FP+, Magic Bands, Memory Maker - My experience in BUSY JUNE!

[DebbieB]

They worked everytime to get into the park, to get into the Fast Pass line, and the WEIRD thing that I still am confused by, when we went on rides that had photos... they automatically were added to our Memory Maker account!

There are readers that pickup your magic band either in the car or on the ride. I was surprised when I got back from my trip last November and had an e-mail saying I have pictures. I did not use photopass at all. I went on line and there were my ride photos! I guess it was a test because I did not get any in May.

 

[mlittig]

Thanks for sharing your upbeat, positive review

 

[boltfan]

Sounds like a great time! We're still trying to decide about get morning or afternoon FP's.

 

[Stinasmom]

Sounds like a great time! We're still trying to decide about get morning or afternoon FP's.

Easy - Morning...
9:00am-10:00am 7DMT
10:05am-11:05am Splash Mtn
12:10pm-1:10pm Space Mtn

Plan an ADR for lunch here but don't go to it until you hit the FP+ kiosk to book the 4th one for BTTR... 3:00pm-4:00pm

Then you can get another after riding BTTR at 3:15 or so...
Check the wait times and pick something you want to ride but don't want to wait for...
Do this again after riding that ride if you want (and into the evening...)

We did find that we could see the 3:00 parade, Wishes, the show on the castle, and the Electric Light Parade without FP+. In busy June, I was surprised.... but delighted.

At other parks we used the 4th FP+ for random things like the Character Spot at Epcot.... Might as save 25 min here and there!
Oh, and a second ride on Test Track that evening!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Sirenn]

Love this thread, Stinasmom! Awesome to read a concise review and tips regarding FastPass+.

My fella and I are hoping to visit WDW in January, and as I haven't been back in 10 years, all the changes to the FastPass system were a shock and I still haven't quite grasped all the nuances. Barring any fantastic deals, we'll also be staying off-site, so hearing that you were able to book great FP+ options 30 days out was definitely a boost.

 

[Monykalyn]

your trip sounds almost like our late June trip! After all the complaints and whines about the new FP+ and MB ours worked (mostly) great. We stayed offsite and I didn't even make FP+ ressie until <20 days before trip-and still got everything we wanted-including Anna and Elsa and 7DMT (granted-there were for later in the evening-but it still beat waiting anytime at all LOL)
MB definitely worth cost. In fact they were so convenient DH is contemplating staying onsite (we have never done this) so as to be able to charge and use DDP with them

The only Caveat with FP+-if the ride is broken down during your FP time and you haven't "checked in" yet the extra FP is credited to your MDE account. If you are already in line you are given paper FP (and the reservation disappears in your MDE). BUT the paper MDE are good for a week (single use) but the MDE ones disappear at end of day whether you've used it or not. RnR did this to us (DH and DD were already in line-other DD and I were going to meet them). We didn't get a chance to get back to the ride during (minimal) times it was up thanks to ADRs. so we hopped over there another night and lo and behold-2 of us didn't have FP! If they are giving out paper good for a week then the MDE ones should be! CM grudgingly gave us rider swap pass so we could ride but obviously still some kinks here.

Also Easy WDWtouringplans/crowd calendars are a HUGE help in planning (and FREE) and be sure to read explanations.