My FP+ success story ..

[NEV2OLD4DIS]

too!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

However, if the current system left me largely unhappy with my experience, that does not make me a bad guy or part of anyone's posse.

My first response in this thread was to someone who said the new system made them realize how stale WDW has become. I thought that was a novel way to express something I've been trying to express in other threads on this topic. Mostly, I just feel Disney has kind of lost their way.

To see it another way I suppose is for me to express one of the main reasons DVC doesn't appeal. Non-DVC, going to WDW is a choice I make each trip. With DVC, I'd feel compelled to go to WDW. Freedom of choice makes all the difference.

I don't mean to be overblown, but it goes right to the core of what it means to be American. We value freedom of choice. We founded our nation on that idea. May I suggest a re-reading of Tom Sawyer before your next trip to the island that's in the heart of MK?

And really, even the folks who say they LIKE the new system almost universally admit they encountered some glitch along the way. That's the second part that SO un-Disney.

When did Disney get so sloppy? Not so long ago, Disney took pride in being the best. They were superior because they paid attention to detail! If what they wanted didn't exist- they created it! Animatronics, linear induction motors (WEDway people mover). Imagineers!

Aren't we listening any more? What about Iger? Or is he so caught up in greed that he doesn't care about the product any more?

I sometimes wonder if we are all visiting the same place.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, really. My first response in this thread was to someone who said the new system made them realize how stale WDW has become. I thought that was a novel way to express something I've been trying to express in other threads on this topic.

To see it another way I suppose is for me to express one of the main reasons DVC doesn't appeal. Non-DVC, going to WDW is a choice I make each trip. With DVC, I'd feel compelled to go to WDW. Freedom of choice makes all the difference.

I don't mean to be overblown, but it goes right to the core of what it means to be American. We value freedom of choice. (Clockwork Orange is a favorite book of mine) I mean we founded our nation on that idea. May I suggest a re-reading of Tom Sawyer before your next trip to the island that's in the heart of MK?

And really, even the folks who say they LIKE the new system almost universally admit they encountered some glitch along the way. That's the second part that SO un-Disney.

When did Disney get so sloppy? Not so long ago, Disney took pride in being the best. They were superior because they paid attention to detail! If what they wanted didn't exist- they created it! Animatronics, linear induction motors (WEDway people mover). THAT was the original message of the Imagination pavilion! Imagineers!

Aren't we listening any more?

I sometimes wonder if we are all visiting the same place.

It's just that we have different styles of touring that works for us. Those who are planners and park goers (regardless of RD or not, fast pace or not) flexible in their schedule and situation, are largely happy with the current system. Those who don't like the advance planning, being on a schedule, or have family members who need to be scheduled around, and just like to wing it, not so much. I think it is hard to be spontaneous any more, but I'm not sure it's because of fp+ as much as it is about the crowds. I do think when it's as crowded as it has been the last couple of months, the new fp+ system helps, and if my family liked being on a schedule, we would have embraced the new system as others have. There's nothing wrong with either; it's ok to be happy with it because it suits your touring style, and it's equally ok to be unhappy because it doesn't.
I really feel for the clueless who have no idea about what planning it takes to enhance their Disney experience. I have a lot of people I assist with making ADRs and fp selections. They're all so grateful, but they really had no idea what goes into working towards a successful Disney vacation. They naively believed they could just show up, buy tickets, and wander through the parks, trying to figure out what to do. They can, but their vacation can be so much better with just a little planning. I think the problem with my family is that we've been going so long that we are used to being able to just show up at a park and walk in to attractions and restaurants, because that's what we've always done. Having to know where we're going to be, what we're going to do (and at what time) as well as where we're going to eat months or weeks before we get there just drives us nuts. Fp doesn't create that, but it doesn't help that either. Nothing does. I also think larger crowds, more people with fast passes, and less attractions contributes to longer waits, which doesn't bother us that much, just the time loss does. I have said that if I go again (and I probably will, if for no other reason than to test my plan), that I will not make reservations, and maybe only 6 or 7 fps for the whole week.

 

[Ladcassidy]

That is a really good point. I see a lot of complaints about difficulty getting FP+, staying up till midnight, etc. I forgot about this group. Now I can see how those types of people too don't love this system. If you have a life before your vacation, you are working hard and sticking to a schedule all the time; and this should be your time off. I agree!!! I am not thrilled about having a schedule to keep either. I plan to try to wake my family up early two days on vacation! Not sure they'll love that! I hope they will want to, so that they can enjoy the things I have planned. But where I need to stop myself (and I promise that I will!!!) is... so what if they don't want to wake up? Really? So what? I miss the Welcome Show? Ok, bummer. I might even miss the first 5 rope drop rides I'm hoping to try. Well, rats. But, by say 10:30, we will still be walking into the Magic Kingdom as a family, for the first time. How cool. What if my son wants to meet Talking Mickey at 11 am, with a 30 minute wait, and ruin my Peter Pan FP+? Well, gee, why not meet Mickey? So, I don't really see how I ABSOLUTELY HAVE to keep to a schedule. I'll do the best I can. I'd rather not miss an ADR due to the no-show penalty, but once a day I'm sure we can all plan to get one place on time. Roll with the rest. It's not like you have a shock collar on to zap you if you miss your 7DMT time!!! Another thing I remember reading, and I'm sure it was here on the DIS... a family went to Cedar Point or some other coaster park like that, and it made them really appreciate Disney (number of rides they could get on, cost of food, friendliness of staff). Last summer we went to Cedar Point for the day. I think they have something you can buy to bipass lines or make them shorter or something; we didn't get that as it was a free work trip. So, we waited in the sun for a few rides. Lines were long, rides were short. My husband wanted a thrill ride, so he went without me and DS, so the family was split. I didn't know where things were and walked around alot. We ended up at the kiddie bumper cars for maybe two hours. My point is, if I had planned, and had either paid or had access to their pass system, I probably would have had more fun, but I might have had a "plan" or schedule for my day that I had to stick too. So you play it by ear at any park, and you will wait and miss things, but you'll do so at your own discretion. If you plan ahead at any park, you'll get to the items on your list, but you are bound by some schedule. So just pick which you want to do and go with it; no right or wrong way. But my point is I think that you will need to plan, and then adhere to the plan; or fly by the seat of your pants and miss or wait for things, no matter where you go. Just a thought!

This is how we approach Disney, and it's super. Don't forget that you can change most FP+s and even ADRs mid-vacation. Most evenings on our trip I pull out my iPad and see whether I need to make adjustments for the next day. FP+ changes can be made in the park, when you find that your schedule changes.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I like to think of my planning - at least my ideal planning- as effective strategy rather than planning. A plan only works in a specific place. A good strategy can be applied to any popular destination.

So if I visit a park, often the ads tell me which attraction is going to have the longest line. Afternoon is probably bad time to hit that queue.

I have also learned from visiting WDW that Americans love eating lunch at noon. I can use that to my advantage any where in the USA.

Oh, here's a better nugget...if the big show lets out...don't go to the nearest lady's room, unless you like a long line. Walk an extra 200 feet, and you'll find a bathroom with no line.

*****

I agree with you about the preplanned dining. I can decide which 3 FP I'd like and good times in less than a minute. My biggest peeve is also the rigidity of the current dining. It shouldn't be so much work to eat lunch!

Look at Crystal Palace on almost any given day, and you'll see a long line of folks who did the preplanning- and made those ADR's - and are STILL being made to wait well pas their designated time slot.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Facetious question.

Yesterday afternoon, in less than 90 seconds, I booked FP+ for 6 for Mine train 30 days out (Friday). Did spend another 30 seconds to see if it could be changed for time and it could not. But it is for the decent hour of 7:05pm.

This morning--saw all the negativity this morning, hopped on and booked FP+ for 4 (2 in my party are unavailable) for Mine Train. It did kick our a late time (8:45). Spent another 30 seconds to change time and there were several options available. Since I don't know when daughters' rehearsal ends, as chose 5:25. But there was a 4ish time slot and about 5 or 6 choices after that time slot.

It took me longer to write this post.

Did try OPs technique over the last two days. I did secure 4 or 5 mine train slots (different times) for 2 weeks out. But have to abandon that plan anyway as we have a conflict I forgot about and we cannot go. So it will have to be an unfinished cliff hanger.

But hey--trying seems more productive than convincing others to join folks down the negativity path. This is not the same as having a bad opinion or experience. But when you plague a thread with your experiences, opinions, snark, and hey universal is better-oh wait wrong thread posts to derail from the success of the first post, well--what was your goal that could not be fulfilled In the other threads of negative or "give me your thoughts" threads?

But hey--look at me--10 FP+'s over 2 days at 30 days out for Mine Train!

 

[Sharpdisney]

So many neat comments in this thread, but since I am dumb and new, I don't know to quote more than one!!! I'll improvise.

I think it is hard to be spontaneous any more, but I'm not sure it's because of fp+ as much as it is about the crowds.

That makes a lot of sense to me. We are lucky enough to go when we can take DS out of school, but so many can't and I can see how that makes summer and holidays so busy there.

From Mickeyluv'r:
"I like to think of my planning - at least my ideal planning- as effective strategy rather than planning."

I love that term. I am going to use that now!

And whoever said that somehow this all ties into WDW seeming "stale", that is confusing to me. I am SO overwhelmed with going there - so much to see and do, so much to buy, so many shows, rides, events, DTD, water parks, roaming musicians, special events. Wow, in a week maybe we'll see 5%? It sure doesn't seem stale to a new person. If it is feels stale, maybe just take a little break for a year or two and try some other vacations. Then when you come back, either there might be some new rides or shows or restaurants, or maybe you'll be amused to see old favorites? Maybe after so many visits you really have seen it all, and time for a little breather, change things up? I don't know, just an idea.

As for Disney being the best, that is what I have always heard to. At the hospital where I work, we have frequent seminars on "If Disney Ran Your Hospital" to emphasize customer service, positive attitudes, and creativity to solve problems. I hope at least some of those values are really at WDW too!

 

[mom2rtk]

I like to think of my planning - at least my ideal planning- as effective strategy rather than planning. A plan only works in a specific place. A good strategy can be applied to any popular destination.

That's how I've felt about it for years. I've referred to mine as "research", but it's the same thing. I want to have all the available information in my head, but then once we are there, I prefer to make all my decisions on the fly, adjusting to the conditions presented to me THAT DAY.

 

[SmithSmith]

Facetious question.

Yesterday afternoon, in less than 90 seconds, I booked FP+ for 6 for Mine train 30 days out (Friday). Did spend another 30 seconds to see if it could be changed for time and it could not. But it is for the decent hour of 7:05pm.

This morning--saw all the negativity this morning, hopped on and booked FP+ for 4 (2 in my party are unavailable) for Mine Train. It did kick our a late time (8:45). Spent another 30 seconds to change time and there were several options available. Since I don't know when daughters' rehearsal ends, as chose 5:25. But there was a 4ish time slot and about 5 or 6 choices after that time slot.

It took me longer to write this post.

Did try OPs technique over the last two days. I did secure 4 or 5 mine train slots (different times) for 2 weeks out. But have to abandon that plan anyway as we have a conflict I forgot about and we cannot go. So it will have to be an unfinished cliff hanger.

But hey--trying seems more productive than convincing others to join folks down the negativity path. This is not the same as having a bad opinion or experience. But when you plague a thread with your experiences, opinions, snark, and hey universal is better-oh wait wrong thread posts to derail from the success of the first post, well--what was your goal that could not be fulfilled In the other threads of negative or "give me your thoughts" threads?

But hey--look at me--10 FP+'s over 2 days at 30 days out for Mine Train!

BEST... POST... EVER!

 

[Laketravis]

Gotta hand it to Disney - they've pulled off an almost Pavlovian feat; causing some to feel simply victorious because they were able to reserve a trivial treat in advance and then boast of how their articulations only took X amount of time and resulted in success.

McDonald's must surely be watching this entire experiment with keen interest, in hopes of rolling out a mobile app so that customers can place an order of fries weeks in advance, arrive at the drive-thru during the proper time window to pick them up, and thus enjoy the manufactured satisfaction of the process as much as the actual end result.

That is one smart Mouse.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

This is how we approach Disney, and it's super. Don't forget that you can change most FP+s and even ADRs mid-vacation. Most evenings on our trip I pull out my iPad and see whether I need to make adjustments for the next day. FP+ changes can be made in the park, when you find that your schedule changes.

Now things have changed frequently in the last year, but that was not the case last April. IT was advertised that guests could change FP times, but the only way to do it was via the kiosks. Again, I'm sure there are times when the line is not long, but often it is.

The idea of waiting in a line, to change a FP or obtain a 4th one, is kind of absurd.

You can change ADRS, but only the day before. Keep in mind, that I often go to WDW with extended family. For a party of 8+, changing ADR's is a challenge. Missing one is expensive. I probably wouldn't worry much about a $10 flat fee, but $80 for a meal we don't eat, is a bit more of a concern.

I suppose that too should be put in context. I am the one who books stuff for my family. I can tell them about the no show fee, but that doesn't always fully gel. From our hotel room they will still say things like, "I'm not sure I feel like going back to Epcot (WS) tonight. Can't we just eat here instead?" Or, "I'd be happy to have a burger in the food court instead of a another buffet. I'm just not that hungry, and I'm not eager to spend another $40 on food I'm not going to eat." And those statements are the reason I stopped booking trip for them, at least under the current system.

 

[mom2rtk]

Gotta hand it to Disney - they've pulled off an almost Pavlovian feat; causing some to feel simply victorious because they were able to reserve a trivial treat in advance and then boast of how their articulations only took X amount of time and resulted in success.

McDonald's must surely be watching this entire experiment with keen interest, in hopes of rolling out a mobile app so that customers can place an order of fries weeks in advance, arrive at the drive-thru during the proper time window to pick them up, and thus enjoy the manufactured satisfaction of the process as much as the actual end result.

That is one smart Mouse.

BINGO!

I can't help but think that every time I read one of those posts. It's just nuts.

 

[Suvadoo]

So many neat comments in this thread, but since I am dumb and new, I don't know to quote more than one!!! I'll improvise.



That makes a lot of sense to me. We are lucky enough to go when we can take DS out of school, but so many can't and I can see how that makes summer and holidays so busy there.

From Mickeyluv'r:
"I like to think of my planning - at least my ideal planning- as effective strategy rather than planning."

I love that term. I am going to use that now!

And whoever said that somehow this all ties into WDW seeming "stale", that is confusing to me. I am SO overwhelmed with going there - so much to see and do, so much to buy, so many shows, rides, events, DTD, water parks, roaming musicians, special events. Wow, in a week maybe we'll see 5%? It sure doesn't seem stale to a new person. If it is feels stale, maybe just take a little break for a year or two and try some other vacations. Then when you come back, either there might be some new rides or shows or restaurants, or maybe you'll be amused to see old favorites? Maybe after so many visits you really have seen it all, and time for a little breather, change things up? I don't know, just an idea.
As for Disney being the best, that is what I have always heard to. At the hospital where I work, we have frequent seminars on "If Disney Ran Your Hospital" to emphasize customer service, positive attitudes, and creativity to solve problems. I hope at least some of those values are really at WDW too!

I'm actually the one you are addressing about making the remark that WDW seemed stale. But you seemed to just latch on to this one statment and take it out of context. I was talking about reserving FP+ for attractions and looking at my options. Please go through and look at the post again.

Additionally, this is the 2nd time you have suggested in a, albeit, veiled manner that if someone doesn't like what's happening at WDW they should go elsewhere for their vacation. In an earlier post, you suggested an all inclusive destination. Well, I have a suggestion for you, please stop handing out unsolicited vacation advice.

 

[wisblue]

Some people sem to be forgetting that posts like this are not so much a proclamation of victory as they are a response to the constant drumbeat that you can't get FPs for anything good except at midnight 60 days out.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Gotta hand it to Disney - they've pulled off an almost Pavlovian feat; causing some to feel simply victorious because they were able to reserve a trivial treat in advance and then boast of how their articulations only took X amount of time and resulted in success.

McDonald's must surely be watching this entire experiment with keen interest, in hopes of rolling out a mobile app so that customers can place an order of fries weeks in advance, arrive at the drive-thru during the proper time window to pick them up, and thus enjoy the manufactured satisfaction of the process as much as the actual end result.

That is one smart Mouse.

Give it a rest.

Enjoy Universal.

 

[SmithSmith]

Gotta hand it to Disney - they've pulled off an almost Pavlovian feat; causing some to feel simply victorious because they were able to reserve a trivial treat in advance and then boast of how their articulations only took X amount of time and resulted in success.

McDonald's must surely be watching this entire experiment with keen interest, in hopes of rolling out a mobile app so that customers can place an order of fries weeks in advance, arrive at the drive-thru during the proper time window to pick them up, and thus enjoy the manufactured satisfaction of the process as much as the actual end result.

That is one smart Mouse.

Yeah... you missed the point entirely.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

BINGO!

I can't help but think that every time I read one of those posts. It's just nuts.

Gotta hand it to universal. They are so awesome, that the only way to convince others how awesome they are, folks have to post on a positive thread about a product offered by another company and condemn it at every turn.

It is indeed comical.

 

[BugsDaddy]

Some people sem to be forgetting that posts like this are not so much a proclamation of victory as they are a response to the constant drumbeat that you can't get FPs for anything good except at midnight 60 days out.

You are exactly right. I don't disagree that FP+ may not work for everyone but some of the posters that do not like it have gone way beyond just stating their opinion into intentionally misleading people (mostly newbies) who may have legitimate questions. Personally, I think these people need to start being publicly called out.

 

[SmithSmith]

BINGO!

I can't help but think that every time I read one of those posts. It's just nuts.

More nuts than publicly bashing a system one has never tried before?

 

[SmithSmith]

You are exactly right. I don't disagree that FP+ may not work for everyone but some of the posters that do not like it have gone way beyond just stating their opinion into intentionally misleading people (mostly newbies) who may have legitimate questions. Personally, I think these people need to start being publicly called out.

Agreed!

How many times have you read "well I was reading about FP+ on the Disboards and got stressed..."?