If the new X-Pass system comes to be, when might that happen?

[taaren]

Because it is going to affect those who are experienced with how things work now. And depending on how this is implemented and who can use it, could negatively impact them. And it's fear of the unknown.

You've hit the nail on the head here. People are afraid of any change, and of the unknown. I spend my days at work teaching people how to use the new technologies and even though some aspects of it are easier than the ones they are used to, and the new technologies have advantages that the old systems don't, people still get frustrated which is very human. Guess I should have more empathy for those who are afraid of change. Most new things will bring many benefits or they wouldn't be implemented, particularly in a commercial endeavor. But sometimes they come with a few drawbacks, and they all come with a learning curve. Well said, sir.

If you believe there is a tie between this and shortened EMH, then it shouldn't be difficult to see my point.

I believe the reason they shortened the EMH is that not enough people were using that last hour so they weren't making enough money off of it. (Based on reports of people saying it was the best hour since nobody else was there and you could ride rides continuously.) If the smallest group of users, those who stick it out to the last hour when there are no crowds are the only ones there, of course they're going to cut that. Its just good business sense to not have employees on the clock for a small amount of people to use the parks. We may want an empty park for our own benefit, but that's not earning the shareholders any money. This was a good business decision that affected a small segment of their guests, so its not really a negative in the grand scheme of things because not enough people were using them. (For the record I plan on using evening EMH on my upcoming trip due to the time zone change and hope they implement some at DLR. And I still gather lots of FPs in the morning and use them in the evening in my home park on the West Coast, I do believe in using the loopholes of a system to my benefit if they let me, I just also believe that Disney Travel Co needs to make their shareholders happy as well as their guests.)
The X-Pass will affect a portion of people who already spend a good deal of money at the resorts, the Deluxe guests, as well as encourage some of those who stay at values and mods to upgrade if they make it a deluxe perk. Its a smart business move and all they have to do to compensate for it is release less FP's thoughout the day. People who do not stay at deluxes will just need to grab FP's the usual way, albeit a little earlier perhaps. Or perhaps not since they're adding more attractions with available FPs.

I think we're just going to have to agree to disagree. I see your point, understand why you feel the way you do, but your crystal ball is as good as mine. *Need a handshake emoticon* <----- imagine the flower is an olive branch instead. Thanks for the lively discussion, that's what makes these boards a cool place to talk about something we all enjoy collectively.

Either way, Disney is going to roll out a plan that they believe will maximize profit and attract more people to spend more money, (even if the plan is to do nothing if the tests go badly) so all our fortunetelling doesn't mean a whole lot. I choose to be positive and embrace change since I drank the Kool-Aid and prepaid for many years of Disney vacations to come by purchasing an interest in DVC. (Though the good news is if I sold my points right now I'd make a slight profit, that would probably be eaten up in selling fees but at least I won't have lost anything other than MF's to pay for my vacations.)

~Sorry, I really don't see the "connection" between xPass and losing one hour from evening EMH, lol. The obvious reason is maintenance. There are more attractions to maintain with the New Fantasyland, thousands of additional guests from AOA who are expected to utilize EMH, which is more people who need to be cleared out of the parks. In addition, the monorail needs extra attention and the old attractions are getting older and need more attention.

The connection (potentially) between X Pass and shortening evening EMH is that, as I stated above, not enough people were using the last evening EMH hour for it to be a good business decision, and instead they'd rather spend their money on something like X Pass. Also, they won't need to have as long of evening EMH if the on-site guests have access to using the park attractions with shorter lines during regular park hours. Good to know at least one other person likes the idea of a new system that could benefit park goers!

 

[mesaboy2]

I believe the reason they shortened the EMH is that not enough people were using that last hour so they weren't making enough money off of it. (Based on reports of people saying it was the best hour since nobody else was there and you could ride rides continuously.) If the smallest group of users, those who stick it out to the last hour when there are no crowds are the only ones there, of course they're going to cut that. Its just good business sense to not have employees on the clock for a small amount of people to use the parks. We may want an empty park for our own benefit, but that's not earning the shareholders any money. This was a good business decision that affected a small segment of their guests, so its not really a negative in the grand scheme of things because not enough people were using them. (For the record I plan on using evening EMH on my upcoming trip due to the time zone change and hope they implement some at DLR. And I still gather lots of FPs in the morning and use them in the evening in my home park on the West Coast, I do believe in using the loopholes of a system to my benefit if they let me, I just also believe that Disney Travel Co needs to make their shareholders happy as well as their guests.)
The X-Pass will affect a portion of people who already spend a good deal of money at the resorts, the Deluxe guests, as well as encourage some of those who stay at values and mods to upgrade if they make it a deluxe perk. Its a smart business move and all they have to do to compensate for it is release less FP's thoughout the day. People who do not stay at deluxes will just need to grab FP's the usual way, albeit a little earlier perhaps. Or perhaps not since they're adding more attractions with available FPs.

I think we're just going to have to agree to disagree. I see your point, understand why you feel the way you do, but your crystal ball is as good as mine. *Need a handshake emoticon* <----- imagine the flower is an olive branch instead. Thanks for the lively discussion, that's what makes these boards a cool place to talk about something we all enjoy collectively.

Either way, Disney is going to roll out a plan that they believe will maximize profit and attract more people to spend more money, (even if the plan is to do nothing if the tests go badly) so all our fortunetelling doesn't mean a whole lot. I choose to be positive and embrace change since I drank the Kool-Aid and prepaid for many years of Disney vacations to come by purchasing an interest in DVC. (Though the good news is if I sold my points right now I'd make a slight profit, that would probably be eaten up in selling fees but at least I won't have lost anything other than MF's to pay for my vacations.)

The connection (potentially) between X Pass and shortening evening EMH is that, as I stated above, not enough people were using the last evening EMH hour for it to be a good business decision, and instead they'd rather spend their money on something like X Pass. Also, they won't need to have as long of evening EMH if the on-site guests have access to using the park attractions with shorter lines during regular park hours. Good to know at least one other person likes the idea of a new system that could benefit park goers!

Bold #1: Since most park-goers do not stay at deluxes, then if that particular aspect of the system comes true that would classify as a "negative". The attractions rumored to be added to the FP system are second-tier attractions with typically shorter waits and as such are not an attractive option.

Bold #2: I understand the business logic of what they are considering. I would modify your bolded sentence by adding the word "some"--i.e., that could benefit some park-goers. The current system benefits all park-goers who take the time to learn about it. The new system has the potential to benefit park-goers who take the time to learn about it and are willing to pay more for it. Some people like this, but I am not one of them. This would classify as Negative #2.

No hard feelings at all, by the way. I'm just trying to point out logical reasons to "fear change", not blindly accept that the new system will be better simply because it is new and therefore it has to be better.

 

[JCH]

I'll admit that as a FL Resident AP holder, I am scared of the new X-Pass. Perhaps it will be "fabulous" for those staying on-site who plan the trip months in advance, but it is not so great for those who do last minute day trips (assuming the on-site guest only and/or 180 day time frame are true). It seems to me to have all the potential to discourage FL residents from doing short trips. We've seen this trend quite a bit, with the increasing of the child AP price, block out dates on FL resident passes, and lessened resort discounts for AP holders. It seems they want people to spend a week on site, rather than multiple weekends per year just driving in.

I have visions of only being able to ride Toy Story on my race weekends, as those are the only time I plan in advance. There would be no more "hey, I'm bored, let's drive to Disney!" trips if we couldn't ride anything.

Of course, it's all rumor now and maybe it won't even happen, but the majority of the rumors make it seem pretty undesirable for anyone but those who plan in advance and stay on site.

Also, a lot of people who go to Disney do 0 planning...I know we've all seen families confused by current fast pass or walking past CRT saying "Oh, that looks fun, let's eat there!" Can you imagine these poor families when they get to Disney and find out they not only can't eat in any of the character restaurants, but also can't ride the big rides because of the planners?

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

Well-written. The X-Pass gets three X's from me.

 

[mesaboy2]

I'll admit that as a FL Resident AP holder, I am scared of the new X-Pass. Perhaps it will be "fabulous" for those staying on-site who plan the trip months in advance, but it is not so great for those who do last minute day trips (assuming the on-site guest only and/or 180 day time frame are true). It seems to me to have all the potential to discourage FL residents from doing short trips. We've seen this trend quite a bit, with the increasing of the child AP price, block out dates on FL resident passes, and lessened resort discounts for AP holders. It seems they want people to spend a week on site, rather than multiple weekends per year just driving in.

I have visions of only being able to ride Toy Story on my race weekends, as those are the only time I plan in advance. There would be no more "hey, I'm bored, let's drive to Disney!" trips if we couldn't ride anything.

Of course, it's all rumor now and maybe it won't even happen, but the majority of the rumors make it seem pretty undesirable for anyone but those who plan in advance and stay on site.

Also, a lot of people who go to Disney do 0 planning...I know we've all seen families confused by current fast pass or walking past CRT saying "Oh, that looks fun, let's eat there!" Can you imagine these poor families when they get to Disney and find out they not only can't eat in any of the character restaurants, but also can't ride the big rides because of the planners?

Agree with all.

 

[TLSnell1981]

A) You can have FPs that don't conflict with your ADRs now, just look at the time before you pull the FP.

B)From many of the rumors and the way X-Pass was tested, you'll likely only be able to plan a handful of rides in advance.

Except, it doesn't work that way IRL. We can't control broken rides and/or slow seating and/or service. It stinks, that Disney expects me to choose between TS and FP.

 

[UNCFanatik]

I have visions of only being able to ride Toy Story on my race weekends, as those are the only time I plan in advance. There would be no more "hey, I'm bored, let's drive to Disney!" trips if we couldn't ride anything.

That's a little bit of hyperbole now isn't it to say you couldn't ride ANYTHING.

Also, a lot of people who go to Disney do 0 planning...I know we've all seen families confused by current fast pass or walking past CRT saying "Oh, that looks fun, let's eat there!" Can you imagine these poor families when they get to Disney and find out they not only can't eat in any of the character restaurants, but also can't ride the big rides because of the planners?

Again, I fail to see how this new system will negate people from completely not being able to ride the big rides. They can still utilize rope drop and still can get in SB lines and just wait if they so chose to do. Yes, increased FP distribution will increase SB waiting but the rides can still be done.

People fear and dislike change in general. Some of the change brings realized predictions, some do not. If you go back and read all the gloom and doom threads about FP enforcement before it was implemented you will see that many of people's predictions did not come true.

 

[taaren]

No hard feelings at all, by the way. I'm just trying to point out logical reasons to "fear change", not blindly accept that the new system will be better simply because it is new and therefore it has to be better.

I don't think its blindly accepting that a new system will be better to say that the new system will have to empirically prove that it will improve the experience of the majority of park goers or at the very least not negatively impact the majority of park goers + incentivize many to spend more money at Disney Parks. Otherwise Disney won't implement it, because they're in the business to make money, and in order to make money they need to please a large group of people while cutting costs and increasing profit margins where they can. They've done a great job at it so far, and that's why they have so many fans that are devoted to the Disney vacation experience ... if its not onwards and upwards, newer and better, its bad business.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I am also a fan of the mysterious XPASS if it goes down the way so many are saying(for WDW resort guest). It will be great to know that before we even get there we have a schedule time each day to ride our top 3 rides. We can hopefully set the time later in the day so we can sleep in and not have any stress about getting to the park earlier enough to obtain a FB to do so. Plus I think this is the perfect perk for WDW resort guest.

~Yay!!! I totally agree! It's going to be so exciting to watch everything come together! Unfortunately, I don't agree with the idea that xPass will only be offered to WDW resort guests. I think xPass will be available to everyone and remain free for everyone!!! Maybe, the RFID bracelets and some exclusive add on features will be available to resort guests only for an additional fee, imo.

~Xpass, is just a system upgrade, that utilizes modern technology to accommodate the substantial growth in park attendance and expansion within the parks. I've been following this since news broke back in November, and everything I've read has me very excited about xPass! Anyway, I'm so excited that you're excited! I can't wait for more details!!!

The connection (potentially) between X Pass and shortening evening EMH is that, as I stated above, not enough people were using the last evening EMH hour for it to be a good business decision, and instead they'd rather spend their money on something like X Pass. Also, they won't need to have as long of evening EMH if the on-site guests have access to using the park attractions with shorter lines during regular park hours. Good to know at least one other person likes the idea of a new system that could benefit park goers!

~My theories are completely different than yours, it's day and night, that's too bad. And, I don't just like the idea of xPass, I LOVE the idea of xPass, just like I LOVE your posts! I don't agree with your philosophy, but I totally love your enthusiasm and optimism for something new and innovative, that's the most important thing to me.

That's a little bit of hyperbole now isn't it to say you couldn't ride ANYTHING.



Again, I fail to see how this new system will negate people from completely not being able to ride the big rides. They can still utilize rope drop and still can get in SB lines and just wait if they so chose to do. Yes, increased FP distribution will increase SB waiting but the rides can still be done.

People fear and dislike change in general. Some of the change brings realized predictions, some do not. If you go back and read all the gloom and doom threads about FP enforcement before it was implemented you will see that many of people's predictions did not come true.

~I totally agree! Excellent post! "Doom & Gloom" is the perfect description, it's ridiculous and I totally refuse to buy into that stuff, lol.

I don't think its blindly accepting that a new system will be better to say that the new system will have to empirically prove that it will improve the experience of the majority of park goers or at the very least not negatively impact the majority of park goers + incentivize many to spend more money at Disney Parks. Otherwise Disney won't implement it, because they're in the business to make money, and in order to make money they need to please a large group of people while cutting costs and increasing profit margins where they can. They've done a great job at it so far, and that's why they have so many fans that are devoted to the Disney vacation experience ... if its not onwards and upwards, newer and better, its bad business.

~Wow, you just blow me away, with these amazing posts! Once again, I agree with you! This has nothing to do with "blindly" accepting something new, lol. I just hope to see you around the boards more! Make no mistake, xPass will be fabulous!

 

[JCH]

That's a little bit of hyperbole now isn't it to say you couldn't ride ANYTHING.

Again, I fail to see how this new system will negate people from completely not being able to ride the big rides. They can still utilize rope drop and still can get in SB lines and just wait if they so chose to do. Yes, increased FP distribution will increase SB waiting but the rides can still be done.

People fear and dislike change in general. Some of the change brings realized predictions, some do not. If you go back and read all the gloom and doom threads about FP enforcement before it was implemented you will see that many of people's predictions did not come true.

Oh, well, if I can stand in 100 minute lines, then by all means! I'll go every weekend!

I am failing to see how people don't see how this negatively impacts those of us who do day trips or last minute trips. Sure, I CAN get up at 5AM to do the rope drop race and then continue to spend my time in lines, but with the current system, I don't have to! That would severely impact my vacation and the vacation of many people. The system now isn't broken. The only reason for them to try to "fix" it is to drive up profits. Driving up profits means practically forcing people to stay on site. Fantastic for those who already stay in site, terrible for everyone else.