FP+ Details Are Out!

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I must have missed the "made up" stuff. It would probably be helpful to everyone if you could specify which info posted here was made up.

LOL! It's there - in abundance - over many threads, over many months! I'm not going to get drawn into a "debate" on this point.

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[luvmy3]

They don't know - they're "educated guessing".

I doubt they weight the letters the same way they do direct feedback from those who have tested the actual system in its current form, but I'd be really surprised if they didn't give them some consideration.

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I know they are making educated guesses, but what they posted does make sense.

For everyone who is concerned and writing to them, I hope at some point Disney puts your mind at ease

 

[Cafeen]

There's a huge difference between educated guessing/speculating based on evidence, history, and logic, and "making stuff up." Since we're primarily discussing the points and attempting to get a better picture based on what's been released while attempting to relate it to our own future planning and touring (see Cyrano, I'm linking it back to the TPAS topic!), this is what we have to work with.

(Also, most of us are discussing the system, rather than the posters posting about said system...just something to keep in mind)

 

[Senor_Jorge]

I'd be willing to bet that Disney has done some modeling to see how the numbers stack up and probably is the basis of them moving forward with the FP+ project.

Again, maybe I'm drinking the Kool-Aid but I really don't think Disney would jump into this blindly without some evidence that it will work as they intend. Your talking about an entertainment icon that has set the standard for theme parks and customer service (yes, i know we all have our complaints).

My opinion is that it's all a matter of mathematics. They have years & decades of data on crowd levels and crowd control. They know what max ride capacities are, max park capacities are and what the trends of guests are. I really don't think it's a complicated as everyone is making it out to be (maybe the programming is, but not the concept). Lots of people have their bees in a bonnet over the various tests being done but the fact is we don't know what the end product is intended to be and that the testing is likely a sum of some of the parts. Lots are upset that Disney hasn't spilled all the beans yet...well, think about it, who would? the probably release tidbits intentionally and for good reason. they are working towards a specific goal, why would you let out all your info ahead of actual deployment? most businesses don't. Looke at Sony & Microsoft with the recent "unveilings" for their new game consoles....not terribly different than Disney with regards to they haven't given it all up on the first date.

Now I must get back to my glass of Kool-Aid...

The programming is relatively simple, but I'm sure it will require some tweaking after deployment. The hardware side is where I believe the largest challenges are. Providing Access Points for mobile devices, enough kiosks for those without them, and the bandwidth to support all of them is no small task. The load will shift by the hour, park, and day. That's why taking a guess at the network architecture has interested me.

I see the value in the investment, and especially the data they can capture. My questions and concerns are with implementation almost exclusively. Will they do it without creating a cluster? We have a 10 day trip in early December, and I'm looking forward to running around their maze in search of some cheese.

 

[TJBerry]

LOL! It's there - in abundance - over many threads, over many months! I'm not going to get drawn into a "debate" on this point.

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So there really is no "made up" info, since you can't point to any specific examples.

Most of us realize you're just trying to stir the pot.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

So there really is no "made up" info, since you can't point to any specific examples.

Most of us realize you're just trying to stir the pot.

Riiiiiiiight!! Because anyone who doesn't agree with you or take your random orders to produce "evidence" or take the bait to "debate" every point is stirring the pot... LOL!

You might read through some of my posts over the last - what - 6 years before concluding such a ludicrous thing, btw.


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[luvmy3]

There's a huge difference between educated guessing/speculating based on evidence, history, and logic, and "making stuff up." Since we're primarily discussing the points and attempting to get a better picture based on what's been released while attempting to relate it to our own future planning and touring (see Cyrano, I'm linking it back to the TPAS topic!), this is what we have to work with.

(Also, most of us are discussing the system, rather than the posters posting about said system...just something to keep in mind)

I must have missed the made up facts too. While nobody knows exactly what is going to happen, I trust the combined WDW experience of DISers and their educated guesses

 

[Jennasis]

Riiiiiiiight!! Because anyone who doesn't agree with you or take your random orders to produce "evidence" or take the bait to "debate" every point is stirring the pot... LOL!

You might read through some of my posts over the last - what - 6 years before concluding such a ludicrous thing, btw.

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To be fair. TJ didn't order you to do anything. It was another poster who requested examples.

 

[BRG226]

I know that there are lots of questions still out there, but here is another...should you use one of the FP's for Fantasmic and the show is rained out, how would that work? Do you get another FP? Is it just tough luck? Same question I guess if a ride breaks down?

Just wondering if anyone knows.

Brendan

 

[TJBerry]

Riiiiiiiight!! Because anyone who doesn't agree with you or take your random orders to produce "evidence" or take the bait to "debate" every point is stirring the pot... LOL!

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If you claim people are making up info, but can't point to any posts that are in fact making up info, well, people draw their own conclusions.

FP+ is a major concern for many people who are familiar with Disney's IT history and who are familiar with how ride capacity works.

Dismissing those concerns and condescendingly telling people they are making stuff up doesn't move the conversation forward.

 

[ciera321]

I'd be willing to bet that Disney has done some modeling to see how the numbers stack up and probably is the basis of them moving forward with the FP+ project.

Again, maybe I'm drinking the Kool-Aid but I really don't think Disney would jump into this blindly without some evidence that it will work as they intend. Your talking about an entertainment icon that has set the standard for theme parks and customer service (yes, i know we all have our complaints).

My opinion is that it's all a matter of mathematics. They have years & decades of data on crowd levels and crowd control. They know what max ride capacities are, max park capacities are and what the trends of guests are. I really don't think it's a complicated as everyone is making it out to be (maybe the programming is, but not the concept). Lots of people have their bees in a bonnet over the various tests being done but the fact is we don't know what the end product is intended to be and that the testing is likely a sum of some of the parts. Lots are upset that Disney hasn't spilled all the beans yet...well, think about it, who would? the probably release tidbits intentionally and for good reason. they are working towards a specific goal, why would you let out all your info ahead of actual deployment? most businesses don't. Looke at Sony & Microsoft with the recent "unveilings" for their new game consoles....not terribly different than Disney with regards to they haven't given it all up on the first date.

Now I must get back to my glass of Kool-Aid...

I have to say, this statement makes the most sense! Disney has been such a success for so long, I can't believe they would go to the expense, time and trouble to put in a system that would cause all of us to become frustrated and unhappy guests. While I'm from the "Why can't we just go back to the days of hoarding FPs and using them when we want " camp, I'm going to assume this move is a positive one for the guests, and try to use the new system in the most efficient way possible.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I wrote Disney an email and several things came up for me as I wrote it...

When we go to Disney - I plan the park based on the best days calendar and we pick a restaurant out 6 months in advance....

But in the parks - I give me kids control of what we do. We go enough that they understand general flow. But if they want to ride and the line is too long - we just FP and go back later...but now my kids won't be able to pick what we do because we will have to tour so we are in the right place when our pre-planned FP+ time comes up. Disney is so fun because they really take control of the day and it makes them so happy!

Another issue is that my cell phone service stinks in the park...and my phone is constantly looking for service...it makes it about half way through the day - so now I will be stuck with those kiosks...

And my hubby HATES preplanning the meals as it is now...and inevitably on every trip he says why didn't we eat there and I tell him "Remember I asked you about this..." and he replies "How was I supposed to know 6 months ago I wanted to eat here now?" So now I will have to start asking him what time he wants to get up each morning and what rides to ride? He will not be doing that and then we will have the same conversation about rides that I now have about Dining??!?! So while he is working hard so we can afford Disney - he is supposed to stress about his vacation plans too?

Sorry Disney - but if planning the vacation becomes too much work and not planning results in a miserable park experience...we're going to Universal!

Your fears encapsulate many of my concerns too. The way the facts about FP+ have been revealed indicate to me that experiencing a WDW vacation is going to require more tedious work than I care to put into it. I am not exaggerating when I say the whole process seems very similar to the work and effort I have to go through every year to get my tax info ready for my accountant.
I am nowhere near ready to proclaim I am done with Disney; I just don't think I ever will be. But when a vacation starts to suck away fun then it is only natural that people's interests will begin to wander elsewhere.

I believe it was the great statesman, Abraham Lincoln, who once spake,

"Leave the FastPass system, the heck, ALONE!"

Actually it was Mark Twain who said that. Common mistake.






.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

To be fair. TJ didn't order you to do anything. It was another poster who requested examples.

You're absolutely right. But my refusal to debate that request is what TJ quoted in accusing me of stirring the pot. I think people should take a step back and maybe take a second to look at someone's history before throwing stuff like that around. An accusation typically hurled at someone not "towing the line" of vocal posters in a particular thread. It's ridiculous, IMO.

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[TJBerry]

I'd be willing to bet that Disney has done some modeling to see how the numbers stack up and probably is the basis of them moving forward with the FP+ project.

Again, maybe I'm drinking the Kool-Aid but I really don't think Disney would jump into this blindly without some evidence that it will work as they intend. Your talking about an entertainment icon that has set the standard for theme parks and customer service (yes, i know we all have our complaints).

My opinion is that it's all a matter of mathematics. They have years & decades of data on crowd levels and crowd control. They know what max ride capacities are, max park capacities are and what the trends of guests are. I really don't think it's a complicated as everyone is making it out to be (maybe the programming is, but not the concept). Lots of people have their bees in a bonnet over the various tests being done but the fact is we don't know what the end product is intended to be and that the testing is likely a sum of some of the parts. Lots are upset that Disney hasn't spilled all the beans yet...well, think about it, who would? the probably release tidbits intentionally and for good reason. they are working towards a specific goal, why would you let out all your info ahead of actual deployment? most businesses don't. Looke at Sony & Microsoft with the recent "unveilings" for their new game consoles....not terribly different than Disney with regards to they haven't given it all up on the first date.

Now I must get back to my glass of Kool-Aid...

Microsoft may not be the best example. There was a huge backlash against some of the things they had implemented for the new system, causing them to backtrack and change those things the public didn't like.

 

[Cafeen]

I know that there are lots of questions still out there, but here is another...should you use one of the FP's for Fantasmic and the show is rained out, how would that work? Do you get another FP? Is it just tough luck? Same question I guess if a ride breaks down?

Just wondering if anyone knows.

Brendan

Both are currently unknowns, but looking at how similar things are handled today:

F! - I'm not entirely sure how the F! packages are handled for cancellations, but that would be the avenue to suggest what may happen.

Attractions - Chances are, it'll be similar to how FPs are handled today, which is basically, "Come back later and we'll honor it". Of course, with the electronic nature of the FP+ machines at the attractions, this may not hold true. (Or, they could allow you to modify for a later time and you hope it's up and running /shrug).

At least, those are my educated guesses.

 

[rastuso]

Who wouldn't be confused reading this thread! I feel for you.

Are you sure, though, that DISNEY has made you rethink future trips and not DISBOARDS making you rethink?

Is it really the official info released, combined with the fact that nothing is set in stone (ie aspects remain unknown/undefined) and they are actively and thoroughly collecting guest feedback during testing -- is THAT really what has you worried? Because that's all Disney has done.

The rest is conjecture on here -- lots of "fear of change" response, IMO.

I don't like the possibility that the existing FP system might be phased out completely. My little bit of conjecture is that after guest feedback, that'll be adjusted (some form of same day FP added to the band as an eg). Fingers crossed, and I'm waiting for ACTUAL INFO before predicting WDW's demise -- or at least that of my vacation.

I take the hyperbole here with a MASSIVE grain of salt, and sift for real info and occasional productive conversations on this topic.

The DIS has been AWESOME for us in planning trips over 9 years -- but some of this negativity is off the charts -- especially when based on something that DOES NOT YET EXIST. As always, JMO.

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You could be right, but I'd assume the average DISer doesn't want to plan a $5000 vacation with the assumption FP+ will be figured out by then, and won't be an unmitigated disaster, taking away more than half of their E-ticket rides for their entire trip.

And the math just doesn't support an optimistic outlook enough for the average person to bet 5k on it. I know I will plan no WDW trips until it's totally rolled out.

We're going to DL and D23 this year. Of course, next year, with Potter 2.0 opening, Disney will be the secondary target of a Florida vacation probably from now on, anyway.

Jason

 

[mom2rtk]

I know that there are lots of questions still out there, but here is another...should you use one of the FP's for Fantasmic and the show is rained out, how would that work? Do you get another FP? Is it just tough luck? Same question I guess if a ride breaks down?

Just wondering if anyone knows.

Brendan

I would have to think they would handle it like they handle the dining package. They do nothing. Maybe if the park is open later than your Fantasmic show time they might put another FP+ entitlement back into your account, but with so many other folks getting one at the same time, I'm not sure how valuable it would turn out to be. By that time of the night the headliners would not have any slots left.

 

[Jennasis]

Also, to be fair, the wait-and-see folks could also be accused of making things up. I have read PLENTY of stuff about how they think things will pan out (don't worry, of course Disney will let us get same day FP, or I'm sure Disney has carefully thought this all out...). So why don't they get taken to task too?

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

You could be right, but I'd assume the average DISer doesn't want to plan a $5000 vacation with the assumption FP+ will be figured out by then, and won't be an unmitigated disaster, taking away more than half of their E-ticket rides for their entire trip.

And the math just doesn't support an optimistic outlook enough for the average person to bet 5k on it. I know I will plan no WDW trips until it's totally rolled out.

We're going to DL and D23 this year. Of course, next year, with Potter 2.0 opening, Disney will be the secondary target of a Florida vacation probably from now on, anyway.

Jason

We just don't agree on some of this stuff... maybe most of it!

I would love to hear your feedback on DL & D23 after your trip. I went to DL often when I lived in CA, but haven't been there in... it must be... 10+ years!! Wondering how it stacks up against WDW for a frequent WDW visitor. FP+ or not, we expect to plan a DL trip in the next couple of years. But that's for another/future thread...

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[DVCBELLE]

So there really is no "made up" info, since you can't point to any specific examples.

Most of us realize you're just trying to stir the pot.

Exactly...there is a HUGE difference between made up and educated guesses.

FACT: FP+ will require my family to book a ride we want to ride 60 days out .... this seems like too much work to plan a vacation for me ... and I would just tickle my mare if you're touring with a large group (had to leave the autocorrect in cause its very random and funny...but I meant to say would be a total nightmare)

FACT: the new system relies heavily upon smartphones and wi-fi. service in the park is inadequate and it is unlikely that my phone will stay charged all day and by the end of the day I will no longer have access to the system as intended by Disney.

FACT: the current system is not compatible with the new technology. although testers have been able to use the legacy system .... both systems will not be compatible in the future ... Even if the legacy system can stay in place... Availability will decrease.

These three FACTS are the most troubling and causing many people to lose faith in this new system. I hope those who are looking forward to FP+ are right and a year from now we are allwondering how we lived without it!