Interesting comments from Iger...

[patrickpiteo]

Yep. The next fiscal year starts October 1, 2013. Which is why I said that the wording was chosen on purpose and we will see a roll out before the end of the calender year. Who knows if it will be October, November, or December though. "Early" to me would mean first quarter.

IMHO after this big sept test i think some kind of mass rollout..

 

[hart6066]

WDW barely works as is with the Christmas crowd, and there is no real way to test with those numbers. There are so many newbies who come just for a day or so (many international) over Christmas and I think the combination of a new system, unfamiliar users, unfamiliar CMs, and insane crowds would be a PR disaster--remember the bad PR for the opening of Harry Potter??!!! If I had to bet on this, I think they will do a bigger "test" leading up to Christmas, stop from about the 12/22-1/2 and then roll out in the New Year. This way they would have a series of "small" high periods to REALLY see if it works--meaning MLK weekend, Presidents Week, Spring Break, and then Easter. I just can't think they will wing this by Christmas!

 

[larryz]

His conservative estimate is, right now, 80,000 per day. That is FAR MORE, I would hazzard a guess, then what is currently using the fp system. Even spread out over 4 parks....
My other guess on this 80,000 stat: its regarding onsite guests. Door is wide open when off site guests go on the grid. (que song from trump show 'money, money, money.... MONEY')

Personally, I believe he meant 80,000 users simultaneously. That would be like 40K in MK, 20K in Epcot, and 10K each at DHS and AK.

 

[patrickpiteo]

WDW barely works as is with the Christmas crowd, and there is no real way to test with those numbers. There are so many newbies who come just for a day or so (many international) over Christmas and I think the combination of a new system, unfamiliar users, unfamiliar CMs, and insane crowds would be a PR disaster--remember the bad PR for the opening of Harry Potter??!!! If I had to bet on this, I think they will do a bigger "test" leading up to Christmas, stop from about the 12/22-1/2 and then roll out in the New Year. This way they would have a series of "small" high periods to REALLY see if it works--meaning MLK weekend, Presidents Week, Spring Break, and then Easter. I just can't think they will wing this by Christmas!

They seem pretty happy so far buy their statements.. IMHO they aren't gonna wait till jan.. My guess is before the holidays.. Some kind of rollout...

 

[patrickpiteo]

They seem pretty happy so far buy their statements.. IMHO they aren't gonna wait till jan.. My guess is before the holidays.. Some kind of rollout...

And from what I'm reading it seems to be working pretty good for the testers there now.

 

[larryz]

Yes to all your questions, but no idea on when. Early October is probably pushing it for MBs and FP+, but what do I know? (Nothing.)

As a previous poster noted, any time in the first quarter would qualify as "early in the 2014 fiscal year."

 

[hart6066]

They're happy b/c most people in the parks ARE NOT USING IT, many of those that are are also double dipping with regular FP, and since it's a "test" they throw free fast passes at all of those that have to spend a good chunk of their vacation at Guest Services. I have seen Guest Services over the Christmas week--there is NO WAY they will do something so new, that has never been tested with the masses (unless they consider Thanksgiving) during that time period. It is so crazy crowded that you literally see throngs of IT guys running around the park and circling in helicopters over head just to deal with the REGULAR way of doing things. A FULL roll out, that includes Christmas, I think will be a disaster. Just think if they waited...2014 the Year of Fast Pass+....

Honestly though, for all of us that go Christmas week thru New Year's, can you imagine this completely up and going...no regular fast passes, wi-fi in the parks being used by 10,000+ people a day.....PR NIGHTMARE!!!!

 

[mesaboy2]

As a previous poster noted, any time in the first quarter would qualify as "early in the 2014 fiscal year."

I understand FYs. I simply don't put a lot of stock in what the CEO says about schedule, and I don't take it quite as literally as many seem to.

 

[patrickpiteo]

They're happy b/c most people in the parks ARE NOT USING IT, many of those that are are also double dipping with regular FP, and since it's a "test" they throw free fast passes at all of those that have to spend a good chunk of their vacation at Guest Services. I have seen Guest Services over the Christmas week--there is NO WAY they will do something so new, that has never been tested with the masses (unless they consider Thanksgiving) during that time period. It is so crazy crowded that you literally see throngs of IT guys running around the park and circling in helicopters over head just to deal with the REGULAR way of doing things. A FULL roll out, that includes Christmas, I think will be a disaster. Just think if they waited...2014 the Year of Fast Pass+....

Honestly though, for all of us that go Christmas week thru New Year's, can you imagine this completely up and going...no regular fast passes, wi-fi in the parks being used by 10,000+ people a day.....PR NIGHTMARE!!!!

Remains to be seen as the statement said early 2014 fiscal first quarter which starts oct 1...

 

[patrickpiteo]

I understand FYs. I simply don't put a lot of stock in what the CEO says about schedule, and I don't take it quite as literally as many seem to.

IMHO Literary or not it can't be denied (or sure seems) they want this out as soon as possible.

 

[larryz]

I understand FYs. I simply don't put a lot of stock in what the CEO says about schedule, and I don't take it quite as literally as many seem to.

Oh, I'm sorry - you said you knew "nothing"... I was just trying to help out...

 

[wdwislife]

Any chance SSR would be added in September? . I'd actually like to try it out if they would clue me in before the very last minute. Working with a party of 8 requires a little forethought...

No word on which resorts will be the next to test the bands yet!

Also, for those wondering if regular FPs will still be available during their trip, Disney plans to gradually phase out the paper FPs over the next TWO YEARS, so no need to worry yet!

 

[delmar411]

Personally, I believe he meant 80,000 users simultaneously. That would be like 40K in MK, 20K in Epcot, and 10K each at DHS and AK.

I do not read that at all and that is not supported by what is being seen in the parks. Being issued a MB and never using it is also being counted in that 80,000. 80,000 testers sounds a lot better than the more plausible few thousand they manage to get to use the system on a daily basis.

 

[sunnkuma]

The way I read it, Iger's 80,000 testers refers to total number of MB users from Aug 2 to Aug 30. The four resorts involved have about 5000 rooms total. Figure 2/room avg = 10,000 guest per day in all 4 resorts if 100 percent booked - more like 7000/day. say half accept to be testers = 3500 testers/day.

We will be at POP Aug 13 - Aug 16 and then offsite for another week. I just booked everything just a few days ago. Havn't gotten my tkts delivered yet - but looks like we will be testers. Customized our MBs. just waiting for our tkts from WDTC to be delivered so can link them to mde and choose fp+ selections. If it comes through for us, will be great to be a part of the 3000 or so testers per day. Lets see...

I do not read that at all and that is not supported by what is being seen in the parks. Being issued a MB and never using it is also being counted in that 80,000. 80,000 testers sounds a lot better than the more plausible few thousand they manage to get to use the system on a daily basis.

BINGO - Delmar is correct. It's sum total 80K testers in Aug +/-. I feel so lucky to be part if this testing group which means less than 3K testers per day. I don't know about rollout but I feel like it's Xmas in August. Double. triple dips and what not. Thank you DIS veterans for ur input to help with my Steep learning (RIDING) curve especially D the CM!

 

[bas71873]

I was lucky enough to participate in a test...Loved it!!!

BealsRwe, were you also able to use the old FP system too? If you were, I can't see how that would be an "accurate" test of FP+ for WDW?

And from what I'm reading it seems to be working pretty good for the testers there now.

Of course it is, if the tester can "double dip" using both FP+ and FP- like a lot of testers are reporting they've been able to do????

 

[Delirium]

They're happy b/c most people in the parks ARE NOT USING IT, many of those that are are also double dipping with regular FP, and since it's a "test" they throw free fast passes at all of those that have to spend a good chunk of their vacation at Guest Services. I have seen Guest Services over the Christmas week--there is NO WAY they will do something so new, that has never been tested with the masses (unless they consider Thanksgiving) during that time period. It is so crazy crowded that you literally see throngs of IT guys running around the park and circling in helicopters over head just to deal with the REGULAR way of doing things. A FULL roll out, that includes Christmas, I think will be a disaster. Just think if they waited...2014 the Year of Fast Pass+....

Honestly though, for all of us that go Christmas week thru New Year's, can you imagine this completely up and going...no regular fast passes, wi-fi in the parks being used by 10,000+ people a day.....PR NIGHTMARE!!!!

This post is spot on. They haven't tested this in the real world yet. They have been giving a small percentage of guests both FP+ and regular FastPass. What happens when all the extra gifts go away?

But the real chaos is going to ensue when 80% of the people are on the system instead of 5%. There is simply no way that is going to be remotely smooth. And, the people not prepared for it are going to be so miserable, they may not ever go back.

 

[Rileygirl]

BINGO - Delmar is correct. It's sum total 80K testers in Aug +/-. I feel so lucky to be part if this testing group which means less than 3K testers per day. I don't know about rollout but I feel like it's Xmas in August. Double. triple dips and what not. Thank you DIS veterans for ur input to help with my Steep learning (RIDING) curve especially D the CM!

I humbly disagree. However, I have my own particular axe to grind regarding this, so my perception can be considered 'slewed'. Because of my predisposition, I am not going to sledghammer my point of view.

Christmas will certainly be an interesting time, if this system is out in 'full force'. I think it will still be called 'beta testing' as a protective measure for Mickey. As far as the postivie review from the consumer, Iger could be correct. We certainly know how the disboarders feel about this system, but we have no idea what the 'gross majority' feel. And some test disboarders have loved this system too.

"ah" you say, "but that is because of the double dipping". And I would say 'true' and also because of no teirs, and also because of the ease of booking all the headliners on a single day because there is little to no competition, and also due to the complete underuse of the system right now- as there is no 'impact' on the regular fp availability (as reported in threads) or negative 'impact' on standby lines, or the gorgeous underused viewing areas for parades and fireworks... Honestly, in my mind, if you cant go to Disney right now and have a HOOT, you are doing something wrong. Every odd is STACKED in the knowledgable users hands.

I fully expect that as time goes on, many, if not most disboarders are going to report having excellent experiences with MM+, in the next 3 months or so.
Not all, but most. under the current implementation, how could you not? And the improvement of the overall disney vacation for Joe Vacationer is going to be HUGE, in my opinion. They are going to LOVE it. Just by looking at the 'invitation' to participate in the 'test' phase, I would think Disney is going to 'hook' a lot of Joe Vacationers to participate.

I also believe that Disney is using this 'testing' time with such 'loose' controls and measures, they are very smartly causing a positive experience for the consumer DESPITE the headaches of technology, and the glitches. This is part of the campaign, I believe. So enjoy it baby, while it lasts.

As more people use the system, and get on the system, then opportunities mentioned above will 'slowly' fade away. I would guess the double dipping, much to our dismay, will be one of the first to go. But eventually, that spot in front of the castle for parade viewing is going to be jammed packed, and there will be threads on this forum board advising 'wise' disboarders to either get there an hour early (whats the point of that fp+) or use the fp+ on something else... and it will be such a slow modification, that the people on the disboards who originally loved it, will now only like it a lot. And then, as things get a little stricter or harder to get, they will only like it. And before you know it, I think this entire system will have dones its job. Hooked the consumer on thinking its brilliant, making them love it, and use it, even if its not in the best interest of 'us'.

Case in point - Disney Dining plan. This is EXACTLY how it worked. Started off with EVERYTHING included, apps, gratuity, tax, LOW price - fabulous. Now look at it. Go on the dining forum and see what kind of tricks and manouvers we have to go through in order to make it break even, or a couple of bucks to the good. And many people get it, and loose money. But its firmly entrenched in their minds, its a great deal.

Now, I do believe completely, that this system will be a VAST improvement over the old fp system, for joe vacationer. I really do. They are going to love it, and keep on loving it. I also believe that for some, maybe even many, disboarders, this system will work well for them as well. But I also think for those that go for the attractions, and multiple rides on headliners, and not so much for the sights and smells of Disney, well, this system will EVENTUALLY suck for them.

This is a long post, sorry. I also wanted to contemplate the statement of increase of revinues that Disney has already seen with the new program, and see what people thought of that. Its interesting that such a impact can already be felt with such a small group of people using the system at that time.....

 

[Rileygirl]

This post is spot on. They haven't tested this in the real world yet. They have been giving a small percentage of guests both FP+ and regular FastPass. What happens when all the extra gifts go away?

But the real chaos is going to ensue when 80% of the people are on the system instead of 5%. There is simply no way that is going to be remotely smooth. And, the people not prepared for it are going to be so miserable, they may not ever go back.

I think we posted at the same time.

One thing I think people should keep in mind, I honestly dont believe user capacity is going to go from 5% to 80% in the next 4 months. Certainly there will be a large increase of users, simply because more go at this time, then statistically speaking, more people can 'opt in'. I think, that if Disney can make the IT work a little smoother over the remaining summer and fall, then the overall impact on Christmas wont be horrible. It may be the best ever christmas period for the knowledgable user to go. Even at 30% capacity of system use, you are still going to have a hoot. If no tiers are involved still, you can rope drop in the morning at one park, and visit another park with headliners and fireworks or shows or whatever at night. Beauty.

Many people will argue that Disney will NEVER get it up to 80%. Admiralboomer also indicates that Disney is NOT anticipating an increase of fast pass useage with this new system. I have to say, as politely as possible, bull cookies. The proof of EXACTLY what Disney HOPES to achieve with this system can be seen by three overwhelming pieces of evidence.

1. Almost every attraction has been put on the grid - at GREAT COST to Disney. Why would they do that, if they did not think it was going to be needed? Its a ridiculous statement, point blank, to say Disney is not anticipating a change in numbers.

2. FP+ is tied to TICKET MEDIA, and not Resort bookings. This means that the system is potentially availabe in whatever form Disney sees fit, not only ON site guests, but off site guests as well. Disney made sure the pool of potential users is 100% of its guests. Wow.

3. Terms and Conditions as outlined by Disney of fp+. You only need to read and understand the T&C for fp+ to understand the criteria and the expectation of Disney, once this system is operating at what they consider maximum capacity. And as its to Disney's VERY financial benefit to have as many people using this system as possible, I would believe that they are HIGHLY MOTIVATED to do so.

I agree with the previous poster who said Disney really wants this thing to come out as fast as possible. Its a big money maker for them. But it will take a while to get the bumps smoothed out, and enough people on the system to have any huge impact on how a smart disboarder can use the system. So make hay while the sun shines, you lucky beta testers!

Edited to add: Admiralboom is someone from another board who is a very credible source of unofficial official Disney information. I am not so sure what my credibility is, fyi. Let that flavour your perception of my comments.

 

[TLHB70]

No word on which resorts will be the next to test the bands yet!

Also, for those wondering if regular FPs will still be available during their trip, Disney plans to gradually phase out the paper FPs over the next TWO YEARS, so no need to worry yet!

This makes me feel better. We are going in early December, and I am not wanting our trip to be messed up with kinks with the bands. If we are going to receive them, I will use the FP+ for parade and fireworks spots. However, I do not care to plan our rides out. My family will never go for that. I want to be able to use the old FP machines.
Well, my crew might go ahead and plan for TSM. They love that one, and they would be happy to not wait in the crazy line for that one.....ride or FP line. However, they will not want to plan other rides out ahead of time.

 

[keishashadow]

Iger said the project began a new "beta phase" Aug. 2 in which the systems will ultimately be used by more than 80,000 customers. He said guests who have used the features in early tests have reacted positively, though he did not elaborate.

The above vague-at-best statement could be construed to indicate 80,000 users over any time period, not necessarily all in one day, at one park. Disney scripts public comments down to minute detail and this vague statement is not of their norm.

My guess: I don't see the program becoming universalbefore the end of their 1st quarter in December, if it even does continue in this format. I still think there is a possibility of a paid (i.e. more than 3 FP/day) reboot lurking out there either on a cash basis or tied into level of resort stay or part of a vacation package.

It will be interesting to compare our standard experience based upon our Oct visit (half-marathon/Columbus Day) vs our Jan one (marathon weekend & following weekend) if they do have it successfully in place by Jan.

I keep going back to Iger's use of probable as to the system being fully implemented by the end of the fiscal quarter. imo akin to projecting earnings, if he's way off in his prediction, he will have quite a bit of 'splaining to do since over a billion dollars has been invested in this.