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

[mom2rtk]

Other than TSM, the typical wait for a paper FP was between 0-3 minutes. And unless a person was pulling passes for a huge group, the average time it took for each person at a machine was under 30 seconds. Insert card....pass spits out. Repeat. Now, people are spending up to 10 minutes to get passes linked, pick out FP times, then change all those computer-generated times to ones that better suit them. There is no comparison in time here. Yes, TSM had 30 minute waits for FPs. But that was it. Now, at 10:00-11:00, many kiosks in all parks have 30 minute waits.

And some of the FPs they are getting are for rides that didn't even NEED a FP previously.

I never waited in line to get FPs, even for TSMM. I always purposely waited at least half an hour for the dust to clear before doing that. I think the most I ever had in front of me was 5 or 6 people, and that was just for that particular attraction.

 

[Dreams0308]

Other than TSM, the typical wait for a paper FP was between 0-3 minutes. And unless a person was pulling passes for a huge group, the average time it took for each person at a machine was under 30 seconds. Insert card....pass spits out. Repeat. Now, people are spending up to 10 minutes to get passes linked, pick out FP times, then change all those computer-generated times to ones that better suit them. There is no comparison in time here. Yes, TSM had 30 minute waits for FPs. But that was it. Now, at 10:00-11:00, many kiosks in all parks have 30 minute waits.

And some of the FPs they are getting are for rides that didn't even NEED a FP previously.

I never waited in line to get FPs, even for TSMM. I always purposely waited at least half an hour for the dust to clear before doing that. I think the most I ever had in front of me was 5 or 6 people, and that was just for that particular attraction.

Ok, I was wrong. I see what you mean.

Are the kiosk lines long because there are so many APs and Off-site guests? I would think that there are at least some people with smartphones or pre-booked FP+'s.... it's not everyone waiting, right?

 

[revdon64]

Ha, you tried to link to the site that shall not be named. Their evil overlord even said today, in BIG bold letters "I told you so", after the Screamscape article was printed. He's 1 million percent pro FP+, to the point of it likely being a quid pro quo of some sort. He's been deleting anti FP+ posts for over a year, and then this glitch led him to say he was right all along about how wonderful FP+ is.

I'm sure that post will be removed and its existence denied soon.

-Jason

I'm not aware of problems with any other site. To me it was a rumor that came across my facebook feed and I thought it was worth sharing. I don't know about owners' pre-dispositions, I'm a simple consumer looking for answers in the chaos.

 

[mom2rtk]

Ok, I was wrong. I see what you mean.

Are the kiosk lines long because there are so many APs and Off-site guests? I would think that there are at least some people with smartphones or pre-booked FP+'s.... it's not everyone waiting, right?

Partly that. And partly because they aren't just sticking in a ticket and taking what comes out. They are making decisions for their group, then dealing with more involved technology.

 

[ks-man]

Pirates has closed off one side of the line for FP+. They are essentially running the ride at half capacity, causing it to back up. As far as the other rides, I don't have a guess, especially Figment, b/c who would FP+ Figment? All I know is that I know what 3 and 4 out of 10 crowds feel like to me at the end of January. Crowds felt the same this year. Certain lines were consistently longer this year. .

If this is the case then it is mismanagement by Disney and I'm sure they will quickly get that figured out and fixed. I would consider this similar to a technological bug expected with the rollout of a new system. I don't know how the lines branch off but during slow times they could direct SB people through the FP+ line and then close it off again once the FP+ line grows over a certain threshold ensuring people with FP+ don't have excessive waits.

Maybe I'm giving Disney too much credit to getting it figured out quickly so time will tell.

 

[ks-man]

OP, I'd be interested to know what your response is to those who have a legitimate concern about the system rather than the restriction. As you might have seen, many people have raised legitimate concerns about the bands. I wear a wristband every day, almost all the time (memory/awareness wristband). The Magicbands are uncomfortable for me to wear. They aren't like a watch or a regular wristband, especially in the place where the chip is--that's just an uncomfortable bulky spot on my wrist. In addition, half the system (and half of what you consider the good part of the system--the part where you can make changes and book using a smartphone) is inaccessible to many people for various reasons. Off-site guests currently can't use the app to do anything related to FP+. Some AP-holders and locals who have not stayed on site cannot use the app for FP+. Those without smartphones cannot use the app at all. It's not a benefit to me to be able to make changes on the fly using my smartphone, or use the app at all, if I cannot do it. I'm not blaming Disney for me not having a smartphone, but when one of the biggest benefits is the ability to use an app that requires one, it's hard to see how that benefits me. My concern is absolutely a valid concern about the system itself, because it requires the use of technology that not everyone has, and still isn't open to everyone who has that technology. You indicated earlier on that you had not seen any complaints about the system itself, only its restrictions. This is a big complaint about the system itself.

It's hard for me to comment on the comfort of the band as I haven't experienced them and have heard people on both extremes of the issue (from not noticing them vs. thinking they are the most uncomfortable in the world). The simple fix (which sounds like it was supposed to be offered but people haven't had much luck getting them yet) is to offer a card for people who don't like the bands that offer the same functionality.

To your other complaints, Disney is giving an advantage to people staying onsite which I can understand as those people are paying a lot more to Disney. These people can pre-book with a computer. To the people without smartphones I completely understand that they are at a disadvantage and can see how this system isn't preferred to them. I think a large percentage of groups/families have at least one person with a smartphone in the park (guessing at least 75% or more). Disney needs to try and cater to everyone as best they can while understanding that it is impossible to please everyone. How many people over the past few years do you think grabbed a FP- and said, "gee, I should be able to do this through my phone and scan it on return rather than having to run halfway across the park".

So I certainly say I agree that there are some things about the new system that are a disadvantage to a certain class of people however there were many things about the old system that were also a disadvantage to a certain class of people. Neither group is more important than the other and Disney is making a decision how they want to position themselves for the months and years to come.

One final thought, you don't need a smartphone to take advantage of the new system, just a smart device (something with wifi). Borrow a friend's iPod touch for the week and you will have all the advantages of the app without needing to buy a new phone or carry an expensive smartphone plan.

 

[Dreams0308]

One final thought, you don't need a smartphone to take advantage of the new system, just a smart device (something with wifi). Borrow a friend's iPod touch for the week and you will have all the advantages of the app without needing to buy a new phone or carry an expensive smartphone plan.

Good Point! That thought slipped my mind.

I like your more logical perspective on things

 

[ks-man]

Oops, wrong thread. Deleted.

I saw your pink and just responded. Moved over to your wait time thread (good idea btw).

 

[anelson81993]

It's hard for me to comment on the comfort of the band as I haven't experienced them and have heard people on both extremes of the issue (from not noticing them vs. thinking they are the most uncomfortable in the world). The simple fix (which sounds like it was supposed to be offered but people haven't had much luck getting them yet) is to offer a card for people who don't like the bands that offer the same functionality.

To your other complaints, Disney is giving an advantage to people staying onsite which I can understand as those people are paying a lot more to Disney. These people can pre-book with a computer. To the people without smartphones I completely understand that they are at a disadvantage and can see how this system isn't preferred to them. I think a large percentage of groups/families have at least one person with a smartphone in the park (guessing at least 75% or more). Disney needs to try and cater to everyone as best they can while understanding that it is impossible to please everyone. How many people over the past few years do you think grabbed a FP- and said, "gee, I should be able to do this through my phone and scan it on return rather than having to run halfway across the park".

So I certainly say I agree that there are some things about the new system that are a disadvantage to a certain class of people however there were many things about the old system that were also a disadvantage to a certain class of people. Neither group is more important than the other and Disney is making a decision how they want to position themselves for the months and years to come.

One final thought, you don't need a smartphone to take advantage of the new system, just a smart device (something with wifi). Borrow a friend's iPod touch for the week and you will have all the advantages of the app without needing to buy a new phone or carry an expensive smartphone plan.

Thanks for your input on the subject! I have been genuinely wondering what people who were fans of FP+ would think about the system without the ability to use smartphones, since I haven't read any pro-Fastpass+ reviews with that restriction. I do agree that the group of people without smart technology isn't more important than the group who didn't want to walk to the Fastpass- kiosk; it's jus that my opinion as a member of the first group is that the new system doesn't work for me, and that my complaint is a valid complaint about the system (just as not wanting to walk all over for FP- is a valid complaint about FP-). I also appreciate that there should be advantages to those staying on site. My only point regarding that was that off-siters can't use the app for FP+ any more than on-siters without smartphones, which meant two big groups of people who couldn't use that advantage to FP+.

It is not true, however, that you can use the app with any WiFi enabled device. I actually do own an iPod Touch, as well as an Android tablet. The MDE app site specifically states that it is only for iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphones. That would be moot for me personally anyway, since my generation of iPod and my tablet both use operating systems that predate the operating systems that support MDE. Either way, without a smartphone or iPad, I can't have MDE--borrowing an iPod Touch would not be useful solution for someone without a smartphone. With my WiFi-enabled devices, I technically can use the Disney website in the parks. I do not advise doing so, though, as that can only be described in my experience as a major headache when it works, and a soul-sucking migraine when it doesn't, due to the current setup of the MDE online site. I know, I know--it's only one group of people that is affected by this negatively, and my group isn't more important than any other group, but my complaint is still as legitimate as theirs (and I appreciate that you acknowledge that and agree with that).

 

[redrosesix]

Ok, I was wrong. I see what you mean.

Are the kiosk lines long because there are so many APs and Off-site guests? I would think that there are at least some people with smartphones or pre-booked FP+'s.... it's not everyone waiting, right?

Not just them. Onsite guests are using the kiosks to make changes too. This week there are big issues with the app while in the parks. And the WiFi is mostly down.

The concierge desk at our resort is mostly being used for fp+ changes these days. Same reasons.

This isn't really a fp+ issue. But it does affect how well the system works. Tbh when it works the wait times has been the most helpful addition. But that isn't fp+ either

 

[rmom50]

The MDE app site specifically states that it is only for iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphones. .

In all that I've read on these boards - that is the first I've heard this information. I never saw it on the app. That explains why nothing worked for me. I was using an Android tablet on my trip. I did, however, ask for help from several CM's, and not one of them told me my equipment was incompatable with the system. I've said all along that I just wanted someone to tell me it wasn't just me. Without the DIS, I don't know how anyone could navigate through Disney World at this point.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Doesn't sound like you tried very hard.

Honestly, no one SHOULD HAVE to TRY that hard. It's a freaking VACATION, not a social experiment (or is it?). Make it a hassle and a drag, instead of fun? My money is spent elsewhere.

. 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....

Neither of the above. I don't think, that Disney really cares. They've made too many, drastic changes in a very short time frame. It's their park, their rules. This is the New Enhanced Disney...like it or chunk it.

 

[delmar411]

It is not true, however, that you can use the app with any WiFi enabled device. I actually do own an iPod Touch, as well as an Android tablet. The MDE app site specifically states that it is only for iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphones. That would be moot for me personally anyway, since my generation of iPod and my tablet both use operating systems that predate the operating systems that support MDE. ).

I use the app on my older model iPod touch. It works much better than on any other device and much faster. So I'm not sure why you haven't even tried to put it on the touch.

My kids also have the app on their newer model touches and it works perfectly fine on theirs too.

 

[ks-man]

It is not true, however, that you can use the app with any WiFi enabled device. I actually do own an iPod Touch, as well as an Android tablet. The MDE app site specifically states that it is only for iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphones. That would be moot for me personally anyway, since my generation of iPod and my tablet both use operating systems that predate the operating systems that support MDE. Either way, without a smartphone or iPad, I can't have MDE--borrowing an iPod Touch would not be useful solution for someone without a smartphone. With my WiFi-enabled devices, I technically can use the Disney website in the parks. I do not advise doing so, though, as that can only be described in my experience as a major headache when it works, and a soul-sucking migraine when it doesn't, due to the current setup of the MDE online site. I know, I know--it's only one group of people that is affected by this negatively, and my group isn't more important than any other group, but my complaint is still as legitimate as theirs (and I appreciate that you acknowledge that and agree with that).

I use the app on my older model iPod touch. It works much better than on any other device and much faster. So I'm not sure why you haven't even tried to put it on the touch.

My kids also have the app on their newer model touches and it works perfectly fine on theirs too.

Yeah, I certainly have no experience trying it but I don't really understand why the app wouldn't work as I don't think in Android or iOS you can specifically restrict something to a smartphone. You can restrict by software version and of course it would need internet but if you have an iPod Touch, iPad or Android wifi device with up-to-date software (harder to guarantee with Android) then it really should work.

My guess is that the issue was related to wifi in the park being too congested which is a separate issue and would in theory put smartphones at an advantage (but realistically not as most celluar signals are stretched in the parks). What it really means is that Disney needs to upgrade their wifi in the park which I'm sure will be an ongoing issue for them. As they are encouraging people to use internet in their park and advertise having free wifi for people to use they will need to ensure that it is usable.

I would certainly expect that at first it would be under-deployed but usable (since very few people would know about it). Next it would get congested as more people start hearing about it and using it (but Disney not recognizing it was under-deployed) and the complaints would start. From there Disney would slowly start to increase the infrastructure and the cycle would continue until it is usable. I think of this as rollout issues which I would certainly expect but I also expect it will continue to improve.

 

[ucfknight]

Yeah, I certainly have no experience trying it but I don't really understand why the app wouldn't work as I don't think in Android or iOS you can specifically restrict something to a smartphone. You can restrict by software version and of course it would need internet but if you have an iPod Touch, iPad or Android wifi device with up-to-date software (harder to guarantee with Android) then it really should work.

Android apps can be restricted by device type, not just operating system.

I have the 2 latest Nexus devices from Google:
A Nexus 5 smartphone and a Nexus 7 tablet (the newest 2013 model)

Both are running the exact same OS, which is the latest version of Android: KitKat 4.4.2.

Going through the Google Play store, the My Disney Experience app is listed as compatible with my Nexus 5, but not compatible with the Nexus 7. I have it installed and running on the Nexus 5, but it won't let me install it on the Nexus 7 even though both are running the same exact version of pure Android directly from Google.

I haven't tried to sideload My Disney Experience to the Nexus 7 using the apk copied from the Nexus 5. That would probably work. But frankly, I'm not going to be carrying the tablet around the park anyway when I can just use my phone for the same purpose.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I'm not crazy about the bands, but will probably wear it. Too bad, theres's not an option for a "charm" or small tag to attach to a lanyard, watch, bracelet etc. just a thought.

 

[redrosesix]

Yeah, I certainly have no experience trying it but I don't really understand why the app wouldn't work as I don't think in Android or iOS you can specifically restrict something to a smartphone. You can restrict by software version and of course it would need internet but if you have an iPod Touch, iPad or Android wifi device with up-to-date software (harder to guarantee with Android) then it really should work.

My guess is that the issue was related to wifi in the park being too congested which is a separate issue and would in theory put smartphones at an advantage (but realistically not as most celluar signals are stretched in the parks). What it really means is that Disney needs to upgrade their wifi in the park which I'm sure will be an ongoing issue for them. As they are encouraging people to use internet in their park and advertise having free wifi for people to use they will need to ensure that it is usable.

I would certainly expect that at first it would be under-deployed but usable (since very few people would know about it). Next it would get congested as more people start hearing about it and using it (but Disney not recognizing it was under-deployed) and the complaints would start. From there Disney would slowly start to increase the infrastructure and the cycle would continue until it is usable. I think of this as rollout issues which I would certainly expect but I also expect it will continue to improve.

We have found the app not working most of the times in the park -- especially when we really needed it to work. We tried both android smart phone and an ipod touch. While much of it was due to wifi, sometimes it wasn't. And the app hasn't been working while at the resort sometimes -- we've had to make any fp changes at concierge because it doesn't want to change them for all guests in our MDE. It doesn't even see them all sometimes.

I'm not crazy about the bands, but will probably wear it. Too bad, theres's not an option for a "charm" or small tag to attach to a lanyard, watch, bracelet etc. just a thought.

I would love this. Great idea!!

 

[ks-man]

We have found the app not working most of the times in the park -- especially when we really needed it to work. We tried both android smart phone and an ipod touch. While much of it was due to wifi, sometimes it wasn't. And the app hasn't been working while at the resort sometimes -- we've had to make any fp changes at concierge because it doesn't want to change them for all guests in our MDE. It doesn't even see them all sometimes.

I'd guess it has to do then with issues related to the app that would affect everybody and not just people at Disney. It is possible that most people outside of Disney are more likely to use the website than the app but while at Disney are more likely to use the app and thus experiencing the initial rollout bugs more.

At least on the iOS side I really can't see any different to using the app on an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad assuming they all have supporting software nor can I see why there would be a difference to using the app from home or at Disney (hotel or park) outside of internet connectivity.

It does sound like some Android devices can't use the app but assuming that isn't the restriction than I'd feel the same way about the app in Android.

 

[jade1]

I'm not crazy about the bands, but will probably wear it. Too bad, theres's not an option for a "charm" or small tag to attach to a lanyard, watch, bracelet etc. just a thought.

Many options will come on this IMO, maybe even sun glasses.

 

[anelson81993]

I use the app on my older model iPod touch. It works much better than on any other device and much faster. So I'm not sure why you haven't even tried to put it on the touch.

My kids also have the app on their newer model touches and it works perfectly fine on theirs too.

I have tried to put it on both my iPod touch and my Android tablet. Both devices are incompatible. I might be wrong about the necessity to have a smartphone or iPad, but that is what the MDE app website says in the fine print. For my iPod, it's a much older generation (2nd gen), which is why it's incompatible. My Android tablet is only one OS behind the current model, though, so I have no explanation for why the app is incompatible with the OS.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/mobile-apps/
Quote: Available for iPhone®, iPad® and smartphones for Android™. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.

Honestly, I know why it won't work for my iPod, don't know why it won't work for my tablet. But as a non-smartphone-user, I feel that trying to restrict it to only certain devices makes it less useful for me. I won't be buying or renting a new device to use it, and I dislike being locked out of parts of a system that I used to have completely full access to, just because I don't have a certain piece of technology.