AP & FP Question

[18sprint]

I feel so un-informed, so sorry if this is a dumb question if there is already a topic that answers my question.
First, the discount reduction: When the deal for the PAP came out for DVCers, we did the math for our planned 2- trips in 2013 and it is saving us a ton of money on park passes. Now, we're seeing the 20% to 10% announcement and, like most people, are not happy about it, but we don't buy much anyway. We're beyond the souvenir cycle and only look for one or two items that really jumps out at us. I just don't like bait and switch tactics.

Now for the real question of this thread: What is this fastpass+ deal I keep reading about? Sounds like it's associated with APs but I can't seem to find any detail about it, and why people are so upset.

 

[cmwade77]

Currently, FP+ has been tested for those staying onsite only and is basically reserving ride times in advance. According to the TOS for the new site, once this gets going, you will have to choose between regular FP and FP+.

As for the 20% discount, there is no bait and switch. The website made it abundantly clear that the 20% was temporary. Of course it used to be that they didn't even get a discount anywhere except World of Disney, so even putting it at 10% is still better.

 

[ftballfan7]

There are alot of people who are upset about the upcoming rollout of fastpass+. Under terms and conditions for disney's app it states that AP holders will get 20 per quarter. Those who are staying onsite for longer than 5 days in a quarter are angry because they belive they will be getting fewer fastpass+ oppurtunities than others (5 days x 4 passes = 20). I would fall into this category. However, not all the facts are known and I expect that the 20 number would not include days an AP holder is staying at a resort onsite. Time will tell, but it is too early to panic at this point.

The part that has me more concerned is that yiou would be limited to 4 per day and premier attractions would be limited to only 2 (further restricted by not being able to do the same ride twice). We do much better than that with the existing system, which is rumored to be being phased out in the near future. Other restrictions are listed such as no use of regular fastpasss with fastpass+, Can only be used at 1 park per day, etc.

There will probably be changes, explanations and tweaks so for me, I am waiting to see what the final product is. I am however doubtfull that for us it will be as good as the current fastpass system.

 

[Lucia_27]

I am reading over the FP+ thread with interest. We are FL residents who usually go to WDW 4-5 times a year, but only one of those trips is for 7 days. We just bought the APs and we always stay on site so I think we would be ok with FP+.

But what concerns me is how FP+ will work differently based on your type of ticket. We often meet up with my parents who don't have APs and who may or may not stay on site. It would stink if we couldn't ride the same rides/get FPs because of the new policies. I'm sure we are not alone in this problem.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm kind of confused about getting 20 FPs a quarter being 5 days. Am I correct that you can get up to 4 FPs per day? Can I use only 2 a day and spread it out over 10 days? And do the 4 per day only apply to one park? I thought I read somewhere that you can't use your FPs at more than one park per day. Frankly, if I'm going to DHS, the only ride I want to use FP on is TSMM. However, if I do that, then go to another park in the afternoon, is it true that I can't use any more FPs, since I've used FP in one park? Wow, talk about needing to plan!

 

[DebbieB]

Currently, FP+ has been tested for those staying onsite only and is basically reserving ride times in advance. According to the TOS for the new site, once this gets going, you will have to choose between regular FP and FP+.

As for the 20% discount, there is no bait and switch. The website made it abundantly clear that the 20% was temporary. Of course it used to be that they didn't even get a discount anywhere except World of Disney, so even putting it at 10% is still better.

I'm looking at the AP website and I don't see "temporary" anywhere. It does say that 2012 benefits expire on 12/31/12 but I would not call that "abundantly clear that the 20% was temporary". They have extended it in the past. Of course it's their right not to extend it beyond 12/31/12 but I think they should allow an exchange and refund the difference if the PAP has not been activated yet.