High operating costs will kill FP+

[RSWA2]

But most software changes are implemented by the companies "we" work for and "we" have no choice but to accept implementations. Disney, however, is a vacation destination and most guests are not interested in waiting another 3-5 years for the issues to be ironed out.

No, not necessarily, we don't necessarily work for our bank or our email provider. If they make changes that negatively affect our experience with the client side part of their product, we are free to jump to a competitor. Changes made to our own place of work, yes we have to accept, just like Disney employees have to accept the change. If a guest does not like the client side of a Disney product they are free to jump to a competitor. If Disney says hey you guys have to wait for us to improve it, they run the risk of losing customers and therefore $, but they feel the immediate short term lost is worth a long term gain.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Just want to point out that there're 4 pages of posts talking about this....and that people who follow this closely.

Imagine the less "invested" guests and what they are going through.

"Sorry. You didn't book a fast pass for Toy Story six months ago? You are out of luck."

 

[HopperFan]

But most software changes are implemented by the companies "we" work for and "we" have no choice but to accept implementations. Disney, however, is a vacation destination and most guests are not interested in waiting another 3-5 years for the issues to be ironed out.

Exactly correct! Disney is optional, a luxury item and choice for every guest. You do not have to accept their changes. If the product that Disney is creating and offering is not something you are happy with or want to deal with or stresses your vacation time - vacation somewhere else that gives you the value you are looking for until they get it "ironed out". And I disagree that "most" guests are not interested. The parks are packed, the lines at the restaurants and stores are full and low season no longer exists. For every family that decides to vacation elsewhere there is at least one to replace them.

I spend a lot of time in the parks with my DS who does not talk. I enjoy people watching, listening to conversations around me, talking to folks sitting by me at the parade and other places ..... most folks I talk to, long timers and new guests like the system and the MagicBands. I rarely have met someone who complains about them.

 

[RSWA2]

Just want to point out that there're 4 pages of posts talking about this....and that people who follow this closely.

Imagine the less "invested" guests and what they are going through.

"Sorry. You didn't book a fast pass for Toy Story six months ago? You are out of luck."

There is a Stand-by line. And if this is in reference to the recent FP+ only test, it's was just that, a test run.

Exactly correct! Disney is optional, a luxury item and choice for every guest. You do not have to accept their changes. If the product that Disney is creating and offering is not something you are happy with or want to deal with or stresses your vacation time - vacation somewhere else that gives you the value you are looking for until they get it "ironed out".

 

[Suvadoo]

Exactly correct! Disney is optional, a luxury item and choice for every guest. You do not have to accept their changes. If the product that Disney is creating and offering is not something you are happy with or want to deal with or stresses your vacation time - vacation somewhere else that gives you the value you are looking for until they get it "ironed out". And I disagree that "most" guests are not interested. The parks are packed, the lines at the restaurants and stores are full and low season no longer exists. For every family that decides to vacation elsewhere there is at least one to replace them.

I spend a lot of time in the parks with my DS who does not talk. I enjoy people watching, listening to conversations around me, talking to folks sitting by me at the parade and other places ..... most folks I talk to, long timers and new guests like the system and the MagicBands. I rarely have met someone who complains about them.

This is not a discussion about Magic Bands. This is about the ride resevation system and wether or not it will survive.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

If its about money-why not just sell some % of FP+ as a 4th?

The ability to do that would be severely limited by ride capacity and would almost certainly not produce as much revenue as enticing guests to spend several days at WDW, preferably at a Disney owned resort.

OK, let me rephrase it for you:

If its about money-why not just sell some % of FP+ as a 4th by:

A) If you "purchase a 7 day package-you get a "4th" FP+ selection each day.
B) If you stay in a deluxe hotel, you can select a "4th" FP+ selection each day
C) If you purchase DVC-you can select a "4th" FP+ selection each night you stay on points
D) When a new E-ticket attraction opens, you can select it as a "4th" FP+ for $10.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Just want to point out that there're 4 pages of posts talking about this....and that people who follow this closely.

Imagine the less "invested" guests and what they are going through.

"Sorry. You didn't book a fast pass for Toy Story six months ago? You are out of luck."

You can book TSM at 6 months out?

 

[Suvadoo]

You can book TSM at 6 months out?

No, that was a facetious remark.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

No, that was a facetious remark.

By a Moderator?

 

[johde]

I don't think legacy FP will return, but I don't think it will be removed from DLR. I also think Disney would've been wiser by charging more for their tickets and reducing overall themepark maximum capacity. I truly believe guests would pay more for a less crowded theme park exprerience. Additionally, Disney would've been able to "lock" guests into their parks because their tickets would propably sell out ahead of time.
I also think they could turn MK into a 24 hour/day operation for 1 or 2 days a week and this would alleviate some of the crowding.

I agree that legacy FP is probably gone for good. I'm not sure about DLR. If I had to guess at that next location they might try FP+ it would be Tokyo Disney Land Resort. Everything I've seen says the resort is great but you essentially have a TSMM style rope drop dash for almost every FP machine. Unlike in America, the Japanese know how to use FP, and arrive at RD in droves to take advantage of it. Combine that with their love of everything technology and a FP+ style system with the bugs worked out would be a hit.

On the 24 hour/day suggestion, with required maintenance and the need to clear the park from one day to the next, I'm not sure it practical. Although from around Christmas the came awful close. Last year, regular hours every day were 8:00 a.m. - 1:00a.m. with morning EMH at 7:00 a.m. from Dec. 22 - Dec. 31. So, that's 18 hours. On top of that, on 3 nights there were evening EMH where the parks were open until 3:00 a.m. Those were 20 hour days. The park then had 4 hours to sweep the park of guests, do required ride checks, and clean the parks before the next batch of guests arrived for the 7:00 a.m. EMH. Your point though is valid. One way to increase ride capacity is to increase operating hours. And Disney has been doing that. I can remember some Septembers/early Decembers where every park but EPCOT was closed by 7:00 at night and it wasn't a party night at the MK.

 

[Suvadoo]

By a Moderator?

I believe so. Kevin, were you being facetious or am I being presumptuous?

 

[RSWA2]

I believe so. Kevin, were you being facetious or am I being presumptuous?

I think facetious too

 

[Suvadoo]

I agree that legacy FP is probably gone for good. I'm not sure about DLR. If I had to guess at that next location they might try FP+ it would be Tokyo Disney Land Resort. Everything I've seen says the resort is great but you essentially have a TSMM style rope drop dash for almost every FP machine. Unlike in America, the Japanese know how to use FP, and arrive at RD in droves to take advantage of it. Combine that with their love of everything technology and a FP+ style system with the bugs worked out would be a hit.

On the 24 hour/day suggestion, with required maintenance and the need to clear the park from one day to the next, I'm not sure it practical. Although from around Christmas the came awful close. Last year, regular hours every day were 8:00 a.m. - 1:00a.m. with morning EMH at 7:00 a.m. from Dec. 22 - Dec. 31. So, that's 18 hours. On top of that, on 3 nights there were evening EMH where the parks were open until 3:00 a.m. Those were 20 hour days. The park then had 4 hours to sweep the park of guests, do required ride checks, and clean the parks before the next batch of guests arrived for the 7:00 a.m. EMH. Your point though is valid. One way to increase ride capacity is to increase operating hours. And Disney has been doing that. I can remember some Septembers/early Decembers where every park but EPCOT was closed by 7:00 at night and it wasn't a party night at the MK.

Would you be willing to pay a higher ticket premium for a less crowded experience?

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

I agree that legacy FP is probably gone for good. I'm not sure about DLR. If I had to guess at that next location they might try FP+ it would be Tokyo Disney Land Resort. Everything I've seen says the resort is great but you essentially have a TSMM style rope drop dash for almost every FP machine. Unlike in America, the Japanese know how to use FP, and arrive at RD in droves to take advantage of it. Combine that with their love of everything technology and a FP+ style system with the bugs worked out would be a hit.

On the 24 hour/day suggestion, with required maintenance and the need to clear the park from one day to the next, I'm not sure it practical. Although from around Christmas the came awful close. Last year, regular hours every day were 8:00 a.m. - 1:00a.m. with morning EMH at 7:00 a.m. from Dec. 22 - Dec. 31. So, that's 18 hours. On top of that, on 3 nights there were evening EMH where the parks were open until 3:00 a.m. Those were 20 hour days. The park then had 4 hours to sweep the park of guests, do required ride checks, and clean the parks before the next batch of guests arrived for the 7:00 a.m. EMH. Your point though is valid. One way to increase ride capacity is to increase operating hours. And Disney has been doing that. I can remember some Septembers/early Decembers where every park but EPCOT was closed by 7:00 at night and it wasn't a party night at the MK.

What a great response.

As for the bolded-I keep thinking why won't some (if not all) of MM+ be used at other Disney Parks around the globe.

Even just adding it to Tokyo cuts the cost in half-at least when comparing the money could have been used on WDW rides instead.

 

[DisneyKevin]

There is a Stand-by line. And if this is in reference to the recent FP+ only test, it's was just that, a test run.

You can book TSM at 6 months out?

No, that was a facetious remark.

By a Moderator?

I believe so. Kevin, were you being facetious or am I being presumptuous?

I think facetious too

While this was a test, it effected guests that were here during the test.

This test is now being done with Be Our Guest.

6 days, 60 days 6 months....I can't imagine being told I couldn't wait to ride anything because I didn't plan a reservation in advance.

And Moderators have opinions and a sense of humor too.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Would you be willing to pay a higher ticket premium for a less crowded experience?

If I can add MNSSHP for sure-but needs to be even pricier I hear it's sold out way ahead.

We did the Princess & Pirates at MK back when-wonderfull event IMO.

 

[RSWA2]

Would you be willing to pay a higher ticket premium for a less crowded experience?

I think Disney will eventually have an option to pay for more FP+ or pay for a premium tier'd FP+. Like 2x Tier 1s as your first 3 choices. Or a guaranteed Tier 1 as your 4th FP+.

I mean right now, basically if you stay on Disney property you get a booking advantage for FP+ and you get a less crowded experience during EMH. I've read a few threads of people buying party tickets just to do rides with short waits.

I wonder how many guests at Universal that are not staying on Universal property pay for express pass?

 

[sheetz]

I agree that legacy FP is probably gone for good. I'm not sure about DLR. If I had to guess at that next location they might try FP+ it would be Tokyo Disney Land Resort. Everything I've seen says the resort is great but you essentially have a TSMM style rope drop dash for almost every FP machine. Unlike in America, the Japanese know how to use FP, and arrive at RD in droves to take advantage of it. Combine that with their love of everything technology and a FP+ style system with the bugs worked out would be a hit.

But the problem with Japan is that they would reject magicbands as a method for payment. Japan (and most of Asia) is still mostly a cash based society and most people still prefer paying with cash.

 

[johde]

Would you be willing to pay a higher ticket premium for a less crowded experience?

I guess the counter question would be a higher price than what? As it is right now, I think the MK is the only park I'd be willing to pay the 1 day price for. Given Disney's current pricing structure, the big question is how would your vacation patterns change if the price of days 4-10 increased significantly in price.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Just want to point out that there're 4 pages of posts talking about this....and that people who follow this closely.

Imagine the less "invested" guests and what they are going through.

"Sorry. You didn't book a fast pass for Toy Story six months ago? You are out of luck."

There is a Stand-by line. And if this is in reference to the recent FP+ only test, it's was just that, a test run.

While this was a test, it effected guests that were here during the test.

This test is now being done with Be Our Guest.

6 days, 60 days 6 months....I can't imagine being told I couldn't wait to ride anything because I didn't plan a reservation in advance.

And Moderators have opinions and a sense of humor too.

But it had nothing to do what we were talking about on THIS THREAD that I can see.

Even RSWA2 had to ask if you were talking about the old thread on the FP+ test at TSM.

But changing the subject-some had great experiences with TSM on test day. You can find our success on that thread if interested.