FP+ questions... Really lost

[mom2rtk]

Having both options would have been cool. As long as everyone had both options. Your experience at Belles would be the exemplar for how not to run the program.

Yeah. Part of the issue we had is that it was a random test and it split our group. But I still think the new system has the capability of still splitting parties like we experienced (some with APs, some with MYW tix). It was a very rare treat for us to be in the MK with friends. Then after a year of planning, that really did mess things up for one of our few days together.

Beyond that part of it, the mere presence of FP+ in that attraction messed us up further. Feeding people in through that FP+ entrance predictably slowed a VERY slow moving standby line even more. It was more important on this attraction, because I had no rememdy (I could not choose to get a regular FP myself).

 

[UNCFanatik]

I think the problem is the tickets. You will have either the paper or the RFID not both. That is what limits the FP and FP+. They could integrate everything to RFID, but that is clearly not their intent. I think the regular FP will be phased out. Practically Every ride and attraction in wdw will have the RFID scanner. Every attraction in wdw has a FP+ option on the app.

Understood. But the current FP machines accept paper tickets. I could understand if someone opted for FP+ they would lose FP capabilities but if someone didnt want to use FP+ and just the FP system in the parks.

If you foresee regular FPs being phased out in favor of FP+, do you think every guest will have access to the FP+ system or it limited to say, onsite resort guests? Do you think in the future that when an offsite guest purchases a ticket at the booth, they will be asked about FP+ reservations as well?

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Our friends had it on our last trip, but not us. Regular FP was not taken away for the test. It was a win/win. Which is why I think it was more of an operational test than an opinion test.

I'd love to try it... But we can not give up our normal FP to try it...

Here's a thought!
Maybe they are going to go to set up kiosk at the front of the parks and as non- resort guest enter they can "grab" FP that way..
This would avoid the MAD dash to the FP at rope drop..
And the the benefit of staying at a resort would be you can book 4 in advance..
But still be able to add more once you get to the park...

 

[doconeill]

Has anyone tested the fastpass+ on dis yet?
Were they able to use FP+ and the current FP?

Testers were given a separate RFID card for FP+ use. The either/or thing was only discovered when someone found the terms and conditions and read it all the way through, so this is new.

I'm on a DayQuil-fueled upswing, so some thoughts - not necessarily coherent:

- I EXTREMELY dislike the either/or and 1-park-per-day aspects as it stands now. There is no real reason they can't incorporate both, other than they don't want to spend the money now to retrofit existing FP kiosks with an RFID reader. It makes park hopping more limited in value.

- There is no technical reason for limiting it to a single park per day that I can think of.

- If I was designing it, I might say, "if you choose a FP+, you are excluded from being able to get a FP during the FP+ window." Maybe even more on either side of it (hey, you got to get your FP in advance - that convenience comes with a price.) I'd be fine with that.

- Eliminating regular FP is not a win for anyone, except for those that religiously use FP+, since more FP+ slots would likely be available.

- Personally, I'm fine with a limit of 4 (although it should vary by park and crowd) - I rarely if ever used more than that. Some of these "plus" experiences, however, shouldn't count against it. How much overhead is there to have Cinderella call my DD by name?

- Taking a FP+ option would necessitate removing a FP from the normal pool. If both systems co-exist, as FP+ gains adoption, those only using FP will see FPs disappear/return times advance faster.

- I think the fact that the FP+ button appears for EVERY attraction/experience may be a bug. DeVine? She doesn't even talk...what would be the "plus" there? A guaranteed photo op?

-They better have guest recovery if attractions turn out to be unavailable.

 

[bcrook]

Understood. But the current FP machines accept paper tickets. I could understand if someone opted for FP+ they would lose FP capabilities but if someone didnt want to use FP+ and just the FP system in the parks.

If you foresee regular FPs being phased out in favor of FP+, do you think every guest will have access to the FP+ system or it limited to say, onsite resort guests? Do you think in the future that when an offsite guest purchases a ticket at the booth, they will be asked about FP+ reservations as well?

If you only want to use FP, what is going to be available after all the FP+ book their selections weeks in advance. Or even just the night before? If they add more FP to the system then the FP line becomes basically standby.

As for the other question about availability. Nobody knows that yet. There have been no real clues. But this is where the money making aspect will come for Disney. Will it be tiered by resort level? On site versus off. What level will DVC get? Annual pass holders? Will they sell additional e ticket FP on an individual basis through the app - impulse buys? Will they have a whole array of ticket options with different numbers of FP available?

Is this the tool to sell out their resort rooms? Will this replace evening EMH completely?

 

[bcrook]

I'd love to try it... But we can not give up our normal FP to try it...

Here's a thought!
Maybe they are going to go to set up kiosk at the front of the parks and as non- resort guest enter they can "grab" FP that way..
This would avoid the MAD dash to the FP at rope drop..
And the the benefit of staying at a resort would be you can book 4 in advance..
But still be able to add more once you get to the park...

Your plan sounds delightful.

 

[WillAustin]

Just curious. What percentage of first time visitors do you think use the current FP system?

It's a small enough percentage that enables us to get several FPs in a day and ride what we want with the current system.

More people using FPs in a new system is likely a net negative for us and a lot of others. Combining that with a smaller limit on how many we can use makes it worse. If we end up facing longer lines at the less used attractions, that's worse too.

As I said, I can see how it benefits someone who might want to guarantee a ride on something when they arrive later in the day, but that's not us.

I still do have my doubts that those who can't figure out the existing FP system will have significantly more luck with the new one.

If you foresee regular FPs being phased out in favor of FP+, do you think every guest will have access to the FP+ system or it limited to say, onsite resort guests? Do you think in the future that when an offsite guest purchases a ticket at the booth, they will be asked about FP+ reservations as well?

I know you weren't asking me, but I'm guessing it's likely they'll make FP+ available to resort guests, AP holders, and DVC owners.

 

[doconeill]

If you only want to use FP, what is going to be available after all the FP+ book their selections weeks in advance. Or even just the night before? If they add more FP to the system then the FP line becomes basically standby.

Presumably a FP+ slot takes a corresponding FP slot out of the system. They may adjust the pool levels somewhat depending on the attraction, but I don't think it will change significantly.

As for the other question about availability. Nobody knows that yet. There have been no real clues. But this is where the money making aspect will come for Disney. Will it be tiered by resort level? On site versus off. What level will DVC get? Annual pass holders? Will they sell additional e ticket FP on an individual basis through the app - impulse buys? Will they have a whole array of ticket options with different numbers of FP available?

Is this the tool to sell out their resort rooms? Will this replace evening EMH completely?

If could be monetized a few different ways. The T&C mentions that MYW ticket holders can get access - does not say for free. Also, easier to spend money via other aspects of the RFID system. Easier spending == easier overspending. But I think the personalized experience aspects might be a major selling point to get more guests. Imagine the commercial when Cinderella greets a child with, "Hello again Elizabeth, it's so great to see you again...and Happy Birthday!"

 

[pigletto]

Based on the app, this looks like it is going to be live soon.

When it does go live I can even book a FP+ to see DiVine. I am not sure what that would do for me, but it is nice to see times connected to all the characters and DiVine is under Entertainment. That temptress is hard to find. Or at least was.

There's the rub for me. Our very first trip as a family we went to AK on our first day. Very early in the morning we were wandering down the path and my 4 year old yelled "the trees are looking at me!!" and we all stopped. There was Devine. Just us, and Devine. It was one of those moments of wonder that I will never forget, and we stood and watched for a good 10 minutes. To ME that was what pulled me in, the spontaneity, the "magic" if you will. That is gone when I am scheduling a time slot to see Devine months in advance.
Everyone is going to feel differently about this, but I would hate to lose that. Some will stand in line to meet Alice for an hour. We happened upon her lying on the floor of a shop in the UK pavilion muttering to herself. Those moments are hands down what we go back for again and again and I just don't want to see them phased out bit by agonizing bit while we all scramble to book every second of every day months in advance.

 

[hvanes]

Based on the app, this looks like it is going to be live soon.

I thought the same.

Dh and I have 5 kids ranging in age from 1 to 13. In the past, we've strategized so that we spend much of the morning/early afternoon together. Then I take the little ones for a rest while dh and the big kids do their big kid stuff (with FPs we gathered earlier in the day). It's been a great way to keep our "family vacation" intact while also keeping everyone happy. I'm not militant about it, and it works better at some parks than others, but we try.

I don't want to borrow trouble, but I do find myself wondering how some of the supposed changes will impact our togetherness. Say each of us gets 4 FP+... I can't expect my 13yo to "waste" them on WTP or PP, even though he doesn't mind those attractions and would use a regular FP in the past (knowing there are more to come over the course of the day for the mountains, etc). And with our kids' split ages, it means that one of us parents has to use up our limited FP+ on the Fantasyland-type rides - I'm not sending my younger ones on attractions by themselves, right?

My hope is that I am way underestimating Disney, and FP-, I mean FP+, will be mind-blowingly awesome when it debuts!

 

[bcrook]

Presumably a FP+ slot takes a corresponding FP slot out of the system. They may adjust the pool levels somewhat depending on the attraction, but I don't think it will change significantly.



If could be monetized a few different ways. The T&C mentions that MYW ticket holders can get access - does not say for free. Also, easier to spend money via other aspects of the RFID system. Easier spending == easier overspending. But I think the personalized experience aspects might be a major selling point to get more guests. Imagine the commercial when Cinderella greets a child with, "Hello again Elizabeth, it's so great to see you again...and Happy Birthday!"

Yup, that will be an effective ad campaign. But realistically, my daughter almost got that same treatment with her birthday pin on her shirt that had her name on it. Every where she went, CMs and characters were making a big deal over her birthday and calling her name. This RFID method is a slick way to do this, but the perk is not really different.

 

[jade1]

HAS TO BE THE MOST INTERESTING TOPIC EVER IMO.

A great read for the boards.

I mean attraction participation at Disney World? Conversation doesn't get any better than that. Especially with all these experts and opinions.

Oh there's new hotels, packages, tickets, hours, pool hopping, room sizes, dining-but we all really go to WDW for the attractions-and how to plan those is such a fun topic.

Here's hoping in the end its helpful for everyone at least in some way.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Your plan sounds delightful.

I think FP+ would work better as a perk for staying at the resort...
Where we price out both non- disney resort and compare them to disney resort.. We factor all the perks in... Not have to rent a car from the airport... Not needing a car to get around... Even being able to cancel the ressies with full refund up to 45 days in advance
These are all factors...

And not making it an a choice between FP and FP+

 

[jade1]

Presumably a FP+ slot takes a corresponding FP slot out of the system. They may adjust the pool levels somewhat depending on the attraction, but I don't think it will change significantly.
"

I was wondering that as well, how do slots open up last minute? Or do they mean "if" some where never taken? Or if folks are not showing up is there a way that will open more slots up?

FastPass+ reservations may be changed online up to the point when the first is redeemed or expires for the day. Unredeemed FastPass+ experiences can be changed throughout the day, so guests who want to stay flexible while in the parks can simply skip a time they chose and go online via a mobile device to make modifications to the itinerary if needed.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I was wondering that as well, how do slots open up last minute? Or do they mean "if" some where never taken? Or if folks are not showing up is there a way that will open more slots up?

FastPass+ reservations may be changed online up to the point when the first is redeemed or expires for the day. Unredeemed FastPass+ experiences can be changed throughout the day, so guests who want to stay flexible while in the parks can simply skip a time they chose and go online via a mobile device to make modifications to the itinerary if needed.

And this is just one of the $64K questions regarding this "new" way...

 

[bcrook]

HAS TO BE THE MOST INTERESTING TOPIC EVER IMO.

A great read for the boards.

I mean attraction participation at Disney World? Conversation doesn't get any better than that. Especially with all these experts and opinions.

Oh there's new hotels, packages, tickets, hours, pool hopping, room sizes, dining-but we all really go to WDW for the attractions-and how to plan those is such a fun topic.

Here's hoping in the end its helpful for everyone at least in some way.

Awesome post!

In the end, no matter what happens the minor attractions or bonus FP+ have always sounded intriguing. I like the idea of being able to book a FP for Fantasmic! (I hope Kaligal doesn't read this ), or preferred viewing for illuminations, or even maybe a visit with king Louie! I am going with a group of 12 next F&W and I will be taking care of the planning, this could be fun getting the group into a few perks like that (if the friends portion of the app was easier to use!)

The trade off for this opportunity is significant though.

 

[Robo]

And this is just one of the $64K questions regarding this "new" way...

For speculation:

I can see that letting FP+ users "swap" their pre-arranged FP "openings" for a later time that day and/or for a different attraction that day (with certain restrictions) would have about the same affect on the FP line as did allowing FP holders to use their FP's any time later on the same day that they were issued.

In other words, say that a FP+ position that was "arranged" for 11:55AM, but was not used.
So, that FP+ holder could use that FP position (via changing it on her smart phone) at, say, 5:35PM without making much of a significant ripple in the FP continuum that day.

 

[Sydnerella]

I'm sure you're happy with how it all worked out. For me, it did indeed work out to be every bit as bad as I feared. Was there some sort of satisfaction poll I missed on how happy everyone is with FP enforcement? The fact that many of us would take FP enforcement over FP+ is not an endorsement of enforcement. It's an indictment of just how much worse FP+ appears to be.

Exactly! If only we could just move beyond the old arguements... Yes, it is clear the FP+ has many unknowns but what is known to date does not appeal to me as much as the FP system - even under enforcement which sucked for us last Spring Break!

I think it very odd that at the same time the uber-scheduling micro managed FP+ inititiative is being tested they opt to roll out a spontaneous magical moments campaign which could possibly dare to interrupt your FP+ ride window - a pre-paid for privilage. Seems a conflict of strategy. Not ot mention the whole issue of who is eligible...

Would LOVE to see the grandparents in the world negotiate this new system when they take their grandkids on a disney vacation... thinking of my own relatively intelligent computer savvy inlaws and parents just trying to enjoy the parks without long waits or even having purchased/registered for FP+ and trying to use it is frightening!!

Their can be a limited rate of return on too much technology...

Sydnerella's Mama

 

[doconeill]

I was wondering that as well, how do slots open up last minute? Or do they mean "if" some where never taken? Or if folks are not showing up is there a way that will open more slots up?

FastPass+ reservations may be changed online up to the point when the first is redeemed or expires for the day. Unredeemed FastPass+ experiences can be changed throughout the day, so guests who want to stay flexible while in the parks can simply skip a time they chose and go online via a mobile device to make modifications to the itinerary if needed.

If they simply don't show up for the early slot, I don't think a slot will be returned - it would just be as if they didn't use their FP. It's still gone, and the Standby line gets a little faster.

If they change the slot early enough - before the slot comes up in the regular FP distribution - then they _could_ put the slot back in the pool.

Assuming it's one pool.

For speculation:

I can see that letting FP+ users "swap" their pre-arranged FP "openings" for a later time that day and/or for a different attraction that day (with certain restrictions) would have about the same affect on the FP line as did allowing FP holders to use their FP's any time later on the same day that they were issued.

In other words, say that a FP+ position that was "arranged" for 11:55AM, but was not used.
So, that FP+ holder could use that FP position (via changing it on her smart phone) at, say, 5:35PM without making much of a significant ripple in the FP continuum that day.

Or they could just take the new slot out of the pool, as if the guest simply pulled a new FP with the new return time and never having used the first one (since return times are enforced now).

I also get the feeling that they MUST do this before the first position comes up - otherwise it expires and they cannot then take another one later in the day on the same attraction.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Exactly! If only we could just move beyond the old arguements... Yes, it is clear the FP+ has many unknowns but what is known to date does not appeal to me as much as the FP system - even under enforcement which sucked for us last Spring Break!

I think it very odd that at the same time the uber-scheduling micro managed FP+ inititiative is being tested they opt to roll out a spontaneous magical moments campaign which could possibly dare to interrupt your FP+ ride window - a pre-paid for privilage. Seems a conflict of strategy. Not ot mention the whole issue of who is eligible...

Would LOVE to see the grandparents in the world negotiate this new system when they take their grandkids on a disney vacation... thinking of my own relatively intelligent computer savvy inlaws and parents just trying to enjoy the parks without long waits or even having purchased/registered for FP+ and trying to use it is frightening!!

Their can be a limited rate of return on too much technology...

Sydnerella's Mama

This is what my mother was thinking.....


I told her about this new system and she thinks its the worst idea...
1st disney has more children under the age of 10 pass through their gates then any other entertainment park in the world... Most of which would not understand why they have to walk by their fav. Ride, and not ride ride it..
2nd older grandparents are not going to use this or may not even know about it..
3rd.. When those before mention children have a meltdown, it does not allow any flexibility... ( maybe FP+ allows CMs to chang the times)
But how is that any better then allowing someone use a expired FP?