Disney is listening RE: FP+

[mom2AidanAndEli]

I think they will expand the number of FP+ at the MK, but I can't see them doing that EP and HS due the lack of headlining attractions.

I would propose they move everybody up to 5 fast passes, but you get 3 FP from park open until 2 p.m., and then 2 more to use from 2 p.m. until park close. Don't get there before 2, then you only get 2. It would encourage more people to get out of bed and to the parks early, thus spreading out the crowds a bit more. You could also tier them.

No, not this!!! I want to have my "quiet" times in the parks first thing in the morning. That's when you can get on rides without FP (old or new) and can actually walk around leisurely without being run over by strollers and ECVS. You can ride rides over and over with no wait. Love that quiet time! Please don't mess with my early mornings!!!

 

[Eoghann]

3. FP+ For attractions that don't need it: I told her that attractions like the Mansion don't need FP usually, and that I was frustrated seeing a huge line for SB and a completely empty line for FP. I suggested that they make some of those FP+ lines seasonal. In the FP day, Mansion had a FP machine, but it was only used rarely if at all. Mainly during very busy times. I suggested that they turn off the FP+ during times that it wasn't warranted, and she that it was a good idea. We'll see what happens.

Not sure I understand this one.

If there's no one using the FP then it's not slowing down the queue anyway so how would turning it off change anything? Queue "length" isn't really that important, speed is the key factor.

One of the functions of adding rides like that to FP+ is to spread people around the park and away from the over-capacity rides.

 

[shalom]

No, not this!!! I want to have my "quiet" times in the parks first thing in the morning. That's when you can get on rides without FP (old or new) and can actually walk around leisurely without being run over by strollers and ECVS. You can ride rides over and over with no wait. Love that quiet time! Please don't mess with my early mornings!!!

Exactly how I felt on reading that!

But I really don't think Disney can influence people on that front. Every Disney vacation book or site known to man tells people to "get there at rope drop," and just about everyone ignores it. Unless someone either likes getting up early on vacation anyhow, or they're traveling with someone highly motivated who badgers them into it (I regularly sent hubby pics from EasyWDW that compared same day crowds at opening and noon before we went last time, 'cuz he never wants to get up when I do), they're not going to do it.

 

[goofy78]

I am so surprised - they are actually listening!

Recently, I wrote a thoughtful message with specific examples of what happened during out last vacation over the marathon weekend. I detailed our vacation days, the difficulties we have, told them about our loyalty to Disney and why our family is disappointed with the new system.

After about 1 week, I got a friendly e-mail from a cm asking me to call her and discuss the situation. I did, and we talked about Disney's failings with the system. She did say that they are still testing it (Duh) and why Disney did the things they did. I'm not totally happy, but these are a few of the answers.

1. Why not AP testing first? They tested it on day guests/resort guest because they are more likely to "plan" and use the system vs AP who don't plan as much. Plus, they are still coming up with a way to have AP keep the bands longer (vs. day guests/resort guests who wouldn't expect to keep it forever like APs or CM who would)

2. Park Hopping: For this ticket, park hopping is seen as the benefit, not the ability to pull FP at multiple parks. The CM I talked to said that that was one thing that the execs failed to see, and it's being worked on.

3. FP+ For attractions that don't need it: I told her that attractions like the Mansion don't need FP usually, and that I was frustrated seeing a huge line for SB and a completely empty line for FP. I suggested that they make some of those FP+ lines seasonal. In the FP day, Mansion had a FP machine, but it was only used rarely if at all. Mainly during very busy times. I suggested that they turn off the FP+ during times that it wasn't warranted, and she that it was a good idea. We'll see what happens.

4. A MB watch! If they are going to proceed with this nonsense, then they should integrate a timer into the MB since it's a pain to keep opening the darn phone. She said that the idea was being considered and multiple guests were requesting watches.

5. Recyle! These bands CAN be melted down and recycled as well as the box that they come in, and I requested that there should be more information on this within the hotels and in the magic band box.

6. More charging stations: My phone started out with 100% power, only to get to 4% halfway during the day. If they want me to use the app, they need to have more charging stations or an app that is quicker to load and takes up less bandwidth and energy.

7. More FP: I told her that I hated the limit of 3 fp and the tiering system, and how annoying it was that we couldn't ride certain rides multiple times. She told me that many people are saying the same things and that Disney was working on that portion.

So, they are listening to the guests, and when you write, include examples of your experience. That's what worked for me, and I'm happy that at least she contacted me. I feel like I was heard, and hopefully my input will at least help a little.

Could you tell me where you sent your message? Was it by mail? I would like to send Disney a message as well but don't know where the best place to send it to. Thank you.

 

[PJ]

1. Why not AP testing first? They tested it on day guests/resort guest because they are more likely to "plan" and use the system vs AP who don't plan as much.

First, thanks for the terrific post!

This particular point made me chuckle. We are retired AP holders here for the Winter. We always plan! We look at easywdw estimates to decide if we're going to go to a park at all, and then only go to the most recommended park. I got laughed at this morning by others who live where we do, most of whom have AP's. One said "we get up in the morning and say 'it's nice out - lets do Disney'". And then go to whichever park they feel like.

Guess maybe we're the AP exception when it comes to planning.

Thanks again for taking the time to write Disney, and to take the time to share the info.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I am so surprised - they are actually listening!......

Thanks for sharing, Blue.

....
I'm also intrigued by the rumors of varying the ticket pricing by date (where a Christmas Day ticket to the MK would cost more than a weekday mid-January, for example). That would be a clear signal to people of what kind of crowds Disney is expecting to that park that day...

That is already done to a degree with the multiple rates at the resorts. Even more layers in recent years.

 

[AliceandAriel]

Why is there this idea that people who don't get to the park till the afternoon are in bed?

I'd guess there are many people like myself who aren't daily rope droppers who are out of bed as if not earlier than the rope droppers. I go fishing on or off site, play golf on or off site, hit any number of things that aren't in the park and we are helping to reduce the standby waits.

Encouraging more people standing there for when the park opens with some kind of extra FP's will only put more folks in the park making for longer queues when the park opens .

That would be my boyfriend. The day I did RD at DHS in October, he stayed in the room and slept until close to 1PM. The only, and I mean only reason he got up and met me in Epcot, was because we had a lunch ADR. Otherwise, I imagine he wouldn't have gotten up at least until 3PM.

 

[Disneychick75]

Bluegrrl, thanks for sharing Disney's response with us. It's good to know they're paying attention.

 

[Bluegrrl]

Thanks everyone!

I contacted WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com . It did take me a little time for them to get back to me, but persistence and thoughtful letters get through. Important points: write the letter with lots of specific points and examples of your issues, not just "I hate stupid FP+!!". I detailed our entire days and the issues we had with each FP+, how it affected our touring plan (LO missed out on Pirates, Mansion, Jungle Cruise), how much we spent for meals and gifts (far less than usual), how rushed we felt, and how our vacation was mainly spent yelling at each other.

RE: making Mansion and Pirates seasonal. Before all this FP+ nonsense, this is what usually happened; mpov, naturally.

Both of these rides are people swallowers. They move large crowds effectively through them and are built within big show buildings. Yes, POTC is a boat ride, but it has 2 boat queues and Mansion moves large amounts of people quickly in stages. So both the rides were pretty effective, unlike other omnimovers or boats like IASW, or Buzz.

Then, Disney decided to put in a FP- for mansion, but the FP- was rarely used because it didn't need it. The FP- was an option, the machines were still there, hell, maybe they used them during peak seasons. At least there was an option to open the machine if the Powers that Be felt it was needed.

So now we come to FP+. Le sigh. Disney felt, in it's infinite wisdom that these two rides needed FP+s. This means that they have cut the effectiveness of the rides in 1/2. These are rides that were doing perfectly well on their own - moving guests quickly in and out. But since the rides have two lines, Disney felt like they could successfully create a FP+ for them and drive demand to the rides. These rides already have a cult following, are keystone rides, and were perfectly capable of meeting the demand. And the last time I went there, there was a HUGE like for the SB with a nearly empty line for FP+. Who wants to FP a c/d ride when they can ride an E-ride? Somethings gotta give, and I think making the FP+ seasonal for these two C/D rides would be a better solution. IDK, I get the redistribution thing, but these rides were doing just fine on their own. V. Confusing.

OK, after this long bit, I have to admit, I did like MB for the room key opening and the charging. I hated wearing the darn thing, and was afraid of losing it if I put it on my diaper bag or stroller. It was a bit of a b to deal with.

And thanks everyone!

 

[boBQuincy]

Thanks everyone!

I contacted WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com . It did take me a little time for them to get back to me, but persistence and thoughtful letters get through. Important points: write the letter with lots of specific points and examples of your issues, not just "I hate stupid FP+!!".

We did the same and a Guest Services representative got back to us in about two weeks. Our letter/review was specific and we noted a lot of our experiences, both good and not so good including praise for two Cast members. She was very interested in our experiences and (to stay on topic here) in how we perceived FP+ and MagicBands. I mentioned how I kept my MB on my camera bag strap, and she asked if it was irritating. No, I have a wrist band on one side and a camera wrist strap on the other, don't want a third band.

From some of her responses it was clear that FP+ is not done yet and there will continue to be changes. WDW is far from static and I am certain they will continue to tweak the system to make guests happy, it's just good business (as Lord Cutler Beckett said in Pirates 3).

 

[Joe Dirt 1972]

We should all write the same type of thoughtful letter to Disney so all our voices can be heard, instead of complaining to each other in a non Disney forum

Good letter

 

[lugnut33]

Why is there this idea that people who don't get to the park till the afternoon are in bed?

I'd guess there are many people like myself who aren't daily rope droppers who are out of bed as if not earlier than the rope droppers. I go fishing on or off site, play golf on or off site, hit any number of things that aren't in the park and we are helping to reduce the standby waits.

Encouraging more people standing there for when the park opens with some kind of extra FP's will only put more folks in the park making for longer queues when the park opens .

That's the idea, to get more people there earlier because it costs the same to run the attractions at open than it does at 4 pm. You could have the tiers so that in the morning you get two tier one rides and one in the afternoon/evening.

 

[Pooksie]

I am so surprised - they are actually listening!

Recently, I wrote a thoughtful message with specific examples of what happened during out last vacation over the marathon weekend. I detailed our vacation days, the difficulties we have, told them about our loyalty to Disney and why our family is disappointed with the new system.

After about 1 week, I got a friendly e-mail from a cm asking me to call her and discuss the situation. I did, and we talked about Disney's failings with the system. She did say that they are still testing it (Duh) and why Disney did the things they did. I'm not totally happy, but these are a few of the answers.

1. Why not AP testing first? They tested it on day guests/resort guest because they are more likely to "plan" and use the system vs AP who don't plan as much. Plus, they are still coming up with a way to have AP keep the bands longer (vs. day guests/resort guests who wouldn't expect to keep it forever like APs or CM who would)

2. Park Hopping: For this ticket, park hopping is seen as the benefit, not the ability to pull FP at multiple parks. The CM I talked to said that that was one thing that the execs failed to see, and it's being worked on.

3. FP+ For attractions that don't need it: I told her that attractions like the Mansion don't need FP usually, and that I was frustrated seeing a huge line for SB and a completely empty line for FP. I suggested that they make some of those FP+ lines seasonal. In the FP day, Mansion had a FP machine, but it was only used rarely if at all. Mainly during very busy times. I suggested that they turn off the FP+ during times that it wasn't warranted, and she that it was a good idea. We'll see what happens.

4. A MB watch! If they are going to proceed with this nonsense, then they should integrate a timer into the MB since it's a pain to keep opening the darn phone. She said that the idea was being considered and multiple guests were requesting watches.

5. Recyle! These bands CAN be melted down and recycled as well as the box that they come in, and I requested that there should be more information on this within the hotels and in the magic band box.

6. More charging stations: My phone started out with 100% power, only to get to 4% halfway during the day. If they want me to use the app, they need to have more charging stations or an app that is quicker to load and takes up less bandwidth and energy.

7. More FP: I told her that I hated the limit of 3 fp and the tiering system, and how annoying it was that we couldn't ride certain rides multiple times. She told me that many people are saying the same things and that Disney was working on that portion.

So, they are listening to the guests, and when you write, include examples of your experience. That's what worked for me, and I'm happy that at least she contacted me. I feel like I was heard, and hopefully my input will at least help a little.

It's nice that they had someone call you back and discuss the new system with you. Keep in mind though, that everything that a Disney rep says is going to tow the company line, from a marketing perspective. They are very understanding without making any commitments.

For example, in your number 7: It sounds like her answer is very promising, yet what if Disney announces that they are going to start selling additional FP+ reservations by tier for a fee? I believe that will happen and her answer doesn't preclude that. By being able to purchase additional FP+ reservations, the limit of 3, the tiering, and the ability to ride a ride more than once (based on availability) become a non issue and your concerns are addressed. Disney won't tell you that ahead of time and her answer craftily reassures you that they will look into the situation without telling you that the solution may cost you a few more bucks..

 

[BroganMc]

That's the idea, to get more people there earlier because it costs the same to run the attractions at open than it does at 4 pm. You could have the tiers so that in the morning you get two tier one rides and one in the afternoon/evening.

Dumbest idea ever!

There are at most 4 hours of open park time before noon. You want to cram all that demand for the most popular rides into that time frame? How's that supposed to work?

Just get rid of the stupid tiers and increase the number of FP+ spots. Allow guests staying on site to have limiting booking at 60 days (1 headliner per park), then increase to more when you get within a week. They already hold back the number of spots until the week and day of.

You want to spread out demand for every ride. If anything you want to offer more Tier 1 slots in the afternoon than morning. You have more hours to work with after noon. A good 7-12 hours vs the limited 2-4 in the AM.

I never did understand the logic of Rope Droppers. But then I think they're all a little nuts. The times I have to mingle with them for an early morning tour I make sure I stay as far away as possible. Give me late night EMH people anyday. Way more fun a crowd and if you can outlast them you get a delightfully empty park to enjoy.

 

[Slapster]

Great info, thanks for sharing. You hit the lowlights of the new system without ranting or histrionics, and it sounds like Disney is taking the feedback and will do something with it.

Thanks again!

 

[lugnut33]

Dumbest idea ever!

There are at most 4 hours of open park time before noon. You want to cram all that demand for the most popular rides into that time frame? How's that supposed to work?

Just get rid of the stupid tiers and increase the number of FP+ spots. Allow guests staying on site to have limiting booking at 60 days (1 headliner per park), then increase to more when you get within a week. They already hold back the number of spots until the week and day of.

You want to spread out demand for every ride. If anything you want to offer more Tier 1 slots in the afternoon than morning. You have more hours to work with after noon. A good 7-12 hours vs the limited 2-4 in the AM.

I never did understand the logic of Rope Droppers. But then I think they're all a little nuts. The times I have to mingle with them for an early morning tour I make sure I stay as far away as possible. Give me late night EMH people anyday. Way more fun a crowd and if you can outlast them you get a delightfully empty park to enjoy.

That's why I said the morning would be from park open until 2 pm. Evening would be from 2 until park close.

Imagine all the inefficiency caused by guests all arriving at noon. If you could off-load some of that to early morning, it would help everybody.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Dumbest idea ever!

There are at most 4 hours of open park time before noon. You want to cram all that demand for the most popular rides into that time frame? How's that supposed to work?

Just get rid of the stupid tiers and increase the number of FP+ spots. Allow guests staying on site to have limiting booking at 60 days (1 headliner per park), then increase to more when you get within a week. They already hold back the number of spots until the week and day of.

You want to spread out demand for every ride. If anything you want to offer more Tier 1 slots in the afternoon than morning. You have more hours to work with after noon. A good 7-12 hours vs the limited 2-4 in the AM.

I never did understand the logic of Rope Droppers. But then I think they're all a little nuts. The times I have to mingle with them for an early morning tour I make sure I stay as far away as possible. Give me late night EMH people anyday. Way more fun a crowd and if you can outlast them you get a delightfully empty park to enjoy.

You sound like one of them late night wimps

Me, I am an early morning (usually up before 5) and surprise a late night person as well. I live my life on four hours of sleep.

Yet, I like to tour the parks in more of a laid back style. Casual drinker, casual disser.

 

[jiminyfan]

They can tell you what you want to hear, but in the end they will do what makes them the most $ to try to make back the BILLION they wasted on this major enhancement.

 

[shalom]

If you could off-load some of that to early morning, it would help everybody.

Wouldn't help me. If I couldn't have my quiet opening times, don't think I'd go.

Also never going to happen, because if Disney pushes too hard, there'll be a wicked backlash. The last time I did a day of "read all the one star Trip Advisor reviews on WDW" (been a while, admittedly), a large percentage of them were of the "got there around 11:00 am peak time of year and all the FPs were gone" type, and a lot of them included "went to complain and they couldn't really help me" as well. If a CM can sit down with those irate customers and set up their FP+ for the rest of their vacation, that's a great deal for Disney.

Some of those negative reviews were from people who'd read the travel guides, all of which say, as you know, to get up early and make rope drop. But, as the negative reviewers point out, most people go to WDW because they are on vacation, and they view "on vacation" as "sleep in time." Disney has to know that the whole "get there at rope drop if you want to make ride x, y or z" routine in guide books turns people off. They might tweak things a tad to try to encourage people to get there earlier, but it's not going to be a huge incentive. If FP+ cuts into morning crowds, they're more likely to cut the hours, as they did with EMH.

 

[mom2rtk]

Wouldn't help me. If I couldn't have my quiet opening times, don't think I'd go.

Also never going to happen, because if Disney pushes too hard, there'll be a wicked backlash. The last time I did a day of "read all the one star Trip Advisor reviews on WDW" (been a while, admittedly), a large percentage of them were of the "got there around 11:00 am peak time of year and all the FPs were gone" type, and a lot of them included "went to complain and they couldn't really help me" as well. If a CM can sit down with those irate customers and set up their FP+ for the rest of their vacation, that's a great deal for Disney.

Some of those negative reviews were from people who'd read the travel guides, all of which say, as you know, to get up early and make rope drop. But, as the negative reviewers point out, most people go to WDW because they are on vacation, and they view "on vacation" as "sleep in time." Disney has to know that the whole "get there at rope drop if you want to make ride x, y or z" routine in guide books turns people off. They might tweak things a tad to try to encourage people to get there earlier, but it's not going to be a huge incentive. If FP+ cuts into morning crowds, they're more likely to cut the hours, as they did with EMH.

One constant in all of this......... human nature. I don't think even Disney can change that.