MyMagic+ and FastPass+

[Suvadoo]

Oh and just to be clear, I'm not arguing that they're bad travel agents! And of course, I don't know how they actually describe things to their clients.

It's just a thought experiment about how would you get someone in a more positive frame of mind.

Thanks for clarifying. I use Dreams Unlimited and they're great. They're very positive and upbeat about all of their vacation destinations.
The only reason I use them, however, is because I enjoy the podcast and the boards. Otherwise, I would book everything myself.

 

[Laketravis]

Not telling folks that it's "crap" is a pretty low bar, though. I'm talking about the effect of positive positioning on how visitors feel.

For example, you can tell clients that they'd better make ride reservations because lines are so long nowadays (negative positioning). Or you can tell them that they can get three magical opportunities to move to the front on their favorite rides (positive positioning). Same system, but I bet clients would feel more excited about the second one.

Oh and just to be clear, I'm not arguing that they're bad travel agents! And of course, I don't know how they actually describe things to their clients.

It's just a thought experiment about how would you get someone in a more positive frame of mind.

Understood, but by the same token a good travel agent is working for and represents the traveler so they have to be careful they aren't misrepresented as a salesperson for the destination. It's not the agents responsibility to provide positioning (good or bad) on behalf of the destination.

 

[Suvadoo]

Understood, but by the same token a good travel agent is working for and represents the traveler so they have to be careful they aren't misrepresented as a salesperson for the destination. It's not the agents responsibility to provide positioning (good or bad) on behalf of the destination.

Good point. John and Kevin both spoke about the positive and negative feedback they had received from clients about MDE and FP+.
What I thought was amusing was Dustin trying to put a positive spin on FP+. He reported that he liked it, but it was apparent that once the panel was asked what their opinions were, he wasn't going to be able to accentuate the positives of FP+.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Very interesting.

I was really under the impression that locals and frequent visitors generally like FP+ (at least from what I read on here). So it was refreshing to hear that side of it.

 

[grimley1968]

I finally watched it. I thought it was interesting that one of them said what I've posted before (and criticized for it): Disney could have just made FP+ like legacy FP. Just eliminate the paper and put them on MB's, and you could only get them the day you go, rather than all the pre planning of rides. That would reduce both the micro-level planning and the differentiation of park experiences by onsite and offsite guests (that now exists because of the 30 and 60 day booking windows). It seemed like they mostly all agreed with what he said. I do as well.

Editing to add: to make this work, they'd have had to have the same number of FP machines as in the past (and at each attraction), but converting them to work with RFID and putting them in the FP+ database rather than printing them out. Still not a problem, IMO.

 

[Shaden]

If I were a travel agent, I'd try to frame FP+ and ADRs as an opportunity, not an obligation. Seems like a missed opportunity to create magic for new visitors.

Client A: "How do I know what time I want to go on which rides two months out? This is stupid."
Client B: "From what you described, these 3 rides sound like the most fun. You mean you can guarantee my family a low wait time at each of them? For free? All we have to do is show up within an hour window? Sign me up."

Basically, I think you can create more Client B's by the description you use.

IF you listen to what they are saying on the video, they might indeed be doing exactly what you are suggesting.

It sounds like the pushback is coming from their clients, they aren't generating the negativity themselves.

 

[Suvadoo]

I finally watched it. I thought it was interesting that one of them said what I've posted before (and criticized for it): Disney could have just made FP+ like legacy FP. Just eliminate the paper and put them on MB's, and you could only get them the day you go, rather than all the pre planning of rides. That would reduce both the micro-level planning and the differentiation of park experiences by onsite and offsite guests (that now exists because of the 30 and 60 day booking windows). It seemed like they mostly all agreed with what he said. I do as well.

Editing to add: to make this work, they'd have had to have the same number of FP machines as in the past (and at each attraction), but converting them to work with RFID and putting them in the FP+ database rather than printing them out. Still not a problem, IMO.

A few months ago the Dis unplugged host came on his show saying that he likes FP plus and that the detractors on the boards were always the same handful of people. But what he failed to mention was, the FP plus proponents were always the same handful of people. The subject of FP plus was then shut down.

It's really nice to hear how the rest of the group feels and to hear how their clients feel. On these boards, I am constantly reading how I don't like FP plus because I don't like change. I'm also also reading how FP plus eliminated the need to run around the parks. It was implemented because people don't like standing in line.
But now I see that there are other people who feel like I do. I'm beginning to think there are more FP plus detractors than supporters. Maybe in a few years we will all be looking back at FP plus as Disney's failed experiment. I hope!

 

[grimley1968]

Maybe in a few years we will all be looking back at FP plus as Disney's failed experiment. I hope!

I do too. I am still a fan of Coca Cola even after the disastrous (and surely expensive) New Coke disaster in the mid-80's. I hope Disney can be as flexible if need be.

 

[SeanTomorrow]

Very interesting.

I was really under the impression that locals and frequent visitors generally like FP+ (at least from what I read on here). So it was refreshing to hear that side of it.

Interesting. I just started reading the boards a month or two back and got the impression that everyone hated FP+ (especially those two groups you mentioned)! Weird how different impressions can be.

 

[grimley1968]

I also found it interesting that the panel all agreed that standby times have increased due to FP+. A lot of posts I've seen by FP+ proponents state that standby lines increased due to other reasons, especially the improving economy. I don't doubt there is some truth to that, but the standby line increases I've seen reported seem a lot bigger than just due to an improving economy or any other plausible reason.

The panel laid it squarely on FP+.

 

[kbelle8995]

I have been visiting WDW since the 70's I was a very small girl. I visit WDW alot because it is so close. I am not in Orlando but in-state. Mymagic+ and FP+ has really turned me off. I really don't like it at all.

My question is if the Majority of the Dis unplugged podcasters are local and they don't like it. What is the Response going to be when Disneyland gets it. Disneyland is a local's park. Most of Disneyland podcasters don't sound thrilled about it either. I might be incorrect but I believe that Disney might have stated that Mymagic+ would be different. But how?

 

[ArwenMarie]

Interesting. I just started reading the boards a month or two back and got the impression that everyone hated FP+ (especially those two groups you mentioned)! Weird how different impressions can be.

Yeah, it's all perception.

The feeling I get on here, in general, is that the people who like FP+ go often, whether as tourists a few times a year or as locals, so it's not such a big deal if they don't get to ride some of the headliners.

And some locals seem to like that they can book whatever headliner and be able to go to the park later in the day instead of getting there early.

So I think when you combine those two things (wanting to go to the park later and not caring if you miss stuff), FP+ could be seen as an improvement.

 

[Suvadoo]

I have been visiting WDW since the 70's I was a very small girl. I visit WDW alot because it is so close. I am not in Orlando but in-state. Mymagic+ and FP+ has really turned me off. I really don't like it at all.

My question is if the Majority of the Dis unplugged podcasters are local and they don't like it. What is the Response going to be when Disneyland gets it. Disneyland is a local's park. Most of Disneyland podcasters don't sound thrilled about it either. I might be incorrect but I believe that Disney might have stated that Mymagic+ would be different. But how?

I wonder if they can bring MDE without FP plus. After all, that's what they're doing on DCL. I just can't imagine FP plus at DL.

 

[Shaden]

Yeah, it's all perception.

The feeling I get on here, in general, is that the people who like FP+ go often, whether as tourists a few times a year or as locals, so it's not such a big deal if they don't get to ride some of the headliners.

And some locals seem to like that they can book whatever headliner and be able to go to the park later in the day instead of getting there early.

So I think when you combine those two things (wanting to go to the park later and not caring if you miss stuff), FP+ could be seen as an improvement.

Yea I would have thought for locals FP+ would be pretty good, and that first times and non-planners wouldn't notice a difference. They might not have as good of an experience, but if they didn't have the basis for comparison how would they know ?

But it appears this isn't the case.

This was actually quite enlightening to hear the feedback they are getting from their clients and to hear about their own experiences.

 

[Laketravis]

This was actually quite enlightening to hear the feedback they are getting from their clients and to hear about their own experiences.

I thought so too. In fact, it was very encouraging to hear that there are others outside of those who post on these boards who aren't happy with their experience and can explain what changes they would like to see without fear of being persecuted for reasons I haven't quite been able to put my finger on yet.

 

[Lynn in MI]

I watched the podcast and it was good to hear the differing views. I honestly never thought about it from a local's perspective. Very interesting. Our trip at the end of Feb. will be our first using Fastpass+. So far, so good. I have enjoyed planning our days as we always used Touring Plans so kind of pre-planned anyway.We will see how it goes. But we have all been to Disney multiple times and are older so we won't be under the pressure to cram everything in.

 

[mom2rtk]

I thought so too. In fact, it was very encouraging to hear that there are others outside of those who post on these boards who aren't happy with their experience and can explain what changes they would like to see without fear of being persecuted for reasons I haven't quite been able to put my finger on yet.

I actually think you've been doing a pretty good job putting your finger on it.

 

[Shaden]

I thought so too. In fact, it was very encouraging to hear that there are others outside of those who post on these boards who aren't happy with their experience and can explain what changes they would like to see without fear of being persecuted for reasons I haven't quite been able to put my finger on yet.

I actually think you've been doing a pretty good job putting your finger on it.

I think you have been pretty solid on this too... (been trying to PM you btw).

I do wonder what the folks who usually tell us your perspectives on FP+ are inaccurate think of this ?

Anyone who claims: The complainers here aren't representative of other folks, that Locals will love FP+, that First timers and non Disboarders mostly love FP+, etc etc ?

Pretty clear here from a good group of people in the know, who have contact with a lot of clients, that this whole FP+ thing isn't going over smoothly with the "average" guest either ... ???

 

[Laketravis]

I think you have been pretty solid on this too... (been trying to PM you btw). I do wonder what the folks who usually tell us you perspectives on FP+ are inaccurate thing of this ? Anyone who claims: The complainers here aren't representative of other folks, that Locals will love FP+, that First timers and non Disboarders mostly love FP+, etc etc ? Pretty clear here from a good group of people in the know, who have contact with a lot of clients, that this whole FP+ thing isn't going over smoothly with the "average" guest either ... ???

Yes, well....kind of to your point there's a reason I can't be PM'd right now. Having less than glowing opinions about it all doesn't seem to be the acceptable way to be around here.

 

[Robo]

There are actually two different "fronts" at which guests must battle for (or battle WITH) FP+.

Battle A: (Pre-trip) which is attempting to book the most-desired FP+ reservations.

Battle B: (During trip) which is trying to get the MDE app to allow you to make the "changes" in your bookings.

Each of those battles have their own set of obstacles and hidden "land mines" that must be overcome to WIN your FP+.

Even if you like the "idea" of FP+, its SYSTEM of OPERATION is still very glitchy and flawed.