FP + What we know and what we want to know

[LaniesMom]

I am 36, and one of the few people left on the planet without a smart phone, (but I do have an iPad).
Just booked a first week of May trip on site, 5 nights with Hoppers.

This is all so confusing to me but my main thought is: what used to be a nicely paced vacation with a few scheduled ADR's and basic touring plan in May will turn into an over-scheduled, overly pre-planned down to the minute "vacation" and that no time in the parks will ever be "low crowds" any more.

 

[Squidgyness]

I am 36, and one of the few people left on the planet without a smart phone, (but I do have an iPad).
Just booked a first week of May trip on site, 5 nights with Hoppers.

This is all so confusing to me but my main thought is: what used to be a nicely paced vacation with a few scheduled ADR's and basic touring plan in May will turn into an over-scheduled, overly pre-planned down to the minute "vacation" and that no time in the parks will ever be "low crowds" any more.

Certainly not for headliners.

In effect the major change will be instead of getting FP's throughout the day, people will get 3 before the day and most of the rest on that morning from what I can see. Could be interesting. I hope they are preparing for the inevitable rushes to the headliners once this goes live.

 

[starsweeper]

I am 36, and one of the few people left on the planet without a smart phone, (but I do have an iPad).
Just booked a first week of May trip on site, 5 nights with Hoppers.

This is all so confusing to me but my main thought is: what used to be a nicely paced vacation with a few scheduled ADR's and basic touring plan in May will turn into an over-scheduled, overly pre-planned down to the minute "vacation" and that no time in the parks will ever be "low crowds" any more.

Hey, I'm 37 and got a smart phone last year so don't feel badly about that.

I know what you mean though. We have young kids and let them dictate the schedule, but that will be difficult to do if you have to pre-arrange popular rides weeks in advance and schedule 1-2 meals a day. The ability to simply take it slow and smell the roses seems almost impossible in this scenario. Also, we always hop from DHS, Epcot, and AK after half a day to MK, so having no ability to FP anything at MK would be quite a slap in the face to some families with young kids.

 

[Waddler]

I am 36, and one of the few people left on the planet without a smart phone, (but I do have an iPad).

You're not alone! I'm 30, and I don't have a smart phone yet either. Neither do most of my friends. It's not that we're not tech savvy... most of us are engineers, teachers, or SAHMs, all college-educated. It's just not worth the $$$ to us. We're 10 feet from a real computer practically ALL DAY.

When the costs come down and the benefits go up, then I'll buy in. I'm not there yet.

If I have to deal with FP+ on my upcoming April trip, I'll dust off my iPod touch. We're taking our ~1 year old and staying at BLT, so I suppose I'll just make MK reservations for every afternoon and do my best to keep him meltdown-free during the trip. Meh.

 

[SaraJayne]

I am 36, and one of the few people left on the planet without a smart phone, (but I do have an iPad).
Just booked a first week of May trip on site, 5 nights with Hoppers.

This is all so confusing to me but my main thought is: what used to be a nicely paced vacation with a few scheduled ADR's and basic touring plan in May will turn into an over-scheduled, overly pre-planned down to the minute "vacation" and that no time in the parks will ever be "low crowds" any more.

I'm 38 and just got a smartphone a few months ago.

 

[angelmichelle]

Is it stranger that I'm 19 and don't have a smartphone?

 

[gwmort]

This is all so confusing to me but my main thought is: what used to be a nicely paced vacation with a few scheduled ADR's and basic touring plan in May will turn into an over-scheduled, overly pre-planned down to the minute "vacation" and that no time in the parks will ever be "low crowds" any more.

I disagree this will interfere with nicely paced basic touring.

Right now, if you want to ride TSMM you need to know it at least the day before so you can get a good night's sleep and arrive well before rope drop in case there is an early opening and then sprint across the park to pick up some fp's, and pray you make it in time for one that is convenient to when you actually wanted to ride it and not in conflict with your lunch ADR etc...

With the new system you'll know when you are going to ride it (in a reasonable window), can sleep in a little if you like, not need to rush back and forth over the park to grab slips of paper, etc... Seems more relaxed and peaceful to me.

You won't need to plan "to the minute", but I would guess most people have a general window of when they want to be in an area (ie before lunch, after lunch, etc...).

 

[LaniesMom]

You're not alone! I'm 30, and I don't have a smart phone yet either. Neither do most of my friends. It's not that we're not tech savvy... most of us are engineers, teachers, or SAHMs, all college-educated. It's just not worth the $$$ to us. We're 10 feet from a real computer practically ALL DAY.

When the costs come down and the benefits go up, then I'll buy in. I'm not there yet.

If I have to deal with FP+ on my upcoming April trip, I'll dust off my iPod touch. We're taking our ~1 year old and staying at BLT, so I suppose I'll just make MK reservations for every afternoon and do my best to keep him meltdown-free during the trip. Meh.

This is why we don't plan everything weeks in advance for our trips except for a few ADR's. I already feel like I am a slave to ADR's and now feel like FP+ will make me more of a slave, but now with both ADR's *and* rides.

Maybe it's wishful thinking that I won't need FP+ if we continue to go in early May and the week prior to Thanksgiving...

 

[bigAWL]

I just posted this on the other thread about paper tickets. Then I read this thread and thought it might be added to your list...unless it's already been answered???

I've got non-expiring tickets with water park fun and more. I'll use the last three park days in March, but I'll still have about 8 water park days left after that. If they transfer that ticket to a wrist band, I wonder what happens with the next ticket I buy? Will the wrist band hold multiple tickets so I don't lose my non-expiring water park days?

I think I found my answer in the Disney Park Experience Terms and Conditions

CONVERTING TO PAPERLESS TICKETS

• Once available, you may convert certain paper tickets or passes to a paperless ticket or pass in the Site/App. Once converted, your ticket or pass park admission entitlements are stored in your account and fulfilled by an RF Device. The paper ticket or pass becomes void and is no longer valid for admission. However, you may want to keep your paper ticket or pass in the event you do not receive your RF Device before your visit or if you are a passholder you should keep your paper pass for validation of other passholder benefits.
• You are required to convert paper tickets and passes in order to make and use FastPass+ selections. Once you convert a ticket or pass you will no longer be able to participate in the standard FASTPASS service upon arrival at the parks.
  [*]You may convert up to five valid unexpired paper tickets or passes for yourself and for your Friends.
• Partially used tickets or passes must be matched to the same person who originally used the ticket or pass. Tickets and passes are non-transferrable and must be used by the same person on all days.

 

[mousermerf]

FAQ's - reposting, i know, but it answers questions over here too

MyMagic+ explained

Making How Guests Experience Disney Parks Even Better: MyMagic+ Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is taking another step forward to evolve how guests experience Disney Parks and is using technology to make it easier than ever before for guests to make the most of their Walt Disney World visit. Many of these efforts fall under the umbrella of MyMagic+, which has the ability to connect nearly all aspects of the guest experience and make it better for everyone, at no additional charge.

" A new website and mobile app called My Disney Experience provides a one-*-stop shop for all things Walt Disney World throughout every phase of a guests vacation. It will enable guests to:
" Get more information on all Walt Disney World Resort has to offer, from resort hotels and attractions to dining and merchandise. " Design the overall experience they want, planning as much or as little as they wish. " Make dining and other reservations and FastPass+ selections. " Connect with family and friends to coordinate plans and share photos.

" Disney FastPass+ service.
Guests will be able to select FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences through My Disney Experience before they leave home and make changes on the go.
" For the first time, guests will be able to reserve firework and parade viewing areas, shows, Disney Character Greetings and more, in addition to their favorite attractions.
" For guests who dont know where to start, Disney will recommend FastPicks  a set of three FastPass+ selections that serve as a starting point  and give guests the option to customize their selections.
" Disney FastPass+ service is included with Theme Park admission.

" MagicBand.
Worn on the wrist, the colorful MagicBand is an all-*-in-*-one device that effortlessly connects all the vacation choices guests make online with My Disney Experience.
" Guests can use their MagicBand to enter their Disney Resort hotel room, buy food and merchandise, and enter Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks. Plus, the MagicBand provides FastPass+ access to all the experiences selected and serves as the connection to Disneys PhotoPass .
" The MagicBand is initially available to select Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests and guests who purchase other specific products. Other guests will be able to use their standard ticket to access the benefits of MyMagic+, such as making FastPass+ selections on My Disney Experience.


MyMagic+ FAQ

1. What does 'MyMagic+' provide?
- 'MyMagic+' comprises of 3 main components: My Disney Experience website and smartphone app, FASTPASS+, and MagicBand RFID bracelet. The MagicBand replaces traditional tickets with a bracelet that is worn on the wrist. MagicBand combines all tickets, allowing room entry, park entry, FASTPASS+ attraction entry, PHOTOPASS, and room charging.

2. When will 'MyMagic+' be available?
- The system is in limited testing now, and Disney has said that it should be available to all Walt Disney World guests later in 2013.

3. How much does 'MyMagic+' cost?
- The system will be available at no additional cost. The basic MagicBand RFID bracelet can be upgraded to a customized band, such as a Princess band, for an additional fee. This is only a cosmetic change however, and does not impact the actual experience.

4. Will you have to use 'MyMagic+'?
- No. The system is opt in, and is not required. However, if you do not use 'MyMagic+' you will not be able to use FASTPASS+.

5. Will Annual Passholders be able to use 'MyMagic+'?
Yes, Disney has said that they will be contacting Annual Passholders to provide them with a MagicBand to take part in the program.

6. Will guests have to use a smartphone to use FASTPASS+?
No. Guests will be able to use kiosks inside the parks to choose FASTPASS+ experiences as well as using smartphones or websites.

7. Is the MagicBand bracelet secure?
Yes, just like a normal park ticket, the bracelet just contains a unique ID code. This code identifies guests in the Disney database. No information is stored on the bracelet.

 

[Waddler]

Is it stranger that I'm 19 and don't have a smartphone?

Haha... I don't think so. I'm always amazed when people spend over a thousand dollars a year just to play foursquare and surf the web on a tiny little screen. No wonder so many younger adults are in debt up to their eyeballs!

 

[LaniesMom]

Here's a stupid question, but I cannot find the answer anywhere:

Does FP+ give you an hour time slot like "legacy" fastpass does/did?

For instance, if I book a time for TSMM does it say come between 1:00 and 2:00?

And, if so...how will that work for Dining? Show up between 1:00-2:00 and they'll have blocked off sections for FP+ people? What if you don't show for your FP+ ADR???

 

[mousermerf]

Haha... I don't think so. I'm always amazed when people spend over a thousand dollars a year just to play foursquare and surf the web on a tiny little screen. No wonder so many younger adults are in debt up to their eyeballs!

My phone and entire yearly cell usage cost doesn't come anywhere near 1k and i've got an iphone.

 

[Waddler]

My phone and entire yearly cell usage cost doesn't come anywhere near 1k and i've got an iphone.

Good for you! Not everyone is smart enough to shop around.

 

[mousermerf]

Good for you! Not everyone is smart enough to shop around.

And i'm grandfathered into unlimited data.

 

[DVCJones]

I'm am confused!!! We stay DVC and buy 10 day non exp. tickets from AAA. How will this effect the way I use the current FP and FP+ systems? We use them over 3 trips.

Would FP+ be linked to my room key?

Would my AAA tickets need to be converted at time of check in? What happens to the remaining days left on the ticket?

What happens if you plan accordingly for your trip and need to change plans (example: sick)? Are you out of luck with no way to get a FP?

If only allowed three FPs in any given day, I can imagine the MK losing its 'Magic'.

 

[mousermerf]

I'm am confused!!! We stay DVC and buy 10 day non exp. tickets from AAA. How will this effect the way I use the current FP and FP+ systems? We use them over 3 trips.

Would FP+ be linked to my room key?

Would my AAA tickets need to be converted at time of check in? What happens to the remaining days left on the ticket?

What happens if you plan accordingly for your trip and need to change plans (example: sick)? Are you out of luck with no way to get a FP?

If only allowed three FPs in any given day, I can imagine the MK losing its 'Magic'.

In theory, you get bands at check-in, but prior to arrival you setup your accoutn for myMagic+ - at that point adding your tickets to it, or having them do it when you arrive.

After you leave, you keep the bands - those are your tickets. They may/may not be reused again for the next room stay.. not sure what the policy is on that yet (APs would have similar issues) so it's likely you'd just reuse the same badn if it's in good condition.. if not, they access your account.. see your ticket.. add the room to the band.. done and done.

 

[gtpoohbear]

I disagree this will interfere with nicely paced basic touring.

Right now, if you want to ride TSMM you need to know it at least the day before so you can get a good night's sleep and arrive well before rope drop in case there is an early opening and then sprint across the park to pick up some fp's, and pray you make it in time for one that is convenient to when you actually wanted to ride it and not in conflict with your lunch ADR etc...

With the new system you'll know when you are going to ride it (in a reasonable window), can sleep in a little if you like, not need to rush back and forth over the park to grab slips of paper, etc... Seems more relaxed and peaceful to me.

You won't need to plan "to the minute", but I would guess most people have a general window of when they want to be in an area (ie before lunch, after lunch, etc...).

I agree that is seems far less stressful to know in advance when your "time" is, and not have to run all over the park collecting FPs. That part I am looking forward to! And being able to pick times that actually work for you, instead of being stuck with what the machine gives you, is a plus too.

But... this thing about only 1 park/day is really annoying me. How can they justify charging extra for park-hoppers, if park hopping is suddenly a disadvantage??? I've already planned our April trip (w/ ADRs) around park-hopping, so we won't have any choice this time. It would seem smart for Disney to encourage people to spend extra $$ on PH by allowing 3/day/park. Then you could get more than the standard allotment by park hopping. Otherwise, I would think that surely the sale of PH is going to go down.

3/day does seem pretty small, but I guess normally we wouldn't bother getting more than that anyway. We tend to hit the big attractions right at RD or during EMH when there isn't much of a line.

I just hope they get the details ironed out and made public soon. I hate not knowing how this is going to work with our trip coming up so soon! I want to get our touring plans and schedules all set up and in the spreadsheet, but sure as I make a bunch of plans, I'll have to change them all when FP+ goes live.

 

[Waddler]

I just hope they get the details ironed out and made public soon. I hate not knowing how this is going to work with our trip coming up so soon! I want to get our touring plans and schedules all set up and in the spreadsheet, but sure as I make a bunch of plans, I'll have to change them all when FP+ goes live.

I agree!

If we have to be guinea pigs, I hope that most guests will be clueless about FP+, affording us more last-minute flexibility. If I can really change my 10:30 am TSM FP+ reservations to later in the day because I decided to sleep in, then awesome. But I'm not keeping my hopes up.

 

[gwmort]

But... this thing about only 1 park/day is really annoying me. How can they justify charging extra for park-hoppers, if park hopping is suddenly a disadvantage??? I've already planned our April trip (w/ ADRs) around park-hopping, so we won't have any choice this time. It would seem smart for Disney to encourage people to spend extra $$ on PH by allowing 3/day/park. Then you could get more than the standard allotment by park hopping. Otherwise, I would think that surely the sale of PH is going to go down.

I think we will need to see the implementation to decide.

When we park hop we usually do 2 parks in a day, one earlier and one later. At the later park it is usually hard to get good fps anyway (like Soarin or TSM). It might be better if we could RD at MK get a couple of headliners knocked out standby , then go grab lunch at a resort, then go to our second park where we already have 3 fp+'s all lined up for a stellar afternoon/evening without all the running around or uncertainty of if there will be anything left.