My FP+ success story ..

[BugsDaddy]

It didn't take long for the anti-FP+ coalition to make their appearance. They have me convinced that FP+ is responsible for the JFK assassination and is hiding alien technology. Just wait until they accuse you of lying or "drinking the kool aid".

Different strokes for different folks. I realize it doesn't work for some guests but that doesn't make it a bad thing for everyone or even the vast majority.

 

[prudence64]

I was glad to spend a little time on my computer ahead of time to know that we were set for rides like TSMM. Last time we went our retune time was hours later and not convenient for our dinner reservation.

 

[estherhead]

It didn't take long for the anti-FP+ coalition to make their appearance. They have me convinced that FP+ is responsible for the JFK assassination and is hiding alien technology. Just wait until they accuse you of lying or "drinking the kool aid". Different strokes for different folks. I realize it doesn't work for some guests but that doesn't make it a bad thing for everyone or even the vast majority.

I've decided to true, intense haters actually work for universal. It always ends the same. Express Pass. And even though that also has it's limitations, we aren't allowed to say negative things about it. Silly.

To the OP: I'm glad you had success. We've had a lot of success too changing and getting FP+ within the 30 day offsite window. And I'd rather spend time at home getting FP+ than racing to get a FP- Most of the fights my Dh and I had at WDW were about FP- because I felt he didn't appreciate that he was drinking coffee at a table relaxing while I was racing around getting FP but He couldn't be he runner as when I'd send him he invariably got FP for some time we couldn't use it so I HAD to be the runner. This past trip: no fights. Most peaceful trip to WDW we ever had. And that is even with a few times I was the runner to a kiosk for extra FP+. I found it much more convenient to go to a nearby kiosk than all the way across the park (and back) to the actual ride.

And Magic Bands ROCK! We love them. I think in 5 years when Disney has added their new rides they've put off and the new FP system has all the kinks worked out the rest of the amusement park industry will be scrambling to catch up. I do believe it is the wave of the future, not an epic failure.

That said: PLEASE give Epcot Future World it's chance to shine. Couldn't agree more that it needs some money and effort dumped into it.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It didn't take long for the anti-FP+ coalition to make their appearance. They have me convinced that FP+ is responsible for the JFK assassination and is hiding alien technology. Just wait until they accuse you of lying or "drinking the kool aid".

Different strokes for different folks. I realize it doesn't work for some guests but that doesn't make it a bad thing for everyone or even the vast majority.

No joke!

Too much effort to pre-plan supposedly, but ample time complain at every possible opportunity on the dis.

 

[rajak73]

I don't understand what all the fuss is about. We stayed on-site over New Years, the busiest time of the year, and DS9 just LOVED being able to bypass the standby lines to ride Spider Man and Transformers and Mummy and Despicable Me and Shrek and Men in Black and Rip Ride Rocket and..........

Ooops. Wrong parks. Sorry.

Can you tell me how it was to bypass the 30-40 min HP lines with express pass? Thanks.

 

[mom2rtk]

No joke!

Too much effort to pre-plan supposedly, but ample time complain at every possible opportunity on the dis.

For some the issue is the planning itself. (You won't catch me posting on the DIS at midnight Eastern!).

For others, it's the fact that once they arrive they have a schedule to keep.

 

[Sharpdisney]

I joined this forum several months ago, and I've really enjoyed reading a lot of things to educate myself. Planning this trip was pretty overwhelming for me since I'd never been before. I had to do the most basic research in order to just get started, and forums like this, and other disney sites really helped.

I learned when to go (can take a kid out of school now, and would rather low crowds, so we picked late Feb.); where to stay (best choice for us ended up being POP); how long to stay (probably our only trip, so we'll be there 7 nights, 6 park days). So to me, that is the most basic research I had to do in order to just plan a vacation. I'd do that for any trip. I wouldn't just say, book a trip to Italy for 5 days, randomly picking a city, and just go maybe on a Wednesday in July. I'd check out if it was cheaper to go on Saturday, better weather in January, etc. Who doesn't do that basic level of research before a trip?

For those of you that don't like planning like this, you know where I have had a great time with NO planning at all, other than booking flights I could afford? An all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico. Where I did nothing but lay on my rear, get tan, and drink all day and night. It was great. I was very relaxed, and I love those vacations. If you dislike planning, I highly recommend it!!! I think Disney is different, don't you?

Forums like this helped me learn about lots of other research and preparations I could do to make my trip even better. I chose to read the tips, and take the advice to plan which parks to go to on which days, and then chose my restaurants and book my ADRs at 180 days, and then make a general touring plan so I could pick my FP+ at 60 days. I guess I didn't have to do that. But I really wanted too, once I knew it was available to me, since it seemed like it would help my family have a smoother vacation in a place none of us had ever been before, that was so large, overwhelming, and with so many choices.

But I'll say - I'm so glad I am leaving in 48 days, because of these types of conversations. There is just so much negativity and back-and-forth about old versus new, same lame rides, is Universal better, blah blah. I am excited to come back and report on my trip with some tips to see if it helps other first time visitors like me. And then I'll move on from these boards. It gets draining. I know some will say I don't have to read them, and you are right, but I at least open some of them to see what I can learn, and when I see it traveling down this rabbit hole, I avoid them.

To the OP - of course I am new and I don't "know any better", but I congratulate you and agree you had success. Like you I was happy to spend an hour to smooth things for my family trip. If others replied and said the fact that you had to waste your time was ridiculous, well, sorry, I disagree with those folks. I think separating from your family as soon as you enter the park to be a "runner" for paper FP's all over the park is really dumb. I also think my group would get pretty tired of walking across the park to a ride, finding the line was too long, getting a FP for later, walking to some other place, then turning around later and walking back. I think that is dumb too. Maybe it worked at one time, but I think that was when they "didn't know any better", too!

And finally, again, I know I am brand new, and I totally respect people who have been going and enjoying Disney for many years and many visits, and have seen changes that worked and didn't... but seriously, things change people. Get with the times and get over it already. You know what, when I was 16, gas was 99 cents. Awesome! Life back then was so much better than it is now! Oh wait, I also didn't have an ipod, or a cell phone, or other new things. And hundreds of years ago? Wasn't it fabulous that food was all homemade, extended families lived together, and there was no pollution from cars? Perfect! Oh wait, there wasn't indoor plumbing, bummer. So I think I feel as if things change, for better or worse, and we just need to adapt.

Or go to the all-inclusive... Mexico and Jamaica are fabulous - trust me.

 

[Laketravis]

....we just need to adapt.

Oh. Okay. In other words, we need to get used to feeling screwed. We need to accept the fact that we are going to pay more for less. And we need to be happy about that.

I'm with you on the all-inclusive caribbean getaways. Unfortunately, my DS9 can't drink and wouldn't be content laying on his rear all day in a pool being used as a toilet by drunk guests.

I see two distinct groups voicing their opinions. The first group tends to be a more casual, older (almost senior) frequent visitor demographic often without young children who consider the ability to reserve 3 activities per day a godsend because they like to sleep late, they aren't much into "rides" and can find many other things to keep themselves occupied. Like naps. Or bar-hopping. Or dining. Or golf. Or shopping. Or sitting on a bench people watching.

Then there is the second group, who's demographics typically consist of younger couples with younger children. They have to save the coin for a trip like Disney and they aren't able to go during less-crowded times. They seem to be looked upon as "only interested in rides or coasters" yet this demographic constitutes a much larger segment for Disney, and they don't seem to be very happy with the increased amount of planning for much less in return.

Over time, I do believe that second group is going to have a much greater impact on positive change at WDW.

 

[estherhead]

Oh. Okay. In other words, we need to get used to feeling screwed. We need to accept the fact that we are going to pay more for less. And we need to be happy about that. I'm with you on the all-inclusive caribbean getaways. Unfortunately, my DS9 can't drink and wouldn't be content laying on his rear all day in a pool being used as a toilet by drunk guests. I see two distinct groups voicing their opinions. The first group tends to be a more casual, older (almost senior) frequent visitor demographic often without young children who consider the ability to reserve 3 activities per day a godsend because they aren't much into "rides" and can find many other things to keep themselves occupied. Like naps. Or bar-hopping. Or dining. Or golf. Or shopping. Or sitting on a bench people watching. Then there is the second group, who's demographics typically consist of younger couples with younger children. They seem to be looked upon as "only interested in rides or coasters" yet this demographic constitutes a much larger segment for Disney, and they don't seem to be very happy with the increased amount of planning for much less in return. Over time, I do believe that second group is going to have a much greater impact on positive change at WDW.

I'm happy to have first timers with a new, non jaded perspective. Super welcome Sharpdisney!!! I hope you have the time of your life!

Also, I really like fp+ and my 7 kids I travel with are 7-18 and half boys.

I'm very happy with the planning. And I feel my teenagers are able to sleep in and keep teen hours better with fp+ than fp-.

I don't feel I'm paying more for less. If you do and you feel screwed than you shouldn't waste another second or dollar at Disney. I just took a vacation I didn't love (not Disney) and we as a family agreed to not use that company anymore. I told them via survey why. And that's it. No reason to just hang around continuing to use them but complaining constantly on the Internet.

As for Sharpdisney's comment about not having to read the negativity it really is so pervasive that I had to quit reading any fp+ threads before my last trip as it was emotionally exhausting. Once I tried to use the system I realized I didn't have all the info I'm used to because I didn't read the threads. So now I'm back to reading and participating before our next trip. I like helpful comments even when they are negative. I don't need "kool aid drinking" positivity comments only. But to say I like bar hopping and toilet pools because I say I like fp+ is clearly not helpful.

 

[mirak]

I'm not sure if it's a difference in life stage - I think it more comes down to personality. The hyper planner / control freak / super couponer / type As love this kind of stuff. They'll spend hours visiting message boards, reading the books, staying up until midnight to grab those coveted cherry ADRs and FP times, and it's an amazing "success story" when the planets align just right and they manage to get 4 individual fast passes to line for a golden 10 minute window.

Then there's everyone else.

I'm in a pretty good position to know because I sit squarely in the former camp. The difference is that I know I've got a problem and my neurosis is really annoying to everyone else. So I try to dial it back a notch. The FP planning process was kind of fun for me, but I can understand that it's a major PITA for most other people who just want to visit an amusement park.

The old FP system was much simpler and it worked great. The whole point of the system was to allow people to (a) first assess the length of the line, and (b) make a choice to come back later. Sure, there were the freaks that ignored short lines and snapped up FPs for later in the afternoon, but that problem could have been addressed by simply not activating the machines until wait times hit 30 minutes, etc.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

For some the issue is the planning itself. (You won't catch me posting on the DIS at midnight Eastern!).

For others, it's the fact that once they arrive they have a schedule to keep.

And the irony is that they spend more time posting complaints about it than it would take to hop on an app.

The various reasons why they don't like doing that are applied to anyone who dare posts a positive experience. It's like their own negative thread posse is not enough. They have to pee in someone else's Cheerios. For rational adults, they would just move on to experiences more suitable. Perhaps they find personal reward in mocking and trashing the good experiences of others.

 

[mom2rtk]

And the irony is that they spend more time posting complaints about it than it would take to hop on an app.

The various reasons why they don't like doing that are applied to anyone who dare posts a positive experience. It's like their own negative thread posse is not enough. They have to pee in someone else's Cheerios. For rational adults, they would just move on to experiences more suitable. Perhaps they find personal reward in mocking and trashing the good experiences of others.

Feel better?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Feel better?

I'm not having an irrational need to prove the OP wrong. So feeling the same as I did before I responded to you.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm not having an irrational need to prove the OP wrong. So feeling the same as I did before I responded to you.

I was actually just curious if your cold was gone.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I was actually just curious if your cold was gone.

Oh-my bad.


Much better, thank you.

Residual cough, but I think that may also be due to allergies at this point.

 

[estherhead]

I was actually just curious if your cold was gone.

This shows just how much snarkiness is on this board. Even genuine interest and kindness is confusing.

Sorry you were sick Lisa Loves Pooh!

 

[Laketravis]

Oh-my bad.


Much better, thank you.

Residual cough, but I think that may also be due to allergies at this point.

I too remember that you weren't feeling well; glad the worst is over!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This shows just how much snarkiness is on this board. Even genuine interest and kindness is confusing.

Sorry you were sick Lisa Loves Pooh!

I too remember that you weren't feeling well; glad the worst is over!

Thanks!

Seems the ick was going around for Christmas--lots of folks local and then lots of folks back home.

Grateful it was just the cold and not the flu.

 

[Sharpdisney]

Oh. Okay. In other words, we need to get used to feeling screwed. We need to accept the fact that we are going to pay more for less. And we need to be happy about that.

Um, not quite. I just said adapt. I'm actually sorry that people feel screwed from the changes Disney made. I won't underestimate that at all, because I am new and I never got to see what it used to be like. And if it was a great system before and it worked well for you, I am really sorry that technology blew it, like it often does. (Like everytime my ipad "updates", that means a day of messed up internet!) Frustrating, so I can feel for others in that sense for sure.

But isn't it kind of silly to think anything will be exactly the way it was 5 or 10 or 15 years ago? Like my 99 cent gas, I sure wish it was, and I'm bummed it isn't that way. But, that's life. So, I can be bitter and ride a bike everywhere (unlikely, I live in the suburbs of the Motorcity...). Or, I figure out how to make it work for me.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I joined this forum several months ago, and I've really enjoyed reading a lot of things to educate myself. Planning this trip was pretty overwhelming for me since I'd never been before. I had to do the most basic research in order to just get started, and forums like this, and other disney sites really helped.

I'd do that for any trip. I wouldn't just say, book a trip to Italy for 5 days, randomly picking a city, and just go maybe on a Wednesday in July. I'd check out if it was cheaper to go on Saturday, better weather in January, etc. Who doesn't do that basic level of research before a trip?

We're sad because it didn't used to be that way. going to WDW was fun, not overwhelming.

Funny you mention Italy, of all places. Some years ago, I took a trip to Europe. Long story short, we spontaneously drove to Germany and Italy!
We had a blast! Verona was among our best stops! The guidebooks consider it a non-stop, but we saw an absolutely breathtaking performance there- completely unplanned. So um, no. I don't think planning trips down to every detail is the only good way to vacation. Some of my best travel have happened when I simply got in the car and started driving! That's the kind of travel I like best.

Adventure and Exploration is truly the American Way. What has happened to us? We used to celebrate adventure! We used to celebrate the idea that Columbus, flawed as he was, hopped on a ship to find the unexpected! thousands of folks packed up and moved out west with no idea what was in store.

Look around Disney World, original Disney World at least, it boasts place names like "Adventureland" and "Discovery Island." There's a whole island devoted to the ADVENTURES of Tom Sawyer, and "The American Adventure." Call me stuck in the past, but most of WDW was dedicated to discovering and dreaming and exploring.

In short, Disney inspired guests to think bigger, to be open minded.

In my mind, the loss isn't measured in minutes, it is a far more profound loss of purpose. The bean counters have destroyed Disney World's core purpose. They've destroyed the thing that set WDW apart. They've destroyed the reason WHY so many of us have been going to WDW for 40+ years.

Even though we went to WDW once a year, there was always something new and exciting to discover. It was always fresh, always sparkling clean, always had customer service that exceeded my expectations. I can't count all the amazing staff we've met over the years. for years the excellent WDW staff took pride in giving guests unexpected extras!

I feel sad for first time visitors, because they aren't going to see the place I used to love. Their kids aren't going to know the fun of having Minnie WALK UP TO THEM as I did. They aren't going to know the fun of having a spontaneous invitation to wake up Tinkerbell. Or being picked randomly from the audience to be the star of the show.

No, everything is preplanned, prebooked and pre-paid now. It is just so sad folks are even pre-paying for spots to watch the fireworks!

Truly, it means Disney has lost it's way.