FP+ Details Are Out!

[doconeill]

So now, the question is "when can 'any' guest start making reservations"?

Sometime after the first person who is not part of a test is eligible to make reservations, and before the last person is eligible.

And then the corollaries:
a) what about old tickets?

Entered into the MyDisneyExperience site or app, as can be done right now (unless it is so old that it doesn't have the standard barcode or ticket ID.)

b) what about tickets purchased from someone besides Disney?

Entered into the MyDisneyExperience site or app, as can be done right now.

c) what about "spur-of-the-moment" tickets?

Added to your MDX profile at purchase time or via app/site/kiosk after purchase.

and the ever popular
d) what about Annual Passes/Premiere Passports?

Entered into the MyDisneyExperience site or app, as can be done right now.

NOTE that I still do not recommend doing this until there is a reason to...

 

[Stitch123]

Some random thoughts:

I doubt they'll run FP and FP+ simultaneously for long because people might realize that the old system was decidedly better.

The FP+ Q&A actually confirms the worst case scenario. No same day FP+ held back, at least that's how I interpret this: "If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park." So when I arrive at RD, FP+ for certain rides might already be gone. Okay, so what about people who have not heard of FP+, or are not planners, or perhaps are planners but don't plan their trips 60 days in advance, or are from Europe and buy their tickets at the park. With the current system, they have the exact same shot at riding their favorite rides several times a day without long lines, just like the super-planners. With the new system, they are at a huge disadvantage.

Sure, there's the standby line, as Disney has helpfully pointed out. But isn't that a huge step backwards??? I really don't want to be stuck in line for an hour waiting for Space Mountain like in 1998 when dd begged me to ride. Is that where we are all headed? Waiting like in 1998? (But now with interactive lines!)

It seems to me that nobody thought the seemingly brilliant idea of allowing advance ride reservations all the way through, and now that concerns have been voiced, they are being ignored, or small bones like 4 instead of 3 FP are thrown at us.

I did write a long e-mail to Disney last week, by the way, but other than a standard response I have not received a reply.

 

[WillAustin]

NOTE that I still do not recommend doing this until there is a reason to...

Uh oh...oops.

 

[WillAustin]

The FP+ Q&A actually confirms the worst case scenario. No same day FP+ held back, at least that's how I interpret this: "If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park." So when I arrive at RD, FP+ for certain rides might already be gone.

Taking that into account, I'd think when more guests report back from further testing there will initially be more same-day FP+s available for changes than once it's rolled out for most guests. Any reports of how easy it is to get same-day FP+s should probably be taken with a grain of salt until most guests are using the system.

 

[bcrook]

Interesting that they've changed from 3 to 4, which I thought they might. 4 may still be too low, when factoring in things like parades and fireworks and may be adjusted up to 5 before it fully goes live.

I was also thinking about my personal strategy and what would be an adequate number of FP for my family and our touring style. When I think about it, my goal is to do as much as we can at least once during the trip. Once in a while something will come up that we want to do more than once, but the goal is to see as many different things during a trip and consecutive trips as possible. I don't need or really want to ride TSMM two or three times (or more) in a day. I want to hit TSMM and move on to the next thing. If, by chance, I make it through all that I want to see in a day then I'll start cherry picking things to do a second time but that is just a bonus at that point.

Part of it comes from my growing up visiting Cedar Point in Ohio. The goal there with my friends and I was to hit all of the major coasters in a day. We'd get there early and go around the park, one to the next, until they closed or we couldn't take it anymore. It wasn't uncommon to stand in line for a hour or two for big time rides in queues that weren't entertaining or interactive. That being said I'm probably not standing in line for over an hour on anything unless it's something that my kids really wanted to see/do and then I would for them. In 2010 we didn't know about TSMM so we didn't see it until we got to the back of DHS and the wait was already an hour+. We thought it would get better later in the day and when it didn't we just decided to skip it. We've done it on later trips and had a great time with it. I still feel like I got my value out of the trip in 2010 despite not doing TSMM.

As far as people saying they don't know what park they will be in at 60 days out, don't many/most already plan ADRs at 180 days out? For us that largely determines our park selection. We don't hop since we don't want to spend the time on transportation and would rather be in the park instead, so our park selection is done far in advance and when I'm picking my FP+ choices I'll use what I have on ADR selections to base my selections off of.

While FP+ could be absolutely horrible, it's coming and I'm going to embrace it rather than hate on it.

There simply aren't enough FP available for 4 during peak season. Once this gets rolling it will have to be three. Three per customer includes thousands of FP being used for haunted mansion, parades, and its a small world.

Early stages 4 will be easy to accommodate and during non peak times. The term used "Up to 4."

People accepting the latest test in conjunction with BLT, the testers are getting three choices per day. This test starts July 22.

 

[vinotinto]

Some random thoughts:

I doubt they'll run FP and FP+ simultaneously for long because people might realize that the old system was decidedly better.

The FP+ Q&A actually confirms the worst case scenario. No same day FP+ held back, at least that's how I interpret this: "If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park." So when I arrive at RD, FP+ for certain rides might already be gone. Okay, so what about people who have not heard of FP+, or are not planners, or perhaps are planners but don't plan their trips 60 days in advance, or are from Europe and buy their tickets at the park. With the current system, they have the exact same shot at riding their favorite rides several times a day without long lines, just like the super-planners. With the new system, they are at a huge disadvantage.

Sure, there's the standby line, as Disney has helpfully pointed out. But isn't that a huge step backwards??? I really don't want to be stuck in line for an hour waiting for Space Mountain like in 1998 when dd begged me to ride. Is that where we are all headed? Waiting like in 1998? (But now with interactive lines!)

It seems to me that nobody thought the seemingly brilliant idea of allowing advance ride reservations all the way through, and now that concerns have been voiced, they are being ignored, or small bones like 4 instead of 3 FP are thrown at us.

I did write a long e-mail to Disney last week, by the way, but other than a standard response I have not received a reply.

I agree with all your random thoughts, except that I think we'll be seeing "testing" and FP+ side-by-side FP for a while. I cannot imagine them rolling this our in the next six months. I certainly would expect (hope?) that WDW would test FP+ the way it will finally run, before eliminating FP. It cannot test FP+ now - not when testers have been able to acquire FP+ *and* regular FPs. Not when most guests are not obligated to jump into FP+. If they are going to project, they certainly need more testing that resembles final scenarios.

I hope WDW does not push those used to FP into standby lines. I don't want to party (or not party) like it's 1999 either.

 

[doconeill]

The FP+ Q&A actually confirms the worst case scenario. No same day FP+ held back, at least that's how I interpret this: "If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park." So when I arrive at RD, FP+ for certain rides might already be gone. Okay, so what about people who have not heard of FP+, or are not planners, or perhaps are planners but don't plan their trips 60 days in advance, or are from Europe and buy their tickets at the park.

I don't think it confirms anything other than they can run out - just like is true today.

Even if they hold some back for the day-of, they can still get snapped up by guests and then there won't be any at all.

So I don't think it changes anything right now.

Taking that into account, I'd think when more guests report back from further testing there will initially be more same-day FP+s available for changes than once it's rolled out for most guests. Any reports of how easy it is to get same-day FP+s should probably be taken with a grain of salt until most guests are using the system.

It would be very difficult to know for sure until the system is fully utilized, and we are able to confirm that FP+ pre-books are unavailable for a given attraction/date, and then that by rope-drop they are still unavailable.

 

[tinkerbelle8878]

I was mostly imagining Main Street, the Hub, and the spokes... Some bright green ropes to cord off and a boatload of CMs to check your passes. Then again, they can't cut back staff in that scenario.

But sure... Can't you see the area along the railing around the water being reserved for FP+ holders only? My days of staking out my family's spot an hour early will be over.

I predicted this 4 years ago while watching Illuminations. When Disney was first starting to do the whole 'cabana' at the water parks. If people will pay x amount for this, imagine what they'll pay for that.

Personally, I find it sad. Gone are the days of the price of park admission giving fair access to everyone on an even playing field. Too bad there's no past guest perks either. All those years staying at Deluxe and they count for nothing towards where everyone sees FP+ going.

 

[vinotinto]

People accepting the latest test in conjunction with BLT, the testers are getting three choices per day. This test starts July 22.

bcrook - I love your FAQs, that has my source for go-to info on this stuff.

Do you know if the July testers will have access to the old (regular) FP system as well?

 

[WillAustin]

It would be very difficult to know for sure until the system is fully utilized, and we are able to confirm that FP+ pre-books are unavailable for a given attraction/date, and then that by rope-drop they are still unavailable.

I agree. We won't know until the full roll out, and possibly later than that because I'd expect the pre-book percentage to rise over time.

 

[Arsenal1982]

Some random thoughts:

I doubt they'll run FP and FP+ simultaneously for long because people might realize that the old system was decidedly better.

The FP+ Q&A actually confirms the worst case scenario. No same day FP+ held back, at least that's how I interpret this: "If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park." So when I arrive at RD, FP+ for certain rides might already be gone. Okay, so what about people who have not heard of FP+, or are not planners, or perhaps are planners but don't plan their trips 60 days in advance, or are from Europe and buy their tickets at the park. With the current system, they have the exact same shot at riding their favorite rides several times a day without long lines, just like the super-planners. With the new system, they are at a huge disadvantage.

Sure, there's the standby line, as Disney has helpfully pointed out. But isn't that a huge step backwards??? I really don't want to be stuck in line for an hour waiting for Space Mountain like in 1998 when dd begged me to ride. Is that where we are all headed? Waiting like in 1998? (But now with interactive lines!)

It seems to me that nobody thought the seemingly brilliant idea of allowing advance ride reservations all the way through, and now that concerns have been voiced, they are being ignored, or small bones like 4 instead of 3 FP are thrown at us.

I did write a long e-mail to Disney last week, by the way, but other than a standard response I have not received a reply.

Get to the park at rope drop and there won't be any wait till noon.

 

[bcrook]

bcrook - I love your FAQs, that has my source for go-to info on this stuff.

Do you know if the July testers will have access to the old (regular) FP system as well?

Two testers report no. They will only be able to use 3 FP+ selections a day.
One went online and booked, they couldn't double book headliners.

We don't know if they can change once they are in the park and exchange a FP+ for a repeat ride. We will know in about a week.

 

[pinkerbell]

This was the previous FP+ page that was up on the MDE website:

MDE Screenshot

"Currently, FastPass+ service is being tested with a limited number of randomly selected participants as we prepare to roll it out to all Guests over the coming months."

and

"And perhaps the best thing of all is that FastPass+ service will be included with your theme park admission."

I don't think that leaves much room to exclude anyone with a ticket.

it appears as there is no consistent information about who really is "FP+ eligible, and if it were only holding a ticket they wouldn't be adding all the extra wordage. The Disney Gods probably don;t know yet themselves.

I predicted this 4 years ago while watching Illuminations. When Disney was first starting to do the whole 'cabana' at the water parks. If people will pay x amount for this, imagine what they'll pay for that.

Personally, I find it sad. Gone are the days of the price of park admission giving fair access to everyone on an even playing field. Too bad there's no past guest perks either. All those years staying at Deluxe and they count for nothing towards where everyone sees FP+ going.

so true!

 

[WillAustin]

it appears as there is no consistent information about who really is "FP+ eligible, and if it were only holding a ticket they wouldn't be adding all the extra wordage. The Disney Gods probably don;t know yet themselves.

Again, I think the "eligibility" is a temporary thing. It's their way of controlling who uses it in the phases of testing and rollout. I predict it won't matter once the rollout is complete. Right now they are getting a ton of calls and emails from guests asking how they can immediately be a part of it. There are posts here every day asking the same thing. It's easiest for them to tell people they will be notified when they become "eligible".

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Again, I think the "eligibility" is a temporary thing. It's their way of controlling who uses it in the phases of testing and rollout. I predict it won't matter once the rollout is complete. Right now they are getting a ton of calls and emails from guests asking how they can immediately be a part of it. There are posts here every day asking the same thing. It's easiest for them to tell people they will be notified when they become "eligible".

I agree. Disney can't afford to turn off so many off-site guest. Our money is just as good as on-site guests once we enter the gates! You might could even say that off-site guest are more like to spend the whole day in the park since it isn't as easy to go our resorts and come back.

 

[jhaig]

So, in reality, with the FP+, will it make that much difference if you go at a traditionally slower time, like in September or January? I see myself going to Epcot and getting a FP+ for Soarin and Epcot, then hitting everything else in the standby line. Or will FP+ create longer standby lines at attractions (like Living With the Land, Mission Space, Gran Fiesta Tour, etc.)?

 

[pinkerbell]

Again, I think the "eligibility" is a temporary thing. It's their way of controlling who uses it in the phases of testing and rollout. I predict it won't matter once the rollout is complete. Right now they are getting a ton of calls and emails from guests asking how they can immediately be a part of it. There are posts here every day asking the same thing. It's easiest for them to tell people they will be notified when they become "eligible".

I agree. Disney can't afford to turn off so many off-site guest. Our money is just as good as on-site guests once we enter the gates! You might could even say that off-site guest are more like to spend the whole day in the park since it isn't as easy to go our resorts and come back.

I understand this concept, but am just not convinced If someone had told me disney would invest all this money for a system to fix something that wasn't broken I would not have believed it, so now I don't know what to believe I'm still in Disney shock!
but thanks for you take on it - I didn't see it that way before

 

[vinotinto]

Two testers report no. They will only be able to use 3 FP+ selections a day.
One went online and booked, they couldn't double book headliners.

We don't know if they can change once they are in the park and exchange a FP+ for a repeat ride. We will know in about a week.

Wow, so it does seem like Disney is ready to plow ahead if they are testing with 3 FP+ selections and no access to the old FP system. I will be glue to the Disboards next week

(I do realize I have a little bit of disbelief in my tone)

 

[rastuso]

Again, I'm amazed that the new revelation isn't making a bigger splash.

READ THESE TWO ANSWERS CAREFULLY!!!!!! I'll even bold some parts.


Q.
Can I select more than one FASTPASS+ attraction?
A.
Yes. You can reserve access to multiple FastPass+ attractions or entertainment experiences—the specific number depends on availability. In general, you will be able to select up to 4 FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences each day at one theme park. For extra convenience, you can even make selections up to 60 days in advance of your visit.


Q.
How many FastPass+ experiences am I allowed to reserve access to for each day and for my entire vacation?

A.
The total number of FastPass+ experiences available to you during your visit depends on several factors including availability and the vacation packages and tickets linked to your Disney account. Generally, FastPass+ eligible Guests are able to select one set of FastPass+ experiences each day for every valid theme park ticket linked to their account.

Depending on availability, you should be able to reserve access to up to 4 FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences each day.

************

Yes, the number 4 has been reached (and I think they are definitely saying 5 is right out!), BUT it is being presented in a way that I believe means that is your MAX number FP+ you can get in a day. I absolutely do NOT read these two answers to say we can preschedule 4 FP+. And I'm fairly certaim that simply can't happen, except for the slowest of seasons, based on ride capacity.

I think the answer now seems to be: Preschedule 3, get up to 4 total FP+ per day.

And to that, I say to Disney: It's been some some great years (almost 40), some amazing memories, and tons of fun. Thanks, and maybe I'll revisit in early February some day, or MNSSHP, but that's it. I hope you enjoy the Brazilian tour groups, and the people you kidnap at the airport, because you aren't getting much more of my money at WDW... EVER AGAIN!

Jason

 

[bcrook]

I understand this concept, but am just not convinced If someone had told me disney would invest all this money for a system to fix something that wasn't broken I would not have believed it, so now I don't know what to believe I'm still in Disney shock!
but thanks for you take on it - I didn't see it that way before

Disney brass has said repeatedly that this new system is designed to get customers to spend more money. They really haven't been all that convincing about saying that they are fixing anything.

Initially they tried that approach saying that people are spending too much time in lines, but they are backing off that. Now they are using language like "people want to interact with new technologies". This is an enhancement that the general public demanded.

The initial goal of FP+ according to the early articles and interviews was to "encourage" or force customers to spread out in the park and move people into lines that are not always full. If Disney get more people to leave the Space Mountain ride and enjoy the hall of presidents, take the riverboat, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the Plaza, or ride it's a small world, then the lines are balanced out and everyone is happier. It is also designed to encourage people to look at the entire experience of the park. So when you are planning don't forget to add time for the parades, fireworks, meet and greets, themed dinners, and non thrill ride attractions. Disney wants to de emphasize the thrill aspect and promote the whole park experience.

So in Epcot, people complain about not having enough rides. MDE recommends that you have lunch at Rose and Crown and then stick around to see Off Kilter in Canada. You don't need more rides. When you are done with that, get a coffee at Starbucks and meet some characters next door. And don't forget, the China has a beautiful little museum and a Movie that plays all day.

This entire MyMagic+ is a marketing concept. People are wanting it to be a great innovative experience, but I don't think it was designed for that, and Disney really hasn't even tried to sell it that way. Their best tool is the interactive queue elements, and they have done nothing to sell that - which blows my mind.

It will definitely change the way people tour at disney. Disney will make a couple of billion off it. It will make some people happier, some people disappointed, and new people won't know any difference.