FP+ from the perspective of first timers...

[Dallas_Lady]

Some friends of our went to WDW for the first time the week of March 9 (All 9 crowd levels according to Josh). I couldn't wait to here how it went, especially since I helped them do most of their planning and because I have yet to experience FP+ in person.

They stayed onsite, used Magic Bands and FP+ and said they loved it. Knowing they had 3 rides each day that they didn't have to stand in line for was awesome. Getting to choose those rides in advance was even better. They were expecting to have to stand in lines for everything, but having those 3 rides without a line was great for them. They looked forward to when their FP times came around knowing they'd be able to walk right on. The mom said that only once was their FP reservation screwed up, but that there were tons of cast members (workers, as they called them) standing around with ipads and they got it fixed right away. They said that a couple times the FP return lines were 15-20 minutes, but that was much better than a couple hours.

Now, this part literally made me LOL... the Dad went on to say that he can't figure out how the parks could have been enjoyable without the new FP. He said he couldn't imagine having to get to the park at opening, run to attractions with the hopes of maybe getting a FP time that you liked. And then having to wait 2 more hours to figure out if there was maybe a FP time that worked for you later on. He also said that this system seems much more fair, because, and I quote, "I know people like you had figured out the old system and knew how to get bunches of FP. But that meant newbies like us couldn't get any."

So I guess this is having the intended effect. Newbies who have never experienced anything else (besides maybe Six Flags) love it. This family is now planning their next trip. And the veterans who don't like the restrictions... well Disney will either replace us with new visitors or realize that most of us are just blowing smoke and are still booking our trips like always.

 

[5Hfan]

but did they spend more money than a typical first time legacy fast pass visitor? time and $$$ will tell...

 

[Don Disney]

That's encouraging...I'm glad you guys had a good time!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Glad to hear this, but not surprised. Disney knows full well that the "woe is me, never going back after thirty four consecutive trips" people will be replaced by newcomers who love the new system.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Disney knows full well that the "woe is me, never going back after thirty four consecutive trips" people will be replaced by newcomers who love the new system.

I agree. Heck, how many people on here complain about it while having (sometimes mutiple) countdown tickers?

 

[ArwenMarie]

I'm not surprised. I think FP+ is absolutely built for first-timers, and I don't blame them for liking it. WDW is notorious for lines, even among those who haven't been there. To get to prebook three each day, sounds good!

I was talking to someone who had never been there before but was considering it and the first thing she said to me was, "I can't do lines." And then I told her about FP+ and character meals and you could see her begin to soften to the idea of going.

Really, I think everything Disney does is with first-timers in mind. That's why they don't build new rides, they don't put in new shows, they chip away at things like taking away parades...all because first-timers don't notice. And why they keep putting more and more princess stuff in.

And to be honest, there is still enough wow factor there if it's your first time.