Maybe someone can list the parts of this whole thing that are NOT insane.
As several others have mentioned, the MyMagic+ system apart from the FP+ subsystem seems to be a net positive. The keyless park/room entry, tap to pay, and potential enhanced experiences are all decent "pluses".
Even some pieces of the proposed FP+ system would work well in part with the existing system:
1) Paperless - reduced trash, reduced materials cost, and the PR of "going green" would be a sizable net positive. (Note: integrated with existing FP, the paperless would have to be an option, but it would still reduce the paper consumption)
2) FP Return tracking - Right now, they do not track used/returning FPs. This is useful data to help them spot trends and can be incorporated into the existing system to have more dynamic Next Pull and FP Return times. (e.g. say, reduce the amount of FPs returning during the higher SB periods, and increase them during the lower ones). Would also give behavioral data regarding what point in the window the general population is more likely to use the FP.
3) Management by Device - Would have to be fully optional when integrated with the existing system, but the ability to view and possibly alter (move to later if available) existing FPs would be a useful trick with today's FP system. Instead of waiting until 2pm to pull a FP for 8pm, you could pull it in the morning and modify it back. Slightly different than the prebooking aspect though, since it would allow for same day only (and you'd have to activate it in the park, just like today's paper-based FPs).
Of course, these also are subject to the IT issues, but since most of the IT-based stuff would be optional, a full on crash wouldn't have as much effect on the entire system. (Special note. I have a tendency to design... as such, I'm always asking What-Ifs in terms of improving and integrating systems. It's just how my brain works.)
Unfortunately, right now, the unknowns and the "it looks like"s are outweighing the potential positives. The limited number per day, the limited parks per day, the prebooking aspect with the unknown effect on "same day" passes all bring down the potential for the system as a whole.
So...Random thought here...Does anyone think they will cut back on EMH more once FP+ is fully up and running...Perhaps instead of operating the parks extra hours they could do something where they just give you extra FP+s for the resort guest perk?
Right now, anything's a possibility. I haven't heard much about this (though I haven't been following as closely over the past week or so), but I wouldn't be surprised.
Of course, I wouldn't be surprised with many cutbacks on guest experience these days.
