Could FP+ Ruin my experience?

[PaulaVonSchweetz]

Hi all - While engaged in conversation with a friend last night, he made a point about FP+ that I hadn't thought of previously.....

He mentioned the fact that as is gains in popularity, and more and more people use it, the fast pass availability becomes less and less.
For example: If x amount of FP+ had been reserved, then it would be impossible to just walk in to the park and get a fast pass because they would all be gone for the day.

Is this possible? Is Disney limiting the number available for FP+ to allow visitors not using the system the same ability to acquire a fast pass during their stay?

While I am a regular Disney visitor, I kind of hate having to schedule my day so diligently, and thrive on the thrill of where we will head next, and how much we can squeeze into our day...... ie; "we got in 7 rides before 10am!'

Its possible that this question has already been answered in another thread, but there are just so many with tons of information. I figured a thread with one specific question would help me out.

 

[Missyrose]

Hi all - While engaged in conversation with a friend last night, he made a point about FP+ that I hadn't thought of previously.....

He mentioned the fact that as is gains in popularity, and more and more people use it, the fast pass availability becomes less and less.
For example: If x amount of FP+ had been reserved, then it would be impossible to just walk in to the park and get a fast pass because they would all be gone for the day.

Is this possible? Is Disney limiting the number available for FP+ to allow visitors not using the system the same ability to acquire a fast pass during their stay?

While I am a regular Disney visitor, I kind of hate having to schedule my day so diligently, and thrive on the thrill of where we will head next, and how much we can squeeze into our day...... ie; "we got in 7 rides before 10am!'

Its possible that this question has already been answered in another thread, but there are just so many with tons of information. I figured a thread with one specific question would help me out.

This is exactly the thing that will become a problem. Disney wants you (and everyone else) to be a part of the new system. And the only way to make that happen is to make the new system more desirable and the old system less desirable, hence having more FP+ reservations available than FP- opportunities. Right now, the testing pool isn't quite big enough to really put a damper on your ability to get a FP- or change a FP+ reservation to a different time or attraction. But once more resorts are added to the NextGen pool, this will likely start to become an issue, a big one.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

We are here now and yes there are times when a ride become unavailable. We are on "testing" so I do not know how it will be when "Live"

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

This is from Disney's FAQ about FP+. Take it for what its worth. To me it sounds like the do expect that this may very well be a problem and it doesn't sound like to me they plan to hold too many FP+s for day guest.

FastPass+ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q.
If I don’t make FastPass+ selections in advance, will I be able to experience my favorite attractions at the theme parks?


A.
All attractions still provide a standby queue—assuming they are not closed for refurbishment. If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can make FastPass+ selections for attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park.

 

[mattsdragon]

As I understand it, and admittedly, that isn't saying much, they will hold a certain amount back until 60 days prior to any given day. At which point, all remaining available FP's for that day (60 days into the future) will become available.

This way, the insane OCD type planners will have already made and changed their plans 87 times in the 13 years prior to their visit.

I'M KIDDING. . .NO NEED TO GET YOUR FEATHERS RUFFLED UP PLANNERS!!!

 

[JanaDee]

As I understand it, and admittedly, that isn't saying much, they will hold a certain amount back until 60 days prior to any given day. At which point, all remaining available FP's for that day (60 days into the future) will become available.

This way, the insane OCD type planners will have already made and changed their plans 87 times in the 13 years prior to their visit.

I'M KIDDING. . .NO NEED TO GET YOUR FEATHERS RUFFLED UP PLANNERS!!!

If you haven't scheduled what you're going to do 60 days in advance, you're screwed and stuck in stand by lines?

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard (referring to Disney, not mattsdragon ).

 

[mom2rtk]

As I understand it, and admittedly, that isn't saying much, they will hold a certain amount back until 60 days prior to any given day. At which point, all remaining available FP's for that day (60 days into the future) will become available.

This way, the insane OCD type planners will have already made and changed their plans 87 times in the 13 years prior to their visit.

I'M KIDDING. . .NO NEED TO GET YOUR FEATHERS RUFFLED UP PLANNERS!!!

I have been having trouble keeping up with the explosion of FP+ threads. Can you confirm that they are indeed holding some FPs back for same day? I am quite convinced there will be same day capability, but I wasn't aware there was confirmation that they would purposely be holding some back for same day.

 

[Missyrose]

As I understand it, and admittedly, that isn't saying much, they will hold a certain amount back until 60 days prior to any given day. At which point, all remaining available FP's for that day (60 days into the future) will become available.

This way, the insane OCD type planners will have already made and changed their plans 87 times in the 13 years prior to their visit.

I'M KIDDING. . .NO NEED TO GET YOUR FEATHERS RUFFLED UP PLANNERS!!!

I thought you couldn't *start* making FP+ reservations until 60 days out? So why would that be considered "holding reservations back?"

 

[bcrook]

I have been having trouble keeping up with the explosion of FP+ threads. Can you confirm that they are indeed holding some FPs back for same day? I am quite convinced there will be same day capability, but I wasn't aware there was confirmation that they would purposely be holding some back for same day.

According to this story, none will be held back for same day use. It is from d23.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

According to this story, none will be held back for same day use. It is from d23.

More than a couple of things mentioned in here is making me dread this new system even more. Here a couple of ones that jumped out at me.

At this time, there will be no Fastpasses held back for same day availability.
Fastpasses for stage shows are not currently "preferred viewing" (really??? Then is there really much use??)
If a guest misses their Fastpass window, they will not receive another Fastpass.

But since things are still in the testing phase, we can always hope things will improve. I wonder if testers are being asked about these things that I mentioned.

 

[bcrook]

More than a couple of things mentioned in here is making me dread this new system even more. Here a couple of ones that jumped out at me.



But since things are still in the testing phase, we can always hope things will improve. I wonder if testers are being asked about these things that I mentioned.

Mattryan on his review confirmed the show seating problem. But that seems like an easy fix.

 

[ARAITHEL]

I was included in a MK fast pass + test last September. I thought it streamlined our experience, and I found myself wishing we had that option in our march trip last spring. Besides, if you do t want to use it, don't!

 

[bcrook]

More than a couple of things mentioned in here is making me dread this new system even more. Here a couple of ones that jumped out at me.



But since things are still in the testing phase, we can always hope things will improve. I wonder if testers are being asked about these things that I mentioned.

Another problem (not for me, my kids are grown) is parents having to waste a precious fastpass+ to take their kids through the meet and greet lines. I am not sure this has been confirmed. I understand burning one of the kids, but not the chaperon. I won't be able to get my older daughter to take my nieces and nephews through those lines now with a fastpass.

 

[bcrook]

I was included in a MK fast pass + test last September. I thought it streamlined our experience, and I found myself wishing we had that option in our march trip last spring. Besides, if you do t want to use it, don't!

If you don't use it, standby will be the only option soon.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Mattryan on his review confirmed the show seating problem. But that seems like an easy fix.

I agree that is it would be an easy fix but it seems crazy to me for that to not be a given.

 

[Missyrose]

Another problem (not for me, my kids are grown) is parents having to waste a precious fastpass+ to take their kids through the meet and greet lines. I am not sure this has been confirmed. I understand burning one of the kids, but not the chaperon. I won't be able to get my older daughter to take my nieces and nephews through those lines now with a fastpass.

But this isn't a change from the current M&G FPs. Everyone who enters Town Square Theater needs at FP, not just the kids who will be in the pictures.

 

[bcrook]

I agree that is it would be an easy fix but it seems crazy to me for that to not be a given.

Crazy! It should be a highlight. You would think Disney needs people to use the slots to take the heat off the headliner especially at animal kingdom. I agree, bad planning. But I think this could changed easily in the near future. Unless blocking off a set number of seats is problematic. In that case, I would imagine the show options will not be used.

 

[bcrook]

But this isn't a change from the current M&G FPs. Everyone who enters Town Square Theater needs at FP, not just the kids who will be in the pictures.

But we aren't currently limited to three.

 

[kay1864]

If you haven't scheduled what you're going to do 60 days in advance, you're screwed and stuck in stand by lines?

It's not either/or. Think of the "advance" people the same as the people who rush to Soarin or TSM. After the first half hour or so, the lines die down to normal levels, and FPs are available for the non-rushers.

I see no reason there won't still be many FPs available for the non-planners.

 

[kay1864]

If you don't use it, standby will be the only option soon.

You will still have the option to use FP+ the day you enter the park.