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

[dres40]

I wonder what happens if you have Undercover Tourist tickets linked to MDE? Think the actual tickets themselves would still pull paper fastpasses as part of this test???

Yes, it did for us! For our trip 11/6-11/11 we used our linked UT tickets to get paper fastpasses.
We always used our MB to enter the park.

 

[wn01aa]

I know you aren't going to be to thrilled with this response, but most Cast Members, myself included, are glad that the double dipping is finally going away. Our guests obviously will not realize this, and we don't want or expect them to, but it has been causing us a lot of problems with being efficient. Between guests not knowing FP Return vs Standby, FastPass+ guest problems, double dipping, and DAS Cards, our wait times have gone up and our FastPass lines have been extremely long prior to scanning your band/FP Return. It was better, for us, when it was only paper FastPasses.

Thanks again Hub. I imagine it would be crazy with all the different ticket mediums, and people holding times for FP+ and FP-. I don't see POP going backwards but I would hope they add all the resorts very soon to level the playing field for onsite guests, so POP guests are not isolated for a month or so. I still wish they could make the FP- machines give only 3 FP- passes per ticket per day so that everyone gets 3 and no one can say they are getting more/less. Then capacity could truly be tested and adjusted (maybe increase to 4 or 5, especially in MK).

 

[wordwitt]

I know you aren't going to be to thrilled with this response, but most Cast Members, myself included, are glad that the double dipping is finally going away. Our guests obviously will not realize this, and we don't want or expect them to, but it has been causing us a lot of problems with being efficient. Between guests not knowing FP Return vs Standby, FastPass+ guest problems, double dipping, and DAS Cards, our wait times have gone up and our FastPass lines have been extremely long prior to scanning your band/FP Return. It was better, for us, when it was only paper FastPasses.

I, too, think that FP- just needs to go away so the situation with FP+ can be stabilized and tweaked properly. We were there over Labor Day and loved FP+, but of course there were not as many people using the system, and there was no tiering.

 

[Shaden]

I, too, think that FP- just needs to go away so the situation with FP+ can be stabilized and tweaked properly. We were there over Labor Day and loved FP+, but of course there were not as many people using the system, and there was no tiering.

OMG, a tester who realizes that their awesome experience had more to do with the low numbers of participants than the system itself !?!?!?!

I did not think you existed, thank you for restoring my faith in humanity from the tester side again

Seriously, glad you had an awesome time, but also that you can see the obvious reality that many of the testing experiences are not transferable to the full roll out, wish some others could have that simple perspective.

 

[curemyreed]

Ok, so here's what happened upon check in at Pop tonight... They do not have KTTW cards just like you all expected and we spoke to a supervisor and their hands are completely tied. They are doing this test to see how the MB system works "on its own" without any legacy support. We spoke at length with the CMs and the only way to gain use of the paper FP- is to stay at a participating resort. There was a couple next to us with the same frustration. It was suggested to ask for assistance at the parks but the resort cannot anymore give out KTTW cards. Because we had no prior notice (other than Disboards) and because I had called gust services last night and was told I could "absolutely" get a KTTW card to obtain legacy FP- (and I had it noted on my reservation), they were very helpful in transferring my family to another resort. Pop is our favorite yet we feel like this is an acceptable compromise. Its too bad the front line Pop CMs can only offer to transfer folks -- we were fortunate there was availability. And really all we wanted was to use the same paper fast passes everyone else could obtain. Best of luck to everyone, wish I could have reported something more promising in regards to the testing at Pop being reverted or something.

Thanks for reporting back. When I read your previous post about noting this on your reservation, I didn't feel very confident that you would get the KTTW card FP- access the other resorts guests are receiving. I am so glad there was availability at another resort for you! I changed resorts for my trip in 13 days and hope this doesn't expand to all the resorts before my trip.

 

[Minniekins]

Ok, so here's what happened upon check in at Pop tonight... They do not have KTTW cards just like you all expected and we spoke to a supervisor and their hands are completely tied. They are doing this test to see how the MB system works "on its own" without any legacy support. We spoke at length with the CMs and the only way to gain use of the paper FP- is to stay at a participating resort. There was a couple next to us with the same frustration. It was suggested to ask for assistance at the parks but the resort cannot anymore give out KTTW cards. Because we had no prior notice (other than Disboards) and because I had called gust services last night and was told I could "absolutely" get a KTTW card to obtain legacy FP- (and I had it noted on my reservation), they were very helpful in transferring my family to another resort. Pop is our favorite yet we feel like this is an acceptable compromise. Its too bad the front line Pop CMs can only offer to transfer folks -- we were fortunate there was availability. And really all we wanted was to use the same paper fast passes everyone else could obtain. Best of luck to everyone, wish I could have reported something more promising in regards to the testing at Pop being reverted or something.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Sorry about the info the CM gave you didn't actually pan out in regards to kttw cards, but I'm glad it worked out that you were able to transfer to another resort and can now kttw cards to help out your trip! Good thinking to have them note it on your reservation, I think many guests would have just taken them at their word. Who knows if they'd have been so agreeable to switching you if you hadn't! And glad that you weren't too disappointed to have to switch! Have a fabulous vacation!

 

[Planogirl]

I hope that those with Pop reservations who plan to go during busy holiday periods keep in mind that it might not be possible to transfer to another resort very easily. Of course Disney could add new resorts without legacy fastpass access tomorrow but who knows?

 

[Magicalcarpetride]

I too would like to thank you Hub! While I can't say I'm happy with all the spotty changes, (I wish Disney would just rip the FP- band-aid off and embrace the FP+ change they have invested in) it takes away a lot of the frustration feeling informed. I can only sympathize with you and hope your job gets better quickly. This crazy, agonizing, super secret way Disney has chosen to slowly roll out this system seems so unfair to both park guests AND employees! And it really aggravates me that companies create situations that reward bad behavior by kowtowing to those that can act the ugliest. It's like a slap in the face to the employees.

 

[heycher]

Hi all,

I just want to make sure my understanding is clear. At this time, without "complaining" to someone inside the theme parks, there is no way of getting a card that will pull FP- if you are staying at POP.

I'd be absolutely livid if I was paying money to stay there.

Thanks!

 

[chartle]

Hi all,

I just want to make sure my understanding is clear. At this time, without "complaining" to someone inside the theme parks, there is no way of getting a card that will pull FP- if you are staying at POP.

I'd be absolutely livid if I was paying money to stay there.

Thanks!

Correct. The only people handing out these cards are at the parks at the attraction's FP distribution area and I'm not certain this is at all a WDW wide policy or even specific park wide policy.

Also Its my feeling that since this appears to be an ad hoc policy at one attraction, the higher ups could kill it at anytime.

 

[BigAlsGal]

I'm so confused!!! I have called 5 times and everyone says that we can absolutely opt out of the magic band test and get the old KTTW card. I even spoke to a manager at pop and told her the first hand accounts I'm getting on here and I was assured we would be able to get the KTTW card that accesses the old system. I've got her name so if she's lied she's going to hear from me. Either way I'm getting my KTTW card! Lol I will accept the fact when FP+ fully rolls out that we have to deal with what we've got, until then seeing people grab up all the old fastpasses while we get our measly 1 Eticket ride a day will burn by butt!!!

 

[johnnyf0614]

I'm so confused!!! I have called 5 times and everyone says that we can absolutely opt out of the magic band test and get the old KTTW card. I even spoke to a manager at pop and told her the first hand accounts I'm getting on here and I was assured we would be able to get the KTTW card that accesses the old system. I've got her name so if she's lied she's going to hear from me. Either way I'm getting my KTTW card! Lol I will accept the fact when FP+ fully rolls out that we have to deal with what we've got, until then seeing people grab up all the old fastpasses while we get our measly 1 Eticket ride a day will burn by butt!!!

How did you get a managers name at Pop???
So far I haven't read anyone that is staying at Pop, and getting a KTTW card to be used for FP-. If I were you, and dead set on FP-, I would transfer to another resort. Otherwise, I think you should build your expectation that you'll only get FP+

 

[chartle]

I'm so confused!!! I have called 5 times and everyone says that we can absolutely opt out of the magic band test and get the old KTTW card. I even spoke to a manager at pop and told her the first hand accounts I'm getting on here and I was assured we would be able to get the KTTW card that accesses the old system. I've got her name so if she's lied she's going to hear from me. Either way I'm getting my KTTW card! Lol I will accept the fact when FP+ fully rolls out that we have to deal with what we've got, until then seeing people grab up all the old fastpasses while we get our measly 1 Eticket ride a day will burn by butt!!!

There have been a lot of posts from people saying they talked to someone in the know (CM's, TA's, people at AAA who are Disney trained) that said yes they would get a KTTW card for FP- when they checked in, but didn't get it due to the policy card.

But I too am wondering how you talked to a manager? If you call and ask to be connected the hotel's front desk you get a call center that may not even be in Florida.

 

[BigAlsGal]

How did you get a managers name at Pop???
So far I haven't read anyone that is staying at Pop, and getting a KTTW card to be used for FP-. If I were you, and dead set on FP-, I would transfer to another resort. Otherwise, I think you should build your expectation that you'll only get FP+

The call center made a 3rd party call to a manager at pop and she personally assured me we could still do the old card. I made sure she knew I took her name. She knows my arrival date and my name. I have already attempted to make reservations at another hotel but there are none available. I'm kind of stuck either way. This just sucks!!

 

[johnnyf0614]

The call center made a 3rd party call to a manager at pop and she personally assured me we could still do the old card. I made sure she knew I took her name. She knows my arrival date and my name. I have already attempted to make reservations at another hotel but there are none available. I'm kind of stuck either way. This just sucks!!

Well good luck! Definitely keep us posted on the outcome after you arrive.

 

[rebbyparker]

I hope that those with Pop reservations who plan to go during busy holiday periods keep in mind that it might not be possible to transfer to another resort very easily. Of course Disney could add new resorts without legacy fastpass access tomorrow but who knows?

I cancelled our onsite stay at ASMU. We're going to be staying with friends in Orlando instead of the resort for our Christmas trip. With this kind of uncertainty going on, I'd rather take the chance with FP- than FP+. And I'm actually very relieved about it, no more waiting for policy changes to just appear. When I cancelled the reservation, I did let her know that I was not appreciative about the changes that Disney was implementing. I also let her know that I would not be using the last two days of our tickets on this trip, instead we would be going to Universal. It worked out for us, because I didn't have any ADR's for those two days as we were going to be doing the tour around the resorts to see the Christmas decorations. The CM that I spoke to was very nice and understanding, I mean, really nice. I got the impression that the cast are not any happier than we are about what's going on.

 

[chartle]

The call center made a 3rd party call to a manager at pop and she personally assured me we could still do the old card. I made sure she knew I took her name. She knows my arrival date and my name. I have already attempted to make reservations at another hotel but there are none available. I'm kind of stuck either way. This just sucks!!

A quick follow up, is this for your trip next year in April or one this right around the corner?

Not sure how anyone not higher up in the organization could say for certain whats going to happen in 5 months.

 

[AmyB2006]

I cancelled our onsite stay at ASMU. We're going to be staying with friends in Orlando instead of the resort for our Christmas trip. With this kind of uncertainty going on, I'd rather take the chance with FP- than FP+. And I'm actually very relieved about it, no more waiting for policy changes to just appear. When I cancelled the reservation, I did let her know that I was not appreciative about the changes that Disney was implementing. I also let her know that I would not be using the last two days of our tickets on this trip, instead we would be going to Universal. It worked out for us, because I didn't have any ADR's for those two days as we were going to be doing the tour around the resorts to see the Christmas decorations. The CM that I spoke to was very nice and understanding, I mean, really nice. I got the impression that the cast are not any happier than we are about what's going on.

I'm sure they're getting yelled at on a daily basis by not so understanding customers.

 

[BigAlsGal]

A quick follow up, is this for your trip next year in April or one this right around the corner?

Not sure how anyone not higher up in the organization could say for certain whats going to happen in 5 months.

We arrive in 3 days and she knows that.

 

[chartle]

We arrive in 3 days and she knows that.