Boooo! 30 Fastpass +

[White Rose]

You might rethink that and switch your FPs to the park you'll be in mid afternoon, when the lines are longest. AK will be walk on all morning - possible exception of the safari which you can just jump on first. And do EE single rider.

Thanks for the suggestion - we are going to Epcot mid-afternoon, and only going on Test Track there. I did not want to tie up 3 FP+ in a park where we are only going on one ride with a line. (We have no desire to do Soarin'.)

I'll work it out and discuss with hubby. Rides are not a huge priority for this trip. I wish we could just get one FP+ in AK, one in EP and one in HS. We are doing the Frozen Dessert party that night, and will end up in HS in the evening.)

 

[ethanwa]

This 30 day time for guests staying off site really stinks. All of the days between Dec 1st and 4th only have late times available at all parks (3:30 is the earliest). No fast passes available any day for 7DMT! We are early risers and are generally at the parks at rope drop and out of the parks around 3pm. Every year I find one more thing to tick me off at Disney.

Just do rope drop. Same thing like you used to do with FP- for Toy Story Midway Mania.

People tend to hate on FP+, but the reality is that you can still ride the rides you want if you do the good-old-fashioned rope drop like before for that one must-do ride.

Or just wait in line for 45 minutes at 7DMT... the queue line is actually pretty neat.

 

[cakebaker]

Or just wait in line for 45 minutes at 7DMT... the queue line is actually pretty neat.

My daughters rode standby during an evening EMH, I went back to the resort with the baby (it's what grandma's do ). The next day we rode it using FP+ and I realized then I wasn't going to get to see the queue. Next trip, we're going standby at least once, I really feel like I missed a lot!

 

[FlipHipster]

Just do rope drop. Same thing like you used to do with FP- for Toy Story Midway Mania.

People tend to hate on FP+, but the reality is that you can still ride the rides you want if you do the good-old-fashioned rope drop like before for that one must-do ride.

Or just wait in line for 45 minutes at 7DMT... the queue line is actually pretty neat.

Funny I can see dd(4.5) wanting to hang out in the queue. I think she will be disappointed if we skip it. I never mind riding EE SB, I like the queue.

 

[lizard1]

Thanks for the suggestion - we are going to Epcot mid-afternoon, and only going on Test Track there. I did not want to tie up 3 FP+ in a park where we are only going on one ride with a line. (We have no desire to do Soarin'.)

I'll work it out and discuss with hubby. Rides are not a huge priority for this trip. I wish we could just get one FP+ in AK, one in EP and one in HS. We are doing the Frozen Dessert party that night, and will end up in HS in the evening.)

I would save the FP for DHS then and ride TT through the single rider line.

My daughters rode standby during an evening EMH, I went back to the resort with the baby (it's what grandma's do ). The next day we rode it using FP+ and I realized then I wasn't going to get to see the queue. Next trip, we're going standby at least once, I really feel like I missed a lot!

The queue is pretty cool....not cool enough to wait 60-90 minutes though. Glad that I was able to see it once, though (during EMH).

 

[saskdw]

exactly. as much as it stinks it it's their attempt to get more people to stay onsite.


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It doesn't stink its smart business. Couldn't imagine not staying onsite.

 

[pigletto]

It doesn't stink its smart business. Couldn't imagine not staying onsite.

And after 9 trips in 6 years onsite spending thousands upon thousands of dollars, the ability to book 3 fast passes a day vs. having three times as much room at an offsite resort for WAY less money seemed like a no brainer to me. So while it may seem like smart business to you, it doesn't seem all that smart to me to spend 4 times more for those extra 30 days to book 3 rides a day. It certainly didn't keep me onsite.

 

[Suvadoo]

And after 9 trips in 6 years onsite spending thousands upon thousands of dollars, the ability to book 3 fast passes a day vs. having three times as much room at an offsite resort for WAY less money seemed like a no brainer to me. So while it may seem like smart business to you, it doesn't seem all that smart to me to spend 4 times more for those extra 30 days to book 3 rides a day. It certainly didn't keep me onsite.

This! People should be able to select the accommodations that suit their family. I don't think the FP+ booking window should be different for any group, everyone should have access at 30 days. If Disney wants to encourage resort stays, they should be improving resort perks: better food at their restaurants and Quick service locations, better discounts for repeat customers, discount park tickets, and extend EMH. Whether you stay off site or on-site, you pay the same amount for park tickets. So I think access to FP+ should be the same.

 

[saskdw]

And after 9 trips in 6 years onsite spending thousands upon thousands of dollars, the ability to book 3 fast passes a day vs. having three times as much room at an offsite resort for WAY less money seemed like a no brainer to me. So while it may seem like smart business to you, it doesn't seem all that smart to me to spend 4 times more for those extra 30 days to book 3 rides a day. It certainly didn't keep me onsite.

It is smart business. Their resorts are full. They make significantly more money off people staying onsite.

You made the choice that works for you, but it's still smart business.

 

[tink1953]

I agree with you 100%....they want you to spend $$$$$$ for a resort room so you can get 60 days out to book.

As an out of state pass holder I think we should have the same option not 30 days when you can't get anything...plus you can only book one day at a time and 7 days at a time...so you have to wait til you get down there and start all over again trying to get more fast passes a week away...

I hate this new system for fast passes.....the old system worked just fine why change it???

 

[saskdw]

This! People should be able to select the accommodations that suit their family. I don't think the FP+ booking window should be different for any group, everyone should have access at 30 days. If Disney wants to encourage resort stays, they should be improving resort perks: better food at their restaurants and Quick service locations, better discounts for repeat customers, discount park tickets, and extend EMH. Whether you stay off site or on-site, you pay the same amount for park tickets. So I think access to FP+ should be the same.

You can think what you want, but it's filling resorts. This isn't a government funded service it's private business. They are using the tools at their disposal to fill their resorts.

What do you think is more important to them the few hundred they make on your park tickets or the thousands they make from my tickets, resort room, food purchases and every other dime of my vacation money because I never leave property during my stay? It really is simple smart business.

 

[saskdw]

I hate this new system for fast passes.....the old system worked just fine why change it???

That is a matter of opinion. We didn't care for the old system.

We've been coming from western Canada to Orlando for 2 weeks every December since 2008. WDW has taken most of the money we spent in Orlando. However in 2012 we spent our entire trip at Universal. We stayed onsite and really enjoyed the unlimited Express Pass and short walk from resort to park. Last year FP+ brought us back to WDW and we enjoyed it so much we are heading back for 16 nights this December. Without FP+ it's highly unlikely we would have went back to WDW this year.

I realize the WDW veterans on DIS that hit the parks like a pack of Navy Seals and know how to milk the old system for all it's worth loved it. They would all be lying if they said they didn't get a little satisfaction knowing they got more for their money than the average Joe. But the reality is most people don't want to get up at dawn on their vacation and run around grabbing Fastpasses. Even know we know how to work the old system, it got old and tiresome after awhile. I love rolling out of bed at 10am starting my day at a leasurely pace, showing up at the park at 1pm or later and walking right onto a headline ride with out waiting. We never ever used more than 3 or 4 FP in a day anyway.

I'm not saying you're wrong for your opinion, but myself and WDW are banking that they will attract a lot more people like me than they will lose with FP+. Time will tell who is right.

 

[Suvadoo]

You can think what you want, but it's filling resorts. This isn't a government funded service it's private business. They are using the tools at their disposal to fill their resorts.

What do you think is more important to them the few hundred they make on your park tickets or the thousands they make from my tickets, resort room, food purchases and every other dime of my vacation money because I never leave property during my stay? It really is simple smart business.

The thing is the parks couldn't survive without the off-site people. Their parks would be empty. Believe me, I am well aware that Disney is not a charity. Also, contrary to your assumptions, the resorts are not full, that's the reason Disney is converting a lot of rooms to DVC.

I also don't think guests are going to be compelled to book an on-site stay for the FP advantage. It may be a perk in your opinion, but it's just not that valuable.

 

[jpeppers]

I still go to Orlando almost every year but Disney priced me out, I can stay in a 2 BR condo in a resort with a water park for the same price I would pay at the value resorts.

 

[Suvadoo]

I still go to Orlando almost every year but Disney priced me out, I can stay in a 2 BR condo in a resort with a water park for the same price I would pay at the value resorts.

So if you were able, would the ability to book FP+ at 60 days instead of 30 days entice you back to staying on property?

 

[Disneylover99]

It doesn't stink its smart business.

I'm not sure that this is smart business for the average first timer.

I have friends that recently cancelled their first DW trip because they were shut out of A&E, and the parade at day 60. They could get a Mine Train for really late at night, but with two young children, they opted out. The experience was a bit overwhelming for them. Because they were shut out of what they wanted 60 days out, all they could envision were hoards of crowds everywhere during their time frame. Since they booked a package, they were able to cancel without penalty before the 45 day mark. As soon as they cancelled, they were relieved.

 

[OasterP]

I'm not sure that this is smart business for the average first timer.

I have friends that recently cancelled their first DW trip because they were shut out of A&E, and the parade at day 60. They could get a Mine Train for really late at night, but with two young children, they opted out. The experience was a bit overwhelming for them. Because they were shut out of what they wanted 60 days out, all they could envision were hoards of crowds everywhere during their time frame. Since they booked a package, they were able to cancel without penalty before the 45 day mark. As soon as they cancelled, they were relieved.

Oh wow I can't imagine canceling a trip two months before just because I couldn't get some fp! They could still see/do those things without most likely. Particularly the parade b/c it doesn't seem necessary. But obviously definitely up to them, and it sounds like they weren't really unhappy with cancelling anyway, so it probably worked out. Truly not judging their choice - I just can't imagine.

On the original topic - OP if I read it right - you were able to get a fp at 30 days for SDMT but just not the time you want? I say go with it and just either try splitting up the party or try changing your time closer to the trip. I've definitely seen posts on here about times opening up. Even A&E had that happen before my trip because I was able to tell my friend about it and she nabbed a spot for at least three of them.

I do personally think that Disney has the right to offer perks to those who stay on site. They want people to stay onsite so they want to offer incentives for people to do so.

We stayed onsite last time and are staying offsite in April if we go. Definitely cheaper to stay offsite and the fp aren't enough of a reason for me to pay the extra to stay onsite.

 

[Disneylover99]

Oh wow I can't imagine canceling a trip two months before just because I couldn't get some fp! They could still see/do those things without most likely. Particularly the parade b/c it doesn't seem necessary. But obviously definitely up to them, and it sounds like they weren't really unhappy with cancelling anyway, so it probably worked out. Truly not judging their choice - I just can't imagine.

Like I said, the cancellation was mainly because they had visions of huge crowds, when they realized some attractions were already booked 60 days out. I wonder if other first timers might dothe same thing or feel the same way?

We had friends and family join us in DW this past summer and they really enjoyed themselves. When I told them we were booking the bb offer and asked if they were interested, they said no......the planning and booking of FP's was too much work.

 

[cakebaker]

You can think what you want, but it's filling resorts. This isn't a government funded service it's private business. They are using the tools at their disposal to fill their resorts.

What do you think is more important to them the few hundred they make on your park tickets or the thousands they make from my tickets, resort room, food purchases and every other dime of my vacation money because I never leave property during my stay? It really is simple smart business.

I'm actually kind of hoping that just the advance booking isn't quite getting them where they want to be- it translates into more perks for on site guests!

I think they're firmly dedicated to increasing on site stays and are willing to do what it takes to get them there. I'm more than willing to take what they want to give.

 

[lugnut33]

I'm actually kind of hoping that just the advance booking isn't quite getting them where they want to be- it translates into more perks for on site guests!

I think they're firmly dedicated to increasing on site stays and are willing to do what it takes to get them there. I'm more than willing to take what they want to give.

You do realize that on-site guests are not enough to fill up the parks even if the resorts are at 100% capacity?

In regards to FP+ it has been a negative for many off-site guests (not all). Will that eventually translate into lower attendance? Remains to be seen.