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

[Laketravis]

Sorry, but I don't see it. And if I don't, I would bet that a lot of other people don't either.

Hmmmm.........

I think a lot more visitors to the board (especially those who post rarely, if ever) are more interested in things like how FP+ works and how they can make best use of it than things like yield management, why Disney should change FP+ to make it more like Universal's Express Pass, how Disney is skillfully manipulating guests' behavior, and how a comment made by a Disney executive suggests that there won't be significant changes in the WDW parks for the foreseeable future.

I'm flattered that you remember so many details about my comments.

Similarly, I don't see how repeating "I hate FP+" over and over helps anyone plan a trip.

I agree. Who keeps repeating that over and over?

 

[wisblue]

I'm flattered that you remember so many details about my comments.

It isn't hard considering these things were all addressed in the last few days.

I agree. Who keeps repeating that over and over?

Don't flatter yourself. Not everything I post refers to you. There are posters who do this, but I think it would be inappropriate to name names. I think they have a pretty good idea who they are.

 

[Laketravis]

Don't flatter yourself. Not everything I post refers to you. There are posters who do this, but I think it would be inappropriate to name names. I think they have a pretty good idea who they are.

I'm not flattering myself, you're assuming. I asked you who - I didn't profess to think you were talking about me.

FYI, the title of this thread posed the question: "Any Reformed FP- Uber Users Who Have Embraced FP+ ?" and by the way, I didn't start this thread.

While I never considered myself an "FP Uber User", I haven't embraced FP+ and explained why. I know that really rubs you the wrong way at times, but it's not going to stop me from expressing those thoughts. Because believe it or not and contrary to your wisdom of all things relevant, some might find those helpful as well.

And lastly - I'm disappointed that you don't think I've ever been helpful. Maybe I supply the sort of help you don't agree with. For instance, in one of the currently longest-running, popular and most helpful threads (Throwaway Rooms) I supplied details in post #10 over a year ago. ("Tent or Pop-Up Campsite at Fort Wilderness. Sleeps up to 10, from $49 a night. Qualifies as "On-Site"). You are MIA in that thread for some reason, which is full of people asking for help.

 

[Mickey&Mouse]

Coming from someone who rarely posts, I find the comments that are critical of FP+ extremely helpful, and I hope it continues. It seems that the people that have had more positive experiences with it may gloss over some details that perhaps shouldn’t be glossed over. Whereas, the more critical someone is based on his/her experience using FP+, the more unfavorable aspects are disclosed. While this may be upsetting to some, it’s very informative for those of us currently planning a trip back to WDW that would like to know all the cold, hard facts about FP+.

Judging by the activity that the FP+ threads always seem to garner, particularly the more critical threads, I’ll guess that I’m not alone in my desire to read and learn from them.

 

[wisblue]

And lastly - I'm disappointed that you don't think I've ever been helpful. Maybe I supply the sort of help you don't agree with. For instance, in one of the currently longest-running, popular and most helpful threads (Throwaway Rooms) I supplied details in post #10 over a year ago. ("Tent or Pop-Up Campsite at Fort Wilderness. Sleeps up to 10, from $49 a night. Qualifies as "On-Site"). You are MIA in that thread for some reason, which is full of people asking for help.

Seriously? Please tell me where I have said that you have NEVER been helpful to anyone.

As for the throwaway room thread, why should I participate in a thread in which I have nothing to add? Trying to book a room for the sole purpose of getting FPs or any other benefit is something I don't see me ever doing. Whether it makes economic sense or not, to me it would be more trouble than it's worth. But, if others want to do it, they can get along nicely without my comments. I didn't realize that providing useful advice required participating in every single thread.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

It is irrelevant if you think you are on trial for something, but I was just curious what you thought of that hypothetical. Feel free to consult your attorney...

OK, let me make this clearer for you: I cannot go back and change what happened a year and a half ago, I cannot go back and all of the sudden make more people understand how to use the legacy FP system, and then go on my vacation to see how I fare under a different set of circumstances. What could have been is irrelevant to the post I was trying to answer...which was providing "proof" (through my own personal experiences) that I now do less under FP+ than I was able to do with the legacy FP system.

 

[wisblue]

Coming from someone who rarely posts, I find the comments that are critical of FP+ extremely helpful, and I hope it continues. It seems that the people that have had more positive experiences with it may gloss over some details that perhaps shouldn’t be glossed over. Whereas, the more critical someone is based on his/her experience using FP+, the more unfavorable aspects are disclosed. While this may be upsetting to some, it’s very informative for those of us currently planning a trip back to WDW that would like to know all the cold, hard facts about FP+.

Judging by the activity that the FP+ threads always seem to garner, particularly the more critical threads, I’ll guess that I’m not alone in my desire to read and learn from them.

I agree that comments critical of FP+ can help someone to plan a trip as long as they are accompanied by accurate information. The same goes for comments that point out its positive aspects. Which is why I think the most useful posts are ones that put experiences into context, including things like dates, times of day, etc., when that would help.

It does not upset me at all when people relate negative experiences. And, if someone wants to take my comments as somehow biased, I really don't care about that either. I offer them for what they are worth and with a clear conscience because I know that the information I am providing is truthful. And I assume (unless and until proven otherwise) that others are offering truthful information about their experiences too.

I guess it is up to each reader to try to decipher which comments are accurate and which are glossing over relevant information.

 

[crostorfer]

Sorry, but I don't see it. And if I don't, I would bet that a lot of other people don't either.

*Side eyes*

 

[erc]

OK, let me make this clearer for you: I cannot go back and change what happened a year and a half ago, I cannot go back and all of the sudden make more people understand how to use the legacy FP system, and then go on my vacation to see how I fare under a different set of circumstances. What could have been is irrelevant to the post I was trying to answer...which was providing "proof" (through my own personal experiences) that I now do less under FP+ than I was able to do with the legacy FP system.

It's a simple thought exercise. Do you not enjoy thought exercises? What do you think the result would have been if everyone in the park understood and used the legacy FP system the way you did on your third trip?

 

[wisblue]

Those types of discussions constitute a large portion of the content of these boards. You might think those discussions have absolutely no potential to help someone plan their trip, but you also don't know what someone might pickup from those discussions that absolutely does help them plan their trip.

It just occurred to me that the "quote" that you were responding to was taken out of context and rearranged without showing that you had done that. The full thought, with the relevant part bolded was:

"I really don’t think the purpose of the board is to discuss how FP+ or WDW could be improved, how it compares to Universal Studios, and what the future plans of the Walt Disney Company might be. I don’t see how any of that helps people plan trips that are planned for the near future. If I were moderating the board I would be moving those discussions somewhere else, like a Community Board. Discussions like this are fine for people who want to participate in them (which I do sometimes). But, I don't think that it is appropriate to use those subjects to sidetrack threads that are started to discuss something completely different, like what types of FPs can someone get in the days or week before a trip."

Maybe you think your editing job did nothing to change the meaning of what I had said, or maybe you are agreeing with me that comments about Universal and the Disney Company don't add anything to help people plan trips. I have no problem picking out part of a post and responding to just that part. But, I personally think that lifting something out of a post, editing it, and presenting it as an exact quote is not a good example of a civil and amicable discussion.

 

[Suvadoo]

OK, let me make this clearer for you: I cannot go back and change what happened a year and a half ago, I cannot go back and all of the sudden make more people understand how to use the legacy FP system, and then go on my vacation to see how I fare under a different set of circumstances. What could have been is irrelevant to the post I was trying to answer...which was providing "proof" (through my own personal experiences) that I now do less under FP+ than I was able to do with the legacy FP system.

Now you've done It! You officially belong to the liars club and the only way to convince the FP+ supporters that this was truly your experience is to provide dates of visits, precise FP+ reservation times, SB wait times, and bathroom break times. After you've provided an accurate and detailed "alleged" itinerary, you may be believed. The emphasis is on the word may.

 

[Laketravis]

It just occurred to me that the "quote" that you were responding to was taken out of context and rearranged without showing that you had done that.

No malicious intent and I think the essence of your point was conveyed nonetheless. Nobody is keeping score, Wis. At least that I'm aware of. Your original post is still available for full view.

 

[wisblue]

No malicious intent and I think the essence of your point was conveyed nonetheless. Nobody is keeping score, Wis. At least that I'm aware of. Your original post is still available for full view.

I still think it's inappropriate, and I think the fact that would go to any effort at all to rearrange the quote says something.

I can just imagine how you would howl if someone pulled that one of your posts.

 

[Laketravis]

I still think it's inappropriate, and I think the fact that would go to any effort at all to rearrange the quote says something.

I can just imagine how you would howl if someone pulled that one of your posts.

That's fine. You just seem to have a real chip on your shoulder for some reason. It's even evident in your own trip report, which you elected to begin with a seemingly "here's how it worked for me so everyone else must be exaggerating or downright lying" position:

One of the common themes on the Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies forum is that, because of ADR’s and (especially) FP+, it is impossible to enjoy a spontaneous trip to WDW. Some of the most frequent comments are that FP+ “requires you to plan every second of every day” and “forces you to keep your face glued to your phone all day”.

We had a recent visit that I think shows that these comments are dramatically overstated, if not downright false.

Yet, in another post you acknowledge that you aren't like a lot guests:

Unlike a lot of people, we very rarely do an attraction twice in one day, so if we are able to do it in the first 3 or 4 hours after opening with a short wait, we aren't interested in a FP for much later.

Doesn't logic follow that if you are unlike a lot of people, your experience wouldn't be typical?

 

[Mad Hattered]

I still think FP+ sucks for those keeping score at home.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

I don't know, I've seen a ton of these threads and learn from both the positive and negative posts.

I think your personal touring plans and family dynamics have a lot to do with whether FP+ works for you or not. For me, we were huge FP- users and I remember collecting tickets and running around the parks to get the FP-. I don't miss that. With 3 teenagers that don't make rope drop we had plenty of trips where we missed things like TSM or Soarin because we didn't get there in time to get a FP-.

Now with FP+ I can reserve these things so we are more relaxed and I don't find myself herding up the troops to get to the parks. I like that aspect of FP+. Do I like it all? No, but aside from the tiering I don't have a huge problem, because I am a planner. The rest of my group doesn't know I have things mapped out 60 days in advance so I don't look like a psycho on the outside, but I know I will see the most popular rides.

That's my experience as a planner with older kids, but I can see how last minute trips or plan changes could be a problem for others.

I don't get why others (no one in particular being addressed here) don't/can't see both sides.

 

[wisblue]

That's fine. You just seem to have a real chip on your shoulder for some reason. It's even evident in your own trip report, which you elected to begin from a seemingly adversarial position:

No chip on my shoulder at all. I intentionally presented that report as an example of what could be done without the ability to make FP reservations and I thought it was more appropriate to post it on the trip report board than on the Theme Park Attractions and Strategies board. I usually don't do trip reports otherwise.

Based on your earlier comments, I guess I should be flattered that you remembered that report from several weeks ago.

 

[erc]

Now you've done It! You officially belong to the liars club and the only way to convince the FP+ supporters that this was truly your experience is to provide dates of visits, precise FP+ reservation times, SB wait times, and bathroom break times. After you've provided an accurate and detailed "alleged" itinerary, you may be believed. The emphasis is on the word may.

You are more than welcome to join in the thought exercise Suvadoo. I'd like to get your educated answer as well. Can't wait.

 

[Mickey&Mouse]

Those types of discussions constitute a large portion of the content of these boards. You might think those discussions have absolutely no potential to help someone plan their trip, but you also don't know what someone might pickup from those discussions that absolutely does help them plan their trip.

It just occurred to me that the "quote" that you were responding to was taken out of context and rearranged without showing that you had done that. The full thought, with the relevant part bolded was:

"I really don’t think the purpose of the board is to discuss how FP+ or WDW could be improved, how it compares to Universal Studios, and what the future plans of the Walt Disney Company might be. I don’t see how any of that helps people plan trips that are planned for the near future. If I were moderating the board I would be moving those discussions somewhere else, like a Community Board. Discussions like this are fine for people who want to participate in them (which I do sometimes). But, I don't think that it is appropriate to use those subjects to sidetrack threads that are started to discuss something completely different, like what types of FPs can someone get in the days or week before a trip."

Maybe you think your editing job did nothing to change the meaning of what I had said, or maybe you are agreeing with me that comments about Universal and the Disney Company don't add anything to help people plan trips. I have no problem picking out part of a post and responding to just that part. But, I personally think that lifting something out of a post, editing it, and presenting it as an exact quote is not a good example of a civil and amicable discussion.

I’ll chime in again, since I’m in the middle of planning a May trip to WDW and have recently come onto the DisBoards to get up to speed on the latest. The title of the thread drew me in originally due to the fact that my family would be considered one of the previous uber-users, and we’ll now have to adapt to FP+.

Obviously the biggest change for us since our trip in August 2012 is the FP+ system, and overcoming that learning curve has been daunting to say the least. I will say that discussions about how FP+ compares to Legacy FP, and how FP+ could be improved are useful for a current trip planner. I like to compare what I remember from our last trips with what I should expect for the next trip.

As far as comparing WDW to Universal…well that’s become even more helpful for me on this go round since we may go to Universal as well. I like to read about the Express Pass that Universal offers and compare that to WDW’s FP+. Also, the future plans of the Walt Disney Co. are always relevant because knowing what short or long term plans the company has for their theme parks will determine if/when we go to WDW.

While reading positive reviews on FP+ are helpful in their own way, I personally derive more use from the reviews that are more critical. They are typically much more specific, perhaps because negative occurrences tend to stick with people over time. In comparing FP+ with Legacy in a more critical way, it’s typically from the standpoint of freedom (Legacy) vs. restriction (FP+). Having used Legacy for many trips, the comparisons from this perspective are beneficial for our family. Also, the more critical reports lend themselves to: here’s how we should have done it, here’s how Disney should change it, next time we’ll do this differently, here’s a better way to approach this, etc. All of these comments are informative to someone planning a trip. Additionally, it has not gone unnoticed that some of the highly respected WDW veterans here on the Dis have been critical of FP+ and the restrictions thereof.

I will say that while we’re looking forward to our trip in May, we’ve also come to realize that our expectations should be lowered for this next trip as well. A little strange for anything related to Disney…

 

[Suvadoo]

I still think FP+ sucks for those keeping score at home.

Welcome back!