***MyMagic+ & FastPass+ Official Information & FAQ Thread***

[bcrook]

Edited to add: They (disney) is already pretty far behind on their timeline. They were hoping for major testing to happen in Feb, and that fell through, and the only testing we have seen since is the little in April, and BOG I think. I think its way off the timeline. What about that bizarre press release last month Barry? Some exec talking like the product was there already. I seem to remember you commenting on it. Is it possible that they are more then a year away still? Or find out they cant do it all?

The DVC magazine Disney Files had a full story on mymagic+ as if it was all ready to go. I think that is a clear sign that they intended this to be launched before April. Everything said early on by the execs that there would be testing happening fairly soon when they blew this story up on January 9. 1/3 of the year later and not a word has come from those same execs.

Completely understandable though. The app and websites and park wifi are virtually unusable at this point.

 

[Susieo]

At the risk of being the poster who quotes "a CM told me the other day", I waited until I had TWO CM's tell me for double the expertise before I posted the following information. Take it with a grain of salt...

When I first made my September package reservation in March, I asked the CM what the latest info on FP+ was and he told me they had just had a meeting on it and there "is no new info..." Then I asked him if they knew if FP+ was separate but equal to Regular FP and he told me yes. So I phrased it another way.... "Can you have FP+ IN ADDITION TO regular FP?" and the answer was a resounding yes. Then I asked him if it would be open to the general public and he said no - only people who had booked package deals through Disney - like the perks of Magical Express or EMH, FP+ will be a "perk."

I was very excited as I took this to mean that I would be able to schedule my FP+ experiences for things I wouldn't be regular fastpassing (like parades) and STILL use regular fastpass in the parks on an ad hoc basis.

I called reservations today to apply the Visa discounts that just came out and as we were waiting for the slow system, I asked the same questions of a totally different cast member and he basically repeated the same thing.

Am I totally incorrect in my understanding of this system? If I chose to use FP+ i am shut out of regular fp? That's not the way the CMs made it sound.

Thanks in advance,
Sue

 

[bcrook]

At the risk of being the poster who quotes "a CM told me the other day", I waited until I had TWO CM's tell me for double the expertise before I posted the following information. Take it with a grain of salt...

When I first made my September package reservation in March, I asked the CM what the latest info on FP+ was and he told me they had just had a meeting on it and there "is no new info..." Then I asked him if they knew if FP+ was separate but equal to Regular FP and he told me yes. So I phrased it another way.... "Can you have FP+ IN ADDITION TO regular FP?" and the answer was a resounding yes. Then I asked him if it would be open to the general public and he said no - only people who had booked package deals through Disney - like the perks of Magical Express or EMH, FP+ will be a "perk."

I was very excited as I took this to mean that I would be able to schedule my FP+ experiences for things I wouldn't be regular fastpassing (like parades) and STILL use regular fastpass in the parks on an ad hoc basis.

I called reservations today to apply the Visa discounts that just came out and as we were waiting for the slow system, I asked the same questions of a totally different cast member and he basically repeated the same thing.

Am I totally incorrect in my understanding of this system? If I chose to use FP+ i am shut out of regular fp? That's not the way the CMs made it sound.

Thanks in advance,
Sue

Basically everything you reported is opposite of everything that has been reported before by the V.P. and official releases. Every official release has been very clear that this is not a perk but available to all.

As for as the using FP+ AND regular FP that is a point of contention among many that has shut down multiple FP+ threads. It clearly states in the terms and conditions that you can't use both - it is an either or. But many still believe that both will available.

From a customer service standpoint - it makes perfect sense. Book some in advance and then pick up more at the park.

From a logistics stand point - the numbers don't add up.

We will have to wait and see on this. It is all so intriguing.

 

[Susieo]

Oh Darn it! Apparently I AM that person who quotes the unknown CM.

Thank you for the information. I like my version better but it just seems too good to be true...

I have until September to obsess, but it will be what it is.

 

[bcrook]

Oh Darn it! Apparently I AM that person who quotes the unknown CM.

Thank you for the information. I like my version better but it just seems too good to be true...

I have until September to obsess, but it will be what it is.

You were fair about it. You stated upfront it was suspect. But, who knows maybe everything has changed in the past 4 months and the next time Nick Franklin starts doing interviews he will take back everything from January and give a different story. We don't know much with this moratorium of information from Disney.

 

[andyman8]

You were fair about it. You stated upfront it was suspect. But, who knows maybe everything has changed in the past 4 months and the next time Nick Franklin starts doing interviews he will take back everything from January and give a different story. We don't know much with this moratorium of information from Disney.

If I have to rewrite this entire thing...

 

[bcrook]

If I have to rewrite this entire thing...

 

[agavegirl1]

Ultimately, MyMagic+ is all about data folks. I was at a Disney Class last year and we were talking about it. Its the same philosophy as a frequent diner card or your discount card at a grocery store.

MagicBands make it easier for you to spend money and also track your spend (since you won't use a credit card).

FastPass+ makes it easy to spread out crowds and track crowd behavior. Its also the "Reward" for buying into the new system.

Touch to enter is also a reward for using the system but also lets Disney track exactly how you vacation.

Ultimately, they plan to use data mining techniques to figure out who are their "best" customers and reward that behavior with individual offers (like the post cards we all get now with individual codes). The difference is they are looking at your whole "spend" and giving you offers you might use.

Examples - A family might stay at the All-Stars but spend a ton of money on souvenirs. They would receive more offers to come back than the family who eats PB&J everyday and spends nothing.

Another example... Couple that spends a lot of time outside the parks in high revenue areas (think Spas and DTD) would receive offers to bring them down during low sales time.

Very big brother!

I think this is one of the more accurate reasons for the whole program and the software just isn't "ready for primetime". Not particularly liking the whole "data mining" aspects of my Target Red Card and my Pump Perks gas savings card from my local grocery store, I do actually save actual cash money so I keep letting them know that every week I buy vanilla almond milk, pita chips and Pepsi products. I do get coupons for them though.

However, if there were no advantage to this program for me, I would likely not book a package or use FP+. Also, I don't think I would be helpful data-wise even if I did since I pay cash or credit card for meals and purchases. I don't ever charge to my room anyway because of how I budget and my BF and I split expenses. I guess I would get very few perks.

 

[bwang123]

If I have to rewrite this entire thing...

you will. i would think an official information thread would be just that... information on tickets, etc. This "official" thread is about something that hasn't even been released and the people in charge of releasing it probably do not even know what it will end up like. honestly, this thread should be in the rumor board.

 

[bcrook]

you will. i would think an official information thread would be just that... information on tickets, etc. This "official" thread is about something that hasn't even been released and the people in charge of releasing it probably do not even know what it will end up like. honestly, this thread should be in the rumor board.

It is based on the official terms and conditions released by disney and information from the head of disney parks and the V.P. in charge of MyMagic+. That is a pretty good start.

Check out some of the official information.

 

[bwang123]

It is based on the official terms and conditions released by disney and information from the head of disney parks and the V.P. in charge of MyMagic+. That is a pretty good start.

Check out some of the official information.

this thing is in a total infancy state and is not even released on any capacity except rfid tickets. how can you have an "official" thread when the testing is not even complete? when close to 100% of customers are using the product it makes more sense otherwise you just confuse and raise more questions.

you can quote the terms and services all day but who can definitively say those are what it will end up like? did they just write those to cover themselves during testing to figure out what they have?

 

[monorailrabbit]

The DVC magazine Disney Files had a full story on mymagic+ as if it was all ready to go. I think that is a clear sign that they intended this to be launched before April. Everything said early on by the execs that there would be testing happening fairly soon when they blew this story up on January 9. 1/3 of the year later and not a word has come from those same execs.

Completely understandable though. The app and websites and park wifi are virtually unusable at this point.

Ah, gotcha! Thanks Mr. bcrook!

 

[andyman8]

Just to summarize what I think WDW is doing with this whole FP+/MyMagic+ thing.

It seems like online check-in will be moved to 60 days in advance. At that point, resort guests will get to check-in (like they've been doing since it started), make any room requests, and now make FP+ selections. It seems like guests will have a maximum of three per day (though that does seem very low) that can only be used at one of the four theme parks. This information, along with park tickets, dining plan, PhotoPass pictures, and a charge card will be stored on a guest's MagicBand.

Days guests, at some point in this process, will also get to make FP+ reservations. They will use RFID-enabled tickets to enter the park, while Disney Resort Hotel guests will use their MagicBands to enter the park at RFID turnstiles.

These selections can be for rides, shows, parades, fireworks, or character greetings. Each one would take up one FP+ entitlement. Standard FASTPASS with not be available.

Anytime up until arrival or even upon arrival at one of theme parks, guests can change their FP+ selections with in-park kiosks or the My Disney Experience app on any smartphone or iPod Touch (or similar device with WiFi connectivity). Guests will have one hour return windows to use their FP+ for a specific attractions, which if missed, cannot be replaced by another attraction. While experiencing these attractions, guests using MyMagic+ will be congratulated regarding specific celebrations (like birthdays and anniversaries) by different elements in rides. For example, Mike from Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor could wish little Jimmy from Miami a happy tenth birthday without his mom or dad ever speaking to a CM or even having him wear a button.

Now, there are several problems with this system.

First of all, I'm left to assume that you cannot change or cancel your reservation after you've checked-in online 60 days in advance but what if Uncle Lou suddenly dies and you have to cancel even if you've purchased trip insurance? One is left to assume you won't get your money back if you've checked-in.

Next, if guests can only use it at one park per day, that would discourage park hopping, thus encouraging guests to spend LESS money.

Finally, without FASTPASS available, how can somebody not plan their trip? What about locals or those who plan their mini-trips one week in advance? Will there still be much desirable FP+ availability.

Ideally, Disney should offer 70% FP+ reservations 10 days in advance when any Disney Resort Hotel guest checks-in online. The service should offer at least 2 major and 2 minor attraction FP+ reservations. 30% of these reservations should be made available on the actual day. Standard FP should still be available. This service should also only be available for Disney Resort Guests only. I have nothing against offsite guests (I've been one many times) but at least at the beginning, they need to work with small numbers. Also, you don't have much room for regular FP when you're offering FP+ to everyone in the park. Also, it should be able to accommodate park hopping.

These are just my thoughts. Now basically all of this is speculation, so we'll have to wait and see.

 

[Suellen]

I actually know a CM on the fastpass plus development team...

I haven't picked her brain too much because I don't want to be too annoying to her.

I can tell you that the QS uses of FP+ will NOT use one of your FP options for the day. I didn't specifically ask about the parades and such.


ETA: We did specifically ask about the paper FP's and they WILL be phased out. There WILL be kiosks in the park to book FP+ for the CURRENT day.


I also saw some FP+ team members out and about in Epcot today. They appeared to have lanyards filled with FP+ cards. Not sure if they have been around for a while or not.. I just happened to notice them today.

 

[lmm72]

What is QS?

 

[mesaboy2]

What is QS?

Quick service, also known as counter service.

 

[monorailrabbit]

Just to summarize what I think WDW is doing with this whole FP+/MyMagic+ thing.

It seems like online check-in will be moved to 60 days in advance. At that point, resort guests will get to check-in (like they've been doing since it started), make any room requests, and now make FP+ selections. It seems like guests will have a maximum of three per day (though that does seem very low) that can only be used at one of the four theme parks. This information, along with park tickets, dining plan, PhotoPass pictures, and a charge card will be stored on a guest's MagicBand.

Days guests, at some point in this process, will also get to make FP+ reservations. They will use RFID-enabled tickets to enter the park, while Disney Resort Hotel guests will use their MagicBands to enter the park at RFID turnstiles.

These selections can be for rides, shows, parades, fireworks, or character greetings. Each one would take up one FP+ entitlement. Standard FASTPASS with not be available.

Anytime up until arrival or even upon arrival at one of theme parks, guests can change their FP+ selections with in-park kiosks or the My Disney Experience app on any smartphone or iPod Touch (or similar device with WiFi connectivity). Guests will have one hour return windows to use their FP+ for a specific attractions, which if missed, cannot be replaced by another attraction. While experiencing these attractions, guests using MyMagic+ will be congratulated regarding specific celebrations (like birthdays and anniversaries) by different elements in rides. For example, Mike from Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor could wish little Jimmy from Miami a happy tenth birthday without his mom or dad ever speaking to a CM or even having him wear a button.

Now, there are several problems with this system.

First of all, I'm left to assume that you cannot change or cancel your reservation after you've checked-in online 60 days in advance but what if Uncle Lou suddenly dies and you have to cancel even if you've purchased trip insurance? One is left to assume you won't get your money back if you've checked-in.

Next, if guests can only use it at one park per day, that would discourage park hopping, thus encouraging guests to spend LESS money.

Finally, without FASTPASS available, how can somebody not plan their trip? What about locals or those who plan their mini-trips one week in advance? Will there still be much desirable FP+ availability.

Ideally, Disney should offer 70% FP+ reservations 10 days in advance when any Disney Resort Hotel guest checks-in online. The service should offer at least 2 major and 2 minor attraction FP+ reservations. 30% of these reservations should be made available on the actual day. Standard FP should still be available. This service should also only be available for Disney Resort Guests only. I have nothing against offsite guests (I've been one many times) but at least at the beginning, they need to work with small numbers. Also, you don't have much room for regular FP when you're offering FP+ to everyone in the park. Also, it should be able to accommodate park hopping.

These are just my thoughts. Now basically all of this is speculation, so we'll have to wait and see.

Very good points! I totally agree with all of this! I would also like to add to the issues that it states you will be able to move your times around... not sure how easy this will be if everyone is planning days, weeks, months in advance. Also, there are supposidly going to be "surpise FP" awarded to you, what if you don't have/choose not to carry your smartphone? Do you just not get any "magical surprises?"

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Very good points! I totally agree with all of this! I would also like to add to the issues that it states you will be able to move your times around... not sure how easy this will be if everyone is planning days, weeks, months in advance. Also, there are supposidly going to be "surpise FP" awarded to you, what if you don't have/choose not to carry your smartphone? Do you just not get any "magical surprises?"

Pretty much looks that way. Unless..... Cindy sees you sitting on the curb looking all forlorn cuz you don't have a smart phone and says, "hi there, monorailrabbit. (she'll know your name cuz you WILL be wearing a snazzy magicband) You're looking a little blue.... Here is some magic for you.... A golden fastpass++ for you!"

 

[monorailrabbit]

Pretty much looks that way. Unless..... Cindy sees you sitting on the curb looking all forlorn cuz you don't have a smart phone and says, "hi there, monorailrabbit. (she'll know your name cuz you WILL be wearing a snazzy magicband) You're looking a little blue.... Here is some magic for you.... A golden fastpass++ for you!"

Ha! Love it! This better happen!

 

[bcrook]

Pretty much looks that way. Unless..... Cindy sees you sitting on the curb looking all forlorn cuz you don't have a smart phone and says, "hi there, monorailrabbit. (she'll know your name cuz you WILL be wearing a snazzy magicband) You're looking a little blue.... Here is some magic for you.... A golden fastpass++ for you!"

It would be a little creepy if CMs had receptors and could walk around, read your name, and talk to you. I know it is not planned, but still...weird.