More updated Fastpass+ information

[disneymagicgirl]

I maintain my position that the end result will be a system that still has same-day availability. I know right now the terms and conditions state we have to choose either the FP+ or the standard FP, but I believe that to be a function of the technology change-over and that eventually those 3 pre-reserved FPs will be complemented by (probably less extensive) same-day options accessible via kiosk or smartphone rather than by hiking over to a physical distribution point located at the attraction. I don't think it will be an integration with the current system - I think the current system will be entirely phased out to be replaced by a "cloud" system that requires less front-line staff and less physical maintenance - but I do think same-day access to FP will resume when the migration to the new system is complete. I think the mutually exclusive nature of the systems during the overlap has to do with the expected roll-out of the Magic Bands in lieu of KTTW cards and the fact that the existing FP machines do not and will not ever have RFID readers.

Of course, that might be my natural optimism and technophilia shining through and the entire thing still depends on an IT department with a rather dubious track record, but on its face it doesn't make sense to limit guests to 3 FPs per day. It runs contrary to the goal of the system - to get guests out of lines and into money-making establishments - and it makes the massive expansion of the system unnecessary at all but the most highly attended times of year. At 3 per guest, there's no need to add FP to Haunted Mansion and Small World, but if same-day FPs will be available the tiered system and expansion of the number of FP attractions makes far more sense.

I agree. There is no way 3 FP+s and waiting in long standby lines for the rest of the day will get people to shop/spend more. There has to be more to it. All that will do is drive people to spend at other destinations instead of WDW. My DH tolerates our trips now, but we travel off season and tour smartly. If he has to start standing in lines our Disney days will quickly come to an end. Hoping for same day FP options myself.

 

[Colleen27]

This is pretty much how the patents describe the system as working, sorta. In that there is a "reservation" aspect of it, as well as a more dynamic "day of" aspect of it. The patents describe a system wherein Guest is walking through the park. Let's say it's 10:00 and Guest is in Adventureland. Disney knows this because of the RFID technology, which is tracking Guest's location. Guest has an 11:00 "reservation" for Jungle Cruise. Let's say the wait at POTC is only 5 minutes at this point. Guest is sent a notification that they've been "awarded" a "surprise" FP+ for POTC. So they go to POTC and ride, and come out feeling like they just got sprinkled with Pixie Dust, thus creating goodwill for Disney. Did Disney really do anything other than direct them toward a ride that already had a minimal wait? No. But the appearance of magic is there.

Let's also say that coming off POTC, Guest now gets a notification that there is no wait for Dole Whips. Such a notification implies that there is usually a wait for Dole Whips. Maybe this Guest has never had a Dole Whip. Maybe they don't even know what a Dole Whip is. But Disney has just implied that Dole Whips are Something Special That People Usually Line Up For. So, they go get in line for Dole Whip, even though when they first came off POTC, they never had any intention of buying a Dole Whip. Disney just made a sale due entirely to clever marketing. If the Guest doesn't take the bait with just being told that they have an opportunity to experience something special, then the Guest Experience Management system records that. Maybe next time the Guest is enticed to get in line for a Dole Whip by a coupon. The possibilities are endless.

FP+ is definitely more than just line management. It's purpose would be totally defeated if guests are spending MORE time in lines. You can't give out too many pre-park appointments because it would take away from the dynamic capability of the system once inside the parks.

I think that the other thing this system is designed to do is sorta override the innate nature of humans to get into a line just because there's a line there. If you have an appointment (either made ahead of time or magically given to you when you arrive) for a certain attraction, many guests are going to feel compelled to keep that appointment. They've essentially been testing this concept with the SURPRISE FPs for years now. How many times do you see people who are relatively new to Disney bragging about their surprise Dumbo FPs, or their surprise Philharmagic FPs? Was Disney really giving them anything of value? Not really. But Disney created goodwill, and they were none the wiser. Disney vets may know better, but Disney vets also make up a very small percentage of daily guests.

This is very long. Sorry. I really am fascinated by the technology. When I read the patents it made me realize what a powerful system this could be, and I think it really exceeds anything most people are imagining now, because we're so tied to the old way of doing things.

Or maybe I just drank the Kool-Aid.

If you did, I'm drinking it with you. I love the potential in this technology and don't think Disney is foolish enough to think guests would be satisfied for the worst-case scenarios that have been floating around the Internet rumor mills. And I don't think the "alerts" will necessarily require a smartphone. Basic text messaging would work just as well and reach far more guests; there wouldn't even need to be an "accept/decline" option, it could work the same as printing surprise FPs. Since they'd be for high capacity or low demand opportunities they could just be sent to the guest's account, knowing there is no harm done if they go unused.

My only real source of apprehension in the whole thing is Disney's rather terrible IT track record. They can't put together a web site that functions and works reliably from multiple environments. Are they really up for creating such a complex system that operates in real-time and will therefore be extremely sensitive to service interruptions?

 

[jenrose66]

I won't either. That's just taking planning a step too far. I like to plan and all but this leaves no room for spontaneity once you're in the park.

Plus, what if you don't have a smart phone. We don't have data plans.

 

[EagleScout]

I think it's 60 days but that's besides the point. For the "low info" onsite individual it could be very easy. You set up a one stop vacation plan option. You send out an email 70 days or so before arrival "you're vacation is getting close let us make your stay even easier".

Ask the family a few question about their family i.e. Do they like thrill rides or not? Do they arrive early in the day, like to sleep in, or are you an afternoon break person? Are there any "must do" attractions? etc. It searches through the available FP+ and schedules your "Must do" on a day that's still available if possible. It would also try to factor in any ADR you have planned. Then Disney's computers magically plan their entire trip or them (customizable of course).

Monday we recommend you go to the MK we've already setup FP+'s for you to meet the Pricesses at 2:00, ride Big Thunder Mountain 5:00, and ride Space Mountain at 9:00. BTW, Liberty Tree Tavern has an open reservation at 6:00 would you like me to reserve that table for you? If you'd like to make any changes to this plan please click here. Your entire vacation planned at the end of 1 short survey,

I think your and other predictions about how it might work for "low info" is intriguing, and as others have noted, some "low info" guests are effectively high info due to travel agents, etc. There are also people like my family (who I assume are a large contingent) that are pretty high info, but also "low ability to use info" because there are multiple toddlers and/or seniors in the group (ours has both for foreseeable future, barring catastrophe). I know all about fp, rd, etc, but under current system, I just stare wistfully at soarin and we do not even bother going to dhs b/c there is no way our group can either make the rope drop dash for tsmm, or otherwise work a 3 or 4 hour return time into our schedule.

 

[dadddio]

1. I wonder if a piece of this is encouraging folks to buy their tickets directly through Disney. I know that if people buy tickets from an outside source can exchange them for the magic band, but how do they make reservations in advance?

You enter your ticket number into your online profile and make your reservations.

2. I am a HUGE planner. We travel to Disney World 1-3 times a year, and for our next trip scheduled for next Thanksgiving, I already have created an in-depth itinerary. However, I also recognize that "things happen." What if I plan a trip to the water park, and wake-up to discover rain? This system seems to make it very difficult to suddenly make a major change to the itinerary.

You would go into the app and trade your old reservations for new ones. It looks pretty straight forward.

3. I have read that this system will help "non-planners", but it is somewhat unclear as to how. You still have to be savvy enough to know that you can make reservations in advance to take advantage of this system. Potentially, if standby lines really are a bit shorter, that will be a tiny advantage, but it seems that this system STILL leaves out non-planners.

It helps non-planners by letting them choose what they want to do and get FPs for on-the-fly.

5. I do find it frustrating that the goal is to "even the playing field"; those of us that really do visit regularly and get the system should be "rewarded" - I work hard to study and find the little tricks and ways to be more efficient. Those that don't pre-plan, don't, for the most part, even know that they are missing out.

Why should the company reward youti he detriment of it's other customers, some of which might spend more if they are more satisfied with the lines.

8. Finally, 3 FP+ is NOT ENOUGH! I don't know how to make this work, but it just is so far from what I currently experience. I plan, I take advantage of my research, and I always have a fastpass in-hand. I love the system.

There's no reason to believe that there will be a total limit of three FPs. That's a forum rumor that was based on a misunderstanding of what FP+ is and bad math.

 

[mesaboy2]

You enter your ticket number into your online profile and make your reservations.
You would go into the app and trade your old reservations for new ones. It looks pretty straight forward.

It helps non-planners by letting them choose what they want to do and get FPs for on-the-fly.

Why should the company reward youti he detriment of it's other customers, some of which might spend more if they are more satisfied with the lines.

There's no reason to believe that there will be a total limit of three FPs. That's a forum rumor that was based on a misunderstanding of what FP+ is and bad math.

That gets reinforced by articles like that linked to in the OP.

 

[finedice]

My own guess is that everyone will be able to schedule 3 rides in advance. And then Disney will evaluate how many slots are available as the date approaches, and decide how many slots they want to keep for "surprise and delight" purposes and whether there are enough slots to allow additional spots to be scheduled same day.

This is the reason that on MDE I am only adding favorites that are TRULY my favorites. If Disney is data mining my favorites in order to surprise me, it better not be one of my favorites that's a "once per trip" favorite. I am touching the little blue heart only if I truly want a surprise and delight FP for it...

 

[ToddyLu]

I keep thinking about my poor parents who do not have smart phones or computers and do not even know what an APP is. They love Disney and traveling with us. I have to stand with my father at check in to interpret instructions given to him by the CM because he cannot hear them...and he does not want to pay for a hearing aid. I have had to explain how the DDP works and get them to their meals to use all their credits. I do not resent this in any way and actually it is fun to entertain them and "take care of them" while at Disney.

FP+ however it rolls out will be understood by us vets, but I get the feeling that I will need several of DH's Xanax to explain to Mom and Dad why they have to wear a Magic Band...over...and over...and over.

Would be kinda awesome to summon a Disney bus when you needed it. Wonder Twin powers activate....

 

[ManyMinnie]

This is the reason that on MDE I am only adding favorites that are TRULY my favorites. If Disney is data mining my favorites in order to surprise me, it better not be one of my favorites that's a "once per trip" favorite. I am touching the little blue heart only if I truly want a surprise and delight FP for it...

I haven't bothered with MDE.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[finedice]

There's no reason to believe that there will be a total limit of three FPs. That's a forum rumor that was based on a misunderstanding of what FP+ is and bad math.

I was pretty sure someone (a Next Gen VP or something) had been quoted as saying this at some point in a press briefing. I can't find an active link atm, but it was mentioned before the Jan 7th Staggs announcement on the Disney Blog... Possible I am remembering a dream I suppose...

 

[Robo]

I haven't bothered with MDE.

You MUST comply!

Resistance is futile.

 

[mom2rtk]

I haven't bothered with MDE.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

No "Surprise and Delight" for you then!

 

[ManyMinnie]

You MUST comply!

Resistance is futile.

Nah, I'm good.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[ManyMinnie]

No "Surprise and Delight" for you then!

I'll live. LOL

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[TLSnell1981]

But, there is still no word on the rumored name-change to

Fabulous Pass ~

Define fabulous.

Maybe, almost impossible to believe, purely imaginary and known only through myths or legends?

 

[dadddio]

Wow Clareita! I can't believe that your airfare was that expensive! Where are you flying out of? We fly out of Bradley Airport in Connecticut and usually fly Southwest. Our flights have usually run about $200 per person roundtrip although I did notice that the fare is up to about $300 for this fall.

For a family of four from Nashville to Orlando, flights on Southwest run about 2k.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I

The original motivation behind FP was that if you got guests out of line, they would spend more money in the shops and restaurants.
.

I used FP, as it was originally intended...too funny.

 

[dadddio]

That gets reinforced by articles like that linked to in the OP.

Of course, the only source that was cited to that article was their own forums. I'll wait for the company to make a comment. Wait a minute, that wait is over since they just stated in the AP newsletter that same-day FPs would be available.

 

[weschmom]

Sorry....planning a spontaneous trip next month (yikes!) and was reading about Fastpass+. Has this started yet? If so, where do I go to get the passes online? Not seeing anything in My Disney Experience.

Thanks for your help. I usually plan trips 6+ months out, so this is a little overwhelming!

 

[mesaboy2]

Of course, the only source that was cited to that article was their own forums. I'll wait for the company to make a comment. Wait a minute, that wait is over since they just stated in the AP newsletter that same-day FPs would be available.

So it said that more than 3 FP+ would be available in a single day then? 'Cause I don't see how same-day availability translates into additional FPs. Same-day availability could easily mean that those who can't or don't get them in advance can on the day, and that those who do can merely change them for something else one-for-one. You're are making assumptions that I am not.