FP+ Details Are Out!

[Shaden]

Other than whatsarahsaid was able to do as part of the test...

Yea, I just read that, but yes, we have no indication that that will be part of the end rollout of FP+. Like other things, this could just be an element of a test phase, although, heck, maybe it could be an element of end phase as well.

it would certainly be possible that they could change this after roll out, and be flexible with this, in high season they could only allow you to ride a ride once per day with FP, in low season they could allow you to use all 3 FPs on the same ride.

This is the downside of the flexibility of FP+. People have talked up the possibilities, and there is some real truth to that, but we should also be aware of the downside possibilities as well.

Imagine not knowing how FPs will work on your trip, BECAUSE they can be adjusted. The current system lends predictability, FP+ due to its very nature, lends unpredictability. If I take a trip in June, or July, FP+ might work totally differently then it does in Sept or early May.

If I am booking for the second or third week of May, I might have no idea how FP+ will work.

That's the downside to flexibility.

This will be extremely true for the first few months ? year, couple years ? of FP+ ...

 

[jade1]

"FastPass+ service will let you be free to enjoy the moment with others, knowing many of your must-do activities are secured in advance."

How the .... um .. .heck ? Are you "free to enjoy the MOMENT" ... if you are planning SIXTY DAYS in advance. That doesn't sound like enjoying the moment at all .... that sounds like you are following the schedule, showing up to your appointments, etc....

ugh ...

The theory is you would have 3 FP+'s for an afternoon at MK, even 60 days ahead of time (for example). That means you have the morning to do what you want (enjoy the moment) and not need to rush in for FP's etc. It could be open AK, sleep in, fish, golf, shop, swim, Char Breakfast-whatever you decide at that "moment", knowing you have some attractions locked in with little wait. Likewise you also have that evening to do what you want etc.

 

[jade1]

Yea, I just read that, but yes, we have no indication that that will be part of the end rollout of FP+. Like other things, this could just be an element of a test phase, although, heck, maybe it could be an element of end phase as well.

it would certainly be possible that they could change this after roll out, and be flexible with this, in high season they could only allow you to ride a ride once per day with FP, in low season they could allow you to use all 3 FPs on the same ride.

This is the downside of the flexibility of FP+. People have talked up the possibilities, and there is some real truth to that, but we should also be aware of the downside possibilities as well.

Imagine not knowing how FPs will work on your trip, BECAUSE they can be adjusted. The current system lends predictability, FP+ due to its very nature, lends unpredictability. If I take a trip in June, or July, FP+ might work totally differently then it does in Sept or early May.

If I am booking for the second or third week of May, I might have no idea how FP+ will work.

That's the downside to flexibility.

This will be extremely true for the first few months ? year, couple years ? of FP+ ...

It will take time to see what they change-but did you hear they may not "honor" what you "pre-select" (other than ride failure etc which can happen with the current FP as well)?

In other words if you choose 3 per day for your May trip-why would you have no idea how it would work?

 

[Planogirl]

"FastPass+ service will let you be free to enjoy the moment with others, knowing many of your must-do activities are secured in advance."

How the .... um .. .heck ? Are you "free to enjoy the MOMENT" ... if you are planning SIXTY DAYS in advance. That doesn't sound like enjoying the moment at all .... that sounds like you are following the schedule, showing up to your appointments, etc....

ugh ...

I'm in your camp where this is concerned. I was just looking at my appointments for the following few weeks and the idea that I will have to make appointments to ride things at WDW is a bit much for me. It's just not the same as deciding what to do when you get to the parks.

 

[xipetotec]

Of course we won't know until it actually rolls out. BUT to all those comparing this positively to ADR's. You pretty much DO have to make super in-advance ADR's. Well okay you don't *HAVE* to, but if you show up at the door of your favorite restaurant, the odds are not high that you will get a table. Especially if it's an in-demand place. Kinda worried the same will happen here.

Oh sure, there's always the stand-by line like anytime. But I'm talking more like fastpasses that day. Didn't book in advance? too bad...

Of course... this whole thread is a lot of conjecture until we see how it actually performs when it goes live

 

[Yellowstonetim]

"FastPass+ service will let you be free to enjoy the moment with others, knowing many of your must-do activities are secured in advance."

How the .... um .. .heck ? Are you "free to enjoy the MOMENT" ... if you are planning SIXTY DAYS in advance. That doesn't sound like enjoying the moment at all .... that sounds like you are following the schedule, showing up to your appointments, etc....

ugh ...

Maybe it is just perspective but this seems pretty great to me! Now, instead of going to Epcot and then heading right over to Magic Kingdom and having to walk all over the place to get a few FP's and not knowing what is going to work until we are there, I can get some FP's ahead of time for afternoon at Magic Kingdom. Now I can take my time, relax and enjoy the moment at Epcot, then back at the resort pool around lunch, all the time knowing I already have my FP's for late afternoon! Then when we head to Magic Kingdom, no running here and there to get FP's we can get in line and ride and, again, just enjoy the moment because we already have the FP's.

I forsee making some important plans, but not all, 60 days out. Then a week or two before, firming up other plans. Then while at the resort I will be checking My Disney Experience each evening, or morning first thing to make any desired changes. You can always make changes on the fly to other parks until you use the first FP that day. I might even, in the scenario above, at lunch while sitting at the pool at lunchtime change my FP's that day to Animal Kingdom for the afternoon instead of Magic Kingdom!

I do not think the rides will fill up 60 days out like some reservations. Many will not use the system, many will make changes, and many will reserve shows, parades, and fireworks places. One thing everyone is forgetting is the CAPACITY for parades and fireworks shows is almost limitless and many many people will want to ensure a spot without waiting there.

I think Disney will do adjustments on the fly and allow same-day FP's too.

 

[Robo]

One thing everyone is forgetting is the CAPACITY for parades and fireworks shows is almost limitless and many many people will want to ensure a spot without waiting there.

Can you restate what you mean by this?

 

[f19810]

I do not think the rides will fill up 60 days out like some reservations. Many will not use the system, many will make changes, and many will reserve shows, parades, and fireworks places. One thing everyone is forgetting is the CAPACITY for parades and fireworks shows is almost limitless and many many people will want to ensure a spot without waiting there.[/QUOTE]

I think Disney will do adjustments on the fly and allow same-day FP's too.[/QUOTE]

There is only one fireworks show a night at MK and Epcot, maybe two at the studios. If the fast pass area is in a good spot, these passes could be harder to get than TSM. As a person who stays off site I am concerned that I will not be able to get the fast passes that I want. I am a planner so getting a fast pass 60 days out is not a big deal but for many others, they don't like to plan every little thing for their vacation.

 

[d1gitman]

Maybe it is just perspective but this seems pretty great to me! Now, instead of going to Epcot and then heading right over to Magic Kingdom and having to walk all over the place to get a few FP's and not knowing what is going to work until we are there, I can get some FP's ahead of time for afternoon at Magic Kingdom. Now I can take my time, relax and enjoy the moment at Epcot, then back at the resort pool around lunch, all the time knowing I already have my FP's for late afternoon! Then when we head to Magic Kingdom, no running here and there to get FP's we can get in line and ride and, again, just enjoy the moment because we already have the FP's.

I forsee making some important plans, but not all, 60 days out. Then a week or two before, firming up other plans. Then while at the resort I will be checking My Disney Experience each evening, or morning first thing to make any desired changes. You can always make changes on the fly to other parks until you use the first FP that day. I might even, in the scenario above, at lunch while sitting at the pool at lunchtime change my FP's that day to Animal Kingdom for the afternoon instead of Magic Kingdom!

I do not think the rides will fill up 60 days out like some reservations. Many will not use the system, many will make changes, and many will reserve shows, parades, and fireworks places. One thing everyone is forgetting is the CAPACITY for parades and fireworks shows is almost limitless and many many people will want to ensure a spot without waiting there.

I think Disney will do adjustments on the fly and allow same-day FP's too.

i think this is what Disney envisions with the FP+/MyMagic+. it would certainly expand the desire to hop...we are not hoppers but if we can only book 3FP+'s, then yes, we would book ours for the afternoon/evening of a park and take advantage of the lower crowd levels at RD. in order to not make the marathon day all in one park, we would then likely do one park in the AM and the FP+'s in another park for PM. Another thing this could likely do is cause people to book more ADR's at resorts for mid day since you can go from your AM park to a resort for lunch then on to your PM park. This could potentially put more focus on spreading the crowds around outside of the parks.

We did a 14 day trip in 2008 where we booked our DDP ADR's for lunch at various resorts. we would chill at our resort then taxi it over to a different resort to have lunch. we enjoyed this because we got to see other resorts and try restaurants that we hadn't been to before and allowed us the freedom to not be tied down by ADR's at a park. we let our DS's choose what park to go to while eating lunch.

 

[BeerMe]

Just "exactly" what details has Disney OFFICIALLY released? Oh. I thought so.

 

[mom2rtk]

I do not think the rides will fill up 60 days out like some reservations. Many will not use the system, many will make changes, and many will reserve shows, parades, and fireworks places. One thing everyone is forgetting is the CAPACITY for parades and fireworks shows is almost limitless and many many people will want to ensure a spot without waiting there.

I do not believe people will choose fireworks and parade viewing when it costs them an opportunity to ride a headliner. Of course it's hard to say for sure because they have not yet tested it that way. But CM reports from this last test indicate they were disappointed in the amount of these options chosen.

But I think these options have to be added so that when people log on and the headliners ARE booked, they will have something available.

 

[d1gitman]

I do not believe people will choose fireworks and parade viewing when it costs them an opportunity to ride a headliner...

what would make sense is for prebookings to be only for parades, fireworks, character m&g or other special events. then, just have same day FP+ just like they have same day FP now.

we often skip parades and fireworks cause we don't really want to fight the crowds for them and want to take advantage of shorter attraction lines. If there were reserved viewing areas to go to, then we would plan on parades and fireworks more often. Also, IMHO, prebooking those events would be much simpler and more in the mindset of ADR's than prebooking attractions.

A portion of the attraction FP+ could be made available during the parades and fireworks (even though we know that's a good time to hit attractions with out FP). This would provide timeslots to allocate FP+'s to those who aren't interested in parades and fireworks and who would choose a FP+ timeslot during those events - possibley the less experienced guest. This would leave room for the more experienced guest that doesn't want to use FP+ during event times where lines are typically shorter. If during the first few hours of park opening they try to fill up the available FP+'s during parades & fireworks times, then they can make the premium times more available throughout the day which would be picked up by late comers and those who are diligent with their smart phones or checking park kiosks regularly.

In my opinion, this would be a much safer rollout to FP+ before they unleash prebookings on all attractions.

 

[Robo]

what would make sense is for prebookings to be only for parades, fireworks, character m&g or other special events. then, just have same day FP+ just like they have same day FP now.

But, that would mean that 100% of all guests who wanted to pre-book FP+ would only be able to try for the very limited spots available for parades, fireworks, character m&g or other special events.

 

[mom2rtk]

what would make sense

....... would have been for Disney to build more headliner attractions with their $1B investment instead of trying to wring more and more out of the current infrastructure.

They have decided they want to pull more people into fastpass utilization without changing the overall ride/attraction capacity. That is why there is so much hand wringing over all of this.

 

[racinjunkie]

what would make sense is for prebookings to be only for parades, fireworks, character m&g or other special events. then, just have same day FP+ just like they have same day FP now.

we often skip parades and fireworks cause we don't really want to fight the crowds for them and want to take advantage of shorter attraction lines. If there were reserved viewing areas to go to, then we would plan on parades and fireworks more often. Also, IMHO, prebooking those events would be much simpler and more in the mindset of ADR's than prebooking attractions.

A portion of the attraction FP+ could be made available during the parades and fireworks (even though we know that's a good time to hit attractions with out FP). This would provide timeslots to allocate FP+'s to those who aren't interested in parades and fireworks and who would choose a FP+ timeslot during those events - possibley the less experienced guest. This would leave room for the more experienced guest that doesn't want to use FP+ during event times where lines are typically shorter. If during the first few hours of park opening they try to fill up the available FP+'s during parades & fireworks times, then they can make the premium times more available throughout the day which would be picked up by late comers and those who are diligent with their smart phones or checking park kiosks regularly.

In my opinion, this would be a much safer rollout to FP+ before they unleash prebookings on all attractions.

I like your plan. However, we've done special parade viewing area and you still had to get there early and line up because the area was as wide as any other viewing area so to be in the front you still had to wait. We experienced this in DL and AK. In DL we did special viewing area for the fireworks and it was up on the train platform so we could only see the high fireworks and not the low ones. Additionally, in all 3 situations there were no CM's monitoring the area so as the crowds got larger everyone crowded into the reserved area. I wouldn't do either again so imo the areas used for these things needs revamped. We have also started skipping parades and fireworks in favor of visiting attractions while the crowds are waiting for the "show."

 

[mom2rtk]

If during the first few hours of park opening they try to fill up the available FP+'s during parades & fireworks times, then they can make the premium times more available throughout the day which would be picked up by late comers and those who are diligent with their smart phones or checking park kiosks regularly.

So even though I get my butt out of bed and get to the parks, I still wouldn't have access to the better FP times on the decent attractions? I would STILL have to check my smart phone all day waiting for things to start showing up?

That is a game I guarantee you with 100% certainty I would not be playing. Because I would not be at Disney.

Maybe next Black Friday I could talk Best Buy into holding one of those $200 huge flat screen TVs for when I show up later after sleeping in. I'm sure the people who camped out all night wouldn't notice or mind.

 

[mom2rtk]

you still had to get there early and line up because the area was as wide as any other viewing area so to be in the front you still had to wait.

This was my greatest concern about the reserved viewing and why I would never do it. In spite of the fact that we love fireworks and parades and will spend a big chunk of time getting spots to watch.

 

[Robo]

I believe it was that great statesman, Colonel Harlan Sanders,
who once stepped up to the microphone, cleared his throat and said....


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

 

[mom2rtk]

I believe it was that great statesman, Colonel Harlan Sanders,
who once stepped up to the microphone, cleared his throat and said....


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

You know.... I could have SWORN that was Abraham Lincoln.

 

[Robo]

You know.... I could have SWORN that was Abraham Lincoln.

It's the beard thing.