FP+ Details Are Out!

[larryz]

Just FYI, this arrow doesn't work as well when viewed on the app. It's actually pointing to my wife.

Definitely not your wife.

For those of you on the app, the arrows point to my tag which says I'm going to wait until all the kinks are ironed out.

 

[rastuso]

no, i'm saying i'm not afraid of problems because they were rectified in past instances. no, i don't think i'm special, everyone else encountering the same problem we had were given the same resolution.

yes, i would like to be a beta tester...hence my contacting a CM in guest relations to let him know so, just in case that affords us the opportunity to become a beta tester in August.

FP always matters to us when we go. High or low crowds, we utilize them.

any other questions?

Wow. So you're volunteering to beta test FP+ in August, where it will most certainly be like the last test, where it was a MASSIVE advantage, since it allowed to double dip both systems.

You're such a wonderful person to be willing to make that sacrifice.

Jason

 

[larryz]

You're absolutely not. I must assume Disney wont care who is using the band. If they do, that's a whole other level is suckiness for this.

Jason

Read post #764, the line about MagicBands being non-transferable and person-specific...

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Wow. So you're volunteering to beta test FP+ in August, where it will most certainly be like the last test, where it was a MASSIVE advantage, since it allowed to double dip both systems.

You're such a wonderful person to be willing to make that sacrifice.

Jason

To my point earlier, this is the kind of thing that keeps many dissenters from posting. An attack for being willing to beta test. I don't get it.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Read post #764, the line about MagicBands being non-transferable and person-specific...

I am wondering how they would know if you swapped Magic bands to use someone else's FP? I don't think they could tell. Still, swapping might be a pain. Technically with this new system. they could just not allow you to get a FP for RNRC with A 3yo's ticket...but that level of information tracking seems ridiculous.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

actually, I have emailed the CM who handled a complaint of ours from last year, to let him know we would be glad to be a beta tester on our upcoming trip, if possible.

we had RFID issues with our KTTW in March and it actually worked to our benefit with regards to FP'ing

DH and I chatted about this the other day, and if asked, we would give it a try FOR SURE if they allowed use of existing FP as well... and MAYBE if not. Our only hesitation in the latter case is with the kids, 7 and 8-1/2 by then. We may not want to chance it on our one big family vacation of the year.

Now if my sister and I had been asked when I went with her for a few days when she ran the Princess 1/2 this year, we'd have done it in a heartbeat!!

Wonder if there's any chance at all that they'd do testing next time with AP and DVCers... i.e. us... don't they have to test that aspect at some point?

 

[d1gitman]

Wow. So you're volunteering to beta test FP+ in August, where it will most certainly be like the last test, where it was a MASSIVE advantage, since it allowed to double dip both systems.

You're such a wonderful person to be willing to make that sacrifice.

Jason

i'm sorry that my trip isn't when you would like it to be. next time Disney roles out a new system i will consult you as to when i should plan a trip so that we can beta test when you feel it is appropriate.

in the mean time, i will be glad to beta test in august and report my findings on the DIS, if that's ok with you.

i find it funny that people complain about not wanting to be a guinea pig on their trip that cost them thousands but then pass judgement if someone is a guinea pig and is able to somehow benefit from it.

 

[agavegirl1]

Another thing I thought about---

With the current system lets say we have 2 Adults and 2 Kids, I will get 4 Fp for RNRC and the 2 adults can ride 2x each, switching off to stay with the kids. With the new system this wouldn't be possible would it? Or would I just need to swap Magic bands with the kids for the adult to use the kids FP??? Surely I am not the only person who does this?

I think this would be theoretically possible but it would be against the Terms and Conditions published on the Disney website. Magic Bands are non-transferable and person specific as are FP+ attraction reservations.


Terms and Conditions from official Walt Disney World website:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/media/park-experience-terms-and-conditions.html

 

[Buckeye218]

Wow. So you're volunteering to beta test FP+ in August, where it will most certainly be like the last test, where it was a MASSIVE advantage, since it allowed to double dip both systems.

You're such a wonderful person to be willing to make that sacrifice.

Jason

Hey, if he's willing to assume the risk of significant downtime in the event there's an issue (and really almost any downtime is significant on a WDW vacation), then I'm not going to begrudge him any "massive double dip advantage" in the event there are no issues.

I mean there have to be some beta testers.

If he is willing to take the risk, good for him. Personally, I'd rather play it safe on my WDW vacation.

 

[CandleontheWater]

The thing that bothers me most about the "panic'ers" is that no one seems to be giving Disney the benefit of the doubt. No one is willing to believe that there's more going on than what you can see.

You say you're basing it on what you can see. That's fine. But then people go a step further and say, "I'm not going to Disney for the next X years because it's going to be a major disaster" and that just seems overdramatic to me.

You truly believe that this company, that has existed for 40+ years in this industry, is going to do this thing *so wrong* as to alienate/eliminate a substantial chunk of their paying customers?

I was lucky enough to be on the opening crew for FastPass at Tower, and it was tough, frustrating, and confusing. Policies were tweaked every day. But it got ironed out. It works. Guests can make it work, very much to their advantage (as this board proves time and again). That's the track record that I'm holding Disney to. It is based on tested fact.

I think Disney has earned that amount of respect.

The thing is that we, the "Disney elite", are not a substantial chunk of their paying customers. This new system could very well stink for those in the know, but work just dandy for average-joe tourist.

People are worried about how this new system is going to personally effect their vacations, and that is completely understandable. I don't care about average-joe's vacation, I care about MY vacation. It is very possible that this new system could drastically negatively impact my vacationing style, reduce the satisfaction I get during my vacation, and reduce the perceived value I get from my vacation BUT still be considered a success by both the Disney corporation and and "average-joe".

I have no doubt that this new system will work better for average-joe, who rolls up to the MK gates at 11 am from his off site hotel for his very first and one day only visit, with no prior knowledge or know-how, but I'm doubting it will work better for me.

The thing is that Disney doesn't care about me and my 12 fastpass-a-day habit. They care about the median tourist, they care about "average-joe". It completely makes sense, they are a large corporation, they have to cater to the middle, they have to shoot to improve the park experience for those with the medium level of knowledge and park usage.

I trust Disney to do the best for those median tourists, but I don't trust them to do the best for me, the Disney-elite, the superuser, the AP holder, etc, because that is not the way that their business model works.

The sad truth is what is best for the median tourist is not always the best for me and my vacation, and that is what I am worried about.

 

[WillAustin]

People are worried about how this new system is going to personally effect their vacations, and that is completely understandable. I don't care about average-joe's vacation, I care about MY vacation. It is very possible that this new system could drastically negatively impact my vacationing style, reduce the satisfaction I get during my vacation, and reduce the perceived value I get from my vacation BUT still be considered a success by both the Disney corporation and and "average-joe".

I have no doubt that this new system will work better for average-joe, who rolls up to the MK gates at 11 am from his off site hotel for his very first and one day only visit, with no prior knowledge or know-how, but I'm doubting it will work better for me.

The thing is that Disney doesn't care about me and my 12 fastpass-a-day habit. They care about the median tourist, they care about "average-joe". It completely makes sense, they are a large corporation, they have to cater to the middle, they have to shoot to improve the park experience for those with the medium level of knowledge and park usage.

I trust Disney to do the best for those median tourists, but I don't trust them to do the best for me, the Disney-elite, the superuser, the AP holder, etc, because that is not the way that their business model works.

The sad truth is what is best for the median tourist is not always the best for me and my vacation, and that is what I am worried about.

100% agree. I'm not willing to blindly risk the money and planning if we could end up losing more than we gain. And there is no panic in that sentiment, just practicality.

These discussions actually are informative and can help me plan. I'm not going to be happily spending our vacation money to wait in more standby lines so others can do more if that's the ultimate result. To wait and see how it all eventually shakes out isn't in my DNA if we are planning our vacations a year in advance.

 

[Planogirl]

I don't get the sense that they care much about offsite Average Joe either or at least the jury is still out on that. Much indicates that offsite visitors will have less access to the popular rides. I'd like to be wrong about that though.

 

[rastuso]

To my point earlier, this is the kind of thing that keeps many dissenters from posting. An attack for being willing to beta test. I don't get it.

It's not an attack for that. He's acting like he is so confident FP+ is awesome, hell beta test. However, we all know any beta test in August like this weeks test is not a risk, he's actually just hoping he will get to double dip for his upcoming trip. Anyone paying attention would likely PAY to get to do a beta test like this week on an August trip. And pay A LOT!

Jason

 

[bauer1168]

I am wondering how they would know if you swapped Magic bands to use someone else's FP? I don't think they could tell. Still, swapping might be a pain. Technically with this new system. they could just not allow you to get a FP for RNRC with A 3yo's ticket...but that level of information tracking seems ridiculous.

Last time I was there they were doing testing (December 2012), I saw first hand a family using their RFID cards on the mickey monitor for LM. They had a cm with a tablet, when each guest swiped their card over the monitor, the cm looked at her tablet and said the guests name. So I'm guessing if you're a male and use your daughters card/band, the cm might not allow it. Their was discussion aswell that when you swipe your band/RFID card, it could show the age of the guest. So again, if you're a 45 yr old male using your 4 yr old child's band/RFID card, you may not be able to use it. The cm could refuse you to ride it FP or just turn a blind eye, may depend on the cm.
Until the final product comes out and someone tries that method, we may not know how it will be handled

 

[d1gitman]

...The sad truth is what is best for the median tourist is not always the best for me and my vacation, and that is what I am worried about.

so if Disney rolled things back to the way the used to be, pre FP, would there be outrage across the universe or would everyone say "that's fair" so i'm okay with it and i will continue to vaca and spend my money at Disney?

is it fair that we, the 1%, know how to utilize the current system and max our enjoyment vs. the 99% that don't?

what about EMH? is anyone outraged about EMH's? that's certainly not available to all.

what about rope drop...it's available to all, but not all can or will do it...yet there is a distinct advantage to ropedrop with regards to crowd levels and attracton availability, FP or not.

to me, FP was a great evolutionary leap and FP+ will ultimately be even greater...it may have more kinks to work out and take longer, but i believe in it's potential. just like with FP, there will be loopholes in FP+ that the 1%'ers can utilize. i see no issue with Disney catering to the masses, that's what it's all about...a family experience for all, not a family experience for the 1%

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Last time I was there they were doing testing (December 2012), I saw first hand a family using their RFID cards on the mickey monitor for LM. They had a cm with a tablet, when each guest swiped their card over the monitor, the cm looked at her tablet and said the guests name. So I'm guessing if you're a male and use your daughters card/band, the cm might not allow it. Their was discussion aswell that when you swipe your band/RFID card, it could show the age of the guest. So again, if you're a 45 yr old male using your 4 yr old child's band/RFID card, you may not be able to use it. The cm could refuse you to ride it FP or just turn a blind eye, may depend on the cm.
Until the final product comes out and someone tries that method, we may not know how it will be handled

That procedure would definitely slow the process of redeeming a FP+ down. And sounds like a nightmare.

 

[d1gitman]

It's not an attack for that. He's acting like he is so confident FP+ is awesome, hell beta test. However, we all know any beta test in August like this weeks test is not a risk, he's actually just hoping he will get to double dip for his upcoming trip. Anyone paying attention would likely PAY to get to do a beta test like this week on an August trip. And pay A LOT!

Jason

No, i'm not ACTING like FP+ is awesome. I have never used it. However, i do BELIEVE that the system has great potential and choose to have a positive approach about it. Since it will likely NOT be rolled out in time for our trip and i am excited about what FP+ can be, yes, i would like to volunteer to beta test if that's possible. When we were at WDW in March, we had no idea the RFID KTTW or Mickey Heads at the gates were in use. It was an exciting surprise, one that wasn't without issue. However, WDW had a contingency for that and it worked out very well. I would have been just as happy had the RFID's worked as intended. So feel free to show your ignorance and negative attitude if you like but your passing judgement will not make you any bigger of a person than you are trying to be....sucks to have to compensate, doesn't it.

 

[MolonLabe]

I think another huge negative impact of Fp+ that may or may not have been mentioned (this is a long thread) is that the parks will now be filled with people glued to their smartphones. Seriously, to truly enjoy vacation IMO I want to absorb the atmosphere and look around, not fiddle with my phone all day or see everyone else fiddling with their phones.

That's me. I try to un plug while on vacation.

I'm trying todecided if trekking across the park is a good alternative to not looking at my phone....

Line and wait time at Disney is"discussion" time for us to map out the rest of the day.

In theory time saved by phone vs running would be better....

Personally I like to be immersed in Disney, that's one reason why we stay on property. We see 100% Disney for our week.

We'll see how it plays out. I am at.CR for 8 days, maybe I'll be a tester.

 

[bauer1168]

That procedure would definitely slow the process of redeeming a FP+ down. And sounds like a nightmare.

That was my initial thought. It probably took an extra 5-10 seconds to do for each person, which doesn't seen much, but if its like that for every single guest who goes through the FP+ line, it all adds up.
But again, they've done a couple of tests since then, it might be done differently/much quicker when the final product comes out

 

[rastuso]

No, i'm not ACTING like FP+ is awesome. I have never used it. However, i do BELIEVE that the system has great potential and choose to have a positive approach about it. Since it will likely NOT be rolled out in time for our trip and i am excited about what FP+ can be, yes, i would like to volunteer to beta test if that's possible. When we were at WDW in March, we had no idea the RFID KTTW or Mickey Heads at the gates were in use. It was an exciting surprise, one that wasn't without issue. However, WDW had a contingency for that and it worked out very well. I would have been just as happy had the RFID's worked as intended. So feel free to show your ignorance and negative attitude if you like but your passing judgement will not make you any bigger of a person than you are trying to be....sucks to have to compensate, doesn't it.

It does have potential to change things fundamentally. But it's pretty clear it won't help the average DIS reader. It simply can't, unless many people don't use FP+, which Disney will do everything to keep from happening.

I'm sure you'd also be more than happy to test in August if you were told you were only getting three FPs, likely only one or two for E tickets, and would have access to very few other FPs, since you would be off the grid, and only a percentage of day of FPs equal to the test subject percentage would be in your reach. And that would be it.

Sounds like a great risk to take for a high cost vacation. I'm sure your kids wouldn't mind, if they knew their personal lack of rides was all for the greater good.

Jason