FP+ is now completely worthless if you are staying offsite.

[amg35]

Right...and I always enjoyed the Halloween parties, but every year the price goes up and now you get noticeably less...no more mix and mingle, no more family photo included and they seem to be willing to sell past previous capacity so even the enjoyment of a comparatively empty park is greatly diminished. Of course to compensate they offer you the ability to drop $99 on some deserts and the ability to view a parade and fireworks from the exact same spot you could have previously for free.

This is our first year attending the party. I posted in another thread, we just want to see/feel the atmosphere, eat the special treats, watch the late parade from Frontierland and just see all the people in costumes. Plus go on rides with minimal waits hopefully!! I doubt we'll go again, but looking forward to this one.

Party not sold out yet, I think only one left, so it will be! (26, Sunday).

Keep fingers crossed for decent weather!

 

[cakebaker]

You're telling us not to compare yet you're the one who first made the comparison between Universal and Disney prices!

The OP started the thread to say they were frustrated at the FP+ system - citing some examples that many of us non-Disney-hotel guests have had with it. But as usual the Disney apologists turn it into a circle jerk on why they think Disney is still better than Universal.

This isn't about Universal, it's about disgruntled Disney lovers who dislike the way Disney is evolving. That they would spend $1.5 BILLION on a park admin system to try and squeeze every last cent out of their 'guests' - instead of maybe investing in the park attractions themselves.

Name calling really adds validity to your posts, but then neither does being vulgar. I don't call other people names no matter what their opinion. Extend me the same courtesy.

mzadell:

Universal charges for their Express Pass system and Cedar Fair charges for their Fast Lane system. As far as I'm aware, Disney remains the only one that offers this service at no extra charge.

tony67:

Universal Express Pass is free if you stay on-site at their three higher end hotels.

And Suvadoo, who I responded to with an actual comparison posted this:

Disney charges a lot more for their tickets, so I think the cost of FP+ is built in to the ticket price.

Go back and read the thread- I wasn't the one who first brought up Universal and their fotl passes nor the first to compare Universal prices to Disney prices.

 

[cakebaker]

True. When you compare the actual value you get for your dollar, Universal comes out on top. In the past five years Universal has added about half a dozen top tier attractions (which includes two new lands) while Disney continues to figure out how to charge more for less.

It absolutely does come out on top for some people. There are others who think Universal is greatly lacking in many areas. Different strokes and all.

 

[Suvadoo]

Right...and I always enjoyed the Halloween parties, but every year the price goes up and now you get noticeably less...no more mix and mingle, no more family photo included and they seem to be willing to sell past previous capacity so even the enjoyment of a comparatively empty park is greatly diminished. Of course to compensate they offer you the ability to drop $99 on some deserts and the ability to view a parade and fireworks from the exact same spot you could have previously for free.

This. I just don't think the hard ticket events have the same value that they once did. Each year the prices increase and what Disney offers diminishes. I always thought the hard ticket events were great since you didn't have to wait in long attraction lines, but Disney keeps selling more tickets and the park is more crowded. So that benefit is also gone.

 

[cakebaker]

This. I just don't think the hard ticket events have the same value that they once did. Each year the prices increase and what Disney offers diminishes. I always thought the hard ticket events were great since you didn't have to wait in long attraction lines, but Disney keeps selling more tickets and the park is more crowded. So that benefit is also gone.

Here's one area we agree on. I only have experience with MNSSHP and the Dessert Party at Epcot. I was not satisfied with either.

We won't do them again most likely- the Dessert Party definitely not.

But, in the end, Disney is selling out these events. As long as they're making enough people satisfied that they not only do well, but sell out, they'll continue and you can't fault them for that. You can't fault those buying either- apparently they like what they're getting. It's just not what we want.

 

[Suvadoo]

Here's one area we agree on. I only have experience with MNSSHP and the Dessert Party at Epcot. I was not satisfied with either.

We won't do them again most likely- the Dessert Party definitely not.

But, in the end, Disney is selling out these events. As long as they're making enough people satisfied that they not only do well, but sell out, they'll continue and you can't fault them for that. You can't fault those buying either- apparently they like what they're getting. It's just not what we want.

I'm sorry but I do fault Disney for diminishing their fabulous product for short term gains. I also feel this way about many other companies when they pull the same cheap move.

I can give you multiple examples of companies that have pulled this crap and eventually it resulted in lost business. But instead, I give Costco as a great example. I remain loyal to Costco because I know their Kirkland brand products are of high quality and not overpriced. Some people may have a different experience. But I remain la loyal Costco customer because I don't feel ripped off.

Disney, on the other hand, is beginning to feel like a big rip off. They will continue selling out their marathons, dessert parties, and other hard tickets for a while, but eventually I think they will be the losers.

 

[cakebaker]

I'm sorry but I do fault Disney for diminishing their fabulous product for short term gains. I also feel this way about many other companies when they pull the same cheap move.

I can give you multiple examples of companies that have pulled this crap and eventually it resulted in lost business. But instead, I give Costco as a great example. I remain loyal to Costco because I know their Kirkland brand products are of high quality and not overpriced. Some people may have a different experience. But I remain la loyal Costco customer because I don't feel ripped off.

Disney, on the other hand, is beginning to feel like a big rip off. They will continue selling out their marathons, dessert parties, and other hard tickets for a while, but eventually I think they will be the losers.

Disney has a product. Apparently it's popular enough that they can sell it under conditions I don't like. Enough do like it that it's successful for them. Even on this board, I don't see too many complaints about MNSSHP.

They have had truly bad hard ticket events, but the ones I read about, they gave refunds if requested and one hopes they learn from those mistakes. The Villains Soiree seems to be going very nicely. I have real issues with them taking things out of MNSSHP for that, but again, I'm apparently in the minority.

I simply believe they charge what the market will bear and while I wish they were more magnanimous, I certainly don't feel badly against them that they're not. I'll just sit back and see if the tide turns my way. I don't think it will, but I'd love to see lower limits on crowds and the doing away with events within events.

 

[Abdul Saleem]

Does Disney not realize that whether you stay onsite or not, it takes an incredible amount of planning to have a gratifying vacation at their parks and the elimination of the 60 day FP+ reservation hinders this? More importantly, do they not realize that not all of their guest can stay onsite for one reason or another? I have a family of 6 (soon to be 8) and this rules out our staying onsite.

From what I understand, Disney is being sued by some in the Autistic community for Breach of Contract. Specifically, "through acquisition of Disney tickets, [you] entered into a contract through which Disney promised to provide a reasonable and enjoyable amusement park experience".

It would seem that this same complaint that the Autistic plaintiffs are arguing in the court could be applied in this blatant discrimination by Disney when it comes to offsite vs. onsite superiority.

 

[tony67]

True. When you compare the actual value you get for your dollar, Universal comes out on top. In the past five years Universal has added about half a dozen top tier attractions (which includes two new lands) while Disney continues to figure out how to charge more for less.

I'd agree for me personally.
I prefer the rides, hotels and the food at Universal - hand down.
I also prefer the characters - and no I'm not a HP fan.

But if your not a big thrill ride or HP fan than maybe Universal is not a great choice.

It's not for everyone, but I do prefer it.

 

[Planogirl]

You're telling us not to compare yet you're the one who first made the comparison between Universal and Disney prices!

The OP started the thread to say they were frustrated at the FP+ system - citing some examples that many of us non-Disney-hotel guests have had with it. But as usual the Disney apologists turn it into a circle jerk on why they think Disney is still better than Universal.

This isn't about Universal, it's about disgruntled Disney lovers who dislike the way Disney is evolving. That they would spend $1.5 BILLION on a park admin system to try and squeeze every last cent out of their 'guests' - instead of maybe investing in the park attractions themselves.

Well said. What Universal does or doesn't charge has no bearing on the changes going on at WDW. Disney clearly does what it does to make as much money as possible and while I can't fault them for that they used to combine that with guest satisfaction. And I know, some people love it all and that's fine. I think that that feeling is just a happy coincidence and not Disney's primary goal.

 

[cakebaker]

Does Disney not realize that whether you stay onsite or not, it takes an incredible amount of planning to have a gratifying vacation at their parks and the elimination of the 60 day FP+ reservation hinders this? More importantly, do they not realize that not all of their guest can stay onsite for one reason or another? I have a family of 6 (soon to be 8) and this rules out our staying onsite.

From what I understand, Disney is being sued by some in the Autistic community for Breach of Contract. Specifically, "through acquisition of Disney tickets, [you] entered into a contract through which Disney promised to provide a reasonable and enjoyable amusement park experience".

It would seem that this same complaint that the Autistic plaintiffs are arguing in the court could be applied in this blatant discrimination by Disney when it comes to offsite vs. onsite superiority.

Ridiculous. Frivolous lawsuits- that'll fix it.

You are not ruled out. You just don't want to or can't pay what it costs to stay on site. Not....Disneys....problem. No one is entitled to an on site resort that fits their budget nor are the entitled to equal protection under the law in regards to what perks they do or do not get.

Ridiculous. Someone wants to sue because they didn't have a good time????

 

[mefordis]

The obvious answer is just stop going. We went to Universal in August and had THE BEST time and rode everything we wanted every single day, looping rides, no need for a DAS or anything - we stayed onsite at HRH and paid roughly what we would have paid to stay at Port Orleans.

In two weeks we are heading to Disneyland and I am looking forward to Fastpasses (the old kind).

Make your opinion known by not spending money at WDW.

 

[Disney Frenhines]

With all the people never going back to WDW it means smaller lines, yay! No one is forced to go so vacation elsewhere. With regards to Universal, hotel guests get express passes as part of the package, non hotel guests are coerced into buying Express passes, isn't it $40 now, correct me if I am wrong, I know quite a few first time visitors who were suckered into buying an EP at quiet times and found they never needed them, so which is the more dishonest? Free FP+ or paying to skip ahead at non existant queues? Personally I think Disney are still in the beta phase of all this, will learn from their mistakes and things will improve, if you aren't happy then don't go, I'm happy for you to have been so many times that you dislike the changes when there are so many deserving people and their families who will never make it there, my Husband died three months before our first family trip to Disney with our 6 year old. Going to Disney in both Paris and Florida has been sanity saving for me and I will continue going because I go with the right attitude, I couldn't get all I wanted, no Be Our Guest FP for example, bad luck on me, I'll survive.

 

[jimandami]

With all the people never going back to WDW it means smaller lines, yay! No one is forced to go so vacation elsewhere. With regards to Universal, hotel guests get express passes as part of the package, non hotel guests are coerced into buying Express passes, isn't it $40 now, correct me if I am wrong, I know quite a few first time visitors who were suckered into buying an EP at quiet times and found they never needed them, so which is the more dishonest? Free FP+ or paying to skip ahead at non existant queues? Personally I think Disney are still in the beta phase of all this, will learn from their mistakes and things will improve, if you aren't happy then don't go, I'm happy for you to have been so many times that you dislike the changes when there are so many deserving people and their families who will never make it there, my Husband died three months before our first family trip to Disney with our 6 year old. Going to Disney in both Paris and Florida has been sanity saving for me and I will continue going because I go with the right attitude, I couldn't get all I wanted, no Be Our Guest FP for example, bad luck on me, I'll survive.

$40! I wish. We are paying $69 each for our EP on Nov 1.

 

[cakebaker]

$40! I wish. We are paying $69 each for our EP on Nov 1.

Is that the difference in price between their single use fotl and the deluxe, or whatever the heck they call it?

Yeah, we bought the hype and stayed at HRH for the "free" fotl pass. Never needed it, the park was deserted. Even HP areas were not crowded.

Seriously, saying I'm going to Universal because I don't like WDW anymore is like saying I'm going to eat carrots because I don't like peas. They're two entirely different vacations. I'm glad people go and enjoy it, but they aren't the same. Which is better of course, is up to individual tastes.

 

[saskdw]

Big surprise. Really. OMG I didn't see this coming at all!!!!! Its my 30 day window, I sign in for my fast pass selections at midnight eastern time, but lo and behold everything good has "ended for the day".
This includes:
1. 7DMT
2. Meet and Greet with Anna and Elsa
3. Enchanted Tales with Belle
4. Main Street Electrical Parade
5. Festival of Fantasy Parade

So basically, unless you stay onsite, you will not get fast passes to anything really good, because the onsite peeps with their 60 day window get to pick and choose first. So now, after 9 years of multiple Disney trips a year, I am left with the left overs.

Later baby. This is our last Disney trip. It was fun. Now it just sucks, and its a waste of money. Maybe we will manage to receive some leftover scraps and my daughter will be able to meet Anna and Elsa at the Christmas party or something.

Good thing we always stay onsite!!

 

[jimandami]

Is that the difference in price between their single use fotl and the deluxe, or whatever the heck they call it?

Yeah, we bought the hype and stayed at HRH for the "free" fotl pass. Never needed it, the park was deserted. Even HP areas were not crowded.

Seriously, saying I'm going to Universal because I don't like WDW anymore is like saying I'm going to eat carrots because I don't like peas. They're two entirely different vacations. I'm glad people go and enjoy it, but they aren't the same. Which is better of course, is up to individual tastes.

No, Universal charges different prices for the EP depending on the day. Our day is a Sat so it was $69 each just for the one time use EP. The only reason I bought it was that it is just DS and I and we only have 1 day and want to get as much done as possible.

 

[cakebaker]

No, Universal charges different prices for the EP depending on the day. Our day is a Sat so it was $69 each just for the one time use EP. The only reason I bought it was that it is just DS and I and we only have 1 day and want to get as much done as possible.

Thanks, what I know about Universal would fit in a thimble.

 

[wendybeth75]

Life is full of choices. Some choose to stay on property with the perks and amenities that come along with that. Some people choose to stay off property in bigger rooms, houses, or condos at a lower price than Disney. Some people choose Universal, Sea World etc, etc. I choose to stay on Disney property and that 60 day window is part of the reason why. I don't get angry because I can't go use the lazy river over at Bonnet Creek, because I made a choice not to stay there. I didn't get angry at the front of the line folks at US or IOA because I CHOSE to stay at a Disney resort. With what I pay to stay at a Disney resort I happily welcome the perks they are willing to throw my way.

 

[larryz]

I'll have to keep that in mind, we haven't tried Universal yet.

Don't make the mistake I did -- I lived in FL for 8 years and waited until the last year I was there to go.

I wish I had gone much sooner.