Is it that bad?

[mom2rtk]

I agree. If they did a system where it was still bookable online, but the booking didn't open until day of or 24 hrs in advance, I think it would address issues on both sides. People who didn't want to, or can't, make RD still wouldn't have to - they'd just have to be awake when the window opened, and there would be more day of flexibility for those who don't like all the preplanning.

Sadly I think this is all pipe dreaming, as that kind of compromise doesn't accomplish what Disney's stated goal with the prebooking was - and that's to lock people in to their days at Disney well before their arrival, so they don't get enticed to spend time elsewhere in Orlando.

But what time would it open? 6 AM? 9 AM? Do you want to have to get up early every single morning of vacation to book things? It wouldn't bother me, but if the big appeal of FP+ was getting to sleep in, that sort of defeats it.

And I agree. I think the big benefit of FP+ and MM+ to Disney is locking people in, allowing Disney to staff at lower levels on days with less demand. That requires advance booking.

And I think they would lose some people to Universal when they wake up and find out 7DMT or TSMM are booked already.

 

[Angel Ariel]

But what time would it open? 6 AM? 9 AM? Do you want to have to get up early every single morning of vacation to book things? It wouldn't bother me, but if the big appeal of FP+ was getting to sleep in, that sort of defeats it.

If I were pipe dreaming and could design it myself, I'd have it open at park opening, just like legacy did, but you wouldn't have to be *in* the park to book the FP. You could be in bed in your hotel if you wanted to be. But I know this is pipe dreaming and never going to happen

 

[alvernon90]

To say nothing of the average guest, who is potentially unaware what FP+ entails before booking a trip. I think most people on the board can at least agree that unlike Disneyland, WDW draws more first-time guests, rather than repeat customers.

Please cite data for the following factual claims:

1. The "average" guest is potentially unaware of what FP+ entails (as opposed to an outlier uninformed guest)
2. WDW draws more first-time guests than repeat customers.
3. Claim #2 is not true of Disneyland.
4. Most people on the boards would agree with claim #2 and claim #3.

I look forward to your statistically valid evidence for these claims, which will prevent the quality of discussion on these boards from degenerating.

 

[LuvDaisy&Minnie]

Went in June. Going back in November. Love it. And I actually like FP+. Rude people are everywhere these days...I just ignore them. I figure they must be miserable!

 

[socrateze]

Well that's not good. You are the family who makes my case that folks who knew how to use FP- to their advantage were not going to be happy with FP+. WE are the family who used FP- and liked it, found benefits, but ho can use this one as well, and is fine with the preplanning. I don't think Disney will be able to develop a system that everyone likes and that places everyone on an even playing field, because in my opinion, there is no even field. While it is easy to say that with FP- every begins fresh every day, the truth is that only the RD people have that advantage, and not everyone is set up for that. My sister and her DH worked nights, 7P to 7A. They were a disaster on their trip and it was September!

Hopefully, as the system evolves you, and people who fall into that category who do not care to preplan so far in advance will have an option that works. I think it can be done, but people smarter than me need to do it! LOL!

But we did not use Legacy FP that much. We were not repeat riders and would maybe use 1-2 FP's in a park. So that's not our issue with FP+. Disney slapped FP+ on a bunch of rides that never needed it, and it has increased wait times for these attractions. RD is an advantage with both legacy and FP+. According to a lot of posters, it's the only way to avoid long SB lines since the advent of FP+.

You're right, not everyone is ever going to be satisfied, but my everyday professional life is scheduled. On vacation, I want to experience the freedom of choice that a WDW vacation no longer seems to offer. For example in the past, I was able to cancel an ADR if we're tired. Now with the penalty fees, we have stopped booking ADR's in case we decide to do something else.

Someone on this thread commented that they were more stressed over planning a road trip than they were over planning a trip to WDW. Well, we're the opposite. On a road trip, we can decide when and where to stop without really having a set itinerary. It's much more relaxing for us. We want to have room for spontaneity, and I'm not talking about the planned type.

I am sad that we are done visiting WDW, but at least we have some great memories.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Last time I went, the FL expansion was half done and FP+ wasn't done yet. We go at the end of November this year.

Then again, we've never been there at this point of the year, so it's hard to judge.

 

[socrateze]

The point wasn't to say that it was first time guests, but that it could be first time guests. The fact is, as I already said pages ago, no one has this data and cannot make factual declarations. It's all unfounded speculation. No one is trying to impugn data, they (we) are pointing out that the data isn't conclusive, but specious

Please cite data for the following factual claims:

1. The "average" guest is potentially unaware of what FP+ entails (as opposed to an outlier uninformed guest)
2. WDW draws more first-time guests than repeat customers.
3. Claim #2 is not true of Disneyland.
4. Most people on the boards would agree with claim #2 and claim #3.

I look forward to your statistically valid evidence for these claims, which will prevent the quality of discussion on these boards from degenerating.

From what I read the PP never made any statistical claims. All he was saying is none of us know, only Disney knows and they're not sharing.

 

[Cyrano]

Folks time to take a deep breath and relax.

As always please respect others views. Sarcasm and baiting will not be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[PSUGuy]

We've averaged a trip per year since 1999, usually 7 to 11 park days and we haven't noticed any worsening of guest behavior or that of CMs, actually it still seems to us that crowds are more polite at WDW than elsewhere. What's 'really that bad' is all that has been cut from WDW, the Adventurer's Club, Comedy Warehouse, Off Kilter, WS Players etc etc etc.

Bill From PA

 

[danny1649]

Disers , Please if you have a problem with post, report it.If you quote in your reply and it will be deleted, by new soft ware. You will see reason for deletion " quoting a deleted post.I've gotten many reports on this thread . So I ask again don'be sarcastic or argumentative. Thanks Danny PS I have seen many reports on this thread I recognize you folks are great members to Board.You can disagree without being either of the 2 things mentioned in my post. If i keep getting reports on thread, I will be forced to lock. Thanks again Danny Add the fact that my fellow moderator posted on thread.

 

[alvernon90]

Turns out the ignore button works very well!

 

[Elevationist]

I've never had any trouble with FP+. I experienced a great deal of rudeness (from mostly other guests and but even one CM) on my most recent trip, April 2014, and it's all documented in my Trip Report. I still had a WONDERFUL vacation, and have trips already booked for December 2015 and October 2016. So clearly, rudeness aside, I still love my park experience.

 

[flicx]

We've averaged a trip per year since 1999, usually 7 to 11 park days and we haven't noticed any worsening of guest behavior or that of CMs, actually it still seems to us that crowds are more polite at WDW than elsewhere. What's 'really that bad' is all that has been cut from WDW, the Adventurer's Club, Comedy Warehouse, Off Kilter, WS Players etc etc etc.

Bill From PA

You hit the nail on the head sir! The problem is cut cut cut and increase increase increase prices! Of course we all can get a pretty band to wear now, so its not a total loss.

 

[asc]

well, this will be the first year we have not gone to WDW at all since probably 2001 - yes, i have been a member on this board for that long!! why, because the new system takes all the fun out of what we loved about the parks. we could go at least 2 times a year. occasionally 3 and one time, with an AP, 4. in fact, reading some of the stuff over at yesteryears really makes me miss what fun we would have.