Disney Erased All my FP+ and Won't Reinstate Them

[Kricketnp]

Were there tickets purchased with your original reservation?

Yes there were. It was originally a package (not room only) that included the tickets and the room just not the dining plan. When we added the dining plan, the confirmation number did NOT change.

And this thread is cracking me up - didn't realize it would be such a hot topic!

 

[AngiTN]

Do we know that she had separate room-only reservation and tickets? (If so, I missed it, and I apologize).

It's possible that the OP started with a Base Package of room and tickets, thus allowing her to book her FP+ at 60 days, as she states. If she already has a package booked, and wants to add dining, that is simply a modification of her existing reservation, and her confirmation number does not change at all. In which case, absolutely no cancellation of anything should have occurred.

Yes there were. It was originally a package (not room only) that included the tickets and the room just not the dining plan. When we added the dining plan, the confirmation number did NOT change.

And this thread is cracking me up - didn't realize it would be such a hot topic!

I still think that for some reason adding dining made the tickets go away and then be added back. When that happened, the FP tied to the tickets went away. Now, was that the only way the CM could do it? No idea. Maybe the easy way is to deleted the tickets and then add the dining and tickets back together as a package. Whatever they did, on purpose, by design or by accident the fact remains the FP got deleted. And it's happened to others

 

[mom2rtk]

Actually you've just given me an idea. My last name is different than dh's. If we do see a better time I think I'll just call them and book under my name not through mde , and as long as we're in the cancel window for crt I could just cancel the current one !

Actually you can do that. Unless you are on the dining plan and using credits. Then you'd be pre-paying for something you didn't need to pre-pay for. Although I'm pretty sure you could change to dining credits and get a refund once you arrived.

 

[AngiTN]

Actually you can do that. Unless you are on the dining plan and using credits. Then you'd be pre-paying for something you didn't need to pre-pay for. Although I'm pretty sure you could change to dining credits and get a refund once you arrived.

You can. People do that quite often. Especially if they want to book at 180 days but the free dining promo doesn't come out till later

 

[wendybeth75]

We had something similar occur during the testing phase and went straight to our concierge at the Poly who took care of everything. They gave us paper fast passes to use for that day then we re-booked the FP+ other days of our trip. Hopefully they will take care of you and you have a great vacation!

 

[ziravan]

To be fair, it is "utterly insane" to expect that any system will work all of the time rather than most of the time. What's important is that when the (inevitable) mistake occurs it is corrected (i.e. OP should get his/her FPs back!)

Those FP aren't there to get back. Once released, they were scarfed up. Somewhere, someone is gushing on and on about those A&E FPs that opened up last minute. Somewhere else, mine train is on the agenda, baby!

Any real fix will involve adding extra load to the FP system.

Disney's conundrum is how to fix legitimate problems without being so accommodating that " I have a FP problem" becomes synonymous with "I just got a last minute FP for mine train."

My guess is that the wheel will have to be very squeaky to get grease.

 

[famy27]

This thread is making me yearn for paper FPs, even thought I just had a great trip with FP+ a few weeks ago. I think it is the control freak in me. You'd think a control freak would prefer FP"+" because you can pick your times, make sure you don't overlap with dining, etc. But to me, with paper FP, you had more control. Sure, you might lose or drop your FP, but that was within YOUR control. You knew you were the one to blame, and it was just one FP. You could turn around and grab another one. If you walked up to a CM and showed a FP, you didn't have to wait and hold your breath hoping the CM would turn green and fearing that he might randomly turn blue. You just walked right on through, as long as your time was in the window. And I never heard a single CM accuse someone of making a counterfeit FP or lying that they really had FPs. The proof was right there.

On our recent trip, we did have a few FP issues. They worked well most of the time, but on PotC, my cousin's DH got the dreaded blue Mickey. We had booked all of our FPs for that ride together, and the rest of us all got green Mickeys. The CM basically accused us of trying to cheat the system, tried to prevent us from riding, eventually rolled his eyes and waved us through, but sternly told us we had to go right to Guest Relations to have them check his MB. We felt like we were Disney criminals. I am sure people do "cheat" with FP+s, but it is almost impossible for Disney to determine who is cheating the system and who has a real FP issue. It is a huge drawback of the system. And any proof that guests are offering in the form of screenshots is considered insufficient. Disney seems to be choosing the path of "assume the guest is lying," which is really sad. It's also ridiculous, as this system has had bugs and glitches since Day 1, and they are well aware of that fact. They really need to work on a better way to verify legit FPs, possibly similar to a confirmation number on an ADR. If it "disappears," at least a guest might have some hope of getting it back.

As mom2rtk said, sometimes the low-tech is the better option. Fewer guests are insulted because you don't call them cheaters and liars. Unless and until they can figure out a reliable way to check the legitimacy of FPs, problems like this will continue to happen, and Guest Relations will be even more overworked than they are at the moment. The other option is to assume that all FPs are legit, but I am guessing they are afraid of line-related issues. However, I can't imagine long lines are any worse of a PR problem than insulting guests to their faces. Kind of a lose-lose situation.

 

[Luckybee]

Actually you can do that. Unless you are on the dining plan and using credits. Then you'd be pre-paying for something you didn't need to pre-pay for. Although I'm pretty sure you could change to dining credits and get a refund once you arrived.

No...not on the dining plan....but I'm wondering now if a dining cancellation from MDE (because then we'd have to cancel the already booked CRT in Dh's acc't) is also a potential problem creator.....gosh this seems crazy that we actually have to worry about this

 

[DVCMomBLT]

No...not on the dining plan....but I'm wondering now if a dining cancellation from MDE (because then we'd have to cancel the already booked CRT in Dh's acc't) is also a potential problem creator.....gosh this seems crazy that we actually have to worry about this

Cancelling an ADR will have no effect on any FP+

 

[Donnainnj]

No...not on the dining plan....but I'm wondering now if a dining cancellation from MDE (because then we'd have to cancel the already booked CRT in Dh's acc't) is also a potential problem creator.....gosh this seems crazy that we actually have to worry about this

When I read about that problem, the first thing that came to mind was an offsite guest that had a meal reservation activate their ability to use FP+. When they cancelled the meal they no longer had advanced FP+ . Not even sure if that is how offsite advanced FP+ works anymore, but I know it worked this way at one time.

 

[mom2rtk]

When I read about that problem, the first thing that came to mind was an offsite guest that had a meal reservation activate their ability to use FP+. When they cancelled the meal they no longer had advanced FP+ . Not even sure if that is how offsite advanced FP+ works anymore, but I know it worked this way at one time.

That probably wouldn't be a concern. Offsite access used to be triggered by having an ADR. Now anyone can load a ticket and it will trigger access.

The problem of course is deciding one's own comfort with "probably".

 

[Disney Queenie]

My friend just got back and was prepared to like the mickeybands, but she is not a fan. She said they are great when the work, but stink when they don't ...summary, kept losing fast passes for one person in their party, issues with loss of info for dining plan, and cast members would blame them for not knowing how to use them, in other words blame them for the bad technology, and she complained at guest services about specific cast members for doing this, being snide, sarcastic and overall disrespectful. I told her to write a letter, and let them know she has been to Disney 30+ times. She also was in the test group and checked in with her bands, she said she like it at first because it was convenient to just go to their room, but she thought someone would check in to say welcome to Disney. She said in the end she did not like it, because there was not conversation ever about their stay coming or going and it was a loss of Disney magic.


The second I made my fast pass ressies at midnight, I printed all of them and screen shot all my reservations for each day. This would honestly ruin the trip for me, spending 7,000 dollars, I would expect their system to work and that it is up to them to fix it ASAP if they do not keep up their end of the bargain. As it is I am not a fan of this overscheduling, the big brother aspect, changes of EMH's less than 45 days in when I had to make my decision based on their schedules at the time at 60 days out. NOT COOL!
What I have learned is have my ID, keep all documentation because the tech is highly unreliable. So much for traveling lighter due, to magic bands.

 

[lovin'fl]

Me and my 2 DDs have PAPs and I have linked them. My mom is joining us so I bought 4 day park hoppers for her and linked them. Then I made all our FP+ (for trip in Aug). Now I see that HS is open late on our arrival day and I booked Fantasmic for my DDs and I. I need to add another day to my mom's hoppers once we get to WDW (SSR) and then go on app to add Fantasmic for my mom (which shouldn't be a problem as I heard there are tons usually available the day of). But will adding a day to her hopper make us lose ALL her other FP+ resies? Will they cancel the 4 day hopper to give us a 5 day hopper? And if so, I think that will cancel her FP+ resies, no?

 

[famy27]

My friend just got back and was prepared to like the mickeybands, but she is not a fan. She said they are great when the work, but stink when they don't ...summary, kept losing fast passes for one person in their party, issues with loss of info for dining plan, and cast members would blame them for not knowing how to use them, in other words blame them for the bad technology, and she complained at guest services about specific cast members for doing this, being snide, sarcastic and overall disrespectful. I told her to write a letter, and let them know she has been to Disney 30+ times. She also was in the test group and checked in with her bands, she said she like it at first because it was convenient to just go to their room, but she thought someone would check in to say welcome to Disney. She said in the end she did not like it, because there was not conversation ever about their stay coming or going and it was a loss of Disney magic.


The second I made my fast pass ressies at midnight, I printed all of them and screen shot all my reservations for each day. This would honestly ruin the trip for me, spending 7,000 dollars, I would expect their system to work and that it is up to them to fix it ASAP if they do not keep up their end of the bargain. As it is I am not a fan of this overscheduling, the big brother aspect, changes of EMH's less than 45 days in when I had to make my decision based on their schedules at the time at 60 days out. NOT COOL!
What I have learned is have my ID, keep all documentation because the tech is highly unreliable. So much for traveling lighter due, to magic bands.

Agreed. And the big problem is, with FP+, it doesn't matter how much documentation you print. The CMs can say (and have said) that you could have made the FP, printed the screenshot, and then changed the FP. Or that it could be photoshopped. It's very said when Disney spends so much time figuring out ways to make this the guest's fault instead of owning up to the problems and fixing it. If the technology isn't going to work perfectly, they need some alternate way for people to prove they have valid FP. I've had hotel reservations get lost in the past, but having the confirmation number saved the day.

I will say that most of the CMs we encountered were fantastic, as always. But the ones I saw (and personally experienced) accusing guests of either not understanding the technology or trying to cheat it were definitely a disappointment.

 

[fbb]

I will say that most of the CMs we encountered were fantastic, as always. But the ones I saw (and personally experienced) accusing guests of either not understanding the technology or trying to cheat it were definitely a disappointment.

It would almost be worth losing the FP+ to have a CM accuse me of cheating.

 

[Disney Queenie]

It would almost be worth losing the FP+ to have a CM accuse me of cheating.

I feel the same way, because I dare someone to say that to me because they will get more than they ever bargained for.

I work with the public, so I tend to be more forgiving for the front line staff, because I know it is hard it can be. It is the same with tipping, I am a big tipper even if the service is so, so. However, if someone truly crosses the line well then...they invited what will happen next. Faulting the customer for a flawed service is bad, but questioning my character on top of it unacceptable.

 

[JimmyV]

Agreed. And the big problem is, with FP+, it doesn't matter how much documentation you print. The CMs can say (and have said) that you could have made the FP, printed the screenshot, and then changed the FP. Or that it could be photoshopped. It's very said when Disney spends so much time figuring out ways to make this the guest's fault instead of owning up to the problems and fixing it. If the technology isn't going to work perfectly, they need some alternate way for people to prove they have valid FP. I've had hotel reservations get lost in the past, but having the confirmation number saved the day.

I will say that most of the CMs we encountered were fantastic, as always. But the ones I saw (and personally experienced) accusing guests of either not understanding the technology or trying to cheat it were definitely a disappointment.

I think that this is the hidden downside to all of this and it won't stay hidden for long. Problems and issues with MDE & FP+ are going to slowly erode the morale and attitude of CMs. When we were there during "no advanced FPs for offsite guests" testing, the CMs were visibly upset with the whole cluster jam and the eye rolls and hurumping were obvious. If it now becomes CMs vs. Guests instead of CMs being on the same side as Guests, we will all suffer a decline in magic.

 

[wilkeliza]

I think that this is the hidden downside to all of this and it won't stay hidden for long. Problems and issues with MDE & FP+ are going to slowly erode the morale and attitude of CMs. When we were there during "no advanced FPs for offsite guests" testing, the CMs were visibly upset with the whole cluster jam and the eye rolls and hurumping were obvious. If it now becomes CMs vs. Guests instead of CMs being on the same side as Guests, we will all suffer a decline in magic.

I worked at FP kiosks in DHS during that time. Picked up some shifts there as FP kiosk was not my home location (I'm in attractions) and I must say as a seasonal CM it made me want to let my contract lapse and never come back. I was cursed at, threatened, told that I personally was ruining a hard earned vacation because I had to be the bearer of bad news that at 11 there were no more TSMM or Rockin FP+ for the day. It was honestly the worst 4 hours I had ever worked for the company because I had to stand there and take it with a smile. Yes it is wearing us down because while you may be nice and understand we just spent 30 minutes being yelled at and cursed at by another guest. I've heard even worse stories. Still to this day I'll never forget the shifts I worked where I was threatened with physical violence for following the rules. I'm a tough cookie but even I left some nights, dropped off my costume and went cried in cast parking because of how I was treated that day. CMs are only humans and have to follow the rules we are given from the upper management. If they tell us sorry we can't accept print outs because you never know they may have booked them and erased them themselves or erased and rebooked but now want to go back.

The fact it is coming from upper management is why it is so so important that if you realize you fp+ or dining reservations have been cancelled due to a CM error as this situation is then talk to that CM or call back immediately and if they offer you anything ask for the ticket number on the case file that should have been added to your magic file. If you have that then and are calm and collected then you are much more likely to be helped.

 

[Jennasis]

I feel the same way, because I dare someone to say that to me because they will get more than they ever bargained for.

I work with the public, so I tend to be more forgiving for the front line staff, because I know it is hard it can be. It is the same with tipping, I am a big tipper even if the service is so, so. However, if someone truly crosses the line well then...they invited what will happen next. Faulting the customer for a flawed service is bad, but questioning my character on top of it unacceptable.

Like what? Are you suggesting that you would physically (or verbally) assault a CM? Cause if so, you should consider editing your post so the prosecuting attorney in your violent assault charge trial can't use it against you.

 

[JimmyV]

I worked at FP kiosks in DHS during that time. Picked up some shifts there as FP kiosk was not my home location (I'm in attractions) and I must say as a seasonal CM it made me want to let my contract lapse and never come back. I was cursed at, threatened, told that I personally was ruining a hard earned vacation because I had to be the bearer of bad news that at 11 there were no more TSMM or Rockin FP+ for the day. It was honestly the worst 4 hours I had ever worked for the company because I had to stand there and take it with a smile. Yes it is wearing us down because while you may be nice and understand we just spent 30 minutes being yelled at and cursed at by another guest. I've heard even worse stories. Still to this day I'll never forget the shifts I worked where I was threatened with physical violence for following the rules. I'm a tough cookie but even I left some nights, dropped off my costume and went cried in cast parking because of how I was treated that day. CMs are only humans and have to follow the rules we are given from the upper management. If they tell us sorry we can't accept print outs because you never know they may have booked them and erased them themselves or erased and rebooked but now want to go back.

The fact it is coming from upper management is why it is so so important that if you realize you fp+ or dining reservations have been cancelled due to a CM error as this situation is then talk to that CM or call back immediately and if they offer you anything ask for the ticket number on the case file that should have been added to your magic file. If you have that then and are calm and collected then you are much more likely to be helped.

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Some of the behavior that we witnessed from Guests back then was truly deplorable. So much so that our family decided to play a game called "Let's make the cast member remember us because of how nice we were, not because of how mean we were." If I could generate a smile or a laugh, I considered my interaction successful.