Conclusion-FP+ reserving ahead is not necessary.

[jade1]

At least far ahead for us anyway. Completely off our radar going forward.

But we are fortunate to have been many times so nothing is critical and have no interest in A&E. However-EVERYTHING ELSE (and at times even A&E) have been available, and most things (sometimes everything) have been available inside the parks.

After 4 trips this winter (Thanksgiving week, XMAS/NY, 1st week of March and Easter week) we have concluded there is no reason for us (even as easy as it is) to reserve FP+ ahead of time.

The last 2 trips we didn't reserve any until a couple days before-and most days "inside" the park we chose that day.

XMAS week we did most the night before-often 7 or more guests.

Going forward we will still reserve each day-but will generally choose evenings as we enjoy those being set up with FP+, but never at midnight 60 days, or even 30 days out-maybe a week or a few days out at the most.

We had great success at RD on days we wanted to do that, the rest of the mornings will continue to be whatever we want to do that day.

Only new expansion will we be contemplating early FP+ reserving-like Avatar stuff and Star Wars or Tron types-it will be great to have for those, which will free things up further and make the system even better with every new addition.


.

 

[ArwenMarie]

The fact that you prefer evenings has a lot to do with why you feel that way (which is totally valid for your family). The late slots are the last to go.

 

[jade1]

We could get almost any slots a few days or a week out, we just select the evenings. Can do RD and knock out a park without FP+.

 

[LaurenT]

I was unable to get my friend a Safari FP for the Wednesday after Easter the day before. No availability at all. Of course, she was there for RD and walked right on, but someone showing up anytime after 10 am would have had a pretty decent wait. Not the end of the world, but in that case a FP would have helped.

 

[jade1]

I was unable to get my friend a Safari FP for the Wednesday after Easter the day before. No availability at all. Of course, she was there for RD and walked right on, but someone showing up anytime after 10 am would have had a pretty decent wait. Not the end of the world, but in that case a FP would have helped.

We never use FP+ for AK-we do the whole thing by noon SB. Plus as you can see I am not saying always wait the day before (esp peak weeks) but certainly not the 60 or 30 day needed.

 

[wisblue]

When we decided last week to switch from MK to EPCOT for our departure day on Saturday, we were unable to get anything for Mission Space. Test Track and Soarin were both available, but all of the times were after 3 PM, and we had to leave the park before that to get to the airport. It turned out that we didn't need a FP for MS because it was a walk on when we arrived at the park at 10 AM.

I would always recommend making FP reservations in advance if you can. But I wouldn't feel like they are dictating our schedule.

 

[ArwenMarie]

We could get almost any slots a few days or a week out, we just select the evenings. Can do RD and knock out a park without FP+.

When we went during Presidents Week we could move our FPs around after 6 or 7. Daytime was pretty much full for many rides. TSMM was totally booked the day before, all slots. A week out on a less busy time, I can see that. I still think it's worth prebooking as far ahead as possible and then moving around later if necessary or desired. I don't see any reason not to.

 

[jade1]

When we decided last week to switch from MK to EPCOT for our departure day on Saturday, we were unable to get anything for Mission Space. Test Track and Soarin were both available, but all of the times were after 3 PM, and we had to leave the park before that to get to the airport. It turned out that we didn't need a FP for MS because it was a walk on when we arrived at the park at 10 AM.

I would always recommend making FP reservations in advance if you can. But I wouldn't feel like they are dictating our schedule.

Yep reserve asap is the advice-just not necessary for us anymore.

But like you say-even Easter week you could select TT or Soarin-same things we have been noticing.

 

[CookiesNcream]

Going forward we will still reserve each day-but will generally choose evenings as we enjoy those being set up with FP+, but never at midnight 60 days, or even 30 days out-maybe a week or a few days out at the most.

In that case let me be the first to say THANK YOU! because you will be one less party to compete with when it comes time for us to make our 30-day reservations. So thank you, thank you, and I wish more people would be like you.

 

[jade1]

In that case let me be the first to say THANK YOU! because you will be one less party to compete with when it comes time for us to make our 30-day reservations. So thank you, thank you, and I wish more people would be like you.

Also-"haven't been", still no problems.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I get the point of the OP, but I don't see any disadvantage in going ahead and getting the FP+ times in advance. If you have them and use them that's great; if you happen to miss the FP+ because you are off having big fun elsewhere then so what.

 

[jade1]

I get the point of the OP, but I don't see any disadvantage in going ahead and getting the FP+ times in advance. If you have them and use them that's great; if you happen to miss the FP+ because you are off having big fun elsewhere then so what.

You missed the point-we get them everyday, just no hurry to get them.

 

[itchin2go]

I get the point of the OP, but I don't see any disadvantage in going ahead and getting the FP+ times in advance. If you have them and use them that's great; if you happen to miss the FP+ because you are off having big fun elsewhere then so what.

Exactly - why wouldn't you book something for the days you know you'll be there (at the point you know those dates)?

If availability is as the OP says, you could easily move those around closer to time if your plans change.

I also worry a little that some people may be led astray. It all depends on (a) the attractions you want to book (b) how many people you're trying to book for, and (c) what times you're willing to take. Just because you can book Soarin for 2 people at 8:30 at night doesn't mean "FP+ reserving ahead is not necessary". I do like that INside your post, you said, "we have concluded there is no reason for us (even as easy as it is) to reserve FP+ ahead of time" - makes it clear that it's not necessary FOR YOU. The first few responses make clear that your situation may NOT be same as everyone else's. Just for instance, not everyone goes at rope drop, and not everyone wants to book fastpasses for later times.

 

[jade1]

makes it clear that it's not necessary FOR YOU.

 

[WillAustin]

Only new expansion will we be contemplating early FP+ reserving-like Avatar stuff and Star Wars or Tron types-it will be great to have for those, which will free things up further and make the system even better with every new addition.

I think it's a pretty safe bet that new attractions for Star Wars, Avatar, etc. will be like trying to get A&E now.

 

[cakebaker]

While I wouldn't recommend not booking in advance ( and neither are you, OP), it certainly is not necessary to stay up until midnight or 1 am. The only time that's called for is when you want A&E- which is why we had our midnight fp+ party the other night.

 

[jade1]

I think it's a pretty safe bet that new attractions for Star Wars, Avatar, etc. will be like trying to get A&E now.

Exactly-which is why we will use it asap in that case.

 

[jade1]

While I wouldn't recommend not booking in advance ( and neither are you, OP), it certainly is not necessary to stay up until midnight or 1 am. The only time that's called for is when you want A&E- which is why we had our midnight fp+ party the other night.

Yep-and I also think it's just as important to get "positive" last minute (day of, night before, days before, even a week before) FP+ Success results posted for folks in those situations.

If all they hear is 60 days or else, even 30 days or else-why would they even go.

I mean were already nitpicking the times of the day the most popular headliners are selected Easter week in the park. That's a far cry from scraps after 60 or even 30 days.

 

[cakebaker]

I couldn't agree more. You read many posts from people who are super stressed, worried about getting fp+'s scheduled and really, there's no need for that to happen. It's good for them to hear it can be done.

 

[ArwenMarie]

There is no need to be stressed if you are ok with getting whatever.

For people who want to optimize what they get, including selections and time of day, (for whatever reason, whether it's because they won't be back in a while, it's a special trip for some reason, or maybe they feel that way about all of their trips), it is simply BAD advice to tell people that they can wait any longer than 60/30 days. IMHO of course.

Now sure if you happen to plan a trip with less then 60 or 30 days notice, it doesn't mean you will be shut out of everything.