Is anyone complaining to WDW itself?

[cjparker0110]

I've noticed many complaints about the FP+ system. I won't be experiencing it until 2017, so I can't weigh in on it yet. But since there seems to be a large number of people annoyed with it, I would suggest you all make your voice known to WDW. Sure, it's nice to voice frustrations here and discuss them with like minded individuals. But the people at WDW that need to know aren't reading everyone's posts. I would suggest making them aware. The only way the system can be changed is if ENOUGH people complain about it. If the overall experience is positive, or if it is perceived that way, they will keep it up. If there are enough negative complaints, they will look into improving the system.

I know one post I recently read was for an off property stay where the person was/is unable to secure FP+ times for a ride as soon as they become available for each day. While I get that they may be filling up with on site guests, WDW is not in the habit of alienating their offsite visitors. Yes...they want you to stay on site. But they also would prefer that the FL vacationer stop at WDW rather than Universal or Busch Gardens Tampa. If you are 100% unable to get FP reservations for a ride on the day it becomes available, that is a problem. And it needs to be mentioned to the powers that be. They need to know about your unhappiness.

Another post I read had someone saying they were thinking they might not return after multiple WDW trips simply because of FP+. While I do think this is a bit of ridiculous overreaction, they are not the first person that I've seen say the same thing on here. WDW wants to know if people are not planning to return for a specific reason. They want to fix problems.

I guess I'm just going on a bit of a rant here, but if the system is broke they NEED to hear about it...from the people it is affecting. Not from the message board. They need you guys to all call and complain, write emails to complain, etc,... Change can happen...but only if they know it is a problem. BTW...a complaint from only one or two people won't do it. Don't assume someone else will complain so you don't have to. All of you who have a problem need to do it so they know how many it is affecting.

 

[loves to dive]

I don't have a problem with it, in all honesty though, I didn't use the old system that much either. I usually am able to get the one ride I want and anything after that is just for fun. I go at times it's not real busy and go at least once every other year so know that I will be back. My family is one of the few minority families that really doesn't mind waiting in line or if we can't get on a ride we want, we just do something else.

 

[nilla]

We complained about the window being enforced on the old system at Guest Services at MK two years ago. We got a free FP voucher for any ride we wanted.

Best part was, two days later, we got to Epcot late, and my mad dash to get Soarin' FPs came up empty. Called my wife on the cell and she said not to worry - she had just got done complaining at Guest Services about the FP time window being enforced, and had received a free FP voucher for any ride we wanted

 

[asbyrneva]

I've noticed many complaints about the FP+ system. I won't be experiencing it until 2017, so I can't weigh in on it yet. But since there seems to be a large number of people annoyed with it, I would suggest you all make your voice known to WDW. Sure, it's nice to voice frustrations here and discuss them with like minded individuals. But the people at WDW that need to know aren't reading everyone's posts. I would suggest making them aware. The only way the system can be changed is if ENOUGH people complain about it. If the overall experience is positive, or if it is perceived that way, they will keep it up. If there are enough negative complaints, they will look into improving the system.

I know one post I recently read was for an off property stay where the person was/is unable to secure FP+ times for a ride as soon as they become available for each day. While I get that they may be filling up with on site guests, WDW is not in the habit of alienating their offsite visitors. Yes...they want you to stay on site. But they also would prefer that the FL vacationer stop at WDW rather than Universal or Busch Gardens Tampa. If you are 100% unable to get FP reservations for a ride on the day it becomes available, that is a problem. And it needs to be mentioned to the powers that be. They need to know about your unhappiness.

Another post I read had someone saying they were thinking they might not return after multiple WDW trips simply because of FP+. While I do think this is a bit of ridiculous overreaction, they are not the first person that I've seen say the same thing on here. WDW wants to know if people are not planning to return for a specific reason. They want to fix problems.

I guess I'm just going on a bit of a rant here, but if the system is broke they NEED to hear about it...from the people it is affecting. Not from the message board. They need you guys to all call and complain, write emails to complain, etc,... Change can happen...but only if they know it is a problem. BTW...a complaint from only one or two people won't do it. Don't assume someone else will complain so you don't have to. All of you who have a problem need to do it so they know how many it is affecting.

If you scour boards this one included you will find a number of folks that like FP+ too. probably as many posts as "I hate it and wont go back". I used old FP and FP+ and I like not getting trampled at 901 for a TSMM FP for 5 hours later. Yes for offsite guests it can be difficult scoring 7DMT or AE but not impossible (I know I know A&E is impossible if you are going moderate crowd to very crowded".

Even under the old system you were never 100% guaranteed a FP for the time you wanted. I would watch folks come in at 10 am on thanksgiving day to MK and be surprised that PP fast pass was gone. or return time was 10:50 pm. So just like then without a FP people will wait in line. Just looking right now at 30 days out the only things in all the parks I cant get is A&E SDMT and FF Parade. And frankly under the old FP system if you weren't running at RD and beating throngs of people you wouldnt get those day of either with the old machines.

I would ask that you experience it first before you jump to conclusions about how terrible something is.

 

[Tomh]

I've used both systems, both have advantages and disadvantages. Under the old system, if you knew the ins and outs, and worked them effectively, you could fp quite a few rides in one day, especially in MK. With FP+, your ability to pile up the fp's, and ride headliners multiple times with no wait is significantly reduced.

However, it is nice to be able to plan ahead, and know what time you can get on a ride. A little pre planning can go a long way. Plan that first FP+ for 9:30 to 10:30, take advantage of the first hour in the park hitting as many rides as you can before the lines build, then use the first fp+ close to the 10:30 end point, go straight from that to the 2nd fp+ using it right at the beginning of it's window, and then hop on MDE and see about bumping your 3rd up closer to 11:00, so that you are eligible for fp+ number 4 sooner, and it is still possible to get maybe 5 or even 6 fp+ during your day, plus what ever you are able to ride without fp.

 

[disneyseniors]

We complained about the window being enforced on the old system at Guest Services at MK two years ago. We got a free FP voucher for any ride we wanted.

Best part was, two days later, we got to Epcot late, and my mad dash to get Soarin' FPs came up empty. Called my wife on the cell and she said not to worry - she had just got done complaining at Guest Services about the FP time window being enforced, and had received a free FP voucher for any ride we wanted

That's great that you got free fp's. But I don't want to just complain and get fp or any other offer. I want them to actually listen and DO something about it! I think they are trying to placate everyone who complains, and that's not a bad thing, but does it help solve the problem? We'll see!

 

[Mome Rath]

Every trip I've had with FP+ and the MB's, I've had a really long survey waiting for me when I get home. Each time I've been able to comment on how much I like or dislike certain aspects of both things. Each time my positives definitely outweigh my negatives, but if Disney is truly random on their surveys they will get a good picture of how guests feel.

 

[goodgodmrsmolly]

I don't see how Disney doesn't know. They do surveys in and out of the park and I am sure, read plenty of things online. The thing is, they have like a BILLION dollars into this. It is happening and staying and no complaint is going to change that. Changes in this system will take a while. It would be nice to, say, let people pick a specific time for a FP instead of having to pick a close one then try and change it. I am not tech guru, but I can say that with a system this large, with this many parts to it (key, ticket, PF, CC) any small change like that can take a lot of work and could muck up other parts without meaning to.

I thought long and hard before renewing my AP this last week. I don't think it is an overreaction to decide to move on. Disney is expensive, and there are a large number of other entertainment option in the area, or even the rest of the world, that dealing with a frustrating system and having to plan so much ahead, I can see why others would not come back. Or at least for a while, which is more likely. Even with being in the area and having an AP, I have already resigned myself to never get on certain rides. TSMM is never available, same thing with 7DMT.

 

[bwang123]

I've noticed many complaints about the FP+ system. I won't be experiencing it until 2017, so I can't weigh in on it yet.

What if in 2017 you use it and like it? Then you will have encouraged people to try and change something you ultimately liked.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

For the very small vocal community that consistently complaigns here there are actually millions who love the fast past + system. Myself included if the product was truly bad I would never advocate it or encourage people to use it.

I guess since I never experienced Fast Pass ~ I have nothing to compare it to as I use to go to the parks and not even know about the fast pass system. To me it seemed more of a chore instead of leisurely planning fast passes.

To each their own

 

[itchin2go]

OP - yes, there are posts about people unhappy with FP+. There are also people who like it a lot. I'll actually be willing to bet there are more who are happier with it than the old system, because so many didn't know how to use the old system.

Of course, give Disney your opinion if you are so inclined.

I personally don't think it will do a bit of good. I read a good article recently about the whole MDE business and how much money they sunk into it. They're not undoing this. Bless their hearts, they think this is real innovation that adds value to the average visitor. I beg to differ, but trust me, they put their money where their mouth is. I think it's one of those "too big to fail" things. Even if it were a flop, I don't think you'd get Disney to admit it.

FWIW - I have experienced it, and our vacation was pretty much the same as it's always been, just with a colorful new bracelet.

 

[fly girl]

I don't see how Disney doesn't know. They do surveys in and out of the park and I am sure, read plenty of things online. The thing is, they have like a BILLION dollars into this. It is happening and staying and no complaint is going to change that. Changes in this system will take a while. It would be nice to, say, let people pick a specific time for a FP instead of having to pick a close one then try and change it. I am not tech guru, but I can say that with a system this large, with this many parts to it (key, ticket, PF, CC) any small change like that can take a lot of work and could muck up other parts without meaning to.

Agree 100%!! They know, no doubt about it. I've voiced my opinion about it to them as well.

They will keep tweaking it, and hopefully it will get better. I sincerely hope it will get to a point where you can do FP at different parks (FP+ and park hopping ... don't get me started!)

 

[goodgodmrsmolly]

Agree 100%!! They know, no doubt about it. I've voiced my opinion about it to them as well.

They will keep tweaking it, and hopefully it will get better. I sincerely hope it will get to a point where you can do FP at different parks (FP+ and park hopping ... don't get me started!)

At the very least, I would like to see some easy of use. It should at least ask what part of the day you want FP, morning, afternoon, or evening. Often I am not in the park till late afternoon or evening, I really have to play around with the site or app to get something that fits my schedule.

 

[soniam]

I have done multiple surveys, 5 for the last trip alone, for both of our FP+ trips. I have also contacted guest relations about another matter but did discuss FP+. I generally like it, but it needs some things changed. I think a lot of people who dislike it feel as if nothing will change. They might be right. However, maybe a lot of them are complaining. I get the feeling from how the surveys changed between trips that Disney is hearing some of the issues snd are concerned.

 

[Jennasis]

Disney is absolutely watching what happens here (and on other boards/Facebook etc). Social media is quite powerful.

That said, I sure did voice my concerns and dissatisfaction to them directly.

 

[MrKnight]

They OP brings up a very valid point, however, as a former WDW CM I can tell you that complaining at WDW parks and resorts in-person will do no greater good, even if you speak to a front-line manager I can assure you that they will NOT "pass on" your feedback to senior management as their job is to handle guest complaints on the front line and resolve them without escalation to their bosses. The BEST way to express your genuine concerns and ensure that they have a higher chance of getting to WDW senior management is to contact WDW Guest Communications (department in corporate offices) in writing either via email or postal mail:

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Well unfortunately the survey's they send don't ask. I've long taken the time to fill in any open boxes with comments on the good and the bad of WDW, but I'm not sure it goes into the statistics. Customer surveys don't work that way.

In short, market research doesn't work that way. It is only as good as the questions being asked. It's like the joke S. Colbert used to ask on his show, "George Walker Bush, great president, or greatest president ever?" And if a guest refused to answer, he'd say, "I'll put you down for great."

Funny, when I just searched his exact wording....the link was paired with a commercial for a large telecom company claiming exemplary survey results. It was kind of funny given said telecom's reputation.

And as I post, Disney's website is jammed. Go figure.

 

[Gracie09]

OP - yes, there are posts about people unhappy with FP+. There are also people who like it a lot. I'll actually be willing to bet there are more who are happier with it than the old system, because so many didn't know how to use the old system.

Of course, give Disney your opinion if you are so inclined.

I personally don't think it will do a bit of good. I read a good article recently about the whole MDE business and how much money they sunk into it. They're not undoing this. Bless their hearts, they think this is real innovation that adds value to the average visitor. I beg to differ, but trust me, they put their money where their mouth is. I think it's one of those "too big to fail" things. Even if it were a flop, I don't think you'd get Disney to admit it.

FWIW - I have experienced it, and our vacation was pretty much the same as it's always been, just with a colorful new bracelet.

I agree. I actually like FP+. I know my daughters will meet Anna and Elsa and ride their top rides without a mad dash across the park at opening. I actually find it more relaxing while I am there if I have it set up in advance and I don't have to worry if we are running a little late and may not make it to TSM at opening

 

[NMAmy]

I was very disappointed with many things on our last trip in Spring 2014. FP+ was a huge part of it. We are a family that has gone to WDW every year since 2000 and, yes, we have decided no more trips for a while. This was not hyperbole or a temper tantrum--we simply choose to spend our vacation money in a different way because we're not happy. And the point of vacation is to have a good time--not to stress and feel obligated to plan every minute of every day.

I did write a calm, reasoned letter detailing the dates and times of each issue and explaining in very clear detail why we wouldn't be back. I was quite surprised to receive a phone call from a lovely woman. She offered many things and when I explained that I was quite serious about not coming back for a while, she gave me one-day tickets and three free anytime FP's per person and said I can pick these up anytime until I think around 2030. I also have a free Photopass available. I'm sure we'll be back at some point but, for now, the return on the considerable cost of a WDW vacation is not sufficient to make it worthwhile, in our opinion.

I must say I get pins all the time now that I don't have a trip in the works! Still not tempted, though.

 

[I M Fearless]

I think that provided attendance keeps going up Disney will be unconcerned that not everyone likes the system. Provided the attendance and guest spending increases MM+ will be considered a big win for the company. At this point the figures seem to support the MM+ scheme despite the huge cost. I doubt they would be looking to roll it out at Disneyland if it wasn't beneficial to do so.