FP+ Details Are Out!

[Zippa D Doodah]

There is too much "if available" in the question and answer posts above. That's just it, if available.

Also the bit about the interactive queues being almost as much fun as the attraction itself? Wrong! They are cute but don't have much substance IMO.

To begin on a positive note, it looks like FP+ will start at 4 per day instead of 3. Hey, that's something good.

The abundant usage of "if available" is the first thing that jumped out at me upon reading the FAQs. Disney should be forthcoming about the inevitable disappointment regarding same-day availability. Hopefully no one will kid themselves into thinking they will switch out of some Star Tours FP+s at the last minute and gain some afternoon slots for TSMM.

Also, this whole notion of the queue being almost as much fun as the attraction is just too dumb to believe. That's like me going to the local baseball stadium and watching batting practice because it is almost as fun as the game. Nobody buys a ticket for batting practice; they buy tickets for the game. I cringe when Disney spins things like that. I would feel better if they came out and said, "We know waiting in line is not very much fun, but we are doing the best we can to alleviate that."

 

[lugnut33]

I'm not impressed. Now I have to go through the hassle of figuring out how to link our AP vouchers to our reservation so I can hopefully get MDE to work properly. Then if I get that to work I need to figure out what parks we are going to on which days and I'm not going to be able to change that since it's thanksgiving week and the parks will be full. There will be no changes our minds on anything because all FP+will be gone for the headliners. I can only hope I am able to get some headliners at 60 days. Then I need to make sure my smart phone is working flawlessly and once in the parks I hope the wifi works awesomely. Lastly, I'll need to watch out for all the people nonpaying attention because their noses will be glued to their phones. Nope, I'm not impressed at all.

 

[wookiebeck]

I don't have a smartphone. Looks like those living the fast life will be able to get spots in the short lines. Me? Well standby sounds long and hot...

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

I don't have a smartphone. Looks like those living the fast life will be able to get spots in the short lines. Me? Well standby sounds long and hot...

At least some of them will be interactive!

 

[Mkrop]

To begin on a positive note, it looks like FP+ will start at 4 per day instead of 3. Hey, that's something good.

The abundant usage of "if available" is the first thing that jumped out at me upon reading the FAQs. Disney should be forthcoming about the inevitable disappointment regarding same-day availability. Hopefully no one will kid themselves into thinking they will switch out of some Star Tours FP+s at the last minute and gain some afternoon slots for TSMM.

Also, this whole notion of the queue being almost as much fun as the attraction is just too dumb to believe. That's like me going to the local baseball stadium and watching batting practice because it is almost as fun as the game. Nobody buys a ticket for batting practice; they buy tickets for the game. I cringe when Disney spins things like that. I would feel better if they came out and said, "We know waiting in line is not very much fun, but we are doing the best we can to alleviate that."

"If available" is all I kept hearing when I read it to the family.

what a nightmare this is going to be, we just spent time arguing over which park which day and scheduling dinners and CP pacakges etc. We are locked into those, it will be great if we can not get a Soarin FP on the day we are at Epcot and we are locked into CP reservations that were a pain to get.


I have a question...do we need tickets or a reservation when it comes to booking FP+. We are DVC and have a reservation, but we usually get our tickets from AAA. Will this cause a problem? Will we need to get our tickets earlier and link them or will we HAVE to get them from WDW? And is it 60 days or 60 +10 for onsite guests?

 

[SRUAlmn]

I have a question...do we need tickets or a reservation when it comes to booking FP+. We are DVC and have a reservation, but we usually get our tickets from AAA. Will this cause a problem? Will we need to get our tickets earlier and link them or will we HAVE to get them from WDW? And is it 60 days or 60 +10 for onsite guests?

This is what I'm waiting to find out too. I will have an AP and the rest of my family will have tickets from UT. I'm trying to figure out if we'll need to order from UT enough in advance of our 60 day mark so that we'll have time to receive the tickets and then enter the UT ticket numbers and my AP voucher number online before our 60 day mark, and whether or not the system will accept them/give the option to do it that way?

 

[agavegirl1]

In trying to work within these new rules (and yes, I am a planner), I have tentatively scheduled out what my October 2014 trip will look like based on predictions for 2013. I changed my tentative FP+ from 3 to 4, based on the new FAQ information posted on the Disney website.

It is my belief, based on FAQ and T&C that the number "4" is based on time of year, day of week, popularity of attraction and a bunch of stuff. I fully expect that "up to 4 FP+" will be to lure guests into less popular times of the year. For example: no more Free Dining in September, just more FP+. Fill up resorts without offering free food? Yeah, why not.

Anyway, my tentative plans which include RD most days, I am kind of hard pressed to find 4 attractions I would want to be locked into. Partly because of the "being locked in part" and partly because we will be there nine days and doing RD.

 

[Shaden]

"If available" is all I kept hearing when I read it to the family.

what a nightmare this is going to be, we just spent time arguing over which park which day and scheduling dinners and CP pacakges etc. We are locked into those, it will be great if we can not get a Soarin FP on the day we are at Epcot and we are locked into CP reservations that were a pain to get.


I have a question...do we need tickets or a reservation when it comes to booking FP+. We are DVC and have a reservation, but we usually get our tickets from AAA. Will this cause a problem? Will we need to get our tickets earlier and link them or will we HAVE to get them from WDW? And is it 60 days or 60 +10 for onsite guests?

This is what I'm waiting to find out too. I will have an AP and the rest of my family will have tickets from UT. I'm trying to figure out if we'll need to order from UT enough in advance of our 60 day mark so that we'll have time to receive the tickets and then enter the UT ticket numbers and my AP voucher number online before our 60 day mark, and whether or not the system will accept them/give the option to do it that way?

All indication is that as long as you have tickets ... you will be able to link them 60 days out and book FP+ ... no matter where you get your tickets.

That's the best knowledge we have right now.

I am wondering in particular how this works for APs. We just bought out first APs, and we can't even log into the AP site (because we bought after march 19th) and now we have no idea how FP+ will work for us ...

 

[mom2rtk]

In trying to work within these new rules (and yes, I am a planner), I have tentatively scheduled out what my October 2014 trip will look like based on predictions for 2013. I changed my tentative FP+ from 3 to 4, based on the new FAQ information posted on the Disney website.

It is my belief, based on FAQ and T&C that the number "4" is based on time of year, day of week, popularity of attraction and a bunch of stuff. I fully expect that "up to 4 FP+" will be to lure guests into less popular times of the year. For example: no more Free Dining in September, just more FP+. Fill up resorts without offering free food? Yeah, why not.

Anyway, my tentative plans which include RD most days, I am kind of hard pressed to find 4 attractions I would want to be locked into. Partly because of the "being locked in part" and partly because we will be there nine days and doing RD.

If they are using 4 instead of 3 to do away with free dining they better make that just for onsite guests. Because if it's just lower that time of year, it might only bump attendance from offsite guests.

I can see where it would be really hard to put down your choices. You don't know yet what sort of mood you'll be in, what the weather is like, and how your day has gone. Especially since it's limited to one per attraction. That's where I'd stop and go "Hmmmm."

 

[Shaden]

If they are using 4 instead of 3 to do away with free dining they better make that just for onsite guests. Because if it's just lower that time of year, it might only bump attendance from offsite guests.

I can see where it would be really hard to put down your choices. You don't know yet what sort of mood you'll be in, what the weather is like, and how your day has gone. Especially since it's limited to one per attraction. That's where I'd stop and go "Hmmmm."

yea, see, I like planning as much as most people who like planning. I really do. I have a countdown going for ADRs etc ... we get hoppers and never feel bad about missing an ADR though, if we choose to do something else.

But, when it comes to planning out FP+s .... I have gone through the exercise a few times, and I am literally paralyzed. I have no idea what to book which day etc.

Especially for weather concerns, but for other reasons as well. But weather doesn't interrupt our ADRs. The only thing that does is if we don't feel like it. But we don't go to Disney for the food, the food is a bonus. Missing a restaurant isn't a deal breaker. Missing the attractions, the reason we go to Disney, that IS a deal breaker.

 

[mom2rtk]

But we don't go to Disney for the food, the food is a bonus. Missing a restaurant isn't a deal breaker. Missing the attractions, the reason we go to Disney, that IS a deal breaker.

And now you've stumbled upon why THIS change is different.

 

[reelmom]

Since I booked a package the other day, will my tickets already be there or will I need to link them when the time comes?

 

[Planogirl]

And now you've stumbled upon why THIS change is different.

I agree. I see that you can ride your favorites once if you don't want more than 4 and if those are available when you book. (Yes, that is at least an improvement over 3.) If you want more than 4 you can ride those too "if available" or wait in standby lines and enjoy the few fun things in the queue along with the other 100's of people trying to go through the queue. No, that won't be difficult!

 

[magictam2]

I'm trying to stay positive and I've only been to WDW 1 in the last 10 years. So I'm not real familiar with FP. Except when I tried to use it 2 years ago, I got to the HS park late and there were no available for the day. So I learned to get to the park first thing in the morning.

I have made all our lunch ADRs which will detect which park we will be at on that given day. So I'm thinking the 60 advance scheduling for the FP+ should work out great.

Of course that's all theory. I won't be able to test it out until 10/1. I hope others will have posted their experiences by then

 

[agavegirl1]

Since I booked a package the other day, will my tickets already be there or will I need to link them when the time comes?

I booked a package also on July 10, my tickets are already linked to my MDE account. However, the account was set up prior to booking. It should be easy peasy.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

It is really a shame foreign visitors to not have access to the new website. How can they possibly be informed (unless they're on the DIS).

I'm from Australia and I can current view the FP+ pages on the site. Currently I can view these links about FP+

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/fastpass-plus/
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/bands-cards/

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I don't have a smartphone. Looks like those living the fast life will be able to get spots in the short lines. Me? Well standby sounds long and hot...

I'm a talk-n-texter too. Both kids have fancy iPods though so I guess they will be running the show for us in event of same-day changes

 

[Shaden]

I'm from Australia and I can current view the FP+ pages on the site. Currently I can view these links about FP+

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/fastpass-plus/
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/bands-cards/

weird that I can't from Canada, maybe its an issue with the fact that I am at the cottage and using my mobile as an internet connection ...

Will find out Tomorrow night ..

 

[agavegirl1]

Q
If I don’t reserve access to FastPass+ attractions in advance, will I be able to experience my favorite attractions at the theme parks?
A.All attractions still provide a standby queue—assuming they are not closed for refurbishment. 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.

Q.
Do I reserve access to FastPass+ attractions when I book my vacation?
A.
It depends on when you book your vacation. If you are FastPass+ eligible, you can reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment up to 60 days in advance of your visit.
Don’t worry about being locked in to a schedule—you have the flexibility to change your FastPass+ selections. If you change your mind while at the park and FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can modify your selections online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk.
Over the coming months, Guests with select Magic Your Way vacation packages will be notified that they may participate in MyMagic+ testing, which includes FastPass+ eligibility.
Learn more about FastPass+ service or reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment.

Q.
Will FastPass+ service make the attraction standby lines longer?
A.
We do not anticipate that the attraction standby queues will be any longer than they were before FastPass+ service.
In addition, at select attractions—such as The Haunted Mansion or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh—we have created fun, interactive experiences for you to enjoy in the standby queues. We’ve tried to make the queue experience almost as much fun as the ride itself!
Learn more about FastPass+ service or reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment.


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.
Over the coming months, Guests with select Magic Your Way vacation packages will be notified that they may participate in MyMagic+ testing, which includes FastPass+ eligibility.


Q.
I am FastPass+ eligible, but I did not reserve access to FastPass+ attractions in advance. When I arrive at the theme park, can I still get FASTPASS tickets?
A.
No. If you are FastPass+ eligible and you entered the park with a ticket linked to My Disney Experience by using your MagicBand or card, you are not able to use FASTPASS service.
But don’t worry! 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.
If you are not FastPass+ eligible, you are still eligible to use FASTPASS service. All FASTPASS tickets are subject to availability and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Over the coming months, Guests with select Magic Your Way vacation packages will be notified that they may participate in MyMagic+ testing, which includes FastPass+ eligibility. Q.

If I miss my FASTPASS+ arrival window, do I lose my opportunity to experience the attraction?

A.
We understand that there are many unexpected situations that may arise and cause you to miss your FastPass+ attraction time—but don’t worry! If your plans change while at the park and FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can modify your selections online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk.
Please try to make changes to your FastPass+ experience before the start of your arrival window time. If you miss your time due to circumstances beyond your control, please speak to the Cast Members at the attraction.
In addition, all operating attractions still provide a standby queue. While you may lose the opportunity to use an attraction’s FastPass+ entrance, please be assured that there are no other penalties if you miss a FastPass+ arrival window time. The service is here to help enhance your vacation, not to cause you extra worries.

Q.
I’m concerned that my vacation will feel over-scheduled if I have to reserve access to FastPass+ attractions in advance. Will I have the flexibility to change my mind when I arrive at the theme park?
A.
Yes. You can modify your selections online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk. For even more on-the-go flexibility, download the My Disney Experience mobile app to select and modify FastPass+ experiences—plus access your vacation details, maps and up-to-the-minute information.
While you may lose the opportunity to use an attraction’s FastPass+ entrance, there are no other penalties if you change your mind and wish to skip a FastPass+ experience. All operating attractions still provide a standby queue.
You’ll find that FastPass+ service provides you with the ability to experience some great attractions throughout the day with a shortened wait time. Don’t worry. When we suggest arrival window times we carefully consider factors such as the length of an attraction and the travel time you will need between experiences. Your vacation should be as leisurely and enjoyable as ever—actually, we hope, more than ever!
As with any popular attraction or experience, we encourage you to make your FastPass+ selections early as this will give you more opportunity to secure your favorites. FastPass+ inventory is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Q.
Why is so much advanced planning necessary with FastPass+ service? With so much to do at Walt Disney World Resort, how can I be expected to make these kinds of decisions so early?
A.
MyMagic+ allows you to plan as much or as little as you wish. Either way, your vacation should be as leisurely and enjoyable as ever—actually, we hope, more than ever!
If you change your mind while at the park and FastPass+ attraction arrival times are still available, you can modify your selections online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk.
For even more on-the-go flexibility, download the My Disney Experience mobile app to select and modify FastPass+ experiences, plus access your vacation details, maps and up-to-the-minute information.
While FastPass+ service is a convenient option to help make your vacation experience better than ever, if you wish, you can still use the standby queues available at all operating attractions.
Plus, if you are not FastPass+ eligible, you are still eligible to use FASTPASS service.
Over the coming months, Guests with select Magic Your Way vacation packages will be notified that they may participate in MyMagic+ testing, which includes FastPass+ eligibility.

Q.
I’m interested in using FastPass+ service. When I visit the theme parks, can I be spontaneous or does FastPass+ service require me to follow a strict schedule?
A.
Spontaneity is at the heart of many Walt Disney World Resort experiences, and FastPass+ service gives you more freedom to do what you want—when you want it—than ever before!
If you change your mind while at the park and FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can modify your selections online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk. It’s that simple!
For even more on-the-go flexibility, download the My Disney Experience mobile app to select and modify FastPass+ experiences, plus access your vacation details, maps and up-to-the-minute information.
While FastPass+ service is a convenient option to help make your vacation experience better than ever, if you wish, you can still enjoy the parks as you have in the past. While you may lose the opportunity to use an attraction’s FastPass+ entrance, there are no other penalties if you change your mind and wish to skip a FastPass+ experience. Plus, all operating attractions not closed for refurbishment still provide a standby queue.
Over the coming months, Guests with select Magic Your Way vacation packages will be notified that they may participate in MyMagic+ testing, which includes FastPass+ eligibility.

Q.
I have children of different ages, and they like different attractions and entertainment. Does FastPass+ service allow my family to do different activities?
A.
Yes. We want every member of your party to have a great Walt Disney World vacation—regardless of age or interests. When you reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment, you select which members of your party wish to experience each attraction or entertainment offering. If individuals do not want to share an experience, you can select alternate experiences for those party members.
If people in your party do not wish to experience an attraction, they are free to skip it. However, children under age 14 must be accompanied by a Guest age 14 or older to enter the theme parks and water parks.
At select attractions, you can also take advantage of our Rider Switch option, which enables one adult to wait with children while another adult experiences an attraction. Then, the adults can switch and the other adult can experience the attraction—without having to wait in line a second time. You do not need to use FastPass+ service to use the Rider Switch option.

Q.
How do I use my MagicBand or card when I have a FastPass+ arrival time at an attraction or entertainment experience?
A.
It’s so easy that you’ll think it’s magic!
When you arrive during your scheduled FastPass+ arrival time, all you need to do is proceed to the FASTPASS queue entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to a sensor called a touch point.
That’s it!
Please remember that each member of your party will have to individually touch their MagicBand or card to the touch point, so everyone should be sure to have their MagicBand or card available.

Q.
What is FastPass+ service?
A.
FASTPASS service has always been a great way to save time waiting in line and to enjoy Disney attractions with little or no wait.
Now there’s a new way to take FASTPASS fun one-step further!
With FastPass+ service, not only can you spend less time waiting in line in the theme parks, but you can reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences before you even leave home—and make changes on the go! You’ll discover more attractions than ever before to pick from. Plus, for the first time, you can even choose select firework and parade viewing areas, shows, Disney Character meet and greets and more!
When it’s within your designated arrival window time, all you need to do is proceed to the attraction you previously selected, go to the FastPass+ entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to the touch point.
Don’t know where to begin? FastPicks can recommend popular experiences to start you off.
FastPass+ gives you the confidence of knowing some of your must-do fun is locked in, so that when you arrive all you have to do is concentrate on enjoying the moment with family and friends. And best yet, if you are FastPass+ eligible, it’s all included with valid theme park admission.

Q
Is FastPass+ service complimentary?
A.
Yes. FastPass+ service is complimentary for FastPass+ eligible Guests with valid theme park admission.


Here is a start Australian Visitor....

 

[reelmom]

I booked a package also on July 10, my tickets are already linked to my MDE account. However, the account was set up prior to booking. It should be easy peasy.

I already had an account also. The tickets are now showing up MDE, well the first and third time I looked. The second time, it only listed 2 of the 4 people on the account. I guess since they are there some of the time, when the time comes, I will be able to make my choices.