Big news on Fastpass+ from Disney

[tlady]

Not quite sure why you'd do that. On the very 1st post of the thread, I explained that it was the exact email I got from Disney. The edits were all in red.

Do some people really such a small sense of humor? It was a joke, all meant in good fun, just to try and make people laugh. Don't take everything so serious.

Oh, don't you realize that, for some people, any criticism of Disney is a mortal sin? LOL. Sorry, but not only is your post hilarious, it's also mostly true, which makes it both funny and sad.

 

[tlady]

I expect testing to last at least a year which isn't all that long for a product of this size. As a comparison, Gmail was in testing (aka beta) for 5 years, 3 months, and 6 days.

Not really a valid comparison. The G:mail system didn't cost anyone an arm and a leg as a user while it was being tested. However, a trip to Disney certainly does. And while all of this "testing" is taking place, some people's expensive Disney vacations are being ruined.

 

[tlady]

Who said that?

If you think Universal Express for on-site guests is the same as Fastpass, you've either never used it or you've been drinking too much Pixie Dust Kool-Aid. That's not an opinion based type of discussion, like "Which park is better?" There's no discussion about it - Universal Express is better than Fastpass, in any form.

You are 100% correct in that assessment. Universal's "front of the line" system is incredibly easy to use and, most important of all - IT WORKS!!!!!

 

[JDUCKY]

Just got this email from Disney. Now, I was going to just post exactly what the email said, but since it's full of pixie crap, I thought I would edit it a bit (in red) to give a more accurate description:

MyMagic+ Passholder Update
Welcome to our new MyMagic+ Passholder Newsflash series. As you may already know, we are currently in the midst of testing MyMagic+, an exciting, but far more complicated and time consuming new way to take your Walt Disney World visits to a new level. As we continue working to make this the best possible experience for you, (HA, just kidding...we mean for us to make more money), we want to keep you up to date. So we've created this series to provide helpful tips, highlight important updates and provide answers to your top questions about what's to come. However, please don't expect any replies to any questions about how awful Fastpass+ is.

Check out our new kiosks.
Right now, we're excited to share the news of our new Disney FastPass+ kiosks that allow access to all of the Disney FastPass+ experiences available in all four Theme Parks (just look for the FastPass+ kiosk signs pictured below). Now you have more than double the experiences to choose from. Not only that, but you can only get about 1/4 of the amount of Fastpasses as before! You get access to FastPass+ experiences such as parade and fireworks viewing areas and more attractions than ever before. And if that isn't good enough, if you waste one of your Fastpass selections on a place to stand for a parade, you lose out on one that you could use for a ride!

Plus, for the first time ever, you can make all your selections at one time and still have flexibility to make changes throughout your day. Of course, since you only have the choice of 1 headliner attraction per day, this is utterly useless. But hey, you might just be here on a day when there's a wait for the Carousel of Progress. And that means more relaxation on your visit because you no longer have to go from attraction to attraction across the Park to pick up individual FASTPASS® tickets. Instead, you just have to go across the park to find an attraction without a 60 minute wait because you no longer will have access to more than 3 Fastpasses per day.

The kiosks are located in several locations throughout all four Theme Parks. Simply access the kiosk with a touch of your Pass. Then use the touch screen to reserve access to attractions and experiences throughout the Park for that day. You can make three selections per day (in one Park per day) all from one convenient location. Even better, you don't have to deal with those pesky demands from kids wanting to ride both Space and Thunder Mountain with no waits, because with Fastpass+ , you can't get a Fastpass for both!!!! And you have the flexibility to change and adjust your selections at other Park kiosks as the day goes on.

Be sure to check it out on your next visit. Got questions? Disney Cast Members are stationed at each kiosk to help you out. They will be of little assistance to your dissatisfaction with the new system, but they will smile for you free of charge!

And watch these updates for more information about how and when you'll be able to select Disney FastPass+ experiences in advance of your visit, right from your home or mobile device. And don't forget your phone charger, as your battery will be drained from the MyDisneyExperience App before you can say "More money now equals fewer rides!"

Hear! Hear!!

to FP-

 

[JDUCKY]

You are 100% correct in that assessment. Universal's "front of the line" system is incredibly easy to use and, most important of all - IT WORKS!!!!!

Sure it works...at a VERY high cost, though!

 

[anna08]

Thanks for the chuckles, sonofanarchy! I laughed this afternoon when I got the original email, but much harder with your version.

 

[Joe Dirt 1972]

Ive never been so teased before in my life. I saw the thread heading getting and thought Disney is going to change Fast Pass+ they are listening and read it and realized it was all the a tease.

Its such a tease lol

 

[Mad Hattered]

Sure it works...at a VERY high cost, though!

I just did a quick random check for 4-4 through 4-10. Portofino Bay (most expensive) at Universal is $327/night while Art of Animation is $336/night. If you think those two hotels are comparable in the least then there is probably no sense in discussing it.

But I could stay at Contemporary for $1,300/night during that same time.

 

[AmyB2006]

I have to say, having gotten the same email and in general being a fan of the new system minus some growing exceptions :/, I thought your post was HILARIOUS!!

Enjoyed it.

 

[AmyB2006]

maybe they're planning to move cinderella castle down to town square so they can build anna's ice palace as the new centerpiece of the park.

ROFL

How'd that be for a park update? Lol

 

[Laketravis]

I just did a quick random check for 4-4 through 4-10. Portofino Bay (most expensive) at Universal is $327/night while Art of Animation is $336/night. If you think those two hotels are comparable in the least then there is probably no sense in discussing it.

But I could stay at Contemporary for $1,300/night during that same time.

Whoooa! Seriously? You're not making that up?

Those aren't typical rates for AoA or CR, are they? Why so high for those dates?

 

[ultraviolet]

You get access to FastPass+ experiences such as parade and fireworks viewing areas and more attractions than ever before. And if that isn't good enough, if you waste one of your Fastpass selections on a place to stand for a parade, you lose out on one that you could use for a ride!

Serious question here, as we've not been to WDW since 2007.... Based on what I've read on the forum, I gather there are now reserved FP+ areas for parades etc.

Let's use Illuminations as an example: where are the FP+ areas located? We were last there over President's weekend in '07, and had no problem finding a spot each night for a good viewing area. Are places roped off now? Why would a FP+ be necessary?

Thanks for any insight. We haven't been able to go to WDW for many years. It's discouraging to read how much things have changed and see how much more expensive it's gotten. My daughter is going to WDW on her spring break and I want to give her as much inside info as possible.

 

[AmyB2006]

Serious question here, as we've not been to WDW since 2007.... Based on what I've read on the forum, I gather there are now reserved FP+ areas for parades etc. Let's use Illuminations as an example: where are the FP+ areas located? We were last there over President's weekend in '07, and had no problem finding a spot each night for a good viewing area. Are places roped off now? Why would a FP+ be necessary? Thanks for any insight. We haven't been able to go to WDW for many years. It's discouraging to read how much things have changed and see how much more expensive it's gotten. My daughter is going to WDW on her spring break and I want to give her as much inside info as possible.

Well for illuminations, it's not "necessary". That's why it's a waste in a lot of peoples' opinions.

For MSEP if you like that parade not so much of a waste. Prime viewing area, no wait.

 

[crostorfer]

Why do people not going to Disney ever again bother coming here? Yes, we get it, you don't like FP+ and Universal is better. But paying for a hotel room for a fastpass is SO much better..

Paying less money for a deluxe hotel room and getting FOTL for every ride in both of the park but one, ( I don't count pteradon flyers as an attraction because only a fool would attempt to ride), trumps paying for a moderate hotel room and FPing 3 rides per day. I'm sorry, but it does.

 

[AliceandAriel]

Not quite sure why you'd do that. On the very 1st post of the thread, I explained that it was the exact email I got from Disney. The edits were all in red.

Do some people really such a small sense of humor? It was a joke, all meant in good fun, just to try and make people laugh. Don't take everything so serious.

You're kidding, right? I was laughing! I'm sorry if my run of humor didn't rub you the right way.

 

[crostorfer]

Sure it works...at a VERY high cost, though!

In August 2012 I paid $20 less per night at the Royal Pacific than I did for the previous three nights at the POR.

 

[Laketravis]

Well for illuminations, it's not "necessary". That's why it's a waste in a lot of peoples' opinions.

For MSEP if you like that parade not so much of a waste. Prime viewing area, no wait.

If you are into parades, FP+ for MSEP are the best seats in the house.

You can find comparable viewing areas for Illuminations all over WS.

Personally, we liked sitting on the plant ledges over by that empty building (Odysey?) because it wasn't crowded at all and had a pretty good view of the fireworks. But it's off to the side and might not be for everyone.

 

[btk2333]

Paying less money for a deluxe hotel room and getting FOTL for every ride in both of the park but one, ( I don't count pteradon flyers as an attraction because only a fool would attempt to ride), trumps paying for a moderate hotel room and FPing 3 rides per day. I'm sorry, but it does.

Except I could never spend a week on Universal property- I could spend a week at WDW and not even come close to seeing everything.

 

[AmyB2006]

If you are into parades, FP+ for MSEP are the best seats in the house. You can find comparable viewing areas for Illuminations all over WS. Personally, we liked sitting on the plant ledges over by that empty building (Odysey?) because it wasn't crowded at all and had a pretty good view of the fireworks. But it's off to the side and might not be for everyone.

My favorite place to watch Illuminations....




Whichever side of the lagoon the wind is not blowing!!! LOL. It doesn't matter where you are. If you have all that smoke coming at you from the fireworks then it's terrible.

 

[JDUCKY]

In August 2012 I paid $20 less per night at the Royal Pacific than I did for the previous three nights at the POR.

Considering I live about 15-20 min from either WDW or Universal, staying on-property would not be a practical option.