Boston Globe Article: WDW trip planning

[Cormoran]

Which is why I'm skeptical we will ever see 4th and subsequent FPs available by app. They at least need to pretend they have something left for these people buying tickets at the gate.

Aside from the FP + attraction availablility, this system was supposed to benefit the first time guests. But I think it only benefits the first time guest who's a planner. For the guests who "spontaneously" decide to visit the parks and purchase tickets when they arrive, I think the new system punishes them. They are stuck in long SB lines for both headliners and secondary attractions.

 

[JimmyV]

Aside from the FP + attraction availablility, this system was supposed to benefit the first time guests. But I think it only benefits the first time guest who's a planner. For the guests who "spontaneously" decide to visit the parks and purchase tickets when they arrive, I think the new system punishes them. They are stuck in long SB lines for both headliners and secondary attractions.

There is no debating this point. (Except by people who have the "Tough cookies! They should have done their homework!" attitude...as if doing homework is supposed to be part and parcel of spending a day at an amusement park). If I stood underneath the archway of the Train Station at the MK when FP- was in place, acting as a "greeter", and some newbie asked me to teach them about FP-, in 3 minutes they would have a working knowledge of the system and would be on equal footing with even the most savvy veteran in terms of getting a FP for a headliner. If I stand in the same place now and a newbie asks me to teach them about FP+, in about 5 minutes they would have a working knowledge of the system, but would be precluded from getting FPs to several rides. This new system is no help to a true noob.

 

[Cormoran]

There is no debating this point. (Except by people who have the "Tough cookies! They should have done their homework!" attitude...as if doing homework is supposed to be part and parcel of spending a day at an amusement park). If I stood underneath the archway of the Train Station at the MK when FP- was in place, acting as a "greeter", and some newbie asked me to teach them about FP-, in 3 minutes they would have a working knowledge of the system and would be on equal footing with even the most savvy veteran in terms of getting a FP for a headliner. If I stand in the same place now and a newbie asks me to teach them about FP+, in about 5 minutes they would have a working knowledge of the system, but would be precluded from getting FPs to several rides. This new system is no help to a true noob.

IMO, you are underestimating the amount of time it would take to explain FP+ to a novice. When we were there last April, there were a lot of uninformed guests at the kiosks and they did require a lot of teaching pior to making their FP+ selections. I would bet it took at least 15 minutes.

 

[JimmyV]

IMO, you are underestimating the amount of time it would take to explain FP+ to a novice. When we were there last April, there were a lot of uninformed guests at the kiosks and they did require a lot of teaching pior to making their FP+ selections. I would bet it took at least 15 minutes.

Maybe you are underestimating my persuasive and logical eloquence.
Let's just say that if I were asked to explain the system, I would direct my explanation to the youngest member of the group. Preferably a 12 year old! But you're probably right.

 

[mesaboy2]

I have very much enjoyed your discussion with Mesaboy on this subject - I think you've both made great points and it's been an interesting read.

Forgive me if you've already pointed this out - one example of an increase in spontaneity w/ FP+ is the ability to change them on the app. On both of our FP+ trips I have been able to alter FP times and experiences easily. Since these types of changes were not available w/ FP-, I would say that at least in regards to this specific feature, FP+ allows for more spontaneous decisions than holding an unchangeable paper ticket.

I don't know if I felt more spontaneous overall, since I made a plan and pretty much stuck to it as I had with FP- trips. But I'm not going to WDW looking to fly by the seat of my pants, that ship sailed when I started traveling with little ones.

I do know that we keep having wonderful trips, and I'm already planning the next one!

I'll give you that point, it's a valid one that I forget about. In the grander scheme of things however, you lost a lot of the "s" word already by committing to that first FP two months ago.

 

[Hokie2000]

I'll give you that point, it's a valid one that I forget about. In the grander scheme of things however, you lost a lot of the "s" word already by committing to that first FP two months ago.

That's very true. Committing to a park by choosing FPs (and ADRs) cuts out a lot of last-minute, impulsive, unplanned, off-the-cuff, extemporaneous decision making. But once we're in the predetermined park, I have found that impromptu changes in the app have been quick and easy.

(Sorry, I couldn't help whipping out the thesaurus. Has anyone counted the number of times the "s" word has been used in this thread? )

 

[mesaboy2]

That's very true. Committing to a park by choosing FPs (and ADRs) cuts out a lot of last-minute, impulsive, unplanned, off-the-cuff, extemporaneous decision making. But once we're in the predetermined park, I have found that impromptu changes in the app have been quick and easy.

(Sorry, I couldn't help whipping out the thesaurus. Has anyone counted the number of times the "s" word has been used in this thread? )

Drinking game! (If only I drank.)

 

[Hokie2000]

Aside from the FP + attraction availablility, this system was supposed to benefit the first time guests. But I think it only benefits the first time guest who's a planner. For the guests who "spontaneously" decide to visit the parks and purchase tickets when they arrive, I think the new system punishes them. They are stuck in long SB lines for both headliners and secondary attractions.

My Dad always said "fail to plan, plan to fail." And while I think failure is a strong word when it comes to standing in line at a theme park I can see how frustrated one may get if they end up standing in line all day! However, is it a valid statement that a nonplanner will be stuck in lines for both the headliners and secondary attractions? I think it's been widely reported that there are plenty of SDFPs available for secondary attractions. So while the nonplanning first-timer may not be able to get FPs for headliners, it stands to reason that they would be able to bypass at least 3 of the secondary attraction lines, unless they forego FPs altogether.

 

[Cormoran]

My Dad always said "fail to plan, plan to fail." And while I think failure is a strong word when it comes to standing in line at a theme park I can see how frustrated one may get if they end up standing in line all day! However, is it a valid statement that a nonplanner will be stuck in lines for both the headliners and secondary attractions? I think it's been widely reported that there are plenty of SDFPs available for secondary attractions. So while the nonplanning first-timer may not be able to get FPs for headliners, it stands to reason that they would be able to bypass at least 3 of the secondary attraction lines, unless they forego FPs altogether.

OK the non-planner may get FP+ for 3 secondary attractions for later in the afternoon, and stand in long SB lines for headliners and additional secondary attractions beyond the 3 FP+ attractions. I still think the non-planner will be punished. Especially if they go to Epcot or DHS!

 

[DisneyParkLover]

I can't help but wonder if the people who would go to Disney with no planning/information whatsoever are the same kind of people who go to a car dealership, pick out the "prettiest" one and pay sticker for it.

I have no problem with people who love spontaneity, but in my opinion a trip to Disney is too expensive of a purchase not to research a little beforehand. For what it's worth, I research any costly purchase so I know I am making the most of my money.

Disney is no different than other big vacations - they all require a little planning. Actually, Disney required nowhere near the amount of planning as my trip to Europe/Asia. On the plus side for Disney, there is no research to be done on safe areas to stay. Pick the category of Disney resorts that meets your budget. They are all lovely and safe. You also don't have to do any research on transportation. Disney takes care of all your transportation. And you CAN go to Disney without ADR's and FP reservations. You just may not get as much for your money as someone who took the time to do a little research.

 

[Mickey&Mouse]

I can't help but wonder if the people who would go to Disney with no planning/information whatsoever are the same kind of people who go to a car dealership, pick out the "prettiest" one and pay sticker for it.

I have no problem with people who love spontaneity, but in my opinion a trip to Disney is too expensive of a purchase not to research a little beforehand. For what it's worth, I research any costly purchase so I know I am making the most of my money.

Disney is no different than other big vacations - they all require a little planning. Actually, Disney required nowhere near the amount of planning as my trip to Europe/Asia. On the plus side for Disney, there is no research to be done on safe areas to stay. Pick the category of Disney resorts that meets your budget. They are all lovely and safe. You also don't have to do any research on transportation. Disney takes care of all your transportation. And you CAN go to Disney without ADR's and FP reservations. You just may not get as much for your money as someone who took the time to do a little research.

I agree that a little bit of research goes a long way for any trip. However, research aside- what about people who are unable to book their trip or purchase tickets until the very last minute? Sometimes it's unavoidable. There's a current thread entitled, "Taking the fun out of Spontaneous visits", which describes this exact scenario. A scenario that's not too uncommon, and one that hits close to home for me since we have friends who are in the same boat. They won't be able to purchase their tickets until the very last minute either. I feel for anyone in that position because they're going into their trip at a disadvantage from the start. What lends to the frustration is that prior to the enactment of the FP+ system, these same people would be on a level playing field with everyone else at WDW- simply by having a ticket for entry.

 

[IrishNYC]

I can't help but wonder if the people who would go to Disney with no planning/information whatsoever are the same kind of people who go to a car dealership, pick out the "prettiest" one and pay sticker for it.

I have no problem with people who love spontaneity, but in my opinion a trip to Disney is too expensive of a purchase not to research a little beforehand. For what it's worth, I research any costly purchase so I know I am making the most of my money.

Disney is no different than other big vacations - they all require a little planning. Actually, Disney required nowhere near the amount of planning as my trip to Europe/Asia. On the plus side for Disney, there is no research to be done on safe areas to stay. Pick the category of Disney resorts that meets your budget. They are all lovely and safe. You also don't have to do any research on transportation. Disney takes care of all your transportation. And you CAN go to Disney without ADR's and FP reservations. You just may not get as much for your money as someone who took the time to do a little research.

Yes! That's exactly what i was thinking just before I read your response. A trip to Disney costs too much to not do the tiniest bit of research. Showing up at disney with not a single idea in your head is no different than showing up at the Mexican border without a passport, or going to dinner on Mother's Day and wondering why you can't get a table.

 

[greeneave]

so, if we have, say, pirates of the caribbean as our 1pm-2pm fp+ choice and there's only a short wait on the regular line, should we just hop on the regular line, cancel that fp+ selection on the iphone and try to snag a different choice?

how does canceling and re-selecting work? can i only cancel one of my choices or do i need to cancel everything?

I love her point about yanking the kids off lines. It wasn't stated but similar to that I never witnessed kids getting yelled at harder than when they scanned a MagicBand on a no-wait line. The Mom was flipping. My husband was shaking his head and I was nodding in understanding of her spiked cortisol levels. Wasting one third of your hard-earned, long awaited, explicity planned (but Disney pretending you can just flip things on a smartphone) day is just too emotional for me anymore. My family has learned the value of a chill vacation.

 

[mesaboy2]

so, if we have, say, pirates of the caribbean as our 1pm-2pm fp+ choice and there's only a short wait on the regular libe, should we just hop on the regular line, cancel that fp+ selection on the iphone and try to snag a different choice?

how does canceling and re-selecting work? can i only cancel one of my choices or do i need to cancel everything?

Sure, that's a good strategy. However, I'd recommend staying away from anything that says "cancel", instead change the FP to something else.

 

[greeneave]

i know i must be about to ask something covered in your mega fp+ thread...

how do you change your fp+ selection on the fly like that? can you do it through the disney experience app? the only thing i saw on the website version was "change time" or "cancel selections."

thanks in advance. i'm new to planning a disney world trip but i'm a professional event producer so i'm having fun geeking out on all the logistics.

Sure, that's a good strategy. However, I'd stay away from anything that says "cancel", instead change the FP to something else.

 

[mesaboy2]

i know i must be about to ask something covered in your mega fp+ thread...

how do you change your fp+ selection on the fly like that? can you do it through the disney experience app? the only thing i saw on the website version was "change time" or "cancel selections."

thanks in advance. i'm new to planning a disney world trip but i'm a professional event producer so i'm having fun geeking out on all the logistics.

I've done it, but it's been a while. I'd trust the advice of someone who's done it more recently, hopefully they'll be along soon.

 

[DisneyParkLover]

I agree that a little bit of research goes a long way for any trip. However, research aside- what about people who are unable to book their trip or purchase tickets until the very last minute? Sometimes it's unavoidable. There's a current thread entitled, "Taking the fun out of Spontaneous visits", which describes this exact scenario. A scenario that's not too uncommon, and one that hits close to home for me since we have friends who are in the same boat. They won't be able to purchase their tickets until the very last minute either. I feel for anyone in that position because they're going into their trip at a disadvantage from the start. What lends to the frustration is that prior to the enactment of the FP+ system, these same people would be on a level playing field with everyone else at WDW- simply by having a ticket for entry.

There are still ways to do the things you want if you buy tickets at the park. You can use rope drop and the time towards park closing to ride headliners. And there are lots of good restaurants that take walk ups. But you would need to do the planning to know how to take advantage of those things too. You can have a magical trip without planning, but it is likely going to be more enjoyable with planning.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

i know i must be about to ask something covered in your mega fp+ thread...

how do you change your fp+ selection on the fly like that? can you do it through the disney experience app? the only thing i saw on the website version was "change time" or "cancel selections."

thanks in advance. i'm new to planning a disney world trip but i'm a professional event producer so i'm having fun geeking out on all the logistics.

Go into the MDE app, select FP+, then Modify, from the menu select CHANGE a selection for new experience or time (2nd on the list).

Then you select the experience you want to change. Then select if you wish to change the experience or time.

Sometimes, when I select the new experience, it kicks out a time doesn't work. I still take it, but then change that experience time based on availability. Haven't figured out a better way on that, yet.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I agree that a little bit of research goes a long way for any trip. However, research aside- what about people who are unable to book their trip or purchase tickets until the very last minute? Sometimes it's unavoidable. There's a current thread entitled, "Taking the fun out of Spontaneous visits", which describes this exact scenario. A scenario that's not too uncommon, and one that hits close to home for me since we have friends who are in the same boat. They won't be able to purchase their tickets until the very last minute either. I feel for anyone in that position because they're going into their trip at a disadvantage from the start. What lends to the frustration is that prior to the enactment of the FP+ system, these same people would be on a level playing field with everyone else at WDW- simply by having a ticket for entry.

This occurred for us two times. Once in Feb 2014 for a one time visit (when only on site had pre-booking) and our December trip.

Tickets were bought at pretty much the last minute (night before and 2 days prior, respectively).

We did not feel disadvantaged at all.

 

[Luckybee]

I can't help but wonder if the people who would go to Disney with no planning/information whatsoever are the same kind of people who go to a car dealership, pick out the "prettiest" one and pay sticker for it.

That's why there is vanilla and chocolate because you just described how I picked out my last car. (well sort of ...it was the prettiest, but I did bargain a bit )

It was definitely spontaneous though since I wasn't in the market for a car at the time but had just stopped in for service.....lol.

Best part of the spontaneity is/was that I am thrilled with it !