AP's to get 20 FP+ per quarter

[linzbear]

In my experience as a system administrator charged with a forklift upgrade between two entirely different networks, I tried to be the nice guy and give people a transition period of over a month to switch over.

At the 20-day point, I did a stat analysis and informal survey, and only 10% of the users had even logged in to the new system.

It quickly became obvious that the only way to get people to use the new system was to turn the old system off.

People hate change...that's just human nature. And Disney can't afford to support two FP technologies and systems indefinitely -- it costs people, bandwidth and paper supplies for the old FPs. I'd recommend, if I were doing it, to just cut over when the FP+ system's ready.

(How did I fix my issue? I gave them all 5 more days to move their stuff over and then did a hard uninstall of their workstations over the weekend.)

Yup, they'll force 1-2 resorts to switch over for testing. Probably something like WL, Poly, or AK (Deluxe guests but not convention goers). Those people won't get the option to use FP at all, at least when it rolls out. I'd bet that with a swarm of people in Guest Services that first week that they'll tweak it real quick though.

 

[andyman8]

Sounds *just* like a place I want to spend thousands of dollars, no?

Well, I just bought one-day tickets for my trip on Saturday. $94. Although I like Disney a lot, that's insane!

 

[andyman8]

Yup, they'll force 1-2 resorts to switch over for testing. Probably something like WL, Poly, or AK (Deluxe guests but not convention goers). Those people won't get the option to use FP at all, at least when it rolls out. I'd bet that with a swarm of people in Guest Services that first week that they'll tweak it real quick though.

Or they'll just convert all admission tickets into RFID which will not be able to be used with standard FP when this system rolls out (so we've been told), thus eliminating the standard FP system!

 

[SaraJayne]

Well, I just bought one-day tickets for my trip on Saturday. $94. Although I like Disney a lot, that's insane!

Yes, it is insane.

We are taking a family trip (my 5 year old niece's first) in April and if the expected FP + changes go into effect, it will be my last trip, possibly ever.

I have been a frequent visitor the last 8 years (2+ times a year), but there have just been too many things changed for the worse for me to ignore much longer.

Before it can be said, you're correct, Disney won't miss me and my money. But I know I'm not the only one.

 

[Robbi]

Am I understanding that if you buy non AP passes, you can use FPs the traditional way?
There's no way that I will renew APs if I have to make which park to visit decisions 6 months in advance in order to comply with the 20 FPs per quarter.
Looks like we might have to decide if we want to keep our DVC membership.

 

[linzbear]

Or they'll just convert all admission tickets into RFID which will not be able to be used with standard FP when this system rolls out (so we've been told), thus eliminating the standard FP system!

I highly doubt they will switch over everyone at once, that would be up there with one of the stupidest decisions of all time - Guest Services, Check In, Turnstiles, and Concierge would have lines longer than the headliners. They'll do one resort at a time, and once they're all done then they'll flip to RFID for all admission.

 

[mom2rtk]

Am I understanding that if you buy non AP passes, you can use FPs the traditional way?
There's no way that I will renew APs if I have to make which park to visit decisions 6 months in advance in order to comply with the 20 FPs per quarter.
Looks like we might have to decide if we want to keep our DVC membership.

No. Eventually ALL tickets will probably have access to only the new FP+. Nobody knows for sure, but there's no reason to think one sort of ticket will have access to one system while another ticket will have another.

 

[linzbear]

Am I understanding that if you buy non AP passes, you can use FPs the traditional way?
There's no way that I will renew APs if I have to make which park to visit decisions 6 months in advance in order to comply with the 20 FPs per quarter.
Looks like we might have to decide if we want to keep our DVC membership.

This is all unknown and speculation at this point. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater!

 

[TeresaWen]

I have an AP and usually stay for 10+ days at a WDW resort and also park hop most days. This new FP+ system does not sound like it will work for me. I do not plan my days ahead of time and usually will decide when I am at the park what ride I want to get a FP for. I do not want to plan every part of my day (between ADRs and FP+).[/QUOA\

Agree! For the past several years we have been AP holders and have taken 2 10 day trips a year. With all the changes taking place our 2 Disney Trips in 2013 are being replaced with a 2 week trip to Napa Valley and a 10 day trip to the Caribbean. We'll see if we go back to Disney in 2014.

It will be interesting to see if AP holders who stay on property are given the same fast passes as regular ticket holders. If this is the case, then the 20 per quarter is really and truly a bonus and not a limit.

 

[mom2rtk]

Yes, it is insane.

We are taking a family trip (my 5 year old niece's first) in April and if the expected FP + changes go into effect, it will be my last trip, possibly ever.

I have been a frequent visitor the last 8 years (2+ times a year), but there have just been too many things changed for the worse for me to ignore much longer.

Before it can be said, you're correct, Disney won't miss me and my money. But I know I'm not the only one.

You're right. They won't miss you in particular. And I don't think anyone has decided to stop going based on what is known at this point. But I do think there are an awful lot of folks going "Hmmmmm........ I never wanted to stop going to Disney. I enjoy my trips. But maybe I need to consider that possible eventuality when I see how this rolls out".

 

[bcrook]

For the most part we travel in early June and October. Crowds aren't horrible and we know the best times to visit attractions without crowds (although taking away that third hour of EMH at MK really hurt! Sorry ). We don't use a lot of fastpasses.

For example, DAK from 3-7 is practically empty. We never need FP there. We love that time.

But, maybe this FP+ is designed to close that window!!! By forcing people to get their ARR (advanced ride reservation) at DAK between 3-7. More people will stay in that park, or at least show up later and stay later.

Now I am a little sick to my stomach. I was thinking we were invincible before.

 

[mom2rtk]

For the most part we travel in early June and October. Crowds aren't horrible and we know the best times to visit attractions without crowds (although taking away that third hour of EMH at MK really hurt! Sorry ). We don't use a lot of fastpasses.

For example, DAK from 3-7 is practically empty. We never need FP there. We love that time.

But, maybe this FP+ is designed to close window!!! By forcing people to get their ARR (advanced ride reservation) at DAK between 3-7. More people will stay in that park, or at least show up later and stay later.

Now I am a little sick to my stomach. I was thinking we were invincible before.

DING DING DING! We have a winner!

That is the entire problem with all of it.

Every move they make will affect crowd patterns and standby lines. Simply saying "if you don't like it, don't use it" is ignoring the impact that the FP+ system will have on everything else. It has the potential to create a new "normal".

Maybe since people can book FPs ahead of time, more will avoid rope drop.

Or maybe when people log on to schedule their FP's, 9:15 will be the only time open, so will spur them to get to the parks sooner than they otherwise would have, thereby adding to the rope drop crowd.

I'm more convinced than ever that any 2013 Disney trip we take will have us heading west. It won't solve anything longterm, but it will allow some of this to wash out before we jump in.

I was already negatively affected by FP+ with their test scheduled last minute during my trip. I'd prefer not to have it mess with me again this year.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

You're right. They won't miss you in particular. And I don't think anyone has decided to stop going based on what is known at this point. But I do think there are an awful lot of folks going "Hmmmmm........ I never wanted to stop going to Disney. I enjoy my trips. But maybe I need to consider that possible eventuality when I see how this rolls out".

I am in this group.....

I am a late planner. So what am I going to do.

Welcome to Disney! However since you failed to book 6 months in advance you can't have any dining reservations or get a fast pass to the good rides, you may however freely visit all of our gift shops

Why doesn't that sound appealing!

 

[mom2rtk]

I am in this group.....

I am a late planner. So what am I going to do.

Welcome to Disney! However since you failed to book 6 months in advance you can't have any dining reservations or get a fast pass to the good rides, you may however freely visit all of our gift shops

Why doesn't that sound appealing!

It won't be THAT bad. I bet you can also get into the Stitch attracton.........

 

[Robo]

You're right. They won't miss you in particular. And I don't think anyone has decided to stop going based on what is known at this point. But I do think there are an awful lot of folks going "Hmmmmm........ I never wanted to stop going to Disney. I enjoy my trips. But maybe I need to consider that possible eventuality when I see how this rolls out".

Here is how and where it affects me...

I always envision my trips to WDW in positive terms.
I KNOW that when I go I WILL be having more fun for those days than I
can have anywhere else.

I have learned new techniques each trip.
Things that I know I can do to make each additional trip that much easier, smoother, and experience less hassle.

And, I keep going back and DO have that much more ease of timing,
fewer hang-ups, greater enjoyment and relaxation.

Enter "FastPass +."

From all indications (trip reports of the tests, the "new website's" info, and just plain rumors)
I'm seeing hassles. (Make that HASSLES!)

Anyone who has read a few of my posts can see that I know my way around the parks pretty well.

I know when to arrive, and can make split-second changes in my plans if problems arise.
Classic example of showing up early at Park X and deciding that the unanticipated snaggle of a massive influx of guests at the gates
(large tour groups, sports and cheer groups, etc.) indicates that my park-of-choice may be the wrong place to be that morning.

As things with FP have been for over a decade, I could pop over to another park right then, of even decide that a day of touring the resorts, DTD and/or Boardwalk is a better idea.

But, I've made Advanced FP+ reservations at Park X, and ONLY that park, and ONLY on that day, so now, I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THAT ARBITRARY ARRANGEMENT. AT ALL.

Hassle.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

It almost sounds to me like the goal is to have all the lines, for each ride, to balance out to say, 45 minutes. Which is great for rides that once had 60-90 min waits (TSM, Space, Rock N Roller Coaster) but TERRIBLE for rides like PotC, Haunted Mansion, Dinosaur etc.

I am a planner. But even I cannot imagine planning when I want to ride something weeks in advance (or even days in advance).

And don't even get me started on having to pick between headliners in the same park the way the tests were conducted With the current FP system, I can ride Space, BTMRR, and Splash, in one 6 hour day utilizing FP to minimize waits to 10-15 minutes. Based on the test groupings, it looks like I would have to pick which of those rides I want to FP and then standby the others?? Even if FP+ drops the long waits down to 45 minutes (in my hypothetical scenario above) that is still 30 minutes more than I am used to waiting. That is less time for me to be in the park, spending money on souveniers or snacks

 

[Missyrose]

I is less time for me to be in the park, spending money on souveniers or snacks

And THIS, my friends is what I don't understand about the possible changes. FP was introduced so instead of standing in line for an hour, you could grab a FP and then spend that hour shopping or eating (i.e. spending money). Is park revenue no longer a priority?

 

[mom2rtk]

Here is how and where it affects me...

I always envision my trips to WDW in positive terms.
I KNOW that when I go I WILL be having more fun for those days than I
can have anywhere else.

I have learned new techniques each trip.
Things that I know I can do to make each additional trip that much easier, smoother, and experience less hassle.

And, I keep going back and DO have that much more ease of timing,
fewer hang-ups, greater enjoyment and relaxation.

Enter "FastPass +."

From all indications (trip reports of the tests, the "new website's" info, and just plain rumors)
I'm seeing hassles. (Make that HASSLES!)

Anyone who has read a few of my posts can see that I know my way around the parks pretty well.

I know when to arrive, and can make split-second changes in my plans if problems arise.
Classic example of showing up early at Park X and deciding that the unanticipated snaggle of a massive influx of guests at the gates
(large tour groups, sports and cheer groups, etc.) indicates that my park-of-choice may be the wrong place to be that morning.

As things with FP have been for over a decade, I could pop over to another park right then, of even decide that a day of touring the resorts, DTD and/or Boardwalk is a better idea.

But, I've made Advanced FP+ reservations at Park X, and ONLY that park, and ONLY on that day, so now, I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THAT ARBITRARY ARRANGEMENT. AT ALL.

Hassle.

Yep. My hassle factor was increased on this most recent trip just based on fastpass enforcement and the presence of a FP+ test.

Anticipating my first WDW trip once this puppy goes live is not going to be nearly as fun.

It almost sounds to me like the goal is to have all the lines, for each ride, to balance out to say, 45 minutes. Which is great for rides that once had 60-90 min waits (TSM, Space, Rock N Roller Coaster) but TERRIBLE for rides like PotC, Haunted Mansion, Dinosaur etc.

I think that's a very accurate description. They see those A-B-C attractions as having underused capacity. If they can force the masses into those, they can clear more capacity at the D-E attractions. AND SELL MORE TICKETS.

They make the mistake of assuming this is a zero sum game though. That people will just see the shiny bracelet sprinkled with pink pixie dust and go where Disney wants them to go. I wonder if they have factored in the potential loss of business.

 

[mom2rtk]

Is park revenue no longer a priority?

Or as part of their "zero sum game" thinking, maybe they are just mistakenly assuming it will remain unchanged.

 

[TeresaWen]

You're right. They won't miss you in particular. And I don't think anyone has decided to stop going based on what is known at this point. But I do think there are an awful lot of folks going "Hmmmmm........ I never wanted to stop going to Disney. I enjoy my trips. But maybe I need to consider that possible eventuality when I see how this rolls out".

For me it is not just this one thing...it is a trend to having to plan my days at WDW three to six months out. That is not my idea of a vacation...I know it is what a lot of folks want but not me. And in 2012 I learned that there is a whole world outside of Orlando and I now want to see more of that world - Disney is not the vacation for us that it was in the past. We are not and never will be fanatic planners and I do not enjoy having no spontaneity in my vacation. I really do not know today what and when I want to ride something and where, when, and WHAT I want to eat in June 2013. Please!

Disney will not miss my money as there are hundreds of folks waiting to take my place but this is not about sending Disney a message...this is about making sure my family has the type of vacation we enjoy.