Disney's $1 billion dollar bet on magical wristband - Wired

[rteetz]

One reason MM+ works at WDW is the large percentage of first-timers/one and done visitors, many of whom aren't aware of the relative merits of Splash Mountain vs Stitch's Great Escape. Will be interesting to see it get rolled out in Anaheim, because you can be that the SoCal passholders will not be fooled into wasting valuable FP+ on Tarzan's Treehouse or Great Moments with Mr Lincoln. People may just put off visiting until they can score the FP for what they want instead of fighting for scraps like folks end up doing in Orlando.

Since the Swiss family tree house and hall of presidents are not FP option in WDW I would expect those you named not to be FP options in Anaheim.

 

[Cormoran]

So, what happens if the folks who book a FP+ don't show up for RSR? Don't people in the standby/single rider line get on with a shorter wait?

I don't know. I've been in SB lines at WDW and there was no one in the FP+ line, but the SB line guests had to wait while FP+ guests trickled in to the ride. It will be interesting to see how they manage it.

 

[rteetz]

I don't know. I've been in SB lines at WDW and there was no one in the FP+ line, but the SB line guests had to wait while FP+ guests trickled in to the ride. It will be interesting to see how they manage it.

They already have legacy FP so they already do that. The fact that FP guests trickle in has not changed since legacy FP that has remained the same.

 

[Cormoran]

They already have legacy FP so they already do that. The fact that FP guests trickle in has not changed since legacy FP that has remained the same.

I've never been held back in a SB line at DLR if the legacy FP line is empty. I have, however, been held back in a SB line at WDW when the FP+ line is empty.

 

[rteetz]

I've never been held back in a SB line at DLR if the legacy FP line is empty. I have, however, been held back in a SB line at WDW when the FP+ line is empty.

Ok I have never experienced such at WDW. But what I was also trying to say was there was legacy FP prior to FP+ at WDW and the line operations really didn't change when they switched systems other than adding magicband check points.

 

[DDLand]

Yeah...the Disneyland clientele will love having a 3 limit...and maybe they can throw tiers at them too...

"Sorry folks, you can't do midway mania AND soarin...don't you think your being a little spoiled asking? What do you want - the world?"

That will go over real well

They just took away most Annual Passholders free parking. Do you think Disney doesn't have the guts to do the same thing with the FassPass system? I think they do.

The Disneyland people will whine a while and then keep renewing those APs. That's what they do.

If Disney's smart they'll launch the new system in conjunction with a major new Attraction like Star Wars. It will give the fanbase a way to rationalize what they're going through.

Of course I don't mind the 3 "limit" because it's not even a limit. You just schedule all your FPs in the morning, and get more.

 

[rteetz]

They just took away most Annual Passholders free parking. Do you think Disney doesn't have the guts to do the same thing with the FassPass system? I think they do.

The Disneyland people will whine a while and then keep renewing those APs. That's what they do.

If Disney's smart they'll launch the new system in conjunction with a major new Attraction like Star Wars. It will give the fanbase a way to rationalize what they're going through.

Of course I don't mind the 3 "limit" because it's not even a limit. You just schedule all your FPs in the morning, and get more.

Yes you schedule them in the morning but you are left with rides that don't need a FP for the rest of the day. I have done this in Epcot. I was left with living with the land, figment, and captain EO I believe this was during marathon weekend but it was not incredibly busy at all. So yes especially during busy seasons it is a limit. I think getting rid of parking is much less an issue than adding a new ticket/FP/payment infrastructure. Like I've said I highly doubt DLR gets the same FP WDW has.

 

[cleverclovers]

Additionally, this article contains no negatives about the technology. The guests are happy, Disney's happy, everyone is happy. Oh, and the system works flawlessly. I remember when ADR's opened for BOG last month and the Disney website collapsed. This is a propaganda piece: everything is positive, no negatives.

When I read the article, I noticed how unbelievably "happy" it was. Someone inhale too much pixie dust?

 

[DDLand]

Yes you schedule them in the morning but you are left with rides that don't need a FP for the rest of the day. I have done this in Epcot. I was left with living with the land, figment, and captain EO I believe this was during marathon weekend but it was not incredibly busy at all. So yes especially during busy seasons it is a limit. I think getting rid of parking is much less an issue than adding a new ticket/FP/payment infrastructure. Like I've said I highly doubt DLR gets the same FP WDW has.

Interesting, Epcot is a little more attraction constrained so those would go quickest. Though we were able to snag Soarin. The Magic Kingdom you have all sorts of flexibility.

Parking isn't cheap. If you visit Disneyland frequently it can add hundreds. They should be crying murder. They aren't though. They just whine and keep on buying APs...

 

[Cormoran]

Ok I have never experienced such at WDW. But what I was also trying to say was there was legacy FP prior to FP+ at WDW and the line operations really didn't change when they switched systems other than adding magicband check points.

Here's another question. How are they going to add additional FP+ queues in DL for rides like: Pan, Toad, Alice, Dumbo, Casey Jr, and Canal boats. That area is already packed.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

They just took away most Annual Passholders free parking. Do you think Disney doesn't have the guts to do the same thing with the FassPass system? I think they do.

The Disneyland people will whine a while and then keep renewing those APs. That's what they do.

If Disney's smart they'll launch the new system in conjunction with a major new Attraction like Star Wars. It will give the fanbase a way to rationalize what they're going through.

Of course I don't mind the 3 "limit" because it's not even a limit. You just schedule all your FPs in the morning, and get more.

First...it is a limit...
You get a "bonus" pick around noon...which are scraps on almost every day.


Second...if they were to yank the fast pass system or not cater to the annual passholders at Disneyland...they'll walk...
They have spines and unlike the disneyworld crowd...they don't feel that it should be about maximum profit for the stock and that they somehow "owe" Disney anything.

The parking thing is interesting...but at the end of the day I don't think parking is a deal breaker for most.

That's what gets me now...anytime I criticize what is a deliberate agenda to charge more for the same or less at wdw...
I get this undertone of somehow I "owe" something to them for the construction in the past...
As if I wasn't paying a huge bill the whole time.

Even when the filet was only $28

 

[rteetz]

Here's another question. How are they going to add additional FP+ queues in DL for rides like: Pan, Toad, Alice, Dumbo, Casey Jr, and Canal boats. That area is already packed.

I think some rides you listed will stay without FP. Disneyland is a different environment FP+ will not be the same there as it is at WDW.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think some rides you listed will stay without FP. Disneyland is a different environment FP+ will not be the same there as it is at WDW.

I don't think they will stay without FP. Capacity in FP rides is the currency by which the MM+ system operates. You get people to wear the bands by having rides on FP (even more so in an environment were such a small percentage wears the band because it opens their door and has charging privileges). The slapped FP on everything that wasn't tied down at WDW. I have the utmost confidence they will find a way to add FP to those rides. My fear is that they will handle it the same way they handled the Anna/Elsa line they didn't have room for........ they went FP only.

Yes, DL and DCA have more attractions per park than anything at WDW. But they also have the massive base of locals that WDW does not have.

 

[rteetz]

I don't think they will stay without FP. Capacity in FP rides is the currency by which the MM+ system operates. You get people to wear the bands by having rides on FP (even more so in an environment were such a small percentage wears the band because it opens their door and has charging privileges). The slapped FP on everything that wasn't tied down at WDW. I have the utmost confidence they will find a way to add FP to those rides. My fear is that they will handle it the same way they handled the Anna/Elsa line they didn't have room for........ they went FP only.

Yes, DL and DCA have more attractions per park than anything at WDW. But they also have the massive base of locals that WDW does not have.

Exactly Anaheim has a massive base of locals, unlike WDW. That's why the MM+ will be different in Anaheim than it is in WDW. WDW is the most planned for vacation in the most peoples lives. Disneyland is a weekend trip for many. They have a different locale so the same exact system won't work necessarily. CoP, country bears, peoplemover, etc. don't have FP at WDW so not every attraction at Disneyland will get it either. Disneyland also doesn't see the crazy wait times that WDW sees.

 

[mom2rtk]

Exactly Anaheim has a massive base of locals, unlike WDW. That's why the MM+ will be different in Anaheim than it is in WDW. WDW is the most planned for vacation in the most peoples lives. Disneyland is a weekend trip for many. They have a different locale so the same exact system won't work necessarily. CoP, country bears, peoplemover, etc. don't have FP at WDW so not every attraction at Disneyland will get it either. Disneyland also doesn't see the crazy wait times that WDW sees.

I agree it won't be the same. But it still remains to be seen what impact that massive base of local AP holders has on the system. I would expect at first people would just take their chances and book close to the date when they are sure they are going. But after a few times trying to get RSR and coming up empty, I think more of them will book for every weekend "just in case". And of course, you won't be able to book for just one attraction, it will likely be "3 or none". So then the other attractions start going. I view it as a big game of dominos.

And the list of "non-FP" rides at WDW is so small it sort of makes my point. Plus, they will want FPs available for those traveling with small kids, so I don't see them leaving FL out of the equation.

 

[rteetz]

I agree it won't be the same. But it still remains to be seen what impact that massive base of local AP holders has on the system. I would expect at first people would just take their chances and book close to the date when they are sure they are going. But after a few times trying to get RSR and coming up empty, I think more of them will book for every weekend "just in case". And of course, you won't be able to book for just one attraction, it will likely be "3 or none". So then the other attractions start going. I view it as a big game of dominos.

And the list of "non-FP" rides at WDW is so small it sort of makes my point. Plus, they will want FPs available for those traveling with small kids, so I don't see them leaving FL out of the equation.

See that's where I think another thing will be different. I don't think Disneyland will be bookable 60 days in advance probably not even 30. We could very well see a kiosk only approach here because of the locals base.

 

[mom2rtk]

See that's where I think another thing will be different. I don't think Disneyland will be bookable 60 days in advance probably not even 30. We could very well see a kiosk only approach here because of the locals base.

I hope you're right about that.

 

[Cormoran]

See that's where I think another thing will be different. I don't think Disneyland will be bookable 60 days in advance probably not even 30. We could very well see a kiosk only approach here because of the locals base.

FP+ from kiosks only s what I suggeted. I just don't think FP+ can be used the same way in the parks. I'm really hoping that the locals boycott it, kind of like they do with ADR's. It's really nice walking up to a TS and either being seated or being able to make a reservation for later in the day. DLR is so much more relaxed that WDW. I just hate to see that change.

 

[rteetz]

FP+ from kiosks only s what I suggeted. I just don't think FP+ can be used the same way in the parks. I'm really hoping that the locals boycott it, kind of like they do with ADR's. It's really nice walking up to a TS and either being seated or being able to make a reservation for later in the day. DLR is so much more relaxed that WDW. I just hate to see that change.

That's exactly why I don't think it will be like WDW

 

[DDLand]

First...it is a limit...
You get a "bonus" pick around noon...which are scraps on almost every day.


Second...if they were to yank the fast pass system or not cater to the annual passholders at Disneyland...they'll walk...
They have spines and unlike the disneyworld crowd...they don't feel that it should be about maximum profit for the stock and that they somehow "owe" Disney anything.

The parking thing is interesting...but at the end of the day I don't think parking is a deal breaker for most.

That's what gets me now...anytime I criticize what is a deliberate agenda to charge more for the same or less at wdw...
I get this undertone of somehow I "owe" something to them for the construction in the past...
As if I wasn't paying a huge bill the whole time.

Even when the filet was only $28

It was usually the same thing with FastPass too. If you had ridden several attractions before noon, and then went to get a FastPass you'd either get bad times or no times at all. I don't think that's an indictment of the system. I think that's the realities of going to the park in Orlando with the fastest attendance growth.

That's become the consensus thought on Disneyland APs. Probably because of what happened with the DCA expansion. I'm just not positive that it's really as true as many want to believe. Disneyland only a little over a decade ago was falling apart. It really was terrible. That's when the alarm bells started to sound. The dedicated fan base mobilized and created a pain for managment. It became a PR nightmare. Disney moved to fix the issues, and largely did. This was more of a PR situation then actual fans not coming to Disneyland.

This was a decade ago. I think the media is no longer as interested in this as it once was. Why? Because the fans have been whining ever since. If they had a big hoopla everytime Disney ticked off the fan base, the evils of Iger would be on the front page everyday.

Media outlets will question why to make a big deal about a simple change. This isn't Disneyland, The Happiest Place On Earth falling apart at the seams. This is Disneyland switches to a highly successful proven system that many view as a positive.

Which headline will grab the readers?

As for Disneyland APs? They'll keep going through thick and thin. They'll complain about it on the Internet. That's about it.

The only bone that got thrown to the APs at DCA was Buena Vista Street.

I'd also point out the Resort District is having record economic activity. Hotel occupancy is at all time highs both on and off property of Disneyland.

This type of activity shows a shift is beginning to happen. More Orlando type tourists are coming then ever before.

Which one do you think Disney wants to cater to? Hint, it's not the people who know all the tricks and can avoid being swayed into buying Princess merchandise.

The parking is just one example of them treating APs like second class citizens.

You think Disney is held hostage to APs? I think the APs are hostage to Disney.

I agree with your premise. Disney is just doing what's smart.

Corrected