More updated Fastpass+ information

[WillAustin]

Yes.

But, since all tests thus far I believe included tiers that were awesomeness-based....

They need to slowly ration out the awesomeness.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

That's the thought that keeps giving me the most hope that this won't be the disaster that so many here are seem to think it will be - despite the lack of any confirmed details.


They gain absolutely nothing having guests standing in SB lines all day. If everyone spends tons more time in SB lines, spending per guest will be down as well as guest satisfaction. They know this. So that's why I'm reserving judgement until we know more.

~Wow! Another, fabulous post! I love the logic you've expressed here!

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

Where did the idea that the current FP is going away come from?

Seems like they could just take a chunk of current FPs and make them appointment based.

And then feed them back into the pool if they don't "book up".

 

[Bullseye]

We usually do one park a day and don't get more than 3 FP's in a day anyway so this is really no big deal. I agree it is stupid to be reserving ride times months in advance, but what are going to do ...that's the new program. You still have EMH to take advantage of getting on the "Big" rides.

A year or so ago everyone was freaking out about reduced monorail hours, yet the "World" kept spinning. Until the thing is put in motion I'll wait and reserve judgement. Personally, I like the RFID bracelet idea.

 

[JustAKid]

Really trying to see how this makes it 'better' for the average guest.

It's as if they are expecting no one to remember and compare FP+ to the way they used to tour.

I don't think that it does make it better for the average guest...which makes it better for us, innit?

This is what i want to know as well. I love fast pass, but not going to be doing the fastpass plus thing.

How come? Not that I think you're wrong or am arguing, I'm just wondering why one wouldn't use the new system?

~You don't seem to have any control. You cannot label me, and just to express the notion that you somehow could, or that I would even care, sends out so many red flags! You are entitled to bemoan this system, as I am entitled to look forward to it. There's nothing to argue.

~I find your posts to be incredibly rude, and I am politely asking that you direct your negativity elsewhere. Where I post and how I post should be of no concern to you. I don't share your opinion about FP+, it's just that simple. It's clear that I never questioned anyone's opinion, I only expressed mine, so don't apply your twisted logic to me. Thanks!!! Time to move on!

....Ah....what just happened?! Jeez louise!

 

[Robo]

....Ah....what just happened?! Jeez louise!

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!

 

[JustAKid]

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!

*snort*

 

[squirrel4569]

I think that I will try to reserve some judgement and wait until things are fully implemented. I have a few thoughts though.

1) Disney is all about customer satisfaction and making money. Anything that makes customers less happy, less likely to spend money, less likely to return to the parks and could tarnish their reputation is probably not likely to happen.

2) When it comes to usage of things in life, 5-10% of customers fall into that power user group. They are the ones who plan things, investigate things, search for discounts, loopholes, etc to maximize their time and money. This includes Disney and a variety of other things in life. Companies don't market towards them and efforts to limit these people usually make things worse for all, which is bad for the company since this group also happens to scream the loudest.

3) Considering 1 & 2 FP+ & MDE are more likely to improve the flow of people, reduce wait times and generally make everyone happier. FP+ and FP likely will co-exist because a large percentage of guests likely are not hyper planners and commando tours like many here are. Forcing everyone to pre-plan would be a huge failure because those that don't plan (again, the majority) would suffer, have a miserable time and likely not return and would tell their friends not to return.

4) The introduction of FP+, enhancement of RFID, improvement of MDE and addition of MagicBands was/is costly. The reason for it is to make money. Disney doesn't make money off of angry, tired and hot customers who had to wait in line for 2 hours for a ride. Let's get you through the line quickly so you can be into the store that the ride dumps into and buy some stuff. Let's get you through the lines fast so you can ride or see all you want to so when you get home you tell your friends what a great time you had and how much you can't wait to go back.

There is the absolute possibility that it could be a disaster and make everything horrible for everyone. Look at what jcpenney did to their customers in the last year and how well that worked out. I think the folks at Disney are smarter than that.

Just my 2 cents. Your mileage may vary. Price and participation varies by location. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own and do not reflect on the staff of disboards.com. This post may not be duplicated or retransmitted without the express written consent of the NFL.

 

[Robo]

NOBODY gets more laughs at more terrible jokes than Robo.

You know what they say is the most important element of humor...

 

[jtowntoflorida]

2) The new FP+ system integrates with the current system. You can choose the times of 3 attractions ahead of time, and change those times as you see fit. The remainder of your passes, you get what ever time is available, and they work like the current system, where you can draw only one at a time, and not get your next for two hours, or until the start of the return window for your current pass. This system would work fine for me, and is what I am hoping that FP+ turns into.

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.

 

[mesaboy2]

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. But it also makes no sense to think that a

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.

I pretty much agree with this (except the last sentence). I believe this is a very thoughtful post. But I have very little faith, trust, and pixie dust that this is achievable given Disney's IT track record. Or maybe I'm grumpy.

And, most of what I see has the three-FPs-per-day limitation. That doesn't help garner my love.

 

[LaurenT]

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.

You really think they're going to track minute by minute locations? You think the bands will be equipped with GPS technology?

Oh, and...we were handed surprise FPs for that silly car stunt show (see...I'm such a fan of it, I don't even remember the name) while waiting at the DHS turnstile last trip. The people behind us were very excited...until I explained that it was only for the 10:35 show and it was Disney's way of steering people toward a high capacity venue to free up the lines at the most popular attractions. so, I think their attempt at good will may have back fired that day.....

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Just as long as I can still use regular FP in June, I'll be greatly relieved! Limiting us to 3 FP's per day in only one park is totally inadequate.
I can predict a lot fewer park-hoppers being sold if a guest can't use FP in more than one park....

 

[harleyquinn]

Just my 2 cents. Your mileage may vary. Price and participation varies by location. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own and do not reflect on the staff of disboards.com. This post may not be duplicated or retransmitted without the express written consent of the NFL.

Awesome.

 

[JustAKid]

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.

I had never thought about it from this aspect - amazing! Thanks for the info and your insight!

You really think they're going to track minute by minute locations? You think the bands will be equipped with GPS technology?

Direct quote from a friend of Mickey: "The bands are not scheduled to have a GPS in them...yet..."

I'm probably the minority here, but I hope they DO get equipped with it, with an option to turn it off. I'd like my kids to have them ON while in the parks.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

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.

How was the Kool-aid?
Your scenario with all the "notifications", surprise and otherwise, is predicated on everyone that uses FP+ having a smart phone. I guess that leaves me and a whole lot of other folks out.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

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.

~Yes! My prayers have been answered, lol. Thank you, jtown! Love, love, love your posts! No one has ever described FP+ in the poignant & elegant way you have. I'm even more excited about FP+. And, this is not drinking the kool-aid, it's called logic & I love it!!!

 

[LaurenT]

I had never thought about it from this aspect - amazing! Thanks for the info and your insight!

Direct quote from a friend of Mickey: "The bands are not scheduled to have a GPS in them...yet..."

Right...that's what I thought. So, unless you just entered a FP+ enabled ride, or purchased something with your RFID band, how would they know you were in Adventureland? the rest of the take on it makes sense to me....

 

[Missyrose]

Where did the idea that the current FP is going away come from?

Seems like they could just take a chunk of current FPs and make them appointment based.

And then feed them back into the pool if they don't "book up".

The FP system as we know it HAS to go away because the current FP kiosks rely on magnetic strips to read cards. Once Disney goes to all RFID bands/cards, they will no longer use the magnetic strips and Disney chose to not retrofit the current FP kiosks with RFID scanners.

The million-dollar question is if there will be a component in the new FP+ system that mimics the current FP system (the idea of picking up FPs as you around the park during the day). No answer to that question so far.

You really think they're going to track minute by minute locations? You think the bands will be equipped with GPS technology?

The flood of publicity a couple of months ago (starting with that in-depth piece in the New York Times) reported that the bands will have some sort of short-range GPS that can be picked up by the many, many RFID scanners they've set up around the park.

The thought is, if you've been in the Emporium for a while, Disney could send you a coupon via text or email. Or they can send you "surprise" FPs for an attraction you are near at the time.

It was been reported that the RFID cards (which people should be able to ask for if they don't want a band) won't have that same technology to track you as closely.

 

[dadddio]

And maybe too much pixie dust.

Pixie dust is the business that they are in, so sure.