FP+ Details Are Out!

[doconeill]

Yes, have used it on a few occasions in the past year while doing split trips to UIOA and WDW. For our liking, it would be nice if WDW adopted a system of paying for added FP+'s. I would have paid a nice premium for the dream passes that were handed out on occasion during YOMD.

I meant to add but forgot, I wonder if they see potential issues with offering it to an even larger audience...

I considered getting the cheaper pass, but we were going at a slower time anyways, so even though it was the cheapest they offered at the time ($20) it wasn't really needed.

Now, if I was going at a peak time, like we will be, I'd look again - but they jack the prices up considerably...so we're going to stay at the Royal Pacific.

 

[d1gitman]

...Now, if I was going at a peak time, like we will be, I'd look again - but they jack the prices up considerably...so we're going to stay at the Royal Pacific.

We have stayed at all 3 resorts...Royal Pacific and Hard Rock were our favorites although Portofino Bay is a really nice resort.

One of our favorite features, which isn't necessarily a UIOA offering, is the rickshaws...wish they had them at WDW for MK transportation to/fro the monorail resorts and at resorts to take you from main building to the building where your room is at...would sure cut down on footsteps

 

[Yellowstonetim]

What's wrong with 9 FPs/day? People are using the system as it is..everyone has equal access to FPs. If the park is open from 8am to midnight, getting a FP every two hours would be 8 FPs...and in the morning, most FP return times are sooner than the 2 hr mark, so it's easier to get them in a shorter time. So I can easily see someone being able to get that many FPs in a day. This response seems to indicate that there's something wrong with people using the system as it is. If Disney wanted to limit the number of FPs a person could pull in a day, I'm pretty sure they could do that with the system they have now.

And yet, not once did we run, push anyone out of the way or cut in front of anyone anywhere especially at a FP kiosk. Everyone in the park that day had the same chance as me to get FPs. Did I mention that we were in the park for 14 to 15 hours? We got no where near that many at EP and DS because we were unable to. The FP times were much more spread out making it much harder to get many FPs. Sooo...again, how is Disney going to get those that I seem to be taking FPs from to use this new FP+ system?? Oh, I know, with the quick picks that have been talked about. Lets take some FPs away from some and give some them to guest that don't know or want to use them. I say shouldn't Disney just do a better job at getting everyone to use the current system and then I wouldn't be able to get 9 FPs in MK anyway.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply your bad, although I don't know personally that you're good either.
Just kidding.

You are doing nothing wrong. I maximize our use of FPs, too. I just meant that what we do now, is not what Disney originally intended. That is human nature. An organization designs some process according to how they intend people to use it. But people are resourceful and, over time, they figure out how to work every angle and loophole.

I think average Joe will walk into the park and be greeted by a CM with a pad and will direct them to reserve a FP. Since you will be able to change FP's even to other parks until you use the first one, then there are going to all kinds of changes even during the actual day! There is no way everything is going to be reserved 60 days out and nothing change.

With only 3 FP reservable ahead of time, there MUST be same day FP's available. It wouldn't make sense otherwise. They will only gurantee now that you will get 3 ahead of time.

I still think it's going to be a plus. I love the idea of being able to swap out FP's on the fly using the app. I think we will end up getting a better experience and after awhile everyone on the DIS will begin to share ideas, tricks, and lookholes to maximize the new system.

One absolute thoough: Everyone should comment strongly to Disney about how angry we would all be if they SELL FP's. I dislike that idea very much. They have a good thing going, I don't think they will shoot themselves in the foot.

Someone needs to find an smily icon with a FP in its hand.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Someone needs to find an smily icon with a FP in its hand.

YES!

Or wearing a MagicBand, as it were...

 

[Angel Ariel]

I just meant that what we do now, is not what Disney originally intended. That is human nature. An organization designs some process according to how they intend people to use it. But people are resourceful and, over time, they figure out how to work every angle and loophole.

I fail to understand how getting a FP every 2 hours is not what Disney originally intended? If it wasn't what they intended, they would have made the time b/w when you can pull a FP and get another FP longer. What angle/loophole is being used when you walk up to a FP machine and simply pull a FP?

Seriously, that's all we do. We don't do FP runners or anything like that. We see a ride, look at standby/FP and decide which route to go. We go into the park with a basic plan (and I mean basic, not much time put into it), and we get FPs as we decide to. We always get more than 3 in a day. It may not be as high as 9, but it probably averages around 5-6.

I just don't understand what about that is not what Disney intended? if they wanted to limit it, they could...

 

[momof2n2]

So can you imagine the decision making process when you don't get what you want at 60 days, then have to decide if you need to change your trip dates to assure that you can really do the attractions you want? Not fun. But then who said vacation was about fun?

That might not happen a lot with the current ride selection, but if I were scheduling a trip to see New Fantasyland after the Mine Train opens and I didn't score advance spots for FP+, I wouldn't like not knowing if I had a realistic chance at same day FPs or not. Walking into the park knowing they were starting the day with far fewer slots available than in the pre-FP+ days would just add stress to the day that really has no place in a vacation.

This. Exactly.

We ARE RDers. So maybe we'd still get a shot on Mine Train. But here I am, 10 months ahead of our two-week May 2014 trip to FL, and I'll be following this board like a hawk.

With a 2-week house rental and DCL trip we plan on 5 or 6 park days. And I'm already battling feelings of throwing in the towel and shifting our plans to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, HolyLand Experience, and Kennedy.

I'm a planner, yet I have zero confidence Unofficial Guide, PassPorter, or pretty much ANYONE is going to be able to help me plan our trip with this much still in question.

For the amount of money we're dropping, the idea of not doing headliners (multiple times no less) is a game-changer.

Under old FP, we did TSM three times in one day in 5/11 & RnR twice. The standard is set for my family. Doing an E ticket ride once is lame. Not doing it at all is unacceptable.

 

[mom2rtk]

For the amount of money we're dropping, the idea of not doing headliners (multiple times no less) is a game-changer.

Under old FP, we did TSM three times in one day in 5/11 & RnR twice. The standard is set for my family. Doing an E ticket ride once is lame. Not doing it at all is unacceptable.

Yep. Not scoring an ADR is one thing. But the headline attractions are the core of the Disney experience. Limiting access to those makes this a whole new ballgame.

 

[agavegirl1]

I fail to understand how getting a FP every 2 hours is not what Disney originally intended? If it wasn't what they intended, they would have made the time b/w when you can pull a FP and get another FP longer. What angle/loophole is being used when you walk up to a FP machine and simply pull a FP?

Seriously, that's all we do. We don't do FP runners or anything like that. We see a ride, look at standby/FP and decide which route to go. We go into the park with a basic plan (and I mean basic, not much time put into it), and we get FPs as we decide to. We always get more than 3 in a day. It may not be as high as 9, but it probably averages around 5-6.

I just don't understand what about that is not what Disney intended? if they wanted to limit it, they could...

This raises a very good point. This is also how I tour. I don't need to run back and forth. I decide whether or not to use FP as I tour.

 

[f19810]

SO....what would happen someone that stays off-site reserved a room only and linked their ticket they already had, pre-booked their FP+s at 60 +10 days and then cancelled their room only reservation at say 50 days out. Would Disney cancel those FP+s?? And since I have no idea if you would get a full refund, I have no idea if anyone would think of doing this. Seems like a lot of work but....

It is not that much work and as somebody who stays off sight (so that I can save money and go to WDW more often), I have thought about doing this. If I have to stay on sight to get my favorite rides, I will not be able to come to the world as often and the money that I would have spent at disney will be spent elsewhere. I haven't been able to get O'hana for years since I can't book it 180 + 10.

 

[coachb123]

Okay I am lazy. Does anyone have an idea when these will be used? I know they are being tested. We are going in September and just wondering if we will have the hassle of using them

 

[doconeill]

Okay I am lazy. Does anyone have an idea when these will be used? I know they are being tested. We are going in September and just wondering if we will have the hassle of using them

No, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying

Rumblings of another test this month though. Nothing for certain.

 

[mom2rtk]

No, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying

........ or making things up.

 

[Mad Hattered]

And Mad Hattered comes through!

Well, you know me. I am Mr Positive when it comes to FP+. Now excuse me while I go feed the Unicorn.

And for the record....I believe exactly like mom2rtk believes. She is just way better at stating it than me. If there was a smiley that threw hammers I would be all over it!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

........ or making things up.

Again?? Really?? Should I give a speech about how THIS is how things get ??



Kidding, btw

 

[mom2rtk]

Well, you know me. I am Mr Positive when it comes to FP+. Now excuse while I go feed the Unicorn.

And for the record....I believe exactly like mom2rtk believes. She is just way better at stating it than me. If there was a smiley that threw hammers I would be all over it!

LOL! Don't forget to polish up your rainbow too.

Again?? Really?? Should I give a speech about how THIS is how things get ??



Kidding, btw

LOL, I was hoping you'd take it in the spirit in which it was intended.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

LOL, I was hoping you'd take it in the spirit in which it was intended.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Two things:

1. PP asked about Disney completely backtracking on something, ala New Coke. How about the original New Fantasyland with Sleeping Beauty's Sweet 16, and Cindy's meet and greet, as well as Pixie Hollow?

2. Apparently, Disney is saying to people over and over that the system is still in flux, and that they are taking as much feedback as possible in order to determine how best to implement this. Well, shouldn't they have figured out how they should implement this BEFORE spending $1 billion?

 

[fairy8i8]

I had so much anxiety over the new changes with FP+ that I actually emailed touring plans to see if they had noticed changes in line behavior and waits (they haven't). They reassured that Disney has been doing FP for a long time. I remember various Disney writers commenting on testing special FP when those came out that gave extra perks and all sorts of possible perks are included in the patents. I think now its just a matter of making sure the process runs smoothly and getting customer feedback to see what people think.

3 FP+ seems really limiting, and it is for someone during the regular season, but could you imagine the uproar when they allowed people at non peak times to reserve 5 FP and then Christmas and Easter people who pay more than anyone else get shafted and only get 3 FP. That would cause some anger, but in the parks it would be impossible and unfair to allow 5 during those times. Who knows? Maybe the extra slots will just go in filled during slower times, making the standby lines shorter. I've gone Christmas week and dead end of January and the FP are all out within a few hours of park opening in the first instance and in the second they were often for only an hour away.

Also, don't forget cool perks like preordering food so you can wait at a table and not in another line or having personalized experience options. The little magical things.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I had so much anxiety over the new changes with FP+ that I actually emailed touring plans to see if they had noticed changes in line behavior and waits (they haven't). They reassured that Disney has been doing FP for a long time. I remember various Disney writers commenting on testing special FP when those came out that gave extra perks and all sorts of possible perks are included in the patents. I think now its just a matter of making sure the process runs smoothly and gettingcustomer feedback to see what people think.

But in all honesty, TP can hardly predict a day correctly anymore, let alone have ANY clue as to how FP+ will affect things right now....much like the rest of us. If there is one thing I feel is a given, it's customer feedback. I don't think there will be a big reduction in staff (which seems to be one point of this). They will be shoved into Guest Relations and somehow try to deal with the masses. I predict this will not be going over very smoothly. I also think DHS will be a most recommended park tomorrow. Simply because there is really nothing to do there anymore.

3 FP+ seems really limiting, and it is for someone during the regular season, but could you imagine the uproar when they allowed people at non peak times to reserve 5 FP and then Christmas and Easter people who pay more than anyone else get shafted and only get 3 FP. That would cause some anger, but in the parks it would be impossible and unfair to allow 5 during those times. Who knows? Maybe the extra slots will just go in filled during slower times, making the standby lines shorter. I've gone Christmas week and dead end of January and the FP are all out within a few hours of park opening in the first instance and in the second they were often for only an hour away.

I'll just be mad because it changes the way *WE* toured the parks. Plain and simple. Everything about it is the opposite of the way we did things. I won't reward that until this all blows over.

Also, don't forget cool perks like preordering food so you can wait at a table and not in another line or having personalized experience options. The little magical things.

I can't wait to order Corn Dog Nuggets from Casey's 60 days in advance. And when 70 people show up at 11:42 to pick their order up, the last thing I want the kid handing me my Nuggets to say is "Congratulations, Mr Mad Hattered....I know about the results of your recent cholesterol test! I see things are looking up! Here's your Nuggets!"

*insert hammer-throwing smiley here*

I told you mom2 was better at this.

 

[Shaden]

Just a couple things I don't understand about the conversations going on throughout this thread, particularly from the FP+ hopefuls.

1) I have seen several of you, emphatically, write that there is NO WAY they will eliminate same Day FPs, and that if they did, well, that would upset you.

-EVERYTHING I have read, about this, yes all rumor and speculation so to speak, say they WILL be getting rid of same day FP's in the sense that we know them, you will get 3, at a single park, and that's it.
-I just don't understand where the optimistic clinging to this idea is coming from ? Have you guys read something I haven't ? Seriously if so point me to it, I'd like to read it and make myself more hopeful.

2) Associated to 1) - IF there are same day FPs, I don't understand you again, clinging to the idea that there will be some magic balance between pre-books and same day.

-As MANY people have pointed out here, we can read all sorts of stuff actually said by Disney folks about how this system is going to let you pre-book your most important attractions. Guess what, if they TRY to balance them out, and people log on and try to book their attractions, but they can't because 50% are reserved for same day passes, people are going to be PISSED. And, like many have suggested, might just opt not to go to Disney, or might search to change travel dates (but I imagine this will also end in people just not going).
-this would only be enhanced btw by what many of the Fp+ Optimists have pointed out - that Disney will be able to market this more directly to the average Joe, which might actually increase demand on FPs ...


3) I really can't believe that people are "excited" about the opportunity to pay for more FP+s. Seriously ? How is this a good thing ? I have been to a few amusement parks where you can, if you have the cash, pay for skip the line passes. And every time I see this I actually want to vomit. Because I look at the faces of the kid who's parents worked their butts off and can just barely afford to do those kinds of things for their kids, but the feeling that kid gets, sitting in line, watching other people get to just walk on, is so demeaning, diminishing, and depressing. I can't think of anything LESS Disney, in spirit if you will, then creating a system where people who can pay more, are treated in "more special" or "more magical" way than those who can't. - and for the record I get it, I am one of the people who are lucky enough to be able to afford those extra tickets, but I still think its completely wrong.

4) I still haven't seen a single defense of the some of the big issues here, like what happens when, after planning 60 days out, your kids don't want to go to that park, or there is bad weather that day, or heck you can't get your FP+s in the same park as your Dinner ressies, or the only time you can get your FP+ is at the SAME time as a dinner res (which if you try to change at 60 days out, well, good luck) ... etc etc. Basically no one has given me any suggestion of how to deal with the reality of a trip, when things don't go to plan, because lets face it, they don't.

Just honestly wondering, we are free to disagree of course, but I just haven't seen anything convincing on these topics yet. And as a Disney lover I WANT to love this, I WANT to be SUPER excited about my next trip. I have my DVC brochures sitting on the table in front of me .... but I am just SO put off by what we have heard so far ...