Just back...our thoughts on FP+/MBs (don't worry, no ranting here)

[Sparkly]

So..FP+. My verdict? I liked them, actually! We wasted a few because the crowds were low the first few days and we didn't want to ride again, so we just rode in standby and skipped the FP+. When crowds were higher on popular rides we only waited 10-15 mins, tops. Meh on tiering. Could do without it to be honest, but oh well. Also, a couple of times when we got to a ride after a FP expired, the CMs gave us a hand written one which was a wonderful bit of pixie dust. We did also have a scooter in our party though.

MBs..loved them! They worked perfectly for us for 99% of the time, except one small incident below. It was so convenient and nice having everything on the band around my wrist. Only problem was I thought it was a bit of a pain entering my pin code for as little as buying a snack. I brought some little gem bandits in the shape of Mickey heads which were adorable and worked well with my lovely red band.

Only actual issue was when I lost my band in MK (during the period before the MSEP no less, so it was impossible to look for it). Cast members were very helpful, but ultimately I ended up having another issued at guest relations. Luckily I was able to get another red one and a no strings attached coupon to buy another set of bandits. Got back to the room..didn't work to open the door. Easily fixed by the CMs at our resort's front desk though.

So yeah. I can't wait to go back next year! Disney have NOT lost customers in our family as they were excellent in sorting any issues we had with either system.

 

[kittyab]

We felt the same way with our MB & FP. We cant wait to go back!

 

[Cyrano]

Emma thanks for sharing your FP+ experiences

 

[kaybird]

Great trip! Great report!!! Thanks for sharing!

 

[DisneyDiana]

I really liked them too but we are not park commandos. We go for a long time and do lots of relaxing so we still get everything in we want. I have a feeling this thread will be much shorter than hate FP+ threads.

 

[Sparkly]

I really liked them too but we are not park commandos. We go for a long time and do lots of relaxing so we still get everything in we want. I have a feeling this thread will be much shorter than hate FP+ threads.

Probably will, yes. Fine by me though, I just wanted to share my experiences

 

[worm761]

Thank you! I am glad to hear from those that like it. I haven't been with them yet. My last trip was in 2012. But the Bestie and I are planning to meet our families up at Disney again this fall. We are relaxed tourers though we did use fast pass. I think it will be nice not having to be the fast pass runner! We didn't use too many fastpass and rarely did the collect them for use later strategy so I keep thinking it will be fine. Then I read a negative thread and get a bit worried again! I wish there were more positive ones out there.

 

[Pooksie]

Glad to hear that things worked nicely for you.

I've been very fortunate as well in that (all of) my bands have worked flawlessly during the six trips that I have made to WDW since I received them.

As for what you wrote below:

Only problem was I thought it was a bit of a pain entering my pin code for as little as buying a snack.

Only actual issue was when I lost my band in MK (during the period before the MSEP no less, so it was impossible to look for it).
.

That four digit pin code is what saved you from having someone possibly find your lost band and go on a shopping spree at the mouse
courtesy of you... A little security can go a long way..

 

[jmkrat]

Thank you for the lovely report. I can't wait for our trip in May.

 

[MeanestMomEver]

[QUOTE That four digit pin code is what saved you from having someone possibly find your lost band and go on a shopping spree at the mouse courtesy of you... A little security can go a long way..[/QUOTE]

When/how do you get the 4 digit code on your account? I have my magic bands and we leave in a couple weeks. I don't recall setting up a code but, frankly, that doesn't mean I didn't do it and forget.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

You can do it during online check in although I don't believe it's required. I did bit then but wasn't sure what number I used so did it again when checked in at Pop.

 

[zxrst]

I was skeptical at first but my experience with MDE, FP+ and MB is very positive as well. We just got back from WDW and these three new things really made our trip less stressful and more enjoyable.

MB: A+++. No more fumbling around to find the tickets/credit cards/FP.

MDE: A+. easy to use and worked well when I changed the time of FPs. It is nice to see everything (reservations, FP+, resorts etc) on one page.

FP+: B+. I do not have to run to the FP machines any more. Kinda wish we could get more than three FPs or pick two FPs on the same attraction.

 

[Georgi Zhukov]

Thanks very much for the review Emma. We are going back to WDW in April. I had been getting excited about trying out FP+ and MB's until I started to check the Disboards as I always do pre-WDW vacation. The FP+ rant threads really had me nervous and had my blood pressure up a few points. So glad to read your positive review - my blood pressure has ticked back down already. Cheers!

 

[dmoore718]

Thanks!!! I'll be curious to see how they work for us in January...I hope by then the tiering is at least gone!

 

[drew64]

Same here. I was very nervous going this trip as we always park hop, do RD, and always were able to use 6 or quite a bit more FP per day between parks.

We were there Feb 5-10 and found we were still able to enjoy as many attractions - inlcuding multiple times on "headliners" as always and with wait sno longer than in the past.

MBs worked perfectly for all functions from the beginning.

Still would like to see more FP+ - especially for onsite guests, elimination of tiering, and abilty to choose FPs in more than one park per day.

 

[natsiswdw]

we really enjoyed them too!! I didn't feel like I missed a thing!! This sounds silly but before I would have to juggle all the cards and then once you got in the gate I had to put them all back and zip up the backpack. I know that sounds silly but it was nice to just walk in and not have to skip a beat.

Unfortunately if someone posts anything positive on the other threads you get 20+ negatives and all of those from the same 2 people!!

 

[kbmets]

Today was awful at MK for FP+. Pirates down a couple of times, as was Peter Pan during our FP time. Trying to switch constantly was a hassle and drained my phone. The kiosk lines were very long, but eventually found one near Philharmagic that was less crowded. Trying to coordinate passes with onsite and offsite guests a major challenge. But...we did enjoy our day, rope dropped at Epcot and got Soarin, two rides on TT and also Sum of All Fears before heading Chef Mickey;s for 10:45 reservation then on to MK. It will be a challenge to hop during busy times and get FP after 1:00.