FP+ Royally sucks

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

For those who asked how the FP+ experience is supposed to work, here are a few screen shots

Pick your Party

Pick your date and Theme Park

In this case I am choosing Epcot so the system asks me to choose a Tier 1 attraction, in this case I chose Soarin:

System then gives you the selection you chose and 2 that is suggests for you

You accept whatever they gave you and it says you're all set. Then you begin the process of modifying the selections:

After this you go back in and modify each selection one at a time till you find what suits your itinerary.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I had the opposite experience. All my Disney friends kept saying, "I can't believe you haven't been to BoG yet!" So we made a reservations for our most recent trip (and even kept it for 5:00pm even though my extended family had a 7:45pm reservation at San Angel. So yeah, we ate two dinners....)
Anyway, we LOVED it. I didn't want to leave. We were in the West Wing with the thunder and such. I really liked it, and I've only seen BatB once, 20 years ago. My wife had to explain the plot to me because I had so many questions. Anyway, its a must do for us now, which is nice because my wife is nearly a vegetarian and finds most late-night MK food inedible.



I think you're on to something! I call for ending FP entirely. No FP+, no legacy. Instead, those who stay at Deluxe hotels near MK get express passes for MK rides. Those who stay at Boardwalk resorts get Express passes for Epcot and HS. Those who stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge get Express passes for AK.

Not staying in a Deluxe resort? Its okay...you can buy a limited Express pass for anywhere from 50-$100 depending on day and availability.

Personally, based on my touring style, I don't see a problem with this. Does anyone else?



We hear you're upset and I'm not trying to pile on. This question is more directed toward everyone who has posted a similar sentiment in the past 6 months: Does it really take hours every day for 3 months to plan your Disney vacation?
I recently planned two days at WDW, 4 night DCL cruise, and 3 days at WDW for June 13-21. This included 9 people total, 7 of whom had never been on a Disney Cruise before; 2 people in their 70s, and 3 kids under the age of 10. Between my sister and I, it took maybe a couple of non-consecutive days to pull it all together. The following was planned:
1. A total of 3 resort stays using cash and points, separately.
2. Disney cruise for 9 with adjoining rooms, same dining, etc...
3. FP+ for 7-9 (depending on thrill) for Space, Thunder, 7DMT; Test track, Mission Space. FP+ for 2 for TSMM, GMR, Tower (which I did not and will not ever go on 7DMT, Pan, Pooh; Maelstrom, Soarin' and Spaceship Earth.
4. ADRs for 2 at: BoG, Beaches and Cream, Sanaa; ADRs for 7 at San Angel; ADR for 6 at Via Napoli (one week in advance...local friends joined us.)

Those are just the things we had to plan in advance. Doesn't count the general touring plan or account for inevitable afternoon storms and child meltdowns.

Again, we're all sorry that you and others experience difficulty, what's happening that it is taking so long to plan for some and so little time for others?


I don't know the numbers, but using anecdotal evidence: On my last trip, every time we were early for a FP time, we'd stand by the "gate" for a few minutes. Every 30 seconds, someone would approach the CM and ask "Where do I buy a FP for this ride?" or say "Hi, I'd like a FP for this ride." And the CM would calmly (and for the 20th time that hour) explain the FP system to the guest and directly them to standby.

Anyway, this happened at an alarming rate. Like literally every 30 seconds. I was ready to smack these people after the 5th time...I can't imagine how the CM kept their professionalism. I think regardless, a decent number of guests just aren't going to plan. They are the same guests that never knew there were FPs you could pull. Disney know their numbers, and we've all heard the rumors, but there is a large contingent that doesn't know about or use FPs and never has.

Glad you like BOG we went twice and it was OK but no need to go back.

Do you count all the hours you are here posting as "planning'? If I didn't check regularly on the Dis I would be way out of the loop.

Did you have the pleasure of the look on peoples faces when they found out they had to wait in line to avoid waiting in line? The poor CM's were a little flustered having to explain that. Not everyone comes to the Dis to complain, because if they did they would know how the FP+ worked in the first place.

And please tell me you were not standing in front of the FP+ line. The CM's need to do a better job of keeping it clear. At least half the time I had to step around the "gate lice" or people not understanding they can't get in line because their FP+ is at 1:30 at it is only 1PM.

That's fine then DONT GO. I guess its not simpler than that. I personally like FP+ with the ability to lock in 3 rides no matter what and can always get more or wing-it the rest of the time.

If we followed your advice we wouldn't have smart phones, email would only be for business, facebook would be a scrapbook, and personal vehicles would only exist for the military.

Technology advances society in a variety of ways and Disney is going through growing pains right now.

To say though Disney doesn't care about your "age group" potentially is false when pretty much anyone in a civilized nation that has disposable income uses a cell phone, or tablet, or computer.

In my whole extended family we have 1 person who doesn't use a computer and my Grandma and shes 81. Even she knows about the computer but she just has no need to use one as she doesn't travel and if she wants to see pictures she lives next to two of my Aunts who can bring them up and show them. She even admits if she was younger she would love to learn a computer but she doesn't see a point at this point in her life.

Sorry, but if I don't like everything about Disney I shouldn't go? I don't like FP+ I will be splitting and shorting my vacations but cut it out completely won't happen. Discouraging people from going to WDW just seems wrong to me. Plus, if their attendance goes down, where is the capitol coming from to update and maintaine the park.

I missed the flexibilty of picking waterpark day or park day. Or walking out of BC and deciding walking to the boat I'd rather do Epcot. Hard to be "go with the flow".

I love technological advancements, but you could conduct a conversation face to face prior to smartphones. But I do see your point, I would much rather stay in contact with my smart phone than watch the smiles on my children's faces when they walk through the parks!

I wish more people would put down the phones, if I wasn't paying attention there would have been many more collisions. It is a crowded place at times and not watching where you are going it isn't safe. In fact, I spent more time watching where other people were going then ever.

Of course. But the ADRs act as a constraint on when we can schedule fastpasses. Some people are asserting that you just have to be flexible on fastpass times, but the ADR system acts as a constraint in that flexibility.

We went with the paper fastpass system and that worked very well for us. I haven't gone with the new system yet, but I definitely understand the OPers frustration with the difficulties in planning with it. And the advice of some to just go with the flow or be more flexible doesn't necessarily work well with the constraints of ADRs and young children and adding the technical glitches has got to be very frustrating. Disney is setting people up to plan, plan, plan, but their technology isn't supporting that properly yet.

I know what you are talking about. We cancelled a majority of our lunch ADR's because it felt like too much was scheduled. When we used FP+ it felt like hurry up and then wait.

Considering that plan of attack, thanks. My only question is does that knock out any chances of a 4th FP for anything. I'm not even talking headliners, I mean your middle wàit time rides (I anticipate being asked to ride Buzz.....A LOT)

Buzz was always available when we went for the 4th one. I love Buzz! If you do a google search there is a website with hints on the attraction.

If a person is on their computer at 1:00 a.m. exactly 60 days out, they should be able to get exactly what they want. The only reason for not being able to do so would be if there are also 20,000 other people doing the exact same thing at the exact same time. And if that is indeed the case, then this entire system needs to be re-thought. For months we were told that the "beauty" of FP+ was to eliminate the need for Rope Drop and commando planning. But if we now have a virtual Rope Drop at 1:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m., and 20,000 people are in the queue to "get in" instead of 1,500, then we have lept out of the frying pan and squarely into the fire.

Yes, this. And now we have FP+ running out BEFORE the park even opens.

 

[Beer Me]

You don't know how true this is ringing. Was so frustrated after last night, this morning, that I grabbed a co-worker and went for a "Friday Special" lunch. Lo and behold I come back, try to change my times again and a reasonable time opened up for 1:25 It is now showing available most of the day. I could even snag a SDMT at a decent time if I was so inclined.

So there is your solution to FP problems, alcohol.

Thank Mickey my kid isn't into Frozen or I'd be losing it more, lol. A&E filled up the whole week already.

This system needs major work, first and foremost the FP window should not be opened till 7am when tech support is available.

Buzz, buddy, this is what I was trying to tell you.
Glad your ordeal is over and I'm sincerely sorry about the grief it caused.

 

[Crl1817]

You don't know how true this is ringing. Was so frustrated after last night, this morning, that I grabbed a co-worker and went for a "Friday Special" lunch. Lo and behold I come back, try to change my times again and a reasonable time opened up for 1:25 It is now showing available most of the day. I could even snag a SDMT at a decent time if I was so inclined.

So there is your solution to FP problems, alcohol.

Thank Mickey my kid isn't into Frozen or I'd be losing it more, lol. A&E filled up the whole week already.

This system needs major work, first and foremost the FP window should not be opened till 7am when tech support is available.

Now I know what to do if I can't get A & E. Drink!

Glad you are getting what you want even if it has been a frustrating experience. Maybe the good news is that the frustration is so far ahead of your vacation, you will have forgotten it by the time you get there?

And thank you for the screen shots posted in this thread. That's very helpful!

 

[johde]

I will agree, how thing are supposed to work and how they actually work are 2 different thing. From reading these boards, it seems like there is a direct correlation between the size of the party and the troubles with MDE. To the OP, one thing you could try is first, use the website instead of the App, it seems to have fewer problems. Second, Try changing the AP+ time for just 1 member of your party instead of everyone, then try copying that schedule to the rest of the group. For example if you have 8 people in your party there may not be a single time that can accommodate 8. But, there may be 4 spots at 10:00 and 4 spots at 10:10. Making a reservation for 8 wouldn't pick those up, but when copying an itinerary the system seems to look for an exact match first but will then look for an overlapping time.

 

[surferdave]

Very strange. I'm going to be in WDW around the same time you are and am not seeing these issues.

Unfortunately it's not that strange. I've paid close attention to these threads for about eight months now and it is very common for two people to see very different results when trying to accomplish very similar tasks on this system.

 

[Luckybee]

I guess I'm not exactly sure what the point of this thread is now.

Buzz wanted FPs for his trip which appears to be in late August.

Those FPs are available for the attractions he mentioned and for the time of day he was looking at:






Buzz, I'd suggest going on MDE right now to get those you were looking for.

Herein lies the problem....how many times did Buzz have to check and recheck and check again until he was able to get what he wanted. Not because they were already taken but because imho Disney does little when they say they will , and their tech is even worse.
If im trying to book airline tickets using points I know to the millisecond when those tickets will come into the system and I can be one of the first to be looking for the coveted bus/first tickets to Hawaii or not...my choice. Same thing when Im trying to get into a popular hotel on points, or booking my Marriott timeshares if I want a holiday week. The same thing goes for popular concerts, shows etc. That's why you'll see a ticket release date.
Disney seems to do things more on a "should" be avail basis. You don't know when the Wishes dessert party will be in the system, fp's in general, fp's for the parades, fireworks etc. and this is without considering all the glitches they seem to have.
I get that Disney thinks they're different, to some extent they are in that they do have somewhat of a captive audience. But I keep seeing alienated customers and sooner or later it doesn't matter who you are, if you continuously alienate your loyal customers (and many on these boards would be part of that loyal base) it will eventually catch up with you no matter who you are.

Buzz shouldn't have to keep going back to MDE, that puts Buzz at a disadvantage if Buzz like many others has a busy career and cant compete with someone who can keep the website open and check every 10 minutes. Buzz should be able to go on the site at the time D states that all fp's will be available and therefore have the same opportunity as everyone else to book his fp's.

 

[Suvadoo]

And please tell me you were not standing in front of the FP+ line. The CM's need to do a better job of keeping it clear. At least half the time I had to step around the "gate lice" or people not understanding they can't get in line because their FP+ is at 1:30 at it is only 1PM.

Gate Lice?? I love that term I've never heard it

 

[FINFAN]

For those who asked how the FP+ experience is supposed to work, here are a few screen shots

Pick your Party

Pick your date and Theme Park

In this case I am choosing Epcot so the system asks me to choose a Tier 1 attraction, in this case I chose Soarin:

System then gives you the selection you chose and 2 that is suggests for you

You accept whatever they gave you and it says you're all set. Then you begin the process of modifying the selections:

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And glad your mess is cleared up. yep liquor...business is good when people are up and when people are down. I'm in the wrong business lol.

Herein lies the problem....how many times did Buzz have to check and recheck and check again until he was able to get what he wanted. Not because they were already taken but because imho Disney does little when they say they will , and their tech is even worse.
If im trying to book airline tickets using points I know to the millisecond when those tickets will come into the system and I can be one of the first to be looking for the coveted bus/first tickets to Hawaii or not...my choice. Same thing when Im trying to get into a popular hotel on points, or booking my Marriott timeshares if I want a holiday week. The same thing goes for popular concerts, shows etc. That's why you'll see a ticket release date.
Disney seems to do things more on a "should" be avail basis. You don't know when the Wishes dessert party will be in the system, fp's in general, fp's for the parades, fireworks etc. and this is without considering all the glitches they seem to have.
I get that Disney thinks they're different, to some extent they are in that they do have somewhat of a captive audience. But I keep seeing alienated customers and sooner or later it doesn't matter who you are, if you continuously alienate your loyal customers (and many on these boards would be part of that loyal base) it will eventually catch up with you no matter who you are.

Buzz shouldn't have to keep going back to MDE, that puts Buzz at a disadvantage if Buzz like many others has a busy career and cant compete with someone who can keep the website open and check every 10 minutes. Buzz should be able to go on the site at the time D states that all fp's will be available and therefore have the same opportunity as everyone else to book his fp's.

I agree, and have decided that I need to view a trip to WDW like a home or auto project..plan to double the time needed and triple the cost, and then accept the outcome that isn't exactly like the plan said because you are too tired, inconvenienced and broke to care anymore

 

[Madame]

Written from your laptop or iPad?? Sorry, not meant to pick on you, but I see similar sentiments posted elsewhere on this thread and also on Facebook, emails, etc...

What is your point exactly? It was written on my ipad. If your point is that I should only be making reservations on my laptop-I do. If your point is that it is ironic that I am criticizing technology while using it, then yes but unless I'd like to hang out on the phone paying international rates for the umpteenth time, then I'd rather try to use the system put in place by Disney. When you call did you know that they often say 'you can do this on-line.' Further if your point is that I am expressing a point contrary to your own, then I am sincerely not surprised.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

You don't know how true this is ringing. Was so frustrated after last night, this morning, that I grabbed a co-worker and went for a "Friday Special" lunch. Lo and behold I come back, try to change my times again and a reasonable time opened up for 1:25 It is now showing available most of the day. I could even snag a SDMT at a decent time if I was so inclined.

So there is your solution to FP problems, alcohol.

Thank Mickey my kid isn't into Frozen or I'd be losing it more, lol. A&E filled up the whole week already.

This system needs major work, first and foremost the FP window should not be opened till 7am when tech support is available.

Yea! I'm so glad it worked.

If your son likes Buzz, the Kiosks, for now, are located right outside Buzz.

He'll have a great trip and you'll have some wonderful memories.

 

[MichiganDVC]

Written from your laptop or iPad?? Sorry, not meant to pick on you, but I see similar sentiments posted elsewhere on this thread and also on Facebook, emails, etc... What is your point exactly? It was written on my ipad. If your point is that I should only be making reservations on my laptop-I do. If your point is that it is ironic that I am criticizing technology while using it, then yes but unless I'd like to hang out on the phone paying international rates for the umpteenth time, then I'd rather try to use the system put in place by Disney. When you call did you know that they often say 'you can do this on-line.' Further if your point is that I am expressing a point contrary to your own, then I am sincerely not surprised.

You may have over-analyzed my comment just a bit.

 

[Jennasis]

I still think it is completely ridiculous (though I suspect I know WHY they do it) that Disney makes you go through the process of them forcing their own selections upon you before allowing you the joy of now going back through and modifying one by one. A complete time suck, and totally unnecessary...BUT, I think it's because they're hoping enough people who aren't "in-the-know" will simply accept what Disney spoon feeds them FP+ wise as being what is available...this way they can attempt to control guest flow.

I get it. I don't like it. At all.

 

[funshipm174]

Went to book FR+ for Saturday, August 23rd.

No Problem Getting Peter Pan or Splash or SM for A.M., But went to try and book Mine Coatser only 5 PM or later available, so that means I can't book a FP until at least after 5 pm.

If that is correct, I really think that stinks.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I still think it is completely ridiculous (though I suspect I know WHY they do it) that Disney makes you go through the process of them forcing their own selections upon you before allowing you the joy of now going back through and modifying one by one. A complete time suck, and totally unnecessary...BUT, I think it's because they're hoping enough people who aren't "in-the-know" will simply accept what Disney spoon feeds them FP+ wise as being what is available...this way they can attempt to control guest flow.

I get it. I don't like it. At all.

At least they changed the Change screens so you can change the experience and the time at the same time. When you could only do one at a time...that was crazy-making! But yeah, they are definitely trying to funnel people to certain things and I guess that's in their best interests.

 

[igk]

I just spent the last hour poking throught the website selecting FP+ for the week we are there in Aug. It was an hour I didn't use to have to spend. Trying now to decide which park to be in on what day, then select the FP+ attractions, then pick which of the choices looks closest to what I actually want, then go back and edit all the times. No doubt I'll spend more hours changing things as it gets closer.
All that money and effort spent on this new system, and the old paper FPs worked fine.
The only thing that is a benefit is the day we get there we'll go to Epcot in the evening as I have an ADR there, so I booked some FP+ for before dinner. That's it. Everything else unnecessary hassle.
</rant>

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

I....just....can't. Just nuked my Epcot Day selections because I am back and forth if we are gonna use them at AK instead as we're splitting this day and wanted to see what was available at AK. Even though nothing is showing on that day anymore, the system is telling me that everyone in my party has reached their maximum selection with on 3 days booked on a 4 day hopper.

I can't even be mad anymore, just gonna walk away at this point and try again later.

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

I have also used FP+ without issue, and never felt like I was attached to my phone. I don't think you can view FP+ as a license to make your plans exactly as you want them. We don't count on eating at Be Our Guest before we have an ADR -- and then feel like our vacation is ruined if it's not available (at least I hope that's the case for most people). Just like when you're booking ADRs, you have to take remember that there are thousands of other people also making plans for the same day... so you have to allow some flexibility if you want that Fastpass. Otherwise, you can wait in the standby line if you wish, as NikkiBell said.

100% this

 

[darkwing818]

Clearly we are in the minority, we have not made any advanced FP ride selections. Since we never which park we want to visit until we arrive (heck some days we skip the parks altogether). What we do in advance is to book our dining reservations (seem to always know when we want to eat), which has worked with no problems.
When we were down at WDW a couple of weeks ago we hit HS & rode Toy Story & Star Tours, both had 40 minute waits posted & both took less than 20 minutes of wait time. We used the FP kiosk to book a fast pass for Rockin' Roller Coaster later in the day. We went to EPCOT on another day with out any Fast Passes & don't think we waited any longer than 20 minutes or so. We didn't do Soarin' or Mission Space, but did hit test track as a single.
No visits to the MK or AK this trip.

So for us the good news is we got to ride the rides we wanted & didn't have to deal with trying to book FP+ in advance.

 

[Suvadoo]

Clearly we are in the minority, we have not made any advanced FP ride selections. Since we never which park we want to visit until we arrive (heck some days we skip the parks altogether). What we do in advance is to book our dining reservations (seem to always know when we want to eat), which has worked with no problems.
When we were down at WDW a couple of weeks ago we hit HS & rode Toy Story & Star Tours, both had 40 minute waits posted & both took less than 20 minutes of wait time. We used the FP kiosk to book a fast pass for Rockin' Roller Coaster later in the day. We went to EPCOT on another day with out any Fast Passes & don't think we waited any longer than 20 minutes or so. We didn't do Soarin' or Mission Space, but did hit test track as a single.
No visits to the MK or AK this trip.

So for us the good news is we got to ride the rides we wanted & didn't have to deal with trying to book FP+ in advance.

Based on what you did on your last trip, you really didn't use FP+ for Epcot, AK or MK. So the only place you used the new system was HS and you only used a FP for RNR. Is this right?