More updated Fastpass+ information

[mom2rtk]

You see this frequently at the corporate level.

The "suits" ask the padawans to tell them about the cool new thing.

Then, after everyone agrees that it's "*****," then the suits assign the
creation of the new "***** project" to the padawans, and big bucks start
funding it.

Months later, padawans preview the "***** project" to the suits.

Suits, of course, don't get it, but hey, it's GOT to be cool as that was the whole point, no?

So, more bucks roll into the "***** project" and it gets set in concrete.

NOW, we're ready for the grand public announcement.
THAT comes from the suits.

The announcement is not exactly CLEAR, of course.
(Not primarily because of secrecy, but because the suit doesn't fully understand what the project is
or how it works... never has.)

So, armed with very little clear background info from the grand announcement,
those who are the intended "beneficiaries" of the "***** project" start to ask questions.

Since the padawan creators had never ever actually EXPERIENCED what really happens on the front lines, the intended "beneficiaries" of the "***** project" questions are dismissed... as them not fully understanding the magnitude of the blessing about to be poured down their throats Oops, I mean "offered unto them."

Next, they start to implement the "***** project" in the form of dipping-toes-into-the-water "tests."

It's at this point the intended "beneficiaries" really begin to ask the tough what/why/where questions and the suits...
restate what was said at "last April's announcement" (because that's as much as the suits know about it, to this day.)

What happens next is always the hard part to predict.

Could be:

A. The intended "beneficiaries" try the real-deal rollout and are happy.
Goodness, light and joy prevail. Big bonuses. Promotions, padawans start wearing suits.

B. The intended "beneficiaries" try the real-deal rollout and are NOT happy.
Finger-pointing. Suits duck and throw pink slips. Padawans go to work for JCP advertising dept.

C. The tests are delayed and delayed and delayed.
Due to unforeseen circumstances...

The intended "beneficiaries" never get to try the real-deal...

and are happy.



-Burma Shave

Ah yes. A tale as old as time.

 

[bauer1168]

Yup.

They would limit the amount of curb space reserved.

There would only be a limited number of parade FP's available per parade performance.

And with Wishes, didn't they reserve off the area down below the plaza restaurant? (The name escapes me!).

At the beginning of March I went to Vegas on a stag do (am I glad to say there were no tigers in the bathroom, and Mike Tyson wasn't there singing Phil Collins!).
We decided last minute to hire a car to drive to Disneyland, we got FP for World Of Color. It was great, but even with a FP, you needed to get there early, or queue up early before they opened up the FP sections to even get a decent view.
This is probably very negative thinking on my behalf, but I'm sure there will be problems with the parade(s) and wishes FP+ viewing areas, with people not being able to see properly, IPads being held over heads blocking people's views etc.
Then there is the problem of weather and if a parade(s) have to be cancelled, I would not want be in guest relations when that happens!

The people I feel really sorry for are the ones who will unfortunately not be able to get FP+ reservations for Stitch and American Idol....

 

[chicagoshannon]

Yup.

They would limit the amount of curb space reserved.

There would only be a limited number of parade FP's available per parade performance.

I wonder how early one would have to arrive for their FP+ reserved spot in order to actually see the parade? I'm picturing having to arrive an hour early to get a front row of a 3 row deep reserved area.

 

[mom2rtk]

I wonder how early one would have to arrive for their FP+ reserved spot in order to actually see the parade? I'm picturing having to arrive an hour early to get a front row of a 3 row deep reserved area.

That's my problem with the whole thing. I'd rather just find a non FP spot to plant my behind at the end of a long day in the park. I can get off my feet and rest while we talk about our day, have a bite to eat and guarantee a front row seat. They just can't guarantee a front row seat even with a FP.

So who wants to give up a FP for that?

 

[2Tiggies]

I wonder how early one would have to arrive for their FP+ reserved spot in order to actually see the parade? I'm picturing having to arrive an hour early to get a front row of a 3 row deep reserved area.

We've had reserved fireworks viewing (not through the trial but a package benefit) and in spite of having it reserved, I ended up having to wait there 90 minutes before the time. Why? Because I had picked the night of the reservation to set up my tripod and take photos thinking it would be ideal being less crowded. Well it was in theory. Only trouble was, it was that section below the Plaza restaurant and all but TWO tables give you a partial view of the castle and sky because the trees and lamp posts cause obstructions to what should be a better view. We walked by more than 90 minutes before and noticed that the first of the 2 tables that would have worked for me was already occupied (the area had already been closed off and had CM's stationed at the rope) Preferred viewing does not necessarily mean better - it just means fewer people in that spot. But knowing exactly where you will be is essential in ascertaining whether this is better than what you would get by staking out your spot as per usual. If I burn a precious FP for viewing I could get by waiting ahead of time as I always have done, I want to know for sure where I am going to be exactly and what my view is going to be like. I am also one who will give this a miss.

And that was for fireworks. You could not see the parade at all from there. Now that's not the same as the areas that will be offered for FP reservations but if that is what you get with Platinum packages and the like, I don't expect anything extra special for just being one of many 'regular guests'

 

[mom2rtk]

Question: Name one thing that's worse than having obstructed viewing of Wishes.

Answer: Using one of your 3 fastpass opportunities at the Magic Kingdom to get obstructed viewing of Wishes!

 

[2Tiggies]

Question: Name one thing that's worse than having obstructed viewing of Wishes.

Answer: Using one of your 3 fastpass opportunities at the Magic Kingdom to get obstructed viewing of Wishes!

And to add to the rest of your statement: ".... and having the tallest man in the world standing in front of you using HIS FP for his view of Wishes"

 

[mom2rtk]

And to add to the rest of your statement: ".... and having the tallest man in the world standing in front of you using HIS FP for his view of Wishes"

Oh NO! You need a taller tripod!

I'm still looking for a sturdy 8 foot tall tripod that folds down to 15", weighs less than a pound and costs less than $200. Suggestions?

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh NO! You need a taller tripod!

I'm working on it lol. My 5'2" frame does not lend itself favorably to conditions such as the above

 

[2Tiggies]

I'm still looking for a sturdy 8 foot tall tripod that folds down to 15", weighs less than a pound and costs less than $200. Suggestions?

Not yet, but whoever finds one first has to let the other person know!

 

[mom2rtk]

Not yet, but whoever finds one first has to let the other person know!

 

[Robo]

We've had reserved fireworks viewing (not through the trial but a package benefit) and in spite of having it reserved, I ended up having to wait there 90 minutes before the time. Why? Because I had picked the night of the reservation to set up my tripod and take photos thinking it would be ideal being less crowded. Well it was in theory. Only trouble was, it was that section below the Plaza restaurant and all but TWO tables give you a partial view of the castle and sky because the trees and lamp posts cause obstructions to what should be a better view. We walked by more than 90 minutes before and noticed that the first of the 2 tables that would have worked for me was already occupied (the area had already been closed off and had CM's stationed at the rope) Preferred viewing does not necessarily mean better - it just means fewer people in that spot. But knowing exactly where you will be is essential in ascertaining whether this is better than what you would get by staking out your spot as per usual. If I burn a precious FP for viewing I could get by waiting ahead of time as I always have done, I want to know for sure where I am going to be exactly and what my view is going to be like. I am also one who will give this a miss.

And that was for fireworks. You could not see the parade at all from there. Now that's not the same as the areas that will be offered for FP reservations but if that is what you get with Platinum packages and the like, I don't expect anything extra special for just being one of many 'regular guests'

I assume the area I marked as "Lower Tables?"

Photo at bottom shows that area with guests.

---

 

[disneyfan888]

I have been less than thrilled about this whole FP+ deal since rumors started spreading. I am very curious and concerned as to how FP+ will work for AP holders.

 

[bauer1168]

I have been less than thrilled about this whole FP+ deal since rumors started spreading. I am very curious and concerned as to how FP+ will work for AP holders.

There was a thread from some time ago by someone claiming AP holders would be limited to 20 FP+ slots per quarter............ No idea where that info came from, and I haven't seen any more info since, to back up that 'reliable info' anywhere

 

[mom2rtk]

There was a thread from some time ago by someone claiming AP holders would be limited to 20 FP+ slots per quarter............ No idea where that info came from, and I haven't seen any more info since, to back up that 'reliable info' anywhere

I think that was pretty much discredited.

 

[mesaboy2]

I think that was pretty much discredited.

I go further and call it utter garbage.

 

[bauer1168]

I go further and call it utter garbage.

Lol yup!

 

[mom2rtk]

I go further and call it utter garbage.

Haven't you noticed..... I like to go for understatement.

 

[2Tiggies]

I assume the area I marked as "Lower Tables?"

Photo at bottom shows that area with guests.

---

Yes, those are the ones

Its only (facing the castle) the left corner of that lower seating terrace so not the entire section. I think the ones to the right are also roped off at some point, although not entirely sure - but I have no idea what for if they are or who gets the privilege of sitting there.

 

[notnothin]

This may already be posted in another thread, but I think it points out many of the concerns:

http://micechat.com/24073-disney-fastpass-plus/