Here it is - Announcement re More FP+ Beginning 4/28

[Mad Hattered]

Get a clue about what????? Giving random people on a message board credit for all of their lies. NOTHING that you people have said has ever come true. I don't know why you expect people to take you seriously at this point. I thought Disney was going to shut down or go up in smoke or something unless Legacy FastPass+ was put back in place-----New Coke and all that remember????? Some of you said this could never work and that Disney was in this big trouble------however they are not. Disney is doing just fine. I have no horse in this race as I am going to Disney and I am going to have a great time. I wish you the same. Disney has been keeping their word..... and so far I like what I see. It's all good.

Just so we are clear...some have also said:

Standby lines would be longer

Attractions would have lines that didn't used to exist except during the busiest of times

The app sucks

The wifi sucks

3 < 6 (which we have always been right about)

Some people are having the wool pulled over their eyes by FP+ing Stitch

We called it Legacy FP (we hate pluses)


You have to give us at least a "little" credit.

 

[MermaidMommy]

For what it's worth, Josh has a new post with his take and recommendation on the additional FP:

http://www.easywdw.com/news/disney-...tions-beginning-monday-april-28th/#more-13339

He still recommends scheduling your FP's late morning/early afternoon:

...[T]he website (at this point) continues to recommend using FastPass+ in the late morning and early afternoon when waits peak. If you book FastPass+ first thing in the morning, the absolute earliest you could make a 4th FastPass+ selection is around 11:10am. By that time, available selections are already going to be slim at the attractions you really want to use it at like Test Track and Toy Story. And if times are available for desirable attractions, return times will likely be well into the evening. So if you use FastPass+ at Test Track from 9am – 10am, Mission Space from 10am – 11am, and Living with the Land from 11am – 12pm, you’ll be able to select a fourth FastPass+ no earlier than 11:15am. By that time, there might be FastPass+ availability at Soarin’ for something like 7:15pm – 8:15pm. But in turn, you’ve basically wasted your initial allotment and won’t even be able to book a 5th FastPass+ for any other attraction because the Soarin’ time is so late. It’s much more intelligent to hammer out the priorities in the standby line first thing in the morning, and then use that Test Track FastPass+ at 11am when the wait is 90 minutes instead of 15.

 

[GigiDisneyfreak]

I've recently made my FP reservations and have decided against changing them in the hope of getting more later in the day. My logic is that I am happy that the attractions and times I have picked will save us time. If I have to stack them together and use a FP for Space Mountain at 9.05 am when I could have walked on so that I can hope to get the Barnstormer at 5 pm as my fourth one then the first 'good' FP I had, really had no value .... can you see where I'm going with this?

I think it may work for some better than others. I guess I'm just tired of planning now and want to close the schedule book so I can give my head a rest before we arrive on vacation

I agree with you. Luckily for me I don't go until Sept. so I have time to see how it works for others. But right now I don't ser how getting a FP for park opening could be worth it.

 

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

Just so we are clear...some have also said:

Standby lines would be longer

Attractions would have lines that didn't used to exist except during the busiest of times

The app sucks

The wifi sucks

3 < 6 (which we have always been right about)

Some people are having the wool pulled over their eyes by FP+ing Stitch

We called it Legacy FP (we hate pluses)


You have to give us at least a "little" credit.

The plus was a mistake----you wouldn't even give me time to edit. I will have to give you credit for effort----that's all, so don't let it get to your head or hat.

For what it's worth, Josh has a new post with his take and recommendation on the additional FP:

http://www.easywdw.com/news/disney-...tions-beginning-monday-april-28th/#more-13339

He still recommends scheduling your FP's late morning/early afternoon:

...[T]he website (at this point) continues to recommend using FastPass+ in the late morning and early afternoon when waits peak. If you book FastPass+ first thing in the morning, the absolute earliest you could make a 4th FastPass+ selection is around 11:10am. By that time, available selections are already going to be slim at the attractions you really want to use it at like Test Track and Toy Story. And if times are available for desirable attractions, return times will likely be well into the evening. So if you use FastPass+ at Test Track from 9am – 10am, Mission Space from 10am – 11am, and Living with the Land from 11am – 12pm, you’ll be able to select a fourth FastPass+ no earlier than 11:15am. By that time, there might be FastPass+ availability at Soarin’ for something like 7:15pm – 8:15pm. But in turn, you’ve basically wasted your initial allotment and won’t even be able to book a 5th FastPass+ for any other attraction because the Soarin’ time is so late. It’s much more intelligent to hammer out the priorities in the standby line first thing in the morning, and then use that Test Track FastPass+ at 11am when the wait is 90 minutes instead of 15.

Thank you- this is valuable information....this is exactly what I will do.

 

[Sammie]

It's always interesting to me when two people can read the exact same quote and take away two totally different meanings. One person may read this as, "We always meant to do this. This was our plan all along." I read "response to feedback from our guests" as meaning "lots of people were complaining, so we had to make changes."

I honestly have no idea what Disney's endgame is with all of this. I don't know what their initial plans were, but I would guess they were unprepared for the volume of complaints. If this was their plan all along, I don' think that's much consolation for people whose trips have taken trips in the past four months with the limitation of only three FPs per day.

I am very happy about this change, and I am glad that I voiced my concerns to Disney and that the concerns are being addressed.

The thing is what was the volume of complaints? On here it seem a lot, but many were the same people complaining.

You have to remember the DIS and even those that commented on other forums and even Facebook are just a very small percentage of the total number of guests.

Sure people complained, but many did not and many that were sent surveys were pleased with the product and willing to wait and see what it was going to be.

Disney is not stupid. They knew if they rolled out the final plan at the beginning that some would hate it. However now those that would have complained are now not so unhappy with it. They also wanted to roll out it out slowly, that was said from the beginning too.

But if by holding back this change until now makes those that complained feel they were the reason, then Disney succeeded.

Yes they listen to guest feedback, but these changes for Monday were in the plan from day one.

Just as not releasing all Fastpass at 60 days was too.

 

[wendow]

The real worry is people like us. The ones who know enough and are motivated enough to use that knowledge. We can screw up rope drop if our numbers are large enough. Time will tell.

This is exactly my concern. I have not been since FP+ rolled out but we were heavy users of FP-. RD every single day at every single park. We knew how to work the system and we loved it. Being there at RD was one of our biggest 'weapons' along with maximizing FP-. Now one of our weapons, FP-, has been taken away and all we have left is RD. If everyone starts going at RD, we lose that too. I know that this board is designed to share tips and secrets and we all had to learn somewhere, but am I the only one who cringes every time I see the recommendation to "be there at rope drop" posted over and over?? I know that sounds bad. I want to help people and I want everyone to have a magical trip but just not when I am there

 

[Mad Hattered]

The thing is what was the volume of complaints? On here it seem a lot, but many were the same people complaining.

You have to remember the DIS and even those that commented on other forums and even Facebook are just a very small percentage of the total number of guests.

Sure people complained, but many did not and many that were sent surveys were pleased with the product and willing to wait and see what it was going to be.

Disney is not stupid. They knew if they rolled out the final plan at the beginning they would have nothing to offer those that did complain.


But if by holding back this change until now makes those that complained feel they were the reason, then Disney succeeded.

Are you honestly being serious?

And to the bolded...what about the families they screwed over in the meantime? Or is their plan really to focus on the "one and done crowd"? Disney must measure their success differently than most companies.

If I use your analogy, it's like they offered up a crap burger with the intention of eventually using 50% less crap in their burger in case people complained they were tired of eating so much crap.

And I disagree....Disney was really stupid in this case.

ETA -you revised your post since I quoted the original but it still has a certain "stench" to it.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

Maybe. Maybe not. There are many people who will just book their 3 fp's and that will be it. Of those people, many do not even use all 3 fp's.

I don't like the fact that Disney is forcing FP's on people who wouldn't normally use them and who don't even want them.

I don't see how Disney is forcing anyone to use FP+, they are advertising it but it isn't required that people use it. My guess is most of the people that didn't take advantage of FP- (which was easier to use) will never bother to even book FP+.

The fact that you honestly seem to think that the reason these changes were made had nothing to do with the people who complained, the number of people who cancelled trips or APs and told Disney the reason why was FP+ ... that is the real funny thing here.

Seriously, get a clue.

I'm sure Disney listened to those upset enough to write a letter and cancel trips but I doubt it was any more a factor than the millions of surveys and guest comment cards from people that went to the parks.

I had a great time during my trip in December, I answered questions from several CM's walking around with Ipads at FP lines or at the park entrances and took a long survey after returning from my trip, including the poll of how I thought more FP's should be distributed (which shows they were at least considering this months ago as they were still introducing it). I told each and every one of them what I loved about the system and when they asked what I thought would make it better my answer was always the ability to get more than 3 and the ability to use them in more than one park. Most of the FP+ fans and haters (for lack of a better term) probably said the exact same thing,

I don't think the FP+ haters and FP+ fans opinions of 3 total and 1 park were/are that different, 99% of us don't like being restricted to one park and 3 FP's, I'm sure the feedback from both sides was nearly unanimous. Fortunately Disney listened.

 

[ckelly14]

Really kicking myself when I read this post. Initially had a A&E M&G scheduled for 10 AM and I changed it to 4 PM to coincide with my 5:40 BOG dinner reservation. Agh!

Really, MK is the only park I see myself caring about a 4th FP, so not happy I did this. However, I was surprised when I log-in this AM I could move the M&G earlier (there were a bunch of spots available for 4 people June 3rd) to 1:20. Better. Might be able to grab a FP+ for another ride in the evening for when I come back for dinner/Wishes.

Can't see myself caring a lick for another FP+ in Epcot or HS...

 

[wisblue]

I think it is hilarious that some people here are convinced that some of these latest changes are only being made because of complaints from the group of people who believe that FP+ is something less than an optimal ride management system. (I have been admonished about using a convenient one word title to describe that group, even though they seem to enjoy using it themselves).

Is anyone seriously suggesting that Disney should have made a decision about the final parameters for FP+ and launched it all at one time? If you think that some guests were "screwed" over the last couple of months because they had to deal with "only" 3 FPs, just think of how screwed they may have been if they had been subjected to a system that wasn't introduced gradually to test the mechanics and to see how guests use it.

I was sure several months ago that changes to the FP system would be coming, and am sure that there will still be more coming in the future. Disney didn't need to hear complaints to know that at least some guests would want more than 3 FPs and the ability to receive FPs in more than one park. But, before offering those options, they wanted to give all guests (whether staying onsite or offsite) the opportunity to make some FP+ reservations in advance. Now that that process is complete, they can proceed with more revisions.

 

[Angel Ariel]

The thing is what was the volume of complaints? On here it seem a lot, but many were the same people complaining.

Disney boards aren't the only place people complained. Almost everyone (non Disney fanatic) that I have talked to about this had the immediate reaction of "why do I want to schedule rides 2 months in advance??". I think it is a bit offbase to assume the only people who don't like the system are a small few on a message.board.

Beyond that, even many (dare I say most) of those here who have liked fp+ from the beginning have said all along they didn't like the limit of 3 and lack of park hooping either. So, imo, to say that only a small few "complained" (I.e. gave Disney feedback on those 2 things) is a bit inaccurate.

 

[Granny square]

I think it is hilarious that some people here are convinced that some of these latest changes are only being made because of complaints from the group of people who believe that FP+ is something less than an optimal ride management system. (I have been admonished about using a convenient one word title to describe that group, even though they seem to enjoy using it themselves). Is anyone seriously suggesting that Disney should have made a decision about the final parameters for FP+ and launched it all at one time? If you think that some guests were "screwed" over the last couple of months because they had to deal with "only" 3 FPs, just think of how screwed they may have been if they had been subjected to a system that wasn't introduced gradually to test the mechanics and to see how guests use it. I was sure several months ago that changes to the FP system would be coming, and am sure that there will still be more coming in the future. Disney didn't need to hear complaints to know that at least some guests would want more than 3 FPs and the ability to receive FPs in more than one park. But, before offering those options, they wanted to give all guests (whether staying onsite or offsite) the opportunity to make some FP+ reservations in advance. Now that that process is complete, they can proceed with more revisions.

Lol are you done chastising people and acting superior? Good golly!

 

[Ellwood970]

I think it is hilarious that some people here are convinced that some of these latest changes are only being made because of complaints from the group of people who believe that FP+ is something less than an optimal ride management system. (I have been admonished about using a convenient one word title to describe that group, even though they seem to enjoy using it themselves). Is anyone seriously suggesting that Disney should have made a decision about the final parameters for FP+ and launched it all at one time? If you think that some guests were "screwed" over the last couple of months because they had to deal with "only" 3 FPs, just think of how screwed they may have been if they had been subjected to a system that wasn't introduced gradually to test the mechanics and to see how guests use it. I was sure several months ago that changes to the FP system would be coming, and am sure that there will still be more coming in the future. Disney didn't need to hear complaints to know that at least some guests would want more than 3 FPs and the ability to receive FPs in more than one park. But, before offering those options, they wanted to give all guests (whether staying onsite or offsite) the opportunity to make some FP+ reservations in advance. Now that that process is complete, they can proceed with more revisions.

. Paying 100.00 a day at the gate to be a tester?

 

[wdwlver]

Happy that changes are coming. Glad Disney listened to those of us who voiced our concerns.
Still not on 100 % board, not a fan of waiting on a kiosk line to book more fastpasses or the beyond glitchy app but at least the option is there for us park hoppers.
Can see this working for us if we use fp in am at HS then get more at MK later on.
Might actually head down this summer to try it out after thinking we'd take this year off.

 

[mrsmorrow]

This is exactly my concern. I have not been since FP+ rolled out but we were heavy users of FP-. RD every single day at every single park. We knew how to work the system and we loved it. Being there at RD was one of our biggest 'weapons' along with maximizing FP-. Now one of our weapons, FP-, has been taken away and all we have left is RD. If everyone starts going at RD, we lose that too. I know that this board is designed to share tips and secrets and we all had to learn somewhere, but am I the only one who cringes every time I see the recommendation to "be there at rope drop" posted over and over?? I know that sounds bad. I want to help people and I want everyone to have a magical trip but just not when I am there

I feel the exact same way. I am honestly so worried that RD will be a circus

 

[mom2rtk]

I think it is hilarious that some people here are convinced that some of these latest changes are only being made because of complaints from the group of people who believe that FP+ is something less than an optimal ride management system. (I have been admonished about using a convenient one word title to describe that group, even though they seem to enjoy using it themselves).

Is anyone seriously suggesting that Disney should have made a decision about the final parameters for FP+ and launched it all at one time? If you think that some guests were "screwed" over the last couple of months because they had to deal with "only" 3 FPs, just think of how screwed they may have been if they had been subjected to a system that wasn't introduced gradually to test the mechanics and to see how guests use it.

I was sure several months ago that changes to the FP system would be coming, and am sure that there will still be more coming in the future. Disney didn't need to hear complaints to know that at least some guests would want more than 3 FPs and the ability to receive FPs in more than one park. But, before offering those options, they wanted to give all guests (whether staying onsite or offsite) the opportunity to make some FP+ reservations in advance. Now that that process is complete, they can proceed with more revisions.

As I said earlier in the thread, I think Disney was hoping they could get away with offering 3, leaving capacity in the system for them to use as carrots to get the crowds to do what they wanted them to do.

I think they found out the public wasn't ok with that, so they had to ante up some of what they were hoping to have at their disposal.

 

[wisblue]

. Paying 100.00 a day at the gate to be a tester?

So, you think it would have been better to just drop the changes all at once and let the chips fall where they may?

 

[Laketravis]

Regardless of whether any changes are planned or in reaction to guest feedback or a combination of both, regardless of whether or not anyone on these boards is tapped in to super-secret uber-confidential information that they cannot share but simply offer as told-you-so, regardless of whether one wins an argument over which touring style is best, please consider a different angle for a moment.

Because no matter what Disney has done, is doing now, or plans to do in the future, I am strictly interested in their timing at this point.

And the reason I say that is because I felt that Disney, like many other companies are doing right now, is riding the crest of pent-up consumer demand as a result of several prolonged crappy economic years.

I'm fascinated if these companies (Disney, hospitality, airlines, even Chipolte and Netflix) are so cocky in their own consumer demand right now to raise prices for less service and think they can sustain that model long term or are they simply setting themselves up for a crash.

Leading edge indicators such as discretionary spending are starting to trend down after 16-24 months of resurgence. On a smaller scale, compare this to a family who scrimped and saved during/after hard times and could finally afford that dream WDW vacation - they went last year or this year but they probably won't be back next year.

Disney resort bookings are down. Peripheral revenue drivers have peaked and are heading down. Price resistance is becoming apparent.

Will new and more plentiful discounts be on the near horizon as all of this upward pressure on revenue exhausts it's potential?

That's my curiosity in all of this. You can't keep charging more for the perception of less.

 

[Minnie824]

I haven't read through this whole thread but here are some issues I have. Great theres a 4th (or more) FP now. However, the way we used to use FP was to get to the park at rope drop and get fastpasses in the morning, park hop, get fastpasses at 2nd park. Now w/FP+ I changed my strategy... In order to park hop which we enjoy doing, we're doing rope drop at one and I have most of my fastpasses in the evening, whether it be at the same park or a second park. So therefore, going to a kiosk when they're all gone will not happen. And are they letting you get that 4th fp at another park? What will even be left after you use the 3? Can you get additional fps from the first tier? I know they're working towards improvement but its got a way to go yet.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I haven't read through this whole thread but here are some issues I have. Great theres a 4th (or more) FP now. However, the way we used to use FP was to get to the park at rope drop and get fastpasses in the morning, park hop, get fastpasses at 2nd park. Now w/FP+ I changed my strategy... In order to park hop which we enjoy doing, we're doing rope drop at one and I have most of my fastpasses in the evening, whether it be at the same park or a second park. So therefore, going to a kiosk when they're all gone will not happen. And are they letting you get that 4th fp at another park? What will even be left after you use the 3? Can you get additional fps from the first tier? I know they're working towards improvement but its got a way to go yet.

Apparently if you park hop, you have to usr your 3 prebooked fps first, before you can get a fp at another park. So if you booked 3 at mk, when they were used you can go to epcot and get 4th/5th, etc.

Still remains to be seen what will be left to choose from.

No word on being able to choose additional tier 1, but earlier someone with inside contacts said you could use a 4th (and beyond) for repeat rides.