FP+ is Live! Magic Bands in the park!

[WillAustin]

Yeah. Attractions are a main reason I go to Florida in general. People might argue that the general theming and other aspects are important too, but its pretty pointless if I'm stuck in an hour long line and can't enjoy these other aspects because I refused to schedule my rides in advance, or couldn't.

Also, I couldn't help smiling at 'FP Super user' under your username

I'd like to believe we have our FP coordination down to a science without locking us into a ride by ride touring plan. I really hate waiting in lines.

I also think in the Universal vs. Disney discussion, people are kidding themselves if you don't think we'll see a Star Wars land within the next 5 years. It makes too much sense. Far more than Avatarland does. Especially with new movies planned, Star Wars has far more potential than anything Universal has done or will do with Harry Potter.

In my opinion, Star Wars land in a park at WDW is a lock. It's just a matter of when they do it.

 

[mom2rtk]

Also, I couldn't help smiling at 'FP Super user' under your username

LOL, I totally missed that.

Nice touch WillAustin!

 

[dwheaton]

I'm 37 years old and had a great time at US and IOA when we went last year. I loved the Harry Potter books and can't wait to see what they do with Diagon Alley. When you add that to the Transformers ride, Despicable Me, and the Simpsons land, that park is going to be completely different and a must-see. I already love The Mummy and Men in Black there.

Now looking at Disney, what am I excited about that's coming? I'd love to go to California to see Cars Land, but the cost of plane tickets for our family is too high. We can drive to Florida in a little over a day for a reasonable price, so that's the focus.

I'm a huge Disney World fan and love going to the parks. There's nothing like visiting the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. However, I bring up the attractions from Universal because I also love great new attractions. Disney has decided that their parks don't need to grow and they can focus on other revenue streams.

For me, this isn't just about FP+ and those changes. Disney has spent money and time focusing on Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom and other games, themed parties, and upcharge experiences like the Pirates and Princesses experiences. They aren't bringing out new attractions. I still plan to go to Disney World with my family, but I can't say that I'll go as often or for as long if these changes are really in place. These parks are a lot of fun, but they need to actually make some new experiences to make it as exciting.

I also feel the attractions are amazing enough and don't need jarring personal experiences thrown into them. Disney is miscalculating on the importance of forced "magic" and not on delivering that fun in the entire attractions. My daughter loved meeting Mickey and Belle. She doesn't need them to call her by name. That shouldn't be the focus when there are plenty of areas that need work.

I know the $1B is a sunk cost, and Disney should treat it that way if the system doesn't work. They'd get a much greater bang for their buck by going into EPCOT and redoing Wonders of Life, Energy, and Imagination. Then they can put Pixar and Star Wars attractions in the Hollywood Studios. Those would be huge draws, and they could even raise ticket prices to cover them! I don't get it.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I agree with the suggestions for improvement.

But they aren't thinking the $1B is gone forever. They will get it to work eventually, and then they will try to make their money back (and more) by charging a little bit more here and there, reducing discounts, etc. JMO.

They definitely didn't build it so Mickey could say a kid's name.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

In my opinion, Star Wars land in a park at WDW is a lock. It's just a matter of when they do it.

I hope you are right. I am in my mid 40s, so the original movies/characters are among my all time favorites.

 

[Squidgyness]

I agree with the suggestions for improvement.

But they aren't thinking the $1B is gone forever. They will get it to work eventually, and then they will try to make their money back (and more) by charging a little bit more here and there, reducing discounts, etc. JMO.

They definitely didn't build it so Mickey could say a kid's name.

Precisely. Much as they would like to convince you otherwise, they do things for the ultimate goal of money. It's a factor in every business, and it has always been a factor to varying extents. It always will be.

If they do not get it through this, they will get it somehow.

 

[mom2rtk]

But they aren't thinking the $1B is gone forever. They will get it to work eventually, and then they will try to make their money back (and more) by charging a little bit more here and there, reducing discounts, etc. JMO.

But I'm pretty sure they already try to maximize all of those things as much as possible anyway. If they could fill resort rooms with fewer discounts, they would be doing it already. Regardless of their need to make up for the $1B investment in this technology.

 

[mom2rtk]

If they do not get it through this, they will get it somehow.

I don't doubt they'll make it back. Even if it's just through selling charms and designer Magicbands. But I think they had far bigger plans than just breaking even.

 

[MichiganDVC]

In the next 20 years, new rides will be coming out. What does it matter if Harry Potter is the not the main draw in 20 years? What 20 year old ride at WDW is the major reason for people coming to WDW?/QUOTE]

IASW, Pirates, HM, BTMRR? Those are just rides, not "attractions" or things like Main Street, Cinderella Castle, World Showcase, a favorite resort (Poly), etc... In fact, it's mostly the old rides that keep me coming back! Do you know how devastated I was when Mr. Toad's... closed?!

 

[Rileygirl]

In the next 20 years, new rides will be coming out. What does it matter if Harry Potter is the not the main draw in 20 years? What 20 year old ride at WDW is the major reason for people coming to WDW?/QUOTE]

IASW, Pirates, HM, BTMRR? Those are just rides, not "attractions" or things like Main Street, Cinderella Castle, World Showcase, a favorite resort (Poly), etc... In fact, it's mostly the old rides that keep me coming back! Do you know how devastated I was when Mr. Toad's... closed?!

Well, enough said.

 

[jade1]

I don't doubt they'll make it back. Even if it's just through selling charms and designer Magicbands. But I think they had far bigger plans than just breaking even.

Plus it is spread over 10 parks worldwide. $100 mil wont even cover 45 minutes of making John Carter.

 

[ArwenMarie]

But I'm pretty sure they already try to maximize all of those things as much as possible anyway. If they could fill resort rooms with fewer discounts, they would be doing it already. Regardless of their need to make up for the $1B investment in this technology.

Oh definitely, I agree, they try to maximize as much as possible now. But this will be a whole new host of products to sell, from band upgrades and accessories (which I think will be HUGE), to selling things that were previously free (FP and fireworks/show/parade spots). And who knows what else. Limitless once it's up and running well.

I also think this will be the final nail in the coffin for Free Dining and room discounts, which will could save them money.

I don't know if they will make the $1billion back, but they are going to try...

 

[damo]

IASW, Pirates, HM, BTMRR? Those are just rides, not "attractions" or things like Main Street, Cinderella Castle, World Showcase, a favorite resort (Poly), etc... In fact, it's mostly the old rides that keep me coming back! Do you know how devastated I was when Mr. Toad's... closed?!

I don't get your argument for these rides over the Harry Potter attractions at Universal. You say that there will be no Harry Potter books and movies so that interest will wane, yet you have no trouble saying that IASW, Pirates, HM and BTMRR have complete staying power.

 

[agavegirl1]

Oh definitely, I agree, they try to maximize as much as possible now. But this will be a whole new host of products to sell, from band upgrades and accessories (which I think will be HUGE), to selling things that were previously free (FP and fireworks/show/parade spots). And who knows what else. Limitless once it's up and running well.

I also think this will be the final nail in the coffin for Free Dining and room discounts, which will could save them money.

I don't know if they will make the $1billion back, but they are going to try...

I absolutely agree with this. If Disney can offer "additional FP+" during certain times of the year, why offer something that costs them money? This opens the possibility of FP+ as the carrot to get you to stay onsite during slower times. No need to discount rooms or offer free food. After the initial rollout of limited FP+, offering to double or triple the amount during certain times of the year is a no-brainer. This also fits in perfectly with the terms and conditions regarding the number of FP+ available....that it will vary depending on time of year, park population, etc.

 

[4under4]

I agree that a key to staying relevant is to constantly add/improve upon what is there. US seems to really get this.

For Disney, that doesn't necessarily mean whole new lands, but even little things matter. I remember being struck by how dated the uniforms in Dinoland looked the last time we were there, and how amused my kids are by CoP's "futuristic" final scene. And while I'm listing things that don't make a lot of sense, why is WDW willing to just abandon infrastructure rather than re-purpose it? (River Country for example).

It seems to me that there is a lot of money being spent on a very narrow focus, and that Disney is willing to rest on it's laurels for everything else. Well, my family is unique, as are all of your families. Trying to force us into a certain way of vacationing isn't going to work. It's going to make us not bother coming back until they get a clue.

 

[jade1]

I absolutely agree with this. If Disney can offer "additional FP+" during certain times of the year, why offer something that costs them money? This opens the possibility of FP+ as the carrot to get you to stay onsite during slower times. No need to discount rooms or offer free food. After the initial rollout of limited FP+, offering to double or triple the amount during certain times of the year is a no-brainer. This also fits in perfectly with the terms and conditions regarding the number of FP+ available....that it will vary depending on time of year, park population, etc.

100% agree

 

[MichiganDVC]

I don't get your argument for these rides over the Harry Potter attractions at Universal. You say that there will be no Harry Potter books and movies so that interest will wane, yet you have no trouble saying that IASW, Pirates, HM and BTMRR have complete staying power.

Because they aren't based on a tween book that was popular for a total of 15 years? Because they've been mainstays of the most popular theme park in the world for 30 years?

Besides, that was my response when the PP asked if there were 20 year old rides that draw people to WDW...and those were the responses off of the top of my head? Had nothing to do with comparing them to Universal.

I'm not saying Potter-world/Ville/Land isn't the Bee's knees. But everyone points to that is an example of "how much better Universal is doing in Disney at everything." My original point was, and remains, that Harry Potter, the phenomenon, will evaporate as being such a big deal. Right now it is a very big deal, because there is a huge age group that grew up with the Potter books and movies. Those people get older and their children will probably not have the same fascination. Therefore as someone said before, Universal will have the option in 20 years of tearing the whole thing down and putting something new there. But Disney doesn't have to do that. Their rides have staying power as evidenced by the several I listed earlier that are still favorites and have been there for 30 years.

 

[agavegirl1]

I agree that a key to staying relevant is to constantly add/improve upon what is there. US seems to really get this.

For Disney, that doesn't necessarily mean whole new lands, but even little things matter. I remember being struck by how dated the uniforms in Dinoland looked the last time we were there, and how amused my kids are by CoP's "futuristic" final scene. And while I'm listing things that don't make a lot of sense, why is WDW willing to just abandon infrastructure rather than re-purpose it? (River Country for example).

It seems to me that there is a lot of money being spent on a very narrow focus, and that Disney is willing to rest on it's laurels for everything else. Well, my family is unique, as are all of your families. Trying to force us into a certain way of vacationing isn't going to work. It's going to make us not bother coming back until they get a clue.

All families are indeed unique. What appeals to some is going to be totally skipped by another. Here I am thinking NFL. Not interested. No little girls and I, myself was never a "princess person". I have three grown daughters who were not princess people either. They were Star Wars people. Two of them have sons and are looking forward to their trips to DL/CA to see Carsland. I will probably ride the mine train but the movie is so old I doubt I'll remember any of it to compare. I'll walk through NFL to see the theming since I enjoy art but....

What else is Disney currently spending $ on?...Disney Springs. A shopping and restaurant venue that has already seen a number of iterations and is not even part of the parks.

Avatarland? So far they have spent money moving stuff out of the way.

I happened to be in California last summer to visit one of my daughters. Since I was there, I spent a day each at DL/CA and USH. Carsland RSR was down the entire day. I park hopped and used FP to see some headliners. We happened to score a walk-in for Blue Bayou and then we were out of there. AT USH, we got to see Transformers before it made it to FL as well as every headliner ride purchasing Express Pass. It was great.

I think the way Disney will monetize FP+ is to use it as an incentive in place of room discounts and free dining once everyone gets used to the idea of limited FP.

As for attractions, I am confused. Hopefully there is some big announcement coming down the road that will blow us away. So far, the big announcements are coming from other parks.

 

[agavegirl1]

Because they aren't based on a tween book that was popular for a total of 15 years? Because they've been mainstays of the most popular theme park in the world for 30 years?

Besides, that was my response when the PP asked if there were 20 year old rides that draw people to WDW...and those were the responses off of the top of my head? Had nothing to do with comparing them to Universal.

I'm not saying Potter-world/Ville/Land isn't the Bee's knees. But everyone points to that is an example of "how much better Universal is doing in Disney at everything." My original point was, and remains, that Harry Potter, the phenomenon, will evaporate as being such a big deal. Right now it is a very big deal, because there is a huge age group that grew up with the Potter books and movies. Those people get older and their children will probably not have the same fascination. Therefore as someone said before, Universal will have the option in 20 years of tearing the whole thing down and putting something new there. But Disney doesn't have to do that. Their rides have staying power as evidenced by the several I listed earlier that are still favorites and have been there for 30 years.

When I was young, I was fascinated by the OZ books written by Frank Baum. I read every one of them in the Library. Literature is far more timeless than movies. Fifty something years after the Wizard of OZ comes OZ the Great and Powerful. In between came several versions of the OZ stories. Who is to say that works of literature have no staying power. My six year old grandson received the full set of Harry Potter books for Christmas (at his mom's request). My kids and grandkids are all familiar with the Laura Ingalls Wilder series as well. Book series geared toward kids will still have an audience...maybe even a really big one.

 

[doggydoc]

When I was young, I was fascinated by the OZ books written by Frank Baum. I read every one of them in the Library. Literature is far more timeless than movies. Fifty something years after the Wizard of OZ comes OZ the Great and Powerful. In between came several versions of the OZ stories. Who is to say that works of literature have no staying power. My six year old grandson received the full set of Harry Potter books for Christmas (at his mom's request). My kids and grandkids are all familiar with the Laura Ingalls Wilder series as well. Book series geared toward kids will still have an audience...maybe even a really big one.

And when was Lord of the Rings written? Seems to be a franchise that is still doing well.

Edited to add: And Disney themselves seem to think that books written decades ago are worth keeping alive, hence the much maligned John Carter (which I personally enjoyed because I read the books as a kid).