Is anyone else hugely entertained by the FP+ tier system test?

[AmyB2006]

We'll also be there in Dec and we are the opposite. We are dreading our Dec trip and would cancel if we could. Unfortunately it is too late, due to airfare, renting the condo, etc. We are staying offsite at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, so didn't have the access to FP+ that you did. We are stuck having to get to the parks at rope drop and hoping and praying that there might be some regular fast passes available for us to ride Soarin. While you are using your FP+ options we will be stuck in long lines, just because we chose to stay offsite and booked last year before all this FP+ crap rolled out. As annual passholders we feel like we wasted our money this year, but at the same time want to get something out of our APs. If we had known then what we know now, we would not have bothered getting APs last spring.

I don't know when you're going in December, but if it's the early part before Christmas crowds, I think you'll be fine. You can still get regular FP just as you did before, if you did before. Regular FPs are still available just as normal.

You say you're stuck getting there at RD. Did you ever used to do that before? I don't think you have to do that, but obviously if not, there will be longer lines later in the morning. TSM... that ride... I don't know. It's crazy that's all I can say. If you're not there at RD for that ride, then no, you probably won't get a FP. But that has nothing to do with FP+ and has always been that way.

But this is where I think all the "doom and gloom" posts really have a negative impact. You shouldn't feel this way about your vacation. And I think if you go into it with an open mind that you'll be pleasantly surprised. If you go there expecting to have a bad time, then unfortunately, I think that's exactly what you'll get. Which stinks!!! Nobody wants to go on vacation thinking that

Well, I hope you have a great time and I hope you can get more of an open mind about the whole thing before you go

 

[Mad Hattered]

I feel sorry for people who think the 900 foot "trek" from Soarin' to Test Track is just too much to take.

 

[aubriee]

I'm sorry. That just stinks.

Would it be worth buying a Pop reservation for one night at the front and see if that triggers MBs and FPs?

Actually I did check into booking a phantom room at a Value resort the first night. We wouldn't actually use the room, as no way are we giving up a fully equipped one bedroom villa for a tiny Value room, but I just wanted to see how much it would cost to use an AP discount to get a room, just to get the MBs and FP+. Unfortunately there are no Value rooms available under the AP discount at any of the four Values or the tent campsites either for that first night, and I refuse to pay rack rate for a room we wouldn't even be using.

I'm sorry you're having problems!

Depending on when you're visiting, you should be able to avoid most of the long lines just by using the old, tried-and-true, rope drop strategies. And I'm at least one guest who won't be in line ahead of you!

Also, you should be able to make FP+ the day of, at one of the in-park kiosks.

Or alternatively, you can book a single night at one of the All-Stars for under a hundred dollars, and get FP+ and MagicBands for your entire trip. Presently, I can book FP+ for any day I like, even outside my resort stay.

I used the old tried and true rope drop strategies when I was there in Sept and found stand by lines were longer even at 9am than I am used to seeing and that return fast pass times were for alot later than I was used to getting first thing in the mornings. We usually only spend 1/2 days in the parks anyway so those late times did not work for me.

I thought the FP+ kiosks in the parks were only going to be for the Swan/Dolphin guests at this time. If they are available for AP holders by next month, then of course we will use them.

Wow, I sound really negative and don't mean to, but at the moment I am very angry with WDW. Our old touring style will not work with the new system and until they decide to let the annual passholders get on board we are just stuck out in the cold and left to feel like the proverbial red headed step children.

Actually we have already made alternate plans. We had planned to spend nine days in the WDW parks and two days at Universal. Now we are planning only 4-5 days in the WDW parks, 2 days at Universal, seeing Blue Man group and doing the Grinch breakfast, spending 1-2 days at Sea World (purchasing their Fun Pass for just $92.00 that is good for all year and their $19.99 unlimited front of the line passes), plus we are now planning a beach day at Cocoa Beach/Sterritt Island, and a gator day (Gator Land followed by a swamp boat ride), plus will spend some time over at Gaylord Palms doing the Shrek Feast, ICE, and checking out their Christmas decorations and will be doing the Monster truck ride over at Showcase of Citrus. Anyway, we found plenty to do for eleven days. It's not the trip we originally planned, but this FP+ crap forced us to check out other options in Orlando. We may be dreading the WDW portion of our trip, but are really looking forward to checking out other things in Orlando.

We are also planning on going back to Orlando in early April. We may spend a day or two at Epcot and MK during that trip, but will not be spending the nine days at WDW/two days at Universal we originally planned. Instead we will be exploring other options. We also will not be renewing our WDW AP's next May. WDW may be drawing in some new guests, but they are also losing some old loyal guests over this mess.

 

[Angel Ariel]

You say you're stuck getting there at RD. Did you ever used to do that before? I don't think you have to do that, but obviously if not, there will be longer lines later in the morning.

Right now the FPs for Soarin' have a return time of 8:10-9:00pm with a 70 min SB. TT return time is 7:10 with a 60 min SB time. (ETA: in the 5 mins since I started writing this, the TT FP return time went from 7:10 to 8:05). The SB times aren't unusual, but I can tell you for a fact that when I went to WDW in March (during Spring Break) I was able to pull FPs for Soarin' around 11am that were for b/w 1-2pm. That was before FP+ was part of the equation the way it is now. So yes, FP+ has had an impact on legacy FP return times.

Just to further illlustrate..most rides have a 5-15 min wait in MK, indicating that this is a pretty low crowd time. Even Space Mtn has a return time of 11:50-12:50 right now, with a SB of 20 mins. What's impossible to overlook here is that FP+ is having a huge impact on the parks where there aren't many headliners to choose from. MK has the rides to spread people out, so the effect isn't as noticeable as it is at Epcot.

While I agree that it helps to have a positive outlook on your vacation, I also don't think it helps anything to gloss over the realities. The reality for those who do NOT have access to FP+ right now is that headliners are running out of FP sooner than they have before. You can't expect to show up at Epcot at 11am and get a FP return time that's even remotely close to that time. It's not about being "doom and gloom" (which, btw, is just as bad as the "kool-aid" comments that some have been complaining about), it's about having realistic expectations.

It's possible to have an open mind and a great time on your vacation AND still have realistic expectations of what's possible to accomplish.

 

[dwheaton]

A
Actually we have already made alternate plans. We had planned to spend nine days in the WDW parks and two days at Universal. Now we are planning only 4-5 days in the WDW parks, 2 days at Universal, 1-2 days at Sea World (purchasing their Fun Pass for just $92.00 that is good for all year and their $19.99 unlimited front of the line passes, plus we are now planning a beach day, and a gator day (Gator Land followed by a swamp boat ride), plus will spend some time over at Gaylord Palms doing the Shrek Feast, ICE, and checking out their Christmas decorations. It's not the trip we originally planned, but this FP+ crap forced us to check out other options in Orlando. We may be dreading the WDW portion of our trip, but are really looking forward to checking out other things in Orlando.

This is really interesting and adds to my thought that some people may adjust their plans. I know that the DIS is a very small percentage of the visitors to WDW, so the impact may not be felt for others until after they visit. People are still going to go to the parks no matter what FP plan is in place. However, cut backs like this may happen more than Disney would like. I'll be really curious to see the attendance numbers at the end of 2014. The impact of the Harry Potter expansion at Universal Studios will be felt. It's hard to say how much it will hurt Disney, but I doubt their numbers for anything beyond the MK go up in 2014. It's going to be interesting.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Told wife that this will be our strategy if FP+ is not made available to non-resort guest (unlikely). Heck, if it's during free dining, I might even contemplate paying for value everyday, given that the $100 daily addition to my pool house rate still brings me in >$1,000 under similar resort accommodations. Maybe actually visit the resort and dirty up the room just for the heck of it.

It's totally worth it with free dining. Plus then you get the free parking as well.

 

[that's nice]

I was trying to be encouraging yet easy-going and the first thing she said to me was, "The lines, I hate the lines, I'm not spending money to stand in lines." Then I told her about FP+ and she seemed visibly relieved that she could preschedule at least 3 attractions a day. Then I told her about character meals to meet characters without standing in line and she was even more excited.

We just got home last night from 7 days at AKL. We had MB & used FP+. The parks were busy. The wait times for rides were all over the place. I was using the RIDES App to get accurate wait times. If a line was long, we skipped the attraction then went back later. We found that some waits would go from 30 or 40 minutes to 10 minutes in the same hour. We had to adjust on the fly.The longest we waited for a ride or attraction all week was the Cinderella meet and greet. With FP+ our wait was 22 minutes from scanning our band to seeing Cinderella.

Actually, seriously, I'm really intrigued by the idea of not running to the headliners and crisscrossing the park. I'm having fantasies right now of arriving at Rope Drop (because we're early risers, so we can't help being early) and strolling into Future World at a nice leisurely pace, riding Sum of All Thrills, checking out Turtle Talk, going for a spin on Imagination, then moseying over to my FP+ for Soarin', followed by Living with the Land...

They changed the Epcot FP+ while we were there but on Friday we couldn't get out of the room fast enough. Made it to DHS at 10:30 and were holding ToT, RnCC, & TSM Fps. We were already in our FP+ window for ToT when we arrived so we walked over and got on. Easy as pie.

I would book your FP+ now (if you already haven't) just incase Disney decides to do a 'test' on the other parks too.

Or a third group: Ran into friends at Epcot on each of our's 4th day (neither family knew the other was going - cue "It's A Small World"). We ate lunch together and it was clear that everyone was having a good time. I saw they were wearing MBs and I asked them how they liked FP+ (it was open to all resort guests). They shrugged, "What's that?"

'nuff said

This is the reason Disney needs to do a better job with their website (LOLOLOL) and training CMs on the phone when someone calls to book a trip. If your friends used a TA then shame on the TA.

I feel sorry for people who think the 900 foot "trek" from Soarin' to Test Track is just too much to take.

I thought the FP+ kiosks in the parks were only going to be for the Swan/Dolphin guests at this time. If they are available for AP holders by next month, then of course we will use them.

FP+ kiosks are open to all resort guests. I though if you have an AP you can get a MB by going to guest services.... maybe you can only get a RIFD AP card.

 

[aubriee]

It's totally worth it with free dining. Plus then you get the free parking as well.

If we had decided to book a value room for just the first night, it would have been just to get access to FP+. We really don't have any desire to get one of those silly rubber MBs. Our annual passes give us free parking and we don't feel the DDP is a good deal. Even if it's free, you still have to pay rack rate for the room and when we stated onsite, we always got better deals with the AP discounts. Then again we usually stayed Moderate or Deluxe. When we can get a fully equipped one bedroom condo at a Deluxe resort like Wyndham Bonnet Creek for just $60.00 per night, onsite resorts just don't have any appeal to us (other than to get FP+).

 

[aubriee]

FP+ kiosks are open to all resort guests. I though if you have an AP you can get a MB by going to guest services.... maybe you can only get a RIFD AP card.

I thought I read the other day that WDW was going to roll out the FP+ system just to guests at the Swan/Dolphin and that they would only have access the day of their visit via the kiosks. Someone in that thread asked about when other offsite guests and AP holders would be able to use them and the response was that WDW wanted to keep the test for offsiters small and controlled and no one knew when the test would be expanded to include the rest of us.

My annual pass is RIFD enabled. I did ask about magic bands when I was there in Sept and the CMs in guest services said it would probably be until at least after the first of the year, before AP holders staying offsite could get one.

 

[AmyB2006]

Right now the FPs for Soarin' have a return time of 8:10-9:00pm with a 70 min SB. TT return time is 7:10 with a 60 min SB time. (ETA: in the 5 mins since I started writing this, the TT FP return time went from 7:10 to 8:05). The SB times aren't unusual, but I can tell you for a fact that when I went to WDW in March (during Spring Break) I was able to pull FPs for Soarin' around 11am that were for b/w 1-2pm. That was before FP+ was part of the equation the way it is now. So yes, FP+ has had an impact on legacy FP return times.

Just to further illlustrate..most rides have a 5-15 min wait in MK, indicating that this is a pretty low crowd time. Even Space Mtn has a return time of 11:50-12:50 right now, with a SB of 20 mins. What's impossible to overlook here is that FP+ is having a huge impact on the parks where there aren't many headliners to choose from. MK has the rides to spread people out, so the effect isn't as noticeable as it is at Epcot.

While I agree that it helps to have a positive outlook on your vacation, I also don't think it helps anything to gloss over the realities. The reality for those who do NOT have access to FP+ right now is that headliners are running out of FP sooner than they have before. You can't expect to show up at Epcot at 11am and get a FP return time that's even remotely close to that time. It's not about being "doom and gloom" (which, btw, is just as bad as the "kool-aid" comments that some have been complaining about), it's about having realistic expectations.

It's possible to have an open mind and a great time on your vacation AND still have realistic expectations of what's possible to accomplish.

Well, what I'm saying is it's still possible to NOT arrive at RD and get a FP for those rides. Yes, you might have to get there by 11 or so, but it is possible. And yes, they are later. But it is possible. But I guess that is the new reality. Arrive around 11, your FP will be at 6, 7 maybe 8:00.

And I only used "doom and gloom" because that seems to be what they have been coined. I won't use it again

 

[Robo]

I though if you have an AP you can get a MB by going to guest services.... maybe you can only get a RIFD AP card.

RFID AP card

 

[ArwenMarie]

If we had decided to book a value room for just the first night, it would have been just to get access to FP+. We really don't have any desire to get one of those silly rubber MBs. Our annual passes give us free parking and we don't feel the DDP is a good deal. Even if it's free, you still have to pay rack rate for the room and when we stated onsite, we always got better deals with the AP discounts. Then again we usually stayed Moderate or Deluxe. When we can get a fully equipped one bedroom condo at a Deluxe resort like Wyndham Bonnet Creek for just $60.00 per night, onsite resorts just don't have any appeal to us (other than to get FP+).

Oh sorry, I was talking to the other poster.

Anyway. Ok, then don't book a value room. It sounds worth it to me just to get the FP+s but that's just me. I'm sure you will have a great trip at WBC with all of the other things you have planned as well. WDW isn't the end-all be-all

 

[AmyB2006]

Originally Posted by aubriee View Post
If we had decided to book a value room for just the first night, it would have been just to get access to FP+. We really don't have any desire to get one of those silly rubber MBs. Our annual passes give us free parking and we don't feel the DDP is a good deal. Even if it's free, you still have to pay rack rate for the room and when we stated onsite, we always got better deals with the AP discounts. Then again we usually stayed Moderate or Deluxe. When we can get a fully equipped one bedroom condo at a Deluxe resort like Wyndham Bonnet Creek for just $60.00 per night, onsite resorts just don't have any appeal to us (other than to get FP+).

You don't have to have a "silly rubber band". If you "activate" your AP with an on site reservation, your AP can be used to reserve FP+. All the FPs are RFID equipped now.

 

[Planogirl]

This is really interesting and adds to my thought that some people may adjust their plans. I know that the DIS is a very small percentage of the visitors to WDW, so the impact may not be felt for others until after they visit. People are still going to go to the parks no matter what FP plan is in place. However, cut backs like this may happen more than Disney would like. I'll be really curious to see the attendance numbers at the end of 2014. The impact of the Harry Potter expansion at Universal Studios will be felt. It's hard to say how much it will hurt Disney, but I doubt their numbers for anything beyond the MK go up in 2014. It's going to be interesting.

Interesting point. The casual visitor really doesn't know much about FP+ so we don't know how they will react, newbie or not. If they perceive that their trip has become more difficult, how will that go over in the long run?

On a few other websites, some have conjectured that HP2 might actually help Disney. Most people would add a few days at Disney when they come to see the new HP area. That idea just seems weird.

 

[Magpie]

I feel sorry for people who think the 900 foot "trek" from Soarin' to Test Track is just too much to take.

I don't think it's too hard to take (we're folks who like to stroll on over to Hollywood Studios via the International Gateway), but I do think it's a bit of a time-sucker.

I think the tiered FP+ system will likely lead to a touring style in which I spend more time on the "lesser" attractions. For example, I haven't done Turtle Talk with Crush since 2005. Suppose I arrive with a FP+ for Test Track at 11am. Maybe after we ride Soarin' at Rope Drop, since there's no need to rush over to Test Track right away, we'll go see Turtle Talk instead.

I would book your FP+ now (if you already haven't) just incase Disney decides to do a 'test' on the other parks too.

Oh, I have! Booked them the very night my window opened.

Which means I've actually got Soarin', Test Track, and Maelstom all booked on the same day at least twice this December trip. It's a lucky break, I know! However, we'll be coming back in April, so I'm also paying attention to see how it'll work with a tiered FP+ system. And so far, it looks pretty good!

On our April trip, I'll probably choose Soarin' for one day and Test Track for another. And then pick second tier attractions nearby.

Honestly, that Maelstrom FP+ is a bit of a waste, IMO. We've never needed to FP that one, even under the old system. But I picked it anyway, as we have a CP dining package and don't need reserved viewing for Illuminations.

 

[aubriee]

On a few other websites, some have conjectured that HP2 might actually help Disney. Most people would add a few days at Disney when they come to see the new HP area. That idea just seems weird.

That does seem weird. I may not be renewing our APs for WDW, but am definitely renewing the ones for Universal (Heck they give such a great discounts for AP renewals we'd be crazy not to keep them--around $170.00 with tax). We are also planning a trip (probably in late August) to check out HP2. With the FP+ situation we may or may not even go to WDW during that trip. At the moment I am thinking we'll probably just use our Universal APs and Sea World Fun Passes and then check out other things in Orlando besides WDW.

 

[that's nice]

I thought I read the other day that WDW was going to roll out the FP+ system just to guests at the Swan/Dolphin and that they would only have access the day of their visit via the kiosks. Someone in that thread asked about when other offsite guests and AP holders would be able to use them and the response was that WDW wanted to keep the test for offsiters small and controlled and no one knew when the test would be expanded to include the rest of us.

My annual pass is RIFD enabled. I did ask about magic bands when I was there in Sept and the CMs in guest services said it would probably be until at least after the first of the year, before AP holders staying offsite could get one.

It was my understanding that the kiosks were open to all guests since I used one on Sunday night. the CM never asked what resort I was staying at when I scanned my band. (I had my AP linked to my MB) DW took the kids on the carousel while I had the baby. I was just playing around with it. There wasn't much available but I was looking at 7:00pm.

RIFD AP card

thanks.

Oh, I have! Booked them the very night my window opened.

Which means I've actually got Soarin', Test Track, and Maelstom all booked on the same day at least twice this December trip. It's a lucky break, I know! However, we'll be coming back in April, so I'm also paying attention to see how it'll work with a tiered FP+ system. And so far, it looks pretty good!

On our April trip, I'll probably choose Soarin' for one day and Test Track for another. And then pick second tier attractions nearby.

Looks good!

That does seem weird. I may not be renewing our APs for WDW, but am definitely renewing the ones for Universal (Heck they give such a great discounts for AP renewals we'd be crazy not to keep them--around $170.00 with tax). We are also planning a trip (probably in late August) to check out HP2. With the FP+ situation we may or may not even go to WDW during that trip. At the moment I am thinking we'll probably just use our Universal APs and Sea World Fun Passes and then check out other things in Orlando besides WDW.

Wow... $170 for a renewal? How much is the initial price? Does the AP give you front of the line access?

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Interesting point. The casual visitor really doesn't know much about FP+ so we don't know how they will react, newbie or not. If they perceive that their trip has become more difficult, how will that go over in the long run?

On a few other websites, some have conjectured that HP2 might actually help Disney. Most people would add a few days at Disney when they come to see the new HP area. That idea just seems weird.

HP draws people, including international visitors, to the area who might otherwise not go to Disney, especially those with preteen/teens and young adults without kids. IoA/US seems like not quite enough for an entire week, so why not add a couple days at Disney, since you're already there? The expansion will likely draw my family back sooner. But Disney obviously prefers people to never leave the property...

This tier system sure seems to encourage multiple days at Epcot (and DHS assuming it is eventually used there), with time to kill for shopping and eating of course. Hmmm...

 

[Angel Ariel]

Well, what I'm saying is it's still possible to NOT arrive at RD and get a FP for those rides. Yes, you might have to get there by 11 or so, but it is possible. And yes, they are later. But it is possible. But I guess that is the new reality. Arrive around 11, your FP will be at 6, 7 maybe 8:00.

And I only used "doom and gloom" because that seems to be what they have been coined. I won't use it again

Yes, it is technically "possible", but that isn't the same thing as being able to work for that family. For instance, I likely wouldn't pull 8pm fps at 11am, because we would have to leave the park before then to get my daughter to bed for the night. Families with young kids don't always get to stay in the parks that late. I don't know if that is the case for that poster personally, but I wouldn't respond to someone's saying they now have to get there at rope drop and tell them that fps are available day of.like they always have been either. Fp+ has changed distribution and its quite likely that it will cause those who are not eligible for fp+ right now to change their touring style to accommodate it.

 

[aubriee]

Wow... $170 for a renewal? How much is the initial price? Does the AP give you front of the line access?

Universal has like three tiers of annual passes. My husband and mom have the cheaper Power Pass that has a few black out dates (busy times of the year which we never go during anyway) and does not offer the discounts. I have the middle one, which is the Preferred Annual Pass. It costs like $279.99 (plus tax) the first time you buy it, but then the annual renewal is only $159.99 (around $170.00 with tax). It gets me into the parks 365 days a year, 10% discounts on food, snacks, souvineers, etc, 15% off multiday tickets for my guests, free parking at the parks, and great room discounts at the Universal resorts. It probably has some other benefits I'm forgetting but those are the main ones. I like that I can get food discounts at both TS and CS restaurants (unlike WDW).

Unfortunately the only way to get front of the line pass though is if you are staying onsite at one of their three deluxe resorts (even the new moderate resort they are currently building will not qualify for front of the line pass). Guests there will get early entry, but not front of the line access. With the great room discounts the Preferred AP gives me, we always stay at least one night onsite, which gives us unlimited front of the line access for two days (check in day and check out day).

There is also another AP (Premier AP) that gives everything the Preferred AP does, but more (like 20% off meals and souvineers, free bottles of water, free tickets to some of their parties, and a few other things). I'm not sure what they cost. I'm very happy with the benefits I get with my Prefered AP and feel the $170.00 it costs me to renew each year is well worth it. I go to Orlando 4-6 times a year and if I just go over there once or twice a trip it more than pays for itself after just one or two trips.