Is anyone getting as turned off as I am?

[clsteve]

Tomorrow I'll be able to start making FP reservations online for our 2+ week visit in November.

Right now we only have 10 day tickets, so we'll only be able to schedule FP's for a max of 10 days over our 16 days on site, leaving 6 days empty.

Which is going to be an interesting exercise because we plan on upgrading our tickets to AP's while there, which will allow us to go to the parks every day of our 16 days on site and (hopefully) allow us to schedule FP's for those 6 days we currently are not able to.

Our strategy right now is the same as last year - hit our AM park at rope drop with no FP's scheduled, then switch parks in the afternoon/evening where our FP's will be scheduled.

Of course, last year RD still held an advantage for an hour or two. Not sure if that is the case anymore.

Good thing I embrace change and challenges, because there are no shortages of either with a WDW vacation.

All you need to do is push a button.

What's the big deal...?

 

[tim123]

...or ABSURD!

Absurd is ok. Subjective.

 

[Laz]

As a total newbie to WDW, checking in at Pop Century in 11 days, I find the concept of FP+ much less stressful than the concept of FP legacy. The idea of this somewhat overweight, 38 yr old running around the park with two kids in tow in a massive place I have never been before, was a bit of a worry when I first joined Disboards before FP+ was announced.

If it is your first time, you and your family will have a blast as long as you make a realistic plan. Even before FP+ or even FP-, you would need to realize you can not do or see everything in one trip. Yes, I am one of those old time park commandoes who is very apprehensive about FP+. I have been going to DLR instead. However, I can almost promise you that your first time will be magical even if their are a few glitches.

 

[Lees75]

Thanks, tim123 and Laz I am so excited! One week to go until we leave Adelaide, Australia! I think the FP+ massively suits people like me - people who like to do lots of planning and researching prior to their holiday (that's half the fun for me!), but can then relax and roll with the punches when I get there. I am using Josh's touring plans and got all the FP+ times he suggested (including Anna and Elsa and 7DMT), so am counting my blessings.

Australia is not exactly famous for our theme parks, so I know that no matter what happens, we are going to have a fabulous time

 

[cakebaker]

As a total newbie to WDW, checking in at Pop Century in 11 days, I find the concept of FP+ much less stressful than the concept of FP legacy. The idea of this somewhat overweight, 38 yr old running around the park with two kids in tow in a massive place I have never been before, was a bit of a worry when I first joined Disboards before FP+ was announced.

You bring up a good point a lot of us that have been many times forget-

Not everyone knows the parks like the back of their hands. I need a bathroom? I know where the closest one is in any park, anywhere I am. A specific food? Know where to go and shortest way to get there. But I remember my first trip staying in the cabins and having to call the desk just to get someone to explain those darn busses and how do I get to the boat???

So for people who visit once every few years or especially for newbies who have never been- Disney can be a formidable place to navigate. For one person, making rope drop, knowing exactly where to go to get to a legacy fp was no big deal. For someone who doesn't know, it's not so easy.

Add to that if you have small children and don't have a built in runner for fp's and it gets even harder.

FP+ eliminates the need for all that. You spend the time you would waste in the parks at home- much preferable to standing in a hot park making a plan you can't plan because legacy fp was an on the fly style of touring.

 

[Mkrop]

Just go! Make an excuse. Lie. whats the worst that can happen? You could die tomorrow!

Let's promote lying to our children that is wonderful. Once again not everyone can travel at that time, kids in high school makes it tough, and certain jobs dont lend themselves to just take off whenever they feel like it.

Maybe I'm a lame brain but it seems simpler to me to push a botton on a computer screen from the comfort of your home instead of running across a park, separating from family and running back to do it again. But go figure. I've been to the park twice since FP + came along. I really don't get the haters at all. some people can't handle change. MB and FP+ are amazing, convenient , simple and time saving and take away nothing and only add to the park experience.

It took away our ability to ride our favorite rides without long lines like TSMM and RNR or Soarin and TT. The tiering took away A LOT!

Just weighing in...For our family FP+ is the better option for us at this point of time and it is much easier, again for us. I had no difficulty navigating the system on line and love that we no longer feel the need to be at RD to ride TSM or Soarin'. I get that those who don't visit as often as we do, 1-2 times a year, and were use to getting there for EMH and RD may not be as happy. I still think that this is an improvement for everyone, IMO...after all, it is a vacation...Right???

My idea of a vacation was to ride the rides we like, how we like to ride them by utilizing a good touring strategy and FP-. Right now we cant figure out how to ride our other favorites with the tiering and to us that is NOT an improvement. And this 4th FP doesnt sound promising. We were able to pull many more FPs than 3, so this NOT an improvement. We dont take long trips so using one day for Epcot to ride Soarin and another day to ride TT, is not an improvement (this was a suggestion on another thread). If rope drop has long lines like some are describing than even that is NOT an improvement.

I think the people who are not really into the rides like some families are find this system a big improvement.

I feel the same way.

We visited Carsland at DCA last year for the first time. Since I'm not a fan of FP+, I have been accused of not liking change. DCA underwent a massive change since our prior trip in 2010. So why then did I enjoy Carsland so much that we just booked flights to back again this year?

Our recent trip to DCA just showed me how much the old FP system was not broken and how much building more attractions works so much better at dispersing the crowds. There was hardly any wait for Soarin and the line for TSMM was much smaller than prior to Carsland being built. And we got to RSR 3 times by going at rope drop and FPing it twice...in AUGUST!

Not every has the luxury of traveling during off peak times. For many, many years the first full week in Dec was the best time for us, when FP was not necessary.

When we had to go during the peak travel times, FP made the crowds manageable. Now with the limits imposed on FP coupled with the longer SB lines at RD we are getting less done.

I can't imagine how complicated this must seem to first time visitors. I already know what my 3 FP+ will be for MK. How do you pick when you've never been on them before? Mesaboy's list is fabulous but how you find that blind without a serious investment of time?

I recently helped a friend of mine who has not been since 1994, did not experience FP-, and equated this FP+ stuff to having to perform brain surgery, she could not believe how complicated it was and was glad I could walk her through it. She would have had NO idea she could change her times if I hadnt told her, and she did not think the system was super easy either. She asked why they didnt just have a drop down menu for each ride with the times available and once it was gone it was gone.

 

[Laz]

Thanks, tim123 and Laz I am so excited! One week to go until we leave Adelaide, Australia! I think the FP+ massively suits people like me - people who like to do lots of planning and researching prior to their holiday (that's half the fun for me!), but can then relax and roll with the punches when I get there. I am using Josh's touring plans and got all the FP+ times he suggested (including Anna and Elsa and 7DMT), so am counting my blessings.

Australia is not exactly famous for our theme parks, so I know that no matter what happens, we are going to have a fabulous time

Some day in the not-too-distant future, promise me you will help me plan for my first time trip to Australia!

 

[minnie mum]

All you need to do is push a button.

What's the big deal...?

Right. Of course this is predicated on the rock solid assumption that your experience with MDE will be straight forward, intuitive and sensible, and with never a hint of a freeze up, glitch or the spinning blue circle of death. That your tickets and reservations will remain properly linked, that your family and friends won't suddenly morph into something else, that your fps won't suddenly disappear or switch with other family members.

Nothing could be easier. Except I don't have a button! All I've got is a keyboard.

 

[tim123]

Let's promote lying to our children that is wonderful. Once again not everyone can travel at that time, kids in high school makes it tough, and certain jobs dont lend themselves to just take off whenever they feel like it.


Jezze…I'm not promoting lying…I was being coy…man… yes I feel your pain being tied to the things that rule your life…rules, job, high school etc…
Sorry you are not able to enjoy a place you love like WDW off season..maybe someday you will. And sorry the FP+ has changed and diminished your in season touring style. I can completely empathize how the new system changed things for families like yours.
I really was trying to suggest to just go for it. Pull the kids, call in sick ya know..? whats the worst out come? No don't answer that.

 

[mom2rtk]

Nothing could be easier. Except I don't have a button! All I've got is a keyboard.

Oh man..... you bought the wrong computer for planning a Disney trip!

 

[Ellwood970]

Right. Of course this is predicated on the rock solid assumption that your experience with MDE will be straight forward, intuitive and sensible, and with never a hint of a freeze up, glitch or the spinning blue circle of death. That your tickets and reservations will remain properly linked, that your family and friends won't suddenly morph into something else, that your fps won't suddenly disappear or switch with other family members. Nothing could be easier. Except I don't have a button! All I've got is a keyboard.

and that you won't show up at the gate and can't get in.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Most of us on "the boards" are very dedicated Disney fans. We are not, nor should we think we are, representative of what the average Disney park goer thinks.

One thing that is very true is that people are more vocal when they have something to complain about. So don't think that because there are a few posts about how FP+ sucks that there is not an equal number of people who love it. Truth is, the only one who knows or will know that for sure is Disney.

None of us know if this will lose Disney customers or gain them customers, or equal out. Vocal Disboard members are still not the majority.

Once again...I did NOT say that we represent the average Disney guest. That average includes many first timers and also many casual, occasional visitors -- in other words, the 80%. We do not represent 80% of Disney guests.

I DID say that we represent the most loyal repeat visitors -- in other words, the 20%. And losing us would mean flushing 80% of their revenue.

Are they in danger of losing all of us? Probably not. Have they shaken the loyalty of many? I think it's pretty obvious that they have. One of the reasons for our prior level of loyalty was that we could always count on legacy FP to make our trips more enjoyable. And now it's gone.

 

[Davey Jones II]

I wasn't comparing Disney to the gambling industry, I was comparing resort, dining, and entertainment options going after a higher end clientele who are interested in luxury and exclusivity, and not bothering with the lower middle class who don't, and can't, spend near as much on resort, dining, and entertainment. They are very much the same.

They've not lost me completely, I'm not running around screaming that I'm done, but I'm no longer staying on site at WDW with a 5 day ticket, I'm staying at Universal and spending a hard ticket party at the MK. In March we are skipping Orlando and heading west to Disneyland. Next fall, who knows? The next spring we're going to Hawaii. They haven't lost me completely, but they certainly don't "have" me anymore.

Yes they can squeeze more money out of some guests by introducing more upcharge and hard ticket events. But that can only go so far. If there is a serious erosion in overall customer loyalty and repeat business, it is mathematically impossible to compensate for that lost revenue simply by offering more "high end" stuff. Yes, I say impossible, because, again, you just can't get people to suddenly spend five times more than they have in the past. Unless they expect a sudden and huge influx of recent lottery winners.

And the high end goodies won't attract new customers. If you're not interested in WDW now, why would you be interested in going there just so you can spend more than the average guest?

 

[maxiesmom]

Are they in danger of losing all of us? Probably not. Have they shaken the loyalty of many? I think it's pretty obvious that they have. One of the reasons for our prior level of loyalty was that we could always count on legacy FP to make our trips more enjoyable. And now it's gone.

Did you never go to the parks before FP? Just curious.

 

[Ellwood970]

I have been going to the parks since 1971 way before fastpass. Fastpass did not really change much for me except not having to wait in some lines. I learned when to go so lines would be minimal. I am not upset about any of the changes now, I am upset that MM+ causes confusion and when it does not work it is a mess

 

[AC7179]

We generally go to Disneyland, but are heading to WDW in March. I haven't experienced the fp+, but I woke up at 445 three days in a row and failed to secure BOG reservations. I am guessing it will be the same thing for the new seven dwarves ride and the Anna and Elsa meet and greet. I understand what is happening, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth and we haven't even left yet.

 

[mom2rtk]

We generally go to Disneyland, but are heading to WDW in March. I haven't experienced the fp+, but I woke up at 445 three days in a row and failed to secure BOG reservations. I am guessing it will be the same thing for the new seven dwarves ride and the Anna and Elsa meet and greet. I understand what is happening, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth and we haven't even left yet.

If you had to wake up 3 mornings in a row, that means you did not get 180+10, so were likely staying offsite. The deck was stacked against you. On-site guests had been booking your day for 10 days before you got to it. A similar sort of thing will likely happen with 7DMT and A/E as well. And I totally see how that would leave a sour taste in your mouth during what should be the fun planning stage.

FWIW, a fair number of on-site folks are getting shut out of those things even with the +10 and length of ticket FP booking advantages.

 

[Peachkins]

We generally go to Disneyland, but are heading to WDW in March. I haven't experienced the fp+, but I woke up at 445 three days in a row and failed to secure BOG reservations. I am guessing it will be the same thing for the new seven dwarves ride and the Anna and Elsa meet and greet. I understand what is happening, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth and we haven't even left yet.

BOG is the one thing I have not been able to book for our upcoming trip. I was logged in the second I possibly could at my 180 days, and I still wasn't able to get that reservation. Hopefully you won't have issues with FP+. When I did those, there was availability for both the mine train and A&E, so don't panic yet, lol.

 

[polineedyan]

I have been going to the parks since 1971 way before fastpass. Fastpass did not really change much for me except not having to wait in some lines. I learned when to go so lines would be minimal. I am not upset about any of the changes now, I am upset that MM+ causes confusion and when it does not work it is a mess

I didnt find that to be the case. There were a few times when one of the guests in our party had issues. It delayed us at the gate for about an addition 1 minute.
Another issue was when I had gone to a kiosk to delete a ride and add another. The CM was kind enough to help me thru the screens and actually was able to get us earlier times on 2 of our 3 choices-same day.
After making those changes, we had another issue actually using the choices as for some reason they did not save. We were delayed at the entry of the rie for an additional mm...30 seconds as they let us right thru even though the computer wasnt recognizing our passes.
It really isnt horrible. The app was a little slower than I had imagined..but really, it wasnt much of a problem at all. I was a die hard paper fast passer as I LOVED to hand them out to kids who were strangers. But, tbh..I loved the bands. Even when there were issues, CM's very cordially made it right without the slightest hint of annoyance.
Keep your head, wait for it to be a disaster-then you can complain. But until then..its DISNEY MAN!! Have FUN!!

 

[mom2rtk]

I didnt find that to be the case. There were a few times when one of the guests in our party had issues. It delayed us at the gate for about an addition 1 minute.
Another issue was when I had gone to a kiosk to delete a ride and add another. The CM was kind enough to help me thru the screens and actually was able to get us earlier times on 2 of our 3 choices-same day.
After making those changes, we had another issue actually using the choices as for some reason they did not save. We were delayed at the entry of the rie for an additional mm...30 seconds as they let us right thru even though the computer wasnt recognizing our passes.
It really isnt horrible. The app was a little slower than I had imagined..but really, it wasnt much of a problem at all. I was a die hard paper fast passer as I LOVED to hand them out to kids who were strangers. But, tbh..I loved the bands. Even when there were issues, CM's very cordially made it right without the slightest hint of annoyance.
Keep your head, wait for it to be a disaster-then you can complain. But until then..its DISNEY MAN!! Have FUN!!

I'm so glad it worked well for you.

You do understand that not everyone has the same experience with it, right?