Is FP+ forcing people into the parks?

[minnie-apple-mouse]

We know locals that say FP+ has increased visits dramatically. Most locals are not commando, so alternating 3 favorites with minimal wait on THEIR schedule is wonderful. Esp after work during the week. FP- was often gone by then so why even go? I suspect this (locals) is partly where the black out situation is occurring.

Also arrival days were often down time or DTD etc. Now why not head to a park with 3 FP+? That had to increase arrival day visits (which is every day), possibly later departure days as well-which is a 2nd day of each week.

Down days-why? Who can't drop in for 3 FP+ and a parade when you used to just sleep in and miss the FP-? Now any down day can be any day without missing FP.

Schedule changes-kids slept in or got sick. Change FP+ to later that day or a different park that still has some better choices, maybe not as great of choices but probably worth while and far better than nothing, and more incentive to go to park than the same situation before.

Siesta afternoon breaks-many guests can now open a park and still get a lot done, then enjoy resort/pool time (which they paid handsomely for), then have FP+ after that late afternoon/evening at the same park, or a different one. Many said forget it (going back later) in the past.

Additional day discounts-may as well add days to your park pass since you may want to hit TSM or RNR again on another day, or Soarin and TT. Longer stays equal more daily guests.

 

[hookedonears]

Yup...You must've. Most states, especially FLA have had recovery in many areas. Real estate prices that plummeted in 2008 have come back with a vengeance. WDW and USO attendance numbers continue to skyrocket, no matter how much they raise the prices. Just back from a week long trip to Orlando, and the corwds everywhere seemed almost like Christmas week!

I guess states whose economies are closely tied to the oil and gas industry are not faring as well. I would, however have to disagree with your assessment that "most" states, have had recovery in "many" areas. (Better stated as "many" states, have had a recovery in "several" areas). Yes, there has been about as slow of a recovery as possible in most states, in some areas. Some states have fared better than others in most areas. Real Estate prices have not come back with a "vengeance" in most areas of the country. Yes, prices have come back in most areas, spurred basically by .034 30 year mortgage rates. The economy is a false economy, basically held up by a 0% Prime Rate by the Fed. That's why, anytime there's a hint of an increase in the rate, the stock markets tank 200-300 points. There are several factors that have contributed to the increase in crowds. One is that international air traffic into Orlando is up over 100% as compared to last year. 2 of which are the subject of this post and yes 4th, an improved economy. As you like to overly state, attendance numbers continue to "Skyrocket" (Are these Disney provided numbers?), though not necessarily to the benefit of Disney. Disney continues to offer discounts at its resorts at the same rate that they always have. On property occupancy obviously is not "skyrocking" like everything else.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

I witnessed this during our last trip (Christmas). Of course, it's always packed during Christmas, but I have a theory.

More people vacation at Disney during Christmas, Easter, July 4th and most of summer.. This means that most FP+'s are used up at the 60-day booking window. Then, anything leftover is reserved at the 30-day mark. Now you have guests heading to the parks for the day (Annual Passholders, locals, etc.) They, along with anyone who couldn't secure a FP+ (due to booking their vacation too late or the tiered system, etc.) are forced to wait standby - thus making the lines seem longer and the park feel more crowded. Just a theory - but it seems like the most logical explanation.

 

[cyb]

If you want to hear my opinion it's because Disney got rid of the non expiring tickets, maybe they are buying season or annual passes and people are going more often to get their money's worth.

 

[tbssenterprises]

I really don't like the new FP system. I usually go to WDW once a year. Before, things were just simple. Now I feel compelled to plan my day weeks ahead of time. This might be good for first timers or those who don't go that frequently. I've found the wait times for Stand By to be just incredibly long now, and thus, a turn off. Also there were five of us in a group this past September and it was extremely difficult to sync us all together or when we had to make a change. Ugh.

Give me "single rider" over anything. That's why I like Test Track....and a host of other rides at Universal.

 

[TeresaWen]

I do find that my husband and I spend way less time in the park - on a typical 10 day trip we spend 1/2 day in the MK. 1/2 day in HS. Almost a full day in AK. One or two mornings in EPCOT and some evenings either at Countries in EPCOT or at a signature restaurant in one of the monorail hotels. Much more time at our resort. Since we are spending so much time at our hotel a 250 sq foot room just is not enough so we have been staying off property in a large 2 bedroom suite that costs for a week about what 1 night costs in a deluxe. We need room to stretch out since staying in the parks (all but EPCOT) had become all about fast passes. We still do enjoy strolling EPCOT. The pools at our hotel are lovely. Not SAB but large, relaxing, and we can either buy drinks at the bar or bring our own (no glass of course).