[ADVISORY] WDW - MagicBand-Only Testing Begins at Disney's Pop Century Resort

[MJ6987]

Quote (Doconeill): "Not sure where you get that they should be getting additional FP+ in the park...that's never been advertised."

I thought that was always the intention. I'm sure I've read it somewhere. I assumed that the ability to pull FP- was whilst full functionality was being tested / rolled out.

 

[wdwfan1]

We are currently at BWV and have both magic bands and room keys. Either one will open the doors to our villa.

The bands worked great all week.

 

[doconeill]

I'm guessing they would work only if you used the physical ticket for admission. And if you didn't used the magic band or RFID card for admission, would your FP+ still work?

If the UT ticket is linked in MDX, then you can use the MB/KTTW/UT ticket to enter the park, and still be able to pull regular FP with the UT ticket. You can also redeem FP+ with any of them, as they become interchangeable for admission and FP+.

The UT ticket won't open your room, or be used for room purchases (at least I don't believe - not sure anyone has tried...)

If you DON'T link the ticket to MDX, you MUST use the ticket to enter the park - but then you wouldn't be able to make FP+ selections in advance and probably not even at the park.

 

[One Hit Wonder]

If the UT ticket is linked in MDX, then you can use the MB/KTTW/UT ticket to enter the park, and still be able to pull regular FP with the UT ticket. You can also redeem FP+ with any of them, as they become interchangeable for admission and FP+.

The UT ticket won't open your room, or be used for room purchases (at least I don't believe - not sure anyone has tried...)

If you DON'T link the ticket to MDX, you MUST use the ticket to enter the park - but then you wouldn't be able to make FP+ selections in advance and probably not even at the park.

Thanks a ton. I know a little off topic for this thread, but as it currently stands, do I need to enter the park with the UT ticket to pull FP-, or can I enter with a MB and then pull FP- with an UT ticket?

 

[doconeill]

Quote (Doconeill): "Not sure where you get that they should be getting additional FP+ in the park...that's never been advertised."

I thought that was always the intention. I'm sure I've read it somewhere. I assumed that the ability to pull FP- was whilst full functionality was being tested / rolled out.

I've seen it speculated that it would work that way on various blogs, etc. but I have never seen anything from Disney stating that it would be the case that you can get additional FP+.

They could still adjust things, but given that no one can do it now, I don't think they are "punishing" anyone by not allowing it for this test. The "punishment" is just that they can't get regular FP. And from all the statements from CMs involved in FP+, etc. it is now apparent that they do not WANT people using both. They just don't want to spend the time modifying the existing FP system to lock people out that have FP+.

 

[doconeill]

Thanks a ton. I know a little off topic for this thread, but as it currently stands, do I need to enter the park with the UT ticket to pull FP-, or can I enter with a MB and then pull FP- with an UT ticket?

IF your UT ticket is properly linked in your MDX profile, you can enter with the MB and pull regular FP with the ticket.

 

[Jennasis]

For starters, I'm pretty sure Disney's ARMY of lawyers thoroughly went over the legalities and ramifications of testing/opt-out whatever. So don't even bother going there. You'll lose (against Disney's lawyer army.)

And secondly...Who is surprised by this? Anyone? Really?

Those who've been saying that day-of FP will still be an option in the end...still think so? This is looking like they're taking a hard line at 3 FP+...for this phase of the test. Just let me know when they start testing the ability to schedule 3 FP+ in advance AND then schedule additional day-of FP+ reservations on the app/in park kiosk.

 

[doconeill]

For starters, I'm pretty sure Disney's ARMY of lawyers thoroughly went over the legalities and ramifications of testing/opt-out whatever. So don't even bother going there. You'll lose (against Disney's lawyer army.)

And secondly...Who is surprised by this? Anyone? Really?

Those who've been saying that day-of FP will still be an option in the end...still think so? This is looking like they're taking a hard line at 3 FP+...for this phase of the test. Just let me know when they start testing the ability to schedule 3 FP+ AND then schedule additional day-of FP+ reservations on the app.

I'm sure it will be all over these boards...

I should add (as I reported in other threads) that as part of the Swan/Dolphin test, it was a hard 3 FP+, and they they told the guests in front of me they shouldn't also use FP...so they don't want people using both. Makes it seem like the ability to pull regular FP is NOT just in lieu of getting more FP+...

 

[WillAustin]

Those who've been saying that day-of FP will still be an option in the end...still think so? This is looking like they're taking a hard line at 3 FP+...for this phase of the test. Just let me know when they start testing the ability to schedule 3 FP+ in advance AND then schedule additional day-of FP+ reservations on the app/in park kiosk.

The FAQ currently says:

Q. If I don’t make FastPass+ selections in advance, will I be able to experience my favorite attractions at the theme parks?

A. All attractions still provide a standby queue—assuming they are not closed for refurbishment. If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can make FastPass+ selections for attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park.

So if you haven't booked any in advance, you can get your 3 day-of, but I have yet to see any indication they will eventually allow additional FP+s beyond the 3.

 

[dbramer]

FDCC is a conjoined body between ANSI, the FCC, and IEC.
The RFID chip is the PRIMARY product being tested. Room keys, tickets FP+ are subsidiaries. Hence why I feel it falls down to the RFID chip.. I could be wrong, but as I said I deal with this daily and I don't see where i am.

As far as I know, ANSI and IEC do not have any regulatory or legislative authority and the FCC does not have authority over interstate trade, either, which is where this issue would fall. I also know that Disney has a legal team unlike any other in the world and has already worked all the legal angles to protect themselves from any indemnity arising from this test.

Objecting on those grounds or seeking monetary compensation would be met with firm legal support for their testing environment. I feel the argument would be that the RFID technology is final product, but the interface with other systems is what's being tested, not the RFID itself.

FWIW...

 

[wunkmom]

So, um, if all it takes is a working mag strip to pull a FP-, couldn't you use a dead grift card or something and try it? I had heard of people doing this back in sept and oct.

 

[doconeill]

The FAQ currently says:

Q. If I don’t make FastPass+ selections in advance, will I be able to experience my favorite attractions at the theme parks?

A. All attractions still provide a standby queue—assuming they are not closed for refurbishment. If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can make FastPass+ selections for attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park.

So if you haven't booked any in advance, you can get your 3 day-of, but I have yet to see any indication they will eventually allow additional FP+s beyond the 3.

I can see how that could be read to imply you could get more - if "If FastPass+ experiences are still available" is interpreted as there being available slots for the attraction. But it could also apply to your available choices - i.e. have you used your three.

 

[doconeill]

So, um, if all it takes is a working mag strip to pull a FP-, couldn't you use a dead grift card or something and try it? I had heard of people doing this back in sept and oct.

It isn't just having a magstripe, but a VALID ID encoded on the magstripe.

Your shoppers reward card isn't going to work.

However, it was discovered that some (not all) prior KTTW cards could still be used, even though they were not supposed to still be valid. Don't offhand know if this is still the case, or what made one work and another not.

 

[wunkmom]

It isn't just having a magstripe, but a VALID ID encoded on the magstripe. Your shoppers reward card isn't going to work. However, it was discovered that some (not all) prior KTTW cards could still be used, even though they were not supposed to still be valid. Don't offhand know if this is still the case, or what made one work and another not.

Ah, I understand. I guess people were just blowing smoke when they were saying they'd pulled FP- with driver's licenses, old gift cards, etc.

 

[Sammie]

Interesting for sure, to see how this plays out.

 

[doconeill]

Ah, I understand. I guess people were just blowing smoke when they were saying they'd pulled FP- with driver's licenses, old gift cards, etc.

In the early days of Fastpass, it was discovered that practically anything with a magstripe (with at least some data to be read) would work due to some error. They fixed it when it became public.

I've heard some claims more recently when the KTTW loophole was found of being able to use other things, but I found no substantiated claims and I know for a fact that not just anything works.

 

[HopperFan]

So, um, if all it takes is a working mag strip to pull a FP-, couldn't you use a dead grift card or something and try it? I had heard of people doing this back in sept and oct.

In May my kids went to DHS SWW at opening and there was a crush entering. They had 5 day PH. When they got to TSM the FP machine said they had not scanned at gate and "were not in the park." Obviously they were, front gate had not registered and after some conversing CM gave them passes. So their experience was that only a current ticket used at the gate could get them FP- that day.

 

[pdg123]

But for those going to Pop in November and only having access to 3 FP+ for one park per day, will put them at a big disadvantage to other visitors. I know this is part of the testing and in time all resorts and visitors may have same restrictions, but for those in Pop in November are getting shafted.

Unfortunately, someone has to get shafted. You may be disadvantaged this time when you go to the parks but you should not let this difference ruin your vacation. You could still make a good day out at any of the parks with only 3 FP. For instance, at Epcot you make reservations for Soarin', maybe Mission space, and SSE. You could single ride Test Track and if you go early when WS opens manage to ride maelstrom with relatively short waits. Figment, the Seas with Nemo, and the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico all have virtually no waits most days. You could plug more time with one of the shows in WS, or Ellen's ride, or maybe Captain EO fits your fancy. Not to mention the many characters you could meet, and if reasonable, eat at one of the table services.

 

[PrincessKida]

Deleted

 

[rebbyparker]

I could make a great day at Epcot, HS or AK with only 3 FP+. I think it's going to be more difficult at MK. There are so many more rides and experiences in that park that we want to do. So, we'll be planning on RD anyways and hope that we get lucky.