FP+ is Live! Magic Bands in the park!

[agavegirl1]

I have to say, I did use my iphone while in the parks on my last visit to check the wait times for lines I did not FP. However, when at Universal Hollywood last summer, I never took it out. Why? Because Universal has digital updated ride times on signs all over the park. Now, in the interview, he mentioned that Disney has digital media that doesn't look like digital. I can see how a digital sign would detract from the effective theming but wouldn't this be a better idea than expecting people to "interact with their smart phone"?

I do expect that this is the whole reason for this system. To force us to interact with smart media or park kiosks so the innumerable marketing opportunities for Disney to squeeze more money out of us and control our movements within the park can be achieved.

If I had more opportunities to check ride times, I would not have needed my phone. So based on observational evidence, Disney believes we "want" to interact with our smart phone. Instead of asking "why do they have to use their smart phones?".

The comments regarding "your experience will start from your own home" lead me to believe in forced advance planning. Maybe those of us who like to plan are actually to blame because we say we "like to plan". Maybe the receipt of your MagicBand package is enough to entice you to log in and see what other wonders await or maybe you just think, I guess this is our tickets and go about your business.

I learned the hard way about ADRs. Prior to my last trip, I could make dining reservations from my hotel on the day of. Fortunately, we went at a low crowd time and walked in to most restaurants with a slight wait (party of 2).

No word at all on the number of or tiers of FP. Nothing that will scare the liver out of people who actually make a touring plan.

Lots about data mining though, carefully crafted to focus on the "guest experience". So much more personal when they know everything you did in the park except for the parts where you are just enjoying the scenery. Oh Wait, they kind of know that too.

Concerned? Yes. Panic? No.

As for PP's comments on competition with US. This is not it. Not by a long shot. I plan my vacations based on whether or not there is something new at the park since my last visit that I would like to see. My next vacation in 2014 is being planned because of what is new at US/IOA. Since I'm in Orlando and the Mine Train is likely to be open, I will go there as well. This is a far more expensive vacation than going to other locations. I had already seen Transformers and Carsland because I went to California instead of Florida last year. They were just day trips.

I am really confused about this whole MM+/FP+ thing. I don't think their goals will be achieved.

 

[Squidgyness]

Just returned from SWW, where I DID interact with my phone way more than I like to or usually do. Was checking Kenny the Pirate's (wonderful) character times schedule, checking FP times and on Sunday - which was insanely busy - we checked many wait times throughout the day. Also used the phone to text with DDs family who were in another park and send adorable pics home to other DD since I had her DD with me.

The problem was - my Iphone was down to 30% charge by 1:30. Fortunately DH had sent me with a new phone charger thing and I plugged in while waiting for and during a show. After 45 mins I was back up to 80%. That was good until 7 PM when I charged all the way back up while waiting for Hoopla @ 8 so I could tape it.

So how does Disney think everyone is going to keep their phones/ipads charged if they have to stay connected all day?? Do they really think we are all going to want to sit in their new charging areas for an hour? Maybe more than once a day? Do they think everyone is going to buy and use portable chargers like I did? I guess u could buy and carry extra batteries like for a camera
I did it for SWW for a very specific reason of meeting all the special characters, but didn't enjoy that part of it at all.

I'm sure they would offer you a low, low priced $100 charger for on the go, or just $20 for the day! Unbeatable value! (mostly as they'll be the only ones doing it.)

See the key word in this sentence "your experience WILL start from your own home", not can, could or might, will. This word right here encapsulates why I'm worried that people like me with no specific plans of what ride orders I want or even which park I will be in are going to be cast aside. I think we are moving from an open, free to participate or not without too many penalties system, to an effectively required system.

 

[mom2rtk]

I
I do expect that this is the whole reason for this system. To force us to interact with smart media or park kiosks so the innumerable marketing opportunities for Disney to squeeze more money out of us and control our movements within the park can be achieved.

Great observation!

 

[doconeill]

Well, except the $54 million or so in direct and other compensation they pay Iger per year...

I'm guessing all the suits' salaries and bonuses could probably buy a working Yeti or two...

Well that, and propping up the other parts of the company...P&R has been helping bankroll the rest through the seemingly endless hard times.

And speaking of Disney's Marketing Machine, take a look at what they did for John Carter, and then ask if you want them in charge of MyMagic+...

 

[bjakmom]

I don't want to spend all day on my phone either, but must say I am very happy to have an android system so I can pop off the back and just drop in a new fully charged battery when needed.

Oh yeah, DH just explained that the iphone can't use extra batteries, has to be charged - why he bought me the charger. duh. You can see how tech-savvy I am! LOL Seems like a pain to me.

I know we don't know all the ins and outs and I'm also hoping beyond hope that Disney has something more than what they are alluding to, but I have already altered my upcoming plans to wait and see how this all works out. DH wanted to buy more DVC points for Xmas this year, but I don't want to make any more investment in WDW vacas until I see if this works for how I like to vaca and tour the parks -

I also cut back the WDW portion of DGrDs b'day trip at the end of the summer thinking at the time they might be rolling this out this summer - so now we are moving over to USF/IOA and also doing SeaWorld. Then we are doing a very short trip with only 1 park day in early Nov for the 1/2 marathon/ 5K - not planning any further trips for now - so many other great places to go while the dust settles.

Hopefully they decide to use the RFID technology to offer us all same day FP+ where you can schedule your FP times as soon as the park opens or a few hours before - with no ride restrictions - THEN I will be buying more DVC points!!

And one more thought - I DO NOT like the idea that they would hold back FPs for same day that they could randomly offer to others. So if I am forced to make a schedule and get online at 6 AM 60 days out and there are no TSMM FPs for when I want (like the BOG ADR I wanted due to the 180 +10 system) - but others who didn't pre-book might be offered those FPs same day??? Uh, No. Also am not feeling the love that I may now need to use my FP+ allotment in order to sit where I have been sitting for 40 years to watch the parades. I know, I'm getting old, I'm invested and have a looong experience to compare the new system to Obviously I'm not the target audience, but I am a loyal 'guest' and I have sent many many guests their way over the years. We'll see.

 

[agavegirl1]

Strange how this afternoon I was ready to sit back and wait for "official information" and then....there it was! Nothing we did not expect I believe but just more detailed enough to forward the speculation. Combined with the T&C we know exists for MDE with the interview, I am convinced this discussion is one of the most worthwhile on this board. Too bad the title is what it is.

 

[agavegirl1]

[/QUOTE]
And speaking of Disney's Marketing Machine, take a look at what they did for John Carter, and then ask if you want them in charge of MyMagic+...[/QUOTE]

What is John Carter?

 

[Squidgyness]

Well that, and propping up the other parts of the company...P&R has been helping bankroll the rest through the seemingly endless hard times.

And speaking of Disney's Marketing Machine, take a look at what they did for John Carter, and then ask if you want them in charge of MyMagic+...

But of course something like that would never happen at the parks surely...

I'd think everyone would be on board with a system whereby you could prebook rides only a few days or hours out, or even just same day (even latecomers could just get up for a second, book passes that morning on the app, then go back to sleep. Problem solved), however it doesn't seem to benefit disney as much. Yet more evidence they are acting for themselves and not us.

 

[Planogirl]

You know, I really relate to this. Its like Universal is doing things the way Disney use to, before bean counters ruled the world.

Look at the pathetic promotions that have been out lately, the weekly things. I mean , really?

And before, Universal had to carve out its own niche, trying to suck out a niche that disney did not do, the teen crowd and the thrill crowd. But now, they recognize, and have been working on, beating disney at its own game. The offer mind blowing new attractions, a complete revamp of older attractions, and are paying very close attention to detail. They are becoming a known family destination.

so its bean counters vs imagineers

Disney is the conglomerate bean counter
Universal is giving free rein to its imagineers.

I personally love the old school approach that universal is using, but I can see what disney thinks they will get out of their approach.

its going to be interesting to see this all come to a head, and honestly, I think that in the next couple of weeks we will see where disney stands. Arrogantly, based on crumbs tossed to the masses with bean counters (who are brilliant, I cant say they are not,) and marketing teams, (who are brilliant, and I can see how they plan to revolutionize things) and imagineers who have been muzzled with budgets and concessions..

vs Universals old school way of doing things. Plenty of new, plenty of more, and also, stuff that is entertaining across the grid.

All in all, I think the war is coming, but the attendance stats will be a true indicator for this.

Again, I cant help but watching as I think either this is going to be the most exciting June we have ever seen, or Disney ignores the threat, and continues its past behaviours.

~A

Disney let some imagineers go some time back according to some people. Maybe they all ended up at Universal? (And DreamWorks I imagine.)

It's a beige world after all?

I have no intention of flying 4000 miles and spending thousands of dollars to get a single headliner fastpass and then rely on whatever scraps they should deign to release on the day, if any, or be coerced into doing certain things. I want the chance for brilliant colour and spontaneous experiences, not a guaranteed but planned, limited, cookie cutter beige vacation dictated by some spreadsheet with my few precious fastpasses on. This seems far less conducive to that than the current system.

Sigh, the more I read the more this becomes a case of ideological differences and less technical detail and issues. Smartphone usage in park is just another example of where I and the tptb differ in mindset. And that's not good for our relationship.

You and I think alike here. I don't mind them making things more efficient but I dislike the notion that they are doing it by limiting our access to rides. I feel that in many ways WDW isn't what it used to be but I don't want to be unable to experience what Disney still has!

Just returned from SWW, where I DID interact with my phone way more than I like to or usually do. Was checking Kenny the Pirate's (wonderful) character times schedule, checking FP times and on Sunday - which was insanely busy - we checked many wait times throughout the day. Also used the phone to text with DDs family who were in another park and send adorable pics home to other DD since I had her DD with me.

The problem was - my Iphone was down to 30% charge by 1:30. Fortunately DH had sent me with a new phone charger thing and I plugged in while waiting for and during a show. After 45 mins I was back up to 80%. That was good until 7 PM when I charged all the way back up while waiting for Hoopla @ 8 so I could tape it.

So how does Disney think everyone is going to keep their phones/ipads charged if they have to stay connected all day?? Do they really think we are all going to want to sit in their new charging areas for an hour? Maybe more than once a day? Do they think everyone is going to buy and use portable chargers like I did? I guess u could buy and carry extra batteries like for a camera
I did it for SWW for a very specific reason of meeting all the special characters, but didn't enjoy that part of it at all.

It's even worse for those of us who don't have the right kind of phone. We may just get to stand in line to use one of the few kiosks. Maybe they could offer FP+ for kiosks...

 

[doconeill]

What is John Carter?

Exactly my point.

 

[mom2rtk]

I DO NOT like the idea that they would hold back FPs for same day that they could randomly offer to others.

For some reason I see this as being VERY similar to the way they distribute PIN codes for discounts. They are targeted to new visitors to the detriment of us loyal visitors. I have yet to see a PIN code, so just pretend they don't exist (well, sort of.....). But yes, I could totally see getting ticked off when someone gets closed out of a favorite ride, then comes back to read reports on the DIS of others being offered those randomly same day.

 

[Planogirl]

For some reason I see this as being VERY similar to the way they distribute PIN codes for discounts. They are targeted to new visitors to the detriment of us loyal visitors. I have yet to see a PIN code, so just pretend they don't exist (well, sort of.....). But yes, I could totally see getting ticked off when someone gets closed out of a favorite ride, then comes back to read reports on the DIS of others being offered those randomly same day.

I got a pin code just the other day and we booked with one last year. It had been at least 15 years since I'd seen one before so I have no idea how they work.

 

[agavegirl1]

For some reason I see this as being VERY similar to the way they distribute PIN codes for discounts. They are targeted to new visitors to the detriment of us loyal visitors. I have yet to see a PIN code, so just pretend they don't exist (well, sort of.....). But yes, I could totally see getting ticked off when someone gets closed out of a favorite ride, then comes back to read reports on the DIS of others being offered those randomly same day.

Actually, I get PIN codes periodically because they have my information and I only go every three or four years. They want me to come back sooner than when I schedule by offering an incentive. It won't make me change my mind but they still try.

Their database knows how often and when you go so why offer an incentive if you will be there anyway?

 

[mom2rtk]

I got a pin code just the other day and we booked with one last year. It had been at least 15 years since I'd seen one before so I have no idea how they work.

Actually, I get PIN codes periodically because they have my information and I only go every three or four years. They want me to come back sooner than when I schedule by offering an incentive. It won't make me change my mind but they still try.

Their database knows how often and when you go so why offer an incentive if you will be there anyway?

Do you guys enjoy taunting me?

It's ok. I'm totally over it. Really.

Actually, I fully expect to get one from WDW this year. Because this year I'm headed for DLR.

 

[4under4]

My paranoia is creeping in again and I'm beginning to wonder if this thread is being monitored and we are the most underpaid, unwilling and unwitting focus group Disney has ever had.

If it makes a difference in their decisions, I'm all for being an upaid focus group

..., one day I will walk out my front door, and a mouse, in a trench coat and shades, is planning to take me out.

This is where I'm at right now after all that debate. I know what I want, what I could cope with and what I couldn't cope with. I just hope it's not the last one, but I'm planning for it just in case.

Took me 3+ hours to catch up on all the posts, but well worth it. Thank you one and all for such a civil, intelligent look at all the possibilities.

 

[ceemys]

I still don't like it because my phone doesn't work well in the park. How am I supposed to "optimize" the ride FP if I can't even get the app to work on my phone??

 

[MichiganDVC]

This may have been said someplace in the previous 90 pages, but is it possible that this is their plan:

FP+ that you can book 60 days in advance, with tiered Fastpasses.
AND
More FPs released for "day of" guests?

So someone like me can make my one TSMM fastpass reservation 60 days in advance and someone like many of you can continue to accumulate several FPs on the day of, per availability. Maybe they'll release 30-40% for pre-booking and the rest for day of. And you maybe would have to be in the park to get a FP? Or not.

There's got to be day-of FPs available for all the locals, newbies, etc... But it seems silly to restrict those to just 1 Top-tier FP all day.

Has anything "official" been said one way or another about this possibility?

 

[Planogirl]

Do you guys enjoy taunting me?

It's ok. I'm totally over it. Really.

Actually, I fully expect to get one from WDW this year. Because this year I'm headed for DLR.

I think that you figured out how to get one.

 

[Planogirl]

This may have been said someplace in the previous 90 pages, but is it possible that this is their plan:

FP+ that you can book 60 days in advance, with tiered Fastpasses.
AND
More FPs released for "day of" guests?

So someone like me can make my one TSMM fastpass reservation 60 days in advance and someone like many of you can continue to accumulate several FPs on the day of, per availability. Maybe they'll release 30-40% for pre-booking and the rest for day of. And you maybe would have to be in the park to get a FP? Or not.

There's got to be day-of FPs available for all the locals, newbies, etc... But it seems silly to restrict those to just 1 Top-tier FP all day.

Has anything "official" been said one way or another about this possibility?

I have read all 99 pages and this part is as clear as mud. No one really knows.

 

[agavegirl1]

The only thing we have to go on is the Terms and Conditions of the MM+ state that a limited number of pre-booked FP+ will be available and will vary based on timing (time of year, projected park attendance etc). Generally accepted based on tests and word of mouth is that it will be three. No mention of same day FP+ has actually been officially stated. Several posters have speculated on how this program could replace current FP based on ride limitations etc.

The addition today of the interview suggests that the focus will be on pre-booking and use of smart media in the parks. No details have been offered as to in park, same day FP+.