My Updated FP+ Impressions

[mesaboy2]

Did I read that right? Did Mesa get 3 FP+ plus FoF FP seating before the "4th" FP ? Do the parades not count in the 3?

Nope. I did Festival of Fantasy the old-fashioned way: found any old spot on the curb. No FP required.

 

[Itinkso]

Did I read that right? Did Mesa get 3 FP+ plus FoF FP seating before the "4th" FP ? Do the parades not count in the 3?

I understood it as he had definite plans to watch FoF and it sounds Iike he videotaped FoF from Town Square area yesterday.

 

[mesaboy2]

I understood it as he had definite plans to watch FoF and it sounds Iike he videotaped FoF from Town Square area yesterday.

Actually the Hub. It arrived at my location (inside Hub, east side) at about 3:17p and finished at 3:30p (courtesy video file info). I guesstimated another 3 minutes or so down MS until it got to TS.

We sat down on the hot pavement around 2:30p. After a while, my DD10 said she now knew how baked potatoes feel.

 

[abmitch01]

theoretically, could one get all 3 passes for Soarin' at Epcot? or does it have to be different rides? I adore Soarin"

 

[mesaboy2]

theoretically, could one get all 3 passes for Soarin' at Epcot? or does it have to be different rides? I adore Soarin"

The first three must be for different rides. See the green link in my signature for answers to this and other FP FAQs.

 

[lauradis]

I actually love the concept of the magic bands, not once did i have to find a credit card, ticket, or kttk card.

Did have the worry in the back of my head that it wouldnt work randumly.

Thank you for the postive honest report instead of the same thread of bashing magic bands.

If anybody can teach use to get the most out of the magic bands its the disboard.

 

[Suelala]

If anybody can teach use to get the most out of the magic bands its the disboard.

Or, more precisely, Mesaboy!

 

[Itinkso]

Actually the Hub. It arrived at my location (inside Hub, east side) at about 3:17p and finished at 3:30p (courtesy video file info). I guesstimated another 3 minutes or so down MS until it got to TS. We sat down on the hot pavement around 2:30p. After a while, my DD10 said she now knew how baked potatoes feel.

It's good to know you can find a spot that close to parade time. So, only 13 minutes in length and all the units and movers were there? Much shorter than I thought.

 

[amg35]

Nope, no rope drop. This new system almost encourages you to stay in bed--unless you want to max out your FPs.

Which touches on an important point I think. The last few trips to WDW for our family have been pretty laid back. There was a time not long ago where we would try to get as much done as possible (maybe not arriving at rope drop, but within 30-60 minutes after). Our style is mellowing, and that may have a lot to do with why I'm mellowing some on FP+.

Thanks. I'm still planning to rope drop a couple mornings, one at AK basically because the park closes so early, so I want to spend the whole day there. The other MK on a party day, we will do morning EMH. We are doing the party another night.

Hollywood Studios, we'll have to also since you can only pick one of the headliners? TT or TSM?

Thanks for the info!

 

[mesaboy2]

It's good to know you can find a spot that close to parade time. So, only 13 minutes in length and all the units and movers were there? Much shorter than I thought.

Video doesn't lie. Only my second viewing, but I think everyone was there.

Thanks. I'm still planning to rope drop a couple mornings, one at AK basically because the park closes so early, so I want to spend the whole day there. The other MK on a party day, we will do morning EMH. We are doing the party another night.

Hollywood Studios, we'll have to also since you can only pick one of the headliners? TT or TSM?

Thanks for the info!

I think rope drop is still a terrific advantage. Not as much as before, but still good if you can get there.

If you mean Tower of Terror, that is a Group 2 attraction so you can indeed get both it and TSM together. More info in the green link in my signature.

 

[abmitch01]

The first three must be for different rides. See the green link in my signature for answers to this and other FP FAQs.

thanks!

 

[Senator Tressel]

If one of your three scheduled FPs is Splash Mountain, would you be able to get another FP for Splash Mountain after your three or does it black out that ride from being chosen again?

 

[prudence64]

If one of your three scheduled FPs is Splash Mountain, would you be able to get another FP for Splash Mountain after your three or does it black out that ride from being chosen again?

You can pick it again as many times as you are able to after your first three are used up

 

[mesaboy2]

If one of your three scheduled FPs is Splash Mountain, would you be able to get another FP for Splash Mountain after your three or does it black out that ride from being chosen again?

You can repeat with the 4th FP on, subject to availability. Tiering also no longer matters after the first 3. See the green link in my signature for answers to this and other FP FAQs.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm glad you had a good visit. I've described myself as agnostic on FP since the introduction of the 4th and subsequent slots. It's going to take a lot more reports from different times of the year before I can say what I think. Like you, I'm pretty sure we'll still come down on the side of preferring the old system. As you point out, it really has to do with whether you were a power user under the old system.

I saw your write-up on the size issues on the Mine Train. Did I miss your feedback on what you thought about the ride in general?

Can't wait to hear about your DLR visit. Have an awesome time!

 

[mesaboy2]

I'm glad you had a good visit. I've described myself as agnostic on FP since the introduction of the 4th and subsequent slots. It's going to take a lot more reports from different times of the year before I can say what I think. Like you, I'm pretty sure we'll still come down on the side of preferring the old system. As you point out, it really has to do with whether you were a power user under the old system.

I saw your write-up on the size issues on the Mine Train. Did I miss your feedback on what you thought about the ride in general?

Can't wait to hear about your DLR visit. Have an awesome time!

I mentioned it somewhere today but I forgot which thread.

My first thought was simple--it's cute. It's exactly where we all thought it was on the thrillometer, and the one dark scene is beautifully done. Theming overall is, er, terrific.

I expect many will say it didn't live up to the "hype", but I'm not sure there's been any except for the artificial kind that we all build up in our heads when something takes so long. I take that back, the swinging cars have been hyped a bit--I honestly didn't notice that aspect that much. Definitely a smooth ride though.

------------

I should also mention regarding FPs that I estimated the crowds to be moderate at worst at both the parks I was at. That almost certainly was responsible for RnRC and Fantasmic being available at 3:00p and Speedway and IaSW at 6:00p just 15 to 20 minutes out. What worked those days won't work for much of the summer.

 

[MartDM]

Thanks for the update Mesaboy2! I view you as the resident DIS expert on FP and have been referring folks to your posts for some time. Interesting to get your return trip perspective on FP+!

We liked the MagicBands and FP+ last trip, but we supplemented with the legacy FPs. It will be interesting to plan for & work around the tiering this time. I have a feeling I won't be such a fan after that.

 

[WillAustin]

Thanks for the impressions. I have high hopes for our trip next week!