FastPass+, AP's, & Staying Off Site: My Experience

[Mikelly1221]

First of all, I appreciate all the information that everyone is sharing. I'm trying to get up to speed on the FP+, and I know there are still more questions than answers. FTR, we are a family of AP holders that as of 2 weeks ago could still pull paper FPs. We have not ordered our MB's yet, although I see where I can. I am signed up on MDE but until today I have not even had an option to book FP+ even though our AP's were linked.

In a couple of weeks, we are staying one night off site. We have a dinner reservation in MK that is linked to MDE. However, I'm not able to book FP+ even for MK; I guess I'll pull paper ones then. On December 23, we're checking in to Saratoga Springs, and MDE will allow us to book FP+ for that trip even though we're not going into the parks. On December 29, I'm going to the Candelight Processional (and booked the dinner package) and I am able to book FP+ in advance even though I'm not staying on site. I live nearby and am driving over. I also could book FP+ on a day without any reservation (hotel, dinner, etc.)whatsoever after December 23, as long it was within the 60 day window.

What I think I'm going to do is hold off on getting MB's until after December 23 and continue to pull paper tickets as long as I can. After December 23, it seems to be that I can book FP+ on any day I want within the 60 day window.

It seems that the resort stay triggers FP+ and being able to book FP in advance. It also seems that for AP's, a reservation after the initial on site stay is not necessary.

Sorry if this is old news for everyone...I'm just now getting up to speed.

 

[bcrook]

It is convoluted, mind-numbing, and fascinating. Nobody can make this stuff up.

Even though the information is not necessarily new, your story is unique. I am impressed with your ability to keep it all straight. Thanks for posting

Even though I prepared dutifully for my trip a few weeks ago, all the twists and turns and inconsistencies wore me down and i gave up. At one point the concierge at Kidani gave my entire traveling group three bonus fastpass + for our last day. My group didn't even have the energy to figure out how to use them without losing our current passes, and we didn't have the stamina to ask anymore questions. They just wasted away. I couldn't even give them to anyone else.

Disney has done a nice job in "entertaining" us all on the DISboards with the mymagic+ family of products and "improvements".

Best wishes on your trip!

 

[delmar411]

First of all, I appreciate all the information that everyone is sharing. I'm trying to get up to speed on the FP+, and I know there are still more questions than answers. FTR, we are a family of AP holders that as of 2 weeks ago could still pull paper FPs. We have not ordered our MB's yet, although I see where I can. I am signed up on MDE but until today I have not even had an option to book FP+ even though our AP's were linked.

In a couple of weeks, we are staying one night off site. We have a dinner reservation in MK that is linked to MDE. However, I'm not able to book FP+ even for MK; I guess I'll pull paper ones then. On December 23, we're checking in to Saratoga Springs, and MDE will allow us to book FP+ for that trip even though we're not going into the parks. On December 29, I'm going to the Candelight Processional (and booked the dinner package) and I am able to book FP+ in advance even though I'm not staying on site. I live nearby and am driving over. I also could book FP+ on a day without any reservation (hotel, dinner, etc.)whatsoever after December 23, as long it was within the 60 day window.

What I think I'm going to do is hold off on getting MB's until after December 23 and continue to pull paper tickets as long as I can. After December 23, it seems to be that I can book FP+ on any day I want within the 60 day window.

It seems that the resort stay triggers FP+ and being able to book FP in advance. It also seems that for AP's, a reservation after the initial on site stay is not necessary.

Sorry if this is old news for everyone...I'm just now getting up to speed.

Correct.

You just need a single night in site stay to activate AP abilities to book FP+ going forward. You can still pull paper FPs with your AP and must carry it anyway to receive free parking and AP discounts.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Thanks for sharing. It is interesting to say the least.

I wonder if, going forward, once "Testing" is over, if a resort stay will be needed to trigger APs being able to book FP+. That seems like an accident of sorts based on the parameters of the testing that went on at the resorts.

I would think at some point the AP itself (or MYW tix) should be enough to prebook. I wonder when they will do that testing or bring that functionality on.

 

[rebbyparker]

It is convoluted, mind-numbing, and fascinating. Nobody can make this stuff up.

Even though the information is not necessarily new, your story is unique. I am impressed with your ability to keep it all straight. Thanks for posting

Even though I prepared dutifully for my trip a few weeks ago, all the twists and turns and inconsistencies wore me down and i gave up. At one point the concierge at Kidani gave my entire traveling group three bonus fastpass + for our last day. My group didn't even have the energy to figure out how to use them without losing our current passes, and we didn't have the stamina to ask anymore questions. They just wasted away. I couldn't even give them to anyone else.

Disney has done a nice job in "entertaining" us all on the DISboards with the mymagic+ family of products and "improvements".

Best wishes on your trip!

That's what I said. This is going to be the most interesting trip we have ever taken to DW. Ever.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

That's what I said. This is going to be the most interesting trip we have ever taken to DW. Ever.

This is nothing new though. We've known for a few months that all you need to do to get FP+ forever as an AP holder is stay on site one night.

 

[rebbyparker]

This is nothing new though. We've known for a few months that all you need to do to get FP+ forever as an AP holder is stay on site one night.

I wasn't debating that. I was just stating that this has been the most interesting trip to plan thus far. That's all.

 

[ArwenMarie]

This is nothing new though. We've known for a few months that all you need to do to get FP+ forever as an AP holder is stay on site one night.

That might not be true in the future.

 

[delmar411]

That might not be true in the future.

It will not be true in the future. In 2014 AP holders will receive MBs and the ability to make FP+ selections regardless of their travel plans or hotel choices.

Currently those AP holders that do not wish to be locked out of FP+ due to being local or choosing off site accommodations need to have a single night on stay to remedy that situation.

 

[budmonster]

It will not be true in the future. In 2014 AP holders will receive MBs and the ability to make FP+ selections regardless of their travel plans or hotel choices.

Currently those AP holders that do not wish to be locked out of FP+ due to being local or choosing off site accommodations need to have a single night on stay to remedy that situation.

I recently stayed at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek, and I'm a Florida resident passholder, would this have counted as an on site stay? Therefore made me eligible to get the FP+ option.

 

[delmar411]

I recently stayed at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek, and I'm a Florida resident passholder, would this have counted as an on site stay? Therefore made me eligible to get the FP+ option.

Wyndham is owned by Wyndham. Therefore not an onsite stay. Onsite refers to Disney owned hotels.

 

[DebbieB]

I'm here now and I've noticed this week that FP- times on some attractions are going faster than before. For example, on Tuesday TSM was gone when I got there at 10:15. Around 12:15, RnR was around 5:30. The park was not very crowded, I went for a second ride on ToT and only waited about 10 min. When it gets close to Christmas and the big crowds appear, I think they will be gone very early.