We just returned from a wonderful trip to both Universal and Disney. We are DVC members and enjoyed our stay at BWV, our home away from home. I had a few observations that I thought might be helpful and some that I thought might add to the continuing dialogue about FP+
1) Christmas at WDW is wonderful, but I can't imagine going at that time for a first trip or for a "once in a lifetime" trip. We planned to NOT be at MK for Christmas day, and, with our fast passes, managed to ride most of what we wanted to ride at all parks. However, if we had wanted to experience all the rides or do multiple rides, we would have been very disappointed. (I saw a little girl crying at Epcot yesterday (Christmas Day) because her family had had to go to Epcot instead of the MK when they were turned away from MK at 10:30-ish.)
2) This was the first time we have traveled with FP+ during a peak time. (We went last year during March, but it was uncrowded, and FP+ worked fine.) In truth, we didn't commando tour and skipped rope drop because we knew we'd be able to ride our FP+ rides, and that was nice. There were absolutely NO rides available by the time we finished our first three rides, though, and, of course, standby was not a possibility on the peak days. I'm not sure about other people's experiences, but I thought the FP+ just caused us to stand around waiting a lot. It seems to be pretty much designed to do that, I guess. I can see where Disney could still make some adjustments that might help, but FP+ gets a low C from us right now.
3) Candlelight Processional really is a spectacular way to celebrate Christmas Eve -- even in the rain. The rain began almost as soon as the program did, and many people left. But it was beautiful and inspiring. I've been several times before, and the music always sends me away feeling peaceful.
4) My son is a sophomore in college this year. It seems odd to say it, but Disney provided him (and us) with an extraordinary place to relax after a brutal schedule last semester. What a special place it is!
Hoping everyone's holiday is happy!
Julie
1) Christmas at WDW is wonderful, but I can't imagine going at that time for a first trip or for a "once in a lifetime" trip. We planned to NOT be at MK for Christmas day, and, with our fast passes, managed to ride most of what we wanted to ride at all parks. However, if we had wanted to experience all the rides or do multiple rides, we would have been very disappointed. (I saw a little girl crying at Epcot yesterday (Christmas Day) because her family had had to go to Epcot instead of the MK when they were turned away from MK at 10:30-ish.)
2) This was the first time we have traveled with FP+ during a peak time. (We went last year during March, but it was uncrowded, and FP+ worked fine.) In truth, we didn't commando tour and skipped rope drop because we knew we'd be able to ride our FP+ rides, and that was nice. There were absolutely NO rides available by the time we finished our first three rides, though, and, of course, standby was not a possibility on the peak days. I'm not sure about other people's experiences, but I thought the FP+ just caused us to stand around waiting a lot. It seems to be pretty much designed to do that, I guess. I can see where Disney could still make some adjustments that might help, but FP+ gets a low C from us right now.
3) Candlelight Processional really is a spectacular way to celebrate Christmas Eve -- even in the rain. The rain began almost as soon as the program did, and many people left. But it was beautiful and inspiring. I've been several times before, and the music always sends me away feeling peaceful.
4) My son is a sophomore in college this year. It seems odd to say it, but Disney provided him (and us) with an extraordinary place to relax after a brutal schedule last semester. What a special place it is!
Hoping everyone's holiday is happy!
Julie
