FP+ is Live! Magic Bands in the park!

[ArwenMarie]

It might just be a matter of logging in once a day and trying to "optimize" your rides. I already do that with my ADRs now that I think about it. I think planning types would be willing to do that, many planning types are already optimizing their plans every day anyway and they think it's fun

The people who aren't going to do that are the people who don't like to plan anyway. Which is why I think that Disney built this system to eventually monetize it, rather than to help the masses enjoy their vacation more.

Interesting stuff anyway!

 

[mesaboy2]

It might just be a matter of logging in once a day and trying to "optimize" your rides. I already do that with my ADRs now that I think about it. I think planning types would be willing to do that, many planning types are already optimizing their plans every day anyway and they think it's fun

The people who aren't going to do that are the people who don't like to plan anyway. Which is why I think that Disney built this system to eventually monetize it, rather than to help the masses enjoy their vacation more.

I think I am one of a large group of people who like to plan, but not plan to this degree.

You log in daily and "optimize" your ADRs? Really?

 

[agavegirl1]

I agree this has been a great discussion with many scenarios and points discussed. I do believe we deserve a "pat on the back" for the courteous and thoughtful way this potentially contentious discussion has been dealt with. I know my limits as well and whether I reduce my Disney days, keep them the same or increase my time there will depend on how this rolls out. Thanks to all.

Now, to sit back and wait for something official to roll out.

 

[Nole95]

Count me in the camp who thinks that 3 prebooked FPs is not enough.

We were in an absolutely packed MK yesterday and using the system properly I was able to pull 5 FPs throughout the day. If not for dinner and parade/fireworks plans I could have pulled at least two more.

Granted we were there at park opening, but even under this potential new system we would still go at rope drop to ride as much ad possible.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think I am one of a large group of people who like to plan, but not plan to this degree.

You log in daily and "optimize" your ADRs? Really?

I actually love that moment when I have the last ADR I need and the trip is all planned...... and I can just let it go and enjoy the anticipation. I guess I just love having all my ducks sitting in a row waiting to sail off.

It's going to irritate the crap out of me to need to keep babysitting that awful system filling in missing blanks.

 

[Squidgyness]

I think I am one of a large group of people who like to plan, but not plan to this degree.

You log in daily and "optimize" your ADRs? Really?

I'd argue you are one of a majority who don't like to plan to that degree.

No one really knows for sure. Perhaps people like me who don't want to plan rides are in the minority, and have been all this time.

I doubt we will ever really know the true figures, unless Disney releases their research with polls and the like.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think I am one of a large group of people who like to plan, but not plan to this degree.

You log in daily and "optimize" your ADRs? Really?

I don't know about daily, but yeah, I'm always trying to get a slightly better time on one meal or the other, so I'm always looking. And then I end up switching things around inevitably once I do get one with a better time! Mostly on some of the character meals.

 

[mesaboy2]

I don't know about daily, but yeah, I'm always trying to get a slightly better time on one meal or the other, so I'm always looking. And then I end up switching things around inevitably once I do get one with a better time! Mostly on some of the character meals.

It sounds like you do more ADRs than I do. I just find a time I can live with and then generally leave it alone. At this moment I have a less-than-ideal 9:05p reservation at BOG in a few months, but I'm content to just roll with it. Love for it to be earlier, but it's not important enough for me to invest any more time into it. FPs will probably be the same for me.

 

[maiapapaya]

I can't think of many companies that would let a silly thing like being in the black keep them from doing something they have seen successfully bring big revenue into other companies.

Oh, absolutely. The more the merrier. But that still won't stop it from leaving a bad taste in my mouth as a loyal consumer of their product - WDW forcing us to change the way we're used to enjoying our visits, especially when it's purely profit drive, with even further, bonus profits being sought in the process. What am I getting in return as a loyal customer? I already tour well with the current system, I can already view parades & fireworks quite nicely without paying a premium. If WDW changes all of that, plus charges me extra I will probably no longer be a loyal customer.

It might just be a matter of logging in once a day and trying to "optimize" your rides. I already do that with my ADRs now that I think about it. I think planning types would be willing to do that, many planning types are already optimizing their plans every day anyway and they think it's fun

The people who aren't going to do that are the people who don't like to plan anyway. Which is why I think that Disney built this system to eventually monetize it, rather than to help the masses enjoy their vacation more.

Interesting stuff anyway!

Yes, but if they limit me to one headliner fastpass/day I will never be able to "optimize" my rides, at least not the rides I want!

 

[ArwenMarie]

It sounds like you do more ADRs than I do. I just find a time I can live with and then generally leave it alone. At this moment I have a less-than-ideal 9:05p reservation at BOG in a few months, but I'm content to just roll with it. Love for it to be earlier, but it's not important enough for me to invest any more time into it. FPs will probably be the same for me.

It's mostly pre rope-drop character meals that I end up trying to get earlier ones. And then a better one will pop up on a different day so then I have to move everything around. Now, will I want to do this for 3 FPs a day times a six or seven day vacation...probably not.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Yes, but if they limit me to one headliner fastpass/day I will never be able to "optimize" my rides, at least not the rides I want!

I know. ADRs aren't really a good analogy now that I think about it.

 

[doggydoc]

I actually love that moment when I have the last ADR I need and the trip is all planned...... and I can just let it go and enjoy the anticipation. I guess I just love having all my ducks sitting in a row waiting to sail off.

It's going to irritate the crap out of me to need to keep babysitting that awful system filling in missing blanks.

Right there with you! I have all my ADR's and a general plan in place for our next trip EXCEPT for wanting to book the Wishes Desert Party. It is driving me crazy waiting to get this last reservation. I want to have my general plan in place so I can relax and begin obsessing over my packing list!

 

[bwang123]

this article from today seems to indicate that magicbands are developed to remove the paper from your hands. it mentions using it to enter the turnstyles and grab a fastpass for BTMMR.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainmen...arks-chief-tom-staggs-20130529,0,235111.story


here is the complete video of the interview.
http://allthingsd.com/20130529/apple-may-not-be-dishing-on-wearable-devices-but-disney-is-video/

 

[Pixie Princess]

Magic bands and MM+ as explained by Edna Mode. Oh and Tom Staggs too.

 

[doconeill]

Here is another new article today, although they are taking a more "creepy" angle.

They showed them off in California, and implied they are coming to DL. Queue the DL locals riots.

Given the lack of exact quote, the "opt-in" part I'm pretty sure is getting the MagicBand or not. You opt-in with the MagicBand. You opt-out with the card.

First mention I've seen about actively tracking though - although it could be the author's interpretation and angle.

 

[bwang123]

Here is another new article today, although they are taking a more "creepy" angle.

They showed them off in California, and implied they are coming to DL. Queue the DL locals riots.

Given the lack of exact quote, the "opt-in" part I'm pretty sure is getting the MagicBand or not. You opt-in with the MagicBand. You opt-out with the card.

First mention I've seen about actively tracking though - although it could be the author's interpretation and angle.

those articles are written directly off of the content in the video above. you can get all your quotes there. he does mention tracking from the bluetooth capabilities in the device. he said it will not track your exact movement but only as you pass through certain points. probably to predict crowd control, etc.

 

[doconeill]

those articles are written directly off of the content in the video above. you can get all your quotes there. he does mention tracking from the bluetooth capabilities in the device. he said it will not track your exact movement but only as you pass through certain points. probably to predict crowd control, etc.

I'm listening to it now. Did he say bluetooth?!? Edit: Bah, I forgot bluetooth and Wi-Fi share the same frequencies.

I noticed he's talking about the $50 PIN limit again...

 

[WillAustin]

I actually love that moment when I have the last ADR I need and the trip is all planned...... and I can just let it go and enjoy the anticipation. I guess I just love having all my ducks sitting in a row waiting to sail off.

It's going to irritate the crap out of me to need to keep babysitting that awful system filling in missing blanks.

I don't think they'd want you to babysit your FP+ reservations. I'm guessing they'd rather you just click OK to the pre-selected package of FP+s offered up based on your profile.

 

[Squidgyness]

So there goes my hope of it being reconsidered. Maybe it will still not require pre booking... But the article did mention arranging times online before you arrive. Looks like the days of the spontaneous or non planner trips with equal access to rides as planners might be coming to an end after all.

Taking "six or ten pieces of paper out of your hand" slight exaggeration there.

Yeah and replacing them with even less functionality. Three fastpasses and a ticket or kttw card. That's four pieces of paper Tom. Not ten.

Either that or he is hinting at same day fastpass availability. Or just talking about people with everyone else's cards. But... They'll still have multiple bands on them if they don't want kids wearing them.

My sense of foreboding grows. Offsite guests who don't plan, goodbye equal access in the future.

Be interesting what the several families my mother knows who stay in villas and offsite hotels and don't plan say about this new system, and whether they choose to plan because of it or are turned away by it.

 

[dwheaton]

This is an intriguing discussion, and it's been great to see the respectful debates.

Regarding the possibility of charging for FPs, I don't see that happening. Instead, I see Disney using it as a way to push people to stay on site, at deluxe resorts, and to join DVC. In a way, it's a price increase because it deprives off-site guests of the same perks, but it doesn't have a direct charge.

The big question is if it will ever work how it was designed. I believe the delay and lack of information is because they can't figure out a way to implement it and not induce chaos. This is the silver lining for me and gives me hope that at least the current FP system will remain in place along with extras.

I visited Disney World as a kid in the '80s and '90s and remember having a great time despite having to wait in line for the popular rides. We just got there early, plowed ahead, and saw as many attractions as possible. I believe the current Fastpass system still has a similar feeling. It rewards you for diligence and allows you to see as much as you can within the confines of the system. It gives a fair shake to anyone who pays the ticket fee at the gate and doesn't create a tiered system.

No matter what Disney eventually does with FastPass+ (I don't want to speculate too much since it's unknown), basically every option that I can consider removes that part of the visit. Yes, Universal does require you to stay on-site to get FOTL, but I've never had a problem getting on everything at their parks without it. Disney is a different entity and is dealing with much larger crowds (with a narrowing gap).

Finally, I think what's really bugging many of us is the overall culture of what's happening with Disney. The FP+ is more of a symptom than the sole problem. We're seeing Universal announce new attractions and build them in less than a year! They're opening Transformers and the Simpsons land this summer and will have Harry Potter next year. They just keep rolling along. While I understand that Disney can't respond every time, what do they have coming down the pipe? We probably won't visit again until early 2015 because we have a baby. Will there be anything new besides the Snow White Mine Train? I love Disney World and the amazing attractions, but they've been stalling for a while. Their focus on the Magic Band and FP+ seems worse because there isn't enough else that's happening with new rides.