Any new news about fast pass plus?

[DRDISNEYMD]

Personally, I have huge concerns with Fastpass Plus. Like others have already stated, I'd like to ride the big attractions multiple times and think the tiered reservation system is a big negative for guests. I don't see any scenario where the average guests who's visited Disney World before the change will see an improvement on their experience. I don't go to DW to get a front-row seat for a parade or Fantasmic. We go for the entire thing and don't want to be hamstrung by so many restrictions. The convenience of having a set time for a few rides is okay, but what about the rest of the day? It sounds like a complete mess, especially to unsophisticated guests with limited money.

I'm trying to be optimistic and hope that the delays in rolling out this service are due to negative feedback that's already appeared all over the Internet. Disney is a big company that is trying to make profits for its shareholders. However, plenty of large corporations have believed their own hype and lost their edge. Disney made its name on great attractions and amazing service. They haven't been keeping up on attractions, and Fastpass Plus is a reduction in service to nearly every guest.

I've heard rumors that even the number of Fastpasses will be different based on the choice of resort on site. The time to book the FPs is much shorter with off-site guests, and it creates a class system of theme park visitors. At least Universal does it simply. If you stay on site, you get to the front of the line. Disney's Fastpass Plus system is purposely confusing and designed to have guests visit fewer attractions in a day. There may be a point where it's just not feasible for a family to visit DW and truly get the value for the ticket price.

Just so everyone's aware, I'm a huge Disney fan and not trying to be a troll in any way. I just hope Disney knows what they're doing with the guests by instituting this system.

Good points about who they're targeting. The crazy thing for me is that I feel like this is even more disruptive to the Average Guest. I'm sure that smart people who really plan can find ways to still visit all the attractions despite the system. It may take very early arrivals and staying until closing time, but there's surely a way. I expect it could be even more confusing for the Average Guest.

In terms of things working, I really wonder if even the brightest minds can coordinate this properly. Disney has a hard time doing simpler things on the website like you mention. They better have their stuff together if they're going to roll this new system out to everyone.

I'm trying to stay optimistic. Fastpass probably sounded bad at first. There just seems to be so little information, and the rumors even from pretty reputable sources all sound bad. We'll see.

~Wow, just relax, you are over thinking this & I doubt your sources are "reputable."

 

[dwheaton]

~Wow, just relax, you are over thinking this & I doubt your sources are "reputable."

I hope that's the case and it will work out fine. I'm really not relying too much on what I've heard from bloggers and podcasts. For me, it's more about Disney's decisions on other matters recently that makes me nervous. They don't seem to be focusing as much on the guest.

We'll see. I'm really trying to stay optimistic despite the concerns in my reply.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I hope that's the case and it will work out fine. I'm really not relying too much on what I've heard from bloggers and podcasts. For me, it's more about Disney's decisions on other matters recently that makes me nervous. They don't seem to be focusing as much on the guest.

We'll see. I'm really trying to stay optimistic despite the concerns in my reply.

~Okay, please try to stay positive. Would it hurt to express some enthusiasm or am I asking for too much? Specifically, what kind of decisions has Disney made that would bring about a sense of nervousness or doubt??? Do you get upset when a hotel is refurbed or when rides are updated?

 

[momof2n2]

Personally, I have huge concerns with Fastpass Plus. Like others have already stated, I'd like to ride the big attractions multiple times and think the tiered reservation system is a big negative for guests. I don't see any scenario where the average guests who's visited Disney World before the change will see an improvement on their experience. I don't go to DW to get a front-row seat for a parade or Fantasmic. We go for the entire thing and don't want to be hamstrung by so many restrictions. The convenience of having a set time for a few rides is okay, but what about the rest of the day? It sounds like a complete mess, especially to unsophisticated guests with limited money.

I'm trying to be optimistic and hope that the delays in rolling out this service are due to negative feedback that's already appeared all over the Internet. Disney is a big company that is trying to make profits for its shareholders. However, plenty of large corporations have believed their own hype and lost their edge. Disney made its name on great attractions and amazing service. They haven't been keeping up on attractions, and Fastpass Plus is a reduction in service to nearly every guest.

I've heard rumors that even the number of Fastpasses will be different based on the choice of resort on site. The time to book the FPs is much shorter with off-site guests, and it creates a class system of theme park visitors. At least Universal does it simply. If you stay on site, you get to the front of the line. Disney's Fastpass Plus system is purposely confusing and designed to have guests visit fewer attractions in a day. There may be a point where it's just not feasible for a family to visit DW and truly get the value for the ticket price.

Just so everyone's aware, I'm a huge Disney fan and not trying to be a troll in any way. I just hope Disney knows what they're doing with the guests by instituting this system.

If I could stand pecking out more characters on this little screen this is about what I'd say. FP+ makes me sad.

 

[beer dave]

Historically, people resist change, even when it is for the better.

Bring it on!

 

[chrispeto]

I hope the fast plus is up and running by end of August I can't wait for it to start

 

[LisaTC]

180 ADR's are crazy enough. Pre-arranging your FP? Perish the thought, if you change days...then you're toast? This will really take the wind out of any possibility for making an itinerary change if your shackled with these pre-ordered FP. Their testing isn't very scientific or logical. I'm not sure what type of data they are getting. The limit seems to hover around 3. Geez we got 2 for BTMRR alone one day. This does put a wrinkle into the touring habits of more park-educated visitors. Varying the number and type dependent on resort wouldn't sit well with many folks, I'll allege. I can't imagine them doing that one. I will allege that Front of the Line passes will roll out at some point for an extra cost just like Universal. I think Disney implemented this RFID system (for which current FP machines don't operate) thinking they could streamline things from the moment you logged into their website until your last moment in the parks. That isn't real life.

 

[ChipnDale79]

180 adr's are crazy enough. Pre-arranging your fp? Perish the thought, if you change days...then you're toast? This will really take the wind out of any possibility for making an itinerary change if your shackled with these pre-ordered fp. Their testing isn't very scientific or logical. I'm not sure what type of data they are getting. The limit seems to hover around 3. Geez we got 2 for btmrr alone one day. This does put a wrinkle into the touring habits of more park-educated visitors. Varying the number and type dependent on resort wouldn't sit well with many folks, i'll allege. I can't imagine them doing that one. I will allege that front of the line passes will roll out at some point for an extra cost just like universal. I think disney implemented this rfid system (for which current fp machines don't operate) thinking they could streamline things from the moment you logged into their website until your last moment in the parks. That isn't real life.

+1

 

[Spacedog1975]

I was under the impression that you could schedule FP+ destinations when you are on the bus on the way to the park. I didn't think they *had* to be done 180 days in advance.

 

[doconeill]

I was under the impression that you could schedule FP+ destinations when you are on the bus on the way to the park. I didn't think they *had* to be done 180 days in advance.

Sure you can...if you've got a phone with the MDE app, you can schedule it from anywhere Subject to availability of course. If all the FP+ slots for TSM are gone...oh well.

There is no facility on the buses at this point. During early tests, people were approached at the terminal while waiting for the bus, and it was all facilitated by a CM, with limited choices.

And it's 60 days for FP+.

 

[jimsanfilippo]

DrDisMsHouse, I see my likeness in your signature section...Thanks! Truly!

As for 'FP=Disney money grab', how can anyone be excited about this? Please explain?

Further, when did WDW, DL, etc. become the main vacation destination for so many? You know the real world still offers way, way greater stuff, right? I could explain if you'd like...

I'm really confused as to why you're on DISboards if you're such a Disney downer? Not only that but you have gobs of posts.
No offense was meant by this question. I'm just trying to understand why you're such a DISBoards fan when you seem to be not that into Disney in general.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Historically, people resist change, even when it is for the better.

Bring it on!

~Truer words have never been spoken! I can't wait for the magic bands and FP+. I'm ready!

I hope the fast plus is up and running by end of August I can't wait for it to start

~I wish!!! I hope you at least get to test this! Have fun!

I'm really confused as to why you're on DISboards if you're such a Disney downer? Not only that but you have gobs of posts.

~Judgmental much? This statement is unfair & harsh. Mr. Pirate is one of the sweetest and kindest posters on this board and he offers a lot of deep insight into Disney, with a dry sense of humor. I've learned a lot about the business side of Disney by reading his helpful posts. He's been gone for a while now, but I hope he returns soon!

 

[beer dave]

~Truer words have never been spoken! I can't wait for the magic bands and FP+. I'm ready!

~I wish!!! I hope you at least get to test this! Have fun!

~Judgmental much? This statement is unfair & harsh. Mr. Pirate is one of the sweetest and kindest posters on this board and he offers a lot of deep insight into Disney, with a dry sense of humor. I've learned a lot about the business side of Disney by reading his helpful posts. He's been gone for a while now, but I hope he returns soon!

We used the new entrance kiosks and the touch to pay things at the end of may and it worked great.

 

[LisaTC]

Well, maybe I should take a lesson from my DD. I mentioned to her today that they are changing FP and explained FP+ to her and I said something along the lines that it would stink...and she said. NO! I think it will be fine. We won't have to run around like chickens and get our FP, we'll already know. Out of the mouths of babes...she's 9 and she didn't seem the least bit fazed. So, clearly, she is better at change than her old mom!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

We used the new entrance kiosks and the touch to pay things at the end of may and it worked great.

~Wow! You actually got to use the new kiosks and this is the first time I'm hearing of it?!? Anyway, I'm so glad to hear it worked great for you. All of the reviews I've encountered are just like yours and overwhelmingly positive.

Well, maybe I should take a lesson from my DD. I mentioned to her today that they are changing FP and explained FP+ to her and I said something along the lines that it would stink...and she said. NO! I think it will be fine. We won't have to run around like chickens and get our FP, we'll already know. Out of the mouths of babes...she's 9 and she didn't seem the least bit fazed. So, clearly, she is better at change than her old mom!

~Awww, this is such a cute story!!! Your DD sounds so adorable. Listen to her, she's a little genius! Thanks for sharing that!

 

[doconeill]

~Wow! You actually got to use the new kiosks and this is the first time I'm hearing of it?!? Anyway, I'm so glad to hear it worked great for you. All of the reviews I've encountered are just like yours and overwhelmingly positive.

A lot of people have, including myself.

In general, the experience has been positive, but I've seen a lot of reports of the cards not working, having to be scanned by the CM, be replaced, etc. Not sure what percentage of people have the problems (especially considering you'll generally here more about problems than successes), but I'm betting its on the low side, maybe <10%. Still issues though that need to be worked out.

Not a problem for us though...got our APs, they worked great. Got our KTTW cards, and they worked fine for purchases and getting into the room. DW's only complain was that one of the pinpads was in a position and not locked down such that when she tried to press the "0" it kept sliding on her.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

A lot of people have, including myself.

In general, the experience has been positive, but I've seen a lot of reports of the cards not working, having to be scanned by the CM, be replaced, etc. Not sure what percentage of people have the problems (especially considering you'll generally here more about problems than successes), but I'm betting its on the low side, maybe <10%. Still issues though that need to be worked out.

Not a problem for us though...got our APs, they worked great. Got our KTTW cards, and they worked fine for purchases and getting into the room. DW's only complain was that one of the pinpads was in a position and not locked down such that when she tried to press the "0" it kept sliding on her.

~Hey doc -- I didn't know you got to try this out! I'm feeling a little left out. Anyway, thank you so much for contributing your experience to this thread. I'm so glad to hear it was mostly positive for you and your family. This issue your DW had sounds annoying, so I really hope Disney addresses this before the launch!

 

[jimsanfilippo]

~Judgmental much? This statement is unfair & harsh. Mr. Pirate is one of the sweetest and kindest posters on this board and he offers a lot of deep insight into Disney, with a dry sense of humor. I've learned a lot about the business side of Disney by reading his helpful posts. He's been gone for a while now, but I hope he returns soon!

Judgmental? I was asking a legitimate question to understand where Pirate was coming from. But I obviously got in your crosshairs. You need to chill out and let me communicate with someone on this board. I wasn't aware he's been gone for a while, but thanks for the info.

 

[jimsanfilippo]

~Wow, just relax, you are over thinking this & I doubt your sources are "reputable."

Wow, I read this reply of yours to dwheaton after replying to your post about me being judgemental, harsh, and unfair. You are coming off as a DISBoards bully IMHO.

 

[beer dave]

Judgmental? I was asking a legitimate question, and not to you by the way, to understand where Pirate was coming from. But I obviously got in your crosshairs. You need to chill out and let me communicate with someone on this board, if thats OK with you. And I wasn't aware he's been gone for a while, but thanks for the info.

IMHO, a legitimate question on this thread would have to do with fast pass plus, not about " how dare you be negative in a discussion board."

To borrow an excellently coined phrase-- lighten up.