FP + What we know and what we want to know

[g-dad66]

In the hospitality business, it is widely believed and accepted that repeat business is the most important of any kind. While 1st time visitors may be the majority (as in any restaurant or hotel), it is the repeat customers, the positive reviews they generate, AND the guests they turn on to it that fuel those 1st time visits, and in fact, represent a significant percentage of revenue that means the difference between the red and the black ink.

I agree with this, and here's an interesting blog post at wdwinfo today, which suggests that Disney IS LISTENING to us super-guests...
http://www.disunplugged.com/2013/01/17/times-are-achanging-is-disney-listening/

 

[Disney_Princess83]

You have to do what is right for you and your family. Lucky for Disney I guess, we don't like US at all. But we love Sea World and this next trip, we will actually be spending several days over there, along with Discovery Cove. We would consider spending more time outside the parks too, depending on how FP+ goes.

LOL, you really did change it!

In spite of all these discussions, I think we all know I'm coming back to see the mine coaster and Fantasyland in its finished form.

But I will add, the shape that trip takes will depend very much on how things shake out with FP+. It could be a trip where Disney captures every penny of a 10 day rip, as they did this past December. Or I could go for a short 3 or 4 day trip where they capture every penny (of a diminshed total) or I could go with the plan I outlined earlier where all Disney gets is a much diminished portion of some greater total, with US getting the lion's share.

And before any of you go crazy on me..... I know Disney won't care if I spend less. But I don't care. I can only control what I do. If I'm part of a bigger trend sending a message to Disney, great. If I'm an outlier..... then so be it. It wouldn't be the first time and it won't be the last time.

 

[bcrook]

If that's where the info came from why be so secretive about it mousermerf?



There's no way I can see to spin this as a positive change as described here. And no matter how fun the queues are no first-timer will care if Universals experience appears superior and large numbers of previous visitors go on line and scream about how lame the new system is.

I agree. AND now I am craving Butterbeer!!!

 

[g-dad66]

If they knew their park ticket ID, then they could.

Ah, OK, I didn't think of that.

Thanks.

 

[WillAustin]

And before any of you go crazy on me..... I know Disney won't care if I spend less. But I don't care. I can only control what I do. If I'm part of a bigger trend sending a message to Disney, great. If I'm an outlier..... then so be it. It wouldn't be the first time and it won't be the last time.

I guess there are only about 6 or 7 of us...

 

[mom2rtk]

You have to do what is right for you and your family. Lucky for Disney I guess, we don't like US at all. But we love Sea World and this next trip, we will actually be spending several days over there, along with Discovery Cove. We would consider spending more time outside the parks too, depending on how FP+ goes.

Sea World sounds like an awesome alternative as well. I've heard great things about their Christmas decor and should probably check that out. It's been years since we left Disney property and did the other parks. It may be time.

 

[mom2rtk]

I guess there are only about 6 or 7 of us...

I guess we can all be outliers then.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Sea World sounds like an awesome alternative as well. I've heard great things about their Christmas decor and should probably check that out. It's been years since we left Disney property and did the other parks. It may be time.

We are going to check out the Christmas things this trip. We are also spending at least 2 days there because we will be doing a number of their animal encounters. We don't do the rides at SW, we just spend our time seeing the shows and checking out the animals exhibits. We have always enjoyed our time at Sea World but this has been the first time we have extended it beyond a single day visit.

 

[DeaverTex]

Just, wow. I can't read fast enough to keep up with new posts, and I just spend the last hour trying to do so.

From what I THINK I know, after reading this thread, I'm rather worried that the new FP+ system may limit even my limited ability to ride the E-ticket rides on any given day. I'm no expert at ALL, but even as slightly heat-dazed noobs, we managed to use 3-5 FP per day, and that's skipping a fair number of rides. If...

1. FP+ is limited to no more than three/day. (no contradictory data yet), and

2. FP+ is tiered. (still not too much more than a rumor, but more than one source)

it will mean that Mrs. Tex and I will have to spend significantly more time in SB lines than we did last October (2012). Standing in lines is NOT my idea of a vacation. Either that, or enjoy fewer rides. Longer stays aren't an option since we both work, and vacation time is not easy to get.

I sincerely hope that everything shakes out so that we can continue to enjoy a choice between commando touring, and relaxed strolling. I suppose we'll all see, and at least we won't be back before late 2014 at the earliest. By then, it will be settled, one way or another.

 

[g-dad66]

According to http://www.easywdw.com/, Disney has rolled out schedule changes for March, April, and May -- far earlier than their usual practice -- and Josh makes a good argument that this is a strong indication that FP+ will indeed be rolling out quite soon.

We have a trip scheduled for March, and I feel quite sure that we will opt out of FP+ if it is offered by then but not yet required (because, as "FP super-users" I think we can do a lot better by using the old system), but I am keeping an eye on all this and will let you all know if the FP+ option becomes available to us in the next 60 days.

 

[mbrittb00]

This goes back to the basic aspect..

FP distribution ends prior to 11am. Prior to 11am less than 1/3 of the park total is in the park or admitted for the day (some have already left, but that's not really important for this). So less than 1/3 of park guests control the FP allottment for a major attraction that guest consider a make/break for their overall enjoyment of the park (let's also add that people who ride Stitch rate the entire park less favorably than those who don't.. it really should statistically be closed.)

Considering that there's more than 1/3 of the park population worth of FP's to be had for that attraction for the entire day, this means that many of that minority have more than one FP for that attraction. This plays out over and over again at various attractions in various ways. A small group controls all the FP on average.

This group is to be stopped. All these comments of "well if they didn't want.. why don't they change.."

Now they are, this is the change. I fail to see how it could be more obvious.

FP+ will be distributed more evenly to the park population as a whole.

I have to disagree with you math a little here. Both Soarin' and TSMM have hourly ride capacity of around 1500 - 1600. For a 12 hour day that gives a total of between 18000 - 19000 riders. If FPs take up roughly 80% of the ride capacity that gives between 14000-15000 total FPs. DHS easily hold 40,000 and Epcot is much larger than that, so your statement that many of the 1/3 minority has two FPs for these rides is false.

 

[doggydoc]

According to http://www.easywdw.com/, Disney has rolled out schedule changes for March, April, and May -- far earlier than their usual practice -- and Josh makes a good argument that this is a strong indication that FP+ will indeed be rolling out quite soon.

We have a trip scheduled for March, and I feel quite sure that we will opt out of FP+ if it is offered by then but not yet required (because, as "FP super-users" I think we can do a lot better by using the old system), but I am keeping an eye on all this and will let you all know if the FP+ option becomes available to us in the next 60 days.

Not that logic has been a hallmark of this process to date but wouldn't it dictate that a full announcement and roll out should come at least 60 days before implementation? That is the proposed window for prescheduling FP+'s isn't it?

 

[Disney_Princess83]

According to http://www.easywdw.com/, Disney has rolled out schedule changes for March, April, and May -- far earlier than their usual practice -- and Josh makes a good argument that this is a strong indication that FP+ will indeed be rolling out quite soon.

We have a trip scheduled for March, and I feel quite sure that we will opt out of FP+ if it is offered by then but not yet required (because, as "FP super-users" I think we can do a lot better by using the old system), but I am keeping an eye on all this and will let you all know if the FP+ option becomes available to us in the next 60 days.

We aren't going until October but depending on how the new system gets rolled out, we will more than likely opt out as well, if it means choosing between FP+ and regular FP.

 

[bcrook]

Just, wow. I can't read fast enough to keep up with new posts, and I just spend the last hour trying to do so.

From what I THINK I know, after reading this thread, I'm rather worried that the new FP+ system may limit even my limited ability to ride the E-ticket rides on any given day. I'm no expert at ALL, but even as slightly heat-dazed noobs, we managed to use 3-5 FP per day, and that's skipping a fair number of rides. If...

1. FP+ is limited to no more than three/day. (no contradictory data yet), and

2. FP+ is tiered. (still not too much more than a rumor, but more than one source)

it will mean that Mrs. Tex and I will have to spend significantly more time in SB lines than we did last October (2012). Standing in lines is NOT my idea of a vacation. Either that, or enjoy fewer rides. Longer stays aren't an option since we both work, and vacation time is not easy to get.

I sincerely hope that everything shakes out so that we can continue to enjoy a choice between commando touring, and relaxed strolling. I suppose we'll all see, and at least we won't be back before late 2014 at the earliest. By then, it will be settled, one way or another.

That only applies to e-ticket rides most likely. Because I think V.P. Nick Franklin was pretty clear there would be other "surprise and delight" FP offers sent to you throughout the day. It is conceivable that if patrons punt the e-ticket rides, they could have remarkably cool vacation.

Think about it. You plan a FP+ for 7:00 pm for Splash Mountain. The rest of the day you pick up a FP+ for Peter Pan and Jungle Cruise. Then you get a bonus one conveniently in a lull in your schedule for Buzz Ranger Spin when you are over there enjoying the Carrousel of Progress and the People Mover. At another time, you are waiting in line for Haunted Mansion, you are sent a FP offer for Little Mermaid.

If you give up Space Mountain in the scenario, skip Big Thunder, and settle for one ride on Splash. You have already had a pretty good day (and 5 FP). Then fill in the gaps with a Train Ride, A Riverboat Ride, and don't forget to catch that Laugh Floor Inc show. Have coffee at Starbucks, eat lunch at Be Our Guest, and sneak upstairs for dinner at the Columbia Harbor House.

If you still have the energy and the time, stop in to see Abe, climb through the Treehouse. AND finally right before close go ride Pirates of the Caribbean a few times.

Schedule another day, and you can use that FP for Big Thunder Mountain this time, watch a parade, explore Tom Sawyer's Island and cruise the Its A Small World and experience their new interactive boat ride. Book a time to hear Belle's Enchanted Tales and sit back and wait for those Bonus Fastpass offers to come back.

There is still plenty to do......just give up the e-ticket rides...

 

[doggydoc]

There is still plenty to do......just give up the e-ticket rides...

But I'm not gonna pay their exorbitant prices for 1/2 the experience and I doubt many would.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

But the "free offers" would only work if you're already in that section of the park. If I'm in Adventureland and get a "free FP" for Space Mountain, I doubt I'm going to trek all the way over to Tomorrowland, regardless of the ride.

To me, Disney is hoping to achieve a few things, one of which to get people in the parks for longer. If someone were to tour the way you described, you would need at least 2-3 days + at MK to be able to schedule all these rides. Many people don't spend that long at the parks (we do but others don't)

They are also hoping that with people having to book everything, they are discouraging people from leaving WDW and certainly for a last minute trip to US or Sea World. From a business perspective, it might work but it doesn't seem user friendly. It's certainly something that don't work for us personally.

That only applies to e-ticket rides most likely. Because I think V.P. Nick Franklin was pretty clear there would be other "surprise and delight" FP offers sent to you throughout the day. It is conceivable that if patrons punt the e-ticket rides, they could have remarkably cool vacation.

Think about it. You plan a FP+ for 7:00 pm for Splash Mountain. The rest of the day you pick up a FP+ for Peter Pan and Jungle Cruise. Then you get a bonus one conveniently in a lull in your schedule for Buzz Ranger Spin when you are over there enjoying the Carrousel of Progress and the People Mover. At another time, you are waiting in line for Haunted Mansion, you are sent a FP offer for Little Mermaid.

If you give up Space Mountain in the scenario, skip Big Thunder, and settle for Splash. You have already had a pretty good day (and 5 FP). Then fill in the gaps with a Train Ride, A Riverboat Ride, and don't forget to catch that Laugh Floor Inc show. Have coffee at Starbucks, eat lunch at Be Our Guest, and sneak upstairs for dinner at the Columbia Harbor House.

If you still have the energy and the time, stop in to see Abe, climb through the Treehouse. AND finally right before close go ride Pirates of the Caribbean a few times.

Schedule another day, and you can use that FP for Big Thunder Mountain this time, watch a parade, explore Tom Sawyer's Island and cruise the Its A Small World and experience their new interactive boat ride. Book a time to hear Belle's Enchanted Tales and sit back and wait for those Bonus Fastpass offers to come back.

There is still plenty to do......just give up the e-ticket rides...

 

[bcrook]

But I'm not gonna pay their exorbitant prices for 1/2 the experience and I doubt many would.

I know...me neither. But this seems to be the company line. "There is a great big beautiful tomorrow"

 

[bcrook]

But the "free offers" would only work if you're already in that section of the park. If I'm in Adventureland and get a "free FP" for Space Mountain, I doubt I'm going to trek all the way over to Tomorrowland, regardless of the ride.

To me, Disney is hoping to achieve a few things, one of which to get people in the parks for longer. If someone were to tour the way you described, you would need at least 2-3 days + at MK to be able to schedule all these rides. Many people don't spend that long at the parks (we do but others don't)

They are also hoping that with people having to book everything, they are discouraging people from leaving WDW and certainly for a last minute trip to US or Sea World. From a business perspective, it might work but it doesn't seem user friendly. It's certainly something that don't work for us personally.

good summary!

 

[redrosesix]

I agree. AND now I am craving Butterbeer!!!

mmmm....butterbeer

next year...next year...

I may be in the minority here, but as a hopper I can see the new system working for me if I can still use regular fastpasses too. I'm fine to tour my first park of the day without help from Disney -- we get there early-ish and we know where we're going and what order will get us on the rides we want to do (which is most everything). But in the 2nd park we need some help. By the time we hop to a different park, often the fp's for major rides like Soarin or TSMM are gone. For all the 1-park-per-day people, this may provide some real incentive to add the hopper to their tix.

Having said that, if I'm only going to be able to do each ride once, I might do a 1 day hopper and see all the parks at wdw. And spend the rest of my trip at the other parks -- I think we rode the Seuss train 5 times when we went to IoA and I could easily do another 5. We saw the dolphin show 3 times in 1 day in SW and I'm looking forward to seeing it again. In fact I think we'll do Discovery Cove too.

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but the new bracelet system could also easily be used to revert to the old one ticket per ride policy. You'd have to purchase more tickets and add them to your bracelet to do more rides. I don't think Disney is stupid enough to try this though.

 

[finedice]

That only applies to e-ticket rides most likely. Because I think V.P. Nick Franklin was pretty clear there would be other "surprise and delight" FP offers sent to you throughout the day. It is conceivable that if patrons punt the e-ticket rides, they could have remarkably cool vacation.

Think about it. You plan a FP+ for 7:00 pm for Splash Mountain. The rest of the day you pick up a FP+ for Peter Pan and Jungle Cruise. Then you get a bonus one conveniently in a lull in your schedule for Buzz Ranger Spin when you are over there enjoying the Carrousel of Progress and the People Mover. At another time, you are waiting in line for Haunted Mansion, you are sent a FP offer for Little Mermaid.

If you give up Space Mountain in the scenario, skip Big Thunder, and settle for one ride on Splash. You have already had a pretty good day (and 5 FP). Then fill in the gaps with a Train Ride, A Riverboat Ride, and don't forget to catch that Laugh Floor Inc show. Have coffee at Starbucks, eat lunch at Be Our Guest, and sneak upstairs for dinner at the Columbia Harbor House.

If you still have the energy and the time, stop in to see Abe, climb through the Treehouse. AND finally right before close go ride Pirates of the Caribbean a few times.

Schedule another day, and you can use that FP for Big Thunder Mountain this time, watch a parade, explore Tom Sawyer's Island and cruise the Its A Small World and experience their new interactive boat ride. Book a time to hear Belle's Enchanted Tales and sit back and wait for those Bonus Fastpass offers to come back.

There is still plenty to do......just give up the e-ticket rides...

YES! of course! And to add to the convenience - we did notice that you had spent almost a full hour in line to introduce your little angel to Ariel, and that immediately afterward, you bought a Little Mermaid snow globe for her bedroom - which is in fact, why we originally offered you the FP for her new ride (which conveniently exits into a gift shop just chock full of merchandise just perfect for you!).