UPDATE p. 37. I finally canceled. Too much uncertainty for us.

[bcrook]

I completely understand the OP's reasoning. If planning the vacation is too stressful, then don't go. It's a vacation, not an obligation!

What I'm confused about is what purpose a "I'm taking my ball and going home," thread has on a board about Theme Park Attractions and Strategies. I could see it belonging in Theme Parks Community, as it's always nice to connect with your friends online and let them know what's current in your life.

But a strategy board?

I'm imagining someone wandering over here thinking, "Oh, a theme park touring strategy board. How lovely. They'll help me plan my vacation!"

Only to be greeted with, "This is why I'm NEVER GOING TO WDW AGAIN!"

The newest "strategy" on these boards? "Don't go!"

It as the OP said, her strategy is to wait until things are more predictable. It is a strategy many are considering. It is also something that others might consider because they read the post.

Things could be shockingly different for some travelers over spring break if they aren't keeping up with the changes. People are planning summer trips right now. What if we find out in a few weeks that a one headliner tier system is imposed in all parks for the peak summer months. That could be a deal breaker for a lot of people.

 

[bcrook]

Although you point out relevant future concerns for the FP+ change, this wasn't what caused the OP to cancel. Nearly all the concerns in your post have nothing to do with trips coming up during the test. Of course the uncertainty if future test changes (OP's trip canceling reason) is 100% legit, but the FP+ and FP- issues don't seem to really be impacting visitors (currently during the test) to the tune of your concerns above.

We arrive after T-Day. I am optimistic that my knowledge if the test and my planning will make it just as magical as ever.

But other people are reconsidering their trips that are planned for later. Some people are questioning why "anyone" would postpone or cancel a trip in the future because of fastpass+.

 

[Magpie]

Perhaps you could point out where in the OP it says this? I missed it. Or where anyone else in the thread has said this? #hyperbole

It as the OP said, her strategy is to wait until things are more predictable. It is a strategy many are considering. It is also something that others might consider because they read the post.

Things could be shockingly different for some travelers over spring break if they aren't keeping up with the changes. People are planning summer trips right now. What if we find out in a few weeks that a one headliner tier system is imposed in all parks for the peak summer months. That could be a deal breaker for a lot of people.

Ah, you know what? You guys are totally right.

I'm still not convinced that, "Don't go," is a useful theme park touring strategy, though.

But I'll go modify my post!

 

[bcrook]

Ah, you know what? You guys are totally right.

I'm still not convinced that, "Don't go," is a useful theme park touring strategy, though.

But I'll go modify my post!

I think if it is based on fear, then it is a bad reason. But if it is based on logic and economics it is worth sharing.

 

[rt2dz]

I totally understand. It is stressful not knowing. Vacations cost a lot of money, and unless you have more money than you know what to do with (Bill Gates, Oprah, etc), you SHOULD make sure you are getting the vacation experience you want. From start to finish. There are millions of places beyond Disney that are just as, some even more, enjoyable than Disney.

My short January trip is set in stone and will not change. Most of it has been paid in full since last March, and is unrefundable. Plus, I have a little boy whose heart is set on this trip (just him & mom). But, I have a Thanksgiving 2014 trip also planned. That one is fully up in the air--depending on how this short trip goes and what/how this FP+ thing settles out. The sucky thing is, I have to link tickets soon! We are 66 days out. I have a "collection" of tickets. Going at Thanksgiving or not makes a massive difference on which tickets I link, because of upgrading. I'm trying to be as prudent with my money as possible. I don't want to over spend on ticket upgrades, buy a ticket I don't need, or go with a better ticket only to not need it. Very frustrating.

FP+ for us is just another nail in the coffin. Maintenance is way down, perks are down, CM training is down, food quality is down, there hasn't been a new headliner in years, and I'm still waiting for a minor ride (7DMT) to open, etc, etc. I'm tired of it all. I've had annual trips since 1976 (minus 2013) and sometimes a bonus trip or two. I've seen the changes come and go. Some good, some not. But, in my eyes, the value isn't there because each year the prices go up, up, up. 300% in the last 12 years! Even if we do go thanksgiving from where I sit today, I'd say that our next trip won't be until 2019 and that will likely be the end. Anything could change, but...

I'm not being pessimistic (the sky is falling!), but I'm not going to sit around acting like this is "just a test" and all will be fine when the dust settles because Disney does no wrong (they do!). I'm being realistic about what it is NOW, during my trip, and how it affects me. And what close to 40 years of experience tells me how it is likely going to affect me in the future.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[robpa]

I completely understand the OP's reasoning. If planning the vacation is too stressful, then don't go. It's a vacation, not an obligation!

What I'm confused about is what purpose a "I'm taking my ball and going home," thread has on a board about Theme Park Attractions and Strategies. I could see it belonging in Theme Parks Community, as it's always nice to connect with your friends online and let them know what's current in your life.

But a strategy board?

I'm imagining someone wandering over here thinking, "Oh, a theme park touring strategy board. How lovely. They'll help me plan my vacation!"

Only to be greeted with, "This is why I'm (edited for accuracy) cancelling my trip and not going to Disney, until possibly later, maybe."

Basically the newest "strategy" on these boards? "Don't go!"

If someone was looking for planning advice why would they open a thread titled I finally cancelled my trip?

 

[ArwenMarie]

I completely understand the OP's reasoning. If planning the vacation is too stressful, then don't go. It's a vacation, not an obligation!

What I'm confused about is what purpose a "I'm taking my ball and going home," thread has on a board about Theme Park Attractions and Strategies. I could see it belonging in Theme Parks Community, as it's always nice to connect with your friends online and let them know what's current in your life.

But a strategy board?

I'm imagining someone wandering over here thinking, "Oh, a theme park touring strategy board. How lovely. They'll help me plan my vacation!"

Only to be greeted with, "This is why I'm (edited for accuracy) cancelling my trip and not going to Disney, until possibly later, maybe."

Basically the newest "strategy" on these boards? "Don't go!"

Cancelling is definitely part of strategy...In other words, with these changes, I couldn't find a strategy that would let me enjoy the parks the way I want to, and in way that worth the money to me, therefore I am canceling.

"Don't go" is a strategy and it's always been a strategy and there is plenty of that going on here...."Don't go" on EMH day, "Don't go on New Year's Eve at 5 pm and expect to get in"...on and on

 

[JimS4210]

I read this a lot.... Pay your outrageous admission, skip the rides, smell the roses, eat a dole whip, get a $10.00 grey goose slushie, buy a t shirt, add on a tour, check out a few themed restaurants.

My teenagers don't like this plan. It works for me pretty well, but not them.

I'm not saying to skip the rides but people are going bonkers over this. You'll still be able to hit the rides. You can get Fastpass+ for 2 of the 3 mountain rides in MK and wait in line for the 3rd if you wanna ride Peter Pan without the wait. Most people probably hit their favorite park more than once on a trip (unless its only a 2-3 day trip) so with a bit of planning you should be able to ride most of your favorite attractions.

I'm really failing to see what the big problem is with Fastpass+ unless you wanted to ride the same ride multiple times in a row.

It's Disney. There have always been lines. There will always be lines.

Jim

 

[WillAustin]

It's Disney. There have always been lines. There will always be lines.

We have always been able to avoid waiting any line over 20 minutes on every trip, even in the middle of July while still getting multiple rides on our favorites with careful planning and use of FPs. It's no exaggeration to say we have never waited more than 20 minutes for any ride over seven trips to WDW, most of them during busy times of the year. Having had those past experiences, to now plan for only 3 FP+s and possibly a tiered setup is a huge compromise of our park experience.

 

[patty57]

We have always been able to avoid waiting any line over 20 minutes on every trip, even in the middle of July while still getting multiple rides on our favorites with careful planning and use of FPs. It's no exaggeration to say we have never waited more than 20 minutes for any ride over seven trips to WDW, most of them during busy times of the year. Having had those past experiences, to now plan for only 3 FP+s and possibly a tiered setup is a huge compromise of our park experience.

 

[Laketravis]

When this was all first announced, I thought it was a huge exercise by Disney in yield management. Complaints of long wait times at WDW for families spending thousands of dollars were starting to air on the evening national news. Disney knew they had a problem, and that problem was more and more people wanting to do the same thing at the same time on the same day.

Everyone here understands that each attraction can only handle a certain number of riders per hour. Build more attractions, or find a way to balance demand. I think Disney's approach to the latter is - aside from all of it's faults - pure genius and will be the subject of logistical study for years to come. This is yield management on steroids with resources involved at a level never before seen in any industry, including airlines. (Think about how airlines fill seats on planes).

Separate all of the components and it is obvious that Disney has carefully considered all aspects. For example, we are big Park Hoppers, and at first I thought it really sucked that we couldn't schedule FP+ for more than one park a day. But the reality is we could only take advantage of FP- in one park at a time anyway, because by the time we got to the second park in late afternoon most headliner FP- were gone.

Now, we can schedule FP+ for park headliners in the evening, and go to the first park of the day at rope drop and do what we want (maybe even without FP-) for the first couple of hours. At least, that's the way I am hoping it will work, we will find out in 10 days.

So I think there are some benefits. There are also without a doubt many drawbacks, and it will be interesting to see if the drawbacks eventually outweigh the benefits.

One thing is for certain - if this were the first time I was planning a trip to WDW for my family, I don't think I would get very far into the process before giving up and looking for another vacation destination. And if I persevered but didn't know all of the tricks and tips and hours now required to plan a WDW vacation for maximum yield, then I would most certainly be disappointed when I got there.

 

[bcrook]

When this was all first announced, I thought it was a huge exercise by Disney in yield management. Complaints of long wait times at WDW for families spending thousands of dollars were starting to air on the evening national news. Disney knew they had a problem, and that problem was more and more people wanting to do the same thing at the same time on the same day.

Everyone here understands that each attraction can only handle a certain number of riders per hour. Build more attractions, or find a way to balance demand. I think Disney's approach to the latter is - aside from all of it's faults - pure genius and will be the subject of logistical study for years to come. This is yield management on steroids with resources involved at a level never before seen in any industry, including airlines. (Think about how airlines fill seats on planes).

Separate all of the components and it is obvious that Disney has carefully considered all aspects. For example, we are big Park Hoppers, and at first I thought it really sucked that we couldn't schedule FP+ for more than one park a day. But the reality is we could only take advantage of FP- in one park at a time anyway, because by the time we got to the second park in late afternoon most headliner FP- were out anyway.

Now, we can schedule FP+ for park headliners in the evening, and go to the first park of the day at rope drop and do what we want without FP- for the first couple of hours. At least, that's the way I am hoping it will work, we will find out in 10 days.

So I think there are some benefits. There are also without a doubt many drawbacks, and it will be interesting to see if the drawbacks eventually outweigh the benefits.

One thing is for certain - if this were the first time I was planning a trip to WDW for my family, I don't think I would get very far into the process before giving up and looking for another vacation destination. And if I didn't know all of the tricks and tips and hours required to plan a WDW vacation for maximum yield, then I would most certainly be disappointed when I got there.

I have your original posts archived. You have been on key from the beginning.

 

[mgrayar]

But other people are reconsidering their trips that are planned for later. Some people are questioning why "anyone" would postpone or cancel a trip in the future because of fastpass+.

Not the OP, and not the point of this thread. I was referring specifically to this thread and that while the OP was scheduled to be there, the FP+/FP- issues raised by the poster I previously quoted had no bearing. Again, I understand the OP's concerns, which were very different.

 

[Portugal1000]

I will definitely still go to Florida next year but am going to wait and see what happens with FP+ for offsite guest. Next year will be our 11th trip and we are lucky we get to spend 3 weeks. However as it will be during August the parks will be busy and we really do utilize the FP system. I can live with 3 FP a day at each park and actually I think it will be better for when you go to the parks in the evening as all FP usually gone by then. I am just a little worried that it wont all be sorted out for offsite guests by then and I definitely dont want to be in a park in August without FP option. I just never understand why it take Disney so long to do stuff. Still cant believe that 7 Dwarfs mine train not up and running. I have been watching the construction for the last 3 years.
The park tickets are a big investment for us so I am thinking that if its not all sorted then we will just go to the beach and then Universal for a few days.
Hope it gets sorted as I love Disney but cant justify the cost of a 2 bedroom DVC resort compared to the cost of Bonnet Creek just to guarantee fast passes.
Will be watching closely.

 

[clsteve]

Everyone here understands that each attraction can only handle a certain number of riders per hour. Build more attractions, or find a way to balance demand. I think Disney's approach to the latter is - aside from all of it's faults - pure genius and will be the subject of logistical study for years to come. This is yield management on steroids with resources involved at a level never before seen in any industry, including airlines. (Think about how airlines fill seats on planes).

The data plus anecdotal info we're going to see over the holiday peak period is going to be very informative. Now all resorts are on-line, so we can assume FP+ reservations percentages will be maxed out, as will the apps for same day changes. Plus we'll have peak crowds of off-site and local vying for FP-.

Throughput and load balancing of MDE, wifi, etc., is going to get quite a workout. Many a sleepless night coming up for Disney IT and whichever integrator they're using......

 

[Laketravis]

... Still cant believe that 7 Dwarfs mine train not up and running. I have been watching the construction for the last 3 years.....

I was just wondering about that myself. Didn't they build the entire MK in less time than that?

 

[Laketravis]

The data plus anecdotal info we're going to see over the holiday peak period is going to be very informative. Now all resorts are on-line, so we can assume FP+ reservations percentages will be maxed out, as will the apps for same day changes. Plus we'll have peak crowds of off-site and local vying for FP-.

Throughput and load balancing of MDE, wifi, etc., is going to get quite a workout. Many a sleepless night coming up for Disney IT and whichever integrator they're using......

My thoughts exactly, which is why we decided to book a sort of MIN/MAX period for our upcoming visit. Arrive on 11/21 and depart on 12/7 gives us over two weeks, with one complete week of historically high crowds (Thanksgiving) and one week of typically much lower crowds (first week of December).

From a technical perspective, I'm definitely going to be watching for the effects of this now year-long test over those 17 days.

 

[clsteve]

I was just wondering about that myself. Didn't they build the entire MK in less time than that?

Those silly dwarfs must have found gold in that thar mountain......

 

[clsteve]

My thoughts exactly, which is why we decided to book a sort of MIN/MAX period for our upcoming visit. Arrive on 11/21 and depart on 12/7 gives us over two weeks, with one complete week of historically high crowds (Thanksgiving) and one week of typically much lower crowds (first week of December).

From a technical perspective, I'm definitely going to be watching for the effects of this now year-long test over those 17 days.

Smart move.

If you get a chance, keep an eye on those kiosks while you're there. Not many have given feedback on these threads. I'm interested to see when/if they become a bottleneck- especially if there are wifi issues during peak.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I suspect that these posters are hoping to influence others on the Boards to stay away from WDW. We were at WDW two weeks ago and I must admit that I was apprehensive after reading the negative posts. I'm glad that I didn't stress out too much about it because our trip using MBs and FP+ was fine. We are getting ready to book another trip and are looking forward to using the new system again.

Not all, but some. You can see it when those who advise calming down and being optimistic are called "Disney Apologists".