has a FP+ strategy been determined yet?

[mom2rtk]

My theory about sleeping in on vacation is don't do it! I've spent all this money on the vacation and sleeping in equals lost dollars to me! And this is not just on a Disney vacation. When we are on vacation no matter where the location, we are always out the door early to get started on our day...there is just too much to see and do!

It doesn't matter what my theory is, I just can't sleep late. Period. Which is why the old FP system was so beneficial to me.

But it just feels to me like Disney interviewed some people on the way out of DHS or Epcot one day and asked what they could do to make their experience better. They were probably said they wished they could get a TSMM or Soarin FP if they slept in. And the new system was born. Yet it presents so many of its own complications that the best way to deal with it is to be at rope drop! If it weren't for human nature being what it is, I'd be concerned that rope drop crowds might increase once this rolls out for real.

 

[Disneylover99]

I never received an email. I logged into the app, and that's when I saw it. It also came up on the website. I read through the FAQ section, and it says this:


Q. I am FastPass+ eligible, but I did not reserve access to FastPass+ attractions in advance. When I arrive at the theme park, can I still get FASTPASS tickets?

A. No. If you are FastPass+ eligible and you entered the park with a ticket linked to My Disney Experience by using your MagicBand or card, you are not able to use FASTPASS service.

But don’t worry! If FastPass+ experiences are still available, you can reserve access to FastPass+ attractions and entertainment online with your mobile phone or at a FastPass+ kiosk when you arrive at the park.

If you are not FastPass+ eligible, you are still eligible to use FASTPASS service. All FASTPASS tickets are subject to availability and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Over the coming months, FastPass+ service is being tested with a limited number of pre-selected participants. We know that many Guests want to give FastPass+ a try, and we ask for your patience during this testing period.

Here's the link to where I found it online: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/fast-pass-plus/availability-fast-pass-plus/

Ohhhh....I thought you received the actual email.

I know what it says on the website, but because this is still in testing mode, reports from phone calls to the tech department indicate varying answers as to whether or not you can also access regular fastpass if you are chosen for the test.

 

[lugnut33]

It says right in there as long as you don't like any tickets to FP+ you can use the old system. However, there will be a lot of FP+s already distributed before you get to the park to use the old system.

 

[Tinker_Belle]

Ohhhh....I thought you received the actual email.

I know what it says on the website, but because this is still in testing mode, reports from phone calls to the tech department indicate varying answers as to whether or not you can also access regular fastpass if you are chosen for the test.

I hope you're right. Thanks

 

[Tinker_Belle]

It says right in there as long as you don't like any tickets to FP+ you can use the old system. However, there will be a lot of FP+s already distributed before you get to the park to use the old system.

I was under the impression my key-to-the-world card is already linked. We usually get to the parks at or close to opening, so I would hope they'd still have regular fastpasses.

 

[bcrook]

It says right in there as long as you don't like any tickets to FP+ you can use the old system. However, there will be a lot of FP+s already distributed before you get to the park to use the old system.

I was under the impression my key-to-the-world card is already linked. We usually get to the parks at or close to opening, so I would hope they'd still have regular fastpasses.

Did you do online check in and purchase your tickets through Disney?

 

[Tinker_Belle]

Did you do online check in and purchase your tickets through Disney?

Yes

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

I guess the result of all of this is that everyone will be using less FPs because of all the reasons mentioned in this thread (they don't line up with your ADRs, you switch parks due to weather, you can only get 3 from the get go, etc).

Hopefully this will make SB lines faster?

grasping at straws

 

[bcrook]

Yes

Well your concern could be legitimate. If you purchased through Disney your tickets are in the system and linked. If you used online check in, you may be locked in to FP+. I read your posts and the FAQ that way.

But, I think a manager or somebody can reverse it at the resort. It might be a hassle, but in this case you will most likely be ok.

In the future, this is one way Disney fades out the legacy. It makes it clear in the terms and conditions that the goal is to get everybody linked.

 

[bcrook]

I guess the result of all of this is that everyone will be using less FPs because of all the reasons mentioned in this thread (they don't line up with your ADRs, you switch parks due to weather, you can only get 3 from the get go, etc).

Hopefully this will make SB lines faster?

grasping at straws

I think it is going to be different based on rides.
Pirates standby goes way up. No FP needed before, now FP slows down SB.
Rock n roller Coaster down. Less FP available (unless a lot more people take advantage of FP system) standby goes down a little.
Toy story mania way up. If Disney pushes that FP+ distribution to 85%. SB could be horrible. And the FP wait would go up too!
Figment??? No change


I wonder if something like the Kilimanjaro Safari could be 100% appointment no standby at all?

 

[Tormania]

Here are my views on FP+ from someone who rarely gets a chance to go to WDW but is a big planner for such things:

1) We all understand that those of us that do significant planning months and months in advance are a very small minority of WDW visitors. And out of the planners, I've only seen a small percentage of those folks openly embrace the FP+ system. Which means it is an EXTREMELY small group of people excited by FP+. If you think it's a giant PITA for those that like to plan, what will families that do very little planning think of the new system? Not only will they have not booked their FP+ for attractions ahead of time but the chance to use normal FP may be gone when you arrive at the park in the future. What a "magical" experience that will be for lots of people. Way to win back potentially repeat customers Disney.

2) Any level of spontaneity during your trip will be significantly impacted, ESPECIALLY if you visit during busier times of year. It's one thing to have some sort of touring plan in mind and executed, it's quite another when normal FP may not be available or return times are hours and hours out.

3) As others have stated, made your ADRs 180 days out so you can eat at a special place in a particular park or resort. Well now that it is time to make your 60 day FP+ reservations you find that you can only pick a general time of day, morning, afternoon, evening. Well your ADR isn't for "evening", it's for 6:40PM EXACTLY. If your FP+ reservation if for a nearby attraction at 6:15pm you might be ok, but what if you get one for 6:45pm instead? And dinner runs to past 7:40PM cause your table wasn't ready. You just LOST your FP+. WINNING!!!! With normal FP you can at least see when the return times are for an attraction and decide then if that time works for you, with FP+ that is not the case since you got them ahead of time with a more general time frame.

4) As others have stated, "If it's not broke, don't fix it." I realize that Disney is attempting to get people out of attraction lines so they can spend more money on food, clothing, souveniers, etc. However, let' be honest. People on the whole are NOT going to WDW ONLY to eat over-priced food or buy expensive things to take back home. They are going to enjoy the attractions for the most part, especially the once in a lifetime guests. So for those guests they will be miserable waiting hours in stand-by lines for a couple attractions, they will NOT be spending extra money as Disney predicts, at least not IMHO.

Granted it is still not fully implemented as of yet and some things are still unknown, but so far the reports that show people like the system is tainted because those guests have been able to use BOTH FP systems. A true test would be to have guests that opt to be part of the FP+ Test be restricted to ONLY those FP+ reservations they made ahead of time and they are not able to pull any other FP for that day. That would provide a much more accurate test of what FP+ truly entails and THEN we can see how wonderful the new system is. See how it impacts people's ADRs or how they tour the parks.

I don't mind change when it improves an inefficient, broken system. But when it involves complicating a system that seems to work pretty well, my logical brain simply can't grasp the desire to make that change. It would be really nice to have some Disney executive clearly spell out not only how they envision FP+ will work for everyday WDW guests, but how it really improves on the existing FP system. Cause for the life of me, I simply don't see it for 95% of all WDW guests.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

Maybe for a strategy, I book only DHS and MK in advance. At the 60 day mark for a ten day trip - I book TSMM, RnR, and Tower of Terror for five or six of my days. TSMM caused all of this, and it will be the most difficult to get. The other four or fives days I grab MK spots.

As I get closer to my trip, I will adjust as I know more.

I definitely don't need DAK if I go in the afternoon. Epcot? Really on two rides. Rope drop to ride soarin.

Did test track get rid of the single rider line?

This is the strategy that I think will be used and passed on to others as a "tip" here on the Dis. To me though this is like when folks use to be able to book multiple dinner ADRs and then decide what they wanted when they got there. I realize the number of FPs is far greater than ADRs but the theory is the same. I guess the up side is that as people change plans, FPs will open up.

Will we be stalking the MDE app looking for our desired FP+ time if we can't/don't get it at the 60 day mark? Will we now have FP+ cancellation threads like we do for ADRs?

What a hassle all of this is becoming and who needs all of this? Planning has always been part of the fun, but to this extreme-why, why, why are they doing this

 

[bcrook]

I think first priority is to get online as soon as possible to match ride reservations with advanced dining reservations.

Then book TSMM for as many other days as possible fits your schedule, just in case.

I don't do ADRs everyday, but those that do might have the easiest time booking FP+, if the times match up. I wouldn't wait too late though, that could lead to having to change ADRs.

I guess that is what that itinerary is designed for on the app. Just like a cruise ship.

Maybe in the future, we can just check off what we want do, how many days, where we want to eat and Disney will generate a detailed schedule. No planning at all, no lines, no hassles. I don't know what it would cost, but it does sound likely. The fastpicks hint at that, the ADR system recommends dining choices.

 

[WillAustin]

I think first priority is to get online as soon as possible to match ride reservations with advanced dining reservations.

Then book TSMM for as many other days as possible fits your schedule, just in case.

I may or may not have done that already.

I guess that is what that itinerary is designed for on the app. Just like a cruise ship.

After reading that article you linked to earlier, it sure does make sense.

 

[bcrook]

I may or may not have done that already. .

keep that to yourself! And put on your suit.

 

[Rileygirl]

It doesn't matter what my theory is, I just can't sleep late. Period. Which is why the old FP system was so beneficial to me.

But it just feels to me like Disney interviewed some people on the way out of DHS or Epcot one day and asked what they could do to make their experience better. They were probably said they wished they could get a TSMM or Soarin FP if they slept in. And the new system was born. Yet it presents so many of its own complications that the best way to deal with it is to be at rope drop! If it weren't for human nature being what it is, I'd be concerned that rope drop crowds might increase once this rolls out for real.

Do you really believe that? (no sarcasm or aggression meant at all)

Regarding the issue of adrs and the 60 day booking of fp+
The long term solution is incredibly simple for Disney - but first, they want you to start booking fp+at 60 days out.

Question for old timers - when ADRs first started, how far in advance could you book them? 60 days? I dont think they started at 180- it was a much smaller window to swallow, wasnt it? I could be wrong on this though.

Questions for planners: Are you happier that ADRS are 180 days now, compared to 60 days or 90 days (cant remember how they all flipped around, I know the rule increased the advance number of days, and then decreased, and then increased, but cant remember the timeline at all- and too lazy to look it up) But, for PLANNERS- it seems to me to be a lot easier to get 'hot' ressies at the 180 mark, then it was at the 90 mark. Im going to guess, the same will hold true for fp+

Strategic planning: Booking only fp+ for mk and DHS is BRILLIANT, and doing it for every day of your trip, so you can decide later when you want to go to these parks. No need for AK or Epcot, you are right (if you are rope droppers).

However, how unwise to state this very canny strategy on a public forum Barry. How very unwise. You can be sure this loophole will be eventually closed- and I am sure the Disney forcasters and bean counters thank you for your work!

 

[bcrook]

Strategic planning: Booking only fp+ for mk and DHS is BRILLIANT, and doing it for every day of your trip, so you can decide later when you want to go to these parks. No need for AK or Epcot, you are right (if you are rope droppers).

However, how unwise to state this very canny strategy on a public forum Barry. How very unwise. You can be sure this loophole will be eventually closed- and I am sure the Disney forcasters and bean counters thank you for your work!

sorry about that, I got caught up in the moment.

 

[UNCFanatik]

Here I was thinking this was a thread about FP+ strategy and not just another thread for the same people to spread the same disdain about the FP+ system.

Why can't this thread stay on topic?

"Has a FP+ strategy been determined yet".

Arent their enough other threads filled with people telling us how horrible the FP+ system will be and causing people anxiety?

So...lets talk strategy....

It will evolve over time. I suspect the first version of FP+ will not be the final version. Hopefully, Disney will weigh the feedback and make some adjustments along the way.

 

[bcrook]

Here I was thinking this was a thread about FP+ strategy and not just another thread for the same people to spread the same disdain about the FP+ system.

Why can't this thread stay on topic?

"Has a FP+ strategy been determined yet".

Arent their enough other threads filled with people telling us how horrible the FP+ system will be and causing people anxiety?

So...lets talk strategy....

It will evolve over time. I suspect the first version of FP+ will not be the final version. Hopefully, Disney will weigh the feedback and make some adjustments along the way.

My posts have been about strategy.

Your post isn't though. So lets hear it.

 

[mom2rtk]

Do you really believe that? (no sarcasm or aggression meant at all)

Regarding the issue of adrs and the 60 day booking of fp+
The long term solution is incredibly simple for Disney - but first, they want you to start booking fp+at 60 days out.

Question for old timers - when ADRs first started, how far in advance could you book them? 60 days? I dont think they started at 180- it was a much smaller window to swallow, wasnt it? I could be wrong on this though.

Questions for planners: Are you happier that ADRS are 180 days now, compared to 60 days or 90 days (cant remember how they all flipped around, I know the rule increased the advance number of days, and then decreased, and then increased, but cant remember the timeline at all- and too lazy to look it up) But, for PLANNERS- it seems to me to be a lot easier to get 'hot' ressies at the 180 mark, then it was at the 90 mark. Im going to guess, the same will hold true for fp+

Strategic planning: Booking only fp+ for mk and DHS is BRILLIANT, and doing it for every day of your trip, so you can decide later when you want to go to these parks. No need for AK or Epcot, you are right (if you are rope droppers).

However, how unwise to state this very canny strategy on a public forum Barry. How very unwise. You can be sure this loophole will be eventually closed- and I am sure the Disney forcasters and bean counters thank you for your work!

No not exactly. But I do think there has been a narrative for some time that people who slept in couldn't get certain FPs. So I think that sort of merged that with their desire to data mine via MM+ en route to increased guest spending.

I don't know where ADRs started, but I know it was 90 days for a long time. Then went to 180, then back to 90 and finally back to 180 again. I know a lot of folks want it back to 90, but I'm not among them. The demand for ADRs is just too high. When I booked at 90 days in 2009 it was a mad scramble to get some of the hard ones. Now it's even hard at a couple spots even at 180. My feeling is that 90 isn't any more spontaneous than 180 so why not make it less of a frenzy if possible?