Here now and loving MM+ and FP+

[wdwfreak]

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

What do you want? We didn't sleep until noon. We didn't just ride our three rides and leave. The naysayers would have everyone believe that because of FP+ you'll get to ride three rides and then nothing else unless you want to wait hours and hours in stand by lines. I'm trying to tell people that simply isn't true by our experience. We just left the park at 3:30 and rode/watched 14 different attractions in 6 1/2 hours (including the hour we spent eating lunch and the 30 minutes we spent waiting for the Festival of Fantasy parade.) We are ride people and we've ridden everything we wanted to and more. FP+ allows us to plan our day better as opposed to being held to whatever hour was available at the time you hit the FP kiosk. It seems no matter what or how many reasons people give for liking the new system you aren't satisfied. Yes 3<6. Maybe it's that simple for you but we've found this to be one of the most pleasurable trips we've had. We like FP+. We like MM+. Sorry if our reasons don't satisfy or are "meaningless" to you.

 

[wdwfreak]

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.

Thank you so much for this. This is the gist of what I was trying to say stated more concisely.

 

[Radiorox]

I actually enjoy FP+. Love that I can schedule it and not worry about it. I am a RD person so it's perfect to ride again late in the day or to park hop and still get to ride.

The room charging thingie is what sucks. I find I spend more money.

Room key is AWESOME!!! Go for a run in the AM and just head out without worrying about the room key is a blessing. Doing a Run Disney event, same thing. Don't worry about where to stuff your key.

 

[kaybird]

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!!

That's exactly why we don't see as many "I LOVED FP+" reports. If we loved it, we must be doing it wrong, or have to explain our good time to Jason. Loved it, Love that the OP loved it!

 

[rastuso]

What do you want? We didn't sleep until noon. We didn't just ride our three rides and leave. The naysayers would have everyone believe that because of FP+ you'll get to ride three rides and then nothing else unless you want to wait hours and hours in stand by lines. I'm trying to tell people that simply isn't true by our experience. We just left the park at 3:30 and rode/watched 14 different attractions in 6 1/2 hours (including the hour we spent eating lunch and the 30 minutes we spent waiting for the Festival of Fantasy parade.) We are ride people and we've ridden everything we wanted to and more. FP+ allows us to plan our day better as opposed to being held to whatever hour was available at the time you hit the FP kiosk. It seems no matter what or how many reasons people give for liking the new system you aren't satisfied. Yes 3<6. Maybe it's that simple for you but we've found this to be one of the most pleasurable trips we've had. We like FP+. We like MM+. Sorry if our reasons don't satisfy or are "meaningless" to you.

WOW, I would love to know what 14 attractions you did in 5 hours. That's pretty impressive, especially for a Spring Break week. And what hours of the day you achieved this.

Jason

 

[CarlaLovesDisney]

That's exactly why we don't see as many "I LOVED FP+" reports. If we loved it, we must be doing it wrong, or have to explain our good time to Jason. Loved it, Love that the OP loved it!

I agree. Liking FP+ always gets attacked! It's upsetting for those that are trying to figure out how to best use the system.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

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.

Well said! I would just say that it's not worth anyone getting frustrated. Jason likes to push buttons -- let him be the only one who's frustrated.

 

[amcc]

We used FP+ on March 9-10 while staying onsite. I made the FP+ reservations maybe two weeks in advance and got pretty much what we wanted. The bands worked to open the doors, get us in the park, and into 3 FP lines. We didn't use them to buy anything.

However, they did not materially improve our trip in any way. So I don't have to carry keys - is this really such a big deal for people? So I got to plan in advance? I keep hearing people with kids saying this is the best thing that has happened to them and I just don't get it...particularly with kids. I have 4 kids, 1 -11 years old. How in the world can anyone know months, weeks, days in advance exactly how their day will be going at WDW? What if your kid has a stomach ache in the morning, or they are starving now, or they hate the characters, or someone has a meltdown, or lets a Mickey bar melt all over them?

The purported flexibility just did not materialize for us. We were not able to change Toy Story times on the same day when my husband and kids got stuck in TOT for an hour.

I can say that the system operationally worked. No glitches. But it didn't really improve our experience so I can't say I loved it. At all. It did limit us. We are Florida residents and have been to Disney pre FP, during FP, and now FP. I wish with all my heart that I could say it was better but it just wasn't.

 

[Muziqal]

Well said! I would just say that it's not worth anyone getting frustrated. Jason likes to push buttons -- let him be the only one who's frustrated.

From the look of this youtube channel, he's a waterslide/thrill ride enthusiast and a magician Using his criteria does seem pointless given he doesn't fit in the target group for Disney theme park ticket consumption. From the two minutes of research I've done, the target group is parents between 35 - 55 who take their kids). This target group would have much different touring patterns/reasons for going to the theme park than someone who isn't toting around kids and catering to the needs of a family. Unfortunately, the new system does not seem to be designed for him. It was designed for their target group who will continue to spend much, much more money than him and those in his consumer group (and he's fooling himself if he doesn't think that millions of hours went into focus groups that concluded exactly this). Then the accountants and economists went to work and said what the cost benefit would be in investing in the new technology and how many thrill ride enthusiasts they would lose to the competitor across the street who built a bigger rollercoaster (probably very few considering the marketing strategy for nostalgia vs. thrill already existed and revenues continue rise for the theme parks division). And then the executive took a look at the numbers and said, 'hey, yeah, this is why our target group comes, this is what they want, and they'll keep spending money if we do it.' Business rules. So, better for families/target group? Yes.

 

[CarlaLovesDisney]

I think it's fair to say that the old fast pass system had limits as well. Before it was that if you wanted to ride TSM you had to get there at rope drop or you wouldn't ride it. Now you have a chance later in the afternoon. Same with the rides at Epcot. Either you were there early to ride or get a pass or you tried again your next trip. Idk...just my two cents.

 

[Kate and Family]

I can say that the system operationally worked. No glitches. But it didn't really improve our experience so I can't say I loved it. At all. It did limit us. We are Florida residents and have been to Disney pre FP, during FP, and now FP. I wish with all my heart that I could say it was better but it just wasn't.

This is the sort of post that is helpful! Reading this post and the Original Post gives me a feel for the type of experiences people are having. Both are specific and help me with planning. (Of course these were not the only helpful post in this thread)

Thank you, folks

 

[MickeyOCD]

What do you want? We didn't sleep until noon. We didn't just ride our three rides and leave. The naysayers would have everyone believe that because of FP+ you'll get to ride three rides and then nothing else unless you want to wait hours and hours in stand by lines. I'm trying to tell people that simply isn't true by our experience. We just left the park at 3:30 and rode/watched 14 different attractions in 6 1/2 hours (including the hour we spent eating lunch and the 30 minutes we spent waiting for the Festival of Fantasy parade.) We are ride people and we've ridden everything we wanted to and more. FP+ allows us to plan our day better as opposed to being held to whatever hour was available at the time you hit the FP kiosk. It seems no matter what or how many reasons people give for liking the new system you aren't satisfied. Yes 3<6. Maybe it's that simple for you but we've found this to be one of the most pleasurable trips we've had. We like FP+. We like MM+. Sorry if our reasons don't satisfy or are "meaningless" to you.

Would love to know what your touring strategy was (what did you hit 1st, 2nd, etc if you can recall). We are going in a week & i've made a plan but I would like to know what actually works. We like to ride rides. Thank you so much for your report!

 

[Tasmen]

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

I'm determined to have fun no matter what. I mean we'll be at DISNEY FRICKEN WORLD. How could you NOT have fun? The trip costs far too much money to obsess about what could have been when you could be out there seeing what COULD BE.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I think it's fair to say that the old fast pass system had limits as well. Before it was that if you wanted to ride TSM you had to get there at rope drop or you wouldn't ride it. Now you have a chance later in the afternoon. Same with the rides at Epcot. Either you were there early to ride or get a pass or you tried again your next trip. Idk...just my two cents.

Although the new system is starting to grow on me, I truly never experienced what you are saying. We don't go at peak times, maybe that is why. We have gotten to a park at noon or later many times and still got a FP for major attractions.

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

We are here now and enjoy FP+. I was very skeptical because I loved the old FP system but we adjusted very well to it!! First, it cuts down on rushing all over the place getting a FP and having to return later. Second, while I think they should give 1 or 2 more FP+, we still go into the park with a strategy. We made it work for us. Also, it's nice having the room key and park ticket on one band. IMO it's more convenient.

 

[CarlaLovesDisney]

Although the new system is starting to grow on me, I truly never experienced what you are saying. We don't go at peak times, maybe that is why. We have gotten to a park at noon or later many times and still got a FP for major attractions.

Well, I'm still in school so my only option is peak times, unfortunately. Fast passes were gone by noon in my experience. I can't wait to finish my degree to during the slow periods!

 

[thptrek]

I agree that we are having great success with our Magic bands, FP+, and MM. Charging purchases has been great and easy. All our FP are working great for us. Our schedule for FP has worked out great. All our pics including ride photos are showing up online in minutes on the MM site.

We are at WDW this week. Magic Kingdom hasn't been too crowded for Spring break. We have noticed that Fantasyland area is the most crowded and wait times for those attractions can be 30-45 minutes. Peter Pan is a mess with waits over 60 but that is the worst I've seen.

I really think planning is the key!

 

[summerw]

We used FP+ on March 9-10 while staying onsite. I made the FP+ reservations maybe two weeks in advance and got pretty much what we wanted. The bands worked to open the doors, get us in the park, and into 3 FP lines. We didn't use them to buy anything.

However, they did not materially improve our trip in any way. So I don't have to carry keys - is this really such a big deal for people? So I got to plan in advance? I keep hearing people with kids saying this is the best thing that has happened to them and I just don't get it...particularly with kids. I have 4 kids, 1 -11 years old. How in the world can anyone know months, weeks, days in advance exactly how their day will be going at WDW? What if your kid has a stomach ache in the morning, or they are starving now, or they hate the characters, or someone has a meltdown, or lets a Mickey bar melt all over them?

The purported flexibility just did not materialize for us. We were not able to change Toy Story times on the same day when my husband and kids got stuck in TOT for an hour.

I can say that the system operationally worked. No glitches. But it didn't really improve our experience so I can't say I loved it. At all. It did limit us. We are Florida residents and have been to Disney pre FP, during FP, and now FP. I wish with all my heart that I could say it was better but it just wasn't.

Was it early enough that you would have been able to pull new tsmm paper fp to fix the situation? Or you just mean you would have used paper fp outside the window? Couldn't they have talked to a cm who knew they were stuck to help them get around the time expiration? So it's that the rules are harder to bend? Not sure I see a solution to help you with that one.

I don't get how any of the "what if"s you mention would be helped by fp- but not by fp+. True there is no true planning with a kid but it seems nicer to have more things with a set time planned from the quiet of my home than trying to reconfigure based on the fp we pull while ds4, who never stops moving, tries to escape.






Jason, instead of condescending to the op, why not tell us what you accomplished on the average day but can't with fp+ and we will try to offer helpful suggestions. Rides with times and crowd level etc you did this please.

 

[rastuso]

Was it early enough that you would have been able to pull new tsmm paper fp to fix the situation? Or you just mean you would have used paper fp outside the window? Couldn't they have talked to a cm who knew they were stuck to help them get around the time expiration? So it's that the rules are harder to bend? Not sure I see a solution to help you with that one. I don't get how any of the "what if"s you mention would be helped by fp- but not by fp+. True there is no true planning with a kid but it seems nicer to have more things with a set time planned from the quiet of my home than trying to reconfigure based on the fp we pull while ds4, who never stops moving, tries to escape. Jason, instead of condescending to the op, why not tell us what you accomplished on the average day but can't with fp+ and we will try to offer helpful suggestions. Rides with times and crowd level etc you did this please.

Well, that's easy. You would show up at RD. You would immediately pull a FP. This would have a return time less than one hour in the future, since FPs didn't start until 45 minutes after open, instead of immediately like they do now..

Having FP1, you would then ride an E ticket standby, because standby was all there was, so it would be a near walkon (this was even true of TSMM for a small amount of time, since there were no FPs being used.)

You would then get FP2 ASAP. This would have a return time still only a little more than an hour in the future.

Now, before return times were enforced, you could do anything. Once they started enforcing them, as part of preparation for the awesomeness of FP+, you had to use FP1 soon. Once it was used, and you took a break, it would be near time to collect FP3. Now mind you, this would only be about 3 hours after opening. So, you would be at about 11 or 12 O'clock, and already have 3 FPs for E tickets. For the remainder of the day, you could get at a very minimum 1 more FP every 2 hours. On a normal 10 pm close, that meant you would likely get 7 or 8 FPs.

So, as you should be able to tell, 3<<<7 or 8. Plus, adding the short RD lines before FP was active for the day. You could fairly easily get 10 Tier 1 rides in a day, never waiting in a real SB line.

BUT, I did spend tons of times digging in my pocket for keys, so I guess it is a fair trade in the long run, right?

-Jason

 

[MichelleVW]

What do you want? We didn't sleep until noon. We didn't just ride our three rides and leave. The naysayers would have everyone believe that because of FP+ you'll get to ride three rides and then nothing else unless you want to wait hours and hours in stand by lines. I'm trying to tell people that simply isn't true by our experience. We just left the park at 3:30 and rode/watched 14 different attractions in 6 1/2 hours (including the hour we spent eating lunch and the 30 minutes we spent waiting for the Festival of Fantasy parade.) We are ride people and we've ridden everything we wanted to and more. FP+ allows us to plan our day better as opposed to being held to whatever hour was available at the time you hit the FP kiosk. It seems no matter what or how many reasons people give for liking the new system you aren't satisfied. Yes 3<6. Maybe it's that simple for you but we've found this to be one of the most pleasurable trips we've had. We like FP+. We like MM+. Sorry if our reasons don't satisfy or are "meaningless" to you.

We were there the 9-14 and had the same experience as you. We loved Fast Pass Plus and did everything we wanted to do multiple times.

WOW, I would love to know what 14 attractions you did in 5 hours. That's pretty impressive, especially for a Spring Break week. And what hours of the day you achieved this.

Jason

Not the OP, but Sunday night the 9th we got to the MK at 8:30 pm, had our 3 Fast Pass plus, and left the park a little after 1 am. We rode pretty much everything in the park with the exception of Astro Orbiter, Dumbo, the Indy cars, Buzz Lightyear and the Carousel. We were staying onsite and could have stayed until 3 am but a little after 1 the girls decided that since it was our first day and we had done pretty much the entire Magic Kingdom we could leave and go to bed. Didn't wait for anything.