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

[Laketravis]

Are you still thinking of relocating?

Not currently, no.

And that's not because of FP, but because of a general direction we see WDW taking that continues to move away from the aspects we like. There are things coming down the pike that I think are going to be hard to swallow for a lot of people, ranging from AP holders to DVC. We just don't trust the long-term picture enough right now.

We'll continue to go as the AP's are a sunk cost now. And we'll try to adjust our expectations so that we derive maximum enjoyment from each visit. But the intrinsic value equation is out of our hands.

 

[crostorfer]

I'm in the process of planning a trip for April. It's a split between WDW and Universal. I've got the days picked out to visit each resort, but you know what? I'm not even terribly excited about the WDW portion of the trip. We're going for Flower and Garden, which we love. But I am dreading trying to pick which specific park on a specific day, which attractions to pick for FP+, and the best FP+ times for our family.

I am, however, excited for Universal. Early entry for Harry Potter and express pass for the rest of the day. We can decide what park to visit based on a whim and we can ride anything we feel like without being concerned about ride reservations.

As I'm planning the WDW portion of this trip, I'm fantasizing about planning my next DLR vacation, because it is going to be a similar experience to the Universal portion of the April trip. We can decide what park to visit based on a whim and we can ride anything we feel like without being concerned about ride reservations.

We are staying at a Ft. Wilderness cabin to accommodate my husband, who likely won't be going to a Disney park at all. The kiddo and I have two days left on our Disney tickets from October, we'll go to EPCOT, like you, and we'll go to US because we have annual passes. We may go to Sea World for the first time. We may be camping on Disney property, but this isn't a Disney vacation. They killed my spirit. I'm not spending hundreds of dollars on tickets again to sit around bored.

I was planning on going to DLR. It's where I wanted to go. I got over ruled.

 

[erc]

Not currently, no.

And that's not because of FP, but because of a general direction we see WDW taking that continues to move away from the aspects we like.

I wouldn't think WDW would be a factor in your decision to relocate to a different part of the country. Things like jobs, schools, climate, crime, cost of living tend to be the main factors. Besides, from all that I have read, everyone is moving to your neck of the woods, not leaving.

 

[Laketravis]

I wouldn't think WDW would be a factor in your decision to relocate to a different part of the country.

You obviously don't know my wife. She is (was?) probably the biggest fan of WDW you'll ever meet. She's had a well paying career in health care finance most of her life and her dream retirement was a part time job at Disney. I retired last summer, she's had headhunters from FL chasing her for years, we found the schools around Celebration to be rated suitably for DS9 who is currently in GT programs here in Austin, and I'm cool with being a couple of hours from either the Atlantic or the Gulf as well as Florida resident annual passes to all of the parks. So yes, it was the sole factor. And from what we've learned in the process, we aren't alone. There are a lot of others who have done the same.

Besides, from all that I have read, everyone is moving to your neck of the woods, not leaving.

Precisely why it's time to leave, my friend. Precisely.

 

[Suvadoo]

Not currently, no.

And that's not because of FP, but because of a general direction we see WDW taking that continues to move away from the aspects we like. There are things coming down the pike that I think are going to be hard to swallow for a lot of people, ranging from AP holders to DVC. We just don't trust the long-term picture enough right now.

We'll continue to go as the AP's are a sunk cost now. And we'll try to adjust our expectations so that we derive maximum enjoyment from each visit. But the intrinsic value equation is out of our hands.

It saddens me to see the direction Disney is moving. Every Disney CEO has had their own vision for the company and I was hoping Bob Iger's tenure was ending sooner. I realize he's done great things for the company, but I think he's neglected the American theme parks. The parks are treated like the Disney Corp' s ATM. Mr. Iger is also a techy fan, hence MDE and FP+ were introduced. I just hope the company's next CEO focuses more resources on the parks and returns to guest satisfaction as the priority.
On the bright side, Disney is losing market share to other Orlando area attractions. Perhaps this trend will prompt Disney into building new attractions at a faster rate than they have recently done. If this happens we'll all be the winners.

 

[Suvadoo]

We are staying at a Ft. Wilderness cabin to accommodate my husband, who likely won't be going to a Disney park at all. The kiddo and I have two days left on our Disney tickets from October, we'll go to EPCOT, like you, and we'll go to US because we have annual passes. We may go to Sea World for the first time. We may be camping on Disney property, but this isn't a Disney vacation. They killed my spirit. I'm not spending hundreds of dollars on tickets again to sit around bored.

I was planning on going to DLR. It's where I wanted to go. I got over ruled.

I'm sorry Disney has become so disappointing for both of us. If someone had told me 5 years ago, that I would feel this way about a Disney vacation, I would have laughed. It's not so funny now.

 

[DisneyKidds]

As they say, you can keep some of the people happy all of the time, and you can keep all of the people happy some of the time, but you can't keep all of the people happy all of the time.

Seems this thread has turned into the Itchy and Scratchy Anti-WDW Show in its dying pages. Just to provide a note of counter point.......what I'd like to think is a voice of reason lest everyone get the impression that a visit to WDW today includes only three over planned attractions per day with nothing but boredom and long lines for everything else......it warrants pointing out that many people have had great experience with FP+, even experiences that are an improvement from what they had under legacy FP.

Adaptation and evolution. These are integral traits required by any process. Flexibility and open mindedness can make many things possible for those willing and able to exercise them.

I truly feel for anyone who is unhappy with their WDW vacation. Some are in that boat now as a result of FP+. Some of those people now in that unfortunate boat will look to adapt and evolve, and with flexibility and open mindedness find that a WDW vacation as great as they've ever had before is out there. Others won't, and will evolve into Uni guests and fans, and that is ok too.

I honestly believe that the age old statement I opened this post with has been true of WDW for decades. Prior to FP, during legacy FP, during FP+ now......and will be true under the myriad WDW changes to come in the decades ahead. For every Laketravis or Suvadoo who was happy with WDW during legacy FP (after they, you know, adapted and evolved based on that system) there was someone who was unhappy with their WDW vacation. Now, for every Laketravis or Suvadoo who is unable to find the value and joy in their WDW vacation under FP+ there is someone who is happy with their WDW vacation as a result of FP+. Then you have folks like myself, who have found the joy in WDW in whatever form it's been, who was happy as a clam as a FP- uber user, who with a little open mindedness and flexibility has been able to adapt and evolve our vacations, without much change or additional effort, to find that WDW is just as Magical for us as it has ever been, nay.....even better than before.

WDW, as great a canvas as it always has been, is (and always has been) largely what you make of it. It's up to you to decide what you are going to make of it under FP+. Trust me, you can make it great.

 

[Suvadoo]

As they say, you can keep some of the people happy all of the time, and you can keep all of the people happy some of the time, but you can't keep all of the people happy all of the time.

Seems this thread has turned into the Itchy and Scratchy Anti-WDW Show in its dying pages. Just to provide a note of counter point.......what I'd like to think is a voice of reason lest everyone get the impression that a visit to WDW today includes only three over planned attractions per day with nothing but boredom and long lines for everything else......it warrants pointing out that many people have had great experience with FP+, even experiences that are an improvement from what they had under legacy FP.

Adaptation and evolution. These are integral traits required by any process. Flexibility and open mindedness can make many things possible for those willing and able to exercise them.

I truly feel for anyone who is unhappy with their WDW vacation. Some are in that boat now as a result of FP+. Some of those people now in that unfortunate boat will look to adapt and evolve, and with flexibility and open mindedness find that a WDW vacation as great as they've ever had before is out there. Others won't, and will evolve into Uni guests and fans, and that is ok too.

I honestly believe that the age old statement I opened this post with has been true of WDW for decades. Prior to FP, during legacy FP, during FP+ now......and will be true under the myriad WDW changes to come in the decades ahead. For every Laketravis or Suvadoo who was happy with WDW during legacy FP (after they, you know, adapted and evolved based on that system) there was someone who was unhappy with their WDW vacation. Now, for every Laketravis or Suvadoo who is unable to find the value and joy in their WDW vacation under FP+ there is someone who is happy with their WDW vacation as a result of FP+. Then you have folks like myself, who have found the joy in WDW in whatever form it's been, who was happy as a clam as a FP- uber user, who with a little open mindedness and flexibility has been able to adapt and evolve our vacations, without much change or additional effort, to find that WDW is just as Magical for us as it has ever been, nay.....even better than before.

WDW, as great a canvas as it always has been, is (and always has been) largely what you make of it. It's up to you to decide what you are going to make of it under FP+. Trust me, you can make it great.

Sorry that you didn't get the responses you wanted, but everyone has a right to their opinions. FP may be great for you, but for a lot of ohter people it's lousy. Contrary to your assertions, slapping a smile on your face and rolling with the punches does not change that fact.

Pay more and experience less at WDW parks

 

[erc]

Prior to last week, I hadn't even been to disboards since before Suvadoo and Laketravis first joined. There were plenty of anti-FastPass threads, anti-Eisner threads, anti-Disney greed threads. If there is true consensus, it is usually more than just a handful of vocal posters. I don't see the new FP+ system as that different from the old one besides the very significant difference being that you now need to plan well ahead for what park you want to visit on what day. For us, that is not even a change, as that is what we did anyway. Yes, we could have always changed our minds, but the funny thing is we never did. Even before FP+ and the 60 day windows, we always stuck to the park schedule that we first came up with two months prior to leaving. This was based on advice from the "Unofficial Guide", and various other websites. So that change doesn't affect us at all. And even with the old FastPass system, we probably did not get more than 3 FastPasses in a given day, mainly because for some rides if you got a FastPass too late in the morning the return time was already after 6PM. I've booked our FP+ reservations. All the headliners that we want. We will get to the parks at opening like we usually do to do as many SB rides as we can before the lines get too long. Really, just as we always did before FP+. And in the afternoon, our FP+ rides are waiting for us. I can see how this is not a great thing for the spontaneous WDW visitor, but I'm guessing that they looked at their demographics and saw that the majority of visitors that spend a lot of time at their resorts and parks, and thus spend a lot of money there, were planners who fit pretty well for a pre-planning system like this. Just my thoughts on the whole thing.

 

[Suvadoo]

Prior to last week, I hadn't even been to disboards since before Suvadoo and Laketravis first joined. There were plenty of anti-FastPass threads, anti-Eisner threads, anti-Disney greed threads. If there is true consensus, it is usually more than just a handful of vocal posters. I don't see the new FP+ system as that different from the old one besides the very significant difference being that you now need to plan well ahead for what park you want to visit on what day. For us, that is not even a change, as that is what we did anyway. Yes, we could have always changed our minds, but the funny thing is we never did. Even before FP+ and the 60 day windows, we always stuck to the park schedule that we first came up with two months prior to leaving. This was based on advice from the "Unofficial Guide", and various other websites. So that change doesn't affect us at all. And even with the old FastPass system, we probably did not get more than 3 FastPasses in a given day, mainly because for some rides if you got a FastPass too late in the morning the return time was already after 6PM. I've booked our FP+ reservations. All the headliners that we want. We will get to the parks at opening like we usually do to do as many SB rides as we can before the lines get too long. Really, just as we always did before FP+. And in the afternoon, our FP+ rides are waiting for us. I can see how this is not a great thing for the spontaneous WDW visitor, but I'm guessing that they looked at their demographics and saw that the majority of visitors that spend a lot of time at their resorts and parks, and thus spend a lot of money there, were planners who fit pretty well for a pre-planning system like this. Just my thoughts on the whole thing.

I agree there are very few posters on these boards. Most people just read the posts. But what you are saying about a handful of anti FP+ posters on these boards can also be said about the FP+ supporters. Your bias is showing.
Also here's a new thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3367949 (and this shows my bias)

I don't think anyone on these boards truly know if FP+ is a success or failure.

 

[erc]

But what you are saying about a handful of anti FP+ posters on these boards can also be said about the FP+ supporters. Your bias is showing.

Well, if I find a vocal minority on any topic on Internet message boards, I tend to play devil's advocate with that minority. I enjoy a good discussion/debate. I could be completely wrong. I won't experience it firsthand until next month. But so far, based on the way we usually visit the parks, it doesn't seem like it would be that different for us.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Sorry that you didn't get the responses you wanted, but everyone has a right to their opinions.

Exactly. No need to apologize. You have your experiences and opinions, which nobody suggested you shouldn't relate. I have mine, which are somewhat different, and I have a right to relate. Just pointing out there are two sides to the coin.

 

[DisneyKidds]

I don't think anyone on these boards truly know if FP+ is a success or failure.

I'll get behind this Su.....Su......Suvadoo! Sorry, couldn't contain my inner Phil Collins.

FP+ is a success for me. FP+ is a failure for you. On the whole, in general? Who knows! Also, we spend so much time debating personal park experiences under FP+, but there are so many other factors that are bound to define FP+/MM+ success or failure overall for WDW and the Walt Disney Company. Combine that with the fact that FP+ could be......is......an utter fail for some guests while it could be a success overall for Disney, the discussions get very complicated.

But I'm glad we have them.

 

[rajak73]

Prior to last week, I hadn't even been to disboards since before Suvadoo and Laketravis first joined. There were plenty of anti-FastPass threads, anti-Eisner threads, anti-Disney greed threads. If there is true consensus, it is usually more than just a handful of vocal posters. I don't see the new FP+ system as that different from the old one besides the very significant difference being that you now need to plan well ahead for what park you want to visit on what day. For us, that is not even a change, as that is what we did anyway. Yes, we could have always changed our minds, but the funny thing is we never did. Even before FP+ and the 60 day windows, we always stuck to the park schedule that we first came up with two months prior to leaving. This was based on advice from the "Unofficial Guide", and various other websites. So that change doesn't affect us at all. And even with the old FastPass system, we probably did not get more than 3 FastPasses in a given day, mainly because for some rides if you got a FastPass too late in the morning the return time was already after 6PM. I've booked our FP+ reservations. All the headliners that we want. We will get to the parks at opening like we usually do to do as many SB rides as we can before the lines get too long. Really, just as we always did before FP+. And in the afternoon, our FP+ rides are waiting for us. I can see how this is not a great thing for the spontaneous WDW visitor, but I'm guessing that they looked at their demographics and saw that the majority of visitors that spend a lot of time at their resorts and parks, and thus spend a lot of money there, were planners who fit pretty well for a pre-planning system like this. Just my thoughts on the whole thing.

You must keep repeating: "I don't like FP+, I don't like FP+" and you will find that even though it's your OPINION if you don't agree, YOUR OPINION is wrong. I hate to even post our experience in Dec when other posters ask with our WDW trip because if it's positive I know I'll be chastised on here if my OPINION don't agree with others about FP+ and WDW.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'll get behind this Su.....Su......Suvadoo! Sorry, couldn't contain my inner Phil Collins.

FP+ is a success for me. FP+ is a failure for you. On the whole, in general? Who knows! Also, we spend so much time debating personal park experiences under FP+, but there are so many other factors that are bound to define FP+/MM+ success or failure overall for WDW and the Walt Disney Company. Combine that with the fact that FP+ could....is......an utter fail for some guests while it could be a success overall for Disney, the discussions get very complicated.

But I'm glad we have them.

I can absolutely agree with this on all counts!

You guys have something better to do while we all sit around and wait for the returns to come in?

 

[Suvadoo]

I'll get behind this Su.....Su......Suvadoo! Sorry, couldn't contain my inner Phil Collins.

FP+ is a success for me. FP+ is a failure for you. On the whole, in general? Who knows! Also, we spend so much time debating personal park experiences under FP+, but there are so many other factors that are bound to define FP+/MM+ success or failure overall for WDW and the Walt Disney Company. Combine that with the fact that FP+ could....is......an utter fail for some guests while it could be a success overall for Disney, the discussions get very complicated.

But I'm glad we have them.

Suva was my cat and her nickname became suvadoo, she was very vocal and tenacious. Sound familiar?

Anyway, the one thing we definetly share is our love of Disney and realization that the parks will continue to evolve. Who knows what will happen in 5 years.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Your bias is showing.

Yes, we all do have a way of showing, and vociferously defending, our biases!

You make a decent point that, as the thread you've linked proves, there are a variety of people who are unhappy for a bunch of different reasons. Despite my bias for, I have always acknowledged that FP+ has warts. It's shortcomings definitely include locals and off-site trips planned on short notice. CMs visiting the parks have the same challenge. The system doesn't always work as intended. Disney changes hours and schedules, messing up people's planning. Standby lines for some, even many, attractions are longer. Multiples rides on headliners, especially in parks with tiering, is more difficult than it used to be. Yes, we even ride fewer attractions per trip than we used to because, even though we ride everything, it is harder to get multiple rides per attraction in. But for every wart I can come up with a positive takeaway.

Sometimes I feel that is what is missing when a lot of people express their biases......the consideration of all sides of the issue. I have a bias for, and all things considered I think things are better for us, but I come to that conclusion recognizing that there is both good and bad, and that the good and bad effects different people in different ways.

The whole of my posting on the subject over the last year would clearly say 'the system has its flaws and may not work for everybody, but on the whole, particularly for my family, I think the system is a positive, and a trip to WDW can be as great as it ever was'.

On the flip side, all I kind of take away from some other people's posting is that the system is without a doubt 'absolutely lousy, as you will only be able to enjoys 3 attractions a day while the balance of your time in the parks will be fraught with soul crushing boredom and trip killing disappointment'. That may very well be true for those who can't be flexible or are unwilling to adapt, but isn't there room for even those people to be able to say.......'sure, the system has some things that really do work, even though on the whole it doesn't work for us'?

 

[DisneyKidds]

Suva was my cat and her nickname became suvadoo, she was very vocal and tenacious. Sound familiar?

Hmmmm......My Cat From Hell? My kids love that show!

 

[Laketravis]

Well, if I find a vocal minority on any topic on Internet message boards, I tend to play devil's advocate with that minority. I enjoy a good discussion/debate. I could be completely wrong. I won't experience it firsthand until next month. But so far, based on the way we usually visit the parks, it doesn't seem like it would be that different for us.

As do I. I'm not the sort of person who can spend thousands of dollars a year on something and be content with every single aspect of it simply because that's the way it is.

And not directed at your comments - but I don't think I whine about how something sucks and I'm not ever going back and if you don't agree you suck too. I hope my years of posts will support that I also suggest ways I think the weaknesses could be improved.

And that's how civil, amicable discussions can ensue. I try not to take any of the rebuttals and sarcasm personally because I tend to respond to that in an equal manner, but I have to admit that I am puzzled by some who are compelled to join those discussions and contribute nothing but an absolute refusal to consider that WDW could make a change or two that would benefit a lot of people and improve the overall experience and value received. Not once have I seen a thought-out potentially advantageous change they think WDW could make come from that camp. Instead, they begin their rationalization with an example or two of how their experience was different and based on that continually and exclusively promote the concept that everyone must adapt and change to the way it is, otherwise it's your fault because your touring method is inefficient or you should get up earlier or stay in the parks longer or lower your expectations or simply be content with what you get.

I'm also not familiar with any company that was successful by ignoring negative feedback. In fact, most changes second only to those that are driven by profit/loss factors are made based on constructive feedback by customers, whether that be in the form of reduced demand or complaints.

 

[Laketravis]

Please allow me to add an afterthought.

Another poster made this comment in another thread, and I think it's spot on:

"Most posters who post "negative" things don't exclusively post negative things. In most cases, their position seems to be "I love Disney, but here are the things I don't love about it." Some are trolls, but others just want to generate discussion about how Disney can improve."

The fact is, MK-EP-HS-AK are theme parks. Great ones. But still theme parks. And they are operated by a company who's primary intent is to get each and every one of us to spend as much as possible at as little cost to them as possible.

I don't resent that at all, it's the basis of free enterprise. But I'm not going to enter into that transaction and contribute to their side of the equation believing they have MY best interests at heart and without expecting them to contribute to my expectations as well.