AP's to get 20 FP+ per quarter

[mesaboy2]

I think this will work really well. Most people will want to sleep in and make later FP+ reservations leaving the parks even less crowded in the am. HS is a perfect afternoon park with the exception of TSMM and this will fix that.

Really all the non planners will be left out because all of the slots will be booked very early on when this goes live. I see this as a real negative for people who book late or just don't plan.

Or have plans necessarily change due to factors beyond their control.

There's a difference between planning and planning to the degree that FP+ is rumored to require. I'm a planner, but this level of planning is beyond what I personally believe is reasonable. I cannot be alone in this.

 

[keaster]

Or have plans necessarily change due to factors beyond their control.

There's a difference between planning and planning to the degree that FP+ is rumored to require. I'm a planner, but this level of planning is beyond what I personally believe is reasonable. I cannot be alone in this.

I agree. At most, we plan what park we will visit on what day, but even that can be thrown out the window depending on weather, moods or the change in tides

We do some ADRs but not a lot at the parks (we get a DVC room with a kitchen or eat at the resort).

 

[asianway]

Sorry but I didn't follow any of that. I've read this entire thread and haven't seen any "abuse" described at all.

Disney sells APs that have allowed people to go any day allowed under the terms of that particular AP, and access FP like anyone else in the parks. If they choose to go more days than others, how would that be abuse?

More than anything, if Disney doesn't want people maximizing their APs then they should not sell them that way. If I had an AP and lived close, I'd be using it a lot too.

Let's face it folks. Disney wants to continue to grow their business. They want more bodies in the parks. They have a limited number of ride slots available. This is about ride rationing pure and simple.

The biggest abuse comes from the bloggers using their AP to run their for profit businesses out of the parks. Mousermerf, any details on actions being taken to curb that?

 

[Robo]

The biggest abuse comes from the bloggers using their AP to run their for profit businesses out of the parks. Mousermerf, any details on actions being taken to curb that?

 

[mesaboy2]

I'm not sure I've ever "seen" you laugh this hard before. Yeah, that was pretty good.

 

[Waddler]

There's a difference between planning and planning to the degree that FP+ is rumored to require. I'm a planner, but this level of planning is beyond what I personally believe is reasonable. I cannot be alone in this.

You're not alone.

I'm a planner, too. We always hit the touring plans hard the first couple of days when we have tons of energy and enthusiasm

... but at some point, usually by the third or fourth day, all of the walking, outdoor exposure, and the occasional wine flight catch up to us. Our enthusiasm for an all-out assault on our senses wanes, and we run out of patience with other guests. We don't want to be whipped around anymore, we don't want anything else jumping out at us, and we definitely don't want to wait in another line. The headliner attractions are no longer fun.

At that point, we take it slower... maybe visit other resorts or spend the day at the pool.

I'm not excited about the prospect of precisely predicting this slump ahead of time. It's hard to say when everyone will reach their limit, but it won't be pretty if we try push through.

That's why we'll probably opt-out of FP+ and hope that the Imagineers reflect a bit of sympathy for people like us in their final design.

 

[SaraJayne]

The biggest abuse comes from the bloggers using their AP to run their for profit businesses out of the parks. Mousermerf, any details on actions being taken to curb that?

 

[patty57]

The biggest abuse comes from the bloggers using their AP to run their for profit businesses out of the parks. Mousermerf, any details on actions being taken to curb that?

Maybe I shouldn't admit it, but I don't get this joke.

 

[JZCubed]

I remember going to the parks before the days of Fast Pass and somehow I survived. If you run through your FastPass rations, then you have to do a little extra planning or wait in line. No big deal.

Then, at the margins, a day or two at Universal or Sea World becomes more appealing to customers.

Disney doesn't want us to leave.

The issue of survival is Disney protecting their profits.

 

[baler31]

The biggest abuse comes from the bloggers using their AP to run their for profit businesses out of the parks. Mousermerf, any details on actions being taken to curb that?

Oh yes they are fixing that by inviting them to private events at the park when the parks are closed to the GP and lots of swag.

 

[OurDogCisco]

Or have plans necessarily change due to factors beyond their control.

There's a difference between planning and planning to the degree that FP+ is rumored to require. I'm a planner, but this level of planning is beyond what I personally believe is reasonable. I cannot be alone in this.

I agree with you. I plan my trips relentlessly and I adapted when we had to book ADRs 120 days. I looking at touringplans, tourguidemike, etc.. for the best day to visit the parks, etc.. So, now it looks like I even have to put more effort into this trip. I think, the problem is that Disney is so expensive that people want to get the best value for their money. When you are dropping $5k a visit you want to make sure you maximize everything. We haven't done universal yet so, depending on the reports back about the new plan we just might go over to Universal.

 

[JZCubed]

One point completely absent in this thread as yet is that there are still a decent contingent of guests who do not have access to or do not care to have access to the Internet and/or smartphone technology. FP+ is going to leave this group almost completely on the outside looking in.

One more reason why everyone will not be on "equal footing" before entering the park with FP+.

And yes I know, before its said: adapt or die.

I realized this point at a later time last evening.

I agree.

Given my politically-left leaning proclivities, I'm troubled by this notion too.

However, while I am not a person who believes in, "Adapt or die," the use of the internet and/or smartphones is nearly ubiquitous. Airline, hotel, and many of other mundane travel functions are accomplished by use of technology. We should not have to march backwards to collecting hole-punched hard-tickets in order for everyone to stand at the same starting line.

Disney can move the starting line.

 

[OurDogCisco]

I realized this point at a later time last evening.

I agree.

Given my politically-left leaning proclivities, I'm troubled by this notion too.

However, while I am not a person who believes in, "Adapt or die," the use of the internet and/or smartphones is nearly ubiquitous. Airline, hotel, and many of other mundane travel functions are accomplished by use of technology. We should not have to march backwards to collecting hole-punched hard-tickets in order for everyone to stand at the same starting line.

Disney can move the starting line.

I don't know about you but my phone would never last on one battery charge at WDW from early morning to evening. The only way this would work is if I turned off every app on my phone and only had Disney's FP+ app open. It is different when you are in an airport as many of them have charging stations. People charge their phones on the way to driving somewhere. Where would you charge your phone at WDW? I find this a bit much to expect people to use their smartphones the entire trip.

 

[Robo]

I don't know about you but my phone would never last on one battery charge at WDW from early morning to evening. The only way this would work is if I turned off every app on my phone and only had Disney's FP+ app open. It is different when you are in an airport as many of them have charging stations. People charge their phones on the way to driving somewhere. Where would you charge your phone at WDW? I find this a bit much to expect people to use their smartphones the entire trip.

This problem will soon vanish.

It's like the not-too-long-ago discussions on where, in the WDW area, to buy inexpensive blank VHS tapes.

 

[mesaboy2]

I don't know about you but my phone would never last on one battery charge at WDW from early morning to evening. The only way this would work is if I turned off every app on my phone and only had Disney's FP+ app open. It is different when you are in an airport as many of them have charging stations. People charge their phones on the way to driving somewhere. Where would you charge your phone at WDW? I find this a bit much to expect people to use their smartphones the entire trip.

To be fair, charging stations are beginning to pop up at WDW. One is at Storybook Circus, and another is rumored to be part of the "Princess and the Pee" expansion next to IaSW.

Still, I'm thinking of those who go without sufficient tech (some seniors, for instance) to make FP+ viable.

 

[OurDogCisco]

To be fair, charging stations are beginning to pop up at WDW. One is at Storybook Circus, and another is rumored to be part of the "Princess and the Pee" expansion next to IaSW.

Still, I'm thinking of those who go without sufficient tech (some seniors, for instance) to make FP+ viable.

In an airport I don't mind charging my phone because I'm sitting there and doing nothing. Even some plane seats have charging stations now. You just look at the base of your seat. But I do not plan on standing at a charging station at WDW. It can take about 30 minutes to charge my phone to 100% if it died. I don't see this as a solution for me.

yes, the seniors will definitely lose out. It is sad... especially when I think of my MIL who cannot walk very fast, etc.. But on the other hand she really isn't into the rides any more. She is in her late 70s. So, I'm not sure what senior group you are referring to. I think there are subsets with the group. JMHO.

 

[HelenParr]

My smartphone would be dead by noon...but my ipad battery life is wonderful. Now I am picturing my park trip with my ipad, in my sling sak, in a zip lock bag (to the tune of Clementine).

Any guesses (yes, I know, this is all only guesses) on whether an AP holder staying on property might get more FP+? That is to say corresponding to the stay (like any resort guest) but added to the 20 per quarter idea?

As I ask that I am becoming quickly aware that as my personal concerns are met, my dislike of the system will fade.

 

[mesaboy2]

In an airport I don't mind charging my phone because I'm sitting there and doing nothing. Even some plane seats have charging stations now. You just look at the base of your seat. But I do not plan on standing at a charging station at WDW. It can take about 30 minutes to charge my phone to 100% if it died. I don't see this as a solution for me.

yes, the seniors will definitely lose out. It is sad... especially when I think of my MIL who cannot walk very fast, etc.. But on the other hand she really isn't into the rides any more. She is in her late 70s. So, I'm not sure what senior group you are referring to. I think there are subsets with the group. JMHO.

Agree with all. In my experience, some seniors just aren't interested in the latest newfangled things. My father-in-law has trouble with various over-the-phone customer service reps because they ask him for email addresses and the like. As he puts it, he "don't email, text, Facebook, tweet, or anything else".

He wouldn't be interested in setting up FP+ for these reasons, but he's certainly spry enough to handle many of the rumored FP+ attractions. He'd be relegated to standby only if FP 1.0 goes away.

 

[JZCubed]

Or have plans necessarily change due to factors beyond their control.

There's a difference between planning and planning to the degree that FP+ is rumored to require. I'm a planner, but this level of planning is beyond what I personally believe is reasonable. I cannot be alone in this.

If I make an ADR for later in the day than near rope drop, what's the problem getting a FP seat at the nearby popular attraction for around the same time? I make my ADR's 180 days out, what's the big deal saying that you want to be at Enchanted Belle & have primary seating for fireworks after BoG? FP+ may gives me that option.

I do not want to be at the Park and in your way during the morning hours just so I can get a FP for my afternoon tour. Disney is addressing my needs. The fulfillment of your needs may not be changed by the addition of FP+.

If I can book 3-4 FP's to get/keep me in the Parks & Resorts with a few more hours to spend money, Disney wants me to be able to do that. It is difficult to spend money while you stand in line. Disney wants more people to use FP. Disney is trying to spread the wealth of FP by offering an option of FP+. This should get more FP into the hands of more people, not simply those who get to the Parks the earliest.

 

[mesaboy2]

If I make an ADR for later in the day than near rope drop, what's the problem getting a FP seat at the nearby popular attraction for around the same time?

1. I make my ADR's 180 days out, what's the big deal saying that you want to be at Enchanted Belle & have primary seating for fireworks after BoG? FP+ may gives me that option.

I do not want to be at the Park and in your way during the morning hours just so I can get a FP for my afternoon tour. Disney is addressing my needs.

2. The fulfillment of your needs may not be changed by the addition of FP+.

If I can book 3-4 FP's to get/keep me in the Parks & Resorts with a few more hours to spend money, Disney wants me to be able to do that. It is difficult to spend money while you stand in line. Disney wants more people to use FP. Disney is trying to spread the wealth of FP by offering an option of FP+.

3. This should get more FP into the hands of more people,

4. not simply those who get to the Parks the earliest.

1. You might, I don't. Scheduling a meal six months from now is not planning, that's super planning.

2. But ride slots are removed from somewhere to make room for FP+, as max ride capacity is a constant. If one doesn't participate in it, I do not see how FP+ can do anything but increase wait times for them.

3. See 2.

4. Ah, but simplicity is part of the appeal to me. FP as it is is not particularly complicated, but how many questions are posed on here daily as to how it works? FP+ only further complicates it.

Good discussion!