Adding offsite guests to FP+ selections?

[ckelly14]

I would also consider just one night on site (value), to get magic bands and (probably) be able to book FP+ for the entire stay. May be worth $100. what kind of passes does your family have?

 

[seashoreCM]

Using a resort pool is not a good analogy regarding Fastpass Plus.

Facilities in the resorts may be restricted to guests staying at the resorts.

Meanwhile, facilities and benefits in the park should be open on an equal footing to each guest entering the park.

Regarding running a corporation and satisfying the stockholders, Disney does not have enough restaurant capacity for guests during peak and even moderate attendance days. This is sort of a hidden dirty secret that doesn't get revealed until guests book dining packages and can't use the packages during normal mealtimes.

 

[disneyphun]

The whole reason I started this thread was to address the fact that there is a good possibility that my extended family (onsite & offsite) will not be able to utilize the same FP system in April. I have no issue with onsite guests getting additional incentives, in fact, I think it's a good business practice. I also understand that the FP situation this April will likely be temporary, as Disney eventually plans to offer FP+ to offsite guests.

The problem I have is that they aren't offering an easy method to allow my family to use a common system during this interim period. Assuming by April that all onsite guests are tied to Magic Bands (i.e. no KTTW cards) and offsite guests are still using FP-, my group will be split between two systems. Why not allow onsite guests to "opt out" of FP+ on the days that they'll be at the parks with offsite guests? I'd have no problem forgoing FP+ so everyone in my group could utilize the same system...

 

[AmyB2006]

The whole reason I started this thread was to address the fact that there is a good possibility that my extended family (onsite & offsite) will not be able to utilize the same FP system in April. I have no issue with onsite guests getting additional incentives, in fact, I think it's a good business practice. I also understand that the FP situation this April will likely be temporary, as Disney eventually plans to offer FP+ to offsite guests.

The problem I have is that they aren't offering an easy method to allow my family to use a common system during this interim period. Assuming by April that all onsite guests are tied to Magic Bands (i.e. no KTTW cards) and offsite guests are still using FP-, my group will be split between two systems. Why not allow onsite guests to "opt out" of FP+ on the days that they'll be at the parks with offsite guests? I'd have no problem forgoing FP+ so everyone in my group could utilize the same system...

You're right, there is no "easy" method right now.

You can opt out. Sort of. Don't attach your tickets to MDE. Then you can use your ticket media to pull FP- IF that system is even still around in April. But you wouldn't be able to use FP+.

Yes, I can see this would be aggravating if I were in your shoes.

But don't stress too much just yet. By April, they could have off-site guests online with FP+. Anything can happen by April.

ETA... This is also assuming that all resorts will be online by then too with not issuing KTTW cards. I think it's a good assumption they will be, but you never know.

 

[CarolynU]

I would also consider just one night on site (value), to get magic bands and (probably) be able to book FP+ for the entire stay. May be worth $100. what kind of passes does your family have?

I have an annual and as yet my son and his wife don't have tickets as it isn't certain that they can get time off.

 

[ckelly14]

I have an annual and as yet my son and his wife don't have tickets as it isn't certain that they can get time off.

If I was going in April, especially around Easter, I would be concerned about not having FP+. I'm concerned enough that I have two reservations right now for June; one onsite at a value, another at the Dolphin. I am keeping all room and tickets separate for maximum flexibility. I expect that something will be done with FP+ for "off site" guests and I assume this will be similar to current on site offer, but who knows. I'm staying flexible. I think you have until at least Feb (60 day window) to make a decision.

 

[btk2333]

Meanwhile, facilities and benefits in the park should be open on an equal footing to each guest entering the park.

So should emh benefits be extended to off site guests as well?

Room charging benefits/ privileges?

Disney parks and hotels serve the same purpose- to make disney money- they make more money when people fill their hotel rooms and visit the parks. Therefore they want to give people extra incentive to stay on property. They want to give benefits that people actually want I use because it makes people more likely to stay on property. It makes sense to give on site people more benefits so people want to stay on property. That seems totally "fair" to me.

 

[rebbyparker]

So should emh benefits be extended to off site guests as well?

Room charging benefits/ privileges?

Disney parks and hotels serve the same purpose- to make disney money- they make more money when people fill their hotel rooms and visit the parks. Therefore they want to give people extra incentive to stay on property. They want to give benefits that people actually want I use because it makes people more likely to stay on property. It makes sense to give on site people more benefits so people want to stay on property. That seems totally "fair" to me.

Ok, this is just sad. I realise that Disney is out to make all the money they possibly can, but families absolutely should have the opportunity to ride the same ride TOGETHER once they're IN the park, whether staying on or offsite. And I have a little (only a very little, mind you) faith that Disney will have a plan to address the situation. And don't hand me standby, sheesh.

 

[disneyphun]

So should emh benefits be extended to off site guests as well?

Room charging benefits/ privileges?

I totally agree with you that EMH, room charging, etc. are key onsite benefits that disney SHOULD use to make staying at their resorts a more attractive option, that's just smart business. My complaint is that during this transitional phase they're not easily allowing large groups (mixed onsite and offsite) to use a common system. If FP+ is an onsite benefit (for now) they should let me opt out of that benefit on the days we'll be with our offsite family...just like I can choose not to use EMH, room charging, etc.

I'll be at wdw over Easter, so the parks will be packed. Assuming onsite and offsite are still using separate systems at that time, I'm very concerned that our group won't be able to enjoy the day together.

 

[HookdonWDW]

My complaint is that during this transitional phase they're not easily allowing large groups (mixed onsite and offsite) to use a common system. If FP+ is an onsite benefit (for now) they should let me opt out of that benefit on the days we'll be with our offsite family...just like I can choose not to use EMH, room charging, etc.

I'll be at wdw over Easter, so the parks will be packed. Assuming onsite and offsite are still using separate systems at that time, I'm very concerned that our group won't be able to enjoy the day together.

If I recall correctly, aren't you an AP holder? As such, from what I've read, you should be able to pull FP- (if it is still available at Easter) using your AP, and ride with your extended family. You won't be able to give them onsite benefits since they're staying offsite (which you've stated you agree with), but you can choose not to pull FP+ on those days.

 

[PatMcDuck]

No, I realise that. But they are going to have to make some special arrangements to ensure the family rides together, I would think. I would just hope that they have some plan in place so that families are not split up once they're in the parks and want to ride the same rides together.


They have several options if they want to "ride together". #1, wait in the standby line together. #2, get the old fashioned FP at the same time, for the same ride, so the whole group has matching FP times.

I think Disney should leave onsite guests an advantage over offsite guests, it makes sense and will help them keep their hotels full. It will also limit locals from taking up lots of FP+ slots. Tourist guests spend more $$ on food, souivies, etc.than locals.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Oh I wasn't aware. We stay at the DVC Villas and there's no extra charge. Well I probably wouldn't do that either then. :/

The per room charge for 3rd adult in a standard room varies by type of hotel, the values, moderates and deluxes are different. I think the deluxe is $20/day ?? I had to pay it in October, but can't remember. Maybe it was $25.

 

[disneyphun]

If I recall correctly, aren't you an AP holder? As such, from what I've read, you should be able to pull FP- (if it is still available at Easter) using your AP, and ride with your extended family. You won't be able to give them onsite benefits since they're staying offsite (which you've stated you agree with), but you can choose not to pull FP+ on those days.

Unfortunately, I'm not an annual passholder. So the only potential solution is to not link our tickets to our MDE accounts...which will not allow my family to use FP+ at all. Since we're going to be there for a week and we're only planning to go to MK one of those days with our offsite family, this becomes a difficult decision for us.

Hopefully things will improve by April...