Explain to me how problems with MBs and FP+ could destroy your WDW trip?

[Angel Ariel]

I get to WDW every 2-3 years but have always planned a trip so I can get the most out of my visit, including the rides and attractions I most wish to enjoy - and none of that planning ever depended on FP, both in its current and past format. It is all about planning. And without or with the use of FP missing a few attractions is not going to destroy my visit.

That's great, for *you*. Seriously, in all sincerity, I'm happy it works out that way for you.

But you recall those "uncontrollable" things you mentioned that could affect a visit? Like weather and ride closures?

Well... small children tend to come with many "uncontrollable" issues that affect planning as well. They may not sleep well in a strange/new location, which may derail a family's plan to get there at RD and take advantage of the short morning lines. They may meltdown at any given point in the day, which may require the family unexpectedly leaving the park. They may get sick, which may result in less park time for the family.

FP (and FP+) helps those families be able to make the most out of their park time, so that when the inevitable, uncontrollable things that come with having small kids DO happen, they have hopefully been able to experience more than they would have been able to otherwise.

For me, personally, on our first trip to WDW with DD, I had to pump milk for her as she did not nurse. This required 7-8 20min sessions throughout the day where I had to go and sit down somewhere private (relatively speaking) and take care of things so she could have her food throughout the day. Yes, by choice, but I was still watching my family go and enjoy rides while I could not. I was already losing out on 2+ hrs of park time/day just for that. And she couldn't stay out late, so our park days were always cut short. If that were further exacerbated by my not being able to use the FP(+) system so I could maximize the time I *did* have, it would not have been a magical trip for me.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case. FP allowed me to enjoy some rides with my nephews (it was their first trip ever, which is why I went on the trip), while still taking care of my daughter.

So again, while I appreciate that FP may not be integral to your park experience, that doesn't mean that should be the standard that everyone at WDW follows. Different people have different needs.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

While it didn't ruin our vacation it was a mess, post here...

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3297374

 

[jcemom]

I guess I simply do not get it - how problems would with MBs and/or FP+ would completely ruin a WDW visit? I have been to WDW or DL ten times since 1995 including recently using FP+ and besides missing out on three confirmed rides/attractions why do people get so excited and concerned if MBs or FP+ do not work or have problems?

During all our visits we never depended on FP or needed certain rides/attractions (or experiencing them multiple times) to have a great WDW experience. Just get into a park, perhaps arrive early, stay late, beat the crowds, plan your priorities, look to have a more fuller complete WDW experience besides whether you got to ride TSM four times. Is WDW more then simply a few key rides/attractions in each park? How to visitors handle the other unexpected crisis that can come up during a trip that could also ruin their experience, like rides closed, bad weather, renovations etc....

I am going again in December for 6 days, already set up days in each park, options for counter service meals, and know which FP+ to book, but frankly FP+ adds little value or quality to my visit as can get done what I need to do and as much as like without depending on FP+. Frankly the weather and potential for ride closures would have more of a serious impact, and I certainly can not control those at all - at least with FP+ I can try.

Get back to us after you experience some of the issues that others have reported. You might not care about FP+ but I'm pretty sure you care about getting into your room. When you have to trek back to the front desk on a daily basis and stand in line to have your bands reprogrammed because your door won't open it might impact your trip. You probably care about eating. When you have to pay with cash or credit/debit card (assuming you have that on you because Disney tells us we don't need those since we have magic bands) because your dining credits disappear or you can't charge to your room, again requiring a trip to the front desk where you stand in line and wait to have it fixed, it might impact your trip. I'm sure you also care about actually getting INTO the park. Some people apparently can't do that either and then have to stand in line at Guest Services and wait to have that fixed.

Any one of those issues I could deal with. When it's multiple issues over the course of the same trip, my patience would be sorely tried. These vacations aren't inexpensive and to most of us our vacation time is precious. Who wants to spend their time and money standing in line and waiting for multiple problems to be fixed, repeatedly? I know I don't.

 

[redsbe]

What does that even mean? The complaints that people have expressed here that have been "ruinous" are the large, macro, systemic failures which you now agree would be a "major problem". No one has ever come here saying that their vacation was ruined because it too three "taps" to get Mickey to turn green.

The vast majority of issues people have been complaining about over the last few months regarding MBs and FP+s involving losing access to their saved FPs, trying to change FPs, etc... and yes many people have been posting they are upset with those challenges during planning and while at WDW. That is why I posted the question.

 

[redsbe]

That's great, for *you*. Seriously, in all sincerity, I'm happy it works out that way for you.

But you recall those "uncontrollable" things you mentioned that could affect a visit? Like weather and ride closures?

Well... small children tend to come with many "uncontrollable" issues that affect planning as well. They may not sleep well in a strange/new location, which may derail a family's plan to get there at RD and take advantage of the short morning lines. They may meltdown at any given point in the day, which may require the family unexpectedly leaving the park. They may get sick, which may result in less park time for the family.

FP (and FP+) helps those families be able to make the most out of their park time, so that when the inevitable, uncontrollable things that come with having small kids DO happen, they have hopefully been able to experience more than they would have been able to otherwise.

For me, personally, on our first trip to WDW with DD, I had to pump milk for her as she did not nurse. This required 7-8 20min sessions throughout the day where I had to go and sit down somewhere private (relatively speaking) and take care of things so she could have her food throughout the day. Yes, by choice, but I was still watching my family go and enjoy rides while I could not. I was already losing out on 2+ hrs of park time/day just for that. And she couldn't stay out late, so our park days were always cut short. If that were further exacerbated by my not being able to use the FP(+) system so I could maximize the time I *did* have, it would not have been a magical trip for me.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case. FP allowed me to enjoy some rides with my nephews (it was their first trip ever, which is why I went on the trip), while still taking care of my daughter.

So again, while I appreciate that FP may not be integral to your park experience, that doesn't mean that should be the standard that everyone at WDW follows. Different people have different needs.

My point was that during any vacation including WDW, things out of your control can go wrong, but rather then let it ruin your entire trip you need to adapt and change plans. It may be FP, it may be the weather, closed ride, a sick child, or any other unforeseen event, but rather then let that determine the enjoyment of your vacation move on and adapt. Before FP there were still many potential issues that could have major impacts on a WDW vacation, as I sure that millions of WDW visitors faced but had to adapt to.

 

[Angel Ariel]

My point was that during any vacation including WDW, things out of your control can go wrong, but rather then let it ruin your entire trip you need to adapt and change plans. It may be FP, it may be the weather, closed ride, a sick child, or any other unforeseen event, but rather then let that determine the enjoyment of your vacation move on and adapt. Before FP there were still many potential issues that could have major impacts on a WDW vacation, as I sure that millions of WDW visitors faced but had to adapt to.

And generally speaking, people DO adapt. Adapting doesn't mean you can't get frustrated, or feel like you lost a part of the vacation you were looking foward to.

My post was more about your continued comments about how people shouldn't rely on FP+ being functional for their vacations. For some people, FP+ won't have a huge impact on their trip - it's just how they tour, and that's fine. For others, having access to FP+ or not greatly impacts what they are able to do, and therefore has a greater impact on the enjoyability of their trip.

Again, as I said earlier - different people, different needs. You can't expect everyone to react to these situations exactly as you do. Different isn't better or worse - it's just different.

 

[redsbe]

What if every time you went to your room you couldn't get in? AFTER THE SECOND TIME I WOULD DEMAND A ROOM KEY (they are not FP compatible but are still issued upon request)

What if every time you went to a park you couldn't get in? AFTER THE FIRST TIME I WOULD DEMAND A PARK CARD (they are not FP compatible but still issued to walk up guests)

And what if after every ride you had to go spend 30-60 minutes with a CM trying to figure out why you can't change your FP+ reservation or you can but Joey's won't change with you all? DO NOT DEPEND ON FP+ APP TO CHANGE WHILE IN PARK

Or your dining reservations don't show up and you didn't write them down so you didn't know what times they were.
WRITE AND COPY DOWN ALL RESERVED MEALS AND FP+ OR TAKE PICTURE OF SCREEN CAPTURE

 

[Angel Ariel]

What if every time you went to your room you couldn't get in? AFTER THE SECOND TIME I WOULD DEMAND A ROOM KEY (they are not FP compatible but are still issued upon request)

Some people have reported not being given RFID cards, even when asked.

And what if after every ride you had to go spend 30-60 minutes with a CM trying to figure out why you can't change your FP+ reservation or you can but Joey's won't change with you all? DO NOT DEPEND ON FP+ APP TO CHANGE WHILE IN PARK

So we shouldn't expect the kiosks in the park to work?

BTW, the yelling? Not necessary.

 

[redsbe]

And generally speaking, people DO adapt. Adapting doesn't mean you can't get frustrated, or feel like you lost a part of the vacation you were looking foward to.

My post was more about your continued comments about how people shouldn't rely on FP+ being functional for their vacations. For some people, FP+ won't have a huge impact on their trip - it's just how they tour, and that's fine. For others, having access to FP+ or not greatly impacts what they are able to do, and therefore has a greater impact on the enjoyability of their trip.

Again, as I said earlier - different people, different needs. You can't expect everyone to react to these situations exactly as you do. Different isn't better or worse - it's just different.

I understand, but you can plan effectively around not depending on FP+, if you are concerned about FP+ and issues posters are raising, they why not plan around FP+ so you can still have a great trip (which many people did even before FP existed). And I have visited at different times of the year and with young children and we just did the best we could and enjoyed what we were able to. Life is not perfect, nothing will ever happen according to a set plan regardless of the time and effort organizing and planning, you still need to be flexible, including with FP+. I just can not see the mindset of letting the issue of FP+ drive your entire enjoyment of the experience of WDW and spending hours complaining or trying to resolve. Anyone posting here by now should be aware of at least the possibility of FP issues (like weather, crowds, park hours) and thus plan accordingly. It is not that hard nor take much more time, especially compared to spending hours complaining about or trying to fix FP+ issues out of your control.

 

[redsbe]

Some people have reported not being given RFID cards, even when asked.

Ask to speak to a manager or supervisor, as yes they are available upon request

So we shouldn't expect the kiosks in the park to work? Yes, and I should expect my flight to depart on time so I can make it to MK in time for my dinner reservation, but alas not all going according to the best laid plans

BTW, the yelling? Not necessary.

. Thanks for the advice IT WAS VERY HELPFUL

 

[Jennasis]

As others have said, there are precious few posts claiming their trips were ruined or destroyed by MB or FP+. Sure there are complaints and frustration.

 

[Love Tink]

Everyone's thoughtful responses aside, it's obvious this thread was started and continued for one reason only: so we could all marvel at redsbe and how he's just more evolved and an all-around better person than the rest of us small-minded, easily-upset, wrongly focused sub humans.

Oh, if only I could be as Zen and as insightful and as of-a-higher-consciousness as you, redsbe, so I could realize that nothing ever matters and I must rise above all earthly disappointments and always view everything as a positive and live my Best Life every moment. Sigh.

Satisfied?

 

[Madame]

What if every time you went to your room you couldn't get in? AFTER THE SECOND TIME I WOULD DEMAND A ROOM KEY (they are not FP compatible but are still issued upon request) What if every time you went to a park you couldn't get in? AFTER THE FIRST TIME I WOULD DEMAND A PARK CARD (they are not FP compatible but still issued to walk up guests) And what if after every ride you had to go spend 30-60 minutes with a CM trying to figure out why you can't change your FP+ reservation or you can but Joey's won't change with you all? DO NOT DEPEND ON FP+ APP TO CHANGE WHILE IN PARK Or your dining reservations don't show up and you didn't write them down so you didn't know what times they were. WRITE AND COPY DOWN ALL RESERVED MEALS AND FP+ OR TAKE PICTURE OF SCREEN CAPTURE

I've been reading through this post & will just add this...

My DH works for a major Canadian bank. When he first started there part of their customer service training was an entire presentation about Disney CS and why it was the best in the world... You'll notice I say WAS - they no longer do this presentation (I have a feeling that if they did at least one person watching it would not have experienced this 'spectacular' CS).

Recently the bank rolled out some kind of internet customer self-service something or other (honestly I fall asleep when he talks bank talk . There were major issues and negative customer feed-back. They pulled the ENTIRE system until it could be fixed and re-introduced when they worked out the kinks, and this is a bank we're talking about...

You were trying to compare weather etc. to these systems errors. Weather is beyond human control, maybe a few glitches as well. I mean this is a man-made system & we are not infallible & should not expect our technology to be. However, it seems to me that Disney has hired the same IT group that deals with government systems (don't even get me started on poorly built and maintained gov websites etc are!).

The point you're missing is that the onus is on the company providing the services to ensure a positive guest experience, otherwise those clients will 'vote with their feet' . I don't care how 'magical' your company is-repetitive systems errors are not acceptable.

And I agree, the yelling is unnecessary...

 

[redsbe]

Everyone's thoughtful responses aside, it's obvious this thread was started and continued for one reason only: so we could all marvel at redsbe and how he's just more evolved and an all-around better person than the rest of us small-minded, easily-upset, wrongly focused sub humans.

Oh, if only I could be as Zen and as insightful and as of-a-higher-consciousness as you, redsbe, so I could realize that nothing ever matters and I must rise above all earthly disappointments and always view everything as a positive and live my Best Life every moment. Sigh.

Satisfied?

Thanks! (actually my only intent was to share some advice and suggestions, which apparently some posters appreciated and agreed with, and others would rather just continue to rant and complain and not contribute to a meaningful discussion around the topic of trip planning and avoiding the potential pitfalls of FP+ and MBs where and when possible - but please continue with your helpful contributions to the discussion here)

 

[Angel Ariel]

. Thanks for the advice IT WAS VERY HELPFUL

As is your advice that everyone should handle unexpected changes the same way you do,.then there would never be a problem.

Seriously,.I don't get what is so difficult to understand that people deal with everything in different ways. Your way works for you, and that is wonderful, in complete sincerity. I don't understand why you can't respect that others are.different.

 

[redsbe]

As is your advice that everyone should handle unexpected changes the same way you do,.then there would never be a problem.

Seriously,.I don't get what is so difficult to understand that people deal with everything in different ways. Your way works for you, and that is wonderful, in complete sincerity. I don't understand why you can't respect that others are.different.

I understand and respect that people are different and approach problems in a different way, but why not provide suggestions and advice to help? Or should posters not even bother to post such assistance on any topic given your view that everyone approaches a problem differently anyways?

 

[Angel Ariel]

Thanks! (actually my only intent was to share some advice and suggestions, which apparently some posters appreciated and agreed with, and others would rather just continue to rant and complain and not contribute to a meaningful discussion around the topic of trip planning and avoiding the potential pitfalls of FP+ and MBs where and when possible - but please continue with your helpful contributions to the discussion here)

Oh yes, because no one who has disagreed with you in this thread has ever, in any other thread, ever actually contributed meaningfully to trip planning or helping people make the best of mm+ and fp+.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I understand and respect that people are different and approach problems in a different way, but why not provide suggestions and advice to help? Or should posters not even bother to post such assistance on any topic given your view that everyone approaches a problem differently anyways?

I do provide suggestions and advice to help. In threads where someone is really looking for it. The tone of this thread from the beginning has come across as very consecending and "why can't everyone just see it and handle it as I do". That's not a thread that is conducive to truly talking about advice.

 

[redsbe]

Oh yes, because no one who has disagreed with you in this thread has ever, in any other thread, ever actually contributed meaningfully to trip planning or helping people make the best of mm+ and fp+.

So why attack me for attempting to provide advice?

 

[redsbe]

I do provide suggestions and advice to help. In threads where someone is really looking for it. The tone of this thread from the beginning has come across as very consecending and "why can't everyone just see it and handle it as I do". That's not a thread that is conducive to truly talking about advice.

That may be how you read it, but not how I wrote it