Just returned 12/18/2013 -12/22/2013 and FP+:(

[Disneyof3]

Just returned from our 1st xmas at WDW and our last family vacation I had planned this trip since Dec 2012, I was so excited and told the kids that we were heading to US(a weee lie!) As the months melted away I got the news that free dining was on and booked it and switched from POR to POP. Then FP+ news came and I was like everyone else was scared and very, very nervous. Our 1st xmas at WDW and I was prepared for the crowds but not FP+. So morning of the flight, informed the kids we lied and were heading to WDW instead! They were excited and couldn't believe it. So we arrived at the airport and took the magical express with no problems. Got to POP and informed them that I was a returning guest but not at POP. I informed the girl that I really didn't want the bands and had heard horror stories regarding them and I didn't pay all this money to stand in line at customer service my whole trip so they could learn the new system and this was our 1st xmas here I didn't want it ruined. She said that all the glitches were worked out and everything would go smooth So I paid for a perfer room and was given the bowling alley section. I questioned it and she gave us the yoyo section instead on the top floor.(glad I did this because on the way home on the bus one night a group of teens were singing the whole way home and irritated everyone, I also heard they had issues with them in there building... the bowling alley section) Got DH his birthday button and everyone wished him a happy birthday the whole trip even santa in the parade during the party. So we headed to our rooms, x2 with connecting doors as we are a family of 5. FP+ Only x2 of the bands would open the doors!!!! I called and they said it wasn't the bands it was the battery in the door So they sent the maintance man up and guess what? Nope it wasn't the battery it was the stupid bands So I called again and they said please come down and we will check on them. So we headed down and by this time it was 12:45pm and my FP starts at 1:00. I explained to the same girl that I told her that I didn't want these stupid things and why would anyone bring these things in full time during the busiest time of the year!! She shrugged her shoulder and another CM came and said that the park passes were on the band in a seperate area?? and to go to MK and get my FP done. I said, they better work at MK or someone is paying for this mess!! She said we should have no problems at the park again. So we headed to MK and had no problems getting in with the bands. Got to our FP for Buzz and no problems, also no issues with our credits for late dinner either at Tomorrow Terrace.. So we stayed at MK until 11:30pm. I was so nice seeing it all decorated for xmas and it was breath taking with the castle and seeing electric parade for the 1st time(spectro is better though). So we headed back to POP and guess what? Bands again wouldn't open the doors. Woke up on Thursday(party day) and called down and they gave me someone else and she said, oh it is because we have x2 rooms and she did something on the computer and all x5 bands opened both doors. I thanked her very much and asked why couldn't they have done this yesterday and she said she didn't know why??? We headed to the other resorts to check out the christmas decorations(GF/Contemporary/Wilderness) then headed back for a swim before heading to the party. Guess what?? The bands didn't work again!!! So I called again and got the same girl and she said she didn't understand and could I go downstairs and have them check it. I said you have been very nice but this is garbage and told her bluntly NO!! I had spent enough time dealing with these bands and I had had enough with them. So the rest of our trip we went with only 3 bands working on the doors and informed housekeeping to please leave the door inbetween the rooms open. The party was great and the parade and the snow was breathtaking. The party wasn't busy and we walked on mostly everything. We had another issue with the bands with DS#1 getting into HS on the Saturday but the CM just asked us what park we went to the day before and said okay go ahead. Conclusion: I hate the bands, I heard many people talking about having hoppers and what was the point if we will have to stand in line? I would have been very upset if we didn't go the party because there would of been rides we would have missed because of only getting x3 FP. It is definately not enough for MK. Alot of people frustrated about the lines and kids crying and not able to get another FP for later on in the day on the popular rides. When we went to MK the first day mostly all FP machines were gone except for SM, BTM. I felt sorry for guest for there first time at WDW So final conclusion: I won't be returning ( I know you all say, don't say that, they really don't care or good more room for me) but it is true. It doesn't make sense why to bring this in during the busiest time of the year, people wanting to go on duplicate rides(like most families) now have to stand in line for the 2nd round, the bands don't work even when experts try to fix them, I want to go on a carefree vacation where I don't have to plan my meals 180 days in advanced, and my rides 60 days in advanced. I want it to be cell phone free and just relax. No worrying about bands, doors not opening. I loved my time at WDW (everyyear since 2004, x2 cruises) but this is the end.

 

[fabulousfive]

I'm sorry to hear your experience because we absolutely loved the bands. I bet that's not fun to hear either because you struggled with them so much. It sounds like you still had some magical moments and like it's a trip your kids will love remembering. I hope you can focus on those things too. Hugs.

 

[Missyrose]

Sorry you've had such a tough go of it. One thing you need to know is that anytime you have a problem at your resort, GO DOWN TO THE FRONT DESK. If you call from your room, you're getting a call center that may not even be in Florida.

 

[Siriusblack]

Next time try Universal! Stay on site, express pass, no need to make dining reservations 6 months ahead. I love Disney, but as a park hopper, I'm worried about those bands as well!

 

[satman1962]

Sounds stressful. Can't blame you for those negative feelings, but never is a long time......

Who knows what the coming years will bring to our beloved DisneyWorld? Sounds like you made the best of it though, apart from those darn doors..

 

[Disneylover99]

Sorry for your frustrations. I get it.

Magicbands for us = doors that don't open, delays at rides until we can prove that we really have a reservation, lots of times waiting in line at guest services and at the front desk of our resort to try and sort things out.

Magicbands = Headache

 

[livinintexas]

Sorry you had a bad experience with your bands. Our situation was the opposite. We loved FP+, had no problems over our 10 day Christmas trip, and were able to sleep in since we reserved our favorite rides.

 

[Hopefully]

Sounds like a case of self fulfilling expectations. You believed it would be bad and it was.
Sorry you had a bad experience

 

[rwdavis2]

Every time I see one of these posts I'm glad we won't be back until 2015 or 2016 when everything should hopefully be working.

There's really no excuse for it and, IMHO, every time someone has to go to the front desk to get these things "fixed" they should be compensated in some way.

I've worked in IT for 3+ decades and people would be losing their jobs over this type of mess.

 

[ilovemk76]

Just returned from our 1st xmas at WDW and our last family vacation I had planned this trip since Dec 2012, I was so excited and told the kids that we were heading to US(a weee lie!) As the months melted away I got the news that free dining was on and booked it and switched from POR to POP. Then FP+ news came and I was like everyone else was scared and very, very nervous. Our 1st xmas at WDW and I was prepared for the crowds but not FP+. So morning of the flight, informed the kids we lied and were heading to WDW instead! They were excited and couldn't believe it. So we arrived at the airport and took the magical express with no problems. Got to POP and informed them that I was a returning guest but not at POP. I informed the girl that I really didn't want the bands and had heard horror stories regarding them and I didn't pay all this money to stand in line at customer service my whole trip so they could learn the new system and this was our 1st xmas here I didn't want it ruined. She said that all the glitches were worked out and everything would go smooth So I paid for a perfer room and was given the bowling alley section. I questioned it and she gave us the yoyo section instead on the top floor.(glad I did this because on the way home on the bus one night a group of teens were singing the whole way home and irritated everyone, I also heard they had issues with them in there building... the bowling alley section) Got DH his birthday button and everyone wished him a happy birthday the whole trip even santa in the parade during the party. So we headed to our rooms, x2 with connecting doors as we are a family of 5. FP+ Only x2 of the bands would open the doors!!!! I called and they said it wasn't the bands it was the battery in the door So they sent the maintance man up and guess what? Nope it wasn't the battery it was the stupid bands So I called again and they said please come down and we will check on them. So we headed down and by this time it was 12:45pm and my FP starts at 1:00. I explained to the same girl that I told her that I didn't want these stupid things and why would anyone bring these things in full time during the busiest time of the year!! She shrugged her shoulder and another CM came and said that the park passes were on the band in a seperate area?? and to go to MK and get my FP done. I said, they better work at MK or someone is paying for this mess!! She said we should have no problems at the park again. So we headed to MK and had no problems getting in with the bands. Got to our FP for Buzz and no problems, also no issues with our credits for late dinner either at Tomorrow Terrace.. So we stayed at MK until 11:30pm. I was so nice seeing it all decorated for xmas and it was breath taking with the castle and seeing electric parade for the 1st time(spectro is better though). So we headed back to POP and guess what? Bands again wouldn't open the doors. Woke up on Thursday(party day) and called down and they gave me someone else and she said, oh it is because we have x2 rooms and she did something on the computer and all x5 bands opened both doors. I thanked her very much and asked why couldn't they have done this yesterday and she said she didn't know why??? We headed to the other resorts to check out the christmas decorations(GF/Contemporary/Wilderness) then headed back for a swim before heading to the party. Guess what?? The bands didn't work again!!! So I called again and got the same girl and she said she didn't understand and could I go downstairs and have them check it. I said you have been very nice but this is garbage and told her bluntly NO!! I had spent enough time dealing with these bands and I had had enough with them. So the rest of our trip we went with only 3 bands working on the doors and informed housekeeping to please leave the door inbetween the rooms open. The party was great and the parade and the snow was breathtaking. The party wasn't busy and we walked on mostly everything. We had another issue with the bands with DS#1 getting into HS on the Saturday but the CM just asked us what park we went to the day before and said okay go ahead. Conclusion: I hate the bands, I heard many people talking about having hoppers and what was the point if we will have to stand in line? I would have been very upset if we didn't go the party because there would of been rides we would have missed because of only getting x3 FP. It is definately not enough for MK. Alot of people frustrated about the lines and kids crying and not able to get another FP for later on in the day on the popular rides. When we went to MK the first day mostly all FP machines were gone except for SM, BTM. I felt sorry for guest for there first time at WDW So final conclusion: I won't be returning ( I know you all say, don't say that, they really don't care or good more room for me) but it is true. It doesn't make sense why to bring this in during the busiest time of the year, people wanting to go on duplicate rides(like most families) now have to stand in line for the 2nd round, the bands don't work even when experts try to fix them, I want to go on a carefree vacation where I don't have to plan my meals 180 days in advanced, and my rides 60 days in advanced. I want it to be cell phone free and just relax. No worrying about bands, doors not opening. I loved my time at WDW (everyyear since 2004, x2 cruises) but this is the end.

OK!!

I have been twice with the bands and both times we had a great time. We come and go together, so only 3 of the 5 bands working would not have been a battle we would have fought. As a matter of fact, both trips we had only certain bands that opened the door. Guess what, we just used those bands to open the doors.

Other than the doors, and your crappy attitude from the start, you did not have much problem with the bands.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

You can actually refuse the MagicBands if they don't work correctly. The front desk will give you an RFID enabled card.

 

[DisneyDiana]

I don't know why you didn't get room keys as a back up. We there at the same time and were automatically given KTTW as a back up for the room. At this point, I think everyone should get them as a back up if the band don't work.

 

[DisneyGal24]

Your frustration is totally understandable. However, we've had issues in the past with our KTTW cards before too. On our last trip our dining plan didn't show up on our cards. On our first day, we went to eat at Cosmic Rays. DH ordered our food but when they scanned our KTTW card there weren't any dining credits there! We had to leave the park and go back to the resort to get everything worked out. The kids were tired and hungry and we were aggravated. We had a few other wrinkles on the trip. Several delays on the monorail made us late for our breakfast at O'Hana and ultimately we missed RD. Oh yeah, every time we went to the parks and touched our card to the Mickey head it turned blue and we had to have a CM scan our cards with their iPad. It was a small delay each morning and afternoon. While these things were irritating we just rolled with it. Things happen and sometimes the aren't anyone's fault. They'll get the MB all worked out and pretty soon everyone will like it fine. Give It sometime. Sometimes technology sucks...

 

[JanaDee]

Sounds like a case of self fulfilling expectations. You believed it would be bad and it was.
Sorry you had a bad experience

Yeah, she used Jedi mind tricks to make sure the MB's wouldn't open the doors. OP, you're pretty talented!!

 

[kristainohio]

I'm sorry you had bad luck. That's not fun. When we were at MK all week for Christmas, FP on most machines were still there until around noon to 1. We didn't have any headaches with the bands.

 

[pens4821]

Sounds like a case of self fulfilling expectations. You believed it would be bad and it was.
Sorry you had a bad experience

Agreed. While it may have been annoying that not every band worked to open the door, it surely wouldn't be enough for me to get that angry over. If you had 3 working bands, it just seems like a non issue for me.

Anyways, glad you had fun and the bands worked in the parks (now, that would anger me).

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

Well...at least you can count on your friends here on the DisBoards to have a sympathetic ear...

Sorry to hear your experience was less than favorable, hopefully they'll get the bugs worked out by the next holiday rush.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yeah, she used Jedi mind tricks to make sure the MB's wouldn't open the doors. OP, you're pretty talented!!

Really? Is that attitude necessary? The original poster arrived with a doom and gloom opinion of Magic Bands, and despite almost everything about her trip sounding great, still has a negative attitude.

She didn't know enough about the resort to realize that a fair segment of The 50s ("bowling alley") is preferred and insisted on having their rooms moved.

They were able to check in and be assigned connecting rooms several hours before standard check-in even starts.

Their Magic Bands worked every day in every park except one person's MB one day at one park - and that was quickly resolved.

Magic Kingdom was beautifully decorated.

Despite being December, the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party they attended wasn't crowded.

They had no trouble with the initial FastPassPlus.

They had no trouble using MB to pay for (at least) one meal.

Her children were thrilled over the surprise of even going to WDW instead of Universal.

At least two of the MBs allowed room access at any one time (and with having to go through Classic Hall to get between their "yo-yo building" room and any park, theBissue could have been fixed during ant pass of the Front Desk).

Yet she dwells on the negative. Nothing at all to to with Kedi mind tricks. Just the aforementioned self-fulfilling prophecy.

Sorry to hear your experience was less than favorable, hopefully they'll get the bugs worked out by the next holiday rush.

Less than perfect, okay - but less than favorable, when so much went/well/right?

 

[me23xx]

we have travelled to many places, i remember once being in mexico a HUGGGGE complex and our cards not working, we took a golf caddy back to the reception, (as it took 15/20 minutes to walk) walked back and it didn't work again, ha!

Did this ruin our holiday, nope.... would i go back.... absolutely!! Not returning because my door didnt open would be highly unrealistic! it happens all the time in numerous hotels, annoying yes, it doesnt matter what standard of hotel you are in, or where, things can happen anywhere!

Sorry you didnt enjoy your time, sorry your never going back, but its not because a band didnt open a door, its because you have a negative attitude towards disneyworld right now, that might change!

 

[JanaDee]

Really? Is that attitude necessary? The original poster arrived with a doom and gloom opinion of Magic Bands, and despite almost everything about her trip sounding great, still has a negative attitude.

She didn't know enough about the resort to realize that a fair segment of The 50s ("bowling alley") is preferred and insisted on having their rooms moved.

They were able to check in and be assigned connecting rooms several hours before standard check-in even starts.

Their Magic Bands worked every day in every park except one person's MB one day at one park - and that was quickly resolved.

Magic Kingdom was beautifully decorated.

Despite being December, the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party they attended wasn't crowded.

They had no trouble with the initial FastPassPlus.

They had no trouble using MB to pay for (at least) one meal.

Her children were thrilled over the surprise of even going to WDW instead of Universal.

At least two of the MBs allowed room access at any one time (and with having to go through Classic Hall to get between their "yo-yo building" room and any park, theBissue could have been fixed during ant pass of the Front Desk).

Yet she dwells on the negative. Nothing at all to to with Kedi mind tricks. Just the aforementioned self-fulfilling prophecy.



Less than perfect, okay - but less than favorable, when so much went/well/right?

Implying her MB's didn't work as room keys and park tickets because of her reluctance about using them is unnecessary and ridiculous.