FP+ Details Are Out!

I do agree with this, this for instance would make it much easier to do the math on ride capacity and availability of FPs vs Stand by.

But of course we aren't going to get that data.

I don't doubt that the people at Disney are going to be ABLE to use the data to figure this out, it doesn't mean that they actually WILL.

Remember that its not the job of people at Disney to ensure that we continue to enjoy the experience to the same level we have become accustomed to, I would say yes and no. I think they certainly know it is not in their fiscal interest to drastically reduce the quality of our experience. also, on the point of "the level we have become accustomed to" with regards to FP, we had become accustomed to stacking FP's and have given that up, I don't hear much outrage about that anymore...it certainly did not ruin out recent trips even though it was a drastic departure from stacking FP's. additionally, had we never been able to stack FP's then we wouldn't have been spoiled by that ability. it is their job to figure out how to get more money out of people. Part of that is of course making sure that people want to come back, and spend more money, etc, but there is a level of satisfaction, at a given level of cost, that will create a given level of return on expenditures and create a given level of future return revenues.

We don't have to know all that, but here are serious concerns with the FP+ system. More so that we don't have the full info about it, yet Disney wants us to book vacations during the time that FP+ will be active. one thing though, FP+, like FP, is voluntary. No one has to use FP+. They could have just kept the whole FP+ thing under wraps completely and roll it out with no tidbits of info or testing...I don't see the issue with us not knowing the full set of details and facts yet.

I am willing to have faith that they will not flop on a $1b system that affects every guest, directly or indirectly. Of course, Coca-Cola did unleash the New Coke on us and had to retreat, so anything is possible. We may not get 9+ FP's per day but that probably was never the intent of FP to begin with. Had FP not had the limitations it has with regards to closing up loopholes, we never would have been spoiled by it and would then probably be thanking our lucky stars for 3 FP+ per day instead of no FP and only having standby lines. I guess in the end, it will be all about ones perspective.
 
Well, I emailed WDW and they phoned me on Sunday.

Needless to say, I was not reassured.


He did say that Fastpass+ was being revamped due to guest complaining they did not like the idea of going to the fast pass machines and the machine told them what time to return. So I guess if you don't get an immediate return time that was something to complain about.

Guests not liking that sometimes fastpass was not available for issue for top tier attractions after 12-2pm on some days.

Guests did not like that stand-by lines were long when they didn't have a fastpass for it.

He did say testing just finished and a few other tests were going to be done later but they were hoping to have this rolled-out late this year. And he said all communications and feedback they are receiving are being looked at. I feel as though my email was looked at but so unsure and unclear how this will affect how my family does Disney.

He did say that you could use all your fastpass+ allotments on top-tier attractions if they were available when you go to book them. So instead it seems that now instead of getting to the park and getting a later fastpass time, you just have to wait in a virtual quene 2 months out and if you don't get the ride you want you are most assuredly deemed to wait in the long stand-by lines. I guess I should be thankful that you can cancel up to 45 days before without being penalized so if you do not get what sort of Fastpass+ issues there is always that possibility.

We aren't rope drop people, but we do usually get to a park with 90 minutes of opening. We just about always get to do what we want to do and we most definitely do not have a problem and we just about always get more than 3 fastpasses a day.

I don't like that I would now have to figure out which park rides my entire family wants to ride and what day TWO MONTHS before we ever arrive in Florida. I have no problem with the pre-booking dining but I can easily cancel most reservations and even if I don't cancel the no-show fee isn't too bad except for the totally pre-paid offerings.

I have concerns and lots of reservations about spending several thousands of dollars for a Disney vacation to feel like I am in no way receiving what I believe is worth it for me. Disney has always been a vacation where we could easily just disconnect and enjoy the fun on the spot that Disney World provides. Most of the times when we vacation, I couldn't tell you about any news from outside the parks.
 
Well, I emailed WDW and they phoned me on Sunday.

Needless to say, I was not reassured.


He did say that Fastpass+ was being revamped due to guest complaining they did not like the idea of going to the fast pass machines and the machine told them what time to return. So I guess if you don't get an immediate return time that was something to complain about.

Guests not liking that sometimes fastpass was not available for issue for top tier attractions after 12-2pm on some days.

Guests did not like that stand-by lines were long when they didn't have a fastpass for it.

He did say testing just finished and a few other tests were going to be done later but they were hoping to have this rolled-out late this year. And he said all communications and feedback they are receiving are being looked at. I feel as though my email was looked at but so unsure and unclear how this will affect how my family does Disney.

He did say that you could use all your fastpass+ allotments on top-tier attractions if they were available when you go to book them. So instead it seems that now instead of getting to the park and getting a later fastpass time, you just have to wait in a virtual quene 2 months out and if you don't get the ride you want you are most assuredly deemed to wait in the long stand-by lines. I guess I should be thankful that you can cancel up to 45 days before without being penalized so if you do not get what sort of Fastpass+ issues there is always that possibility.

We aren't rope drop people, but we do usually get to a park with 90 minutes of opening. We just about always get to do what we want to do and we most definitely do not have a problem and we just about always get more than 3 fastpasses a day.

I don't like that I would now have to figure out which park rides my entire family wants to ride and what day TWO MONTHS before we ever arrive in Florida. I have no problem with the pre-booking dining but I can easily cancel most reservations and even if I don't cancel the no-show fee isn't too bad except for the totally pre-paid offerings.

I have concerns and lots of reservations about spending several thousands of dollars for a Disney vacation to feel like I am in no way receiving what I believe is worth it for me. Disney has always been a vacation where we could easily just disconnect and enjoy the fun on the spot that Disney World provides. Most of the times when we vacation, I couldn't tell you about any news from outside the parks.

Can you post the email address that you sent your complaint to?
 

Also, he did say it would be only 3 Fastpass+ and no regular fastpass once it was done.

I did mention that the kiosks that would be available for changing just might bring lots more frustration to guests. Some guests NOW seem to have problems inserting a ticket into a machine with NO CHOICE to make except do I put the ticket into the machine or do I not?

If the kiosks has some sort of selection to make - Rock n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Muppets, Toy Story, etc. I could almost envision it now - little sweet princess which one you wanted again? Honey, how 'bout you? It could be an unexpected time consuming process and unless there are so many of those kiosks available, guests especially those waiting behind them could easily be wondering what is taking so long???
 
Do AP's ever get chosen for test groups??? Always stay on site in DVC.

Some previous tests were people approached while waiting for the Magical Express bus...I don't believe it mattered where they stayed or if they had APs or DVC or anything.

This particular test, the first with the MagicBands for guests, was limited to guests staying at AKL and CR, on cash reservations, checking in on certain days. No DVC reservations. Not sure if any AP holders were among the chosen.
 
Guests not liking that sometimes fastpass was not available for issue for top tier attractions after 12-2pm on some days.

Then either they interviewed only people there over Easter and Christmas, or this really was just about 2 rides.

Crazy.
 
/
Well, I emailed WDW and they phoned me on Sunday.

Needless to say, I was not reassured.


He did say that Fastpass+ was being revamped due to guest complaining they did not like the idea of going to the fast pass machines and the machine told them what time to return. So I guess if you don't get an immediate return time that was something to complain about.

And now how many will be 'planning' ahead of time? Many staying off properties purchase tickets on site. They still won't know what FP+ is.

Guests not liking that sometimes fastpass was not available for issue for top tier attractions after 12-2pm on some days.

Valid point.

Guests did not like that stand-by lines were long when they didn't have a fastpass for it.

And this is going to change??? LOL - they'll be even longer since those that before were getting more than 3 FP now are stuck with dealing with a long line.

My issues are with the following:

* One park/one day - I buy hoppers - so now I would have to be more inclined towards NOT buying it and stay at one park?

* What about EMH? E* rides typically have FPs handed during EMH, specially at night. Then again, this was a few years ago when evening EMH were 3 hours long instead of 2.

* Long lines - This will NO MATTER WHAT increase lines if they not allow us to book more FP+s. At least do allow this for some other non E* rides.
 
Some previous tests were people approached while waiting for the Magical Express bus...I don't believe it mattered where they stayed or if they had APs or DVC or anything.

This particular test, the first with the MagicBands for guests, was limited to guests staying at AKL and CR, on cash reservations, checking in on certain days. No DVC reservations. Not sure if any AP holders were among the chosen.

My problem with these tests and the feedback received is that it's all nice and peachy. Why? Because those in the test were able to do both - FP+ AND regular FPs.

Take regular FPs out and lets see if they still agree on how good it was...

The way I see it, this is moving towards the selling of additional FP+ and/or options like FP+ hopper. Since all other theme parks are doing, why not, right? UGH...
 
My problem with these tests and the feedback received is that it's all nice and peachy. Why? Because those in the test were able to do both - FP+ AND regular FPs.

Take regular FPs out and lets see if they still agree on how good it was...

The way I see it, this is moving towards the selling of additional FP+ and/or options like FP+ hopper. Since all other theme parks are doing, why not, right? UGH...

The guy I spoke with said that the testing is NOT allowing the test guests to use both the Fastpass+ system with the regular fastpass.
 
The guy I spoke with said that the testing is NOT allowing the test guests to use both the Fastpass+ system with the regular fastpass.

Yet, the people actually in the test are posting that they are...they have both a MagicBand and a card, and the card works in the kiosks.
 
The guy I spoke with said that the testing is NOT allowing the test guests to use both the Fastpass+ system with the regular fastpass.

That may be for some of the tests and maybe the ones coming up, but the most recent test allowed some to use both because we had people here that posted being able to double dip and they loved it.
 
Yet, the people actually in the test are posting that they are...they have both a MagicBand and a card, and the card works in the kiosks.

So much misinformation from CMs in early stages of ANYTHING new at WDW. When photopass+ had just come out, I had several CMs in WDW swear up and down that I could NOT upgrade the regular photopass with CD that I already bought. I had to pull up the WDW FB page and show them that yes, I could. And this was ALREADY ROLLED OUT.

Nothing wrong with wanting to speculate on here obviously. And I think it's FANTASTIC that many on here are giving Disney feedback and having these CM conversations -- and sharing them here! I just don't personally put much stock in any one CM convo at this point.

I'm still more in wait and see mode than anything else. :)
 
So much misinformation from CMs in early stages of ANYTHING new at WDW. When photopass+ had just come out, I had several CMs in WDW swear up and down that I could NOT upgrade the regular photopass with CD that I already bought. I had to pull up the WDW FB page and show them that yes, I could. And this was ALREADY ROLLED OUT.

Nothing wrong with wanting to speculate on here obviously. And I think it's FANTASTIC that many on here are giving Disney feedback and having these CM conversations. I just don't personally put much stock in any one CM convo at this point.

I'm still more in wait and see mode than anything else. :)

Yup - I totally agree.

I think we really won't know what the main things regarding Fastpass+ are until Disney rolls it out. And even once it rolls out it will take a while for guests to learn the new system. I just sort of wish I knew what the details were.

And if some of the testers were able to use Fastpass+ with regular fastpass system, maybe it just wasn't mentioned it to them and they were told you couldn't. Maybe it was a test to see how many guests try to use both systems without any nudge from Disney to see if it would work and how well both systems update. Maybe it was a glitch. Just don't know.

I think whenever you talk to so many different representatives you can get so many different views. It all depends on what is said or how something is asked or how much understanding of the program both people know.

And I am definitely in a wait and see mode at this point until more press releases come out before I book a vacation.
 
to me the no information from Disney tells me that they are going with just the 3 FP+ otherwise why not release information, they know it will not be popular and don't want to get a ton of emails

I also agree that they are leaving themselves room to offer more FP at an additional cost
 
I am willing to have faith that they will not flop on a $1b system that affects every guest, directly or indirectly. Of course, Coca-Cola did unleash the New Coke on us and had to retreat, so anything is possible. We may not get 9+ FP's per day but that probably was never the intent of FP to begin with. Had FP not had the limitations it has with regards to closing up loopholes, we never would have been spoiled by it and would then probably be thanking our lucky stars for 3 FP+ per day instead of no FP and only having standby lines. I guess in the end, it will be all about ones perspective.

New Coke has come up a few times but does not relate at all. Coke really blew it on an entirely new product with not enough market testing and had to COMPLETELY backtrack and cancel the product. Also, selling a retail drink is quite a bit different than this sytem. The drink is one formula. This product is endlessly variable. The product itself is not what people are complaining about, only the perceived limits on its use.

Disney hasn't been perfect, but I don't know of an instance where they had to do a 180 and completely cancel a major project after rollout. Anyone?

You are so right about perspective. 9 FP's a day? Really? I can understand why Disney wants to change the system! :)

Disney sees increasing attendance and has one big question to answer: What is the maximum number of people we can serve and still give a "magical" experience riding the rides they want? This system will be adapted to allow the maximum number of happy customers, not the minimum number of really happy customers that some of us were under the current FP. More happy customers with less CM's is the goal. And this system will go along way to helping them make adjustments.
 
The guy I spoke with said that the testing is NOT allowing the test guests to use both the Fastpass+ system with the regular fastpass.

Yet, the people actually in the test are posting that they are...they have both a MagicBand and a card, and the card works in the kiosks.

That may be for some of the tests and maybe the ones coming up, but the most recent test allowed some to use both because we had people here that posted being able to double dip and they loved it.
My husband and I were MagicBand testers last week and I CAN confirm we were able to use the FP+ associated with our MagicBands and ALSO the traditional FP system using the KTTW card we were issued in conjunction with our bands. I won't lie...it was a pretty awesome perk. Not sure it gave us a true representation of what a new FP+ system would be though. We made sure to communicate in our survey that only having 3 FP+ and completely doing away with traditional FP was NOT a good idea.
 
My husband and I were MagicBand testers last week and I CAN confirm we were able to use the FP+ associated with our MagicBands and ALSO the traditional FP system using the KTTW card we were issued in conjunction with our bands. I won't lie...it was a pretty awesome perk. Not sure it gave us a true representation of what a new FP+ system would be though. We made sure to communicate in our survey that only having 3 FP+ and completely doing away with traditional FP was NOT a good idea.

Where you told NOT to use the KTTW card by any chance? Maybe that's what they hoped for while allowing you to use the regular FP as a backup system in case FP+ wasn't working.

The last thing you want is a volunteer tester being inconvenienced.
 













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