Am I alone?

[summerskye]

I am thinking about our trip in November. I have been to Disney many times. Our last trip was a few yrs ago. (new pool delayed vacation ) Part of the excitement has always been reading and planning for an upcoming trip. But this time, I am frustrated with the thought of planning out my FP+ rides so far in advance. Usually we would have a rough plan and adjust as needed. (weather, desires, kid melt downs, etc.) I liked having an idea, but I also enjoyed the flexibility. It is a vacation after all. (some days RD, some days sleep in, some days late night, some days ???)

It looks like the end game will allow all (on-site & off-site) to make advanced FP+ reservations.(which is fine with me) But, I wonder if this will mean that Disney will not be holding back day of FP+ slots. I would think this will make it very difficult to make on the fly adjustments during the busy times like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I think I understand the theory of FP+, I just don't like being locked into a schedule. There are enough schedules during the work year. Let a vacation be a vacation. A time to relax and enjoy, the real reasons people take vacations.

Who knows, maybe I am alone...

 

[pampam]

No, you are not alone. I felt the same way. I had planned our trip, then with all these changes it really dimmed my anticipation for it.

That being said, we are here now, and it really isn't too bad. Mind you, it is a slow time of year, . We are not techie people. We don't have a smart phone, and are not great with a computer. So, we just make our FP selections at the kiosks in the park. Generally, we don't know from day to day what we will be doing. If we are tired, or the weather is not what we had hoped, we are still able to change our plans. but I do find that a lot of our fast passes are being wasted or even completely unnecessary. We have the luxury of time, since we are staying for 26 days, and this will not be the experience of most people. I can't change the way things are regarding FPs. I just have a positive attitude. I'm in my happy place, away from my worries for a little time, and am determined to make the best of the FP situation. I too, don't want to be locked into a schedule, and want to have a happy vacation, but it does take some effort to achieve that. Because of all the changes, this has not been as great a trip as others have. Still, a bad day in WDW is better than many other places. I'm not sure if this encourages you or not. Sorry.

 

[summerskye]

No, you are not alone. I felt the same way. I had planned our trip, then with all these changes it really dimmed my anticipation for it.

That being said, we are here now, and it really isn't too bad. Mind you, it is a slow time of year, . We are not techie people. We don't have a smart phone, and are not great with a computer. So, we just make our FP selections at the kiosks in the park. Generally, we don't know from day to day what we will be doing. If we are tired, or the weather is not what we had hoped, we are still able to change our plans. but I do find that a lot of our fast passes are being wasted or even completely unnecessary. We have the luxury of time, since we are staying for 26 days, and this will not be the experience of most people. I can't change the way things are regarding FPs. I just have a positive attitude. I'm in my happy place, away from my worries for a little time, and am determined to make the best of the FP situation. I too, don't want to be locked into a schedule, and want to have a happy vacation, but it does take some effort to achieve that. Because of all the changes, this has not been as great a trip as others have. Still, a bad day in WDW is better than many other places. I'm not sure if this encourages you or not. Sorry.

26 days WOW

I hope you are and continue to have a wonderful vacation. During the slower times, I would not be as worried. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ellie05]

No you are not alone! We only planned our next trip 32 days in advance and I thought it was way to early for me to be making touring plans with such detail. In fact I was really annoyed when I had to change one of our days and had to start all over. One of the FP+ complains I have.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have had very little issue making changes to my FP+ selections. I was there in early Dec and was able to make changes the morning of my original selections. Of course, the times may not have been as wonderful as I would have liked but I was able to make changes.

I like being able to plan for a late start on some mornings. Then, I can make my FP+ selections for later in the morning or that afternoon.
Is the system perfect? Does it fit 100% of the guests' needs? No, absolutely not. But no one system is going to meet everyone's needs.

 

[summerskye]

I have had very little issue making changes to my FP+ selections. I was there in early Dec and was able to make changes the morning of my original selections. Of course, the times may not have been as wonderful as I would have liked but I was able to make changes.

I like being able to plan for a late start on some mornings. Then, I can make my FP+ selections for later in the morning or that afternoon.
Is the system perfect? Does it fit 100% of the guests' needs? No, absolutely not. But no one system is going to meet everyone's needs.

I would guess that the system was still new to all. And I think the old FP system running in parts if not all of the parks. I am sure things will be different come this Dec.

I understand there is no perfect system that will please all.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.

 

[summermac]

About a month ago, I hit that brick wall of overwhelmed and it really did put a damper on our upcoming trip. But now with 5 days to go, I am so excited that I'm having trouble sleeping. I have just been avoiding the FP+ posts for the most part here, looking over our MDE plans online, reading tips at easywdw and most importantly looking at pics from our past trips. WOOHOO I am ready!!!

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

You are not alone. We are planning a trip in June with another family and I am going to be in charge of everything. For the first time in 11 trips, I have a bit of a pit in my stomach about my upcoming trip and the plans that have to be made. Will we have a good time? I'm sure we will but I hate to have this feeling about visiting somewhere we have such a love for.

 

[Maggie Lizer]

I am disappointed at how much planning I am haivng to make for this trip, and am not sure we will btoher going again for a couple of years. I am taking a 3 year old and a 1 year old - it is very hard to plan 60 days out with such LOs. I don't mind so much deciding which park, which day, and while I didn't love planning ADRs so far out it wasn't so bad, but now I am basically having to plan out our entire day so I know which FP+ to reserve.

Sheesh, maybe MDE can move to a point where I tell it I want to to go X park on Y day and ride on 1,2,3,4,5 and see shows 6 & 7, have dinner at Restaurant Anywhere and they can just do me up a full day schedule telling me what to hit & when with built-in FPs as long as I stick to their schedule.

 

[wiigirl]

No you are not alone! We only planned our next trip 32 days in advance and I thought it was way to early for me to be making touring plans with such detail. In fact I was really annoyed when I had to change one of our days and had to start all over. One of the FP+ complains I have.

 

[MrInfinity]

Am I alone?

Hm... First I'll need you to answer a couple questions:

A) Look to the left. Is anyone there?
B) Now look to the right. Is anyone there?

If the answers to A) and B) above are both "no" then I would have to say yes you are alone. On the other hand, if the answer to A) or B), or even both, are "yes", then I'd say no you're not alone.

But in all seriousness. I think ppl are way overthinking this whole situation. I've been to DW many times too... from back in the 80's as kids to now as adults with kids.

As far as "having to plan FP+ so far in advance" being a laborious task of anticipating where you will be... I think this is really a self-inflicted challenge. MOST people (of the 16 MILLION) going to the park are not going to look at it so rigorously... as in "I need to plan my schedule perfectly so that I can optimize my time the perfect way". If you like to do that, it is only you imposing that on yourself because of your own meticulous nature. There are PLENTY of FP's available Day-Of. One of the goals of FP+ was to make that a reality. Guests by the million are showing up, and finding it's no problem at all to get FP's while there, swap them around at a kiosk, or via the MDE app. It's just not a problem. Don't want to plan so rigorously? Don't! You're not locked into a schedule at all... And certainly no more than you were 2 years ago when you had to pick your park and effective schedule anyways cuz of ADRs. ADRs alone peg which park we'll be at for a day.

This is so much about attitude -- and getting from the system what you want to put into it. Want to say it sucks and gripe from behind your computer about something you passionately love? Why! This is Disney World. Go. Have fun. Pick some ADRs, pick some FP+'s, and go have fun. Don't like them when you're there, just change them. It's really no big deal, and once the hoopla settles from being up in arms about it being different, we'll really all look back at those silly times when we used to have to get our Fast Passes with paper tickets.

I made a simple spreadsheet which shows my days blocked out with my ADRs so that I can wedge my FPs in at decent times around them. It won't be a problem at all to pick them. Rather, I think I'll enjoy picking them, switching them, and switching them again as I play with the really cool and awesome MDE app.

It is SO much better than the app from 2 years ago that only worked with Verizon... the progress is amazing. Look at it from that point of view. And consider your attitude. Remember as the uber-planner in your group, if you sell this to your family and friends as a downer, they're just going to be annoyed at you for being a downer. Most people are mega-excited. Electronic fast passes. Cool app. Change things on the fly from your phone. It is so awesome in terms of what it can do.

 

[summermac]

Also FWIW, I have been moving my FPs around like it's my J-O-B and even just yesterday was able to get a RNR and Tower of Terror both at times of my choice. Now I know the offsiters can't book yet but I honestly think the 60 day thing is self-inflicted by nature of being on the DIS just as the above poster said.

 

[summerskye]

About a month ago, I hit that brick wall of overwhelmed and it really did put a damper on our upcoming trip. But now with 5 days to go, I am so excited that I'm having trouble sleeping. I have just been avoiding the FP+ posts for the most part here, looking over our MDE plans online, reading tips at easywdw and most importantly looking at pics from our past trips. WOOHOO I am ready!!!

Have a wonderful trip. I've got 9+ month to go...

 

[summerskye]

You are not alone. We are planning a trip in June with another family and I am going to be in charge of everything. For the first time in 11 trips, I have a bit of a pit in my stomach about my upcoming trip and the plans that have to be made. Will we have a good time? I'm sure we will but I hate to have this feeling about visiting somewhere we have such a love for.

I understand. We convinced some friends to go. (they are headed over during spring break) I have been trying to help, but it seems like the FP+ is changing so many things. In fact, the FP+ seems to be changing too. Best of luck.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

To the OP - do you read the Dis? If you do, you knew before you posted that you are not alone, right.



I hope you trip works out if you decide to go.

 

[summerskye]

I am disappointed at how much planning I am haivng to make for this trip, and am not sure we will btoher going again for a couple of years. I am taking a 3 year old and a 1 year old - it is very hard to plan 60 days out with such LOs. I don't mind so much deciding which park, which day, and while I didn't love planning ADRs so far out it wasn't so bad, but now I am basically having to plan out our entire day so I know which FP+ to reserve.

Sheesh, maybe MDE can move to a point where I tell it I want to to go X park on Y day and ride on 1,2,3,4,5 and see shows 6 & 7, have dinner at Restaurant Anywhere and they can just do me up a full day schedule telling me what to hit & when with built-in FPs as long as I stick to their schedule.

YUCK.

I feel your pain.

 

[glocon]

Personally, I'm not sure how many people actually make spread sheets for their vacations. No one I've asked anyway.

I think people who have never been to WDW before don't understand the scope of what they are in for, don't understand planning is important.

I hope that newbies trips are as magical as mine have been in the past. I just don't feel good about the 3 FP limit.

 

[summerskye]

To the OP - do you read the Dis? If you do, you knew before you posted that you are not alone, right.



I hope you trip works out if you decide to go.

Yes. That's how I found out about the new FP system. My question was more to the point of the rumors of changes to allow "all" the 60 day advance. I am curious if this change will mean the reduction or elimination of "day of" slots Disney has been holding back. During busy times, this could cause many problems.

We do have a trip planned in November. Somehow it will work out. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Yes. That's how I found out about the new FP system. My question was more to the point of the rumors of changes to allow "all" the 60 day advance. I am curious if this change will mean the reduction or elimination of "day of" slots Disney has been holding back. During busy times, this could cause many problems.

We do have a trip planned in November. Somehow it will work out. Thanks for your thoughts.

Yeah, I think that we are all waiting hopefully to see how things like this play out.

 

[summerskye]

Hm... First I'll need you to answer a couple questions:

A) Look to the left. Is anyone there?
B) Now look to the right. Is anyone there?

If the answers to A) and B) above are both "no" then I would have to say yes you are alone. On the other hand, if the answer to A) or B), or even both, are "yes", then I'd say no you're not alone.

What if I don't see people on either side yet I hear voices???




But in all seriousness. I think ppl are way overthinking this whole situation. I've been to DW many times too... from back in the 80's as kids to now as adults with kids.

As far as "having to plan FP+ so far in advance" being a laborious task of anticipating where you will be... I think this is really a self-inflicted challenge. MOST people (of the 16 MILLION) going to the park are not going to look at it so rigorously... as in "I need to plan my schedule perfectly so that I can optimize my time the perfect way". If you like to do that, it is only you imposing that on yourself because of your own meticulous nature. There are PLENTY of FP's available Day-Of.

This is part of what I'm asking. If Disney is holding slots for "day of" for off-site guest, will that change if they start letting all make advance reservations? During the holiday season this could cause issues.

One of the goals of FP+ was to make that a reality. Guests by the million are showing up, and finding it's no problem at all to get FP's while there, swap them around at a kiosk, or via the MDE app. It's just not a problem. Don't want to plan so rigorously? Don't! You're not locked into a schedule at all... And certainly no more than you were 2 years ago when you had to pick your park and effective schedule anyways cuz of ADRs. ADRs alone peg which park we'll be at for a day.

This is so much about attitude -- and getting from the system what you want to put into it. Want to say it sucks and gripe from behind your computer about something you passionately love? Why!

I do love Disney passionately. But that does not mean I am sitting behind my computer with gripes and saying it sucks. Remember I hear voices.

This is Disney World. Go. Have fun. Pick some ADRs, pick some FP+'s, and go have fun. Don't like them when you're there, just change them. It's really no big deal, and once the hoopla settles from being up in arms about it being different, we'll really all look back at those silly times when we used to have to get our Fast Passes with paper tickets.

I made a simple spreadsheet which shows my days blocked out with my ADRs so that I can wedge my FPs in at decent times around them. It won't be a problem at all to pick them. Rather, I think I'll enjoy picking them, switching them, and switching them again as I play with the really cool and awesome MDE app.

It is SO much better than the app from 2 years ago that only worked with Verizon... the progress is amazing. Look at it from that point of view. And consider your attitude. Remember as the uber-planner in your group, if you sell this to your family and friends as a downer, they're just going to be annoyed at you for being a downer. Most people are mega-excited. Electronic fast passes. Cool app. Change things on the fly from your phone. It is so awesome in terms of what it can do.