fp+ and rope dropping - a new era

[leebee]

I'm not sure that SB+ was in the original plans for FP+, at least not this early in the game, but has come into existence as a response to the A&E M&G fiasco- even with FP+ the lines were unmanageable. With such a high-tech system as MM+/MDE, it seems pretty archaic to have CMs standing at lines, writing out SB+ return slips! It makes me sad to think that SB+ is the trend of the future, though, and it will be hooked into the magic band sensors. I think we'll see a reappearance of the old legacy FP kiosks, only with the dreaded Mickey-head sensor, so you can tap your band for your SB+ pass. This way, Disney controls crowds, controls access, and knows which FP+ and SB+ passes have been used. They will be able to limit you to one ride per attraction, know where you are, and know what you spend. I think this'll help give them the data they need to move to an all-reservation system… maybe only for onsite guests, maybe only for deluxe resort guests, maybe for all, but think that's where they are headed, in the long run.

 

[marissamayhem]

I am not positive how FP+ is to blame that you couldn't get on Rockin Roller Coaster in 25 mins and instead waited an hour? What would have happened last year if everyone would have grabbed the same amount of FP- for Rockin Roller coaster and went by you as well?

Its more about HOW MANY FP+ vs FP- Disney is giving out as oppose to FP+ screwing your early morning riding up.

You have every right to schedule your FP+ during rope drop times so that when you go to get on your second ride at 9:15am you can get on Rockin Roller Coaster, when you enter the line move up Tower of Terror to 9:30, and so on...

Did Disney used to give out FP- starting at the time the park opened? Or were the first ticket times later in the morning starting at like 10am?

I do agree that the larger amount of FP+ going out are exacerbating the problem, but it's still partly because they are specifically being offered right at park opening.

Yes, legacy FP had tickets that began right at park opening, but how many people used them then? I know when I grabbed them in the morning, I didn't rush to use them even if the window was like 9-10am. You could get on the ride at anytime during the day so people didn't really use them that early. I'm sure a few did who knew about FP but didn't know how to utilize it, but I'm sure that wasn't a lot. Now, people who pick those early times are forced to go in that timeslot, so naturally, they're going to use it, no matter how short the SB line is.

That equals more people in the fastpass lane early in the morning, and a slower SB line.

 

[mom2rtk]

I do agree that the larger amount of FP+ going out are exacerbating the problem, but it's still partly because they are specifically being offered right at park opening.

Yes, legacy FP had tickets that began right at park opening, but how many people used them then? I know when I grabbed them in the morning, I didn't rush to use them even if the window was like 9-10am. You could get on the ride at anytime during the day so people didn't really use them that early. I'm sure a few did who knew about FP but didn't know how to utilize it, but I'm sure that wasn't a lot. Now, people who pick those early times are forced to go in that timeslot, so naturally, they're going to use it, no matter how short the SB line is.

That equals more people in the fastpass lane early in the morning, and a slower SB line.

If I recall correctly, legacy FP return times started at 9:40. So you probably had a few people start trickling into the line at 10:15, maybe 10:30. FP+ starts right at park opening. And people know going INTO the park they have an appointment at 9. So it's far more likely for that FP line to fill up much earlier.

 

[marissamayhem]

If I recall correctly, legacy FP return times started at 9:40. So you probably had a few people start trickling into the line at 10:15, maybe 10:30. FP+ starts right at park opening. And people know going INTO the park they have an appointment at 9. So it's far more likely for that FP line to fill up much earlier.

Ah, that's right. You could grab them at park opening, not use them right away. Still, most people probably didn't use them right when the window opened. I always waited until at least noon or later. That probably helped keep the FP line low through the morning hours. That's just not possible anymore.

 

[MouseClubMama]

I'm not sure that SB+ was in the original plans for FP+, at least not this early in the game, but has come into existence as a response to the A&E M&G fiasco- even with FP+ the lines were unmanageable. With such a high-tech system as MM+/MDE, it seems pretty archaic to have CMs standing at lines, writing out SB+ return slips! It makes me sad to think that SB+ is the trend of the future, though, and it will be hooked into the magic band sensors. I think we'll see a reappearance of the old legacy FP kiosks, only with the dreaded Mickey-head sensor, so you can tap your band for your SB+ pass. This way, Disney controls crowds, controls access, and knows which FP+ and SB+ passes have been used. They will be able to limit you to one ride per attraction, know where you are, and know what you spend. I think this'll help give them the data they need to move to an all-reservation system… maybe only for onsite guests, maybe only for deluxe resort guests, maybe for all, but think that's where they are headed, in the long run.

I can absolutely see an updated version of the old Legacy kiosks coming our way. True, they would have no control if they did not make this SB+ work with the Magic Bands.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm not sure that SB+ was in the original plans for FP+, at least not this early in the game, but has come into existence as a response to the A&E M&G fiasco- even with FP+ the lines were unmanageable. With such a high-tech system as MM+/MDE, it seems pretty archaic to have CMs standing at lines, writing out SB+ return slips! It makes me sad to think that SB+ is the trend of the future, though, and it will be hooked into the magic band sensors. I think we'll see a reappearance of the old legacy FP kiosks, only with the dreaded Mickey-head sensor, so you can tap your band for your SB+ pass. This way, Disney controls crowds, controls access, and knows which FP+ and SB+ passes have been used. They will be able to limit you to one ride per attraction, know where you are, and know what you spend. I think this'll help give them the data they need to move to an all-reservation system… maybe only for onsite guests, maybe only for deluxe resort guests, maybe for all, but think that's where they are headed, in the long run.

I'm afraid so. Sigh.

 

[Suvadoo]

Did Disney used to give out FP- starting at the time the park opened? Or were the first ticket times later in the morning starting at like 10am?

On Legacy FP, the return times were for later like 10am. FP line was not open at rope drop.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Did Disney used to give out FP- starting at the time the park opened? Or were the first ticket times later in the morning starting at like 10am

Legacy FP return times didn't start til 40-45 mins after park opening. So if you got to a SB line within that 40-45 minutes, the ride was *only* loading from the SB line. WIth FP+, the return times are starting at park opening - so instead of having 40-45 mins where just the SB line was moving, you're now adding FP riders into the mix as soon as the park opens. That is a major change that is solely a FP+ change.

 

[Angel Ariel]

So if park hours are from 9am to 10pm your there from 9am to 10pm? Right?

When I'm traveling without our daughter? Yep. We get there early, and stay til close. We only get 4 days in the parks (military tx), so we maximize the time we're in the parks as much as we can.

When DD is with us, we have to work around her toddler schedule...so early? Yep..but staying til 10? We stayed for fireworks 1 night, and she was asleep in her stroller, but we wouldn't do that every night.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

So if park hours are from 9am to 10pm your there from 9am to 10pm? Right?

Yes...when I go on adult only trips or the trip with my older sister we were there from open to close. My older sister's kiddos can sleep in a stroller. Next trip is with my younger sister and her kids and no...will not be there all day. Kiddos still take naps but need to be in beds. Luckily they don't have expectations b/c they've never been before. They will be ok with riding TSM once. But in the past, I'd be on a bus at 8am for 9am opening so I was at the front of the pack getting thru the turnstyles. Would get an FP and then ride standby once or twice. Then use FP- around 10ish and usually was able to get another one for later in the evening.

 

[elrod1]

Forgive me if it has been previously asked, but is FP+ available for rides during the one hour of morning EMH?

 

[Planogirl]

Reservation only ride system? Does anyone here really like the idea of that? I see it as complicated and unpleasant to say the least.

 

[MAD on Disney]

Reservation only ride system? Does anyone here really like the idea of that?

Whether we like it or not will not determine whether it occurs, only whether or not the net result would be more money for Disney. Now, if enough people dislike it to the point that it impacts on room and ticket sales, that could matter, but if we don't like it but they keep making more money, oh well.

 

[mom2rtk]

Whether we like it or not will not determine whether it occurs, only whether or not the net result would be more money for Disney. Now, if enough people dislike it to the point that it impacts on room and ticket sales, that could matter, but if we don't like it but they keep making more money, oh well.

I agree that's what it will ultimately take. Disney seems intent of pushing this deal as long and far as they can until the breaking point (where it affects the bottom line negatively).

I happen to think they're getting pretty close to that point already. However, because it's Disney, people plan their trips a long ways out and want to give them the benefit of the doubt for the short-term.

I've said before and will say again, I would love to see the rate of bounceback offers being booked today compared to a year, or even 2 years ago.

 

[MAD on Disney]

I agree that's what it will ultimately take. Disney seems intent of pushing this deal as long and far as they can until the breaking point (where it affects the bottom line negatively).

I happen to think they're getting pretty close to that point already. However, because it's Disney, people plan their trips a long ways out and want to give them the benefit of the doubt for the short-term.

I've said before and will say again, I would love to see the rate of bounceback offers being booked today compared to a year, or even 2 years ago.

And I fear that reduction in visitors due to lost magic and changing perceptions of Disney will take years to materialize. In the short term, disappointed experienced guests and disboard types that know what has been lost and actually don't return (or return less frequently, we are addicted after all) will barely be enough to move the needle.

 

[Delilah1310]

Forgive me if it has been previously asked, but is FP+ available for rides during the one hour of morning EMH?

I would like to know this too.
If FP+ is not available during the morning EMH ... a person could get the same amount of rides done now as they did with FP Legacy.
So some headliners are ridden during morning EMH and the B and C rides once the park opens to the public?

Seems like this would make the morning EMH the advantage now.

 

[glamdring269]

If they could figure out how to make all rides just give me a return time whenever I want to ride then I'd be all for that. Would much rather walk around the park and get some exercise than stand in a line for an hour. I think Disney would prefer this too since eventually I'd likely stop and buy something so win/win.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

OP you are correct.

We've done 9 10 level crowds many times. RD was never this bad!!!

It is NOT your imagination.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

OP you are correct.

We've done 9 10 level crowds many times. RD was never this bad!!!

It is NOT your imagination.