FP + What we know and what we want to know

[clareita]

To put it Robo's way, several years ago, the company put in a fix to how the lines worked. That fix was FP. Unfortunately, FP didn't apparently assist the bulk of guests in a way that the company envisioned, so they are putting in a fix to that fix. The new fix is called FP+.

If people can't figure out how to use the current FP system (stick admission card into FP machine, get FP, get another FP after the time printed on FP) I fail to see how they are going to master a system that requires them to figure out what rides they want to be on 60 days before they get to Florida.

 

[cmwade77]

Not according to this!

We already know for a fact that FP+ is available for all guests with a two day or longer ticket. Annual Passholders included. It will be you choice if you want to switch to a paperless ticket, but if you do you will no longer be able to use regular FP. Just read the TOS on the new Disney site and the press releases.

Now, it is possible that there will be different tiers based on where you are staying, but it is meant to be available to all.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Because you quoted me directly, I will respond.

I think there is nothing wrong with people now or in the past taking advantage of the FP system to the fullest extent that Disney allows with a few exceptions:

1. I think it is wrong to pull FPs for the expressed purpose of spreading some "pixie dust" to others. Disney doesnt need a secondary distribution system of FPs and it stops certain people from pulling an FP on their own.
2. The FPs say on the back that they are non-transferable and not for sale. When people give away FPs as "pixie dust", they are violating that rule. Funny how people dont think that the should follow that rule but say they always follow Disney rules. Irony is lost on them.
3. I think it is one thing to do research and "put in the work" to maximize FPs and your touring but it is quite another to push the established rules to see what you can get away with and then exploit in the future as illustrated in this post in this thread:



And I stand by what I said. I think people think they are entitled to tour the way they have in the past with no waits longer than 20 minutes. One poster even said, they think the money they pay for admission entitles them.

I understand this thought process and Disney frankly helped create the monster they now seem to be complaining about now and trying to fix.

1. I have never done this and have only been handed FPs from a stranger once in 7 trips.
2. The only one I have given my FPs to is my son but I am not going to get into a debate again about how that is a huge sin in Disney's eyes.
3. Unless Disney stated that I could only get 1 FP per or that I could only get 1 every 3 hours then no one "abused" the system. I will say that maybe it didn't turn out the way Disney wanted but those 2 things could have been easily fixed without placing a hard limit on the FPs.

And in closing, I don't feel like I am entitled to only wait in a 15 minute line anymore that anyone else. Everyone one that decides to go to MK on the day I do can be standing right beside me at that RD. But I do believe that if I get there at RD that I should have chance to ride more with a short wait than someone that walks through the gates at 1:00 or 2:00. Just the same as I believe that when I pull into that parking lot, it is okay that I get the front row parking because I got there before you. When we get a late start and don't make RD, I don't get annoyed at those in front of me because I didn't get to do as much as them, I am annoyed at myself for not doing what I needed to do to be one of them. I see that as my fault, not someone else taking advantage of me. And you must admit the ones that do RD and use the FP the way we do are being told in a round about way that we are taking advantage of those that don't want to do the same. Everyone knows you need to be somewhere when it opens to have the best selection and to think there are first times out there that have NO IDEA they needed to be there early or at RD to ride the most rides doesn't make any sense. Some just don't want to do and that is their choice.

Now the idea that Disney wants to offer something to that set of guest to make them feel better, I can understand. But I don't believe it is right. Just like I don't believe it is right for me to call a store and ask them to hold an item that is on a special sale, like a black friday sale, until I want to get there. The one that beats me to the store deserves the item. That person is entitled to get that sale item. They didn't do anything wrong or should feel bad about beating me. It is what it is...they got there before me.

 

[js]

eMail-

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com



Snail Mail-

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

Thanks so much!
js aka Uber User

Would you be willing to share what you write? And, the response you get?

Thanks.

Absolutely. It is about the group I'm head of in March.
I'm also DVC and will go back in August but the March trip is where I have questions. I'll post when hopefully I get an answer.

 

[dadddio]

You can lead a horse to water....

Basic concepts of how FP works has been ignored by thousands of park guests a day even though it's printed on every park map and explained on every resort TV. I've yet to see how FP+ is going to make that group any more likely to use it.

I don't think that they have to use it to get benefit from it's implementation. If guests are limited to one FP for the ride, then the SB line will move somewhat quicker regardless of whether all of the FP assignments are taken or not. My belief is based solely on my own behavior.

Under the current system, I will ride my favorite rides as many times as I can if the line is short or I can get FPs. If I have to wait in a long SB line, however, I will ride exactly once. Awssuming that I am 'normal', that means that if people are limited to one FP on a ride, then people will tend to not ride the ride multiple times, allowing the SB line to flow better.

 

[mom2rtk]

We already know for a fact that FP+ is available for all guests with a two day or longer ticket. Annual Passholders included. It will be you choice if you want to switch to a paperless ticket, but if you do you will no longer be able to use regular FP. Just read the TOS on the new Disney site and the press releases.

Now, it is possible that there will be different tiers based on where you are staying, but it is meant to be available to all.

I must have missed that. Is it really only just for 2 days and up? So someone coming in on a one day ticket has NO FP?

We're heading for the beach this summer after our son graduates. I have been back and forth on stopping for one day at Disney. If that's the case, I could stop debating it.

3 of us X a one day ticket = $270. One night in a Disney resort for EMH access + $115 to $250. One overpriced character meal = $165. Quick run to DTD = at least $100.

Driving right on by Disney:

But I suppose that just might have to be what happens.

 

[g-dad66]

You can lead a horse to water....

Basic concepts of how FP works has been ignored by thousands of park guests a day even though it's printed on every park map and explained on every resort TV. I've yet to see how FP+ is going to make that group any more likely to use it.

If people can't figure out how to use the current FP system (stick admission card into FP machine, get FP, get another FP after the time printed on FP) I fail to see how they are going to master a system that requires them to figure out what rides they want to be on 60 days before they get to Florida.

I had been thinking along these same lines too, but as someone (bcrook?) pointed out a few pages back, there will be something called FastPicks -- 3 FP+ suggestions that Disney will make for you.

If someone doesn't even need to opt out of these "automatic" Fast Picks, they may just take advantage of them (of course, they will all probably be something like the Carousel of Progress at 9:30 am...which shouldn't impact the rest of us too much. ).

 

[dadddio]

... But I do believe that if I get there at RD that I should have chance to ride more with a short wait than someone that walks through the gates at 1:00 or 2:00.

Regardless of the changes, you will be able to ride more rides with shorter lines than Mr Sleepyhead because the parks are less busy in the morning. Beyond that, this change is merely going to disassociate getting to RD with obtaining FPs.

Incidently, this is the part where they tie guest satisfaction to increased profits, in my opinion. Otherwise, they would be doing everything in their power to force these people out of their beds and into the parks so they could get on with the spending of the day.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

I don't think that they have to use it to get benefit from it's implementation. If guests are limited to one FP for the ride, then the SB line will move somewhat quicker regardless of whether all of the FP assignments are taken or not. My belief is based solely on my own behavior.

Under the current system, I will ride my favorite rides as many times as I can if the line is short or I can get FPs. If I have to wait in a long SB line, however, I will ride exactly once. Awssuming that I am 'normal', that means that if people are limited to one FP on a ride, then people will tend to not ride the ride multiple times, allowing the SB line to flow better.

Again, if that is what is trying to be fixed, then they could have made it where you could only pull one FP for that one ride under the current system. It could have also been done without putting a hard limit on the number we can get per day. Since we don't know all the details, we can only go with what we have been told so far. 3 FPs per day.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Well, I can tell you that the Middle-earth dwarfs, who hate to be left out every time someone counts dwarfs, were decidedly MOST UNHAPPY when that dragon was sighted over Fantasyland, and even though there was only that one appearance it was enough for them to burrow their way all the way to Universal...

Sorry. I hadn't considered them...

Now there is a lot of hope that Disney will reconsider.

Reconsider how? Source? I must have missed it somewhere in these 177 pages!

We have to call them "uber-users"! Everytime someone says "uber-user" or "entitled" in this thread, we have to take a sip of a DoleWhip (any drink will do if you have to improvise)

I'm in! Can we also drink every time someone is accused of being a Disney plant or having their bonus depend on FP+ succeeding?!

 

[Robo]

Again, if that is what is trying to be fixed, then they could have made it where you could only pull one FP for that one ride under the current system. It could have also been done without putting a hard limit on the number we can get per day. Since we don't know all the details, we can only go with what we have been told so far. 3 FPs per day.

The problem seems to be that we have been being force-fed by some of the great humanitarians on these threads that "X" was the "problem" that Disney was trying to fix.

Obviously, "X" could have been fixed... at any time over the past decade... much more simply and with so much less disruption and what's been announced with FP+ (etc.) so far.

I'm thinking (as I always have) that "X" may likely be NOT really the problem,
but that it has only been someone's (or more) axe to grind.

 

[dmiller64152]

I'm again going to be just as selfish as everyone else here seems to be. I'm a planner but not an early riser, particularly not on a very rare vacation. I'd much prefer to have to plan sixty days in advance than be up at the crack of dawn. Regardless whether I get into the park at 8 AM or 1 PM, my ticket costs the same and I would like to fully participate in the Disney experience. With a young child and a handicapped senior, I'm not going to be running around all day riding rides numerous times, or getting Fastpasses. We just can't move that fast. I would like to ride Soarin', once, and TSMM, once, but don't want to spend hours waiting in line when I would rather be eating or shopping. So for what I anticipate to be MY touring style (and probably a lot of other people for whom Disney is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation), I like what I'm hearing and this could enhance the experience for me. I'm guessing that the folks who spend all day riding probably end up spending less money in the park, so I can certainly see how Disney wants to enhance the value for those who ARE there to spend money. And the idea that people won't know how to use it ... I can only speak for myself, but I've subscribed to this thread so I'll know what to expect in June.

 

[cmwade77]

I must have missed that. Is it really only just for 2 days and up? So someone coming in on a one day ticket has NO FP?

We're heading for the beach this summer after our son graduates. I have been back and forth on stopping for one day at Disney. If that's the case, I could stop debating it.

3 of us X a one day ticket = $270. One night in a Disney resort for EMH access + $115 to $250. One overpriced character meal = $165. Quick run to DTD = at least $100.

Driving right on by Disney:

But I suppose that just might have to be what happens.

Those on a one day ticket will have the option to purchase a wristband.

Those with multiday tickets in any form will be given wristbands at no cost.

Wristbands are what determines if you can use FP+ or not.

 

[mesaboy2]

Those on a one day ticket will have the option to purchase a wristband.

Those with multiday tickets in any form will be given wristbands at no cost.

Wristbands are what determines if you can use FP+ or not.

I thought RFID determines FP+ or not. RFID will be offered on all ticket media and on optional wristbands. Did I misunderstand something?

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

The problem seems to be that we have been being force-fed by some of the great humanitarians on these threads that "X" was the "problem" that Disney was trying to fix.

Obviously, "X" could have been fixed... at any time over the past decade... much more simply and with so much less disruption and what's been announced with FP+ (etc.) so far.

I'm thinking (as I always have) that "X" may likely really NOT the problem,
but that it has only been someone's (or more) axe to grind.

Not sure I understand. Are you saying they spent $1B because someone/people had an axe to grind, or that maybe "fixing" a "problem" was not the motive for FP+?

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar... maybe they want to improve the park experience for MOST guests (thus resulting in increased profits)... (remembering here that this initiative involves more than FP+).

 

[Superspectral]

It is interesting that on this forum and in the press, the Disney FP+/Magicband/MyMagic+ system has gotten very little (frankly no) comparison to the Lo-Q Q-Bot ride reservation system which has been employed at many parks world wide even though the Q-Bot would seemingly be a closer comparison. Perhaps this is because we are all mostly in the Disney bubble (I confess I had not heard of Q-Bot until Recently). Apparently Q-Bot is used in certain Six Flags, Dollywood, and has been tested by Universal in Orlando recently. Q-Bot is a hand held wireless device with a small LCD screen and a few buttons. You select which attractions you want on the device, and are given a wait time for each. Q-Bot is usually sold as a plus up to guests in 3 modes (at different plus pricing vs. traditional waiting in line) a) no priority, you just don't have to wait in line; b) cut wait time by 50%, c) cut wait time by 95%. There are obvious differences between Q-Bot and a magicband - a magic band should be a lot cheaper (you forfeit a $300 deposit if you lose a Q-Bot); Disney hasn't said how much (if anythiny) it will cost to replace a lost magicband. MagicBands have no dislpay, you have to use your smartphone or a kiosk. Has anyone had any experience with Q-Bot?

 

[cmwade77]

Incidentally, based on the TOS of the website Andover announcements, there is no reason to suspect that traditional FP will no longer be available. Just that you will need to choose between the FP+ or the traditional FP system.

 

[katdralion]

We already know for a fact that FP+ is available for all guests with a two day or longer ticket. Annual Passholders included. It will be you choice if you want to switch to a paperless ticket, but if you do you will no longer be able to use regular FP. Just read the TOS on the new Disney site and the press releases.

Now, it is possible that there will be different tiers based on where you are staying, but it is meant to be available to all.

I know basic (3) FP+ will be available to all guests with a ticket, I was talking specifically about DVC not being included in any xtra FP+ offered as an incentive to guest at a deluxe resort.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

Regardless of the changes, you will be able to ride more rides with shorter lines than Mr Sleepyhead because the parks are less busy in the morning. Beyond that, this change is merely going to disassociate getting to RD with obtaining FPs.

Incidently, this is the part where they tie guest satisfaction to increased profits, in my opinion. Otherwise, they would be doing everything in their power to force these people out of their beds and into the parks so they could get on with the spending of the day.

That is going to happen when the only FP time they can get for their favorite headlines is 9:45 to 10:45 in the morning. As you can tell, my family are RDers and I would pick my FP times for late afternoon when the park is full. And since I am in the "know" and will pick my FP time as soon as I can, I will have first pick. Those that aren't will get the leftovers times. There can only be so many late afternoon/early evening places. I believe this will cause the park to become crowded much earlier in the day.

The way I see this also is that it is not going to make me spend more time in the park but less. Once I have used up my FPs and the wait times for most rides are an hour or more, we will be leaving the park. But that will make it better for those late comers because my family will be getting out of the way. But we will have to consider if the cost of the ticket will continue to be worth it if we are unable to do as much. It keeps being stated that I can still do anything I want but if I can only ride 2 rides in the same amount of time that I use to do 3 or 4 then I didn't get the same vaule for my ticket as I did in the past. So will Disney not do a price increase on tickets this year for all us "super-users" lost vaule on our tickets? I'm sure not.

But trust me! I understand that this will be better for more people. But I also say that all those people had the same choice as me when it came to their day in the park. If my family can do it, so can yours!!

 

[bcrook]

It is interesting that on this forum and in the press, the Disney FP+/Magicband/MyMagic+ system has gotten very little (frankly no) comparison to the Lo-Q Q-Bot ride reservation system which has been employed ast many parks world wide even though the Q-Bot would seemingly be a closer comparison. Perhaps this is because we are all mostly in the Disney bubble (I confess I had not heard of Q-Bot until Recently). Apparently Q-Bot is used in certain Six Flags, Dollywood, and has been tested by Universal in Orlando recently. Q-Bot is a hand held wireless device with a small LCD screen and a few buttons. You select which attractions you want on the device, and are given a wait time for each. Q-Bot is usually sold as a plus up to guests in 3 modes (at different plus pricing vs. traditional waiting in line) a) no priority, you just don't have to wait in line; b) cut wait time by 50%, c) cut wait time by 95%. There are obvious differences between Q-Bot and a magicband - a magic band should be a lot cheaper (you forfeit a $300 deposit if you lose a Q-Bot); Disney hasn't said how much (if anythiny) it will cost to replace a lost magicband. MagicBands have no dislpay, you have to use your smartphone or a kiosk. Has anyone had any experience with Q-Bot?

Now that is a new line of questioning! I had looked into Luna park and great wolf lodge but never went any further. Thanks for the lead.