LOVE or HATE FP+ Anyone's mind been changed ??

[Laketravis]

A potential issue with that is the "many more" may not be as profitable as the guests they replace. It's the high frequency guest that FP+ inherently works the best for, yet the high-frequency guest may be less beneficial to WDW in terms of financial impact than a first-time bewildered family who goes all in for their once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation and who may not be encouraged enough to return....

I don't agree with this premise.....

I seem to be reading more often on these boards how people are going to split their vacation between WDW and USO. I also read posts from AP holders and DVC owners who like FP+ because they can hit the park even during busy times for just a few hours to use their 3 FP's and plan on doing so even more frequently. I was even surprised to see how many people were wearing Magic Bands last month while at Universal and were doing the same thing.

More and more people could realize how to make efficient use of FP+ in the very same manner this apparently growing segment has done. I don't believe that segment spends as much per day, per person on ancillary items at WDW - a "bubble" that depends more and more on increased guest spending whether it be in the form of day tickets or Frozen merchandise or Dole Whips.


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[Laketravis]

Usually 2, Easter and XMAS.

Pretty much every year?


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[Angel Ariel]

Don't get me wrong-adding enough capacity would help, but you would need to add a lot to match DCA.

Move Soarin over to DHS (so you have TSM and Soarin).

Keep TSM (both)

Keep TOT (both)

Keep Muppets (both)

Keep RNR (for CA Screamin)

Bring Test Track in the form of Carsland

Move Bugs life to DHS from AK

Move Monsters INC from MK

Move Turtle Talk from EPCOT

Move Kali Rapids from AK (for Grizzly Run)

Keep Fantasmic for WOC

Maybe bring L Mermaid in place of L Mermaid

Bring Mad Tee Party

Add Fliks Flyers

Add Heimlich's Train

Add Tuck & Rolls Buggies

Add Luigi's Flying tires

Add Golden Zephyr Rocket Ships

Add Jumpin Jellyfish

Add Goofy's Wild Mouse
sing
Add King Tritons Carousel

Add Micky's Ferris Wheel

Add Silly Symphony Swings

I don't know that I agree that you have to add all of that in order to make waits shorter at TSMM/Soarin' in Florida. They won't get to DLR levels, but I think significant attraction additions could knock a good 15 mins off their current average time (ETA: and would likely lengthen how long FP+ are available for them, as many would be FP+ing the new attractions). I would expect the new rides to be "tough tickets" and TSMM/Soarin would be more like RNRC is now - very popular, but not what I'd call a "tough ticket" in the way that TS is a tough ticket.

 

[Magpie]

The last time I booked FPs was over a year ago. I was VERY pleasantly surprised to discover this morning that the website has been updated and the whole process is much more user-friendly than I remember. No more backtracking to adjust times, having to navigate through multiple pages. It was a much easier process this time around.

I've never "hated" FP+, so this didn't swing my (generally positive) opinion in any direction. But, it was nice to see!

 

[Lillian Gracey]

I like that I don't have to make sure I'm at RD to try and grab fast passes for the big rides. DH and I never made rope drop and would walk in within the first hour and it was nice. I think DH would hate to get up extra early just to grab fast passes and a cranky DH would not be pleasant. While I know it's not for everyone, it works for us!

 

[jade1]

Pretty much every year?


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Tends to change with my business strategies/availability, we usually buy AP but rarely "renew" AP, so our XMAS visits tend to be not every year. We like to get extra trips on an AP, but have a break from the next time we purchase. We did quite a few summer trips when the kids were young.

EDIT: FP+ did exactly what we hoped, but it can always be improved-esp with added capacity. Why would I not want 7DMT/Space/BTMRR "AND" Splash? Or Soarin/TT/SE "and" Frozen, or TSM/RNR/TOT "and" the new "Death Star".

But the whole FP+ does get me thinking when it relates to less busy times, when is it even needed compared to what we are used to etc, much less FP-, when (if ever) should they offer more, when should it be a revenue stream, will they offer more with attraction expansion, will they offer less if the crowds keep growing etc. And I certainly see why many folks are struggling with a lot of it-very valid.

 

[jade1]

I don't know that I agree that you have to add all of that in order to make waits shorter at TSMM/Soarin' in Florida. They won't get to DLR levels, but I think significant attraction additions could knock a good 15 mins off their current average time (ETA: and would likely lengthen how long FP+ are available for them, as many would be FP+ing the new attractions). I would expect the new rides to be "tough tickets" and TSMM/Soarin would be more like RNRC is now - very popular, but not what I'd call a "tough ticket" in the way that TS is a tough ticket.

Could be-just making a current head to head comparison of your suggestion.

I WANT 3 NEW HEADLINERS AT DHS BY NEXT YEAR-believe me, in no uncertain terms.

Even if it means 1/2 SB and 1/2 FP+ purchase either through the APP or integrated into onsite or yes-even deluxe stays. But just WDW investment is even better-just hoping they do it.

I'm just saying it will take quite a bit to effect Soarin and TSM and A/E IMO.

Adding more screens and tracks may help the most if they do it-but still hope they add other attractions.

 

[wisblue]

I seem to be reading more often on these boards how people are going to split their vacation between WDW and USO. I also read posts from AP holders and DVC owners who like FP+ because they can hit the park even during busy times for just a few hours to use their 3 FP's and plan on doing so even more frequently. I was even surprised to see how many people were wearing Magic Bands last month while at Universal and were doing the same thing.

More and more people could realize how to make efficient use of FP+ in the very same manner this apparently growing segment has done. I don't believe that segment spends as much per day, per person on ancillary items at WDW - a "bubble" that depends more and more on increased guest spending whether it be in the form of day tickets or Frozen merchandise or Dole Whips.


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I also disagree that visiting a Disney park for a couple of hours, using 3 FPs, and then leaving is an efficient or economically sensible approach for very many guests. It definitely isn't the way the family on their once in a lifetime dream Disney vacation is going to do things.

You are also putting more weight than I would on the people on the Dis who say they are now going to split their stays. I start with my opinion that the regular posters on the Dis are not representative of the typical Disney visitor. I also think that the percentage of Dis posters who are suddenly doing split stays who wouldn't have done them otherwise is pretty small. What I do see is several posters who have made the same point literally dozens of times.

I also think there's a big difference between split stays that involve some full days at Disney and other full days at US or somewhere else, and trips that involve spending some time at both Universal and Disney Parks on the same day. I'm betting that the latter are pretty rare because they only make economic sense for people with APs to one or the other or both. The typical guest that only has about a week or less to spend in Florida isn't going to do that. But, I think people who want to jump into a park for a couple of hours and then leave are doing both Disney and the other guests a favor. It's a lot better than if they spend all day in a park gathering up 3 or 4 FPs for one very popular attraction.

 

[Laketravis]

I also disagree that visiting a Disney park for a couple of hours, using 3 FPs, and then leaving is an efficient or economically sensible approach for very many guests. It definitely isn't the way the family on their once in a lifetime dream Disney vacation is going to do things....

Exactly my point.

You are also putting more weight than I would on the people on the Dis who say they are now going to split their stays. I start with my opinion that the regular posters on the Dis are not representative of the typical Disney visitor. I also think that the percentage of Dis posters who are suddenly doing split stays who wouldn't have done them otherwise is pretty small. What I do see is several posters who have made the same point literally dozens of times....

Perhaps, but I put more weight on all of those people at Universal I saw sporting a Disney magic band. Lots of them. And for me that speaks to action rather than commentary.


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[SmithSmith]

I also disagree that visiting a Disney park for a couple of hours, using 3 FPs, and then leaving is an efficient or economically sensible approach for very many guests. It definitely isn't the way the family on their once in a lifetime dream Disney vacation is going to do things.

You are also putting more weight than I would on the people on the Dis who say they are now going to split their stays. I start with my opinion that the regular posters on the Dis are not representative of the typical Disney visitor. I also think that the percentage of Dis posters who are suddenly doing split stays who wouldn't have done them otherwise is pretty small. What I do see is several posters who have made the same point literally dozens of times.

I also think there's a big difference between split stays that involve some full days at Disney and other full days at US or somewhere else, and trips that involve spending some time at both Universal and Disney Parks on the same day. I'm betting that the latter are pretty rare because they only make economic sense for people with APs to one or the other or both. The typical guest that only has about a week or less to spend in Florida isn't going to do that. But, I think people who want to jump into a park for a couple of hours and then leave are doing both Disney and the other guests a favor. It's a lot better than if they spend all day in a park gathering up 3 or 4 FPs for one very popular attraction.

Agree. I'm gonna state the obvious here but I think most guests who are now splitting time between Uni and WDW has more to with HP and less to do with FP+.

 

[erc]

Perhaps, but I put more weight on all of those people at Universal I saw sporting a Disney magic band. Lots of them. And for me that speaks to action rather than commentary.

Really who wouldn't want to see the Harry Potter attractions at least once? Before Harry Potter, there was nothing that made me want to try Universal Theme Parks when we would stay in Orlando. I've stayed offsite more often than onsite and never went to USO. But now I imagine if we ever stay offsite we may try to get in for one day. Before we would split time with Seaworld, because we really liked it there too.

But if I decide to stay onsite (and pay the premium for it) it is because we want the full Disney experience.

 

[cakebaker]

Agree. I'm gonna state the obvious here but I think most guests who are now splitting time between Uni and WDW has more to with HP and less to do with FP+.

We're living proof. We made our first trip to WDW in 1987 and if I'm recalling it correctly- Universal was almost open or had just opened that first trip. At any rate, not one time in all those trips since have we ever considered going to Universal. I have 1 daughter who would make some mild rumblings that she'd like to see what it was like, but no serious consideration.

This past summer, we went for 2 days- just to see the Harry Potter stuff. I suspect we're not the only ones who were pulled in by it. We tacked 2 days on at the end but we did not shorten our original trip to WDW.

I can't imagine paying what it costs to stay on site and spend only a few hours a day at WDW. What a huge waste of money!

 

[AustinTink]

Agree. I'm gonna state the obvious here but I think most guests who are now splitting time between Uni and WDW has more to with HP and less to do with FP+.

Not in our case whatsoever. For us, it has everything to do with FP+. I have never even seen the HP movies. I love the relaxed vibe and ease of touring I get with a Universal on-property stay. I don't feel that way about WDW anymore. The closest I can get to that feeling with Disney now is in California. But FP+ will make it's way there too eventually.

We are lifetime Disney addicts, who have more than 20 visits (1 week- 2 week on property) under our belts. There are more of us defecting to Universal than the Disboards could ever properly reflect.

 

[jade1]

Really who wouldn't want to see the Harry Potter attractions at least once? Before Harry Potter, there was nothing that made me want to try Universal Theme Parks when we would stay in Orlando. I've stayed offsite more often than onsite and never went to USO. But now I imagine if we ever stay offsite we may try to get in for one day. Before we would split time with Seaworld, because we really liked it there too.

But if I decide to stay onsite (and pay the premium for it) it is because we want the full Disney experience.

Yep, and guess where all those UNI folks with M Bands on are heading for the night-3 FP+ for 3 mountains at MK, Parade, Castle Show, Wishes and an onsite Disney Resort.

Before FP+ it was way less enticing to go back to WDW.

 

[cakebaker]

There are more of us defecting to Universal than the Disboards could ever properly reflect.

You simply have no idea if that is true or not.

"I love the relaxed vibe and ease of touring I get with a Universal on-property stay."

We said the same thing- My daughter said " Wouldn't it be nice if it were as easy to get thru the parks at WDW as it is here?".The problem with that is, you'd have to reduce the number of people visiting WDW by oh...5-8 million people?

 

[Laketravis]

Sounds like there is agreement that so-called "split stays" are on the increase just a difference in opinion as to why. For us, it's definitely because the ability to reserve the most popular WDW attractions for later in the afternoon or evening allows us to do other things during the rest of the day. Not just because of "Harry Potter" but I can see how that would be a strong compelling reason for others as well, especially since everyone is on the same level queue-wise with those attractions (everyone is standby) and the benefit of being able to reserve their FP's at WDW for later in the day or evening would seem to be just as much a benefit for them too.


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[Angel Ariel]

Yep, and guess where all those UNI folks with M Bands on are heading for the night-3 mountains at MK, Parade, Castle Show, Wishes and an onsite Disney Resort.

I was under the impression that offsite guests could purchase magic bands now - is that not correct?

 

[Laketravis]

Yep, and guess where all those UNI folks with M Bands on are heading for the night-3 mountains at MK, Parade, Castle Show, Wishes and an onsite Disney Resort.

Exactly, although not all of them will be staying on-site at WDW.


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[AustinTink]

Yep, and guess where all those UNI folks with M Bands on are heading for the night-3 mountains at MK, Parade, Castle Show, Wishes and an onsite Disney Resort.

We will be doing the opposite. Heading to MK for the day and back to UNI for the Mardi Gras concerts and parades, then a short walk back to our comfy Loews on-property hotel. Universal has gotten so much right in the last 5 years. No one can deny that.

 

[Laketravis]

I was under the impression that offsite guests could purchase magic bands now - is that not correct?

We just got another set after we upgraded our park tickets to AP's.

So yes, just because someone is wearing a MB doesn't mean they are staying on-site.

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