FP+ Details Are Out!

[MickeyMinnieMom]

But this is assuming that people CAN get the FP time slots for the rides they want. Who knows if all the FP times for the headliners will be gone with 59 days to go People STILL don't seen to grasp making ADR's (I don't how many times we have overheard people yelling and carrying on at the check in desk "What do you mean we can't get a table? We had to book 180 days out? Who knows what we want to eat today 6 months ago! Our dining plan says we can eat anywhere."

Now it will be "What do you mean we have to wait in a line for 60+ minutes, who are those people walking in? What do you mean we had to book a time slot 2 months ago?"

Time will tell. It's all in how Disney manages their "buckets" (reserved FP+ vs. standby vs. HOPEFULLY some form of same-day FP+ -- fingers crossed on that) -- system sounds flexible enough for them to turn on a dime with this stuff. Their track record - IMHO - has earned them me giving the benefit of the doubt that AFTER a potentially rocky transition period, they get this balance "right".

Right for everyone? Of course not -- nothing is. Right for most? Yup. And will we be able to figure out how to make the system work for us? If DISers can't, who can?!?!!?

 

[Angel Ariel]

I understand that some people don't want to plan ANY part of their trip -- that's a legitimate gripe, in my book. But it's far from absurd to give this as an option to those who do want it -- and I'd bet that those who do outweigh those who don't -- and that this is what Disney's extensive market research has shown.

See, i disagree with you on the bolded statement. I think those that plan everything are the minority, not the majority. My family's a pretty normal family. They expect some degree of planning in a vacation, but they were floored when I told them that ADR's open 180 days in advance, and that some restaurants are gone the day they open. It was ridiculous, to them, to have to plan where to eat 6 months in advance.

The idea of planning not just what park on which day, or what restaurants and when was overwhelming to them! And that's without adding in specific rides at specific times.

We buy tickets through the military that have to be activated on property, we stay at SOG (so no online check in with Disney) - when would Disney have told us that we could/needed to arrange fp+ 60 days in advance? (if it had been up then)

There are thousands in the park every day who have no clue about the current FP system. I honestly don't see how that changes with FP+.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

But if FP+ means the elimination of the current FP system and then you HAVE to book in advance to avoid stand-by then it is absurd.

Again -- this is your opinion. Absurd is in the eye of the beholder!

I've said back on pages who-knows-what-at-this-point of this thread, that I think they'd have to have SOME SORT of mechanism for same-day FP. Something you can tap your magic band or use your smartphone to obtain. That they'd have a bucket for this, in addition to an advanced-reservation-FP bucket and a standby bucket that they would allocate to.

I could obviously be 110% wrong about this -- but that's the only thing that would make sense to me. So, in a way, perhaps we agree on this point. I'm not sure I'd say "absurd" not to have some incarnation of same-day FP, but perhaps... unwise. I think that would upset many non-planners -- and there are MANY out there.

And again -- even if they don't have some form of same-day passes at full roll-out doesn't mean they can't change their minds and offer them WHENEVER THEY WANT TO. Sounds like the system enables just that kind of flexibility. And I have faith in their incorporation of customer feedback -- overall, anyway.

 

[SoonerSean]

My use of the word "absurd" is driven by the fact that I don't see what the problem is with how the current FP system works.

What is the problem?

If they wanted to just offer FP+ as an option to resort guests or even upgrade your tickets for it with a small fee I'd understand.

But if the current system goes away... then FP+ eliminates flexibility, eliminates the ability to use more than 3 FP in a day, and limits you to what park you can use the FP experience in on a daily basis. That's some HUGE changes to how people have been experiencing the parks since the original FP system was rolled out.

What problem are they trying to solve with this if - in the end (again assuming same day FP ends) - it greatly reduces flexibility and all the positive things one can experience within the current system?

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

See, i disagree with you on the bolded statement. I think those that plan everything are the minority, not the majority. My family's a pretty normal family. They expect some degree of planning in a vacation, but they were floored when I told them that ADR's open 180 days in advance, and that some restaurants are gone the day they open. It was ridiculous, to them, to have to plan where to eat 6 months in advance.

The idea of planning not just what park on which day, or what restaurants and when was overwhelming to them! And that's without adding in specific rides at specific times.

We buy tickets through the military that have to be activated on property, we stay at SOG (so no online check in with Disney) - when would Disney have told us that we could/needed to arrange fp+ 60 days in advance? (if it had been up then)

There are thousands in the park every day who have no clue about the current FP system. I honestly don't see how that changes with FP+.

Right. But...

1) Assume that those who have no idea about FP now still have no idea about FP+ when rolled out -- by definition THOSE PEOPLE DON'T FACTOR IN, THEN. No difference.

2) But of those who DO plan (which is probably what I should have said in my other post), I'd bet Disney has found far more of them would be WILLING to pre-plan some attractions than not. Otherwise, irrational business decision, etc., etc., etc.


Also... See all my points on why I think they'd eventually have some sort of same-day FP options. This is largely for those who do not want to micro-plan but do know about and want to use FP. I suspect this is a big group, and that Disney will (eventually?) see to it that they get what they need here. JMHO.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

My use of the word "absurd" is driven by the fact that I don't see what the problem is with how the current FP system works.

I hear that. And I've given chapter and verse from my perspective on what the benefits of FP+ strike me as being.

But beyond all of that, I think the same thing could be said of any good product that any company seeks to improve. Some contingent is always going to think "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!". But that's not a great attitude for innovative companies to have -- and they generally don't.

I get the feeling that FP isn't broken so why fix it. The only thing that I don't think makes sense is to decide (not worry about or have concerns about, but DECIDE) -- before it is implemented -- that the new product will necessarily be inferior.

I have some concerns... jury is still out for me... but as my signature says, I have my fingers crossed.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Disney_Princess83, SoonerSean, Angel Ariel: Just want to say thanks to you guys for the nice dialogue today! I have to jump off but didnt want to abandon these exchanges.

For another day...

 

[KELLY]

I will put my 2 cents in. There is no way I thought at first this would work for us. We are a QSDP look at the weather type family. If it is going to rain head to a park if it is nice out go to the WP.

But after doing my FP+ reservations than going back in to change the times around a bit. I actually think I'm going to like it. No running to get a FP in the morning for the attraction I want. Then play the waiting game to get the next one. Honestly this feel like it will make things so much easier for us. We waste alot of time just going to get FP in the first place. I tweeked the times of my FP+ so we can always eat between 1100-1200. Which we do anyway to beat all the QS rushes.

I was able to FP+ fantasmic which we weren't even going to see. Since the day we planned to go it wasn't showing. But because I was able to get a FP for it we will just go to the WP during the day then head to HS do TSM, Fantasmic and star tours.

I just think all the running around from one thing to the next is going to be wonderful!

The only down side on average we us 3-5 FP a day not sure on the 3 rule. But we will make it work.

Trust me I know not everyone likes the idea but I'm warming up to it.

 

[d1gitman]

I will put my 2 cents in. There is no way I thought at first this would work for us. We are a QSDP look at the weather type family. If it is going to rain head to a park if it is nice out go to the WP.

But after doing my FP+ reservations than going back in to change the times around a bit. I actually think I'm going to like it. No running to get a FP in the morning for the attraction I want. Then play the waiting game to get the next one. Honestly this feel like it will make things so much easier for us. We waste alot of time just going to get FP in the first place. I tweeked the times of my FP+ so we can always eat between 1100-1200. Which we do anyway to beat all the QS rushes.

I was able to FP+ fantasmic which we weren't even going to see. Since the day we planned to go it wasn't showing. But because I was able to get a FP for it we will just go to the WP during the day then head to HS do TSM, Fantasmic and star tours.

I just think all the running around from one thing to the next is going to be wonderful!

The only down side on average we us 3-5 FP a day not sure on the 3 rule. But we will make it work.

Trust me I know not everyone likes the idea but I'm warming up to it.

that is how i feel...while i like the current FP system, i very much dislike the FP running around.

I would have thought it makes more sense for Disney to implement the MagicBands and utilize FP+ as merely an electronic delivery of FP's for a phase 1 rollout as well as the other features like park entrance, shopping, room key, etc... Then after a year of that they would have live data to dissect and maybe start of easy with allowing 1 prebooking on FP+ but still maintain the same day functionality of FP. They could then introduce the ability to change FP's during the day. Pending how that goes, up it to 2 FP+ prebooks, etc...until they find the breaking point.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I'm clearly in the minority here, but after I got through the initial moment of trying to decide how I wanted to plan my FP+s for next month, this system has put me totally at ease with my upcoming trip.

Seeing confirmed FPs for Soarin, Test Track, TSMM, Splash....ahhh, I can relax now b/c I've got them. For us, I think it will ADD to the spontanaiety when we are in the park. Why? Well, in the morning, if the kids want to stop and really look at something, meet a character, ride something again, it will be ok. I won't secretly be worrying that the return time for our Splash FP is getting pushed out later and later with each minute we spend trying to get the sword out of the stone, b/c I know I already have my FP ready and waiting for after lunch.

Another bonus...we get to stay together and I don't need to be sprinting by myself across the park to get another FP that may end up having a return time for much later than we were planning on staying...

I guess we will all have to wait and see how it really plays out, but so far, I'm really happy with the way my vacation is shaping up!

I can totally see this, I think you make a really good point that there can be added spontaneity. I think the glitch, at least for us, is going to be if we can't make it to a particular park one day because of whatever reason (sick, tired, etc). Then I will be wishing I could just go at rope drop to pull old-fashioned FPs!

 

[MYD714]

No running to get a FP in the morning for the attraction I want. Then play the waiting game to get the next one.

I think this is the one thing that actually bums out my DH. I think being the designated FP runner made him feel special...like he had a purpose. The first thing out of his mouth when I told him about FP+ was "but I like running to get them!" I'll never understand him.

I was very hesitant about all of this. However, I made my FP+ choices today and find myself feeling good about knowing that I have a FPs for my favorite rides the day I get there. I'm starting to come around to this whole thing...for now

 

[ArwenMarie]

But this is assuming that people CAN get the FP time slots for the rides they want. Who knows if all the FP times for the headliners will be gone with 59 days to go

Then you cancel your visit.

 

[ghtx]

I think this is the one thing that actually bums out my DH. I think being the designated FP runner made him feel special...like he had a purpose. The first thing out of his mouth when I told him about FP+ was "but I like running to get them!" I'll never understand him.

His new job can be the person who wakes up early on the first day of the 60-day booking window to book all of the FP+s (i.e. the "FP+ e-runner").

 

[bjakmom]

I don't believe that Disney is trying to "fix" anything - they are rolling out a huge new plan of "controlling" guest behavior, allowing them to save and make more $$ overall - and packaging it in a shiny "look what you get to do now!! Whoop! Whoop!" package.
IMHO they did not start enforcing FP return times (which they were telling us could be used all day at the FP stations) to 'fix' anything - there was no problem with it. They started enforcing return times because, clearly, FP+ return times need to be enforced in order that they can offer FP+ bonus passes when available or control the flow of guests by offering FP+ to the less crowded attractions.
Every one of my 4 siblings and all of our extended families who are planners as far as reservations, ADRs, what park which day (always subject to change due to many unforseen circumstances) totally DISLIKE the thought of this new system and booking rides 60 days out. - and REALLY DISLIKE the feeling of being forced into the system because the alternative seems certain to mean severely restricted use of FP+ on day of for many if not most attractions.
And will people who rarely used FP use them now? - my guess is "you betcha!" Disney will be contacting and spoon feeding FP+ to us - who won't? (in the long run- once there is no choice)

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think this is the one thing that actually bums out my DH. I think being the designated FP runner made him feel special...like he had a purpose. The first thing out of his mouth when I told him about FP+ was "but I like running to get them!"

This might be the cutest defense of the current FP I have read so far

 

[Angel Ariel]

Right. But...

1) Assume that those who have no idea about FP now still have no idea about FP+ when rolled out -- by definition THOSE PEOPLE DON'T FACTOR IN, THEN. No difference.

no need to yell (just teasing!) My comment wasn't about how those people affect the numbers of FPs available. it was in response to your comment that those who plan to the extent that they'd want fp+ are the majority. I was using current FP as an example to show why i do not believe that to be the case, nothing more.

2) But of those who DO plan (which is probably what I should have said in my other post), I'd bet Disney has found far more of them would be WILLING to pre-plan some attractions than not. Otherwise, irrational business decision, etc., etc., etc.

Again, I don't know that I'd make that jump. I'd say the DIS boards represent the population of wdw visitors who do plan out their trips down to park days and adrs,e tc, very well. And yet look how many people here have concerns and are saying they don't want to be locked in to specific attraction times? that should be concerning, since this is precisely the planning demographic.

Also... See all my points on why I think they'd eventually have some sort of same-day FP options. This is largely for those who do not want to micro-plan but do know about and want to use FP. I suspect this is a big group, and that Disney will (eventually?) see to it that they get what they need here. JMHO.

And all of that is nothing but assumption. It's great to assume that a same day FP will exist and postulate as to why it will. But we don't know that it will. It's just as much of an assumption as the assumption that stand-by will be longer because of fp+.

I am basing my concerns and views on solely what Disney has released in comparison to how my family tours. Some may call me a doom and gloomer for that, and that's fine - but it's entirely reasonable to have concerns and questions at this point.

 

[bjakmom]

I would have thought it makes more sense for Disney to implement the MagicBands and utilize FP+ as merely an electronic delivery of FP's for a phase 1 rollout as well as the other features like park entrance, shopping, room key, etc... Then after a year of that they would have live data to dissect and maybe start of easy with allowing 1 prebooking on FP+ but still maintain the same day functionality of FP. They could then introduce the ability to change FP's during the day. Pending how that goes, up it to 2 FP+ prebooks, etc...until they find the breaking point.

I'm hoping this 60 day plan gets such negative feedback that they will eventually have to drop it and go to THIS!! Wouldn't your proposal be AWESOME!!! That's what I've been hoping for all along. FP+ at 6/7 AM for THAT DAY!

 

[MYD714]

His new job can be the person who wakes up early on the first day of the 60-day booking window to book all of the FP+s (i.e. the "FP+ e-runner").

Then I could sleep in that day!

I wish his brain could handle that. I tried to involve him in making the FP+ choices last night, but he got frustrated and told me to just do it because he doesn't understand how I figured out which parks to be in on certain days. I think he feels like his kingdom has been usurped.

This might be the cutest defense of the current FP I have read so far

He's been the family runner since the first trip he took with my family in 2001. I think he sees it as part of his identity, or his way to contribute. My parents think he's "so amazing" because he's willing to do it, and I can sense his pride in his accomplishment when he returns with the coveted FPs. It's nice because I can stroll behind or shop while he gets them.

 

[wookiebeck]

I think this is the one thing that actually bums out my DH. I think being the designated FP runner made him feel special...like he had a purpose. The first thing out of his mouth when I told him about FP+ was "but I like running to get them!" I'll never understand him.

I totally understand! My son is a senior this coming year. The class trip is booked for March. I just told him about FP+ and the first thing he said was "But I was going to be the FP runner for my friends."

Of all the trips, he was going to be the one in the know, the planner, the adult. Now we are waiting to see what the FP+ rollout will look like.

 

[Angel Ariel]

that is how i feel...while i like the current FP system, i very much dislike the FP running around.

i think this would be a big reason why some may feel differently about current fp. We don't do fp running - haven't really needed to. We may make an effort to get to soarin' or tsmm when we first get to the park, but we rarely (if ever) send someone away from the group to go get fps for everyone. we generally get them as we see them/want them, or may look at the return time on the apps and head in that direction - but we do other stuff in that area. We don't just head places only for fp.