FP + What we know and what we want to know

[tj4disney]

It has been postulated that one of the things that FP+ will allow Disney to do is to entice people to move from one ("full") park to another ("empty") one. Does this really hold water? Is there really that much discrepancy on any given day?

I could believe that in some cases there would be some large differentials, but it seems like they were created by Disney in the first place (ie, evening EMH at DHS on the same night that F! was showing back in the day when they were showing it less often).

But do large differentials pop up randomly for no apparent reason, which this system will now allow them to address?

 

[bigAWL]

It has been postulated that one of the things that FP+ will allow Disney to do is to entice people to move from one ("full") park to another ("empty") one. Does this really hold water? Is there really that much discrepancy on any given day?

I could believe that in some cases there would be some large differentials, but it seems like they were created by Disney in the first place (ie, evening EMH at DHS on the same night that F! was showing back in the day when they were showing it less often).

But do large differentials pop up randomly for no apparent reason, which this system will now allow them to address?

I actually wonder if there are days when they want some empty parks. On days when they know there are relatively few guests, they may want as many as they can get into one park. That way they can reduce staff in the other parks that day.

 

[bcrook]

It has been postulated that one of the things that FP+ will allow Disney to do is to entice people to move from one ("full") park to another ("empty") one. Does this really hold water? Is there really that much discrepancy on any given day?

I could believe that in some cases there would be some large differentials, but it seems like they were created by Disney in the first place (ie, evening EMH at DHS on the same night that F! was showing back in the day when they were showing it less often).

But do large differentials pop up randomly for no apparent reason, which this system will now allow them to address?

They will at least have the information pretty far in advance if they can get people to pick a park and choose their FP+. They will have the opportunity to recommend parks too when people connect their tickets. Maybe the computer will suggest the Animal Kingdom for lower than average crowd days.

We really need a name for this master computer that will be manipulating FP+ distribution. We could call it HAL, but that wouldn't be that original. But the first time "the computer" tells us "Sorry Dave, i'm afraid you can't have that FP+" We will know we are in trouble.

 

[freediverdude]

I'm pretty sure that at least some of the MagicBands will be distributed in advance of guest arrival. Evidence? This is the first paragraph of terms/conditions of online check-in on My Magic + as of yesterday.

Looks like there may be an option to skip the check-in desk completely. The terms for online Check-in via the DVC website did NOT include the line about MagicBands as of this morning.

I'm also cross-posting to the Resorts board as it's of interest over there, too.

I think we would still have to show our ID to someone and obtain the room number?

 

[bjakmom]

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet - just returned today and was in MK Sunday for the Marathon. They are currently working on the middle section of entrance gates to switch them over to the RFID cards (eventually to the bands). CM said they didn't know exactly when they would reopen.
So as it stands now, the right hand gates are RFID entrance and those with their tickets on their resort cards are being allowed to enter there. The middle gates are fenced off and being upgraded to the new system. The left side gates will service the current tickets until such time as everyone is on the new system.
My assumption is this will pressure (aka "encorage") guests to use the new system, as entrance with the new RFID will be allowed at 2/3 of the gates and it will be quicker to enter = with only 1/3 of the gates taking the current, soon to be 'old' tickets, there will be longer, slower lines to get into the park at those gates - good visual 'encouragement' to register with the new system.

 

[Planogirl]

I had a conversation with a colleague and Disney fan today. I listened as he worked through this whole system.

He said it would be cool to enter the park with 3 FP ready to go in his back pocket (or on his phone). Next he thought it would neat to get a bonus FP+ and take advantage of those offers he liked. But, he didn't really like being moved around like a pawn. Then he thought about driving into the park on his way to MK, and he gets a text that says. "Low crowds and short lines today at Epcot, here are 5 FP+ at your disposal if you change your plans." My friend considered this offer, and first said - I would take that offer. But a little later he said, I think Disney better watch out on how far they push this.

We both agreed there was a difference between being catered to and being manipulated.

My next question is... How much are those designer magicbands by Swarovski going to cost?

Mooo....

I like the idea of Swarovski wristbands though.

 

[bcrook]

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet - just returned today and was in MK Sunday for the Marathon. They are currently working on the middle section of entrance gates to switch them over to the RFID cards (eventually to the bands). CM said they didn't know exactly when they would reopen.
So as it stands now, the right hand gates are RFID entrance and those with their tickets on their resort cards are being allowed to enter there. The middle gates are fenced off and being upgraded to the new system. The left side gates will service the current tickets until such time as everyone is on the new system.
My assumption is this will pressure (aka "encourage") guests to use the new system, as entrance with the new RFID will be allowed at 2/3 of the gates and it will be quicker to enter = with only 1/3 of the gates taking the current, soon to be 'old' tickets, there will be longer, slower lines to get into the park at those gates - good visual 'encouragement' to register with the new system.

I think we could use a picture of this! Someone will have one.

I love the encourage part!

 

[Bambi5826]

This is just so much to take in

 

[Lynn5700]

Do I have to worry about all of this stuff when I am there from Feb 23-28 of this year?

 

[MAYNARDS99]

Our tickets are on old KTTW cards. We buy multiple days with no expiration.

How do I get my ticket info onto my new MagicBand? Hopefully I can do this myself with my iPhone or laptop...

 

[bas71873]

I've been keeping up with this thread and did a search, so forgive me if this has been discussed/answered and I've missed it. I have a ressie at the Dolphin for late Nov/early Dec (booked through the S/D website, NOT the WDW site because it was a heck of a lot cheaper). Planning to buy my tickets through UT later in the year, so I guess my question is, can I still link my trip through this My Disney app (or whatever it's called)? I really have ZERO interest in using this FP+ thing, we've become a go with the flow group, using FP- here and there, but I fear that by the end of the year, I'll be forced to use FP+. TIA for pointing to the answer if this is out there.

 

[nightshaderose]

I think we would still have to show our ID to someone and obtain the room number?

Online Check-in also already includes a place to enter a phone number to receive your room number via text message.

So here's the entirety of my speculation on this:
MagicBands will either a) be sent out early, b)ultimately be designed to last through more than one visit, or c) some combination. I have a sneaking suspicion that the "designer" bands/keychains/devices/whatever will last longer than the basic-model ones and maybe have replaceable batteries for the longer-range transmitter (didn't one of the articles talk about watches being a possible option). The RFID chip will still work, battery or no.

So, when you check in for the first time on My Magic +, you go to the front desk, show ID and get a new MagicBand, or you go to a gift shop and get a designer one, encrusted in crystals and blinking LED lights. That band is now attached to your Magic+ account permanently (or until you report it lost or non-functional) and is non-transferable. You go and have a great time on your vacation and go home, taking your RFID chip with you. When it comes time to visit again, you already have a band, you give them the phone # to text the room # with online check in, and when you arrive, collect your room # from your phone (or maybe even somewhere in the app) and head on up. Maybe there's somewhere in the lobby to just scan your band and put in your PIN (to prove it's you) to reactivate it if it's been a while, but that's not really part of check-in.

This all seems well within the realm of possible, but I'm totally willing to be wrong here.

 

[bcrook]

Do I have to worry about all of this stuff when I am there from Feb 23-28 of this year?

From a FP stand point there shouldn't be enough demand for FP+ to make a difference in availability at that time. If you are staying off site, you will use the FP- and everything should be like normal. If you are staying on site, you might be convinced to use FP+ but it should be fine because you will have plenty of choices to grab FP even at check in.

Now if you are worried about spending too much money, beware of the magicbands.

Our tickets are on old KTTW cards. We buy multiple days with no expiration.

How do I get my ticket info onto my new MagicBand? Hopefully I can do this myself with my iPhone or laptop...

When everything gets up and running, it seems that is the plan.

I've been keeping up with this thread and did a search, so forgive me if this has been discussed/answered and I've missed it. I have a ressie at the Dolphin for late Nov/early Dec (booked through the S/D website, NOT the WDW site because it was a heck of a lot cheaper). Planning to buy my tickets through UT later in the year, so I guess my question is, can I still link my trip through this My Disney app (or whatever it's called)? I really have ZERO interest in using this FP+ thing, we've become a go with the flow group, using FP- here and there, but I fear that by the end of the year, I'll be forced to use FP+. TIA for pointing to the answer if this is out there.

In the terms and conditions and the interview with nick Franklin (both can found on the first page), it appears that you should be able to link your ticket to your online account. Resort doesn't matter. You will get plenty of information, about which is more effective FP- or FP+ when the trip reports start coming in. Stay tuned.

 

[bcrook]

Online Check-in also already includes a place to enter a phone number to receive your room number via text message.

So here's the entirety of my speculation on this:
MagicBands will either a) be sent out early, b)ultimately be designed to last through more than one visit, or c) some combination. I have a sneaking suspicion that the "designer" bands/keychains/devices/whatever will last longer than the basic-model ones and maybe have replaceable batteries for the longer-range transmitter (didn't one of the articles talk about watches being a possible option). The RFID chip will still work, battery or no.

So, when you check in for the first time on My Magic +, you go to the front desk, show ID and get a new MagicBand, or you go to a gift shop and get a designer one, encrusted in crystals and blinking LED lights. That band is now attached to your Magic+ account permanently (or until you report it lost or non-functional) and is non-transferable. You go and have a great time on your vacation and go home, taking your RFID chip with you. When it comes time to visit again, you already have a band, you give them the phone # to text the room # with online check in, and when you arrive, collect your room # from your phone (or maybe even somewhere in the app) and head on up. Maybe there's somewhere in the lobby to just scan your band and put in your PIN (to prove it's you) to reactivate it if it's been a while, but that's not really part of check-in.

This all seems well within the realm of possible, but I'm totally willing to be wrong here.

I will catch you over on the resort board. This is a fun topic.

 

[nightshaderose]

Maybe there's somewhere in the lobby to just scan your band and put in your PIN (to prove it's you) to reactivate it if it's been a while, but that's not really part of check-in.

And of course, as soon as I posted that last bit and walked away from the computer, I suddenly had visions dancing in my head of ATM-type kiosks scattered throughout the parks & resorts, and probably the DME desk at the airport, where you can scan your MagicBand and enter your PIN to:

• (re-)activate your band
• Check park days left on your ticket
• Check dining plan meal entitlements
• Make/check/modify ADRs
• Schedule/reserve other activities
• Check your room charge balance, and...
• Make/check/modify Fastpasses +

I kind of hope that this is how it shakes out, but it may make too much sense.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

And of course, as soon as I posted that last bit and walked away from the computer, I suddenly had visions dancing in my head of ATM-type kiosks scattered throughout the parks & resorts, and probably the DME desk at the airport, where you can scan your MagicBand and enter your PIN to:
(re-)activate your band
Check park days left on your ticket
Check dining plan meal entitlements
Make/check/modify ADRs
Schedule/reserve other activities
Check your room charge balance, and...
Make/check/modify Fastpasses +

I kind of hope that this is how it shakes out, but it may make too much sense.

Now that they are doing away with non Expiring tickets, I think that checking the number of days lest won't play in since they will expire 14 days after first use unless you have an AP The other makes sense though

 

[doconeill]

Now that they are doing away with non Expiring tickets, I think that checking the number of days lest won't play in since they will expire 14 days after first use unless you have an AP The other makes sense though

I haven't seen confirmation that they are going away, only that they are making it more difficult to buy them. They certainly don't want guests buying them on a whim now, and there is any number of reasons for it. But they haven't killed them just yet...we may know more soon.

 

[DVC4US]

My assumption is this will pressure (aka "encorage") guests to use the new system, as entrance with the new RFID will be allowed at 2/3 of the gates and it will be quicker to enter = with only 1/3 of the gates taking the current, soon to be 'old' tickets, there will be longer, slower lines to get into the park at those gates - good visual 'encouragement' to register with the new system.

Here is a problem I see with "encouragement" to register(based on the info we have now): this is just an example

We are going on a trip in June and staying at SSR. FP+ has not been rolled out yet at SSR but I am "encouraged" to link my tickets to my RFID card(or MagicBand) for faster entrance into the parks. So now that I have linked my tickets to the RFID program, I am no longer able to use FP-. If FP+ is not available at SSR yet and I can no longer use FP- this means I am relegated to stand-by only.

Does anyone else see this happening or is it just me thinking of all the bad possibilities?

 

[doconeill]

Here is a problem I see with "encouragement" to register(based on the info we have now): this is just an example

We are going on a trip in June and staying at SSR. FP+ has not been rolled out yet at SSR but I am "encouraged" to link my tickets to my RFID card(or MagicBand) for faster entrance into the parks. So now that I have linked my tickets to the RFID program, I am no longer able to use FP-. If FP+ is not available at SSR yet and I can no longer use FP- this means I am relegated to stand-by only.

Does anyone else see this happening or is it just me thinking of all the bad possibilities?

I would expect that if it isn't available at SSR, you wouldn't be "encouraged" to link your ticket...

 

[SaraJayne]

Here is a problem I see with "encouragement" to register(based on the info we have now): this is just an example

We are going on a trip in June and staying at SSR. FP+ has not been rolled out yet at SSR but I am "encouraged" to link my tickets to my RFID card(or MagicBand) for faster entrance into the parks. So now that I have linked my tickets to the RFID program, I am no longer able to use FP-. If FP+ is not available at SSR yet and I can no longer use FP- this means I am relegated to stand-by only.

Does anyone else see this happening or is it just me thinking of all the bad possibilities?

That is partly why I'm buying DD's ticket from UCT this trip. I don't want our tickets (or my AP) linked to either an RFID card or a MagicBand.