Don't cancel your vacations yet!!!

[dansyr2514]

Sorry double post

 

[dixiegirl]

First off - to the OP for starting this thread.

I used the new system in Oct during Food & Wine Festival. DH and I approached this with a completely open mind. Now I will preface this by saying that our traveling style is not commando - we do not hit every headliner ride and certainly not multiple times - and we have no children. So taking all of that into account - here is my .02

We really enjoyed FP+. I don't post about it much on the boards because quite honestly I do not wish to be berated and basically told that my opinion means nothing. But since everyone on this thread seems to be of like mind with me - I share. We used our 3 FP per day on the headliners that we prioritized as must do's for us.

I LOVED the fact that I did not have to run to TSMM or Soarin at RD to get a paper FP - way too stressful during vacation. It was so nice to still get there at RD but be able to walk around and do a few other things first before going to our scheduled FP times.

Additionally for us it was wonderful to not have to dig in our pockets or backpack at the end of a long day to look for our room card. There it is - right on our wrists. We also had no problems with using them at park entrance or shopping. All in all we really enjoyed them and look forward to using our MB again this coming October.

 

[RogueKnits]

This is the place for me, then, I suppose. I'm usually a pretty jaded and pessimistic person, but I just can't get all worked up about my Disney vacation. I'm just excited that I'm going! And MB was made for someone like me--for once I won't be paranoid about losing my room key or ticket. Just have to be careful not to leave it in the room and lock myself out.

With all the complaining, maybe Disney should do away with FP all together and go back to the days of everyone waiting on the same line. I remember running from RD all the way to Space Mountain, then dashing across the park to Splash Mountain and still having to wait 45-90 minutes to ride. If we rode everything we wanted once, it was a "successful" day.

 

[rastuso]

Hi jason. This thread is for good experiences at disney. There are 50 other threads about the cons. I would suggest you post there. Also I'm pretty sure dis'ers are smart enough to look at both sides....so give them some credit before you are say we are mis leading them. If you are just trying to rain on someone's parade.. You're on the the wrong thread. As you said we are all rainbows and unicorns here!

As I clearly stated, this post is a reciprocation of the pro FP+ folks constantly coming into the realistic FP+ threads, and saying we're wrong.

Not sure why the pro thread gets some sort of special protection.

I'm just trying to the people who read only this thread to realize FP+ may be an absolutely horrible experience for them, as many have found out.

I frankly question the motives of the rainbows and unicorns FP+ crowd. OK, so only getting 2 or 3 rides a day works great for you. That's perfectly fine. But to make a blanket statement that your low number of FP+, plus a special situation of either still getting FP-, or being at a low crowd time, means no one needs to worry, Disney World is still perfect, raises my eyebrows.

-Jason

 

[tiggerdad]

I'm just trying to the people who read only this thread to realize FP+ may be an absolutely horrible experience for them, as many have found out.

Not exactly sure how you think somebody could possibly make their way to this thread without tripping over the mass of repetitive complaints...

 

[dixiegirl]

As I clearly stated, this post is a reciprocation of the pro FP+ folks constantly coming into the realistic FP+ threads, and saying we're wrong.

Not sure why the pro thread gets some sort of special protection.

I'm just trying to the people who read only this thread to realize FP+ may be an absolutely horrible experience for them, as many have found out.
I frankly question the motives of the rainbows and unicorns FP+ crowd. OK, so only getting 2 or 3 rides a day works great for you. That's perfectly fine. But to make a blanket statement that your low number of FP+, plus a special situation of either still getting FP-, or being at a low crowd time, means no one needs to worry, Disney World is still perfect, raises my eyebrows.

-Jason

Jason - I question YOUR motives - do you have a need to spread your negativity everywhere? It seems nearly impossible for you to leave this one thread alone. Unicorns and rainbows dude - it's a shame you feel the need to rain on everyone else's parade. Sad really.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Not exactly sure how you think somebody could possibly make their way to this thread without tripping over the mass of repetitive complaints...

No kidding lol - there should be a neon sign to this thread with "Looking for positive FP+ experiences...this is the ONLY place you will find them on this board"

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Jason - I question YOUR motives - do you have a need to spread your negativity everywhere? It seems nearly impossible for you to leave this one thread alone. Unicorns and rainbows dude - it's a shame you feel the need to rain on everyone else's parade. Sad really.

The TPAS board is really becoming quite snarky. I find there are more "FP+ sucks for my family, therefore it sucks for everyone" threads that ANYTHING about strategy & attractions. It would be a novel concept to have threads where strategies to incorporate FP+ into your touring style existed.

We get it - there is a very vocal group that hates FP+, you are more than welcome to hate it. That does not mean it is a failure or that everyone has to hate it. And most of the FP+ threads where positive FP+ people, like myself, have chimed in are the "I am never going to WDW again" threads rather than the "FP+ was a nightmare" threads.

We don't deny that it changes the way some people tour, we don't deny that it can affect your vacations - but "you" (negative FP+ people) cannot seem to comprehend that for some of us it isn't a bad change, we don't dislike it, heck we even like it!

Ok - sorry that I veered slight there.

Back to rainbows and unicorns - I just surprised my parents with a trip for their 60th birthday! We have celebrated birthdays for every member of our family at WDW - in fact it tends to be THE place for special occassions. I even attended my best friend's wedding at The Wedding Pavilion in Oct 2011. More experiences and memories that will keep me coming back.

 

[vital]

As I clearly stated, this post is a reciprocation of the pro FP+ folks constantly coming into the realistic FP+ threads, and saying we're wrong.

Not sure why the pro thread gets some sort of special protection.

I'm just trying to the people who read only this thread to realize FP+ may be an absolutely horrible experience for them, as many have found out.

I frankly question the motives of the rainbows and unicorns FP+ crowd. OK, so only getting 2 or 3 rides a day works great for you. That's perfectly fine. But to make a blanket statement that your low number of FP+, plus a special situation of either still getting FP-, or being at a low crowd time, means no one needs to worry, Disney World is still perfect, raises my eyebrows.

-Jason

Just go away. Your motives are suspect more so than the posters on this thread. Have you not seen posts from people who were there during the Christmas and New Year's holiday? Those people were THERE and they actually liked it. Have you even tried it?

What raises my eyebrows is the incessant need of a handful of posters on this forum that post at all hours of the day and night about how much the new system sucks. It's almost as if these people have a personal agenda or work for another company and try to dissuade people from going to Disney. I may hate the new system when I try it in May, but guess what? I won't come back on these forums to put down anyone that likes it. I will be specific in the details and try to HELP others avoid the same issues rather than being a rectal orifice to anyone that has a different opinion.

And lastly, to come to a "positive" thread in retaliation for people on the negative threads is very childish. It's almost as silly as grown men crying when their sports team loses.

Have a great afternoon.

 

[DontCallMeJunior]

I was at WDW in October and I really had no problems. I didn't really know anything about Magicbands or FP+. I've maybe only used fastpasses a few times in the past.

My Magicband worked for Magical Express. It worked to get into my resort room and the parks. I tried a few FP+ for a couple attractions and it worked out just fine. I rode/seen pretty much everything. I had no problems.

Maybe it's because it was only my girlfriend and myself. Maybe it's because I'm a patient person and try to make a trip to a park as uncomplicated as possible. I'm very grateful for a place like Disney World. I still think it's as magical as it's ever been. And I'm going back in early May solo.

From what I've read on these boards on the negativity of these Magicbands or FP+ or whatever...it IS a new way of doing things. And people, especially on vacation, can be very unpleasant. It's all controlled by technology and people. Both of which make mistakes.

I know Disney is not perfect...but I do always give them the benefit of the doubt because after working through high school and college in retail people can be extremely idiotic. Shoddy data management issues, overcrowded networks, system glitches, or just people being jerks. Disney isn't out to "get'cha" or anything. Stuff happens.

And even though this message board has given me some good park advice over the years, there are far too many "Where can I tie my shoe in the parks?" or "What summer hoodie should I pack for a night jog?" or "Should I be happy if I like a parade?" threads that lead me to think: If these are the people going to the park should their criticisms even be taken seriously?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We used it last week. I tried to picture why it was so hated. I came up with nothing. Our experience was positive.

1. No digging for room keys.
2. No digging for tickets.
3. No digging for FP.
4. Won't lose any of the above. (I presume a lost band means a new band and reacquisition of the above.)
5. My kids loved their power! Mickey to Mickey!
6. I like the style.
7. No separate party member jettisoning the group to rendezvous with a FP terminal.
8. Booking attractions ahead was easy (for us!)
9. Rebooking them was easy (for us!)


My only cons--
1. Added time to enter FP line (but we didn't have long lines I have have heard about).
2. Limited FP numbers. One or 2 more would be nice or ability to add a new one as windows passed.

Pros far outweigh cons. System isn't awful, just different. I realize some have tech issues--but that comes with technology. We did not notice any glaring guest service issues over magic bands and FP+. So perhaps they are working out the kinks. Guest service lines were comparable to the pre-MB days.

 

[cheesemouse]

The biggest pluses for me and my family are as follows:

1) We can actually ride some good rides on our arrival day (arrive at 4pm) instead of just settling for the usual attractions without long waits. This time we have Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, and the Speedway planned for the 1st evening. Yay!

2) Being able to ride a good toddler ride (i.e. Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo etc) without a long wait while the rest of the family rides one of the thrill rides that the little one is too short for. In the past there was no way to know if you'd be able to get corresponding FP times for both rides, not to mention the trekking all over the park for the FPs.

3) Not having to keep track of everyone's tickets and FPs in my lanyard. MBs will be awesome for this mom!

 

[dansyr2514]

Jason- So why are u right and we're wrong?...I also believe that some trolling is going on here. So this will be my last acknowledgement of you.

 

[HereForMinnie]

Just the fact that I can book my TSM and Soarin' FPs ahead of time is fantastic. I can get to the park at noon if I want and still get to ride. The tiering even worked out fine.

IMO, the whole system isn't perfect, but neither was the legacy FP system. I think it's been going well for something in its early stages. When we were there in December, most people we spoke to in lines and such liked the new system and the bands. We had no issues.

I agree. Even when we did make it to rope drop in the past we would have to wait at least 30 min for TSM. I also love that we don't have to run around the parks like lunatics, picking up FastPasses.

I love this thread. It's so tiring seeing the same names in every FP+ thread making nasty, sarcastic remarks, pushing Disneyland and Universal down everyone's throats, moaning because Disney didn't spend the money on rides (because supposedly all of the rides are ancient, yet these people want to ride them over and over again; interesting) and stating that 3 fastpasses is still less than whatever number THEY think is appropriate.

We have a trip planned for later in the year and I'm very excited about it. Secretly I wish Disney would do away with all FastPasses. It's turned some adults into sniveling little children.

 

[rastuso]

We used it last week. I tried to picture why it was so hated. I came up with nothing. Our experience was positive.

1. No digging for room keys.
2. No digging for tickets.
3. No digging for FP.
4. Won't lose any of the above. (I presume a lost band means a new band and reacquisition of the above.)
5. My kids loved their power! Mickey to Mickey!
6. I like the style.
7. No separate party member jettisoning the group to rendezvous with a FP terminal.
8. Booking attractions ahead was easy (for us!)
9. Rebooking them was easy (for us!)


My only cons--
1. Added time to enter FP line (but we didn't have long lines I have have heard about).
2. Limited FP numbers. One or 2 more would be nice or ability to add a new one as windows passed.

Pros far outweigh cons. System isn't awful, just different. I realize some have tech issues--but that comes with technology. We did not notice any glaring guest service issues over magic bands and FP+. So perhaps they are working out the kinks. Guest service lines were comparable to the pre-MB days.

See, this is a great post. I think the average FP+ hater/disliker would come up with the EXACT list of pros and cons. However, most of them see con #2 as being a MASSIVE downgrade. And all the cons are niceties that would never impact someones overall enjoyment. Perhaps some people have had their day ruined, digging through their pocket for their room key, but not me. I would, however have my day ruined if I got a very limited number of rides.

-Jason

 

[rastuso]

Jason- So why are u right and we're wrong?...I also believe that some trolling is going on here. So this will be my last acknowledgement of you.

No one is right or wrong. HOWEVER, the folks upset at losing FP+ are now absolutely, positively NOT able to do what they used to do (well, maybe at MNSSHP).

The pro FP+ folks, however, are really all happy that they get 10 year old RFID band technology, and can get 3 rides. Well, guess what, you could almost ALWAYS do that in the past. Unless you were going on the busiest days of the year, you could almost be guaranteed to get as many FPs as you get now. The only real change is being able to schedule to ride Peter Pan further out than you schedule doctor's appointments. That may be some amazing plus for some, but it is really hard to understand it being that big of a plus.

So, the Pro FP+ folks are happy they can still sleep in, and get a TSMM FP. And the cost of that is everyone going to the park getting 3 max FPs, which to many people is less than half of what they used to get.

Yeah, that's some magic, alright.

-Jason

 

[rastuso]

The TPAS board is really becoming quite snarky. I find there are more "FP+ sucks for my family, therefore it sucks for everyone" threads that ANYTHING about strategy & attractions. It would be a novel concept to have threads where strategies to incorporate FP+ into your touring style existed.

We get it - there is a very vocal group that hates FP+, you are more than welcome to hate it. That does not mean it is a failure or that everyone has to hate it. And most of the FP+ threads where positive FP+ people, like myself, have chimed in are the "I am never going to WDW again" threads rather than the "FP+ was a nightmare" threads.

We don't deny that it changes the way some people tour, we don't deny that it can affect your vacations - but "you" (negative FP+ people) cannot seem to comprehend that for some of us it isn't a bad change, we don't dislike it, heck we even like it!

Ok - sorry that I veered slight there.

Back to rainbows and unicorns - I just surprised my parents with a trip for their 60th birthday! We have celebrated birthdays for every member of our family at WDW - in fact it tends to be THE place for special occassions. I even attended my best friend's wedding at The Wedding Pavilion in Oct 2011. More experiences and memories that will keep me coming back.

You just posted on a negative FP+ thread. So, explain to me why the positive thread shouldn't get counterargument too?

-Jason

 

[btk2333]

No one is right or wrong. HOWEVER, the folks upset at losing FP+ are now absolutely, positively NOT able to do what they used to do (well, maybe at MNSSHP).

The pro FP+ folks, however, are really all happy that they get 10 year old RFID band technology, and can get 3 rides. Well, guess what, you could almost ALWAYS do that in the past. Unless you were going on the busiest days of the year, you could almost be guaranteed to get as many FPs as you get now. The only real change is being able to schedule to ride Peter Pan further out than you schedule doctor's appointments. That may be some amazing plus for some, but it is really hard to understand it being that big of a plus.

Peter Pan, TSM, Soarin, TT, soon Mine Train- I can now have these scheduled for my arrival day when in the past I would have had no chance of riding them without a large line. I use RD at one park and then hope to a second park to use my FPP, I have seen very little decrease in the number of rides I do. I'm not necessarily "happy" about FPP; however, I am not willing to forego going to WDW. If I had it my way, then there would still be legacy FP and they would not enforce return times- those were the good ole days, spend all morning accumulating FPs for use later in the day. Times change- strategies change- WDW is still the most magical vacation in the world IMO>

So, the Pro FP+ folks are happy they can still sleep in, and get a TSMM FP. And the cost of that is everyone going to the park getting 3 max FPs, which to many people is less than half of what they used to get.

-Jason

I am also happy that I can pick my return times, reschedule an expired FP (which was not possible before), not have to criss-cross the park for FPs, not have to sprint at RD for FPs and many other things. There were negatives to legacy FP too- I hoped you warned people that their vacations might devastate their lives before the changes too.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Gee, Tink, why must you troll the anti FP+ threads???????

(she griped at me for commenting in a pro FP+). Me thinks Tink needs to look up "irony".

-Jason

You really need some reading glasses Jason. I didn't call you a troll. I didn't even tell you to go away. I have been a participant in this conversation for over a week. I joined because the topic was about a family never returning to WDW again - it has only recently dissolved into all out FP+ war.

AND My only comments directed at you were as follows:

Just gotta say that the red bolded statement and black bolded statement contradict each other. How exactly would someone who is unexperienced or aren't very experienced be used to collecting FP- every 2 hours?

This thread is about the reasons we choose to return to WDW. Within that we are happy to share our experiences with FP+.

Thank you so much for giving us permission to share our experiences as we see fit!

Now, if you don't mind we have some rainbows and unicorns to get back to

Have a Magical Day!

Even in the quote you pulled of mine, nowhere did I say that negative FP+ people don't deserve a counter-argument. I get it, FP+ sucks....FOR YOU. That does not mean it sucks for everyone and any posters reading this cannot possibly be misled because for this ONE positive thread there are like 10 negative ones. Both sides are represented.

 

[dansyr2514]

Despite the distractions, please feel free to share your positive experiences at disney. They do not have to involve fastpass plus. We are looking for the pros of a disney vacation. We can leave the cons to the other threads .