More FastPass+ Testing Coming This Month

[casperthegm]

Too much speculation for me to form an opinion. We used to hoard fp's during the day, riding attractions when the lines were short in the morning and using the fp's when the lines got long in the afternoon and evening. We had it down to a science.

While I doubt we'll be able to be that efficient ever again, we'll adapt to whatever Disney throws at us. It's not like we're going to stop going because the fp system isn't the way we like it. At least they're testing it first, to see what does and doesn't work. Can't wait to hear the reports beginning on the 14th.

 

[shellie may]

Personally I could care less about the FP+ or whatever they are calling it nowadays. I'm a FL resident (about 50min away) and go often(way more than the average person my family has a problem) and when we stay at resorts its very last minute like sometimes the day of last minute. we prefer to take spontaneous vacations rather than plan out every single second of our vacation 180 days in advance. This type of vacation works for us and we love it but it doesn't work for probably 99% of WDW vacationers. I'm obviously not Disney "key demographic" of 1st time visitors and I rarely stay at deluxe resorts.

I don't see why people are getting so worked up about something that hasn't even come out yet its still in testing phases. People who are excited about it will use it and people who hate the idea will either complain or just not use it.

No one is going to force you to use a FP or use the FP+ system its ultimately your decision.

 

[Capt_Jack_Sparrow]

@ Anal Annie, I just assumed it would be based on where you were staying, and for DVC to me that would mean the same as Delux... Of course this is in the dream world in my head so it doesn't really count for much...

@ shellie may, personally I'm excited for it. I get excited whenever Disney comes out with something new, and have enjoyed almost all the new things that have come out. Its part of what I love about Disney, every trip I find something new I love and makes my time more enjoyable. Sometimes itll be a big new ride, sometimes something to make the trip smoother, sometimes something that has always been there but I missed somehow... but I know there will be something new and fun about my next trip.

 

[Regina Fan]

Actually, there's a huge difference here between those two things.
One starts out on an even playing field ANYONE who could be bothered to plan and do their homework could find out about the uses and ins and outs of the old Fastpas system, thus even playing field.

Basing something like this off of resort doesn't even start on an even playing field. Anyone can do some homework to figure out how to best use the system to their advantage - not everyone can afford to stay at a Deluxe... so those two things are not even close to the same thing.

It is interesting to note that you seemingly had little qualms about a class system when it came to classes of people that knew about the ins and outs of how Disney operates and those that didnt. One class that knew how to play the FP system and knew that there was an open return window and one class that thought you had to return within the written return time on the ticket because Disney did not WIDELY advertise otherwise. So you had a class system of those that were able to maximize the FP system and ride attractions multiple times while another class of guests did not know they could do the same.

I guess it all depends on which class you are in.

 

[Regina Fan]

I'll be honest I can see this side of it... but I also see the other side of it.
Either way I can be happy with it if they allow those of us who don't want to stay Deluxe whether we can afford to or not (I balk at spending that kind of money on a hotel room I'm only going to be sleeping in.) upgrade for a fee.

Going back to Walt himself, Disney has always been a capitalist enterprise. The point was never to make all people feel equal. The point was to SELL a magical experience.

If you buy a $40,000 car, you get features not found on a $20,000 car.
If you buy a $700,000 house, you get benefits not found in a $350,000 house.

Vacation destinations, resorts, Disney World are no different.

I've taken a couple cruises in my life -- in a basic inside cabin, as well as in a penthouse suite. The suite cost a lot more, and came with perks including priority seating and boarding, special dining, cocktail party with the Captain, etc.

Selling extra perks is to be expected.

Why pay $500 to stay in a deluxe onsite room instead of $75 offsite ?

Disney has every right -- it's good business -- to give perks.

And as a guest -- if I pay more, I have a right to receive more. This is a consumer product. I can't buy votes or love, etc. But we do buy consumer goods and services, including vacations.

Now, I have no clue if fp+ will be reserved to onsite guests or not. But I know that if I'm willing to spend more, I expect to receive more.
It's simple red, white and blue capitalism.

 

[Cyrano]

This is a final reminder to keep this thread on topic and respectful of the alternative views...otherwise FP/NexGen discussions will be curtailed

 

[Q-man]

It will be very interesting to see what happens with this. It opens many possibilities but I admit I fall into the group that thinks Disney is very ham handed in these kinds of changes.

The number 1 thing is I hope is Disney doesn't allow ride ressies(ARRs?) until checked in the hotel and no more than 2 days out. Hopefully the CC needed and no show fees for dining will clue them in as to how wrong this could go from no shows.

As an internal tool I can see many possibilities-

Get people to less popular attractions sooner to spread out the crowd. Think of those little side shows shortly after RD that end with them handing out fast passes to the stunt show or some other large capacity low demand attraction. This would be a bigger impact form of that.

Give the European and South American guests the 10 am FP+ times as that is hours past their body clock. West Coast and Mtn time people get FP+ starting after 12:30.

Mesh it with ADR times so that your FP options are at least 1 hour before ADRs or 2+ hours after. Could also allocate FP options at attractions close to where your ADRs are at.

Obviously making people trek back and forth to see all the merchandise is a strong possibility.

Could very well make being there at RD an even bigger advantage if on property guests have 4 FPs and don't feel any need to arrive but in time for their first FP.

Disney is going to be able to target marketing much much more as they will now know exactly who rides what.

 

[crostorfer]

Tell me why this is such a bad outcome. As it is now, to ride TSM without a huge wait I have to make it at RD, or at least early enough to get a FP before they're all out. With FP+, I can get a spot in advance and not have to do either option if I don't want to.

Now, FPs for TSM run out after several hours. Why is it such a travesty if they run out after one or two hours?

Because you essentially s**** over your local AP holders and off site resort guests if there are few to no FP's available to people who aren't staying on property, as you are given the opportunity to book XPASS by staying on site only, or so the rumor goes.

 

[Sam81]

Sometimes I wonder how people exist…nevermind

Again, this has nothing to do with ride capacity or even how many FP you can get in a single day. The entire point is to focus the guest on the aux revenue streams – experiences. Things like Pirates League, BBB, golf, spa, dining, shopping. If you get the distractions (rides) out of the way the guest can then focus their $ on higher margin items. Disney already said they are done with capex for the near future. This is maximizing existing assets.

And from what I read, the FP+ will give guests additional interactions such as designing your own doll at IASW. And maybe you can just take your newly designed doll home – for a small fee…

Regarding the class system comments and it’s not fair – really? What world do you live in? We have a class system everywhere and Disney is no exception. The more you pay the more you get.

 

[TLSnell1981]

And so where would that put those of us who have actually BOUGHT into Disney with our DVC memberships?? .

Disney isn't really concerned with us "DVCers". They already have our business. If, we get mad and sell, another will take our place. No skin off Disney's nose.

 

[PetLoopers]

Regarding the class system comments and it’s not fair – really? What world do you live in? We have a class system everywhere and Disney is no exception. The more you pay the more you get.

Yes, but its one thing to get more by paying more, such as a first class ticket on an airplane. You get more for your money up in first class, but it doesn't detract from my experience in coach. With Xpass, if implemented a certain way, it could actually result in a better experience for some (more rides ridden, lower wait times) at the expense of a lesser experience for others (longer wait times, FP running out sooner, less rides ridden). It has the potential of being pay more take more rather than pay more get more. There is a difference.

And I agree this happens often in the real world. But do we go to Disney to get more of the real world, just magical-er?

 

[Fantasmiss]

Agree, well said!

Yes, but its one thing to get more by paying more, such as a first class ticket on an airplane. You get more for your money up in first class, but it doesn't detract from my experience in coach. With Xpass, if implemented a certain way, it could actually result in a better experience for some (more rides ridden, lower wait times) at the expense of a lesser experience for others (longer wait times, FP running out sooner, less rides ridden). It has the potential of being pay more take more rather than pay more get more. There is a difference.

And I agree this happens often in the real world. But do we go to Disney to get more of the real world, just magical-er?

 

[Capt_Jack_Sparrow]

This being a perk of on-site hotels makes a lot of sense. Disney has put a lot of money into building hotels and refubing hotels and having a way to force people to stay on-site would help a lot. They have been saying for awhile that they want to stop the discounts, this could be there answere as to how they are going to do that and still fill their hotels.

However it could also be that they want more control over tickets in general, and want to know how many people are planning at being at which park. You would need some kind of account with disney to do this, and with their new app conveintly tied to your Disney.com login... Then this would also include DVCers, APers, and off-site guest who buy their tickets through Disney. Even if only 75% of people did this, they would then have a very good idea of how many people are planning to be at which park, and then could move staff accordingly. They would save money, by not overstaffing a dead park, and be more prepared to deal with huge crowds at a surprisingly busy park.

It could always be a mix of all ideas too, they could kill a lot of birds with one stone here. I think it will be good though, and surely interesting to see how it plays out.

 

[Sam81]

Yes, but its one thing to get more by paying more, such as a first class ticket on an airplane. You get more for your money up in first class, but it doesn't detract from my experience in coach. With Xpass, if implemented a certain way, it could actually result in a better experience for some (more rides ridden, lower wait times) at the expense of a lesser experience for others (longer wait times, FP running out sooner, less rides ridden). It has the potential of being pay more take more rather than pay more get more. There is a difference.

And I agree this happens often in the real world. But do we go to Disney to get more of the real world, just magical-er?

I would agree with you if it was an exclusive offer. But it is open to everyone with the same $ requirement.

Whatever delivery method they device we will all have the same opportunity to partake. For example, if it is available only to deluxe guests – stay deluxe. If it is an extra $100 charge - pay the charge. Not having the money or desire to stay/spend is a personal problem/ decision. Disney is not a charity they are a public company. People tend to forget that the only reason Disney exists is to maximize shareholder value.

Also, Disney already implements a “class system” with the MYW plans and preferred seating. That guest “took” that great seat from the generic “you” by paying more. If you want that seat in the future simply pay for it.

 

[erinkpoole]

It seems to me that Disney wants to optimize the flow of traffic and the patron experience in the park. Very similar to what the original FP system does.

I think Fastpass Plus will be available to everyone with a valid theme park ticket. However with the technology advancements and most people owning smart phones, they can now add levels of hierarchy to Fastpass. The day guest can schedule a FP on their smartphone or through a kiosk the same way a resort guest can. The resort guest will likely be given a higher hierarchy and their window might be sooner. Different resort levels and partner hotels can also be assigned priority but not exclusiveness. The system can also tell if someone is in the park or located remotely thus changing the offered return times--that feature would be great for those wanting a mid day break.
It could also allow for electronically turning in your fastpass and receiving a new one.

I think it will prioritize Deluxe (any some deluxe higher than others), DVC, Moderate, Value (and some higher than others), AP holders, Day guests. Who knows where they would put Swan, Dolphin, and Hilton!

Some of the hierarchies could roll out sooner than others. It depends on what the system can handle

Just my thoughts. I am also envisioning everyone staring at their smartphones all day!

 

[wdw71]

It seems to me that Disney wants to optimize the flow of traffic and the patron experience in the park. Very similar to what the original FP system does.

I think Fastpass Plus will be available to everyone with a valid theme park ticket. However with the technology advancements and most people owning smart phones, they can now add levels of hierarchy to Fastpass. The day guest can schedule a FP on their smartphone or through a kiosk the same way a resort guest can. The resort guest will likely be given a higher hierarchy and their window might be sooner. Different resort levels and partner hotels can also be assigned priority but not exclusiveness. The system can also tell if someone is in the park or located remotely thus changing the offered return times--that feature would be great for those wanting a mid day break.
It could also allow for electronically turning in your fastpass and receiving a new one.

I think it will prioritize Deluxe (any some deluxe higher than others), DVC, Moderate, Value (and some higher than others), AP holders, Day guests. Who knows where they would put Swan, Dolphin, and Hilton!

Some of the hierarchies could roll out sooner than others. It depends on what the system can handle

Just my thoughts. I am also envisioning everyone staring at their smartphones all day!

My big question is about the smartphone use with FP. I absolutely love the idea of booking a FP from my phone as soon as we arrive at the parks but If you can book FP through the MDE app can you do it for your entire party from one phone? Then what if you have a party in a separate room but they do not have a smart phone to get a FP for themselves, are they out of luck or do they have to do it the old fashioned way then have different FP times from the party in the other room. I ask because if this all comes true We will be faced with this dilemma.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[erinkpoole]

My big question is about the smartphone use with FP. I absolutely love the idea of booking a FP from my phone as soon as we arrive at the parks but If you can book FP through the MDE app can you do it for your entire party from one phone? Then what if you have a party in a separate room but they do not have a smart phone to get a FP for themselves, are they out of luck or do they have to do it the old fashioned way then have different FP times from the party in the other room. I ask because if this all comes true We will be faced with this dilemma.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I think you will set up your account, enter your ticket media, reservation number, etc. Disney can determine the number in your party ( must have tickets) and you can obtain fast passes for the entire party. The patent says that they would offer the option of people within the party choosing different fast passes. I would like to think it would help with all the running around. There could be options to book next day fast passes using your resort room reservation. It could all be very cool but of course may have bumps or hiccups as it's rolled out.

We alternate between on site and off site. We also stay value or rent DVC points. We will be low on the hierarchy! I still remember going to HS on our first trip and being held outside the gates until the resort EMH was over. I have learned a lot more since then and hope to figure out the best way to optimize fast pass plus without spending a ton of money.

 

[tcufrog]

If they are planning to set it up where you can book the passes via a smart phone that would explain the rollout of free Wifi at the parks. I hope the wifi at the resorts is really robust because it's going to get slammed when the window for reserving passes opens.

 

[Waddler]

However with the technology advancements and most people owning smart phones, they can now add levels of hierarchy to Fastpass.

I'm not sure that "most" visitors own smart phones, though. Out of my group of five adults staying at BLT next spring, including four engineers/scientists, NONE of us have true smart phones. We all have access to computers for the majority of the day, so we can't justify the extra monthly expense. It may be several more years before everyone has them.

 

[wdw71]

I think you will set up your account, enter your ticket media, reservation number, etc. Disney can determine the number in your party ( must have tickets) and you can obtain fast passes for the entire party. The patent says that they would offer the option of people within the party choosing different fast passes. I would like to think it would help with all the running around. There could be options to book next day fast passes using your resort room reservation. It could all be very cool but of course may have bumps or hiccups as it's rolled out.

We alternate between on site and off site. We also stay value or rent DVC points. We will be low on the hierarchy! I still remember going to HS on our first trip and being held outside the gates until the resort EMH was over. I have learned a lot more since then and hope to figure out the best way to optimize fast pass plus without spending a ton of money.

Entering reservation/ticket media numbers makes perfect sense. But another thought I had was that they are saying if you obtain the FP via phone, the app may send the FP info to your RFID bracelet (which may actually be your ticket media in the future).
I also agree that it would end the race to TSM and Soarin which is just way more relaxing for everyone. Since the app knows your location you would most likely need to be in the park to obtain the FP and this would keep people from cheating and getting TSM FP while in MK. I guess they could make it available for resort guests to get a FP from their resort room before leaving for the parks and off site guests would need to be in the park. Just a thought.