FP+ and Last Minute Trips

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And those plans have to be "absolute"? I suppose we weren't allowed to think that maybe one of those days we'd like to go over to Epcot, and Wednesday happened to be the day it would work out?

Because I had already posted our plans, right? Which you just happened to recall?

This is obviously way more important to you for some reason than it is to me. So I'll leave you with it, and my original statement:

We were thinking of maybe popping into Epcot this coming Wednesday but just checked FP's and neither Test Track nor Soarin are available.

'nuff said. Hope you get to feeling better.

Universal plans--you posted those prior be it in this thread or elsewhere, did you not. Like, you mentioned it? Or am I confusing you with another poster? Because I hate when I mix people up. (And this was in some reference to my Universal statement.)

And thanks. Working on it. This cold called for NyQuil and that is on my banned meds list due to pregnancy. Boo. Thank goodness for Mucinex.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Most of my comments were made prior to your entry into this discussion in this thread. You commented on the time of the thread and used the term dismissive and the thread tone and I was referencing that. In no way was I attributing anything else to you. But you seem to infer that quite a bit.

You quoted me and then wrote a response. Yes, I thought that the response was directed at me. I thought that's what quoting was for.

You even said at the end of the post "But I don't mind if you dismiss my post with a specific example.". I think anyone would take the "you" in that sentence to be whomever the poster was quoting...which, in this case, would be me. Who else is that "you" if it isn't the person you're quoting?

ETA: I am aware that "you" can be used in a general way as well, but there is nothing grammatical in your post that indicated you had switched to a general conversation. You quoted me. The entire post was about a term I'd used in the quote you quoted. It then ended with an address to "you" which, given no indication otherwise, would be to the person you were quoting. How was I supposed to know you'd switched to a general "you" if that's the case?

 

[Disneylover99]

Yet this is how it now looks. Appears to be an inverse benefit. In some ways it's better (you could get FP's for later in the evening without having to go in the AM) and in some ways it's not (someone willing to go in the AM can't get any at all now):

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I just made FP's for four people Dec. 30 at Epcot about an hour ago. The only attraction unavailable for me was Mission Space. Test Track and Soarin had availability, in the evening, but not the morning.

 

[jade1]

I just made FP's for four people Dec. 30 at Epcot about an hour ago. The only attraction unavailable for me was Mission Space. Test Track and Soarin had availability, in the evening, but not the morning.

Yea but that's not the busiest day of the year now is it.

 

[Disneylover99]

After reading the many reports of how easy it was to get A&E/SDMT for the Christmas week period, and now seeing reports of it being easier to change times around too, it really makes me think that Disney increased the number of FP+ available during this time period, compared to slower time periods.
.

I was thinking the same thing. And I really thought FP lines would be longer this week because of it. Suprisingly, we have not encountered any long FP lines.

 

[Bullseye]

Were it not for me poking around the boards lately, I'd have been surprised to be told that very many people take surprise or spontaneous trips to Disney at the very busiest time of year, but judging by the number of posts about just that, it must happen quite a bit! I'm a planner for any vacation and can't relate very well to the spur-of-the-moment trip. But we'll have to just wait and see what these folks say about their experiences this Christmas. . .

I'm not sure how accurate or thorough a review could be, though. I'm thinking someone who goes to WDW at Christmas without a plan is not likely a Disney veteran and therefore would have little frame of reference. And that someone with more experience is unlikely to tackle the world at any time of year with NO plan, especially at Christmas. So it seems we'll likely hear either "I was at Disney at Christmas! It was so magical!" When they may have missed out on many things that advance planning could have helped with, OR "I was at Disney at Christmas and it was a crowded disaster!" which may be indicative of nothing more than being at Disney on a level 10 day.

Of course, that's a lot of assumptions, and we know what that means

Good Post! Surprise trips to the #1 vacation destination in the world at the busiest time of the year are usually going to be limited regardless of FP or FP+.

 

[Suvadoo]

I kind of wish you would stop scaring people out of visiting when they want because the touring is not to your liking. Kind of reaching a new level of hysteria.

People can choose to visit WDW at any time they like. I guess I should be flattered that you think my thread weilds that kind of power.
I do however take exception to your characterizing my post as "hysteria". It's an opinion, nothing more. Also, if you don't like the thread, why are you the person who has the most posts? If I don't like a thread I don't disparage the author. Instead, I move on.

 

[Suvadoo]

Considering the continued insistence by some to compare FP and FP+, it's worth noting how one would start each day with 100% availability yet the other is now praised and considered "successful" for having some availability several days or weeks prior.

Am I the only one who sees the irony of that? That Disney magic is really working.

I agree. I don't understand why people are so thrilled with limited availability for FP+. I just wish Disney had stuck to FP+ for the major headliners and left the rest of the attractions as SB. I view FP+ on attractions like FN, LWTL, SE, HM, IASW, and POC as a major hindrance to touring. A lot of people are saying they're spending more time standing around and waiting for their FP return time while in the parks and they're leaving sooner. Personally, I go to WDW to experience the attractions and shows in the parks. I can go anywhere else and find the same amenities as the WDW hotel resorts offer. So if I no longer perceive value in a WDW vacation, I'll find alternate destinations. I know there will be people to replace me, but I wonder how many first time or returning guests are going to find value in paying for theme park tickets when their access to attractions and shows are so limited.

 

[Disneylover99]

I agree. I don't understand why people are so thrilled with limited availability for FP+. I just wish Disney had stuck to FP+ for the major headliners and left the rest of the attractions as SB. I view FP+ on attractions like FN, LWTL, SE, HM, IASW, and POC as a major hindrance to touring. A lot of people are saying they're spending more time standing around and waiting for their FP return time while in the parks and they're leaving sooner. Personally, I go to WDW to experience the attractions and shows in the parks. I can go anywhere else and find the same amenities as the WDW hotel resorts offer. So if I no longer perceive value in a WDW vacation, I'll find alternate destinations. I know there will be people to replace me, but I wonder how many first time or returning guests are going to find value in paying for theme park tickets when their access to attractions and shows are so limited.

I have to say.....I am not generally a fp+ lover. We usually go in late August and I do miss legacy FP.

But this trip over Christmas? FP+ has been really helpful! There are only so many rope drops we can make it to when the MK opens at 7am every day. And you would probably have to get to any park during the morning hours to get a FP with legacy. We've been able to choose headliners for each day, and we've been able to make changes the day before with success. So overall, I've been pleasantly surprised.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I was a midnight planner and got everything I wanted. The problem I had is that real life is extremely hard to plan 60 or 180 days out. I was there November 28 - December 5th, not supposedly the busiest time and was unable to change last minute fps. Some I was able to change, but only if I rearranged my whole day's worth of fast passes. The hard to get ones (FoF, MSEP, A&E, 7DMT, TSMM) i hung on to, but I tried and tried and could not get Cinderella and Rapunzel any day, could not switch Soarin, could not even get a M&G for Mickey and Friends at AK. I tried daily, because I was hoping others would switch their schedules around. I may have been able to secure something at 10 pm, but with a 2 and a 4 year old, it's not going to be so magical. Plus, I was working around hard to get ADRs too, such as Diamond Horseshoe, BOG and Candlelight Processional for Neil Patrick Harris, Cinderella's Royal Table, Akershus, and other character meals. So, yes, it may be possible to get fps if you have a flexible schedule, it is near impossible if you have other plans.
By Dec 3rd I had scrapped all my plans (including the BOG and Akershus reservations) and just did my own thing. The result was I had a much better time. I have been to WDW over 50 times and I'll say that *IF* (big IF) I go again it will not be with any ADRs or fps. I will just take what comes (or doesn't) Pre-planning (and trying to successfully execute all the pre-plans) made for one of the most frustrating, stressful vacations EVER. The best part of my vacation? The 5 days I spent at Myrtle Beach after leaving WDW.
*AND*, before I get jumped on as a "h8ter", I love WDW and have been going since 1972. It's just too crowded to be as magical for me as it once was.

 

[Suvadoo]

I have to say.....I am not generally a fp+ lover. We usually go in late August and I do miss legacy FP.

But this trip over Christmas? FP+ has been really helpful! There are only so many rope drops we can make it to when the MK opens at 7am every day. And you would probably have to get to any park during the morning hours to get a FP with legacy. We've been able to choose headliners for each day, and we've been able to make changes the day before with success. So overall, I've been pleasantly surprised.

I'm glad FP+ has worked well for you. I am really beginning to believe that Disney increased FP+ availability over the holidays. Because when people like Angel Ariel went during slower times, nothing was available at 60 days out and it remained that way throughout her visit. She wasn't the only one who reported this problem.
I also believe that FP+ is always going to benefit the type of guest who wants to sleep in on their vacation, as you have pointed out. You haven't had to arrive at RD to obtain FP's. Have you been to the parks at this time of year in the past? If so, do you think you've experienced about the same amount of attractions as on previous trips?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

People can choose to visit WDW at any time they like. I guess I should be flattered that you think my thread weilds that kind of power.
I do however take exception to your characterizing my post as "hysteria". It's an opinion, nothing more. Also, if you don't like the thread, why are you the person who has the most posts? If I don't like a thread I don't disparage the author. Instead, I move on.

Who said I "didn't like the thread"? Clearly I found things to respond to and discuss. I move on when I am done.

Came back to unsubscribe (didn't realize I clicked that with my phone and just noticed I was getting an email for every post since I mistakenly clicked it on my stubborn phone) and saw your post and thus--responded.

And I have many posts because, well, I post a lot. No surprise.

I see your last comment and have something that I would think positive to add so will comment on that and then move on again.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm glad FP+ has worked well for you. I am really beginning to believe that Disney increased FP+ availability over the holidays. Because when people like Angel Ariel went during slower times, nothing was available at 60 days out and it remained that way throughout her visit. She wasn't the only one who reported this problem.
I also believe that FP+ is always going to benefit the type of guest who wants to sleep in on their vacation, as you have pointed out. You haven't had to arrive at RD to obtain FP's. Have you been to the parks at this time of year in the past? If so, do you think you've experienced about the same amount of attractions as on previous trips?

Someone posted a few weeks ago that this may be a byproduct of more park hours. With the 7am openings and the late late closing a but same limitations, it would create more availability. That could be why there seems to be more, but it may just be greater opportunity while the same per hour availability remained the same. Of course, this may be off set by the increases number of guests.

I wonder now the hours for the parks this week compared to the week Angel Ariel went. (And no, I don't actually know, hence my question.)

To the second bolded--that would be an interesting thing for folks to compare who were not rope droppers for this week. We still find it weird to not be rope droppers with either system.

 

[Suvadoo]

People can choose to visit WDW at any time they like. I guess I should be flattered that you think my thread weilds that kind of power.
I do however take exception to your characterizing my post as "hysteria". It's an opinion, nothing more. Also, if you don't like the thread, why are you the person who has the most posts? If I don't like a thread I don't disparage the author. Instead, I move on.

Who said I "didn't like the thread"? Clearly I found things to respond to and discuss. I move on when I am done.


Came back to unsubscribe (didn't realize I clicked that with my phone and just noticed I was getting an email for every post since I mistakenly clicked it on my stubborn phone) and saw your post and thus--responded.

And I have many posts because, well, I post a lot. No surprise.

I see your last comment and have something that I would think positive to add so will comment on that and then move on again.

I'm sorry, but Your comment:

I kind of wish you would stop scaring people out of visiting when they want because the touring is not to your liking. Kind of reaching a new level of hysteria.

isn't exactly a glowing endorsement for the thread. To me, this sounds like you didn't like the thread. Call me stupid, but saying the thread reaches a "new level of hysteria" has a negative connotation.

 

[Suvadoo]

I was a midnight planner and got everything I wanted. The problem I had is that real life is extremely hard to plan 60 or 180 days out. I was there November 28 - December 5th, not supposedly the busiest time and was unable to change last minute fps. Some I was able to change, but only if I rearranged my whole day's worth of fast passes. The hard to get ones (FoF, MSEP, A&E, 7DMT, TSMM) i hung on to, but I tried and tried and could not get Cinderella and Rapunzel any day, could not switch Soarin, could not even get a M&G for Mickey and Friends at AK. I tried daily, because I was hoping others would switch their schedules around. I may have been able to secure something at 10 pm, but with a 2 and a 4 year old, it's not going to be so magical. Plus, I was working around hard to get ADRs too, such as Diamond Horseshoe, BOG and Candlelight Processional for Neil Patrick Harris, Cinderella's Royal Table, Akershus, and other character meals. So, yes, it may be possible to get fps if you have a flexible schedule, it is near impossible if you have other plans.
By Dec 3rd I had scrapped all my plans (including the BOG and Akershus reservations) and just did my own thing. The result was I had a much better time. I have been to WDW over 50 times and I'll say that *IF* (big IF) I go again it will not be with any ADRs or fps. I will just take what comes (or doesn't) Pre-planning (and trying to successfully execute all the pre-plans) made for one of the most frustrating, stressful vacations EVER. The best part of my vacation? The 5 days I spent at Myrtle Beach after leaving WDW.
*AND*, before I get jumped on as a "h8ter", I love WDW and have been going since 1972. It's just too crowded to be as magical for me as it once was.

I agree with the FP+ preplanning anxiety. It's really hard to invest so much money, time, and most importantly dreams in a vacation to WDW. Juggling all of these reservations around to accommodate all of your "must do's". I understand what you're saying about tossing all of your plans and just going with the flow.
My concern with your theory of park touring is that you'll spend most of your time in SB lines especially for headline attractions. If this does happen, the next question is, do you still find value in your WDW vacation. Also, do you think you would have just as much fun on a vacation someplace else?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm sorry, but Your comment: isn't exactly a glowing endorsement for the thread. To me, this sounds like you didn't like the thread. Call me stupid, but saying the thread reaches a "new level of hysteria" has a negative connotation.

I don't dislike you thread. I do wonder its purpose.
I have read lots of these FP+ complaint threads. And I was very concerned for my trip. We went in Feb, on property, before off site had advance access--booking our FP's just the night before. And again in December.

I'm not saying people don't have a bad experience with it--regardless how much anyone wishes to twist my words and suggest that. What I find strange is how it came to be that it will be a bad experience for everyone. And when it isn't a bad experience and it is actually positive, then it seems you (general) are finding ways to invalidate it. And I honestly don't get that. What purpose does it serve exactly except for you (general again) to prove that this system is an abysmal failure?

And when someone--disagrees with your (general) negative assessment, then the snark flies. It has happened to be several times on multiple threads. Again, what purpose does it serve?

I don't dislike your thread--I welcome it as a platform for discussion on a public message board. But I do feel that some posts, yours included cause fear and worry instead of constructive thoughts. That didn't happen before. People just saw all the tips and worried. Now they get worried because of all the doomsday posts.

But I hated that I was "worried for absolutely nothing. And the dramatic "our trips will never be the same again" posts, this has been a regular occurance for me since the 1980s. Disney changes often.

Anyway--you have fun posting threads about everything you don't like. But don't get indignant when people have an observation of what you posted. Defend your position if you feel it is right.

I'm not a mod so I can't actually control what you post. But so long as I follow disboard rules, there is nothing that says I can't respond to what you post.

My wish remains the same--I wish members would not scare people. Because they do when they shouldn't as their soul urpose. And any "never can happen again/gone forever posts" don't seem to serve any other purpose.

And I can only speak for me--but I didn't find such posts helpful for our planning at all. And I never posted a question or statement about my concerns because I didn't want that affirmed with doomsday prophecies. I wanted reality. And it was obvious that it couldn't be found here. And the only way to get that was to experience myself. For us, reality was technically last minute planning due to when we purchase our tickets and the worry was for nothing. But it seems folks, such as yourself, who are quite set in their opinions had any interest in what was positive. You seem all to eager to seek out the negative like to so another feather in your cap. When the biggest negative is--"but you couldn't get *this one attraction name here*, to me--the desire to help others has long passed. It seems there is celebration when you can validate that this system stinks for everyone. In the end, our trips were great.

So, in the meantime--I find such threads need a little more balance and I will contribute accordingly. I don't really care what Disney fan-snark name someone wants to call me. I can't recall if you did--but another poster made a few snark attempts. I just laugh at those because that is all one can do.

I hate the hat, hate the televised Christmas "parade", and sad DHS has lost its former glory (as I enjoyed the park). I hated Spectromagic and was full of glee that what I thought was a temporary return of MSEP was actually permanent. I miss MSB as I hate coffee and the lines are not worth the wait for baked items that can't hold a candle to the former yummy offerings. I hated the birthday cake castle. With a passion! Very disappointed that I never made it to River Country or Discovery Island because my parents didn't want to spend the extra money and by the time I was old enough to pay for myself, it was inconceivable they would ever be on the chopping block to me.

So I just laugh when snark is used to invalidate my observations. And when it is used, it is less difficult to be bothered that my disagreement with generalizations bother folks are so easily dismissed. It gets a bit pot meet kettle.

 

[SmithSmith]

Because when people like Angel Ariel went during slower times, nothing was available at 60 days out and it remained that way throughout her visit.

Please read post below from Angel Ariel.

Her first trip was not during a "slower time".

More importantly, she also admits that on both trips she got what she wanted at 60 days besides A&E. That hardly translates to "nothing".

I have a 4 day trip, over Veteran's Day/W&D 1/2 Marathon weekend, and we could get 7DMT but not A&E. Still haven't been able to obtain even 1 A&E for that trip.

I'm planning another trip for friends the following weekend. They also have 4 day tickets (Armed Forces ones for both of us). At 60 days, I got them 7DMT also, but no A&E were available. I have since managed to get them 3 overlapping times on 11/15, with a combo of stalking the site and the A&E Cancellation thread here.

ETA: I think the success many are having over the Christmas holiday is due to the increased park hours. For us, the combination of only having 4 day tickets, and then having 2 out of 4 days be Party days where MK closes at 7 (the case for both trips above) is what I think really hurts that FP+ availability.

 

[SmithSmith]

I don't dislike you thread. I do wonder its purpose.
I have read lots of these FP+ complaint threads. And I was very concerned for my trip. We went in Feb, on property, before off site had advance access--booking our FP's just the night before. And again in December.

I'm not saying people don't have a bad experience with it--regardless how much anyone wishes to twist my words and suggest that. What I find strange is how it came to be that it will be a bad experience for everyone. And when it isn't a bad experience and it is actually positive, then it seems you (general) are finding ways to invalidate it. And I honestly don't get that. What purpose does it serve exactly except for you (general again) to prove that this system is an abysmal failure?

And when someone--disagrees with your (general) negative assessment, then the snark flies. It has happened to be several times on multiple threads. Again, what purpose does it serve?

I don't dislike your thread--I welcome it as a platform for discussion on a public message board. But I do feel that some posts, yours included cause fear and worry instead of constructive thoughts. That didn't happen before. People just saw all the tips and worried. Now they get worried because of all the doomsday posts.

But I hated that I was "worried for absolutely nothing. And the dramatic "our trips will never be the same again" posts, this has been a regular occurance for me since the 1980s. Disney changes often.

Anyway--you have fun posting threads about everything you don't like. But don't get indignant when people have an observation of what you posted. Defend your position if you feel it is right.

I'm not a mod so I can't actually control what you post. But so long as I follow disboard rules, there is nothing that says I can't respond to what you post.

My wish remains the same--I wish members would not scare people. Because they do when they shouldn't as their soul urpose. And any "never can happen again/gone forever posts" don't seem to serve any other purpose.

And I can only speak for me--but I didn't find such posts helpful for our planning at all. And I never posted a question or statement about my concerns because I didn't want that affirmed with doomsday prophecies. I wanted reality. And it was obvious that it couldn't be found here. And the only way to get that was to experience myself. For us, reality was technically last minute planning due to when we purchase our tickets and the worry was for nothing. But it seems folks, such as yourself, who are quite set in their opinions had any interest in what was positive. You seem all to eager to seek out the negative like to so another feather in your cap. When the biggest negative is--"but you couldn't get *this one attraction name here*, to me--the desire to help others has long passed. It seems there is celebration when you can validate that this system stinks for everyone. In the end, our trips were great.

So, in the meantime--I find such threads need a little more balance and I will contribute accordingly. I don't really care what Disney fan-snark name someone wants to call me. I can't recall if you did--but another poster made a few snark attempts. I just laugh at those because that is all one can do.

I hate the hat, hate the televised Christmas "parade", and sad DHS has lost its former glory (as I enjoyed the park). I hated Spectromagic and was full of glee that what I thought was a temporary return of MSEP was actually permanent. I miss MSB as I hate coffee and the lines are not worth the wait for baked items that can't hold a candle to the former yummy offerings. I hated the birthday cake castle. With a passion! Very disappointed that I never made it to River Country or Discovery Island because my parents didn't want to spend the extra money and by the time I was old enough to pay for myself, it was inconceivable they would ever be on the chopping block to me.

So I just laugh when snark is used to invalidate my observations. And when it is used, it is less difficult to be bothered that my disagreement with generalizations bother folks are so easily dismissed. It gets a bit pot meet kettle.

Well said!

 

[Disneylover99]

I'm glad FP+ has worked well for you. I am really beginning to believe that Disney increased FP+ availability over the holidays. Because when people like Angel Ariel went during slower times, nothing was available at 60 days out and it remained that way throughout her visit. She wasn't the only one who reported this problem.
I also believe that FP+ is always going to benefit the type of guest who wants to sleep in on their vacation, as you have pointed out. You haven't had to arrive at RD to obtain FP's. Have you been to the parks at this time of year in the past? If so, do you think you've experienced about the same amount of attractions as on previous trips?

I really thought that additional FP's had been offered for each attraction throughout the day based on availability. I thought for sure that I would be waiting in 20-25 minute stand by lines because of this. But that hasn't been the case at all. FP waits werejust as quick, if not quicker then some of the FP rides I did in August.

My longest FP wait was today at TSMM. The posted standby wait was 205 minutes at around 2 pm. I was on the ride in 10 minutes.

I think the earlier park openings and later park closings have definitely helped the FP distribution. But when I made last minute changes, I was able to get midday times for many attractions. So that was good. In the fall, with MNSSHP and then MVMCP, MK closed so often at 7, that would probably cause FP's to be unavailable days before.

I'm beginning to think that FP+ does help rope droppers during this busy time. We made our rope drop FP's from about 9am-12pm. We got tons done between 7am and 12pm. With regular FP's we would really have no control over FP return times. FP return times might be late afternoon to evening when we didn't want to use them anyways.

 

[Disneylover99]

Have you been to the parks at this time of year in the past? If so, do you think you've experienced about the same amount of attractions as on previous trips?

I have never been to Disney over Christmas so I have nothing to compare it to. We go for two weeks every August. I am curious as to what wait times were like for rides like Small World, Pirates, and Haunted Mansion during previous Christmases before FP+ was introduced. Stand by wait times seemed to range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes during late morning, early afternoon for these attractions this week.