Any Reformed FP- Uber Users Who Have Embraced FP+ ?

[HollieS]

I too find these "discussions" useful for planning. I haven't been to the parks since 1997. I only experienced the parks during Easter and 4th of July weeks. I remember waiting in lines foreeeeeeeeeever. Having missed legacy FP completely the comparison posts do seem like a whole lot of anti change belly aching. Maybe it was the greatest thing ever but I missed out. I do know that as a planner (full disclosure I make PP presentations and spreadsheets for the family) booking ride appointments feeds my inner daemons and leaves me dancing with glee.

I've seen complaints about waiting around for FP+ times, so I've been searching out all the free play areas at the different parks.

I've seen complaints that there was "nothing" available so I'm prepared to get our FP+s at midnight.

I've seen complaints about long sb lines, so I've been telling my family every ride will be 30+ minute waits. Even though at the end of August I would be surprised to wait 30 minutes for a carrousel ride.

I've seen complaints about the difficulty park hopping and using FP+ in both parks, so that influenced our decision not to park hop this trip instead of a 6 day park hopper we bought 7 days.

I've seen complaints that the app is glitchy so I'm making sure my original reservations and FP selections are made on our home computer.

I'm sure over the next 8 months I'll read more complaints and tweak my plans accordingly.

 

[Laketravis]

Lake, rather than trying to be clever, as usual.....

Not at all - I'm trying to be helpful. You seem obsessed with this and your selected adjectives portray frustration and dissatisfaction. I was simply providing you with a means to vent.

.....why don't you answer the simple question I asked Su...Su.....Suvadoo above?

Su...Su...Suvadoo? Is that an attempt to be "clever" ??

I've already wasted time answering several of your questions, you weren't satisfied with the answers, so you continue to ask the same questions just in a different form and demand a yes/no answer so you can simply further a pointless argument and as another poster illustrated it has reached the point of irrelevancy.

 

[Laketravis]

I too find these "discussions" useful for planning. I haven't been to the parks since 1997. I only experienced the parks during Easter and 4th of July weeks. I remember waiting in lines foreeeeeeeeeever. Having missed legacy FP completely the comparison posts do seem like a whole lot of anti change belly aching. Maybe it was the greatest thing ever but I missed out. I do know that as a planner (full disclosure I make PP presentations and spreadsheets for the family) booking ride appointments feeds my inner daemons and leaves me dancing with glee.

I've seen complaints about waiting around for FP+ times, so I've been searching out all the free play areas at the different parks.

I've seen complaints that there was "nothing" available so I'm prepared to get our FP+s at midnight.

I've seen complaints about long sb lines, so I've been telling my family every ride will be 30+ minute waits. Even though at the end of August I would be surprised to wait 30 minutes for a carrousel ride.

I've seen complaints about the difficulty park hopping and using FP+ in both parks, so that influenced our decision not to park hop this trip instead of a 6 day park hopper we bought 7 days.

I've seen complaints that the app is glitchy so I'm making sure my original reservations and FP selections are made on our home computer.

I'm sure over the next 8 months I'll read more complaints and tweak my plans accordingly.

I think that's a great example of using the information in a useful manner.

 

[flicx]

First post here and to answer the original question. I have not embraced FP plus. It has actually stopped me from going to the parks for a few years till it all gets streamlined. Well that and the fact they need to build a few more rides but that is a horse of a different color.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I too find these "discussions" useful for planning. I haven't been to the parks since 1997. I only experienced the parks during Easter and 4th of July weeks. I remember waiting in lines foreeeeeeeeeever. Having missed legacy FP completely the comparison posts do seem like a whole lot of anti change belly aching. Maybe it was the greatest thing ever but I missed out. I do know that as a planner (full disclosure I make PP presentations and spreadsheets for the family) booking ride appointments feeds my inner daemons and leaves me dancing with glee.

I've seen complaints about waiting around for FP+ times, so I've been searching out all the free play areas at the different parks.

I've seen complaints that there was "nothing" available so I'm prepared to get our FP+s at midnight.

I've seen complaints about long sb lines, so I've been telling my family every ride will be 30+ minute waits. Even though at the end of August I would be surprised to wait 30 minutes for a carrousel ride.

I've seen complaints about the difficulty park hopping and using FP+ in both parks, so that influenced our decision not to park hop this trip instead of a 6 day park hopper we bought 7 days.

I've seen complaints that the app is glitchy so I'm making sure my original reservations and FP selections are made on our home computer.

I'm sure over the next 8 months I'll read more complaints and tweak my plans accordingly.

When are you going in August? If you read my post somewhere above, even though I'm a FP+ hater, we actually had a pretty successful turn with FP+ in August, which I attribute to the exceptionally low crowd levels. We went for a short trip at the end of the month, only 3 days and only 1 in the MK, and I was able to get A&E and 7DMT for pretty much the exact times I wanted even though we weren't on a long trip. I know we pulled at least three extra FP+s in DHS, albeit for Star Tours because my kids love that ride, but even Star Tours wasn't a possibility in December. Pulling 4th FP+s was possible at the MK in August, too. Posted SB wait times were hyper inflated...we rode TSM via the SB line twice in about 20 minutes, once with a posted SB wait of 50 minutes, the other with a posted wait of 70. The app always has problems, though, and that has been consistent on all of our trips. But FP+ does work best when you need it least, like in the end of August/September timeframe when crowds are low enough that SB waits aren't long anyway.

 

[Laketravis]

When are you going in August? If you read my post somewhere above, even though I'm a FP+ hater, we actually had a pretty successful turn with FP+ in August, which I attribute to the exceptionally low crowd levels. We went for a short trip at the end of the month, only 3 days and only 1 in the MK, and I was able to get A&E and 7DMT for pretty much the exact times I wanted even though we weren't on a long trip. I know we pulled at least three extra FP+s in DHS, albeit for Star Tours because my kids love that ride, but even Star Tours wasn't a possibility in December. Pulling 4th FP+s was possible at the MK in August, too. Posted SB wait times were hyper inflated...we rode TSM via the SB line twice in about 20 minutes, once with a posted SB wait of 50 minutes, the other with a posted wait of 70. The app always has problems, though, and that has been consistent on all of our trips. But FP+ does work best when you need it least, like in the end of August/September timeframe when crowds are low enough that SB waits aren't long anyway.

Jtown, I'm glad you posted that - we are considering another trip this summer, it's been years since we've gone during those months. But we are considering either the first two full weeks of June (6/6-6/20) or the middle of August (8/8-8/22) simply because of when school ends and when it starts again.

Of those two, is there one you would recommend over the other?

 

[MrInfinity]

Rather than trying to 'get me', why don't you do something that some other poster seems unwilling or unable to do.......honestly answer a relevant question.

Do ya think you can answer that one, honestly?

But really, you are ok with someone saying that a current WDW vacation has no value beyond being able to enjoy only three attractions a day, and having to wait on long standby lines for everything else? Yes or no, do you think that is an accurate representation of a WDW vacation for the average WDW guest, or very many WDW guests at all?

Have to admit, while I don't post as much, I've been following the thread waiting for Suvadoo or Lake Travis to actually answer your question instead of redirect with a clever tangent every time you ask it.

I think it's clear that FP+ does *not* have the effect of limiting ones vacation to 3 rides with short waits per day, nor does it reduce the value of a WDW vacation to getting on 3 attractions and then having to wait in log standby lines for everything else. If I can get my family of 6 on 10 or more major rides while doing a ton of other stuff surely there is a disconnect between what one can get on vs what Lake and Suvadoo are getting on and what they are getting on is not a result of a new queuing system, for others can use the same system and get on so much more.

 

[Laketravis]

I think it's clear that FP+ does *not* have the effect of limiting ones vacation to 3 rides with short waits per day, nor does it reduce the value of a WDW vacation to getting on 3 attractions and then having to wait in log standby lines for everything else.

I suppose it's all in how you word it, huh?

How about:

"I think it's clear that FP+ *does* have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions, standby lines that you will have to stand in once you've used your 3 FP's, and that can reduce the perceived value of a WDW vacation for an unknown quantity of guests" ??

Does that help you grasp the concept or do you need it worded differently?

 

[MrInfinity]

I suppose it's all in how you word it, huh?

"I think it's clear that FP+ *does* have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions, standby lines that you will have to stand in once you've used your 3 FP's, and that can reduce the perceived value of a WDW vacation for an unknown quantity of guests" ??

You can make any case you want. What DisKidds keeps trying to call out is exactly whether you are making that case or if you have reconsidered your position that as a direct result of FP+, a WDW vacation is reduced to riding 3 attractions, then have nothing but long lines for the rest of your day.

Are you making that case or have you reconsidered?

 

[erc]

I suppose it's all in how you word it, huh?

How about:

"I think it's clear that FP+ *does* have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions, standby lines that you will have to stand in once you've used your 3 FP's, and that can reduce the perceived value of a WDW vacation for an unknown quantity of guests" ??

Does that help you grasp the concept or do you need it worded differently?

Would it be more accurate to say "I think it's clear that the increased use of FP does have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions."

Legacy FP worked so well for some in the past because it never hit critical mass with the guests in attendance?

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Jtown, I'm glad you posted that - we are considering another trip this summer, it's been years since we've gone during those months. But we are considering either the first two full weeks of June (6/6-6/20) or the middle of August (8/8-8/22) simply because of when school ends and when it starts again.

Of those two, is there one you would recommend over the other?

I've been on a June trip, and on an August trip. The weather is hot but tolerable in June. August was horrible (which is probably why there weren't very many people in the parks, including on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend). Now, Mesa and other Florida locals have told me that the heat was an anomaly the weekend we were there and it's typically not like that, but it has scared me off August forever. Even the kids said they wouldn't want to go back in August.

However, I suspect that early June will have a similar FP+ experience as our December trip. The week we went had crowd levels of 5 on the Easywdw scale and that seemed about right to me when we were there. June 2015 is predicted to be 8s across the board, so during that time of year, I think you can count on only doing your three FP+ attractions with a FP+, with no real options for a 4th. So RD is going to be a must.

So I guess you have to decide on the worse of two evils--weather vs. substantially limited FP+ use. I guess it comes down to how well you tolerate the heat. I'm ready to go in August again, but I've been overruled because, as my 8 year old says, "It's too sweaty in Florida in August."

 

[DisneyKidds]

So, Lake, you want to reword and clarify yet another statement you have expressed? Sorry, but when you have to do that multiple times in a single thread I think a measure of credibility is lost.

And for the record, you haven't answered on question I've directed your way. You have done a lot of (dot...ta....dot....ta......dot.....ta.....da) tap dancing!

Every time I think I'm out.....they drag me back in! Elsa, why hath you forsaken me?

No, Lake, it's a Phil Collins/Cat from Hell kinda thing....,

 

[flicx]

I suppose it's all in how you word it, huh?

How about:

"I think it's clear that FP+ *does* have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions, standby lines that you will have to stand in once you've used your 3 FP's, and that can reduce the perceived value of a WDW vacation for an unknown quantity of guests" ??

This is a big reason why I have postponed trips to Disneyworld for now.

 

[Laketravis]

I've been on a June trip, and on an August trip. The weather is hot but tolerable in June. August was horrible (which is probably why there weren't very many people in the parks, including on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend). Now, Mesa and other Florida locals have told me that the heat was an anomaly the weekend we were there and it's typically not like that, but it has scared me off August forever. Even the kids said they wouldn't want to go back in August.

However, I suspect that early June will have a similar FP+ experience as our December trip. The week we went had crowd levels of 5 on the Easywdw scale and that seemed about right to me when we were there. June 2015 is predicted to be 8s across the board, so during that time of year, I think you can count on only doing your three FP+ attractions with a FP+, with no real options for a 4th. So RD is going to be a must.

So I guess you have to decide on the worse of two evils--weather vs. substantially limited FP+ use. I guess it comes down to how well you tolerate the heat. I'm ready to go in August again, but I've been overruled because, as my 8 year old says, "It's too sweaty in Florida in August."

Thanks! We were in the Keys for a week last mid-August and it actually felt cooler than Austin! If that's the norm, I think we can deal with that.

 

[jeffbear]

Legacy FP worked so well for some in the past because it never hit critical mass with the guests in attendance?

Nah. I think the real issue is that legacy FP allowed those willing to put their knowledge to work to get the jump on those less knowledgeable by obtaining multiple FPs to big ticket attractions.

Personally, I think the whole complaint boils down to this ... "I can't ride __________ 3 or 4 times a day like I used to, and the standby lines are a little longer for my other favorites"

Thus far nobody's been honest enough to actually say that, but I believe that statement boils the issue down to its core issues.

 

[MrInfinity]

Would it be more accurate to say "I think it's clear that the increased use of FP does have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions."

Yes. Because more people are using FP+ to ride more rides, by default the posted wait for Standby goes up. HOWEVER, because you are instead riding by FastPass, fewer people are waiting standby. So that is a wash!

E.g... Say in 2012 we waited 30 min standby for HM. Now in 2014 say standby was posted as 45 min. Does this suggest standby lines went up? Maybe. But we did not wait standby. We pulled a SDFP for it every time we wanted to, and rode in 5. In 2014 we rode HM in less time than in 2012, NOT even having to pre-choose one of our FP+s for it. We had similar experiences with POTC, Figment, and other new FP+ enabled rides. We did not once wait a long time for these rides in a busy week at WDW. (not rained out dead days - we're talking slammed days like F&G at EC, SWW at HS)

Legacy FP worked so well for some in the past because it never hit critical mass with the guests in attendance?

Yes, it worked so well for some, because most did not use it. With only a handful of guests using FP-, it was a red carpet for those in the know (myself included). However that is a terrible system that helps so few guests a ton to the detriment of most guests getting no benefit from it.

 

[Laketravis]

You can make any case you want.

Would it be more accurate to say "I think it's clear that the increased use of FP does have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions."

And for the record, you haven't answered on question I've directed your way.

Regardless of how it's worded, I'm really not sure why the concept itself is so difficult for you to grasp. Or why you seem so overly concerned that a reader of these threads may reach the same conclusion on their own, based on their own experience in the parks. Because you seem to be striving to make the suggestion clear that isn't true at all.

 

[DisneyKidds]

I suppose it's all in how you word it, huh? How about: "I think it's clear that FP+ *does* have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions, standby lines that you will have to stand in once you've used your 3 FP's, and that can reduce the perceived value of a WDW vacation for an unknown quantity of guests" ?? Does that help you grasp the concept or do you need it worded differently?

Hey, it only took 20 pages of Lake rewording, and clarifying, and..... (dot....ta......dot.....ta.......dot.....ta....da) ....dancing around, but we are getting closer to a statement that we might agree upon. I'd have to edit a bit further.

I think it's clear that FP+ *does* have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions, standby lines that, depending on your touring strategy, you may or may not have to stand in once you've used your 3 FP's, and that can reduce the perceived value of a WDW vacation for an unknown quantity of guests, while other aspects of FP+ may have increased the perceived value for other guests.

 

[Shaden]

So, Lake, you want to reword and clarify yet another statement you have expressed? Sorry, but when you have to do that multiple times in a single thread I think a measure of credibility is lost.

And for the record, you haven't answered on question I've directed your way. You have done a lot of (dot...ta....dot....ta......dot.....ta.....da) tap dancing!

Every time I think I'm out.....they drag me back in! Elsa, why hath you forsaken me?

No, Lake, it's a Phil Collins/Cat from Hell kinda thing....,

Didn't we do the same thing DisneyKidds, when I reposted the same question to you, and you just kept ignoring it ? (Just checked, that was another thread, but still the same thing)

Would you like me to go and dig up that back and forth from earlier in this thread ?

 

[supersnoop]

"I think it's clear that FP+ *does* have the effect of causing longer standby lines for other attractions, standby lines that you will have to stand in once you've used your 3 FP's, and that can reduce the perceived value of a WDW vacation for an unknown quantity of guests" ??

While it seems clear that standby wait times at some rides have increased, is there a direct correlation to FP+? With the economy improving, I expect overall park attendance is up and responsible for this change. Do we have any insight or numbers for the number of people in the parks? I think that would be more worthwhile to compare against standby wait times.