Here now and loving MM+ and FP+

[labdogs42]

I would still love to see anyone who has been there in the past month or so give a report showing us all how FP+ improved (or even did NOT decrease) the number of rides that they got on rides that have historically been known to have long lines during the same time period.

When I see a report such as that, it would fundamentally change my beliefs about FP+. I am begging anyone to show us the real silver lining, and it just seems to not really be there.

You won't see a report like that. FP+ isn't designed to get us on as many rides as we used to enjoy with the old system.

I tried FP+ back in August and I really liked the magic bands and the app, but I don't like the limits of number of FP+'s in a day and the tiering of attractions. I hope they find a way to make the new system more like the old. But, for now, you won't see a report that detals that FP+ does that because it isn't how it works.

 

[wdwfreak]

Well, my "meaningless" comment was obviously stating that if you were getting rides due to low crowds, FP+ was meaningless in that. And, since one of the big items you state as why you love FP+ was that you rode Space 3 times, yet then say that 2 of those were RD and right before close, when Space is almost always a walkon, I am still struggling to see what made FP+ so amazing. If it is nothing more than the normal: no more running (may or may not be different in teh big scheme of things), change 3 rides on the fly (for now), and no more fumbling for keys (which most people didn't really suffer from), then when I see folks say "thank goodness, FP+ is still going to be amazing", I fear for them. I don't think there is any argument that FP+ and the MBs change a lot of minor things during your visit. HOWEVER, I really have yet to see anyone coming back now with a "we loved FP+" opinion say anything that makes me believe FP+ has improved anything regarding getting lots of rides. And I certainly see very little evidence proving FP+ has NOT lessened the ride situation for everyone except those who are happy with only 3 rides a day. I would still love to see anyone who has been there in the past month or so give a report showing us all how FP+ improved (or even did NOT decrease) the number of rides that they got on rides that have historically been known to have long lines during the same time period. When I see a report such as that, it would fundamentally change my beliefs about FP+. I am begging anyone to show us the real silver lining, and it just seems to not really be there. You state you've ridden 15-20 rides a day. Quite frankly, if you know how to use FP+ to get to that result, every FP+ hater on the DIS is BEGGING you to tell us what we are missing here. -Jason

Please read my original post. I never once said FP+ helped us ride multiple times. I was contradicting the contention that FP+ PREVENTS you from doing that. Maybe it won't work for you and others. There are a million variables you can (and probably will) throw out. I'm not inclined to debate you on such things. It worked for us. We liked it. Period. I'm sorry you don't care for it.

 

[rastuso]

Please read my original post. I never once said FP+ helped us ride multiple times. I was contradicting the contention that FP+ PREVENTS you from doing that. Maybe it won't work for you and others. There are a million variables you can (and probably will) throw out. I'm not inclined to debate you on such things. It worked for us. We liked it. Period. I'm sorry you don't care for it.

So, when being pushed to show WHY you loved FP+, you offer really nothing? So, then I must ask why you posted you love FP+? I would assume it was to discuss it, since this is a discussion board.

I am trying to get you to show the FP+ non-believers why they are wrong, which includes me.

Trust me, I WANT to be wrong about my FP+ beliefs, because if I'm right, it means my WDW vacations have come to end outside of MNSSHP.

I've visited WDW since it was the Magic Kingdom, and don't want to stop. I see folks post they LOVE FP+, but then can't really quantify it with respect to rides, which myself, and probably 80% of all WDW visitors put as the main reason to visit.

-Jason

 

[wdwfreak]

So, when being pushed to show WHY you loved FP+, you offer really nothing? So, then I must ask why you posted you love FP+? I would assume it was to discuss it, since this is a discussion board. I am trying to get you to show the FP+ non-believers why they are wrong, which includes me. Trust me, I WANT to be wrong about my FP+ beliefs, because if I'm right, it means my WDW vacations have come to end outside of MNSSHP. I've visited WDW since it was the Magic Kingdom, and don't want to stop. I see folks post they LOVE FP+, but then can't really quantify it with respect to rides, which myself, and probably 80% of all WDW visitors put as the main reason to visit. -Jason

Again if you actually read the original post, I offer plenty of reasons WHY I like it. Just not the ones you want apparently.

 

[amg35]

Again if you actually read the original post, I offer plenty of reasons WHY I like it. Just not the ones you want apparently.

Just enjoy your trip! I'm glad you are having a good time.

 

[evcollins]

Geez Louise! I enjoyed your report. Have a great time and keep reporting back.

 

[Kate and Family]

Geez Louise! I enjoyed your report. Have a great time and keep reporting back.

Feeling the same here.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

If you used the new system and enjoyed it, it's probably because you don't know how to enjoy things properly.





Glad it worked well for some people here and that they're sharing it!!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Glad to hear it. I think the vast majority of people posting negative things about it haven't actually tried it. It's great that it's working so well for you.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

For those of you who made changes in the park - what type of smart phone did you use? (and did you have problems)

We used FP+ for a 5-day trip in Feb. On 2 occasions we switched all of our FP+ for a day to a different park, and a couple of other times we changed only a time or attraction for one of them. Had no issues at all using an iPhone 5S both in the parks and at the hotel for these changes.

 

[ajwolfe]

This is great news. I'm being cautiously optimistic about our upcoming trip.

Same here!! And it looks like we are going at the same time. Let's hope it works perfectly.

 

[KelleyK75]

I am glad to hear your report. I will be there next week and look forward to using FP+ and MM.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

We're in The World now (on our way to the Studios) and we love the Magic Bands and FP+. I was skeptical before we left because I had heard a lot of negativity about the whole "MM+ mess." I gotta say, after using for three days we love it!

Having the magic bands is so much easier than fumbling for room keys, tickets, IDs, etc. we haven't waited more than 10-15 minutes in any FP line and, yes, they appear every bit as long and daunting as the infamous Twitter pics from a few months back. Don't believe it! Once you're in them they move FAST! It's because you line up outside instead of inside like you used to,

We were at Epcot one day and realized we didn't need the FPs we had scheduled so with the help of a cast member we were able to easily cancel those and schedule ones for MK later in the day.

Granted we are staying onsite so we could book our FPs in advance and haven't had to wait in any of the kiosk lines. Those don't look fun. We are also at each park at rope drop. This is Spring Break after all.

We also haven't had any problems making changes or getting rides and times we want for the same day, We did have to stop at the front desk one day because my daughter'a MB wasn't working on our door lock. But it just took a couple of minutes to fix.

Maybe we're just lucky but the new system has worked great for us. We actually prefer it to the old system. We love scheduling the times we want. We also haven't found that we have much downtime waiting for the next FP window. There are plenty of rides and attractions in each park that are walk ons.

Also, as far as the contention that you won't be able to ride rides multiple times without FP+, it's not entirely true. We rode Everest 3 times and Dinosaur twice at AK, ToT three times at HS and Mermaid and Space each three times at MK.

I can only speak for me and my party but we are really happy with how this has all worked out.

If anyone has any questions I'll do my best to answer them.

~Hi wdwfreak! Fabulous post!!! We are rope drop commando's and we close the parks, too! We love FP+ and I am so happy that we never have to deal with the legacy fastpass again. I can't wait to get back to Disney World soon enough! Thanks so much for the update and enjoy the rest of your trip!!!

 

[Muziqal]

So, when being pushed to show WHY you loved FP+, you offer really nothing? So, then I must ask why you posted you love FP+? I would assume it was to discuss it, since this is a discussion board.

I am trying to get you to show the FP+ non-believers why they are wrong, which includes me.

Trust me, I WANT to be wrong about my FP+ beliefs, because if I'm right, it means my WDW vacations have come to end outside of MNSSHP.

I've visited WDW since it was the Magic Kingdom, and don't want to stop. I see folks post they LOVE FP+, but then can't really quantify it with respect to rides, which myself, and probably 80% of all WDW visitors put as the main reason to visit.

-Jason

I don't know...your '80% main reason to visit' figure seems a bit skewed. You sound more like a Universal or Busch Gardens enthusiast than your typical 'Disney magic' kinda guy. Also, even if it were anything close to real data, you'd have to qualify it with what of the 80% loved to go on the true FP+ attractions (e.g. Soarin, Everest, SM. SP, etc.) vs. what of the 80% cared more about things like 'It's a Small World' or 'Pirates'. Then you'd have to slice, dice, and analyze how each of these groups were positively/negatively impacted by the new system. Seems premature to hate on a system without the data. My (dataless) observation has been that there are less thrill ride enthusiasts who go to Disney than those who go for the 'magical feeling' and 'nostalgia + a little bit of thrill'. But, maybe that's my own bias speaking. Surely, I'd have no way to provide a percentage of those who agree with me.

I can see one scenario being improved on my upcoming trip that I've encountered many times...arriving late in the day to a park and not being able to ride the A-list attraction without spending my entire evening in the stand by line after all fastpasses have been distributed. I like the idea of taking my time, park-hopping, etc., and still being able to catch Soarin with a FP+ (that was reserved months in advance or changed that day on the fly) at 6:30pm.

 

[rastuso]

Just thought finally someone would tell my WHY FP+ is so amazing. As always, they really can't, besides the facts such as "we can sleep till noon, pay full price to enter (or use APs), and get 3 rides and leave".

Us "Debbie Downers" say explicitly what we don't like about FP+. I still have yet to hear someone that loves FP+ that goes to WDW to ride lots of rides. I guess that makes me a Universal guy (Universal is great, and builds new rides instead of using decades old RFID technology, so yeah).

Just thought with all the "We love FP+" threads that are being started, someone had cracked teh code, and can prove how 3 >6 or 7 or 8, and how tiers are actually a good thing. I really want someone to figure this out.

Instead, all I see is unbridled optimism.

-Jason

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Just thought finally someone would tell my WHY FP+ is so amazing. As always, they really can't, besides the facts such as "we can sleep till noon, pay full price to enter (or use APs), and get 3 rides and leave".

Us "Debbie Downers" say explicitly what we don't like about FP+. I still have yet to hear someone that loves FP+ that goes to WDW to ride lots of rides. I guess that makes me a Universal guy (Universal is great, and builds new rides instead of using decades old RFID technology, so yeah).

Just thought with all the "We love FP+" threads that are being started, someone had cracked teh code, and can prove how 3 >6 or 7 or 8, and how tiers are actually a good thing. I really want someone to figure this out.

Instead, all I see is unbridled optimism.

-Jason

OK, I will tell you what I like about FP+.

If you are a rope drop person, and use your FP+ for the crowded rides at the end of the day, you get on a TON more rides faster than you used to.

 

[cjnettles]

We have been here since Saturday and concur, we love the new system. We have had no issues, the longest FP lines we have waited in was six minutes at the most, that includes Toy Story twice. Not having to fumble for keys, tickets, etc... Is awesome. I have changed several FP times and had no problem doing that or getting what we wanted. Here till Saturday and can't wait to see how much more fun awaits us.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

There are plenty of rides and attractions in each park that are walk ons.

Glad to hear this from previous reports, it sounded like walk on attractions no longer exist.

 

[Kate and Family]

Just thought finally someone would tell my WHY FP+ is so amazing. As always, they really can't, besides the facts such as "we can sleep till noon, pay full price to enter (or use APs), and get 3 rides and leave".

Us "Debbie Downers" say explicitly what we don't like about FP+. I still have yet to hear someone that loves FP+ that goes to WDW to ride lots of rides. I guess that makes me a Universal guy (Universal is great, and builds new rides instead of using decades old RFID technology, so yeah).

Just thought with all the "We love FP+" threads that are being started, someone had cracked teh code, and can prove how 3 >6 or 7 or 8, and how tiers are actually a good thing. I really want someone to figure this out.

Instead, all I see is unbridled optimism.

-Jason

Jason, It is not an improvement for you, if 3>6 or 7 or 8 is your only criteria.

But for those of us (with short legs and kids in tow) who cannot beat you to the FP- kiosk in time to get a FP for a headliner - then FP+/MDE is better, 'cause we get to ride that headliner too.

For those of us who rather have a sure thing with a few of their favorites, take in the atmosphere instead of running around trying to get FP - then FP+/MDE is better

For those of us who like the convenience of making changes on the fly - then FP+/MDE is better

For those who like the convenience of having reservations in handy place, have dining plan on our wrist, opening doors easily, shopping check out quicker - then FP+/MDE is better

So could you ride more rides with F- ? Yes - You did by your own account. I can understand that this is a HUGE game changer for you. Unless they increase the number of FP, take away tiers, and allow park hopping, I can not see how you could have a better (or even equal) experience . (Are you local? Do you go to WDW often? You really knew how to make the old system work)

But Jason, to expect everyone else to use your criteria in order to determine if the new system is better or worse, is silly, and frustrating for you and the rest of us.

I have not yet been to WDW with the new system, so I will not really know until I get there, but I THINK, I will like the new system. (And I will keep my fingers crossed for an increase in FP!)

 

[amg35]

Jason, It is not an improvement for you, if 3>6 or 7 or 8 is your only criteria.

But for those of us (with short legs and kids in tow) who cannot beat you to the FP- kiosk in time to get a FP for a headliner - then FP+/MDE is better, 'cause we get to ride that headliner too.

For those of us who rather have a sure thing with a few of their favorites, take in the atmosphere instead of running around trying to get FP - then FP+/MDE is better

For those of us who like the convenience of making changes on the fly - then FP+/MDE is better

For those who like the convenience of having reservations in handy place, have dining plan on our wrist, opening doors easily, shopping check out quicker - then FP+/MDE is better

So could you ride more rides with F- ? Yes - You did by your own account. I can understand that this is a HUGE game changer for you. Unless they increase the number of FP, take away tiers, and allow park hopping, I can not see how you could have a better (or even equal) experience . (Are you local? Do you go to WDW often? You really knew how to make the old system work)

But Jason, to expect everyone else to use your criteria in order to determine if the new system is better or worse, is silly, and frustrating for you and the rest of us.

I have not yet been to WDW with the new system, so I will not really know until I get there, but I THINK, I will like the new system. (And I will keep my fingers crossed for an increase in FP!)

Great post!!!