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.
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.
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?"
