My Magic+ and DVC stays

[keishashadow]

Okay, I'm old enough to have been through a lot of changes at Disney parks and I'm predicting that MDE, at least in this original form, will fail. And I am also quick to point out that I've also been wrong about a lot of things in my lifetime.

It's not even that I WANT it to fail but something in my gut just says that, on several levels, this is not something the general public is going to invest time and effort in.

For the first time in MY Disney loving avocation I feel as if I'm being pushed around and I find myself questioning things I never questioned before.

That being said, we have more trips planned in the next couple of years than ever before. I promise myself that, if I prove to be wrong, and end up loving and using the system as does the majority of Disney fandom, I'll come back here and eat crow.

This is also the first time we've ever discussed selling our DVC timeshare after our trips are done, too.

And, keishashadow, I am certain about that two year window on the AP because we were hoping to pocket it for future use, too. I think you're right.

Auntie Peep
who STILL is not bright enough to get rid of the below mess

good to hear

 

[Chuck S]

I don't want it to fail, it is a pretty expensive system to install, I'd guess. But I'm skeptical. If they fully integrate the system to include all the Disney info on the wristband, like ALL the discounts (TiW, DVC, AP) and so forth...and have the info transfer to the cash registers automatically, I think it will be a good thing. Plus the individual tracking, if a child gets lost maybe the radio wrist bank can locate them...would be a big relief to the parents. But I'm still skeptical as to what will actually happen and how many glitches are in the system at roll out. And I really don't think I'll like scheduling ride times in advance...I'm just not a big advance planner, other than a couple of ADRs per trip.

I mean, it really makes little sense to have an AP encoded onto the wristband for park entry and fastpasses, but still have to carry the card around for any discounts, etc.

But, let's wait and see what happens, they may work out the bugs just fine by full launch.

 

[erionm]

I mean, it really makes little sense to have an AP encoded onto the wristband for park entry and fastpasses, but still have to carry the card around for any discounts, etc.

Based on the Disney Park Experience Terms &Condidtions, that's what has to be done.

Once available, you may convert certain paper tickets or passes to a paperless ticket or pass in the Site/App. Once converted, your ticket or pass park admission entitlements are stored in your account and fulfilled by an RF Device. The paper ticket or pass becomes void and is no longer valid for admission. However, you may want to keep your paper ticket or pass in the event you do not receive your RF Device before your visit or if you are a passholder you should keep your paper pass for validation of other passholder benefits.

See section titled 'CONVERTING TO PAPERLESS TICKETS':
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/media/park-experience-terms-and-conditions.html

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I don't know how much of the system was rolled out in early January but the regular fp system worked better than I had ever seen it work. A lot of rides had a 30 minute wait and a 40 minute fast pass return. We used the fastpasses mainly because I have foot issues, but many were just going to the standby line.

For instance, we got a buzz lightyear fp, rode the TTA and watched Carousel of Progress, and maybe went to the restroom and then walked on buzz. Fantastic!

 

[jekjones1558]

I will withhold judgment until I have tried the new system myself, but it is hard for me to believe that I will like pre-scheduling rides. We already don't do dining ADRs because I dislike planning months ahead what and when we will eat. Maybe it is just because I have spent so much of my life as a teacher who has to plan every minute of every day. I DON'T want to do the same thing with vacation time.

 

[Mike2023]

Okay, I'm old enough to have been through a lot of changes at Disney parks and I'm predicting that MDE, at least in this original form, will fail. And I am also quick to point out that I've also been wrong about a lot of things in my lifetime.

It's not even that I WANT it to fail but something in my gut just says that, on several levels, this is not something the general public is going to invest time and effort in.

For the first time in MY Disney loving avocation I feel as if I'm being pushed around and I find myself questioning things I never questioned before.

That being said, we have more trips planned in the next couple of years than ever before. I promise myself that, if I prove to be wrong, and end up loving and using the system as does the majority of Disney fandom, I'll come back here and eat crow.

This is also the first time we've ever discussed selling our DVC timeshare after our trips are done, too.

And, keishashadow, I am certain about that two year window on the AP because we were hoping to pocket it for future use, too. I think you're right.

Auntie Peep
who STILL is not bright enough to get rid of the below mess

What would you consider a failure?

I can't think of anything that could happen that would cause this to be labelled a failure other then Disney saying oops and scraps the idea and goes back to the way things where 3 years ago. We know thats not going to happen.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We were in the trial of Pre planning fast passes. I commented to Disney that they did not explain it very well to me. I asked at check in at OKW and the CM could not help us. I did find someone at DHS who did help, but we never used any at MK. The good thing was getting to DHS at 11 and being able to get on TSMWM right away!

Our PAPs were bought & activated in December. Some here have mentioned (a different thread) a letter or token surprise. We have gotten nothing in the mail associated with the DVC PAPs.

For me, now, going to WDW is about the resort, a few rides or attractions, and enjoying some meals at on site restaurants. If this plan allows me to book those few things ahead of time, I will. Please, Disney, explain it so I understand!

Bobbi

 

[bjakmom]

This would be different from way things have worked in the past. I can't see that Disney could institute a change in terms or suddenly add a use-by date to tickets that were sold as open-ended for the first date of use. If they do try it, they should be called out imo.

I purchased 'regular' APs (via will-call numbers vs paper vouchers) in the summer of '11 before that year's price increase with the intention of stockpiling them. We still have non-expiry tix on hand.

Note that I specifically asked when i purchased the set of APs in '11 if there was a 'use-by/activation date' and was told there was not.

When i purchased the discounted PAPs past December I verified the original set of APs were still waiting for me to pick them up. The CM stated it's not uncommon for guests to have multiples on file.

I also have an AP (DVC) exchange certificate that I have not used - I ordered mine in 2009. When I read these posts I panicked and got out my certificate and all the paperwork that came with it. NOwhere does it say anything about a use-by date and I was clearly told when I ordered it that it would not expire until one year from the date I turned it in for the actual AP - no matter when that was. I can't imagine that they can hold me to a two year limit if it is not anywhere on the certificate or in the paperwork! Right?!

 

[keishashadow]

I also have an AP (DVC) exchange certificate that I have not used - I ordered mine in 2009. When I read these posts I panicked and got out my certificate and all the paperwork that came with it. NOwhere does it say anything about a use-by date and I was clearly told when I ordered it that it would not expire until one year from the date I turned it in for the actual AP - no matter when that was. I can't imagine that they can hold me to a two year limit if it is not anywhere on the certificate or in the paperwork! Right?!

it's disney's show, but would think even if they do insitute a use-by date on AP vouchers that they'd grandfather in the old ones floating around.

When I saw that the DVC PAP offer had a date stated to activate, combined with the non-expiry ticket being removed for purchase from the website; figured (and I have absolutely no inside information) that they'd likely start doing the same for all ticket media.

 

[erionm]

it's disney's show, but would think even if they do insitute a use-by date on AP vouchers that they'd grandfather in the old ones floating around.

When I saw that the DVC PAP offer had a date stated to activate, combined with the non-expiry ticket being removed for purchase from the website; figured (and I have absolutely no inside information) that they'd likely start doing the same for all ticket media.

The DVC PAP was a limited time promo so it makes sense that they would put an expiration date on the vouchers. Since they are now only selling the no expire option by phone and on-site does not make be believe that Disney is going to make wholesale changes to expiration dates on AP vouchers.

 

[bcrook]

The DVC PAP was a limited time promo so it makes sense that they would put an expiration date on the vouchers. Since they are now only selling the no expire option by phone and on-site does not make be believe that Disney is going to make wholesale changes to expiration dates on AP vouchers.

It sure looks like Disney is getting closer to trying dynamic pricing throughout the year. The first step would be to clean up all the old tickets that are floating out there.

 

[Scotch]

It sure looks like Disney is getting closer to trying dynamic pricing throughout the year. The first step would be to clean up all the old tickets that are floating out there.

Other folks have mentioned this speculation re dynamic pricing, but I don't understand where it comes from? Did some Disney insider reveal this?

 

[Doug7856]

Other folks have mentioned this speculation re dynamic pricing, but I don't understand where it comes from? Did some Disney insider reveal this?

There was a recent "Theme Park Expo" conference that prominently discussed the concept and there has been a lot of speculation that Disney may try something like this. I believe in reality they already do this with the various extra charge parties.

 

[ppjluvsdvc]

What is "dynamic pricing?"

 

[Mike2023]

What is "dynamic pricing?"

Prices would change throughout the year to reflect the demand for the ticket. So a day pass during christmas week could cost 20% more then a ticket in February.

 

[bcrook]

Prices would change throughout the year to reflect the demand for the ticket. So a day pass during christmas week could cost 20% more then a ticket in February.

Or it could even cost more on the weekend versus weekdays. Can you imagine the up-charge they could get on those Friday and Saturday nights during Food and Wine?

I wonder if they could even make it different park to park? Epcot charged more for F&W versus cheaper ticket at Animal Kingdom. Hopefully that doesn't happen.

Here is the Sentinel story.

 

[Mike2023]

Or it could even cost more on the weekend versus weekdays. Can you imagine the up-charge they could get on those Friday and Saturday nights during Food and Wine?

I wonder if they could even make it different park to park? Epcot charged more for F&W versus cheaper ticket at Animal Kingdom. Hopefully that doesn't happen.

Here is the Sentinel story.

Thats a scary thought. But you know they would decrease the price of the tickets on the low days. ya right