Particularly families with children... Disney's mainstay demographic. How flexible would these families be anyway? They can't alter their timescale easily if they have school aged children... Would the expectation people would change bookings to less busy times to save on tickets be reasonable?