After reading hundreds of posts about FP+.....

From a technological standpoint I certainly agree with all this - I did misunderstand you and thought you were referring to the rules that were in place for FP+ as a comparison to FP-.

Cool. Then I'll refer back to something in my original post. I think people who are upset with the new system should write to Disney with their thoughts but do it smartly. Read these two lines and ask yourself which Disney would more likely take into considerartion.

A) I just got back from Disney and FP+ sucks, I hate everything about it and it ruined my trip. Guess Universal got another customer.

B) I just got back from Disney and experienced the new FP+ experience. Let me say that I really liked the ability to use my smartphone instead of running around the park like crazy pulling paper. However I really think the limits were extreme and detracted from my families experience. I had a park hopper on my ticket and felt like it didn't have any value. I also would have liked....

The money spent on FP+ was for the technology and the system, not the rules. The system is here to stay and my guess is the rules will continue to evolve (it sounds like a first change to the rules may come around sooner than later).
 
A poster that just came back said they asked for the cards and were denied.

Could it have been a miscommunication? You can no longer get the old KTTW cards that allowed you to use legacy FP machines. You can definitely still get RFID KTTW cards if you request them- it's even in the emailer that went out yesterday about FP+
 
fast pass + sucks as a whole. Basically disney took a big giant dump on the theme park experience.

Not enough passes, eliminates the rewards for the die hard theme park goers that want to hustle, the IT behind my magic is absolute garbage, and the general lack of vision for fast pass + is ridiculous.


Not to mention that there should never be a pirates, HM, Spaceship Earth, etc fast pass. I mean ever. Whoever threw that idea on the table should be fired immediately and then required to come to this message board and apologize for being an idiot.

sorry to disagree with you because I too am appalled that Small World and Carpets have FP - who'd have thunk? But I think they are going to have to convert every attraction/ ride that they can to FP in order to be able to "give" everyone 3 FP per day. Look out Carousel of Progress, Backlot Tour and Peoplemover your day is probably coming! Everyone (including me!) wants more than 3 FP per day - they are going to have to make more things possible to FP in order to have 'enough' during the really busy times.

We tend to travel during the 'off' season so it's not really a problem for us to get FP and good ones but I worry about the Christmas folks - here you go a FP for Small World, Peoplemover and Carousel of Progress - congratulations enjoy your day!
 
Cool. Then I'll refer back to something in my original post. I think people who are upset with the new system should write to Disney with their thoughts but do it smartly. Read these two lines and ask yourself which Disney would more likely take into considerartion.

A) I just got back from Disney and FP+ sucks, I hate everything about it and it ruined my trip. Guess Universal got another customer.

B) I just got back from Disney and experienced the new FP+ experience. Let me say that I really liked the ability to use my smartphone instead of running around the park like crazy pulling paper. However I really think the limits were extreme and detracted from my families experience. I had a park hopper on my ticket and felt like it didn't have any value. I also would have liked....

The money spent on FP+ was for the technology and the system, not the rules. The system is here to stay and my guess is the rules will continue to evolve (it sounds like a first change to the rules may come around sooner than later).

You mentioned earlier that you haven't read a complaint about the new system, only its rules, so I'm guessing that you didn't see my post from earlier. One of the big things I do dislike about the system is the reliance on certain technology in place (and a lot of people who do use the tech required have valid complaints about the its usability that I encourage you to read). I can't use part of the MM+ system that is reliant on certain smart technology, and neither can my family. None of us own devices that work with the system. For me, it doesn't matter, since I'm in the parks all the time as a college program student. I have no reason at this point to complain about FP+, as I have the time here to wait out the kinks and bugs. But what would annoy me as a non-CP visitor with my particular limitations would be the fact that I cannot use the technology that is supposed to benefit me. Without the ability to function within the app, the benefits of FP+ decrease dramatically, as some of the benefits like choosing times become much more difficult to do without the technology. I will not buy a particular device just so that I can use it for one app on my vacation, and I think a lot of people without that technology feel the same way. For us, the new system that I can agree is great for many people, actually does not really benefit me in the way that I tour. Like I said in my post, as far as I'm concerned, I prefer the paper.
 

I was there in October 2013 and had a great time with the bands.. just "tap and go"! it was great. we scheduled what we wanted and had no issues. I hear other's complaints and frustrations with the new system, but as with anything new, change is a process. I'm sorry that some feel that this has altered their feelings about WDW and decide to vacation elsewhere. however, all that does is shorten the wait times and adds more FP when previously avid WDW travelers decide not to go!! more room for me!!!!!!!!
 
It seems like there are two major complaints and one other complaint that is a notch lower.

1) Tiering at Epcot, AK and DHS
2) Limiting FP+ to only 3 per day
and to a less extent
3) Needing to plan anywhere from 1-60 days before you go

All valid complaints. And they would be complaints whether these rules were applied to the paper system or the new RFID system. You also forgot the limit of one park per day. That's rumored to be addressed in the future, but that doesn't help anyone who goes before that change is implemented.

The first two are easily rectified by Disney using their existing system if they discover that those limits aren't needed based on the flow. I'm sure Disney will monitor the wait times of the FP+ queues and if they are too fast they will allow more people to get into those lines. If FP+ queues are very long then it means that there is a capacity issue and people are really complaining that more people are using FP+ as compared to FP- which to Disney is a positive.

The first two are rectified by creating new attractions to absorb the demand created by increasing attendance. Instead, Disney has chosen to ration the existing attractions.

My guess is that eventually Disney will allow a floating number of FP+ moving forward where you could perhaps only book 3 in advance but at the park based on minimal queues in certain FP+ rides allow you to book more FP through the kiosks and app. So if I'm in a standby line for SM and check my app about what to do next and see an available FP+ for Dumbo I can grab it. This might allow me get to more than 3 for the day and maybe up to 6 or 7 like before.

This is a huge assumption. If by some strange chance this was implemented, AND the technology worked properly, it's highly doubtful anything left available at that point would be useful/desirable to most visitors.

I guess my main point is that there is no reason that FP+ can't do the same things as FP- but it is better b/c you can use bands and an app where before you had to pull paper.

"Better" is certainly subjective. In January, when the weather was cold, I had to free up my hands to roll my jacket and sleeves up in order to line up the band. This was both inconvenient and quite cold. Also, I traveled alone and don't own a smartphone or tablet, so had no access to the app. I'll be traveling again at the beginning of March with three other people who also don't have smartphones or tablets, and no access to the app. Paper was "better" for me.

The issues right now is that they are still figuring it all out. Sure it will end up slightly different since more people will have access but while Superusers will be frustrated most users will end up better off. So people are very upset b/c they think the current workings of FP+ (which aren't perfect) are how they will be for the next 10 years.

I honestly don't care how it will work in 10 years. I care how it worked at the end of January when I was there spending my money and having my trip affected. I care how it will work at the beginning of March when I will be there with my family, spending my money and it is affecting our trip.

For the record, I didn't consider myself a "superuser" since I go either in September or January with low crowds. I would use FP as needed, which meant on a slow day at AK or HS I might not use any FP at all. But I still felt the FP+ affects.

So instead of sending your complain to Disney about how FP+ ruined your trip and you'll never go back, instead explain the things you liked about FP+ (the bands, ability to see things on the app) and how if they can streamline that with allowing you the ability to find low wait lines and grab a few more FP how that would be awesome.

The bands are part of MyMagic+ and it's sometimes difficult to remember not to lump them in with the FP+ arguments. That said, not everyone likes the bands. The RFID tech is still glitchy. Some don't like the colors. Some don't like anything on their wrists. I'm an adult with a small wrist and even after sizing it down by removing the grey part, it still felt bulky and never seemed to "sit right" on my wrist. Some people wear watches, which leads to an odd choice of either wearing both on one arm, or wearing the band on the right. I can tell you from personal experience that wearing the band on the right makes for an awkward park entrance.

And again, I can't use the app, but from reading comments from those who do, it's nothing to celebrate.

Also, low lines are a thing of the past since rides that never needed FP+ now have it. For example, I've gone in late January for the last 4 years. Pirates has always been walk on, at MOST less than 10 minutes, at any time of the day, but with FP+ this past January it was consistently 25 - 30 minutes, sometimes up to 40 minutes. Same with Haunted Mansion. Even Figment had a wait time, which I've personally never seen before.


Disclaimer - My first trip to Disney using FP+ is in April so I haven't experienced it yet but I will go into it with a positive attitude but certainly understand there will be issues and hopefully in the upcoming months and years Disney will figure out the way to make the experience the best for everybody.

My trip in March will be my tenth since 2008, so I have experienced the parks with FP with no end time, FP with one hour window and so far two different incarnations of FP+ (I was also there this past September). Please don't presume to tell me how to properly complain to Disney.

I know how I like to tour and I know how the new rules and new system affect my trip. Not everyone is saying their trip is "ruined" and not everyone is saying they will never go back. I certainly understand anyone who says they will wait to see how it all shakes out before going back. I've been trying to go with this particular family member in March for 2 years. If not that for that, I'd be waiting to go back, too.
 
How is this an advantage? If there is a ride you really want to go on, you make the effort to get there early and ride it, or wait in line. The whole idea of FP+ really sucks for people like me that live a few hours away and might take a quick trip to Disney for the weekend to ride our favorite rides only to deal with this ridiculous system and have to sacrifice one family member's favorite ride for another. Or be forced to wait in ridiculous lines.

I, as a Florida resident, am not happy and don't plan on visiting Disney anytime soon due to this change. At least Universal gives a true perk for staying in their parks.

As a FL resident myself I see FP+ giving us locals the biggest boost. We can decide to head to WDW for the evening/weekend and have our headliners reserved without having to be at RD. I dislike many things about the system but if anything I think it helps us locals the most. Example: Fiancé and I had to go pick up two paintings from Wyland Galleries at the Boardwalk. The night before we picked a FP for TT, Mission Space, and The Land. Mind you we would of much preferred to have Soarin & TT but the fact we got TT at all considering we did not enter Epcot till after 5 is pretty nice and would of never happened with legacy FP.
 
In its current state, I don't believe FP+ had been a positive for Disney or it's guests overall.

I will lump FP+ & MBs together because if you are an onsite guest, your FPs are held on your MB. If the MB isn't functioning properly, FPs, park entrance and room access can be affected.

Having been there in January and dealt with about 5 hours of "fixing" the MBs throughout the course of our stay because sometimes the room key didn't work, sometimes the FP didn't display, sometimes the park entrance didn't work...well let's just say that I'm Not thinking it's a big positive right now.

And frankly, my biggest issue wasn't so much the "bugs" and the time spent working them out, although I didn't love wasting hours if my vacation time I do work in IT so understand Go Live and what it entails. My biggest gripe was CMs who must know that the new system has bugs and they were arguing with us when the FP didn't work from the MB. We had a FP scheduled for TOT, it was recorded on our smartphone app, the band didn't work, showed the CM the app so he could see the FP booking and we kept getting "if the Mickey head doesn't turn green I can't let you in". We finally said "we'll find us someone who can" at which point he waved us through. That's annoying, especially since we had proof on THEIR app that we all had the FP reservation. And it was not an isolated incident. It happened a few times during the course of our trip to us and to others we were travelling with.

So while they're "working out the bugs" their directive should be "don't argue with the guest. If they can show you their proof on
The app then just do it".
 
I've now read a couple of complaints from the non-smartphone owning individuals saying the new system is worse for them. While I certainly understand that this new system does put them at a disadvantage the argument is essentially that Disney shouldn't embrace new technology since not all users have adapted to it.

Smartphones offer some incredible things to owners and I would think a vast majority of Disney vacationers have at least one person in their party who own a smartphone. Those who don't can still use a computer beforehand and reserve FP+. I have to imagine that Disney will continue to embrace new technologies moving forward.
 
I've now read a couple of complaints from the non-smartphone owning individuals saying the new system is worse for them. While I certainly understand that this new system does put them at a disadvantage the argument is essentially that Disney shouldn't embrace new technology since not all users have adapted to it.

Smartphones offer some incredible things to owners and I would think a vast majority of Disney vacationers have at least one person in their party who own a smartphone. Those who don't can still use a computer beforehand and reserve FP+. I have to imagine that Disney will continue to embrace new technologies moving forward.

I think it would be nice, for those who do not own Smartphones, if Disney offered the ability to rent a smartphone or device for the day (for a price obviously) like a stroller rental (only for in the park and then turn it back in). They could be configured just for using the app and the wifi in the parks so that those who are complaining about being at a disadvantage could either use the kiosks or rent a device for the day. That would be a nice option until however many years pass and nearly everyone has a smartphone (at least that's the way I think the world is going). I do understand however that many people still do no own them so, it might be a nice perk for Disney to offer that. Just an idea...
 
My trip in March will be my tenth since 2008, so I have experienced the parks with FP with no end time, FP with one hour window and so far two different incarnations of FP+ (I was also there this past September). Please don't presume to tell me how to properly complain to Disney.

I know how I like to tour and I know how the new rules and new system affect my trip. Not everyone is saying their trip is "ruined" and not everyone is saying they will never go back. I certainly understand anyone who says they will wait to see how it all shakes out before going back. I've been trying to go with this particular family member in March for 2 years. If not that for that, I'd be waiting to go back, too.

I'm referencing a few things in your response to my first post which isn't quoted above.

Complaining about it being cold and needing to line up your bands is really quite surprising as anything you are using your bands for you needed to use your room key and/or a paper FP- before. I guess you could have been wearing gloves but to complain about some pretty impressive technology (once the bugs are worked out) b/c you have a few seconds of exposed skin in Florida really feels like you're simply complaining for the sake of complaining. There are tons of posts of people loving the simplicity of the band and not needing a room key/credit card and simply waving their band (again initial bugs not withstanding).

"Also, low lines are a thing of the past since rides that never needed FP+ now have it. For example, I've gone in late January for the last 4 years. Pirates has always been walk on, at MOST less than 10 minutes, at any time of the day, but with FP+ this past January it was consistently 25 - 30 minutes, sometimes up to 40 minutes. Same with Haunted Mansion. Even Figment had a wait time, which I've personally never seen before. "

What about the new FP+ would lead to a longer line other than more people being in the park and more people using the new system? I guess there could have been initial bugs but those need to be worked out and just think where our country would be if we weren't willing to roll out new things in fear of a few small bumps along the way. I just don't follow the rationale that FP+ is leading to increased wait times across the board for no other reason than FP+. More likely it is due to increased park attendance (take a look at Disney's financial reports) and you would almost certainly be facing the same lines with FP-

While I understand that people don't care about how positive the overall experience will be for people 6 months, 24 months and years in the future, Disney certainly does. The Fantasyland construction was a nuisance and negatively affected people for years but look how things are now. There is a balance that Disney must find between current experience vs. future and that isn't going to change at Disney or anywhere else.

Look, I am going to be negatively impacted on my next trip to Disney outside of some big rule changes. I've been to Disney 3 times in the last 4 years and we always utilized FP- to its fullest. We park hop and will often go to MK in the morning and hit up Epcot later in the day for dinner. In my perfect world I would like the new system with the old rules and the old allocation (essentially knowledgeable people only using it) however I recognize that won't happen. I will instead focus on the positives (no more running across the park to get a paper ticket for no other reason than wanting to go on a ride two hours later and I'm also looking forward to my first experience on TSMM. In the past we would always get to DHS early in the day but b/c of either a breakfast reservation or simply the factor of having two kids we could never get a FP- until 3-4 hours after we arrived. We would never spend that long in DHS to make it worthwhile.
 
What happened to the "E" tickets?

this is the same thing - we only get 3 E tickets.... and done...

only now our E tickets are with our smart phones... why did Disney do away with E tickets? Who are they trying to fool?
 
For me, MB/FP+ was an unqualified win.

1) I had a fantastic arrival day. We rode Splash, BTMRR, and Space Mtn in the evening and then watched the fireworks.
2) Loved the Magicbands - worked perfectly!
3) Loved being able to arrive at the parks later and still ride some headliners.

My last trip was my favorite ever, the most relaxing and fun, and I can't wait to go back!
 
I'm one of the RD people who would get several sets of FP-. I'm not in the "I don't like anything FP+" camp, but I do have, what I consider very valid issues with FP+. I don't mind the MB themselves, it seems like it would be a little more convenient to have everything at the ready when needed. My major problem is that Disney is requiring me to tour their way instead of mine. We all pay huge costs to go and enjoy DW, and I feel like they've taken the way WE like to see the world and turned it into, here is how you have to do it now! For example, we like to ride RnR, ToT, TSM, TT, all the top rides multiple times. We would arrive early, ride a couple of headliners, get FP- at the appropriate times, ride the less popular rides to pass the time, and use our FP- when our time came around. What Disney is saying to us now is, you can only have a FP+ for one of your favorites (tiers) and then you'll have to wait in line if you want to ride again. We're also only going to let you have 3 FP+, and even though you're going to give us extra money to park hop, you can't have any FP+ for the park you're hopping to.

I realize that this system is more desirable for those folks who like to sleep in, but that's their choice, just as mine is to arrive early so that I can ride my favorite rides multiple times. I would be fine with this system if they'd only up the number of FP+ you're allowed, even if only by 1, remove the tiers!!!!!, and let the people who pay the extra to PH or have AP, have the option of getting FP+ at multiple parks.

I did write a letter politely stating, what we like and what will drastically change our vacation experience. A Disney rep called and talked to me for more than 15 minutes. She stated that she was hearing the exact same thing over and over again, and that Disney is seriously considering altering some of the rules they currently have. FP+ is here to stay, but with a few changes, I think it will be helpful to everyone's style of touring the parks. Just my take.... :rolleyes1
 
What happened to the "E" tickets?

this is the same thing - we only get 3 E tickets.... and done...

only now our E tickets are with our smart phones... why did Disney do away with E tickets? Who are they trying to fool?

Bravo.
 
I was there in October 2013 and had a great time with the bands.. just "tap and go"! it was great. we scheduled what we wanted and had no issues. I hear other's complaints and frustrations with the new system, but as with anything new, change is a process.

With all due respect, your experience in October is not reflective of what is happening now. Indeed, when you were there and FP+ was being tested and FP- was running in the background with double-dipping still possible, you experienced FP nirvana. The complaints that you are reading now are tailored specifically to FP+ under the full roll-out. To steal the phrase of the people who insisted that you have to try FP+ before you bash it, I would say that you have to try the current iteration of FP+ before you praise it.
 
I'm one of the RD people who would get several sets of FP-. I'm not in the "I don't like anything FP+" camp, but I do have, what I consider very valid issues with FP+. I don't mind the MB themselves, it seems like it would be a little more convenient to have everything at the ready when needed. My major problem is that Disney is requiring me to tour their way instead of mine. We all pay huge costs to go and enjoy DW, and I feel like they've taken the way WE like to see the world and turned it into, here is how you have to do it now! For example, we like to ride RnR, ToT, TSM, TT, all the top rides multiple times. We would arrive early, ride a couple of headliners, get FP- at the appropriate times, ride the less popular rides to pass the time, and use our FP- when our time came around. What Disney is saying to us now is, you can only have a FP+ for one of your favorites (tiers) and then you'll have to wait in line if you want to ride again. We're also only going to let you have 3 FP+, and even though you're going to give us extra money to park hop, you can't have any FP+ for the park you're hopping to.

I realize that this system is more desirable for those folks who like to sleep in, but that's their choice, just as mine is to arrive early so that I can ride my favorite rides multiple times. I would be fine with this system if they'd only up the number of FP+ you're allowed, even if only by 1, remove the tiers!!!!!, and let the people who pay the extra to PH or have AP, have the option of getting FP+ at multiple parks.

I did write a letter politely stating, what we like and what will drastically change our vacation experience. A Disney rep called and talked to me for more than 15 minutes. She stated that she was hearing the exact same thing over and over again, and that Disney is seriously considering altering some of the rules they currently have. FP+ is here to stay, but with a few changes, I think it will be helpful to everyone's style of touring the parks. Just my take.... :rolleyes1

But with old FastPass (FP-) you were still touring Disney's way, you had to go to the attraction entrance, get the FP- and return.

The only way that would allow everyone to do it exactly the same way would be no FP at all and everyone waits in lines. The lines would move quicker than currently as there would be no FP. But I guess no-one wants no FP.

Giving everyone too many FP+ would also give this sort of situation where there are too many people with FP+ and then either the popular slots go quickly or there are too many in FP lines and standby will not move!
 
I'm reserving judgement until I get to actually experience FP+

But right now I'm weary and wary of it. There is several opinions.

1). It's the Greatest thing in world.
2). I used and enjoyed it.
3) I used it and didn't like it.
4). It's the end (I hate it)

The only one part of the new system is generally the one that states that some can book their FP two months in advance. I don't think this would be a problem at the slow times but at Xmas it might be more of an issue.
 
Could it have been a miscommunication? You can no longer get the old KTTW cards that allowed you to use legacy FP machines. You can definitely still get RFID KTTW cards if you request them- it's even in the emailer that went out yesterday about FP+



Actually several posters have reported being unable to be given RFID KTTW at various resorts this past week. They were also aware that the official information says you can. Once there, you can't. That's a bummer for those of us who wanted to use cards instead of bands. That's also why I wasn't too riled up about he bands themselves (which I do not like) until I learned this week that there is not an alternative (cards) as was promised.

I can't imagine why Disney is not allowing their guests to have the card option as promised. My only hope is that they will have them in the near future for those who do not want to wear bands for various reasons and find it easier to deal with several cards tucked away rather than several bands tucked away.

For me personally, I have a smartphone but the only thing I use it for at Disney is to check the time or if I split briefly with a member of my party to do different things we'd contact each other to get together again. Otherwise my family prefers to take a break from electronics on our vacations.
 


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