FP + What we know and what we want to know

[doconeill]

Should this question go on page one?

Yes!

 

[bcrook]

Disney doesn't hate you. Only Mousemerf does.

Disney loves you. And your money. And they would REALLY appreciate if you would buy a smart phone and come to their parks. Cause they want to shower you with $1 billion worth of new toys.

That billion dollars will buy information, data, and a 37 million people audience for advertising. That infinity game is also fascinating news. It adds more to the understanding of why.

I think you only need to check post #1 for this. Bcrook is doing a nice job of keeping it updated. (Thanks, bcrook)

You are welcome!

FWIW, I don't think you have too much to worry about in regards to changing your plans. Roll out begins in Spring, I've even heard seen rumors of April written but all the info is jumbled in my head so where I read it is uncertain. Unless you are staying at one of the early adopting resorts, your plans should stay in tack! I hope you have a great trip!

I am trying to keep the most current ideas on the first page. It looks like it will be live as soon as they can get the kinks out of the webpage and apps!

I'm sorry if this has been asked, but my brain has started to get all mushy reading about this.

We were thinking about renting points through David to stay at Bay Lake Tower. Would this effect our FP+ or is it too early for an answer?

All information says DVC reservations will have full access.

Here's what I've been speculating about today. Clearly I'm not the only one.

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671648/disney-s-mega-video-game-to-end-all-disney-video-games#1


"And if you believe in conspiracy theories, consider the grander possibilities. Disney just announced that they’re spending $1 billion to bring RFID into their parks. Does that mean a child could bring their collection of Infinity toys to be scanned at various checkpoints in Disney World to unlock even more content in their game? Could an Infinity player experience totally unique aspects to Disney World? Technically speaking, yes, that sort of groundbreaking cross-pollination is absolutely possible. To infinity and beyond, indeed."

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonev...ew-with-john-pleasants-of-disney-interactive/

JE: There’s a huge opportunity for Disney to seed this initiative across their cruises, global theme parks, Radio Disney, ABC…It would be neat to visit Epcot, for example, and pick up a version of Captain Jack Sparrow unique to that location, especially if he unlocked very unique content. Is that something you’re entertaining?

JP: Yes. One thing that gives us a tremendous amount of flexibility is the power discs. Those change environments, capabilities, characters. [Disney Infinity] is intended to be a platform that can leverage that synergy. I want to be honest here: We haven’t done anything yet. Once it gets out there and it’s an awesome experience on all platforms, gets good adoption across all the channels…we’ll leverage that. We’ve got a trick up our sleeve with regards to the parks, but I’m not allowed to talk about that just yet…

That is enlightening. It's definitely going on page one! One of the missing links.

Lots and lots of ways. They are hoping MagicBands will be souvenirs for people. Additionally, contrary to what you hear on this thread, they primarily built this new system to get people OUT of lines and into shops and restaurants and since families won't have to pull out cash and credit cards but will instead scan a Mickey bracelet for purchases they will be able to enjoy Disney without the constant reminder that the magic comes at a price and Disney is banking that that will make them spend 10-15% more.

In addition to that they are applying the RFID technology to a new video game system that they hope will make them $500 million in 2014. That's just the tip of the iceberg.

There is no plan to nickel and dime people by making them pay for additional FP's. Nor are they planning on tiers for resort guests with FPs. That is just a fear on here. They have OTHER more enjoyable ways to get a bigger chunk of your money. By relaxing you. And making you so happy you forget how hard it is to earn it and happily hand it over for another $9.00 Grand marnier Smoothie.

That my friend is a guarantee!

 

[jade1]

Are you actually prepared to spend $90 just for a morning at USO/SW?

Have done many times. We prefer IOA and did WWOHP last spring one AM. Had all of IOA done by early afternoon easy. You have to do Potter first thing-ride was over an hr wait right after we got off. But then Dragons was not much wait all day, Hulk wasnt bad either, Spidy took a while app 35 min mid AM. Its a great park, but like AK-can burn through it fairly quick.

 

[bcrook]

All caught up. Front page updated. Today's highlights for me:

1. Mousermerf's comment about the executive meeting.
2. The appearance of the mysterious Tink10.
3. Information about Infinity Game.
4. And I think this FP+ system is starting to come into focus.

 

[Tink10]

All caught up. Front page updated. Today's highlights for me:

1. Mousermerf's comment about the executive meeting.
2. The appearance of the mysterious Tink10.
3. Information about Infinity Game.
4. And I think this FP+ system is starting to come into focus.

LOL,,,I've been called a lot of things, but mysterious is rarely mentioned

 

[BeccaG]

I am trying to keep the most current ideas on the first page. It looks like it will be live as soon as they can get the kinks out of the webpage and apps!

Yes, I know and I for one appreciate it, as I am sure many are!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

.
4. And I think this FP+ system is starting to come into focus.

You must mean based on some insider info you have -- nothing from this thread is focusing anything, because there is no new official info to focus in on!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I know exactly how this is going down. You will too soon. It is a brilliant strategy, and I hate it! I don't think there is any chance of this ending up like "new coke".

Do tell... ...

And FWIW -- I don't anticipate this going the way of New Coke at all -- sounds far-reaching, multi-purpose and fully customizable. Why would anyone forecast it going away given what we know today? Wishing away any change that doesn't benefit you personally, I understand. But that's not a prediction or forecast - that's a wish.

 

[monorailrabbit]

Sorry about that.

It really was a mess though. And the part I didn't get was that they should have KNOWN it would be a mess and prepared for it. The mess about not prompting to enter a CC number, then after people had spent hours trying to get through, putting the word out that they had to call back or lose that ADR..... it was just crazy.

I know this is something different entirely. But I have no faith in Disney to be able to anticipate the level of demand as this rolls out and have systems in place to deal with it adequately.

I am glad it sounds like they will roll it out by resort. That at least is a start.

But believe it or not, this is important to people. People are not all happy just to be going to Disney. They actually CARE about getting to do the attractions they choose once they finally enter the parks.

I worry about them not being prepared for this as well ESPECIALLY since it is online. I was involved in that limited edition Fantasyland Pin mess online and the website got so overloaded it crashed, orders that people thought had gone through didn't actually get processed and people weren't notified until after the pin was gone... in short BIG mess! I hope when Disney rolls this out it is done in a way that the system can handle it. I think Disney should be ready for an OUTRAGEOUS amount of people, and make sure it will run smoothly.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

I don't feel it will go the way the "new coke"

B/c I do think will like being able to picks their rides from their phones..
And chose what times.. And for those that didn't know about FP, FP + will be wonderful!

And should any problems that disney doesn't except arises, disney can always change the policy...


That being said..

Can anyone tell me why they pick to limit it to only 3.. Why not 4?

 

[bcrook]

Do tell... ...

And FWIW -- I don't anticipate this going the way of New Coke at all -- sounds far-reaching, multi-purpose and fully customizable. Why would anyone forecast it going away given what we know today? Wishing away any change that doesn't benefit you personally, I understand. But that's not a prediction or forecast - that's a wish.

How do you see this working out? You haven't really explained (and you have criticized many other scenarios). I have decisions to make in the near future, provide a new line of thinking for me please. I can only see one.

 

[monorailrabbit]

I keep reading the band will link the photo service. Is this referring to PhotoPass? Nothing with that is changing, is it? Besides having someone scan your wrist vs. a card?

 

[Sammie]

I think the thing everyone has to remember and I tried for years to get across and finally gave up because like mousemerf, people do not want to hear what they don't want to and I got tired of trying to convince them that yes Disney does care.

Is this, Disney has a plan for how "everything" should be run and used. If that plan be it, dining reservations for Cinderella Castle, Dining Plan, or Fastpass is not used correctly by the number they determine needs to use it properly, then change will come.

They are not quick to change things, and that for some reason seems to make people think they have no problem with it.

Change is slow for two reasons, One they are willing to allow a set number of for lack of a better word, abusers, but when that number begins to rise beyond what they are comfortable with, they start forming a plan to change it and stop the abuse. Change takes time at Disney because they do nothing in a small way and change must be such that it eliminates the problem.

They fixed dining reservations, they fixed dining plan, and now they will fix Fastpass.

If you don't like it, ask yourself a hard question, did you contribute to the change.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

I worry about them not being prepared for this as well ESPECIALLY since it is online. I was involved in that limited edition Fantasyland Pin mess online and the website got so overloaded it crashed, orders that people thought had gone through didn't actually get processed and people weren't notified until after the pin was gone... in short BIG mess! I hope when Disney rolls this out it is done in a way that the system can handle it. I think Disney should be ready for an OUTRAGEOUS amount of people, and make sure it will run smoothly.

I hate to tell you, but disney has had this problem long before the pins..
BOG ADRs..

Before that it was the designer dolls from the disney store..
And before that limited edition dolls...

Each time the promised to fix it.. And still they have not..

I don't hold out much hope they have fix it now...

 

[bcrook]

I don't feel it will go the way the "new coke"

B/c I do think will like being able to picks their rides from their phones..
And chose what times.. And for those that didn't know about FP, FP + will be wonderful!

And should any problems that disney doesn't except arises, disney can always change the policy...


That being said..

Can anyone tell me why they pick to limit it to only 3.. Why not 4?

If the goal of Disney is to limit the e-ticket rides to one FP per person day, that means 1 e-ticket, one meet and greet, and one fireworks, and several "surprise and delights". Most people don't need more FP+ than that if the e-ticket rides are limited to 1.

A better question is why only 1 e-ticket ride. Even the ticket books of the 1970's had many more e-tickets than that. A standard package had 3 e-tickets, 2 D, 1 C, 1 B, 1 A. Check them out here!

 

[bcrook]

I think the thing everyone has to remember and I tried for years to get across and finally gave up because like mousemerf, people do not want to hear what they don't want to and I got tired of trying to convince them that yes Disney does care.

Is this, Disney has a plan for how "everything" should be run and used. If that plan be it, dining reservations for Cinderella Castle, Dining Plan, or Fastpass is not used correctly by the number they determine needs to use it properly, then change will come.

They are not quick to change things, and that for some reason seems to make people think they have no problem with it.

Change is slow for two reasons, One they are willing to allow a set number of for lack of a better word, abusers, but when that number begins to rise beyond what they are comfortable with, they start forming a plan to change it and stop the abuse. Change takes time at Disney because they do nothing in a small way and change must be such that it eliminates the problem.

They fixed dining reservations, they fixed dining plan, and now they will fix Fastpass.

If you don't like it, ask yourself a hard question, did you contribute to the change.

Hi Sammie,

I really don't believe this at all. I don't think this has anything to do with correcting a faulty system, I really think this is more about totally recreating the entire experience. This is so much bigger than FP at this point. This is about re-directing resources, crowds, and integrating a totally interactive experience. Disney is trying to make the Park itself an e-ticket ride. This includes interactive queues, fancier meet and greets, interactive games, and personalized experiences. Disney has to get people out of the lines so they will stop complaining about the lines. So the customers will stop asking for more e-ticket rides. Get them out of the lines, get them spread out, make things happier and entertaining. Disney is de-emphasizing the thrill ride and replaces it with something that could be more memorable.

The key to all of this is getting people out of the lines. And that is why the FP+ will be limited for the e-ticket rides. And as doconeill says, it will also encourage people to visit more days, because there will be MUCH more to do. The New York Times articles says this entire process is designed to get the most out of Disney's existing infrastructure. And this quote really gives us a peak inside the corporate thinking:

"Disney World guests currently plod through entrance turnstiles, redeeming paper tickets, and then decide what to ride; food and merchandise are bought with cash or credit cards. (Disney hotel key cards can also be used to charge items.) People race to FastPass kiosks, which dispense a limited number of free line-skipping tickets. But gridlock quickly sets in and most people wait. And wait."

 

[mbrittb00]

It's not a legal FP once it's given to the child. You seem to be ignoring that.

And yes, they really have sat around and thought of ways to stop people from giving away their FP. It's called a band you wear on your arm.

Because we all know that spreading cheer, joy and happiness is something we defiantly can't have at WDW.

You can't seriously believe that the Disney Execs have wasted thousands (maybe millions or billions) of dollars trying to figure out a way to keep my wife from giving my son her FP to X. I would submit that the cost of the solution is more than the cost of giving the FPs away.

 

[mbrittb00]

If the goal of Disney is to limit the e-ticket rides to one FP per person day, that means 1 e-ticket, one meet and greet, and one fireworks, and several "surprise and delights". Most people don't need more FP+ than that if the e-ticket rides are limited to 1.

A better question is why only 1 e-ticket ride. Even the ticket books of the 1970's had many more e-tickets than that. A standard package had 3 e-tickets, 2 D, 1 C, 1 B, 1 A. Check them out here!

We are kinda talking about apples and oranges here. The ticket books were limits on how many time you could experience a certain level of attraction. You needed an E ticket to simply get in line for Space Mountain (for instance). FP is a completely different beast. If FP+ truly limits you to one E-ticket (and all the testing seems to point in that direction), then you get that one "front of the line" access, but can still experience all the others.

I'm trying to keep an open mind here, but I truly don't see how FP+ is going to be anything but a negative for us. We are RDers, and through the course of the morning (to about 2pm) we pull and use FPs for all the headliners. If we are going to be limited to 1 FP+ for a headliner (i.e. E-ticket) attraction then we will have to spend a lot more time standing in line for the others. That is one negative on the enjoyment meter. Then that gets followed up by the second wammy. It appears that they are going to utilize the 1st hour of the day for FP+ as well, which will force / cause more people in to the parks at or near rope drop, thus lessening / limiting the amount of stuff we can get done in the first 2 hours after park opening, when the number of people in the parks is very low.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

You must mean based on some insider info you have -- nothing from this thread is focusing anything, because there is no new official info to focus in on!

Exactly! until actual information from Disney comes out, we actually know almost nothing about how this will work. Anyone can come onto the message board and claim they know "insider" information especially when nothing they've "known" has been proven to be fact.

 

[Sammie]

Hi Sammie,

I really don't believe this at all. I don't think this has anything to do with correcting a faulty system, I really think this is more about totally recreating the entire experience. This is so much bigger than FP at this point. This is about re-directing resources, crowds, and integrating a totally interactive experience. Disney is trying to make the Park itself an e-ticket ride. This includes interactive queues, fancier meet and greets, interactive games, and personalized experiences. Disney has to get people out of the lines so they will stop complaining about the lines. So the customers will stop asking for more e-ticket rides. Get them out of the lines, get them spread out, make things happier and entertaining. Disney is de-emphasizing the thrill ride and replaces it with something that could be more memorable.

The key to all of this is getting people out of the lines. And that is why the FP+ will be limited for the e-ticket rides. And as doconeill says, it will also encourage people to visit more days, because there will be MUCH more to do. The New York Times articles says this entire process is designed to get the most out of Disney's existing infrastructure. And this quote really gives us a peak inside the corporate thinking:

"Disney World guests currently plod through entrance turnstiles, redeeming paper tickets, and then decide what to ride; food and merchandise are bought with cash or credit cards. (Disney hotel key cards can also be used to charge items.) People race to FastPass kiosks, which dispense a limited number of free line-skipping tickets. But gridlock quickly sets in and most people wait. And wait."

Of course all of what you say is included but I still believe that complaints about the current Fastpass system started the ball rolling.