The boards arent reflecting the happiest place on earth

[goofyintoronto]

I'm actually GLAD so many hate it and aren't going back. That means LESS people in those lines so I can ride more!

I'll have to agree about food quality dropping. HOWEVER, I don't thinks it's any worse than most fast food places. With the few sit down meals we did on our last trip, they were still top notch (and we paid for it). We still ate, we didn't go hungry and we didn't get sick. That's OK with me.

I was just going to say the same! Less people in line is a good thing!! Although we both know that wont change things....Disney will still continue to be crowded no matter what.

As for the food, I agree some has gone downhill. Sadly. But there are always new places opening up thats quite good, for example via napoli, my fave. AoA food court, love their options.

 

[eliza61]

I was just going to say the same! Less people in line is a good thing!! Although we both know that wont change things....Disney will still continue to be crowded no matter what.

As for the food, some has gone downhill. Sadly. But there are always new places opening up thats quite good, for example via napoli, my fave. AoA food court, love their options.

That's the problem I'm having with fast pass plus. It does nothing to reduce the parks over crowding, if any thing it is allowing DISNEY to calculate just how many more people they can stuff in.

 

[EMom]

Totally agree here. I personally loved the FP+! It made my vacation/park touring much more enjoyable. The constant complaints about FP+ amazes me. Thing is, if you dont like the FP+, dont use it! Very simple. If you dont like to plan ahead, then dont. Dont make ADRs, dont book your FP+, just dont. Disney isnt forcing anyone to use the FP+.

It isn't about people comparing FP+ to standby. It's about comparing FP+ to old FP. Yes, FP+ is better than 100% standby. But for many of us, it is total crap compared to the old FP. Downgrading me to 3 FP+ and then whatever leftovers I can get from a kiosk is a lesser experience than I had in the past. For my family, after we discussed it, the consensus was that we would not be happy to spend more money than ever to get an inferior experience. So much so that we decided to switch to Universal's FOTL or perhaps visit DLR in the future.

Your logic of "Don't like it, don't use it," was true of the previous FP system. Disney spent over 1 BILLION DOLLARS to fix what wasn't broken so that they could track visitors. It's that simple. It was not for the benefit of visitors...It was to help Disney. IMHO, they should have spent that money on building more attractions to attract visitors and ease crowding on top tier rides, instead of using it to "chip" park goers.

 

[eliza61]

So like many I don't go to DISNEY for one thing but the problem is the negatives are adding up
1. Lousy food
2. Ridiculous amounts of micro planning to enjoy anything.
3. Hit or miss resorts quality. We're actually surprised when we get a clean updated room. How sad is that?
4. Fast pass plus sucks to us
5. I hate the magic bands. I really hate perfect strangers knowing my itinerary.

So it's not just "one" thing. It's quite a few

Now I'm not angry at the changes, I'm actually surprised that our love affair lasted as long as it did. My dvc is up for sale, I'll still do a random trip here or there but for me the aggravation is not worth it for vacation. A job yes, but I'm not supposed to dread planning a vacation.

I'm very lucky in that I've never believed that Disney was the only place on the planet where you can have a magical vacation so I just chalk it up to time to move on

 

[goofy4tink]

I have been going to Disney for almost 40 years.

I remember what it was like before fast passes or fast pass plus. Personally think Disney went over board with paper fast passes. Oct 2013 during the testing of fp+ was our last trip,, we had 3 glitches, but we really enjoyed the magic bands and the concept. We also rode everything we want and did tower of terror like 4 times in arrow. I lost count how many times we just walked onto buzz light year.

We are lucky enough to be able to afford to go every other year and enjoy what Disney has to offer at the time.

We are also lucky enough to be able to go during slow seasons, which make a big difference in planning and availability. Honestly can't remember as an adult standing in line more then 20-30 mins max.

Of all the changes Disney has made in last 40 years its the food quality that bugs me the most.

As far as the board being full of grumpy people, well that depends on the subject.

Have to agree. It used to be that there were differences in food options based on where you went...not so much anymore. Take LeCellier for instance...it was ridiculously popular. So, Disney made it a 2 credit meal, and changed the menu! Not so popular any more. And the food choices aren't so great either, and it costs more. Terrific...job well done Disney.
And the gift shops? I know wait until the end of my trip and head to DTD to the World of Disney store to do any shopping. Why? There's nothing particularly original at any shops. Used to be that you could get some really cool stuff at various places, but not anymore. There's a sameness to it all.

To me not getting TT and soarin IS a Biggie-but I solved it!
We will do TT at rope drop and then I have a FP for soarin next-when the line will have built up

That's how I do it as well. Works very well. But, pretty much the same as the old system!

I have no issue with FP+. Yes, sometimes standby lines can be a bit longer but that depends on the time of year. And that was the case with FP-. I think that those that are the most vocal and unhappy are those that used to get multiple FPs using the old system...back when you could return at any time! Those are the guests that are most impacted by the new system.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thing is, if you dont like the FP+, dont use it! Very simple.

Why would anyone be happy settling for waiting for the 10-30% of a ride's capacity while others have priority in front of them all day?

 

[TAX GUY]

It isn't about people comparing FP+ to standby. It's about comparing FP+ to old FP. Yes, FP+ is better than 100% standby. But for many of us, it is total crap compared to the old FP. Downgrading me to 3 FP+ and then whatever leftovers I can get from a kiosk is a lesser experience than I had in the past. For my family, after we discussed it, the consensus was that we would not be happy to spend more money than ever to get an inferior experience. So much so that we decided to switch to Universal's FOTL or perhaps visit DLR in the future.

Your logic of "Don't like it, don't use it," was true of the previous FP system. Disney spent over 1 BILLION DOLLARS to fix what wasn't broken so that they could track visitors. It's that simple. It was not for the benefit of visitors...It was to help Disney. IMHO, they should have spent that money on building more attractions to attract visitors and ease crowding on top tier rides, instead of using it to "chip" park goers.

My take on it would be that maybe they changed it so MORE people could enjoy some of the better rides rather than only the "experienced" taking advantage? With limiting the amounts of FP one could get in a day, doesn't that open up for others to enjoy it too? I know I typically think "its about ME and I don't care about anyone else" but in some cases, we have to share. I think Disney is trying to be sure we share with others that don't have a firm grasp on how to maximize shorter wait times.

I for one can not wait until we are able to go during their slow season. With a child in school, we are forced to vacation during the busy times. Not just Disney but EVERYTHING! When we were pre-kids, we NEVER needed any FP.... because the longest wait we ever had, on ANY ride, was no more than 20 minutes.

 

[EMom]

My take on it would be that maybe they changed it so MORE people could enjoy some of the better rides rather than only the "experienced" taking advantage? With limiting the amounts of FP one could get in a day, doesn't that open up for others to enjoy it too? I know I typically think "its about ME and I don't care about anyone else" but in some cases, we have to share. I think Disney is trying to be sure we share with others that don't have a firm grasp on how to maximize shorter wait times.

I for one can not wait until we are able to go during their slow season. With a child in school, we are forced to vacation during the busy times. Not just Disney but EVERYTHING! When we were pre-kids, we NEVER needed any FP.... because the longest wait we ever had, on ANY ride, was no more than 20 minutes.

Disney cares about making money, and that is their right. They do not give a rat's hiney about sharing or whether the FP allotment was/is fair. Period.

The first time we went to WDW, we did it with two weeks' notice. I called and managed to get ADRs and that was probably a miracle, given that it was spring break. I knew almost nothing about vacationing at Disney and had not a clue what a FP was. I figured it out quickly and we used them. Nothing stopped any visitor from doing the same. FP was as "equal and fair" as you could find. Show up, use it or don't, use it if you are onsite or off, anyone can use it, it was free....

Again, FP was not broken and didn't need fixing. FP+ is totally about tracking visitors and trying to manage them, make more money off them, etc. It is NOT for the benefit of visitors, although some may have wound up liking the system. But don't kid yourself, Disney never cared whether we'd like the system.

 

[TAX GUY]

Disney cares about making money, and that is their right. They do not give a rat's hiney about sharing or whether the FP allotment was/is fair. Period.

The first time we went to WDW, we did it with two weeks' notice. I called and managed to get ADRs and that was probably a miracle, given that it was spring break. I knew almost nothing about vacationing at Disney and had not a clue what a FP was. I figured it out quickly and we used them. Nothing stopped any visitor from doing the same. FP was as "equal and fair" as you could find. Show up, use it or don't, use it if you are onsite or off, anyone can use it, it was free....

Again, FP was not broken and didn't need fixing. FP+ is totally about tracking visitors and trying to manage them, make more money off them, etc. It is NOT for the benefit of visitors, although some may have wound up liking the system. But don't kid yourself, Disney never cared whether we'd like the system.

Exactly..... they are in business to make money. Don't you think they want MORE people there? To lose a few because they don't like the new system vs gaining many more because they seem to be able to enjoy more of the better rides (because they weren't able to before because other people were taking all the FP's)! For the few that hogged all the FP's (yes, I said hog them because I clearly remember "no more fast pass today" because people abused it and took more than they should have. Think of it like a free sample..... please take one, but there are always people that take until they've had enough, not leaving any left for others to try and enjoy. Disney was forced to make sure you took your one and to leave some for others. Sounds like a solid business move to me.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Exactly..... they are in business to make money. Don't you think they want MORE people there? To lose a few because they don't like the new system vs gaining many more because they seem to be able to enjoy more of the better rides (because they weren't able to before because other people were taking all the FP's)! For the few that hogged all the FP's (yes, I said hog them because I clearly remember "no more fast pass today" because people abused it and took more than they should have. Think of it like a free sample..... please take one, but there are always people that take until they've had enough, not leaving any left for others to try and enjoy. Disney was forced to make sure you took your one and to leave some for others. Sounds like a solid business move to me.

I concur!

And we are guilty of being able to secure FPs for a second to on a ride.

 

[littlejimmy]

Exactly..... they are in business to make money. Don't you think they want MORE people there? To lose a few because they don't like the new system vs gaining many more because they seem to be able to enjoy more of the better rides (because they weren't able to before because other people were taking all the FP's)! For the few that hogged all the FP's (yes, I said hog them because I clearly remember "no more fast pass today" because people abused it and took more than they should have. Think of it like a free sample..... please take one, but there are always people that take until they've had enough, not leaving any left for others to try and enjoy. Disney was forced to make sure you took your one and to leave some for others. Sounds like a solid business move to me.

not sure how people abused the old system by taking more than they should. please explain. I recall a time that said when I was eligible to get my next one. ands then I got one. wasn't hogging them or taking more than I should have.

 

[cabanafrau]

I concur!

And we are guilty of being able to secure FPs for a second to on a ride.

Wait, a second ride is now an offense to be "guilty" of? If that were the real concern surely it would have been far more cost effective for Disney to simply program the machines to limit a ticket to one FP per attraction per day? To my knowledge the machines didn't do that, but it doesn't sound like that would have been all that difficult to achieve with much less fuss and expenditure.

Going that route might have even allowed Disney to start adding attractions in DHS, Epcot & AK, which would have allowed disbursement of the crowds within those parks, as well as take some of the strain off of MK capacity as well. Yeah, I'm not buying the greedy customer explanation for FP+. If there's concern about greed at Disney it's not hard to find -- just follow the breadcrumbs directly to the offices of the executives who are primarily focused on achieving the increase of their own compensation packages to the exclusion of all else.

 

[momto2girls]

So like many I don't go to DISNEY for one thing but the problem is the negatives are adding up
1. Lousy food
2. Ridiculous amounts of micro planning to enjoy anything.
3. Hit or miss resorts quality. We're actually surprised when we get a clean updated room. How sad is that?
4. Fast pass plus sucks to us
5. I hate the magic bands. I really hate perfect strangers knowing my itinerary.

So it's not just "one" thing. It's quite a few

Now I'm not angry at the changes, I'm actually surprised that our love affair lasted as long as it did. My dvc is up for sale, I'll still do a random trip here or there but for me the aggravation is not worth it for vacation. A job yes, but I'm not supposed to dread planning a vacation.

I'm very lucky in that I've never believed that Disney was the only place on the planet where you can have a magical vacation so I just chalk it up to time to move on

I agree. The things have added up, and we have come to the same conclusion. The addition of FP+ was the final nail in the coffin for us.

We have been long-time Disney fans. DH and I went to WDW at least once a year for the 10 years we were together before our kids came along. Then, once we had children, we went at least once a year, but usually twice a year. Wow, things have gone downhill even since we started taking our kids (older DD just turned 14). Aside from the things mentioned in the quote above, we have also found that there just isn't any slow times anymore. We always go "off season" (late January or early February-- far away from President's Day-- or during mid-to-late September), but the last several times that we went, the parks were completely packed. That, combined with the overplanning required with FP+, has ended the Disney love for us. It's okay. We had a good run. I just wish that my daughters were a little older before it happened (younger daughter is 11).

We also own DVC, and we're putting ours up for sale too. We keep banking our points and last year we ended up letting some of the banked points go to waste (had 100 points that we had no interest in using before they expired, so they ended up not getting used). Obviously, we don't want to keep doing that, so it is time to sell. I hope that they do sell. I never expected to sell our DVC. When we bought it, we thought it would be fun to have when our kids have kids. I never expected that we'd want to sell it a few years later!

Fortunately, we love to travel lots of other places, so it isn't like we won't be enjoying ourselves elsewhere.

 

[JanaDee]

Exactly..... they are in business to make money. Don't you think they want MORE people there? To lose a few because they don't like the new system vs gaining many more because they seem to be able to enjoy more of the better rides (because they weren't able to before because other people were taking all the FP's)! For the few that hogged all the FP's (yes, I said hog them because I clearly remember "no more fast pass today" because people abused it and took more than they should have. Think of it like a free sample..... please take one, but there are always people that take until they've had enough, not leaving any left for others to try and enjoy. Disney was forced to make sure you took your one and to leave some for others. Sounds like a solid business move to me.

It sounds like you don't know how legacy FP worked.

 

[okeydokey]

Does anyone know where attendance is compared to before Fast Pass Plus was implemented? I'm curious how it is working for the numbers.

I have a feeling that if there is going to be a drop off in repeat customers, those numbers really won't be known for a while.

 

[TAX GUY]

It sounds like you don't know how legacy FP worked.

I don't, because the few times we tried to use them, they were closed because no more were left for the day.



Its all OK, to me. No FP, FP legacy or FP+..... I don't care. We went this year and had a great trip. We used our allotted 3 FP's per day. Yes, we planned it well in advance and for us, it wasn't a big deal. We also changed a couple of them while there because when we were near one of the rides that had little to wait, we did stand by, and added a different ride to our FP+. Not everyone like the no system, not everyone liked the old FP and not everyone likes the new FP. For me, I have far more bigger things to worry and complain about. I guess I'm lucky that it worked very well for us and we had no issues with FP or the magic bands.

 

[eliza61]

I agree. The things have added up, and we have come to the same conclusion. The addition of FP+ was the final nail in the coffin for us.

We have been long-time Disney fans. DH and I went to WDW at least once a year for the 10 years we were together before our kids came along. Then, once we had children, we went at least once a year, but usually twice a year. Wow, things have gone downhill even since we started taking our kids (older DD just turned 14). Aside from the things mentioned in the quote above, we have also found that there just isn't any slow times anymore. We always go "off season" (late January or early February-- far away from President's Day-- or during mid-to-late September), but the last several times that we went, the parks were completely packed. That, combined with the overplanning required with FP+, has ended the Disney love for us. It's okay. We had a good run. I just wish that my daughters were a little older before it happened (younger daughter is 11).

We also own DVC, and we're putting ours up for sale too. We keep banking our points and last year we ended up letting some of the banked points go to waste (had 100 points that we had no interest in using before they expired, so they ended up not getting used). Obviously, we don't want to keep doing that, so it is time to sell. I hope that they do sell. I never expected to sell our DVC. When we bought it, we thought it would be fun to have when our kids have kids. I never expected that we'd want to sell it a few years later!

Fortunately, we love to travel lots of other places, so it isn't like we won't be enjoying ourselves elsewhere.

And the great thing is that many, many venues have caught up and or surpassed what Disney use to offer.

Disney as expensive as it is used to be a top tier vacation venue with many other places comparing themselves to the mouse world.
Now that's no longer true (just my opinion). cruises, all inclusive and even Europe have caught onto the "family" travel that keeps everyone entertained.

 

[Kellykins1218]

s

I haven't been on the boards since my last trip almost 3 years ago but I don't remember all the anger at Disney or other posters that I am seeing now. Almost every thread I have tried to use to research all the new changes has people fighting with each other and people complaining about how horrible Disney is. I love planning my trips and the boards have always been a big part of it. I am not having so much fun this go around. Do others feel this way too?

I get that we are paying a great deal for the experience but I don't go for just one specific ride or meal. That seems to be the focus of most of the anger.

We went in June and had a blast. Loved FP+ especially since we got everything we wanted even though we got our tickets the day before we went to the parks, CMs and other guests were friendly, and my tall husband and my big butt fit just fine in 7DMT. I don't let others' attitudes affect my fun. Their experiences aren't my own so I take them with a grain of salt.

 

[Andtototoo]

But folks are saying FP + made it worst.
What did Fp+ do to make this worse? It was the same lot ken on FP- except now I don't have to "run" at park opening to get the FP anymore.

If it works for you, great. I know from experience on tourist trip that we rode 30% fewer rides than before FP+. Less value, period.

Even less cue when my daughter and her friends went in May and none of their magic bands would work for nearly 3 hours and they couldn't get into their rooms OR the parks. They ended missing their first day of ticket usage eentirely. They had to demand to speak to a manager to get a refund and me err got any apology. It's that change in service, value, and attitude that together makes Disney of less value for me.

If you never experience those problems, it's not a problem. But when you save up for vacation and get treated like that? Different story. But hey, US going elsewhere is better for you all, so who cAres until it happens to you.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If it works for you, great. I know from experience on tourist trip that we rode 30% fewer rides than before FP+. Less value, period.

Even less cue when my daughter and her friends went in May and none of their magic bands would work for nearly 3 hours and they couldn't get into their rooms OR the parks. They ended missing their first day of ticket usage eentirely. They had to demand to speak to a manager to get a refund and me err got any apology. It's that change in service, value, and attitude that together makes Disney of less value for me.

If you never experience those problems, it's not a problem. But when you save up for vacation and get treated like that? Different story. But hey, US going elsewhere is better for you all, so who cAres until it happens to you.

That still doesn't explain why tiering specifically is a problem for the example I provided.

If you don't know, it is okay to say so.

All I'm doing is participating in a discussion on the evils of FP+. Where you vacation isn't my concern. I just asked a simple question to which no one is able to offer an answer.