FP + What we know and what we want to know

[mesaboy2]

I hear ya' -- I do.

Here's my analogy -- let me try it out on you guys:

If Disney's most loyal customer is an attendee at a Star Trek convention, the über-poster on DIS is the guy dressed in costume speaking Clingon.

Whadya' think?!? LOL!

Seriously: I do think they "care" about us DVCers, APers, etc. -- makes good business sense to care. All I'm saying is that I'm staying tuned for more details, and trusting that this company that has delivered so much "magic" and plain cool stuff (in my view) will ultimately make this another magical and cool thing. Oh - and make money - 'cause that's ok, too.

At the risk of outing myself: it's Klingon with a K.

 

[mousermerf]

And many of ones on the other sites who are unhappy the exact same posters as on here.


You comment about the negative is true. When we had to leave early due to Sandy, I asked to speak to a manager. When I told her that I wanted to let her know how helpful CMs A, B and C were helping us get something done so we could leave, the manager thanked us for a positive story. She said most of the time when a manager is called it is to be complained to not to compliment about a CM.

Identifiers of the average WDW customer and essentially the bulk of their guests...

• Calls Test Track "Fast Track."
• Visits every 4 years.
• Has a party size of 3 or 4.
• Knows MK but refers to it as Disney World, knows Epcot (Epcot is the strongest park brand, whereas MK is more "known" but often confused with Disneyland. Most human beings on planet earth can be shown a picture of Spaceship Earth and respond "Epcot"), may or may not not know much of anything about Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios and confuse them with other central Florida parks.
• Visits 9 "things" while in a park for a day, this used to be 8 prior to FP.
• Arrives to the park between 11am and 1pm.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

At the risk of outing myself: it's Klingon with a K.

LOL!!!!!!!

SO sorry!!!!

I knew I should have looked it up!!!! Lol!!

 

[finedice]

I would make the argument that while the folks here do indeed represent a very small percentage of the overall customer base, there are also many, many more out there that have gotten very used to the system as it is now. This (presumably larger) portion of the customer base also feel as if they have "mastered" their approach to touring and using the system that has been in place, in order to maximize their experiences and the way they enjoy their time at WDW.

However, isn't it likely that those who are comfortable with the "as is" system and do not visit sites such as The Dis might be just as unhappy with these changes as outlined (if they come to pass according to current reasoning) once they experience them?

Furthermore, is it likely they may be caught unaware when they check-in, become enamored with the spin, and opt in without weighing the factors completely? What kind of dissatisfaction will THAT cause amongst the larger base customer population?

Just because all the base customers are not here projecting negativity about the change, it doesn't necessarily mean they will be fine with it. YES, there is indeed only a very small amount of the base here, but if things come to pass as we are guessing they will, I submit that this "insignificant" portion refered to above will be much more significant by year's end.

Of course, maybe this is good news for those with trips planned for late this year or next, as it gives Disney some time to adjust based on feedback, but for those of us with trips booked in the next 90 days, it doesn't help much. The true guinea pigs are probably the ones with much more at stake here.

 

[Camno's Mama]

I didn't read through the whole thread, so sorry if this was already asked. This FP+ thing is a confirmed change and not a rumor, right?

I'm a little nervous about trying to incorporate exact ride times into an unpredictable vacation with my kids, who are all under ten. This should be interesting...

I know a lot of first time visitors who find planning a Disney vacation to be very confusing and stressful as it is. I wonder if this kind of thing wouldn't make the whole prospect of planning completely overwhelming. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds and how well received it is.

 

[mousermerf]

I didn't read through the whole thread, so sorry if this was already asked. This FP+ thing is a confirmed change and not a rumor, right?

I'm a little nervous about trying to incorporate exact ride times into an unpredictable vacation with my kids, who are all under ten. This should be interesting...

I know a lot of first time visitors who find planning a Disney vacation to be very confusing and stressful as it is. I wonder if this kind of thing wouldn't make the whole prospect of planning completely overwhelming. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds and how well received it is.

It's not an exact ride time - no "arrive at 3:53pm" type scenario. You have 3 FP+ and each has an hour long window and they'l be grouped roughly together for a morning, afternoon, or evening.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

I didn't read through the whole thread, so sorry if this was already asked. This FP+ thing is a confirmed change and not a rumor, right?
I'm a little nervous about trying to incorporate exact ride times into an unpredictable vacation with my kids, who are all under ten. This should be interesting...

I know a lot of first time visitors who find planning a Disney vacation to be very confusing and stressful as it is. I wonder if this kind of thing wouldn't make the whole prospect of planning completely overwhelming. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds and how well received it is.

The FP+ thing is a confirmed change. All the detail concerning the change have not be released. It seems that very little details have been released except to say that it coming and sooner rather than later.

 

[finedice]

I didn't read through the whole thread, so sorry if this was already asked. This FP+ thing is a confirmed change and not a rumor, right?

I'm a little nervous about trying to incorporate exact ride times into an unpredictable vacation with my kids, who are all under ten. This should be interesting...

I know a lot of first time visitors who find planning a Disney vacation to be very confusing and stressful as it is. I wonder if this kind of thing wouldn't make the whole prospect of planning completely overwhelming. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds and how well received it is.

Yes, it is a confirmed change, although a lot of the parameters are unclear as of now.

 

[doconeill]

It it me, or is quoting of posts not working occasionally?

[Edit: Meh...too early to actually make a point about this...I think I failed miserably...]

I don't speak Klingon.

I know we've been told many times we are a "small minority". We haven't been told how small. And we haven't been told that we don't matter to them, either.

I actually had a meeting yesterday with another DISer who doesn't post much, and rarely if ever on these boards. She actually saw FP+ as a plus, mainly because it means she would be able to do TSM again, which she hasn't done in several years because it was too much of a pain. But she has a young daughter who can't do a lot of things yet anyways, so she's likely of the group that could benefit most - getting a better chance of doing a smaller number of things with less wait.

 

[doconeill]

It's not an exact ride time - no "arrive at 3:53pm" type scenario. You have 3 FP+ and each has an hour long window and they'l be grouped roughly together for a morning, afternoon, or evening.

I was under the impression that the grouping was only if you use the FastPick option. Are they really going to dictate the times when they are advertising the ability to pick them?

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I love when the DVCers, APers or locals act like Disney should only cater to them. They are a company and need to cater to all their customers, even one who have yet to visit.

We are APers and we never expect anything but what we paid for - a year of park entrances. We like the merchandise and room discounts but they are a perk and we never think we deserve more just because we have an AP.

I don't think that we "deserve" more however in a way AP Holders and DVC Members are very important to Disney's bottom line. Even if we are not in the majority, we drum up alot of business for them by telling friends/family/neighbours anyone who will listen about the parks. Good word of mouth is something that can't be "bought". I don't know of any other business that doesn't want to specifically reward return customers/guests. From hotels to coffee stores, people want strong return business.

 

[finedice]

I was under the impression that the grouping was only if you use the FastPick option. Are they really going to dictate the times when they are advertising the ability to pick them?

I don't think any of that is clear at this point. But your logic does make sense.

 

[bcrook]

Yes. And my point is that this "portion" likely represents a very small number of whatever we're calling a "base customer" -- and a really small number of their overall audience.

Hi again. I hope this doesn't sound confrontational because it really isn't designed to do that. But I started this thread so that people who use FP in a way that maximizes their ride experience can figure out the new system and plan accordingly. We aren't delinquents because we (and especially my teens) like to ride Splash Mountain 2-3 times a day. And this is a good place for like minds to get together.

We are looking at how this will affect us. As doconeill said we may represent .1% or 10% but there are lot of us out there. If you aren't interested in this problem, I don't understand why you continue to post. Not snarky at all, I just don't understand.

I am absolutely positive this new mymagic+ is going to make millions of people of happy! ABSOLUTELY positive. BUT that doesn't mean that my park experience will not be diminished.

I need the opportunity to discuss this with people. Please let me have that opportunity.

the same can be said about every decision the company has ever made. Every change will make some small part of the customer base to be unhappy. This one seems to be designed to make more people more happy than it makes less happy. That's a win.

I don't think that is actually true. When Disney cut the last hour of the Evening Extra Magic Hours from 3 to 2 hours. I can't imagine very many people were happy about that. Why would anybody be happy with that. It didn't provide a single benefit to the customer. BUT, it SEVERELY hampered the millions of customers toured. It can only be perceived as a bottom line cost cutting move.

And when Robo posted that new information, lots of people howled at the change and then others came out and started saying, I don't know why Robo is so negative about this, because it doesn't affect me - I have small children - I never used it. Or, it was better for the company because they save money - it is a business. Or, there wasn't anybody in the parks anyway so why do you care.

That logic doesn't fly for me. It DID affect us, and it was totally negative. Should it be dismissed because it didn't hurt all 17 million people.

This FP+ is the same thing. For some of us, it is crippling. And I realize a lot of other people are going to be dazzled by Scuttle calling out your name in the Little Mermaid ride, but it isn't going to do much for me. We do have a valid problem discuss.

You comment about the negative is true. When we had to leave early due to Sandy, I asked to speak to a manager. When I told her that I wanted to let her know how helpful CMs A, B and C were helping us get something done so we could leave, the manager thanked us for a positive story. She said most of the time when a manager is called it is to be complained to not to compliment about a CM.

When I am at Disney I record the names of the CMs who do a great job and then I turn them in to Guest Services. I always praise good service. I don't see why I need to praise corporate Disney for cutting my extra magic hours or limiting my fastpass usage. I am paying $500.00 in tickets per person, I have the right to decide if the current benefits is worth that money or not. A 14 day pass at Busch Gardens and Sea World is only $129.00. I need to be a good consumer and shop around.

We are APers and we never expect anything but what we paid for - a year of park entrances. We like the merchandise and room discounts but they are a perk and we never think we deserve more just because we have an AP.

I almost bought the DVC PAP in December, but I would have been purchasing it with the expectation that I would be able to ride ToT or EE multiple times in a day or at least both in one day. I could do that under the previous FP rules. That would have been an expectation. But some people are going in April who bought APs and now they may not. I am glad I waited for this discussion to buy. And now with the changes, I am passing on that.

[/QUOTE]We go with the flow and will with this new FP+. We do not value our vacation by the number of rides we got of a headliner

That is wonderful. My teenaged kids don't feel that way. And I think that is ok. Nobody is criticizing your touring practice, but I feel your comment is criticizing my kids idea of fun.

but the ability to get away from our everyday life in a magical place and that we are relaxed when we return.
And many of ones on the other sites who are unhappy the exact same posters as on here.[/QUOTE]

I get a lot out of my vacations. I am going to France for 10 days over spring break, I will spend 2 weeks circling lake huron. I find magic everywhere I travel.

 

[dadddio]

I didn't read through the whole thread, so sorry if this was already asked. This FP+ thing is a confirmed change and not a rumor, right?

I'm a little nervous about trying to incorporate exact ride times into an unpredictable vacation with my kids, who are all under ten. This should be interesting...

I know a lot of first time visitors who find planning a Disney vacation to be very confusing and stressful as it is. I wonder if this kind of thing wouldn't make the whole prospect of planning completely overwhelming. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds and how well received it is.

The fact that FP+ is coming is confirmed. Pretty much EVERYTHING else in this thread is conjecture. Don't be too stressed out by anything that hasn't been confirmed even if it is posted with absolute conviction.

Remember the basic rule of the internet. People may not be what they claim to be. A google search sometimes helps you find the truth about these individuals, of course. Just saying.

 

[Rosanne]

I don't think you can judge from DISboards that their "base customers" have been stirred up "mostly not in a good way" -- not a big enough portion of them, anyway. [/COLOR]

Actually, I think the number of people that are actually represented is much larger than it appears to be. Many of us are the anchors of much larger groups in our families or communities. For instance, I am considered the "Disney Expert" in my extended family of about 30 people and initiate many trips for these people. In addition, three of my siblings are band/choir directors who bring their groups of around 100 students to Disney. They alternate between Disney and tours abroad. I have discussed these changes with them and it most certainly may impact their future decisions. One of my siblings is bringing his group in early March. I told him I believed it would not fully be rolled out by then so his group would likely be able to "do Disney" as planned. I told him what was known at this point. I didn't try to present it as a positive or negative because I didn't want to stress him out but he saw it as a big mess for his group in the future. He said he sure hopes his travel agent can deal with all that or he won't be taking his groups in the future. My sister took her group to Disney last year but they are going somewhere else this year. I hope they have a simple way to deal with large groups because she doesn't use a travel agent. I didn't tell her about it yet because I want to see how it plays out. She doesn't have to make her touring decisions until early fall. My BIL also has one in the works for spring 2014 and I am not mentioning it to him until we see how it works with the groups.

I have mentioned it to my other two sisters who do Disney a lot with me and with their families. They are pretty distressed about it and as long as DL doesn't implement this before August they are going to join me on my DL trip to enjoy flexibility while we can. We probably pull 3 or 4 fastpasses a day but we like to make our decisions about what we're going to do that day or the night before. Our work schedules are very deadline/time oriented and we like to step away from that. I certainly don't want to make decisions 60 days out.

As with feedback to a company, those with negative things to say are more likely to post. And trust me: I know plenty of Disney loyalists who don't even set foot on DIS because of the negativity often found.

DIS is a small part of Disney's "base", and I'd guess many who like it (SO FAR) on here are keeping quiet rather than get pounced on and accused of being a Disney plant whose bonus depends on touting FP+ on here!! Lol!!

I'd say the opposite is often true. I felt pounced upon for not liking the new plan.

I am very uncomfortable with things on my wrist. I like flexibility and spur of the moment decisions that I make. I don't like someone tracking what I'm doing. That's why I gave up Facebook. It became too invasive. I live a really boring life. Nothing I do as a mom in my 40's would get me in trouble but I really prefer to feel like I am largely independent. At Disney I don't want my phone giving me great ideas and surprises based on what I've already done. I don't even want to look at my phone when I'm at Disney except to tell the time. I want to spend my time focused on my children and the environment around us.

I wasn't even going to worry about this stuff until I was closer to my June WDW dates but then I heard that they were either stopping the No Expiration tickets or at least making them more difficult to get. If they stop making them then I would have to buy them quickly, either from UT or Disney. I had intended to purchase NE tickets in April but now I feel I need to decide sooner if I do want them. I'm leaning towards not going to WDW in June after all and just focusing on the August DL trip. That said, I am really hoping that what I've heard about DLR not implementing FP+ in the near or foreseeable future is true. I'm holding off buying airline tickets until I'm pretty confident it won't be there in August.

I hope to be pleasantly surprised by FP+ but there is nothing I've heard about it thus far that makes me think I will be. Once people are actually using it and it has fully switched over we'll see what it is.

I think, however that many people on the DISboards actually represent a much larger number than themselves and their immediate families. At my workplace I'm the one people go to for information as well.

I really do hope it is better than it appears but at this time it is not appealing.



Adding that I didn't do the bolding and coloring very well. I was trying to differentiate my post with color and bold what I was responding to. I didn't mean to make the other poster's post blue.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

The fact that FP+ is coming is confirmed. Pretty much EVERYTHING else in this thread is conjecture. Don't be too stressed out by anything that hasn't been confirmed even if it is posted with absolute conviction.

Remember the basic rule of the internet. People may not be what they claim to be. A google search sometimes helps you find the truth about these individuals, of course. Just saying.

 

[bcrook]

The fact that FP+ is coming is confirmed. Pretty much EVERYTHING else in this thread is conjecture. Don't be too stressed out by anything that hasn't been confirmed even if it is posted with absolute conviction.

Remember the basic rule of the internet. People may not be what they claim to be. A google search sometimes helps you find the truth about these individuals, of course. Just saying.

You continue to say that. If Camno's momma wants to read the information on the first page, she should be encouraged. There are newspaper articles, video of newscasts, Disney's Q&A, information from Tom Staggs (chariman) and Nick Franklin V.P. of mymagic+ operations. The Terms and Conditions are there.

That is a lot of information. I don't think it is fair to tell people that we have NO information. They might want to get caught up to at least our knowledge level.

 

[bcrook]

You too are dismissing the entire first page of information? I can take from Dadddio, but not from you Disney_Princess83.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

You continue to say that. If Camno's momma wants to read the information on the first page, she should be encouraged. There are newspaper articles, video of newscasts, Disney's Q&A, information from Tom Staggs (chariman) and Nick Franklin V.P. of mymagic+ operations. The Terms and Conditions are there.

That is a lot of information. I don't think it is fair to tell people that we have NO information. They might want to get caught up to at least our knowledge level.

There isn't actually much new information about FP+. There are several people claiming "inside" information (but haven't managed to show any proof) and some off the cuff comments but not that much from Disney and certainly not the answers to the questions that people want to know.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

You too are dismissing the entire first page of information? I can take from Dadddio, but not from you Disney_Princess83.

No by was to something else entirely. I think there is ALOT that we don't know and somethings that we do know. There are currently more questions than answers.