Heard some FP kiosks were uncovered in MK today

[cakebaker]

But FP+ wasn't working either, which is why Disneyland never got it and instead got Maxpass, it helped solve a lot of the old issues and added a revenue stream to the service and eliminated the issues the average guest was having with FP+.

Yes it was and DLR didn't get it because they didn't need the same kind of system WDW did. They are vastly different parks. I have no idea what your definition of the average guest is....

 

[Micca]

Just don’t see the point of uncovering them if they don’t plan to allow them to be used ASAP. Not 30-60 days from now

Good point! The thing I think is unusual is the gradual removal for the coverings. If they were planning to re-start the program, how long would it possibly take to remove the covering from every kiosk in every park? A day? Are they so short-handed that they have to remove a few here and a few there over several weeks? Maybe once they're uncovered they have to be tested for functionality? They've probably never been out of use for such a long period of time previously.

 

[Wandering Oaken]

Perhaps I wasn't clear- I meant the old FP system wasn't working. People had learned how to game it and it was just failing. That's why we got FP+. I'll make my post more clear, it is confusing.

Ahhhh. Yes. I agree. The legacy FP was horrible and broken before it started.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

Good point! The thing I think is unusual is the gradual removal for the coverings. If they were planning to re-start the program, how long would it possibly take to remove the covering from every kiosk in every park? A day? Are they so short-handed that they have to remove a few here and a few there over several weeks? Maybe once they're uncovered they have to be tested for functionality? They've probably never been out of use for such a long period of time previously.

Disney can uncover them all in a day if they really wanted to. I mean, I'd gladly help take off that cover. I'm sure one of the little kids at the park can easily lift that thing up also.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

I’ve been 20+ times since the COVID closure. I know the refresh and FP drops. It’s been just fine without them. Waits are greatly exaggerated and the lines actually move. If it comes back, fine. But it’s been a pleasant surprise for us, who never wait in any line of 25 minutes or greater. We’ve especially enjoyed our DHS days. Less than 30 at RNRC, 20 at ToT, 30 for MFSR. Multiple rides on TSMM. 8 for 9 on BG for Rise at 7, 1 for 1 at 1:00. AK was so easy, left before lunch all 3 times because we did everything. Ow that they are seating every row at FotLK, you can walk right up. It’s more people worrying than actually experiencing it. I hope everyone has great trips. It’s still really fun for our family

 

[SimonSez]

No, I think it will be similar to the old system, day of only and unless you pay for the ability to book from your phone (Maxpass), you will have to go to the kiosks that are closest to the attraction you want a FP for. I say it will be something like this for a few reasons:
1. They are installing A LOT more kiosks in many of the locations, some as many as 20 extra kiosks.

2. We know Disney wants to monetize everything they can right now and this is an easy way to do so and provide what many will see as value since Maxpass also includes Photopass.

3. Outside of these boards A LOT of people complain about having to book FPs in advance with FP+, for the average guest it is problematic and according to several guest relations CMs that DH has spoken with prior to COVID was among the top 3 complaints they were getting. Again, we need to remember that those of us on the boards are the outliers, bit the average guest.

4. It would create a unified system on both coasts and make things easier for Disney to manage. This of us on these boards understand that both coasts are different, but Disney has been demonstrating lately that they just don't get this. I could even see this expanding to all parks world wide except Tokyo since Disney doesn't own or operate that park.

5. I suspect that whatever new membership program Disney comes up with to replace APs at Disneyland will replace APs at all of their parks, again, except Tokyo. I would imagine that some of the benefits will tie into a new FP (likely Maxpass) setup.

6. Chapek said that the shutdowns provided an opportunity to reimagine everything from AP programs to Entertainment to FP and FP+. I can't imagine him specifically mentioning FP if there aren't going to be some changes on the horizon.

I could certainly be wrong, but I would honestly be extremely surprised to see FP+ come back as it was, it created longer standby wait times, didn't get people spending money while waiting for return times and caused a lot of complaints from a lot of guests (only Disney really knows if it is most guests).

You might be on to something I was surprised how much I ended up disliking FP+. When we were there in 2017, we actually utilized it pretty well, but when I look back on it, it was something of a drag. When it went away during Covid, I hoped it wouldn't come back, at least not till after our August trip. Now the paper system was great in my humble opinion, but apparently that had issues too. FP+ was too restrictive on our time and made the stand by lines long and slow. I still remember FOP having a four hour stand by line, granted it was brand new and 2017's version of ROTR. Someone upthread said people who didn't like FP+ were engaging in wishful thinking that it's gone for good. I want to say that person is correct, at least as far as I'm concerned I am wishing they keep FP, just not the reservations and the scheduling in advance. It's very difficult making all of us happy, good luck Disney

 

[DisneyFive]

But FP+ wasn't working either

According to who? Those that wouldn’t plan their vacation that they just spent $$$! on?

We loved FP+.

Dan

 

[SimonSez]

I’ve been 20+ times since the COVID closure. I know the refresh and FP drops. It’s been just fine without them. Waits are greatly exaggerated and the lines actually move. If it comes back, fine. But it’s been a pleasant surprise for us, who never wait in any line of 25 minutes or greater. We’ve especially enjoyed our DHS days. Less than 30 at RNRC, 20 at ToT, 30 for MFSR. Multiple rides on TSMM. 8 for 9 on BG for Rise at 7, 1 for 1 at 1:00. AK was so easy, left before lunch all 3 times because we did everything. Ow that they are seating every row at FotLK, you can walk right up. It’s more people worrying than actually experiencing it. I hope everyone has great trips. It’s still really fun for our family

Agree with this. Harken back to the old days of Disney. As long as we don't go back as far as the E ticket era

 

[SimonSez]

According to who? Those that wouldn’t plan their vacation that they just spent $$$! on?

We loved FP+.

Dan

Lol, that's us! We planned it out, we just aren't an overly organized group. Our only trip so far trip with FP+, was complicated by other factors that, believe it or not had nothing to do with Disney. I think that's why I'm jaded against it. I can see most people liking it though and the planning part is fun

 

[jeast]

I've done all three systems multiple times having lived in both Florida and California. I liked Maxpass the best, as we were able to utilize it well, especially towards the end of the day. It was also less stressful ahead of time. I found it worth the $$. Of course, Disneyland is a different animal. Not sure how it would work in the 4 park system.

Either way, I like knowing that I can get a few rides without long lines, especially the headliners. It's hard to shell out for a ticket thinking that we won't be able to ride our favorite ride even once without waiting on a super long line. I hope they bring something back soon. I keep hesitating about heading back knowing that there is nothing in place.

 

[yorkieteacher]

I am reading all these opinions and LOVING that we are all "discussing" FP and not masks!!!!

 

[DisneyFive]

I am reading all these opinions and LOVING that we are all "discussing" FP and not masks!!!!

We booked our Disney vacation for late July not knowing what we would be facing. We are THRILLED that masks are no longer required. Our entire family of five is vaccinated and we have absolutely no worries. The fact that we don’t have to wear masks, social distancing being lessened, plexiglass coming down, all these things are so amazing. Icing on the cake would be FP+ coming back.

Dan

 

[monstermash23]

I wrote this in the longer fastpass thread but I’ll post my theory again here. This was more about fastpass + returning vs a brand new system, so you’ll see that context come through but in general, I still think the theory holds a lot of water and potentially will be what happens over the next month. I could also be overly optimistic and biased because of our trip late July lol, but here it is....

“I don’t think it is in Disney’s best interest to implement a brand new fastpass system (anything other then FP+) right as things are “returning to normal”. Do they want a paid system? I’m sure Chapek does. And I’m sure it’s coming. Was this an opportunity (Covid) to be able to start fresh with a new system? Yes it WAS. But I think that opportunity came and went. Things are going back to normal too fast for this big operational machine to keep up.

So if that logic is correct, which I think it is (based on nothing substantial mind you), then Disney will wait to implement a new “paid” fastpass system. And they will likely restore the previous system to its original format, I mean FP+. But I think they will wait until AFTER the 50th anniversary is over to implement a new paid system. I think there is probably way too much going on internally regarding the 50th coming up PLUS reopening from covid closures for them to be able to effectively cram down our throats a paid system. They barely have the staff to handle the reopening and people think they have full tech staff behind the scenes working dilligently on some monster new paid system for the near future? That just doesn’t make sense to me.

And if that’s the case, all of what I said, and the original FP+ system does come back in the near future (which I think it will given all the kiosks slowly returning, uncovered or not), then it’s just a matter of when they announce it and if it’ll be available immediately upon the announcent. So when will that be? I personally don’t think they will relaunch anything with this before July 4th, even if they are ready. I think mid-july is most likely.

So the question becomes then, if it is announced mid-end of July in this theory, does it return all at once for everyone that is booked in July/Aug or do they force the 1/2 month wait period for everyone with the system opening up in Sept or Oct, just like how it used to be? Again, if any of the aforementioned logic holds true, then I don’t think they’ll force a waiting period. I think once they announce it is returning, it will be a few days and then the floodgates will open for everyone. Why? Because that’s the route with least resistance at the moment. And if they do this AFTER the 4th, when the parks will be less busy and less people to blow up their platform when booking fastpasses all at once. And doing it this way, relaunching the older system for a quicker return to normalcy for the guests, gives them time to eventually implement a paid system at a future date if they want to while providing some guest experience stability that is desperately needed right now (I’m sure as much internally as for the customer too).

Chapek may not understand the park experience as we all appreciate it, and he may be too much of a numbers guy for Disney, but he isn’t impractical. And I think that NOT bringing it back NOT in it’s original form, that that would be the impractical business decision to make. But then again, I’m not the one making those decisions and for good reason lol.

But my overall point, the most logical business decision considering backend logistics, staffing, PR, keeping the news cycle primarily on Disney and perks coming back, then FP+ will be back soon, but most likely not before the 4th. Just my two cents and this is based on just rumors, nothing more.”

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

People had learned how to game it and it was just failing.

What do you mean by this? Please explain.

 

[cakebaker]

What do you mean by this? Please explain.

They had learned they could ignore the return times for one- people would collect them in the mornings and use them at busier times and they focused on getting the headliners so they could ride multiple times a day.They would also bring magic bands from friends or family and use them to get additional fp's. Disney did eventually start requiring in park validation, but it was a big problem for a long time.

 

[Amirah95]

I'm hyped. This is such good news whether active of not. There is a light coming...

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

I'm hyped. This is such good news whether active of not. There is a light coming...

Probably not for the ones going in July

 

[monstermash23]

Probably not for the ones going in July

Why’s that?

 

[KrazeeK120]

They had learned they could ignore the return times for one- people would collect them in the mornings and use them at busier times and they focused on getting the headliners so they could ride multiple times a day.They would also bring magic bands from friends or family and use them to get additional fp's. Disney did eventually start requiring in park validation, but it was a big problem for a long time.

I admit my memory is fuzzy, but wasn’t “regular” FP before Magic Bands? I remember having to put my KTTW card in the FP machine to get the paper ticket. On every visit I’ve had since MB was introduced, I’ve used FP+.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

Why’s that?

Check out the rumors opening dates thread in the news section. A cast member told the thread starter that they might announce this week on the 30th of June opening reservations to book fast pass but won’t actually be implemented to use them until July 31st.