FP + What we know and what we want to know

[MissStitch626]

Are additional FP+ numbers still in the 'things we don't know' category? In other words, do we know yet if it will be a strict 3 per person per day (with the possibility of 'bonus' FPs during the day) or if it will be 3 available for pre-booking with more available on the day?

Apologies if I missed this, I'm starting to lose track of the thread a little!

This is my current thinking if we were to opt in to the new system:

Pros - shiny new wristbands (I'm easily amused, I won't deny it), less necessity to run to attractions where FPs are in high demand, more attractions available to book in advance such as fireworks, QS meals and shows.

Cons - only 1 FP per ride (is that correct?), unlikely to be able to use it to book Space, Splash and Big Thunder Mountains in advance on the same day (not a huge issue admittedly), might miss out on any potential 'bonus' FPs as we won't be carrying phones in the park (this last one isn't just a matter of preference - as we're travelling from the UK the cost of using our phones in the parks far outweighs the benefits)

These pros and cons are purely subjective and are based only on my own park experiences.

I'm looking forward to the system going live and getting reports back from people using it so we can see how is actually works in practice.

 

[dadddio]

Are additional FP+ numbers still in the 'things we don't know' category? In other words, do we know yet if it will be a strict 3 per person per day (with the possibility of 'bonus' FPs during the day) or if it will be 3 available for pre-booking with more available on the day?

Apologies if I missed this, I'm starting to lose track of the thread a little!

This is my current thinking if we were to opt in to the new system:

Pros - shiny new wristbands (I'm easily amused, I won't deny it), less necessity to run to attractions where FPs are in high demand, more attractions available to book in advance such as fireworks, QS meals and shows.

Cons - only 1 FP per ride (is that correct?), unlikely to be able to use it to book Space, Splash and Big Thunder Mountains in advance on the same day (not a huge issue admittedly), might miss out on any potential 'bonus' FPs as we won't be carrying phones in the park (this last one isn't just a matter of preference - as we're travelling from the UK the cost of using our phones in the parks far outweighs the benefits)

These pros and cons are purely subjective and are based only on my own park experiences.

I'm looking forward to the system going live and getting reports back from people using it so we can see how is actually works in practice.

Everything in your post with the exception of 'there will be bands' and 'more experiences will be FPable' is an unknown.

 

[MissStitch626]

Everything in your post with the exception of 'there will be bands' and 'more experiences will be FPable' is an unknown.

Thanks

Even with the excellent summary at the start of the thread I'd started to lose track of which discussions are based on speculation and which ones are based on fact.

Thankfully I have a fair few months to go before any of this will be applicable so I'll wait and see what everyone's experiences are once it's up and running.

 

[Missyrose]

Are additional FP+ numbers still in the 'things we don't know' category? In other words, do we know yet if it will be a strict 3 per person per day (with the possibility of 'bonus' FPs during the day) or if it will be 3 available for pre-booking with more available on the day?

Apologies if I missed this, I'm starting to lose track of the thread a little!

This is my current thinking if we were to opt in to the new system:

Pros - shiny new wristbands (I'm easily amused, I won't deny it), less necessity to run to attractions where FPs are in high demand, more attractions available to book in advance such as fireworks, QS meals and shows.

Cons - only 1 FP per ride (is that correct?), unlikely to be able to use it to book Space, Splash and Big Thunder Mountains in advance on the same day (not a huge issue admittedly), might miss out on any potential 'bonus' FPs as we won't be carrying phones in the park (this last one isn't just a matter of preference - as we're travelling from the UK the cost of using our phones in the parks far outweighs the benefits)

These pros and cons are purely subjective and are based only on my own park experiences.

I'm looking forward to the system going live and getting reports back from people using it so we can see how is actually works in practice.

You could always turn off the cellular service on your phone and strictly use the Disney WiFi in the parks.

 

[doconeill]

You could always turn off the cellular service on your phone and strictly use the Disney WiFi in the parks.

Depends how they "deliver" messages. If it's within the MDE app and it can get them even when not active, OK. But if it is via text messages, turning the cell service off completely won't work.

But my phone (Android, Samsung Galaxy S3), I can't turn off the cell service without turning off Wi-Fi as well (airplane mode). I can turn off cellular data (called mobile data), so it would only use the cellular network for text and phone, but all data services have to go over Wi-Fi.

This does not solve the PP's issue though, as the phone likely won't work or would incur very high charges for text messages. (I won't get into how VZ screwed up my plan and triple charged me for three months just because I went to Toronto for two days...)

There is always the pre-paid option - get a temporary phone. I can foresee phone kiosks popping up at resorts...

 

[Robo]

I'm looking forward to the system going live and getting reports back from people using it so we can see how is actually works in practice.

Hey, guys, let's send everyone up in the new airplane and see if the new designs work better
during the flight than they did in the lab.

I'll wait in the office for your report.

 

[bigAWL]

For those trying to figure out the MDE website and app, I've started a thread for people to post their experiences (mostly frustrations coming out now). But I hope this will be a place where people can help others as the MDE adds and perfects things.

Navigating the My Disney Experience Web Site and App

 

[MAGICFOR2]

For those trying to figure out the MDE website and app, I've started a thread for people to post their experiences (mostly frustrations coming out now). But I hope this will be a place where people can help others as the MDE adds and perfects things.

Navigating the My Disney Experience Web Site and App

Great idea! Thank you!

 

[DonaldTDuck]

A lot of the fear on here is based on thousands booking FP+ months early and eating up all FPs. Now think about what you see on every park visit. People clogging the sidewalks staring at maps, folks walking up to restaurants dumbfounded that they're full, and lines choked with guests that don't understand why we can just bypass the line and get right on. My guess is that 75% or more of guests will have no clue and will not be prebooking, no matter how hard Disney pushes this. So this will end up as another perk for the informed, you know, us.
The other thing is that whatever Disney rolls out; six months later it will likely be different. They have gone into this with all the forethought of Coke when they rolled out New Coke. Lots of testing, but not in the real world that customers live in, only their own sterile environment. Coke tested with 2 ounce servings while people drink soft drinks in much larger volume. FP+ was tested in much the same way; a small 'taste' injected in the middle of real world experiences. When it becomes real world, it will likely change to meet real world needs.
Just my $.02. And my trip is hopefully before the real testing begins.

 

[jenseib]

Hey, guys, let's send everyone up in the new airplane and see if the new designs work better
during the flight than they did in the lab.

I'll wait in the office for your report.

Oh and by the way, they are failing miserably in the lab!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Hey, guys, let's send everyone up in the new airplane and see if the new designs work better
during the flight than they did in the lab.

I'll wait in the office for your report.

Unfortunately, we're going in early June which it seems like will be in the early stages of this "going live," so it'll be my report you're waiting in your comfy office for

 

[disneyfantotheend]

Hmmm, now I am starting to wonder if Disney isn't in cahoots with the smart phone folks. LOL I know this is making me think I need a smart phone. Am I the only one?

 

[McKelly]

I'm still irritated with this 3 FP thing. I think it is Disney's way of keeping guests on site longer. So, I guess it's genius on their part.

If we only get 3FP's a day, and they are tiered, meaning we can only pick one headliner per day, that means longer waits in standby lines for attractions. That means, we won't be doing those attractions, because no way are my kids going to stand in two hour lines. So, in order to experience the headliners, we will have to book more days at Disney and pick those headliners for different days, or risk having our entire vacation ruined with whiny, inpatient kids..husband too for that matter.

 

[BeccaG]

I may have to our my flame suit on for this one but.....
1. As a west coaster with young kids and nieces in tow I'm not opposed to pre booking fast passes_if_ I can select my window/reservation time.
2. While the system may mean commando style touring by expert fast passers get less fast passes, this seems to equalize the playing field a bit.
3. If during testing, most folks selected parades and character interactions, is the only reason we are assuming this will not continue is if FP- is going away?
4. Why are we assuming this will increase wait time overall? Is there an assumption that the total number of fast passes will go up? Or there will be more people in the park? If Disney is going to use this to move folks around won't waits go down, if it's done correctly?

FWIW, I understand why some folks are concerned this might make vacations feel over planned, but as a non commando planner I usually have an idea of 3 rides or things i want to do in a given day so I'm hoping this doesn't feel much different.

 

[mom2rtk]

2. While the system may mean commando style touring by expert fast passers get less fast passes, this seems to equalize the playing field a bit.

Can you explain what it is about the current playing field that is "uneqal"?

 

[mom2rtk]

Hey, guys, let's send everyone up in the new airplane and see if the new designs work better
during the flight than they did in the lab.

I'll wait in the office for your report.

So then it's safe to say that you have not booked a trip to Disney on a Boeing Dreamliner to test this out first hand for us?

 

[BeccaG]

Can you explain what it is about the current playing field that is "uneqal"?

Ugh! I just wrote a whole long response and it didn't post! Boo!... Anyhow, I'm certainly not saying the current system is/was unfair, but for those who are unable to get there at rope drop there is not the same opportunity. Disney execs probably would love early and late arrivals to spend more time out of line in stores and in food places so the new system may provide that. In fact, I'm guessing most experts who ride 5 or more E tickets a day with 7 or more fast passes spend less than the average guest so getting average/new guest out of line is important for the bottom line.

Of course, all this is conjecture but I like understanding the why of things as the big picture helps me figure out how to use it. I'm even more excited to see this role out and hear reports of those who are getting their fee wet!

 

[bcrook]

Thanks

Even with the excellent summary at the start of the thread I'd started to lose track of which discussions are based on speculation and which ones are based on fact.

Thankfully I have a fair few months to go before any of this will be applicable so I'll wait and see what everyone's experiences are once it's up and running.

On the summary at the beginning. I have highlighted in red everything that has been clearly said by Disney spokespeople or terms and conditions.

For example, we have been told explicitly that the number of FP+ will be three. We also know that there will be same day availability for regular FP. And we know that we cannot use FP+ and FP at the same time.

The only speculation in that part of the question, is that there is hope that FP+ same day will be available. And is the point of debate.

Based on an interview (linked on first page) from Disney spokesperson, we know that special bonus FP+ will be offered based on daily conditions, but it seems pretty clear those we wont be able to count on those.

I will go back and try to link up sources with questions better. Actually, I think we know quite a bit at this point.

 

[mom2rtk]

Ugh! I just wrote a whole long response and it didn't post! Boo!... Anyhow, I'm certainly not saying the current system is/was unfair, but for those who are unable to get there at rope drop there is not the same opportunity. Disney execs probably would love early and late arrivals to spend more time out of line in stores and in food places so the new system may provide that. In fact, I'm guessing most experts who ride 5 or more E tickets a day with 7 or more fast passes spend less than the average guest so getting average/new guest out of line is important for the bottom line.

Of course, all this is conjecture but I like understanding the why of things as the big picture helps me figure out how to use it. I'm even more excited to see this role out and hear reports of those who are getting their fee wet!

We're just going to have to agree to disagree about the word "unable".

 

[doconeill]

Ugh! I just wrote a whole long response and it didn't post! Boo!... Anyhow, I'm certainly not saying the current system is/was unfair, but for those who are unable to get there at rope drop there is not the same opportunity. Disney execs probably would love early and late arrivals to spend more time out of line in stores and in food places so the new system may provide that. In fact, I'm guessing most experts who ride 5 or more E tickets a day with 7 or more fast passes spend less than the average guest so getting average/new guest out of line is important for the bottom line.

Of course, all this is conjecture but I like understanding the why of things as the big picture helps me figure out how to use it. I'm even more excited to see this role out and hear reports of those who are getting their fee wet!

If the old system was unfair to those who couldn't get up for rope drop, how does the new system improve it? Now it will require them to get up at some unknown-as-yet time to get online and try and book their FP+s, which if they follow the ADR lead will be even earlier than rope drop - and to add to it, require that they have a computer with an internet connection or a smartphone...