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

[mom2rtk]

I think the vast majority of Disney visitors are happy with doing pretty much what you've described as not appealling. Strip away the atmosphere created by Disney's theming and most would be dissatisfied with a day full of riding headliners - they're just not that good.

Maybe people who visit Disney annually or even more frequently lose sight of what most visitors find appealling?

If the vast majority is happy with what you describe, then nobody needs to worry. FP+ will be a roaring success. I'm sure these threads full of people unhappy with the new system will stop any moment now.

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't think that people see it as a failure since it is too new to really make that decision. It is just the roll out has been done very poorly. The technology isn't where it needs to be, the public isn't really being kept in the loop and the rules are constantly changing. I am sorry, but if people spend thousands of dollars both on site and off and this is not the proper way to implement a system for those guest spending so much. Like I said before, I don't know if I would cancel, but I am just very happy we were on vacation before this came into play. This may be the best system ever in the future, but for the people stuck in MB limbo it isn't right. I think it is probably OK for now, but what about in a few weeks when the park is jammed? We went during high season this past June and had a very enjoyable time. I don't think that will be the case for the next few months unless these kinks really get worked out.

I don't know what is the solution until the system is functional, but if I was spending the kind of money we just spent in WDW and had this looming I would be very disappointed. They need to figure something out and limiting what FP you can get especially at Epcot to one headliner is horrible. Sorry I get that WDW has the right to change their park programs, but people have a right to be unhappy. The park for some people is the rides, especially for families who don't want to take yearly WDW vacations. I guarantee if your box of cheerios switched their 20oz box to 10oz, but kept the price the same and told you it was for your own good people would be crying foul. It is basically the same thing at WDW. They are downgrading their system(at least for the time being) or for some eliminating a system and expecting guests to fork over the same amount of money all while telling you how great it is for you.:crazy2:

Well said. Except that it won't be for the same amount of money. I'm pretty sure they'll have a price hike again in 2014 just like they do every year.

And yes, I find them calling it a "plus" is a huge slap in the face.

 

[AmyB2006]

I don't think that people see it as a failure since it is too new to really make that decision.

Maybe you missed the person I was quoting?? They clearly are labeling it as a failure. LOL

But I agree it's too soon to tell.

 

[nugov2]

I think the vast majority of Disney visitors are happy with doing pretty much what you've described as not appealling. Strip away the atmosphere created by Disney's theming and most would be dissatisfied with a day full of riding headliners - they're just not that good.

Maybe people who visit Disney annually or even more frequently lose sight of what most visitors find appealling?

I think that is exactly it. I only have one IRL friend who visits. WDW most years b/c her mom lives near Clearwater beach. They hit MK and that's it, but even her kids want the rides.

I'm sorry but the idea of just enjoying the theming and atmosphere without the rides is odd to me. Even if I went every single year I would want the rides. Different people want different things, but if it is offered you should be able to get it. You shouldn't have to settle with just the atmosphere and shows. That's BS. There are lots of restaurants by me that have great food and great atmosphere. Should I go in an be ok one night that I only get to enjoy one and not the other, but pay for both just because they are a known, popular and fun spot? That is basically what people are saying. Be happy that you get to walk around there. Be happy and soak up the atmosphere. Thanks but I'll walk around the stores of DTD and soak up the atmosphere for FREE...when I pay hundreds of dollars to get into the park I want the rides.

I don't expect to get on all right away, I am OK waiting, but giving people a great system and then implementing a new system(that may be great when done) but being rolled out in such a poor way at the expense of peoples pocketbooks is not right. I think people have a right to be upset about it. I feel for those who have big dollars out there and really have no concrete information about this system and what it will look like when they go. WDW needs to be transparent on this new system and they are not. It is like they have no real plan and are just throwing a dart at a board of ideas and giving it a try.

 

[nugov2]

Also if it is the atmosphere that people go for why in the world are the lines so long for the rides...seem like someone didn't tell all those people the real reason for going to Disney

 

[Son of Gadsden]

My Magic+ supporters. My Magic+ haters.

Round 5,325,654.

FIGHT!

 

[Kristibo42]

More people cancelling Disney because of FP+. I say stay away. go someplace else. Leave Disney for the true DISNEY LOVERS!!!! The less people there the better. I can't believe people are so upset about this. Crazy. Yes I like FP but can still enjoy Disney if I can't get 100 of them.

 

[Mommy2Corinne]

More people cancelling Disney because of FP+. I say stay away. go someplace else. Leave Disney for the true DISNEY LOVERS!!!! The less people there the better. I can't believe people are so upset about this. Crazy. Yes I like FP but can still enjoy Disney if I can't get 100 of them.

Um...I'm trying very hard to refrain from posting a rude response to this post. For now, I'll leave it at this --- *you* don't get to decide who is a "true" Disney lover and who isn't. Crazy.

 

[AmyB2006]

Um...I'm trying very hard to refrain from posting a rude response to this post. For now, I'll leave it at this --- *you* don't get to decide who is a "true" Disney lover and who isn't. Crazy.

Why even waste your breath? Or in this case, your fingers!

 

[OtherScott]

If the vast majority is happy with what you describe, then nobody needs to worry. FP+ will be a roaring success. I'm sure these threads full of people unhappy with the new system will stop any moment now.

Every successful venture involves worry - it's only a problem when it's ignored or overblown.

And, no, these threads won't clear up any time soon for several reasons. Old system is still operational while new system is being tested (a necessity, absent closing down either the old system or the parks) leading to a temporary advantage/disadvantage. Secondly, unhappy customers tend to be more vocal.

As for FP+ being a roaring success, I don't think it can be viewed as some stand alone system. Disney views this as just one component the MDE program. The biggest component, IMO, is getting everyone to wear an RFID device while in the park and at the resorts. Disney will know where you are, where you've been, how long you stayed, what routes you took, what you did, whether or not you ate, whether or not you have plans to eat, demographics of your party and overall park status to drive notifications to you via smartphone throughout the day.

Today's FP pulling/hyperplanning afficiandos will be easily replaced tomorrow by dozens of families being led around by iPhones.

BTW, I think all of this will ultimately lead back to more than 3 FP opps per park/per day under most conditions. Probably not during planning but certainly with the addition of same-day opps.

 

[Planogirl]

More people cancelling Disney because of FP+. I say stay away. go someplace else. Leave Disney for the true DISNEY LOVERS!!!! The less people there the better. I can't believe people are so upset about this. Crazy. Yes I like FP but can still enjoy Disney if I can't get 100 of them.

This is without question one of the rudest posts I've ever seen. Congratulations.

 

[Planogirl]

Every successful venture involves worry - it's only a problem when it's ignored or overblown.

And, no, these threads won't clear up any time soon for several reasons. Old system is still operational while new system is being tested (a necessity, absent closing down either the old system or the parks) leading to a temporary advantage/disadvantage. Secondly, unhappy customers tend to be more vocal.

As for FP+ being a roaring success, I don't think it can be viewed as some stand alone system. Disney views this as just one component the MDE program. The biggest component, IMO, is getting everyone to wear an RFID device while in the park and at the resorts. Disney will know where you are, where you've been, how long you stayed, what routes you took, what you did, whether or not you ate, whether or not you have plans to eat, demographics of your party and overall park status to drive notifications to you via smartphone throughout the day.

Today's FP pulling/hyperplanning afficiandos will be easily replaced tomorrow by dozens of families being led around by iPhones.

BTW, I think all of this will ultimately lead back to more than 3 FP opps per park/per day under most conditions. Probably not during planning but certainly with the addition of same-day opps.

I know that consumer tracking is done on a routine basis by many companies and will only grow but the way you phrased it kind of makes my skin crawl. I know that it's harmless but still...

Do you really think that more than 3 FP+ is likely for any top rides? They are already having so much trouble with a few during this planning stage.

 

[OtherScott]

Also if it is the atmosphere that people go for why in the world are the lines so long for the rides...seem like someone didn't tell all those people the real reason for going to Disney

Paradox = people hate waiting in lines...made up of other people waiting in lines

I think people would prefer not to wait (obvious) but there aversion to it, in a theme park, is probably overstated.

My overall belief: Disney is a theme park, not an amusement park. I can think that people are rubes for meandering around amazed at the coincidence that the Tree of Life grew right in the middle of marshland Walt bought 100 years ago...But there they are, and there's a lot of them.

I like rides and I think most visitors do, too. But in a theme park like Disney, where the owners have already formed a relationship with my family through old Disney shows, new Pixar movies, buying out George Lucas, cable networks for my kids and merchandising, they can get away with not just long lines, but long lines for what I consider inferior rides.

I can go to Cedar Point on a moment's notice, Kings Island with a few hours notice. Great rides, little atmosphere. Explains our trip to Disney every 4 years, and probably our overall satisfaction.

 

[OtherScott]

I know that consumer tracking is done on a routine basis by many companies and will only grow but the way you phrased it kind of makes my skin crawl. I know that it's harmless but still...

Do you really think that more than 3 FP+ is likely for any top rides? They are already having so much trouble with a few during this planning stage.

Yes, but additional FPs will come same-day. A reason for the logjam today is both systems are running concurrently in a manner the neither were designed to. Once the old goes dark you will be amazed at how many people don't use the FP+.

I've been lurking here for a few weeks and it has amazed me that people hold simultaneously the belief that their own success at planning and implementation at the expense of those who don't will somehow be erased because the latter will suddenly become planners. They won't.

FP+ is just a necessary element of MDE, which will allow Disney to feed opportunities to those wandering around the parks. My guess is that most of those notifications will be of the direct/indirect opprtunity to spend money.

 

[AmyB2006]

Yes, but additional FPs will come same-day. A reason for the logjam today is both systems are running concurrently in a manner the neither were designed to. Once the old goes dark you will be amazed at how many people don't use the FP+.

I've been lurking here for a few weeks and it has amazed me that people hold simultaneously the belief that their own success at planning and implementation at the expense of those who don't will somehow be erased because the latter will suddenly become planners. They won't.

FP+ is just a necessary element of MDE, which will allow Disney to feed opportunities to those wandering around the parks. My guess is that most of those notifications will be of the direct/indirect opprtunity to spend money.

Well said.

This is without question one of the rudest posts I've ever seen. Congratulations.

And, ITA with this as well.

 

[Planogirl]

Yes, but additional FPs will come same-day. A reason for the logjam today is both systems are running concurrently in a manner the neither were designed to. Once the old goes dark you will be amazed at how many people don't use the FP+.

I've been lurking here for a few weeks and it has amazed me that people hold simultaneously the belief that their own success at planning and implementation at the expense of those who don't will somehow be erased because the latter will suddenly become planners. They won't.

FP+ is just a necessary element of MDE, which will allow Disney to feed opportunities to those wandering around the parks. My guess is that most of those notifications will be of the direct/indirect opprtunity to spend money.

I also share the belief that all of this will vastly improved once it's fully rolled out. However I still wonder about capacity.

TSMM is running out of fastpasses almost immediately and someone is getting all of those fastpasses. It would seem that those who already get the fastpasses will just simply switch to FP+ when their time comes. I see no change there.

What I wonder about are the less popular rides. When people get messages either at home before travel or while in parks that they can schedule FP+ pretty easily won't more of them take advantage of it? Disney hasn't really pushed legacy fastpasses but by all appearances they might just push FP+ and that certainly could lead to more people using them.

But who knows right now. It could all change tomorrow and then we'll have something else to argue about.

 

[robpa]

Every successful venture involves worry - it's only a problem when it's ignored or overblown.

And, no, these threads won't clear up any time soon for several reasons. Old system is still operational while new system is being tested (a necessity, absent closing down either the old system or the parks) leading to a temporary advantage/disadvantage. Secondly, unhappy customers tend to be more vocal.

As for FP+ being a roaring success, I don't think it can be viewed as some stand alone system. Disney views this as just one component the MDE program. The biggest component, IMO, is getting everyone to wear an RFID device while in the park and at the resorts. Disney will know where you are, where you've been, how long you stayed, what routes you took, what you did, whether or not you ate, whether or not you have plans to eat, demographics of your party and overall park status to drive notifications to you via smartphone throughout the day.

Today's FP pulling/hyperplanning afficiandos will be easily replaced tomorrow by dozens of families being led around by iPhones.

BTW, I think all of this will ultimately lead back to more than 3 FP opps per park/per day under most conditions. Probably not during planning but certainly with the addition of same-day opps.

You mean tracking collar. Maybe they will give you a shock if you deviate from the course

 

[AmyB2006]

You mean tracking collar. Maybe they will give you a shock if you deviate from the course

 

[luvthemouse71]

Waaaaaaaa....

i wish Disney would post this ..

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

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.

My concern with this (but I still think it may be the best way to tour with park hopping) is that FP+ return times are being started right at park opening from my understanding. I'm just not sure RD is going to be the advantage that it use to be during peak season.