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

[clsteve]

I've said this previously but it's worth saying again. We shouldn't make assumptions on the design goal of FP+ based on the comments of a financial person on a financial call. Yes, it's clear that there are financial considerations and benefits of FP+. However, I'm sure we would get a COMPLETELY different comment about the goal or purpose of FP+ if we sat in on an Imagineering meeting.

Analysts and shareholders take a dim view of C-Levels lying on an analyst call- it tends to do things to share price. Listen to a few, they continually ask about what was presented 7 quarters past.

 

[diskev]

Analysts and shareholders take a dim view of C-Levels lying on an analyst call- it tends to do things to share price. Listen to a few, they continually ask about what was presented 7 quarters past.

Somebody was right, we do need a facepalm.

I didn't suggest he was lying. I believe there's a clear financial benefit. However, everybody keeps making it out as ONLY a financial benefit, and I believe it goes well beyond dollars. This is also about future proofing, increased detail in crowd metrics, enhanced crowd control, personalized experiences, etc. etc. etc. Is the CFO going to talk about that on a financial call? Not likely, it's the wrong audience.

 

[clsteve]

Somebody was right, we do need a facepalm.

I didn't suggest he was lying. I believe there's a clear financial benefit. However, everybody keeps making it out as ONLY a financial benefit, and I believe it goes well beyond dollars. This is also about future proofing, increased detail in crowd metrics, enhanced crowd control, personalized experiences, etc. etc. etc. Is the CFO going to talk about that on a financial call? Not likely, it's the wrong audience.

If there is a completely different focus and direction in the Imagineering meeting from what the CFO is saying, DisneyCo has serious issues beyond FP+.

 

[rebbyparker]

FP+ - Crowd control. MB's - Revenue generation.

 

[WillAustin]

FP+ - Crowd control. MB's - Revenue generation.

I agree with this, and I believe that the intended crowd control doesn't have anything to do with being "fair".

 

[my2minnies]

I just read this post about an hour ago and was so horribly saddened. We had a trip booked for check in on Dec 19th. We have been lucky enough to have been able to go every year for the past 8 years. However because we have gone we have gotten used getting there at rope drop and riding everything and then doing fast passes and riding all of our favorite rides again. I would be fine with having a magic band only if only all the other resorts were offered the same.

It will essentially be impossible for someone who is staying at Pop to get on any ride without waiting in extremely long lines. I will tell you that it will ruin my vacation to be standing in an hour long line while watching all those people with fast passes go ahead of me and my family.

I just called Disney and was able to cancel my vacation with no penalty. Even though it was paid in full I was able to get my deposit back. It took a while and I had to even inform the CMs of this new policy. It is a lot of money to be bitter. I just always have a hard time with things that are not fair.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I just read this post about an hour ago and was so horribly saddened. We had a trip booked for check in on Dec 19th. We have been lucky enough to have been able to go every year for the past 8 years. However because we have gone we have gotten used getting there at rope drop and riding everything and then doing fast passes and riding all of our favorite rides again. I would be fine with having a magic band only if only all the other resorts were offered the same.

It will essentially be impossible for someone who is staying at Pop to get on any ride without waiting in extremely long lines. I will tell you that it will ruin my vacation to be standing in an hour long line while watching all those people with fast passes go ahead of me and my family.

I just called Disney and was able to cancel my vacation with no penalty. Even though it was paid in full I was able to get my deposit back. It took a while and I had to even inform the CMs of this new policy. It is a lot of money to be bitter. I just always have a hard time with things that are not fair.

Aw, that's too bad

I'm so glad you were able to get your deposit back though.

 

[Planogirl]

I just read this post about an hour ago and was so horribly saddened. We had a trip booked for check in on Dec 19th. We have been lucky enough to have been able to go every year for the past 8 years. However because we have gone we have gotten used getting there at rope drop and riding everything and then doing fast passes and riding all of our favorite rides again. I would be fine with having a magic band only if only all the other resorts were offered the same.

It will essentially be impossible for someone who is staying at Pop to get on any ride without waiting in extremely long lines. I will tell you that it will ruin my vacation to be standing in an hour long line while watching all those people with fast passes go ahead of me and my family.

I just called Disney and was able to cancel my vacation with no penalty. Even though it was paid in full I was able to get my deposit back. It took a while and I had to even inform the CMs of this new policy. It is a lot of money to be bitter. I just always have a hard time with things that are not fair.

I'm so sorry. I'm like you in that I want things to feel fair or I can't enjoy myself. Hopefully, you'll be able to go later or will find a great substitute.

 

[rebbyparker]

I just read this post about an hour ago and was so horribly saddened. We had a trip booked for check in on Dec 19th. We have been lucky enough to have been able to go every year for the past 8 years. However because we have gone we have gotten used getting there at rope drop and riding everything and then doing fast passes and riding all of our favorite rides again. I would be fine with having a magic band only if only all the other resorts were offered the same.

It will essentially be impossible for someone who is staying at Pop to get on any ride without waiting in extremely long lines. I will tell you that it will ruin my vacation to be standing in an hour long line while watching all those people with fast passes go ahead of me and my family.

I just called Disney and was able to cancel my vacation with no penalty. Even though it was paid in full I was able to get my deposit back. It took a while and I had to even inform the CMs of this new policy. It is a lot of money to be bitter. I just always have a hard time with things that are not fair.

You have my sympathy. I'm so sorry.

 

[pigletto]

I just read this post about an hour ago and was so horribly saddened. We had a trip booked for check in on Dec 19th. We have been lucky enough to have been able to go every year for the past 8 years. However because we have gone we have gotten used getting there at rope drop and riding everything and then doing fast passes and riding all of our favorite rides again. I would be fine with having a magic band only if only all the other resorts were offered the same.

It will essentially be impossible for someone who is staying at Pop to get on any ride without waiting in extremely long lines. I will tell you that it will ruin my vacation to be standing in an hour long line while watching all those people with fast passes go ahead of me and my family.

I just called Disney and was able to cancel my vacation with no penalty. Even though it was paid in full I was able to get my deposit back. It took a while and I had to even inform the CMs of this new policy. It is a lot of money to be bitter. I just always have a hard time with things that are not fair.

I get it. I really do. There was a time I wanted to cancel because of all of the problems I was having before I even got there. My confidence in Disney is pretty low right now. Unfortunately I was locked in to my dates and would have lost quite a bit of money on plane tickets and my point rental so I went ahead with our plans. I am glad I did because it's just kind of forced me to make the best of this, but I do understand wanting no part of it.
My only concern for you is that you will likely see this being rolled out to many if not all of the resorts in the next little while, and then it won't be so unfair and maybe you could enjoy your trip more?
At any rate, people are speaking with their money and I think that's a good thing. I don't think it will change much unfortunately but you shouldn't have to accept all these changes with a smile on your face. You get to make the decisions that are best for you and your family and your wallet.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I just read this post about an hour ago and was so horribly saddened. We had a trip booked for check in on Dec 19th. We have been lucky enough to have been able to go every year for the past 8 years. However because we have gone we have gotten used getting there at rope drop and riding everything and then doing fast passes and riding all of our favorite rides again. I would be fine with having a magic band only if only all the other resorts were offered the same.

It will essentially be impossible for someone who is staying at Pop to get on any ride without waiting in extremely long lines. I will tell you that it will ruin my vacation to be standing in an hour long line while watching all those people with fast passes go ahead of me and my family.

I just called Disney and was able to cancel my vacation with no penalty. Even though it was paid in full I was able to get my deposit back. It took a while and I had to even inform the CMs of this new policy. It is a lot of money to be bitter. I just always have a hard time with things that are not fair.

I'm sorry you cancelled your vacation, but I'm not sure why. The POP test, as far as we know, will be over 11/19 and would not impact your trip whatsoever.

 

[rt2dz]

I'm sorry you cancelled your vacation, but I'm not sure why. The POP test, as far as we know, will be over 11/19 and would not impact your trip whatsoever.

It has already been confirmed that it will not likely be ending 11/19, that is just the date that it disappears from the CM Hub as a notice. It can very likely be permanent, especially since this a test and adjust phase.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

It has already been confirmed that it will not likely be ending 11/19, that is just the date that it disappears from the CM Hub as a notice. It can very likely be permanent, especially since this a test and adjust phase.

I doubt it, but by even so, POP won't be the only resort in that position, which is what the poster was concerned about.

 

[pigletto]

I doubt it, but by even so, POP won't be the only resort in that position, which is what the poster was concerned about.

You doubt what? The person who started this thread to inform us of this new development said it themselves ..

The test begins on November 14. The Advisory End Date is November 19, however, that is not the final day of the test. This is no longer the testing phase, this is the test-and-adjust phase. Next phase would be the rollout. The advisory end date is just the date that it will disappear from our advisories, as we need to know that information by that day.

Why would they start taking away the ability to double dip for one resort only to give it back 5 days later? Exactly what would that accomplish?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

You doubt what? The person who started this thread to inform us of this new development said it themselves ..

Why would they start taking away the ability to double dip for one resort only to give it back 5 days later? Exactly what would that accomplish?

No, I get your point. But if they are testing and adjusting, who knows what they might do.

 

[doconeill]

I doubt it, but by even so, POP won't be the only resort in that position, which is what the poster was concerned about.

Not sure why you have doubts...so far every "test" since they started the rollout even with an announced "end date" hasn't ended.

I expect this to not only continue, but to escalate to other resorts very rapidly.

 

[rebbyparker]

You doubt what? The person who started this thread to inform us of this new development said it themselves ..

Why would they start taking away the ability to double dip for one resort only to give it back 5 days later? Exactly what would that accomplish?

Yes, it seems to be the consensus that another resort or two will just be added at the end of that phase.

 

[Sabbie]

I just read this post about an hour ago and was so horribly saddened. We had a trip booked for check in on Dec 19th. We have been lucky enough to have been able to go every year for the past 8 years. However because we have gone we have gotten used getting there at rope drop and riding everything and then doing fast passes and riding all of our favorite rides again. I would be fine with having a magic band only if only all the other resorts were offered the same.

It will essentially be impossible for someone who is staying at Pop to get on any ride without waiting in extremely long lines. I will tell you that it will ruin my vacation to be standing in an hour long line while watching all those people with fast passes go ahead of me and my family.

I just called Disney and was able to cancel my vacation with no penalty. Even though it was paid in full I was able to get my deposit back. It took a while and I had to even inform the CMs of this new policy. It is a lot of money to be bitter. I just always have a hard time with things that are not fair.

Just wanted to mention, though I'm unsure of how quickly it would roll out, you could have moved resorts to one of the All Stars or paid a little extra for a moderate to avoid what's going on at Pop.

That being said, I feel for you. I hope you have a nice Disney trip in the future.

 

[stairstepmom]

I completely understand the feeling of abandoning ship. If we woulfnt have lost $11k in point rental, UTC tix we foolishly opened and linked to MDE - making them unreturnable - and airfare, we would've canceled too.

As it is, we're going to make the best of it and try to have a fabulous trip. I almost see it as a last hurrah for a while, as Disney for our large family is such a huge expense and was already a planning headache before MicroManagement+ entered the picture, I don't like feeling I'm getting less for our money. We were even considering buying into DVC in the next three years! It's amusing to me that Disney did all this to make more money and maybe new blood will still meet their quota, but from our family they'll be losing $30,000 in trips we would've definitely taken in the next four years and potentially much more than that if we had bought DVC.

I am hoping our trip goes well, but I admit I plan to secretly stash every receipt so that if we encounter a lot of problems I can send all of those receipts along with a polite letter pointing out the amount of revenue they won't be seeing from us again

 

[BridgetR3]

I doubt it, but by even so, POP won't be the only resort in that position, which is what the poster was concerned about.

The "end date" for the CM Hub is the date that the announcement ends on their system not the end of the test. It's just that it will be old news by then and they will have new announcements to post.

I do agree however that this seems to be the beginning of the end of double dipping at the resorts. I expect the other resorts to follow fast and furiously.