F-ing brillant! Conspiracy Theorist .
My Un-magical FP+ Experience...
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F-ing brillant! Conspiracy Theorist .
maddhatir
DIS Legend
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I think the one problem most of the "haters" of FP+ have is just the word.... PLAN. ugh.
DH and I wing it. Planning ADRs is too much for us. We rarely get FPs b/c we don't even know if we will be IN the park when it's time to use the FP. We don't set an alarm. We don't do rope drop. We just....go.
My guess is, the people who don't understand why some complain about the new system is probably b/c they never winged their vacation.
DH and I wing it. Planning ADRs is too much for us. We rarely get FPs b/c we don't even know if we will be IN the park when it's time to use the FP. We don't set an alarm. We don't do rope drop. We just....go.
My guess is, the people who don't understand why some complain about the new system is probably b/c they never winged their vacation.
Murron
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I've only reached page 5 of this thread, but you did strike a cord with me. Yes I am one of those "entitled" people who has been going to WDW since it opened with 50 plus under our belt, a legacy, and a whole bunch of DVC points. Whether it works for some people or not...so be it. I just gave up. Way, way too much work for me in planning family vacations...And I also tell people that as well. I can guarantee I've also stopped at least five families from their "magical trip". All I had to do was show them what they needed to plan in advance! They looked at me as if I was insane! We now use our DVC points in Hilton Head and Vero Beach. Our family gatherings are now in Atlantis or Viking River Cruises or other easier fun vacations. We are not afraid of change. We've been in a corporate workforce for many years with the adapt or die logo. We've adapted. We have our smart phones. We are very tech savy. etc etc And I could (and have twice this year) adapted to MDE as well....but as I said... way too much work and I'm not sure the effort is worth the time for those of us who have been there many times. I do love my Disney. I'll be back at some point. I actually understand their need to regulate the enormous amount of visitors they have to the park every day. This may be Plan A which might result in a better Plan B or C. While they work that all out, I'll sit on a beach in Vero.
We were in Orlando from Sept 24-Oct 10. We had 7 day PH tickets. We only used 5 days and blew off the last 2 days because it simply wasn't worth the amount of aggravation which is exactly what it felt like.
We had 2 days at Universal. We hadn't been to U for yrs and yrs since back when we tried it it wasn't that great. I could have gone back to U daily this trip and loved every minute of it. This is how I used to feel at D.
Aside from all the other problems with fp+ that we encountered I felt like I was working with appointments scheduled for everything. Even more disconcerting were the crazy lines for those things we didn't have fp+ for. This was low season. Most rides Im referring to have always been 10 min max and on, or walk on which is why we always went in low season. We never did rope drop, always arrived late morn, or early afternoon and ALWAYS got fp's for the things we wanted (in low season even Soarin was avail in the aft)
So just like the op we ended up with a choice of spending twice as much time in the park as we had to in all our previous trips or doing just a few rides each day. We chose to just use fp's with a few other essentials then we'd leave. I was not spending my day waiting in crazy lines for things like Pirates/small world/ etc. so I suppose we should be grateful l that we did end up with more free time then before....lol.
Don't get me wrong...we still had a great holiday but it was in spite of fp not because of it. It certainly took away from our enjoyment level and that frankly just makes me sad.
I realize for others it works and I think that's great. I don't expect D to change fp for us but I will without doubt change our plans in the future because of fp.
And for those who say "you'll be back", my answer is maybe, at some point we will. But we wont be as often nor for more than a day or 2 at a time which is significantly different than all of our previous trips . In May we'll be back in Orlando and for the first time we will not do Disney and only do Universal and if someone had told me that would happen even 2 yrs ago I would have told them they were nuts. And yes for US, and that is all I can speak for it is solely because of the "new and improved " fp system !
We had 2 days at Universal. We hadn't been to U for yrs and yrs since back when we tried it it wasn't that great. I could have gone back to U daily this trip and loved every minute of it. This is how I used to feel at D.
Aside from all the other problems with fp+ that we encountered I felt like I was working with appointments scheduled for everything. Even more disconcerting were the crazy lines for those things we didn't have fp+ for. This was low season. Most rides Im referring to have always been 10 min max and on, or walk on which is why we always went in low season. We never did rope drop, always arrived late morn, or early afternoon and ALWAYS got fp's for the things we wanted (in low season even Soarin was avail in the aft)
So just like the op we ended up with a choice of spending twice as much time in the park as we had to in all our previous trips or doing just a few rides each day. We chose to just use fp's with a few other essentials then we'd leave. I was not spending my day waiting in crazy lines for things like Pirates/small world/ etc. so I suppose we should be grateful l that we did end up with more free time then before....lol.
Don't get me wrong...we still had a great holiday but it was in spite of fp not because of it. It certainly took away from our enjoyment level and that frankly just makes me sad.
I realize for others it works and I think that's great. I don't expect D to change fp for us but I will without doubt change our plans in the future because of fp.
And for those who say "you'll be back", my answer is maybe, at some point we will. But we wont be as often nor for more than a day or 2 at a time which is significantly different than all of our previous trips . In May we'll be back in Orlando and for the first time we will not do Disney and only do Universal and if someone had told me that would happen even 2 yrs ago I would have told them they were nuts. And yes for US, and that is all I can speak for it is solely because of the "new and improved " fp system !
DisUniversal
DIS Veteran
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Wow..I've only prevented one un-"magical trip" so far, but...it was my only attempt so I'm 1 for 1. Not all bad for Disney though as my usual vacation recommendation is Universal Orlando with perhaps a side trip to Disney (either MK or Epcot...never those other two poor excuses for theme parks) for a day or a Disney Cruise.I've only reached page 5 of this thread, but you did strike a cord with me. Yes I am one of those "entitled" people who has been going to WDW since it opened with 50 plus under our belt, a legacy, and a whole bunch of DVC points. Whether it works for some people or not...so be it. I just gave up. Way, way too much work for me in planning family vacations...And I also tell people that as well. I can guarantee I've also stopped at least five families from their "magical trip". All I had to do was show them what they needed to plan in advance! They looked at me as if I was insane! We now use our DVC points in Hilton Head and Vero Beach. Our family gatherings are now in Atlantis or Viking River Cruises or other easier fun vacations. We are not afraid of change. We've been in a corporate workforce for many years with the adapt or die logo. We've adapted. We have our smart phones. We are very tech savy. etc etc And I could (and have twice this year) adapted to MDE as well....but as I said... way too much work and I'm not sure the effort is worth the time for those of us who have been there many times. I do love my Disney. I'll be back at some point. I actually understand their need to regulate the enormous amount of visitors they have to the park every day. This may be Plan A which might result in a better Plan B or C. While they work that all out, I'll sit on a beach in Vero.
Pre FP+, Is my family the only one that went to the bus stop in the morning and said Ok we get on the first bus that shows up? Those days are over and while not a major vacation highlight, it was part of what makes a vacation special. Along with giving FP away that you could not use or being given FP that other people could not use.
This is the 1st time in the ten years we have been regularly going to WDW that we had to "talk" ourselves into it. Last year we did not get to ride RNRC at all because we always chose TSM for rope drop and our FP+ (before the 4th FP was allowed).
I am not sure what our WDW future holds but I think FP+ is gamechanger that has changed our experience for the worse.
This is the 1st time in the ten years we have been regularly going to WDW that we had to "talk" ourselves into it. Last year we did not get to ride RNRC at all because we always chose TSM for rope drop and our FP+ (before the 4th FP was allowed).
I am not sure what our WDW future holds but I think FP+ is gamechanger that has changed our experience for the worse.
you forgot about the over 700,000 South American visitors to WDW a year!!!! They have surpassed the UK at a lower 700,000. So, if this keeps happening I guess the well won't run dry for visitors from other countries. I read this in another post with references to these figures on another site. Don't know for gospel if the exact quotes are correct, so don't flame me pleaseI know that wdw lets these tour groups get away with a lot of chanting and rude behavior. I hope wdw corrects this soon, cause we won't go when they are their. Just a thought! Oh, I also don't like fp but will wait for my final review after our trip in November
It's important to note that a weak dollar entices overseas visitors. If the dollar strengthens, the number of foreign visitors will probably diminish. At that point, an eroding domestic visitor base will be a major problem.
kaytieeldr
DIS Legend
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http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_ticket
"When Disneyland opened in 1955, visitors purchased an admission ticket to the park at the main gate booths and then purchased separate admission inside for each attraction. Less than three months after opening, Disney began selling "Value Books", each of which contained several of each coupon labeled "A" through "C", to supplement the pay-per-ride system. Attractions were then designated as "A", "B", or "C" attractions, and visitors needed to either purchase a specified coupon from a nearby booth or present the discount coupon book with the correct coupon attached. As determined by Disney, "A" attractions were the smallest or least popular, "B" attractions were more popular and/or more advanced, and "C" attractions were the most popular and/or most advanced.[1] In 1956, Disney introduced the "D" designation for the most popular attractions and upgraded several former "C" attractions including Jungle Cruise to "D".
In June 1959, amid the completion of Disneyland's first major expansion, Disney introduced the "E" designation for the park's most popular attractions and made the new Submarine Voyage, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Disneyland–Alweg Monorail "E" coupon attractions. Additionally, the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, Rocket to the Moon, Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules, Rainbow Mountain Stage Coaches, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island, and Jungle Cruise – all previously "D" rides – were upgraded to "E". "E" remained the highest attraction/coupon designation for over 20 years. Several "E" attractions were added throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In 1971 the coupon system was duplicated at the Magic Kingdom when it opened."
Goddesstree
Mouseketeer
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- Jun 24, 2013
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You all want to borrow my daughter? She can plan/book/line up FP+s based on multiple tour guides/charts, etc. It takes her one afternoon. Maybe she should start a business for those who find the planning too stressful?
We did an exploratory trip in August to try out FP+, last minute, and everything worked out great. I'm not too sure what all the fuss is about? We were able to make changes on the fly, got to ride everything we wanted to without any glitches in MDE, and really liked not having to be there at rope drop every day. We did do 2 RD days, and 2 late night EMHs, but we ran out of stuff to do in our 6 days at the parks. It was great to be able to ride Soarin' our first afternoon there - no way that would have happened without FP+.
I do agree that booking stuff 60 days out is weird, but you don't have to stick to those plans. We booked about two weeks before our trip, and there was plenty of stuff available, and the nonavailable stuff just became rope drop or late night rides.
I guess that if you have gone so many times it's hard to accept change? We've been a dozen times since the kids were born, and it's been a different experience each time. All great times, but different.
We did an exploratory trip in August to try out FP+, last minute, and everything worked out great. I'm not too sure what all the fuss is about? We were able to make changes on the fly, got to ride everything we wanted to without any glitches in MDE, and really liked not having to be there at rope drop every day. We did do 2 RD days, and 2 late night EMHs, but we ran out of stuff to do in our 6 days at the parks. It was great to be able to ride Soarin' our first afternoon there - no way that would have happened without FP+.
I do agree that booking stuff 60 days out is weird, but you don't have to stick to those plans. We booked about two weeks before our trip, and there was plenty of stuff available, and the nonavailable stuff just became rope drop or late night rides.
I guess that if you have gone so many times it's hard to accept change? We've been a dozen times since the kids were born, and it's been a different experience each time. All great times, but different.
wisblue
DIS Veteran
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It really surprises and saddens me that so many people who have made several, if not dozens of, trips to WDW are apparently proud of themselves for talking other families out of going just once.
I feel sorry for those children who have been deprived of the opportunity to experience for themselves the thrill of that first sight of the castle and the characters because someone convinced their parents that going to WDW requires too much planning.
Maybe some of the frequent visitors should consider that one of the reasons the magic is gone for them is that they have visited so often.
I feel sorry for those children who have been deprived of the opportunity to experience for themselves the thrill of that first sight of the castle and the characters because someone convinced their parents that going to WDW requires too much planning.
Maybe some of the frequent visitors should consider that one of the reasons the magic is gone for them is that they have visited so often.
delyrium
Mouseketeer
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And I guess the system's been out of use since 1982. No wonder I'm not familiar with it. I just took my first trip last year.*
*It was more magical than I ever could have hoped, BTW, and I had no trouble with FP+. But then, I'm a planner.
I've only reached page 5 of this thread, but you did strike a cord with me. Yes I am one of those "entitled" people who has been going to WDW since it opened with 50 plus under our belt, a legacy, and a whole bunch of DVC points. Whether it works for some people or not...so be it. I just gave up. Way, way too much work for me in planning family vacations...And I also tell people that as well. I can guarantee I've also stopped at least five families from their "magical trip". All I had to do was show them what they needed to plan in advance! They looked at me as if I was insane! We now use our DVC points in Hilton Head and Vero Beach. Our family gatherings are now in Atlantis or Viking River Cruises or other easier fun vacations. We are not afraid of change. We've been in a corporate workforce for many years with the adapt or die logo. We've adapted. We have our smart phones. We are very tech savy. etc etc And I could (and have twice this year) adapted to MDE as well....but as I said... way too much work and I'm not sure the effort is worth the time for those of us who have been there many times. I do love my Disney. I'll be back at some point. I actually understand their need to regulate the enormous amount of visitors they have to the park every day. This may be Plan A which might result in a better Plan B or C. While they work that all out, I'll sit on a beach in Vero.
Funny, a friend of mine recently reached out over social media about booking a WDW vacation. The usual message (I get quite a few) "Hey, we know how into WDW you are, we are looking to plan a trip and just wanted for you to give us some pointers ... etc etc."
So, I asked her the usual questions, how many going, how old/tall are the kids now etc, are they flexible with the time of year ...
Once we got all that figured out, it was on to ... ADRs .... 180 days, especially for the more popular restaurants. Make sure they accept Disney dining plan, also be aware some take 2 points while others take 1 ... the drill we all know.
Then FPs ...
60 days ... Tried to explain the tiers ... She really didn't get this, couldn't understand why she was limited on how she could book what rides she wants.
Differences in kids ages, heights and ride preferences ... She didn't like the idea that basically they were going to have 6 different appointments (FP+ res) that they would basically spend the day running around the park trying to make. Or the idea that she was even going to have to schedule all this out.
She asked some of the really common questions ...
How am I supposed to know what parks we want to be in on what days that far out ? ( I responded, use a planning guide with crowd Calendars)
What if I can't get the FPs I want, in the Park I want on the day I have a dining reservation in that park ? (This was part of a conversation about Park Hoppers or not Park hoppers (I had just assumed she would get them, we always do when not on an AP) ... but I forgot for 4, that's a big jump in ticket price .... (I explained that, she can try to swap the ADR but, that's subject to availability)
So I might not be able to get the ADR after I book my FP ... then why do I have to book the ADR 180 days out and FPs at 60 days out ? (that's just the system ... ) She thought this was dumb
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate, or our kids are sick and we miss that park that day, what if we want to change our schedule around ? (I responded, well you can go into your MDE, and try to swap things around so that your FPs line up with your new plans, subject to availability. If you miss a dining res, its going to be $10/person)
What if I can't get the rides I want to fast pass ? (I responded, well, you can always go to rope drop, and if you head right to the ride you want, you will get on it with no problem and then use the FPs on whatever rides you CAN use them on)
What do I do after my FPs are done ??? (I told her that they can always wait standby for any ride, just like you can do between your FPs, but you can also head to kiosk and try to book more FPs, which you should since the lines for many of the rides are now longer, and you can keep doing this using your FP, heading back to a kiosk. I explained that they have a few in each park and you sometimes have to wait in a bit of a line etc.)
So wait, I have to walk across the park, and wait in line in order to not wait in line ??? (ummmmm yes, basically, yes)
There were actually quite a few more questions and answers. I tried my best to answer them, make things as uncomplicated and straight forward as possible.
Her response .... not going to Disney. Its insane that they should have to put so much time and effort into planning a vacation without and guarantees that things go smoothly and actually run as planned. If I had kids (she assured me) she would understand.
I tried to tell her they would love it, and even suggested maybe they could come down with us, we can walk them through it ...
Nope, for that kind of money, there are a lot of other things they can do with a lot less worry or stress.
k5thbeatle
DIS Veteran
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Having to micro-plan a vacation is no vacation. 
cakebaker
DIS Veteran
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I really don't get the no planning attitude.
When I first joined these boards years ago, I was just amazed at the amount of planning people did. The really dedicated Disney goers - well honestly, I thought they were a little crazy- spread sheets and diagrams, maps to the best locations to do everything- details that I would've never thought of planning out.
Some huge fights were had over what you could and couldn't cook in your room, stroller swaps organized, hidden packages at the WL people hunted for- fridge swaps- it went on and on.
Now all of a sudden, planning has become evil. All with the onset of fp+.
WDW has been for many years a very labor intensive, heavy planning vacation. It's 4 parks and 2 water parks and everyone wants to do everything while they're there. It takes planning.
Honestly, I don't get it. I understand not liking being able to ride back to back, collect multiple passes at one time etc...but the talk about planning as though it was the devil incarnate, I do not understand at all.
When I first joined these boards years ago, I was just amazed at the amount of planning people did. The really dedicated Disney goers - well honestly, I thought they were a little crazy- spread sheets and diagrams, maps to the best locations to do everything- details that I would've never thought of planning out.
Some huge fights were had over what you could and couldn't cook in your room, stroller swaps organized, hidden packages at the WL people hunted for- fridge swaps- it went on and on.
Now all of a sudden, planning has become evil. All with the onset of fp+.
WDW has been for many years a very labor intensive, heavy planning vacation. It's 4 parks and 2 water parks and everyone wants to do everything while they're there. It takes planning.
Honestly, I don't get it. I understand not liking being able to ride back to back, collect multiple passes at one time etc...but the talk about planning as though it was the devil incarnate, I do not understand at all.
itchin2go
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
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I actually *mostly* agree with this. I am particularly puzzled when people say, "Do I have to book FPs ahead of time?" I just legitimately don't see what the downside is. If you don't keep them, well ok. Why not book them just in case?
I understand that there's a continuum of people. On the one side are those who don't want to plan a thing, and on the other are those who would plan everything to the minute if they could. Most people fall somewhere in the middle, right?
But if you don't like or can't stand to plan a thing, I think Disney World is a puzzling vacation choice, because *some* advance planning can greatly enhance your trip, and has been greatly advisable for some time now (ADRs and what not).
But booking advance FPs doesn't actually tie your hands at all. It just gives you some extra options. Now, if they started charging for missing your FP window, THAT would be restraining.
No judgment, really, but the reticence to go ahead and book SOMETHING really puzzles me.
Missing FPs now punishes you, quite severely.
Lines are longer, much longer for many rides. More people using more FPs means using FPs is more important than ever.
If you don't your waiting time goes up substantially.
IamGroot
Emperor
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- Oct 20, 2014
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I understand it. Planning is the only downfall I see for FP+. I'm not a heavy ADR person, so I can easily be spontaneous on which park to do which day. I generally like a rough outline in advance, but it would be cool to be able to swap.
That being said, I still like being able to book in advance. Which is why I still see the planning as more of a positive than a negative.
ncdj2013
Mouseketeer
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Exactly....wish there was a like button
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