FP+ Details Are Out!

[agavegirl1]

From the Disney Park Blog 1/7/2013 by Tom Staggs:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...13_NGE_MDX_DOM_Exact|G|4131321.NG.AM.01.01U4S

Video of Tom Staggs interview at D11 conference 5/29/2013:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/other/mymag...s-joins-d11-conference-to-talk-magicbands.htm

From this interview in case you don’t want to watch it:

The magic band substitutes for all entitlements of your ticket.

Magic bands are free.

Allowing you to pre-arrange your attractions instead of using a “FP runner” decreases guest anxiety.

Bands are non-transferrable and person specific.

Purchases over $50 require a PIN

Kids can be set up for charging privileges up to your pre-set amount.

You can elect to add a public name to the band for use by characters and interactive elements of attractions.

Mickey will be able to speak and use a released name.

Magic Bands due not have GPS, but readers in the park will track when a particular band passes it in the park. You will not be “tracked per se”.

Testing has shown one of the most commonly requested things to reserve are parade and fireworks viewing areas. MME and Magic Bands can help crowd control.

Special Character M&Gs could be set up in the parks to alleviate crowding and messages or tweets could go out to guests to notify them.
Personalization (bling) will be available for purchase.

Pre-order for BOG CS can be done from home (no mention of other CS restaurants). Guests can walk through the Mickey Reader, sit down and your food will be delivered.

And a direct Quote from Tom Staggs:
“People want to make interaction with their smart phones part of how they get into the moment with us and facilitate their vacation so we’re adapting this mobile first philosophy”



Terms and Conditions from official Walt Disney World website:

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

Nothing in the official information precludes same day FP+ availability but nothing specifically states it will be there. The number "3" is only the number of pre-arranged FP+ from the most recent test which was during June 2013. Disney has left itself plenty of room to tweak and adjust as testing continues. Guest feedback appears to be hugely important to them.

A couple of the more interesting clauses in the Terms and Conditions;

Availability of FP+ will be based on park, experience, time of year, day of week and prior demand. (This gives Disney a heck of a lot of options for roll-out)

MMW and AP holders may make selections up to 60 days in advance. (no mention of 60 + 10).

You may modify selections until the first FP+ reservation is used or expires. (so if you change parks you can change reservations)

In order to make modifications, same day FP+ would need to be available.

I am of the "wait and see mindset" since I am planning for Fall 2014 and I expect by then, DIS members will figure it all out.

 

[dayvewc]

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.

From what I understand, Disney has said that they will do away with the current FP system since the dispensing machines will not be RFID compatible. As far as I know, based on what I have read, the only thing Disney has said about getting rid of the current FP system is only based on the fact that the machines are non-RFID compatible. I think, and this is only my opinion, is that with the phrasing of why Disney is removing the current FP machines leaves open the option for same-day FP+.

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 ...

I agree with this, and while I may be considered an "optimist" I'm withholding final judgement until we see either more tests that will mimic real-world usage OR the system becomes live (if real-world mimicking tests do not occur. That being said, I don't see how it will work, so it does concern me but I'm not ready to just declare "It'll never work" beforehand since I don't know everything Disney does about the system. Hence, why I'm willing to wait and see before I decide.

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.

Completely agree, 100%

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 can just SO put off by what we have heard so far ...

These are some of the same questions and issues that have me concerned. But, again, other than "educated guesses", we (collectively) don't know enough yet to say exactly how it will be done. I like the idea of being able to absolutely secure my favorite rides, but not really enthralled by having to decide 60 or 60 + 10 days in advance what time I'll get to do those rides. I think one of the biggest advantages to the entire MDX/FP+ system is the ability to pre-plan, but I also fear that will be one of its biggest drawbacks because nothing ever quite goes as planned.

 

[Cafeen]

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.

Since the FP+ system, and more importantly the prebooking, park limiting, and FP limiting portions of the new system are not in common usage nor have been tested, it's tough to see the real effects of it.

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.

These experiences do not rely on FP+ and can be integrated before (or without!) the FP+ stuff in development.

 

[agavegirl1]

As for the food ordering part; the only restaurant mentioned where this would be available is BOG. Apparently the other restaurants are not yet equipped. (Per interview with Tom Staggs at D11 conference). That doesn't mean they couldn't be retrofitted. However, this was mentioned because the Terms and Conditions also mention that FP+ would be available for certain counter service restaurants.

 

[brockash]

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

If you include your phone number they will call you back.

Thanks for the email address. I emailed my issues with the new system, mainly being the limit of 3 fast passes per day total. Gotta say, it's not looking promising. After receiving Disney's response, I'm more convinced that it absolutely will be a limit of only 3 fast passes a day (on top of that, they're adding more "attractions" parades, fireworks etc. to the fast pass list). From the email it seemed the Disney really wasn't interested in the repeat customer and much more about the one-timers. Their choice, and it sucks for us, but I really believe this will be the end of our annual Disney trips for us. On top of some other issues that we've been disappointed with in Disney, I think this will end up being the last straw. I just can't imagine standing in long lines for rides, when we haven't stood in a line longer than 20 mins. in decades. -We go in Sept. and always use 6-10 fastpasses a day. I think even my kids would rather do beach trips, or even other areas in the Orlando area then wait around in lines all day.

I'm posting WDW's response to my email concerning the 3 fast pass a day limit.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding MyMagic+.


We truly appreciate your taking the time to share your comments. Over
the next year, we will be rolling out a collection of tools at the
Walt Disney World called MyMagic+ to give guests more opportunities to personalize their visit. MyMagic+ will make it easier for Guests to create the Disney experience they want? from securing a visit to a favorite attraction in advance to a digital guide that simplifies how they move through our parks, to the touch of a MagicBand that seamlessly connects all their plans ? allowing them to enjoy each moment like never before.

We are very sorry to hear of your disappointments with the changes coming with FASTPASS+. In order to allow more Guests to partake in the new offerings, certain limitations have been put in place. Please know that your feedback has been taken seriously and shared with the appropriate leaders. Our Guests? feedback allows for our continual growth and the preservation of the magic Walt Disney dreamed about.
........., thank you again for your honest and constructive feedback.


Sincerely,

Aaron Miller
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort
407-560-1160

 

[wdwlver]

Thanks for the email address. I emailed my issues with the new system, mainly being the limit of 3 fast passes per day total. Gotta say, it's not looking promising. After receiving Disney's response, I'm more convinced that it absolutely will be a limit of only 3 fast passes a day (on top of that, they're adding more "attractions" parades, fireworks etc. to the fast pass list). From the email it seemed the Disney really wasn't interested in the repeat customer and much more about the one-timers. Their choice, and it sucks for us, but I really believe this will be the end of our annual Disney trips for us. On top of some other issues that we've been disappointed with in Disney, I think this will end up being the last straw. I just can't imagine standing in long lines for rides, when we haven't stood in a line longer than 20 mins. in decades. -We go in Sept. and always use 6-10 fastpasses a day. I think even my kids would rather do beach trips, or even other areas in the Orlando area then wait around in lines all day.

I'm posting WDW's response to my email concerning the 3 fast pass a day limit.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding MyMagic+.


We truly appreciate your taking the time to share your comments. Over
the next year, we will be rolling out a collection of tools at the
Walt Disney World called MyMagic+ to give guests more opportunities to personalize their visit. MyMagic+ will make it easier for Guests to create the Disney experience they want? from securing a visit to a favorite attraction in advance to a digital guide that simplifies how they move through our parks, to the touch of a MagicBand that seamlessly connects all their plans ? allowing them to enjoy each moment like never before.

We are very sorry to hear of your disappointments with the changes coming with FASTPASS+. In order to allow more Guests to partake in the new offerings, certain limitations have been put in place. Please know that your feedback has been taken seriously and shared with the appropriate leaders. Our Guests? feedback allows for our continual growth and the preservation of the magic Walt Disney dreamed about.
........., thank you again for your honest and constructive feedback.


Sincerely,

Aaron Miller
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort
407-560-1160

I emailed too with my concerns regarding 3 FPP per day and the lack of FPP for hopping and got the same, verbatim response. Clearly a form letter.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Yes, I am one that is convinced there will be more than 3 FP's. I think they will be tight lipped about anything beyond the absolute minimum that they are promissing ahead of time, even before testing, that you will get 60 days out.

It just doesn't make any sense to expand their use to parades, fireworks, and more rides and cut the number to less than half. It does make perfect sense to not say anything beyond the 3 until they have done testing. It would also be just like Disney to tell us later there will be a few more than suprise people with magic when they get the park be a few more.

Think about it, there will have to be more. Also, most of us seem to be ride people, I think average Joe will use 2 of his 3 to reserve parade and fireworks seating and plenty of rides will be open for the rest of us.


And Mad Hattered, what will happen is the fried chicken will disappear from your menu but not your spouses. When you ask why its because of your cholesterol. If they deny you fried chicked there will be a 78.6% chance you will leave 2 years longer and spend more at Disney.

 

[magicbob]

I will not be a happy camper if I learn that my family was unable to get a FP for lets say TSM because we are off-site and won't have the extra 10 days to work with(IF this turns out to be true) to only hear that "Bob" rolls in with his family at 5:00 p.m. and scores one of these FPs. Not a good thing!

Don't be hating on "Bob." "Bob" will be arriving at RD!

Same day will just be a small subset of the total FPs once this rolls out.

Maybe even an infinitesimal asymptotic subset approaching zero.

they can set any ratio they want, for any ride, for any day, and change it whenever they'd like.

True, the "ratio" can change. However, why bother investing so much and heavily marketing a "pre-booking" system unless the intent is to maximize the "pre-booking." I can see a few "off-season" times of year when the ratio might be a little more liberal. But the whole point of this system is to heavily favor "pre-booking." If only half the guests or less pre-book, why bother making such a fundamental change to the system?

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.

Not neccesarily. Remember you have to multiply those 3 FP+ reservations times 1000's of guests, many of whom didn't used to get FP, but now have had them served up on a silver platter when they book. Ride capacity cannot change. FP capacity can only change to a point (technically, up to the point that there's no standby line, just 100% FP per hour, but I don't think anyone envisions THAT happening). So, those FPs that WOULD have been available on the "day of" under the old system could potentially (and I maintain will likely) all (or at least most) be given out ahead of time to the guests as "pre-booked" FP+. IMO, same day FP+ will consist of the leftover scraps, assuming same day FP+ is even offered. I know my opinion is starkly pessimistic in that regard, but I'm trying to be realistic and base my opinion on facts and figures rather than hopes and dreams.

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.

+1

 

[d1gitman]

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. If they rid same day FP+ altogether, then only prebookings are the FP+ option? no way, that would alienate too large a contingency. FP from inception is a system designed for ALL to have access too. I don't see this fundemental element changing. I still believe that the prebooking is the + part of FP and that the functionality of FP will still remain with regards to same day. I hope i'm not wrong about this.
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. It will remain to be seen what the magic balance is. It very likely would be that prebooking of headliners is very limited. my belief & opinion is that they will allow prebook and same day, but i could be wrong.
-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). I doubt a large percentage of peole will stop altogether. We weren't happy about the enforcement of FP return times as it completely changed how WE toured the world, but it certainly didn't stop us. Also, did people stay away from Disney before there was ever FP? did park attendance sharply rise with the addition of FP? I think those that base their trip to Disney soley on FP is a small minority. One that a company certainly wouldn't base their model after.
-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. What about the private tours at $300+hr? or is that ok because the price gap is so far out that only a few select can or will pay for that, thus it doesn't affect the masses? I work hard for my money too so why isn't it fair for me to be allowed to pay for premium service or access? Ever go to a concert and pay for backstage passes? 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 ...

.

In the end it is all speculation. Until the system is rolled out, none of us know what it will really be. We can try to piece together tidbits from the testing but even that can be misleading.

The only thing i have to go by is the fact that Disney has a long track record of making millions of people happy in their parks. We enjoyed WDW pre FP and current FP...i'm sure we will find a way with FP+. Also, for us, as much as we like to do a lot of attractions, we also like to soak up the atmosphere. We don't feel dissapointed if we don't get a certain attraction in or get our favorite attraction in 10x that day. If i want to do a coaster-thon, i will head out to six flags and buy my access pass and burn my self out on coasters.

 

[ArwenMarie]

-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

I agree with this...I think the priority will be to make sure that the pre-bookers have their FPs first. Even if it drains them ALL out of the system for a given attraction for that given day. With booking at 60 days, people will have time to cancel if they don't get some sort of an acceptable FP combination.

 

[BeerMe]

OK. This is getting serious now. I guess I'd better study this thing before we go in September.

 

[photobob]

If you want to eat at a specific restaurant you need to make reservations 180 days out and now you book your rides too..please.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Sadly I think I know something else Disney may be getting rid if. My $$$!$$$

As a late booker it is becoming more and more apparent all I will get to do is stand in long lines. Sorry Disney but I can sell my DVC and spend my vacation time somewhere else.

 

[WillAustin]

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.

I'd like to read it too, because I haven't seen any statement or inference that same-day availability as we know it will remain. It seems they are purposefully being quiet about it, and I believe it's because they really have no idea how many same-day FPs will be available once FP+ is in full swing.

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 ...

I believe the thought process is similar to this:

1. By limiting the "superusers" to 3 FP+s, it instantly makes many more available to everyone else and allow them to have plenty for advance booking and for same-day in the parks as well.

2. Only a relatively small group of uber-planner guests are even going to go through the trouble of booking advance reservations at 60 days out, leading to a sizable pool of same-day FP+s being available.

I don't agree with either of those.

1. The group of guests currently using FPs is relatively small when compared to total park attendance. If FP+ works the way Disney says they want it to work, there will be a lot more guests using the FP+ system than ever used FPs before.

2. They will make it easy and push the advance FP+ reservations on guests as hard as they can (Allowing quick-picks during the reservation process). If I were in charge of it, I'd be linking to people with ADRs ("We notice you have Sci-Fi Dine-In scheduled for October 27th, wouldn't you like to reserve your ride on TSMM for that day?) and offering incentives ("If you book your 3 FP+s 45 days in advance, we'll give you another bonus FP+ to go with them").

3. The math just doesn't add up. I believe the daily FP+ pool will generally be what the FP pool has been over the past year, as they've experimented with increasing the numbers they give out. If they make it easy enough to book in advance, there will be a relatively endless supply of guests willing to do it, if only to reserve their spots "just in case." A FP for TSMM will be just as hard to get as it is now, except you'll have to do it in advance instead of in the morning same-day.

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 ?

For me, it's all about getting done what we'd like to get done. I wouldn't be excited about paying extra, but that is far better than spending 3-4 hours out of our day in standby lines.

I agree with this...I think the priority will be to make sure that the pre-bookers have their FPs first. Even if it drains them ALL out of the system for a given attraction for that given day. With booking at 60 days, people will have time to cancel if they don't get some sort of an acceptable FP combination.

The priority has to be directed to the new system they are spending so much money on rolling out.

 

[Cafeen]

OK. This is getting serious now. I guess I'd better study this thing before we go in September.

There's not all that much to study. The article in the first post hits the highlights (some of which are still in flux or otherwise speculation). Most of the rest of the thread just discusses the system in general, potential issues, and that sort of stuff.

However, I don't think I'm alone when I say that it's pretty unlikely to be rolled out in full by September, so there's not much to worry about.

 

[Carolinagirl77]

So if you are an AP holder staying on property, do you get 6 per day?

 

[rastuso]

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 ...

Excellent post. And I agree with every word. I think a few of these folks are coming from another website, where FP+ is officially the greatest thing ever, and if you disagree, your posts are removed, and you are banned. The power of propaganda should never be dismissed. I really wonder if Disney was watching that site for feedback, saw nothing but praise, and thought "we did it, this is going to be huge", not knowing anything anti-FP+ was deleted within minutes.

Anyone who thinks it through like you, and the rest of us "doom and gloomers", are unhappy because there really is no answer to these issues. I will sadly never have another visit to WDW like I've been having for the last 20 years, unless, HOPEFULLY, they keep MNSSHP FP free, and it becomes the one time of year to go. Or I start going in January when rides are in rehab, and there are no nighttime activities.

The weather and "just don't feel it today" issues are something folks just aren't accepting. They will when one of their big days is ruined, and they lose their only Splash FP of the trip. Many "optimists" really just refuse to accept reality. Plus, I think many of them are math challenged. If you take 50+% of FPs (and maybe 80% of E ticket FPs), and hand them out two months early to resort guests, how do you then expect that same day FPs will still be easy to get? Really?

Sure, there will be some at RD. But, I've been to Tokyo Disneyland on a busy day, and Disneyseas on a moderate day. All FPs were gone around noon, and I got 3 FPs both days. The only thing that saved it were the amazing operations, and the fact that they only had FPs on a few rides. But, I did my share of 60+ minutes standbys, and the only thing I rode twice both days was Journey, when I got a FP given to me late in the afternoon, and Pooh that I just lucked into a short SB line during the parade. And I missed some rides, even thought both days were 15 hours long.

I still had a great time, since it was my only visit there, but I think WDW visits are going to be a lot more like TDL visits soon. I waited 40 minutes for a Pooh FP at RD. I can see that happening at WDW now too, for TSMM, the Dwarf coaster, and some others, because everyone will know that's their one chance at getting a ride.

And no one wants to even discuss the 3 lesser parks. Give out 3 FP+s to all guests, and those parks aren't even worth your time anymore.

And you didn't even mention that if you aren't a Disney resort guest, paying $150 a night for a Days Inn Motel room, or more, then you might as well not go during anything but the dead season, since everyone has a 10 day jump on you.

Jason

 

[Cafeen]

So if you are an AP holder staying on property, do you get 6 per day?

While we can't answer with 100% accuracy, since the FP+ system is tied to the ticket media and not the resort stay, you'd likely get 3 like the rest of us. The On-Site portion appears to mainly drive the "+10" rule and not the number of passes per day.

Of course, that can change or not end up that way, but that's my take on it. (And what seems to be generally accepted)

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

So if you are an AP holder staying on property, do you get 6 per day?

Oh - wait... I now have the perfect thing...




But now in all seriousness... the only real answer is we don't know... but that strikes me as too big a difference btwn AP and non-AP just on the reserved FP.

Maaaaayyyyybe... something like AP+onsite could RESERVE 6, but would have fewer same-day FP+... assuming any FP+ are made available... which, again, I think they'd have to or risk alienating too many guests. All guesses at this point (not sure how educated this guess can be... )

As always, JMHO.

 

[rastuso]

Just thought this would be sorta funny...

And Saint Skaggs raised the FP+ up on high, saying, "O Lord, bless this thy FP+, that with it thou mayst blow Universal to tiny bits, in thy mercy." And the Lord did grin. And the people did feast upon the turkey legs and churros, and carp and anchovies, and orangutans and breakfast cereals, and Dole Whips and large chu...

Brother Maynard: Skip a bit, Brother...

Cleric: And the Lord spake, saying, "First shalt thou take out the Magic Band. Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then collectest thou thy FP+ for one day two months from now, who, being clear and sunny in my sight, shall still have many other FPs available too...


Jason