It's a Test. You have to expect issues.

[surferdave]

One could say the same thing for WDW's monorail system. Both seem like big ticket items they seem reluctant to fix.

I think they would love to have a good excuse to scrap the monorail system and replace it with buses, but it would devalue the posh resorts on the line (including all the new DVC investments, which seems to be their #1 focus). How to deal with that is probably keeping some executives up at night, but that is definitely a can they keep kicking down the road.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Am I to understand that people who are staying offsite are getting very limited Fastpass times, because they can only get the paper fastpasses? If this is true, they better get the day tickets included in this soon or there will be a big fuss made by all the non-Disney hotels who will lose business over this. Once that gets out that it's hard to get a Fastpass unless you're staying onsite the crap will hit the fan, lol.

Why would Disney care about what non-Disney hotels think about this?

 

[ktlm]

," it's going to be "if you're not up at 5-6am and online (on a very glitchy/slow website) 60 days ahead of time, you're going to miss out on getting any FP at all for those rides."

In the previous system, everyone was equal. Yes, people made choices not to arrive early and there may not have been any left when they arrived, but they could have chosen to arrive early...but every person who had a ticket had an equal opportunity to get a FP. Now, unless you are online 60 days out you won't even have the opportunity for a FP. Disney has said they won't hold back any FP+ same day availability. Considering certain dining reservations, it will not shock me to see all availability for TSMM gone at the 60 day mark.

How is that fair for those who decide to go to WDW less than 60 days before their trip? For example, military returning from deployment (who frequently don't know when exactly they will be home and able to travel until a month out or so, sometimes less) Previously, once on property those people had just as much of a chance at FP as anyone else. Now? Not likely, and yet they are paying the same admission charges as anyone else.

Based on our experience using the system for 9 days, I believe that you are absolutely right. Even in the "testing" phase when it is not a full roll out, when I wanted to change a FP+ time from our resort (where MDE actually worked)for the next day for Test Track, I got a "there are no other times available" message. Also, at DHS, one of the few times we actually got MDE to work in the park, around 11:00 a.m., I tried to change a FP+ time for Star Tours because DD insisted on waiting in a 45 minute line for Princess Sophia and we probably weren't going to make our FP+ time, I got the message not only that there were no other available times that day, but also that there were no other available times for any attraction in the park for the rest of the day. This was at a time that I could walk to Star Tours and pull a paper FP that kicked in 45 minutes later. I really think when the paper FP system goes away, that this is going to be like ADRs, you will have to set them months in advance and then stick with them because you won't be able to change them and get other times when you are there.

We were fine on this past trip when we could use the paper system as a back up, but DH and I both agreed that the FP+ added more stress to the trip and on the whole made the trip less enjoyable. We were constantly watching the clock, and I was constantly attached to my phone (to the point that DD even said something about it). Even though we are vets who have some idea of where we might be at a given point in the day, planning things 30 days out didn't turn out to be so accurate, and the first 1/2 of the week we found ourselves running back and forth across the park to make our FP+ times- the 2nd half we basically decided to use our FP+ if they were convenient, but to rely on the paper system instead of stressing out about getting to our FP+ times, which helped. However, I'm betting the paper system goes away. We are not okay with that, to the point that although we have been to WDW 7 times in the last 6 years and almost always have our next trip booked, we have not booked a trip for next year and if this is what happens with FP+ we have decided after using it for a week, that it added too much stress to our trip and we likely will not be returning to WDW for our annual trip next year. If we have to pick our FP+ rides 60 days in advance and stick to that schedule, that is not something we are okay with based on our experience using FP+. I'm also not okay with standing in a 90 minute line for Test Track or Soarin. I never thought I would be one to say that anything might make me not want to schedule and start planning my next WDW trip, but after using FP+, if it is going where I think it is going it may well be the thing that does it. We are going to be closely watching the disboard reports the next few months to see how it develops.

If we found ourselves running across the park, I can not even imagine how it is going to be for 1st timers, who have no concept of where things are or how much time they will want to spend in certain areas- who set their FP+. I suppose they are not used to the old FP system, so maybe it won't be a big deal to them because they don't know what they are missing, but I still don't think running back and forth across the park trying to meet your times is very fun.

 

[rimomma66]

With the new FP+ system you can look forward to having to wake at the crack of dawn 60 days prior to your trip to get any FP for headliners.

I might be in the minority, but I'd rather log on to my computer at home at 6 AM and make a reservation for a FP+ 60 days in advance when I'm already up getting ready for work than stand in line an hour before park opening and run like I'm in Pamplona to get a FP in the park. Then I can plan around it maybe enjoy some of the mornings at WDW a little more.
But again, I might be in the minority.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I might be in the minority, but I'd rather log on to my computer at home at 6 AM and make a reservation for a FP+ 60 days in advance when I'm already up getting ready for work than stand in line an hour before park opening and run like I'm in Pamplona to get a FP in the park. Then I can plan around it maybe enjoy some of the mornings at WDW a little more.
But again, I might be in the minority.

And what if you don't get that reservation? How will you feel about it then?

I signed on at 6am 180 days out in order to get BOG reservations, and I was never able to find one large enough for our group of 7. I have very little confidence that TSMM at 60 days out is going to be any different.

Not to mention that none of that helps those who can't plan their vacations until less than 60 days out (as previously mentioned). Personally, I don't think people should be "punished" because they can't plan their vacations x amt of time in advance when everyone is paying the same amount for admission.

 

[mom2mickeyfan]

With the new FP+ system you can look forward to having to wake at the crack of dawn 60 days prior to your trip to get any FP for headliners.

And pray that the system or your computer doesn't freeze up or crash. Or that you don't have to be a work early on the very morning you have to book your FP+s. What I like about the FP system is it made you work for your FPs. To now have to depend on my computer, internet service and Disney's slow website is a huge concern for me.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I feel like the boards are being overrun with MB and FP+ complaints. I get that everyone has an opinion, but let's try to remember that this is all still TESTING. All the screw ups and issues are, unfortunately, a part of the testing process. That's how they find the problems and get them corrected before its official. I don't expect things to go perfectly. I hope they do, but I doubt they will. It takes time for the wrinkles to get fixed. They will though. The bugs will get worked out. FPs will get tweaked to avoid problems. It'll be okay. Unfortunately, there's no good time to do this that won't affect somebody's enjoyment. Right now, for this test, it happens to be ours.

I'm Going to have fun anyway.

I totally agree!

AKK

 

[KatieCharlotte]

And pray that the system or your computer doesn't freeze up or crash. Or that you don't have to be a work early on the very morning you have to book your FP+s. What I like about the FP system is it made you work for your FPs. To now have to depend on my computer, internet service and Disney's slow website is a huge concern for me.

I liked that, for the most part, it was totally within my control to wake up early and collect fastpasses through the day. I was okay with the early bird getting the worm, with equal opportunity for all to be the early birds. Now, I have to depend on technology working properly, including Disney's website and my spotty internet service, the luck of getting through first, and rules for off-site guests that have not been announced yet. I've been through something similar on a much smaller scale (campsites at popular state parks) and hated it. I don't do ADRs but feel sorry for those who do.

 

[3Goofy's]

Disney failed this test for us. I just got back yesterday from our most unmagical vacation ever. Yes, crowds were heavier than expected, and we got caught up in that crazy DHS day where FPs were gone by 9:30, but there were plenty of other problems related to MB and FP+.

Charging to MB failed twice for us, once when we already had trays of food. We tried to call Guest Services from the quick dining location but there was no answer. I had to run to my room for cash and then to guest services at our resort only for them to tell me "Sorry, it sometimes happens" and there wasn't a problem at all. The other time we were in the parks and just left our purchase behind. After that, we always carried other forms of payment. Our dining servers had negative comments about it not working well for them too.

We had constant "blips in the system" where MDE wasn't working, and rescheduling FP+ was hit or miss. We missed almost one FP+ a day because of ride closures or schedule problems. We laughed every time the system wasn't working. At Animal Kingdom, we had to go to a kiosk because MDE wasn't working and they said they also had problems all day. We did switch to an alternate time, but it didn't fit with our plans, so we skipped it.

We might have been unlucky and found a lot of ride closures, but that was a bummer too. One night at MK we had FP+ for Big Thunder but it was closed so we crossed the park to SM for our other FP+ and it too was closed! People Mover? No, it was down!! So we waited for our last FP+ for MSEP and at 10pm, they announced the parade was delayed. We went home. Now, I'm not blaming the ride closures, but when we had planned them for the end of the day and had no chance to return, it made the night very sour indeed.

We decided that FP+ might work very well if you are up to all day in the park. It would allow time to reschedule if things don't go as planned. If you hope to have a few hours in the park and then hop, or go back to the resort, it is a poor system.

We've decided that after many lovely vacations to Disney, we have had our fill. We won't be back for quite a while.

 

[metzgardesign]

This "test" is going off in WDW's face like a powder-keg. And I really don't think they have any concept, within current infrastructure, of how to deal with it.

These issues will affect the attendance. Not currently....for the most part, people who are going now or in the next little bit, have had their plans in place for a while. But consistent reports of the like we are seeing will start to dissuade people from making future trips.

I certainly has caused us to not go anytime soon. We've always enjoyed, overall, our trips to WDW. But there is no way....absolutely no way...that I am going to subject myself and and my family (and friends that go with us) to the types of train wrecks being reported.

Why would anyone?

I think Disney is now wrapped up an a corporate clustermess of Bliblical proportions. The theories and the studies showed that this would work. The initial implementations showed it would work (with spotty issues here and there). But the actual, real-world roll-out it pooping all over itself.

And, realistically, WDW needs to stick with it now. And try to minimize the damage as best they can, while (I am sure) working feverishly behind the scenes to upgrade the infrastructure to accommodate. As well as refine the operating parameters of the system.

It really makes me wonder (along with the lack of truly innovative, recent attraction development) if WDW's well has run dry. Do they no longer have the well-spring of creative and operational talent to lead? We all know they have truly time-share rental architects, as they show no intention of slowing down that development.

But, do they still have the capability to develop and provide anything to entertain, satisfy and please those that will be needed to fill those time-shares, in the long run?

It's not looking too promising, anymore. Sad.

And Disney is killing (very effectively I would suggest) the very thing they still can sell....the Magic. Imagine if you will, someone's first trip being the type of trip that we are hearing about right now. While we are used to somewhat longish lines, imagine a young child's first experience with a character they adore, being impossible because of a long, LONG wait and no option for a reasonable legacy-FP return (if at all).

Walt would be ashamed at all this. His current leadership has lost the vision and is incapable of carrying i through, anymore. They don't know how.

 

[rimomma66]

And what if you don't get that reservation? How will you feel about it then?

I signed on at 6am 180 days out in order to get BOG reservations, and I was never able to find one large enough for our group of 7. I have very little confidence that TSMM at 60 days out is going to be any different.

Not to mention that none of that helps those who can't plan their vacations until less than 60 days out (as previously mentioned). Personally, I don't think people should be "punished" because they can't plan their vacations x amt of time in advance when everyone is paying the same amount for admission.

Then I suck it up and find something else to do. It's a vacation- it's Disney- there are 1001+ things to enjoy. I wouldn't let not getting FP for one or two things ruin my trip. I'm not going to let it stress me out to the point that I freak.

 

[mom2rtk]

Then I suck it up and find something else to do. It's a vacation- it's Disney- there are 1001+ things to enjoy. I wouldn't let not getting FP for one or two things ruin my trip. I'm not going to let it stress me out to the point that I freak.

Yes. I hear Stitch has a short line right now.

This is all part of the new scheme. When I heard the new system described, I heard a lot about how "underutilized" some of the attractions were. I scratched my head and said "maybe it's because they aren't that GOOD. Maybe it's not because people don't know they are there, but because they really don't want to do them all that much. Disney (as well as posters here) is now saying to suck it up and be happy with the leftovers.

Now go eat your peas.

 

[shyjade]

We couldn't get into our hotel room because our MagicBands wouldn't work, and the resort could not print keys to the kingdom cards the day we arrived. So not only could we not get in our room, but my card wouldn't work for charging (so I couldn't access the dining plan) or get into the park.

I don't think my complaint is unjustified. I paid for a room that nobody in my party could get into until 10:15pm and after nearly 4 hours dealing with the front desk & manager on duty. That was ridiculous!!

 

[2Tiggies]

I'm going to be upfront. I have not read the entire thread, but only skimmed through it.

In response to the original post: Yes, this is a test. Initially for the test period guests who were eligible were able to opt in or opt out.

This is not the case anymore and those who are not part of the test are suffering the effects of the glitches. I know things go wrong during test periods and it can be expected. But I am dang certain that nobody who paid a few thousand bucks for a trip last year, was expecting to turn up at rope drop in the parks in October and not be able to get a FP or ride one of their favorite rides. I'm not a negative person by nature, but the attractions are an important part of our vacation. If we know in advance that we may not be able to ride our favorite rides during our trip, I will not be booking until I that we can - if we can.

 

[shyjade]

We couldn't get into our hotel room because our MagicBands wouldn't work, and the resort could not print keys to the kingdom cards the day we arrived. So not only could we not get in our room, but my card wouldn't work for charging (so I couldn't access the dining plan) or get into the park.

I don't think my complaint is unjustified. I paid for a room that nobody in my party could get into until 10:15pm and after nearly 4 hours dealing with the front desk & manager on duty. That was ridiculous!!

 

[HelenParr]

This is not a defense of MDE/MB/FP+, but I've had most of these things happen well prior to MDE or the RFID chips: charging privileges randomly stopped, door would not unlock, manager on duty was less than helpful (in my opinion). I am a frequent guest, and I am sure these past mishaps were not user error.

I am curious whether these types of glitches happen more now? Sounds like yes. But that could be perception. (FP+ aside, that's just poorly designed.)

Visiting soon, and I'm convinced MBs will fail at some point. I'm not putting up with it because it is a "test". I think that's lame Disney speak for potential for poor show.

I'm putting up with it because I love WDW, and this is the new (for now). And I hope they work out the bugs and gaps. But their ability to think it through so far has not been confidence building.

 

[nansmama]

Yes. I hear Stitch has a short line right now.

This is all part of the new scheme. When I heard the new system described, I heard a lot about how "underutilized" some of the attractions were. I scratched my head and said "maybe it's because they aren't that GOOD. Maybe it's not because people don't know they are there, but because they really don't want to do them all that much. Disney (as well as posters here) is now saying to suck it up and be happy with the leftovers.

Now go eat your peas.

Seriously? Why the need to be snarky every single time someone says they don't care as much as you do about riding everything or riding multiple times?

Some of us really are fine with not riding stuff nine times in one day, or even at all. We have been twice in the past few years when Splash was down for maintenance. This is my son's favorite ride, but he didn't have a horrible vacation because of it. Three times we have held traditional FP-s for Test Track, it went down, and as a result we haven't ridden it yet. It didn't ruin our vacation. We have never done TSMM because we are simply too lazy to get up early and then wait in a crowd to stampede to pick up a FP. I don't blame Disney's FP system for this. I blame myself for being unwilling to do what I need to do to ride TSMM without a huge wait.

There is plenty of stuff to do other than the handful of headliner rides at each park and that's why we (my family) go. If we wanted to ride a few thrill rides over and over, we'd go to the Six Flags 15 minutes from our house. Picking out arguably the worst attraction in MK and snarkily suggesting that's the only thing you'll get to ride from now on is just being disingenuous. If you've done any research at all, if you know Disney parks at all, then you know there are plenty of opportunities to ride almost anything if you hit things at the right time, even during busy periods.

There is no evidence that Disney will hand out more FP+ slots than FP- slots once FP- disappears. If anything, knowing way ahead of time how many people will be riding on a given day will allow them to more efficiently assign cast members and load the rides. You may not be able to ride 9 times in a day anymore (and I do feel for those whose main reason for going to the parks was doing this, because I think those days are numbered) but you'll surely be able to get on a ride at least once or twice if that's really what you want to focus your planning around. You will need to adapt and plan differently, that's all.

 

[ktlm]

I am curious whether these types of glitches happen more now? Sounds like yes. But that could be perception. (FP+ aside, that's just poorly designed.)

Visiting soon, and I'm convinced MBs will fail at some point. I'm not putting up with it because it is a "test". I think that's lame Disney speak for potential for poor show.

Pretty sure the answer to that one is a yes based on the reports we heard from other guests while there. Maybe you will get lucky. As far as the MB itself, our glitches were minor. Mine did not work to admit me to DHS one morning- someone with a handheld came over within 2 minutes and fixed it. I did not have to go to Guest Services. DD's did not open the hotel room one day- mine did so there wasn't an issue. We didn't even report it as she is 7, so it isn't like she is ever alone- she just thought it was cool that she could open the door so she wanted to do it herself every time. Hers inexplicitly worked on the room door again the next day. We did not put charging privileges on ours, so I can't tell you how glitchy those are- only that we saw people in front of us in line have issues on several occasions.

I think it is just a matter of luck whether they glitch and it also seems like they glitch much less if you had a package that contained tickets than if you bought the tickets separately and had to link them. It also seemed that a lot of people who reported glitches were people who initially booked at one resort and then later changed to another resort. Now our friends arrived the day before we left, and none of their magic bands were working for the 1st 2 days of their trip. Heres a wish for pixie dust for you that your glitches are none or minor!

 

[Mickeynutty]

Obviously you have not had to deal with numerous cm's and IT people giving you incorrect information. You haven't spent hours on the phone or in line at guest relations or the front desk trying to find out why someone's ticket unlinked. You have not been one of the first families at rope drop, only to find out that your daughter's MB and KTTW card don't work (again - after the problem was supposedly fixed) so you have to go to guest relations.

I'm really glad it was smooth sailing for you......but

It's not fair to insinuate that because you had an awesome experience with MB' s and FP+, that the guests may be to blame.

Totally agree!!

 

[2Tiggies]

I'm wondering if they aren't just trying to link to much information.

This statement got my attention because I think there is a lot of truth in it.

I just posted on a different thread this afternoon, not related specifically to FP+ or Magic Bands, that I think Disney is trying to test too many little add ons, and merge them to a system that is not fully functional and by no means glitch free.

I think they are trying to test too much at once but not test any one aspect thoroughly.

Why not test FP+ only or Magic Bands and the RFID system alone, first? Once that is running relatively smoothly, roll it out more widely and then start testing FP+ / Magic Bands. Once that is working well with a small test group, build it up and then roll it out. THEN add on Photopass and whatever else. None of these new features need any of the others to be tested. Magic bands could have been tested without FP+ and vice versa. But now they are trying to add so many extras onto a system that is buckling so fast they can 't keep up with ironing out the problems. At some point someone needs to be yelling stop!! Fix what you have before you add to it .... please!! They are trying to roll out multiple facets here in a few months when they could easily have done it in increments over say, a two year period