Any guests arriving November 1 to 30 receive FP+ testing invites?

[mmouse50]

Do you have to do online check in? I wasn't because I have 2 suites booked at AoA and we want to be close to each other - our reservations have travel with designated on them but that doesn't always mean that we will be put close to each other. But if I want to do FP+ and I have to do online check in then I guess if we aren't close we will have to talk to the front desk after the fact.

Can you ask at the front desk where you will be if you are getting there a day before but have a room only reservation (LM) before the suite? Then maybe I won't hold up the line for online check in trying to change things when checking into the suite.

 

[Doug7856]

Do you have to do online check in? I wasn't because I have 2 suites booked at AoA and we want to be close to each other - our reservations have travel with designated on them but that doesn't always mean that we will be put close to each other. But if I want to do FP+ and I have to do online check in then I guess if we aren't close we will have to talk to the front desk after the fact.

Can you ask at the front desk where you will be if you are getting there a day before but have a room only reservation (LM) before the suite? Then maybe I won't hold up the line for online check in trying to change things when checking into the suite.

Some people are reporting that MagicBands and FP+ are not dependent upon check in, but some say it's required. I'm hoping to not check in online because we have two families and would like to set up two separate charging privileges and this can only be done at the front desk. We were told not to do the online check in.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We arrive at Beach Club November 29.

In my MDE it lists FastPass + and when I click on it I get "We're sorry. The selected date must be within one person's FatPass+ selection window." Does this mean were already in the test/roll out?

BC is part of the test. You should be able to make FP+ selections when you are 60 days out. People at the BC have been reporting that they were able to customize their Magic Bands at approximately 70 days out. I think you are at 88 days out now. We are checking in to WL on Nov 30th and we are 89 days out.

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[ses1230]

No, it doesn't mean anything yet. I think the FP+ windows might open up closer to our arrival dates....that's what happened for the September and October people.

BC is part of the test. You should be able to make FP+ selections when you are 60 days out. People at the BC have been reporting that they were able to customize their Magic Bands at approximately 70 days out. I think you are at 88 days out now. We are checking in to WL on Nov 30th and we are 89 days out.

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Thanks for your responses. I haven't linked my tickets yet, I guess I need to do that. I'm really not excited about this, we usually get more than 3 FP per day, I just don't know if this is going to fit our touring style.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Thanks for your responses. I haven't linked my tickets yet, I guess I need to do that. I'm really not excited about this, we usually get more than 3 FP per day, I just don't know if this is going to fit our touring style.

You can still pull regular fast passes during the test period. They haven't taken that privilege away from the people with Magic Bands yet.

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[telecomguy]

You can still pull regular fast passes during the test period. They haven't taken that privilege away from the people with Magic Bands yet.

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While that may be the case now, according to what Iger said, they were rolling out in full force starting at the beginning of their FY 2014, which is 10/1. There's no guarantee that people going in November are still testers, and that those people will still have KTTW cards as backups. Like I said in my post, I'm excited and torn at the same time, because I still want to be able to get into the park and get FP for rides that I can't schedule FP+ for. If I don't get a KTTW card because we're not testers anymore, what do we get? Can we go to kiosks or use the MDE app and get other FP? I don't think anyone knows at this time, and I think it should be a real concern for people that are going anytime after September or October and like to take advantage of FP to it's full potential.

 

[ses1230]

While that may be the case now, according to what Iger said, they were rolling out in full force starting at the beginning of their FY 2014, which is 10/1. There's no guarantee that people going in November are still testers, and that those people will still have KTTW cards as backups. Like I said in my post, I'm excited and torn at the same time, because I still want to be able to get into the park and get FP for rides that I can't schedule FP+ for. If I don't get a KTTW card because we're not testers anymore, what do we get? Can we go to kiosks or use the MDE app and get other FP? I don't think anyone knows at this time, and I think it should be a real concern for people that are going anytime after September or October and like to take advantage of FP to it's full potential.

This is what I am worried about, too. Another concern I have is that if indeed the full inventory of FP+ is available at 60 days, the FP+ available for same day selections will be the attractions that don't need FP in the first place. All the e-ticket FP+ will be gone.

If there is going to be full roll out by then and legacy FP is no more, I have to get on board and do it (FP +, that is.) I just wish we knew when that will happen.

 

[houseofmouse5]

How do you customize your MBs? I have linked our UT tickets to MDE but can't find a place to customize the MBs. When I go to MDE I then go to Manage Magic Bands at that point I just get a list of our names and the tickets I have linked. Is this where I would go to customize the bands and I just don't get that as a choice yet? As of today we are 70 days from out trip, if that makes any difference.
When I go to Make FastPass+ selections I get "are you ready for a new kind of magic?" Will that go away if I am able to make some FP+ choices?

 

[Nechville]

Do you think Disney knows/cares how much not knowing what is going on with the Magic Bands/FastPass+ is stressing some of us? For a trip that is supposed to be fun, I find myself overwhelmed at not knowing what will be going on when we are there. Will my resort be a part of the test? If not, will I be missing out? If those that can double dip, will fastpass lines be longer than usual? Will I be stuck in standard lines more as fastpasses will run out even faster, assuming they took some out of the amount of daily availability due to the +'s? Should I even try standby for BOG lunch if I can't get a fastpass? If my resort would be included in time, how much notification will I get? And if people can already make fastpass+ selections now because their resort is included, will there be anything left by the time it opens for me? Or will they open more time slots and more resorts roll out? And then offer less traditional fastpasses? And when will traditional fastpass double dipping stop? As that would change the plans I would make with the plus choices. I am spending far too much time on here checking to see what's going on and what other people are able to do -- just in case. I absolutely hate that I feel second class, even though I am paying a lot of money for the Disney "benefits." I acknowledge there is no other way Disney could do this, as rolling out to everyone at once would be setting themselves up for failure when glitches occur. And I also realize a Disney trip in and of itself is stressful with all the planning and expense involved, but this is just adding a new layer! Anyone else feel this way? Sorry for the rant.

 

[scard192]

Do you think Disney knows/cares how much not knowing what is going on with the Magic Bands/FastPass+ is stressing some of us? For a trip that is supposed to be fun, I find myself overwhelmed at not knowing what will be going on when we are there. Will my resort be a part of the test? If not, will I be missing out? If those that can double dip, will fastpass lines be longer than usual? Will I be stuck in standard lines more as fastpasses will run out even faster, assuming they took some out of the amount of daily availability due to the +'s? Should I even try standby for BOG lunch if I can't get a fastpass? If my resort would be included in time, how much notification will I get? And if people can already make fastpass+ selections now because their resort is included, will there be anything left by the time it opens for me? Or will they open more time slots and more resorts roll out? And then offer less traditional fastpasses? And when will traditional fastpass double dipping stop? As that would change the plans I would make with the plus choices. I am spending far too much time on here checking to see what's going on and what other people are able to do -- just in case. I absolutely hate that I feel second class, even though I am paying a lot of money for the Disney "benefits." I acknowledge there is no other way Disney could do this, as rolling out to everyone at once would be setting themselves up for failure when glitches occur. And I also realize a Disney trip in and of itself is stressful with all the planning and expense involved, but this is just adding a new layer! Anyone else feel this way? Sorry for the rant.

Feeling the same way. Not checking in November (October 19th @ POFQ) but sure hoping Disney makes some sort of announcement in the next couple of weeks as to the timeline on FP+. Right now I am planning on not having MB/FP+ but those at the testing resorts for September/October have been able to make FP+ reservations for a couple of weeks now for my dates and wondering if FQ does have FP+ when we go what will be left? We are at 47 days out and I have not done much research on FP+ because as it stands now we will not be participating.

 

[houseofmouse5]

Do you think Disney knows/cares how much not knowing what is going on with the Magic Bands/FastPass+ is stressing some of us? For a trip that is supposed to be fun, I find myself overwhelmed at not knowing what will be going on when we are there. Will my resort be a part of the test? If not, will I be missing out? If those that can double dip, will fastpass lines be longer than usual? Will I be stuck in standard lines more as fastpasses will run out even faster, assuming they took some out of the amount of daily availability due to the +'s? Should I even try standby for BOG lunch if I can't get a fastpass? If my resort would be included in time, how much notification will I get? And if people can already make fastpass+ selections now because their resort is included, will there be anything left by the time it opens for me? Or will they open more time slots and more resorts roll out? And then offer less traditional fastpasses? And when will traditional fastpass double dipping stop? As that would change the plans I would make with the plus choices. I am spending far too much time on here checking to see what's going on and what other people are able to do -- just in case. I absolutely hate that I feel second class, even though I am paying a lot of money for the Disney "benefits." I acknowledge there is no other way Disney could do this, as rolling out to everyone at once would be setting themselves up for failure when glitches occur. And I also realize a Disney trip in and of itself is stressful with all the planning and expense involved, but this is just adding a new layer! Anyone else feel this way? Sorry for the rant.

Oh my gosh you are reading my mind...

 

[Doug7856]

Do you think Disney knows/cares how much not knowing what is going on with the Magic Bands/FastPass+ is stressing some of us? For a trip that is supposed to be fun, I find myself overwhelmed at not knowing what will be going on when we are there. Will my resort be a part of the test? If not, will I be missing out? If those that can double dip, will fastpass lines be longer than usual? Will I be stuck in standard lines more as fastpasses will run out even faster, assuming they took some out of the amount of daily availability due to the +'s? Should I even try standby for BOG lunch if I can't get a fastpass? If my resort would be included in time, how much notification will I get? And if people can already make fastpass+ selections now because their resort is included, will there be anything left by the time it opens for me? Or will they open more time slots and more resorts roll out? And then offer less traditional fastpasses? And when will traditional fastpass double dipping stop? As that would change the plans I would make with the plus choices. I am spending far too much time on here checking to see what's going on and what other people are able to do -- just in case. I absolutely hate that I feel second class, even though I am paying a lot of money for the Disney "benefits." I acknowledge there is no other way Disney could do this, as rolling out to everyone at once would be setting themselves up for failure when glitches occur. And I also realize a Disney trip in and of itself is stressful with all the planning and expense involved, but this is just adding a new layer! Anyone else feel this way? Sorry for the rant.

I agree. I think this "test" has been communicated poorly. I also think that the "test" or "roll out" schedule should be better publicized. Right now the "official word" is nonexistent and it is reports by users here and on other forums providing 90% of the information. I'm shocked that a business as big as Disney is willing to expend so much good will with very little knowledge by the testers of the process and what is happening to their vacation. At some time there will be a tipping point where "testers" will have a significant advantage over non testers with regard to FP -- once that tipping point is reached, I suspect there will be a lot of unhappy guests.

At the very least they could publish an anticipated roll out schedule...and at best allow guests to volunteer to be testers from any resort.

Families are paying thousands of dollars for . . . uncertainty.

 

[Nechville]

I agree. I think this "test" has been communicated poorly. I also think that the "test" or "roll out" schedule should be better publicized. Right now the "official word" is nonexistent and it is reports by users here and on other forums providing 90% of the information. I'm shocked that a business as big as Disney is willing to expend so much good will with very little knowledge by the testers of the process and what is happening to their vacation. At some time there will be a tipping point where "testers" will have a significant advantage over non testers with regard to FP -- once that tipping point is reached, I suspect there will be a lot of unhappy guests.

At the very least they could publish an anticipated roll out schedule...and at best allow guests to volunteer to be testers from any resort.

Families are paying thousands of dollars for . . . uncertainty.

I totally feel the testers have a very significant advantage, with the double dipping, and advanced ability to book BOG lunch. If I do luck out to get to use my magical express number for BOG lunch, by the time I get my stuff, I'm guessing it will all be booked. Extra fast passes = less time in lines = more rides. Or guaranteed seating for parades instead of taking more than an hour out of your day to get a spot. To me, that is very significant.
Communication is the key to every change, whether it be in the workplace or about a vacation. This has been handled poorly. I expect more from Disney, a company that sells "magic." I have been a lifelong fan - there is no other place in the world I want to go on vacation - and it is very bittersweet for me when I think about this trip. I really hope they get their act together, decide what is going to happen, and then tell everyone in a way that it makes it fair for all to have the same chance at experiences.

 

[Nixie]

I am soo glad I am not the only one feeling this way!!

 

[Nechville]

I wonder if they ever considered offering anything to the non-testers. Or maybe they didn't anticipate the testers being at such a (at least perceived) advantage.
And I totally admit I will be crazy jealous if we don't get bands/+'s. The trip will be a surprise and presenting my kids with their magic band would be a cool reveal.

 

[karinjl]

I am staying at AKL from Oct 26 - Nov 9. I am able to customize magicbands and choose FP+ for the whole time but there are more choices for Oct than Nov. I did not have to do online check in and did not get an invite.

 

[Nixie]

How much time were the testers right now notified in advanced? 2 weeks? 3 weeks?

 

[Giz1026]

Some people are reporting that MagicBands and FP+ are not dependent upon check in, but some say it's required. I'm hoping to not check in online because we have two families and would like to set up two separate charging privileges and this can only be done at the front desk. We were told not to do the online check in.

We also will need two separate charging privileges, if I do online check in, can the front desk fix the charging accounts when we arrive? We are at Pop, arriving Nov. 14.

 

[scard192]

How much time were the testers right now notified in advanced? 2 weeks? 3 weeks?

It was announced around the middle of August which resorts would be testing for September into October for checkins 9/2 or 3 and they were able to start booking FP+ in August. So people arriving at those resorts towards the end of October were able to make FP+ reservations ~ 60 days in advance.

 

[scard192]

I wonder if they ever considered offering anything to the non-testers. Or maybe they didn't anticipate the testers being at such a (at least perceived) advantage.
And I totally admit I will be crazy jealous if we don't get bands/+'s. The trip will be a surprise and presenting my kids with their magic band would be a cool reveal.

I e-mailed Disney and voiced my displeasure about the "double dipping" and the response was
"While our guests who are participating in our testing are able to use both the traditional and new FastPass®+ systems, that in no way effects the availability of FastPass® tickets for our non-testing guests. You will still be able to enjoy your Walt Disney World® vacation as you always have".

No, in prior trips there was a "level playing field" for all on site guests. This is no longer true, one group has a distinct advantage over the rest of us. It's the double dipping that I don't think is acceptable.

Thanks for letting me post on your November thread; was hoping to find some updated info on the FP+ rollout; the October thread is all people who are getting the Magic Bands.