New Al Lutz ( Micegage Update )

[Blue32]

I think the FP enforcement becomes a bigger issue when they design/build rides that can't stay running!

 

[StyledSugar]

The FP change will not be a huge issue but we did enjoy the flexibility of being able to get on a ride at any time we wanted if we had a FP. We will adjust though.

Raising the prices during the holidays is not something I agree with. The prices are so high now as it is so it will definitely keep some away, especially at an already expensive time like Christmas.

We are going there this Christmas and like another poster in this thread, had discussed doing Hawaii next Christmas. We thought we'd see how this year goes and decide whether the price was worth it to do DL again or just do Hawaii. I think there is a possibility that Disney has made our mind up for us.

The addition of Iron Man in Tomorrowland is interesting. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Like Star Tours and Indy, I don't think it will fit with what I think DL should be. Yes, I love Indy but to me it doesn't scream DL and neither does Iron Man.

 

[BryANDJessMom]

Although I am not crazy over the enforcement of FPs...I can live with it. But, with the changes going to the NextGen FPs while it sounds interesting....I read somewhere that, at least at WDW, you will only get it if you stay onside? I hope it isn't like that at DL. With only three hotels that are cost prohibitive, I think there would be some unhappy visitors. Anyone know for sure?

 

[ChrisSD]

So - if I pay $60 for the privilege of seeing the fireworks - but then they are cancelled by wind - do I get a refund? If not that is absolute BS.

 

[Congo Queen]

Well my family will certainly miss the flexibility of being able to use morning FP's whenever we wanted later in the day. But even with the new system of enforcing return windows there will be strategies to maximize the number of rides you can get on in a day. I am counting on the many resourceful Disboarders to study, plan, execute, and evaluate these new strategies and then share them with us in this friendly forum. We will learn the ins and outs of the new FP rules. And as for the holidays, I had long ago stopped visiting at that time due to oppressive crowds - though I have missed it as the decorations were always so beautiful. Again, I will be eager to read reports from Disboarders in 2013 telling us just how this all plays out for the holiday visitor experience.

 

[ManusDei]

Having never seen the Christmas parade or fireworks or much else of the Christmastime offerings, I'm really sad to find out that they're taking what has been part of the normal guest experience and charging extra for it now. I've also heard that the Candlelight Processionals, again something I've never experienced, are done by CMs free of charge (correct me if I'm wrong), yet Disney wants to add more performances and make even more money off them. AND they cancelled the CM Christmas party, to add injury to insult. I think those are horrible practices and it really disappoints me to hear this stuff coming from a company I so highly respect and value.

Hopefully I'll be able to experience some of this stuff this year before the party is officially implemented, but chances of that happening are looking really slim for me.

As for FP enforcement, as others have said, yes, it's a real inconvenience for us who are now trained on and used to being able to collect them and use later. It was really convenient, and that privilege is now gone. Oh well, we knew this would happen eventually, just didn't think it'd happen so soon. We'll figure out new strategies, and if WDW goers can do it, we should have no problems, seeing as our parks are smaller and easier to get around

Open gates with RFID tags sound interesting, but also subject to a lot more error and cheating. Does sound like one way to solve those long turnstile lines though. I'll wait and see on it.

Last couple points: an Iron Man attraction intrigues me very much. I may be biased seeing as I'm a recently-made-big Marvel fan, but it sure sounds better than Innoventions right now. And I personally feel an Iron Man attraction would feel very natural in Tomorrowland, just like how Star Tours and Indy already feel very natural in their lands to many park-goers like myself.

Actually, I think a Stark Expo walk-through attraction would be a perfect addition to Tomorrowland. It could really showcase the future in a very themed way as the perfect successor to Innoventions, and it would greatly help Tomorrowland live up to its original purpose of showcasing true next-gen tech and lifestyles. Or alternatively, it could just be a very themed and appropriate addition to experience; like walking through Cars Land, you would simply be transported into the world of Iron Man.

...A ride would work too, but I have no idea how you would turn the Iron Man universe into a ride, but it's been done before with many other movies so I'm still open to the idea. And I'm sure a ride sounds much more exciting to a lot more people than a walk-through experience xD

 

[Pesky]

Fan-freakin'-tastic. This would completely alter our trip for next year. Sounds like the holiday tour I was going to do in the early afternoon, when my kids are up and awake, would be useless as there would be no Christmas parade. As for the party, what about people with small kids? My kids simply can't stay up that late even if Mickey is there waving in their faces. So to see the holiday parade, I'd have to fork over money for a party that my kids would be able to see for maybe an hour or so and then leave as they melt down. Well, that is one way to convince me that 4 days is plenty and screw a 5th day for planning purposes.

Not too surprised about the FP thing. It was bound to happen with the crowds. Sad because it was more convenient to go back whenever. Quite frankly, they should've enforced from the beginning but live and learn.

 

[Ptwolfman]

I think FP enforcement should've been in effect from the get go. Kind of surprised to learn that it wasnt

 

[ValpoCory]

If FastPass return times are going to be enforced, they need to allow guests to choose their return time. Getting an 11am Fast Pass for a 2pm-3pm return time is useless to me, as we and our kids are back at the hotel at that time for a mid-day break/nap/swim.

I know WDW is trying out this FP scheduling feature.

 

[Xenorye]

Would now be the proper time to point out that what Al reports are just rumors?

 

[daniele_ut]

As much whining that everyone is going to do, it's really pointless. Adapt, this will be the new way. You'll find something else to whine about that will "completely ruin my vacation plans" soon enough, if history continues unabated.

Amen. I've been visiting Disney parks since 1986, starting with WDW when I lived on the East Coast and now that we are within driving distance, DL. We have seen lots of changes at both parks and many price increases over the years. One thing never changes for us, though. We always have a great time. I'm sure our Thanksgiving trip this year will be no exception, crowds, costs, fast passes and all.

I guess if DL doesn't fit your ideal anymore, it's time to find a new destination. We only visit about once a year or every other since we enjoy variety in our vacations.

And I agree with the poster above me - Al is usually right about a lot of things, but these *are* just rumors for now.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Chip, chip, chipping away. My wife wants to go to Hawaii next but I've been arguing that we need to take the kids to DL regularly while they are young. As they keep chipping away I'm starting to think Hawaii may be in our future. I don't like getting nickel and dimed and that's what it's starting to feel like. We were new to the reality of open ended FP return windows this last trip. It made for a relaxing trip. Going back to rushing around to hit a return window or missing a window because of a long cue on another ride is not desirable at all. Aloha.

This is exactly the conversation that DH and I have had. The escalating cost of these Disney vacations is seriously impacting our ability to do other travel, and I fear this next one will be the last visit for a while. Aloha!

 

[Mr Snappy]

I think FP enforcement should've been in effect from the get go. Kind of surprised to learn that it wasnt

This.

what I don't understand is everybody going nuts over ENFORCING a policy that has always been a part of FP's. Yeah, I get it, you think you had a perfect way to ensure you could ride the E-Tickets at a time you would pick instead of the computer....problem is, you were actually abusing a system that is fantastic in its intended form.

And for people to post that this will "ruin" their whole trip because they actively plan to violate the policies as part of their park plans just leaves me speachless.

 

[Mr Snappy]

Would now be the proper time to point out that what Al reports are just rumors?

...and that he ALWAYS has an anti-management bias.
...and that he seems to think Disney is a charity.
...and that he always has a sob-story about the poor employees being mistreated.
...and that he refuses to give credit for the incredible successes by leadership.

 

[Mary09]

This.

what I don't understand is everybody going nuts over ENFORCING a policy that has always been a part of FP's. Yeah, I get it, you think you had a perfect way to ensure you could ride the E-Tickets at a time you would pick instead of the computer....problem is, you were actually abusing a system that is fantastic in its intended form.

And for people to post that this will "ruin" their whole trip because they actively plan to violate the policies as part of their park plans just leaves me speachless.

I'm with you on Al but I'm curious how the return times are fantastic. To me, it seems like it's almost designed to either keep you in one land for 2-4 hours (snooze) or zig-zagging the park needlessly to get back for your window at Star Tours right about the time you'd naturally be over by Splash Mountain (or something)?

 

[tinkcollector]

Well at first glance, I was OMGosh how am I ever going to afford all the changes coming. But, when I think about them, it’s not so bad. Let me break this down. So, in my humble opinion…
The huge jump in attendance. This was needed to keep getting the “wow” factor we have all come to expect from Disney. More guest = more money = more expansion. And as a veteran Disney nut I plan my day, so I work around the expected crowds.
Parking issues. This is probably the biggest issue Al has brought up. As long as the city of Anaheim doesn’t call eminent domain again, hopefully Disney can use some of the acquired acreage for another parking structure. The City of Anaheim really blundered with taking over Disney property for the Garden Walk. In my many Disney trips I have still never ventured over there, and understand it’s in financial problems. I won’t mention the Greedy City Council’s moves on this issue.
Candlelight and Extra-Cost Christmas parties. I have never been lucky enough to attend a Candlelight Ceremony; my work schedule has never allowed it. I think adding more nights to the ceremony will satisfy a lot of people. As for me this move takes away from the exclusive special-ness of the event. And the truth is the timing still doesn’t work with my schedule. As for charging more for the Christmas extras I don’t have a problem with that. On a regular day in the parks you don’t get these perks. I would pay extra for these with no problem. After all Disney is a business and I want them to prosper so that I can continue to enjoy my passion at the level I have come to expect. As for losing the reindeer/petting zoo. It will be missed, but I am confident that it will be replaced with something exciting.
Raising prices during peak seasons…..I really don’t like this idea. Unless I am getting more for it. I will reserve my judgment for further explanation from the “suits”.
The NextGen appears like an attempt to make getting into the park quicker. No problem there. And as for the Fastpass system, I love it. I have no problem planning my day around my “window” to use it. I truly expected it to change in the footsteps of Universal, and Knott’s Scary Farm, where you pay for front of the line passes.
I am looking forward to Disney’s return to the Rose Parade, as well as the excitement of seeing Buena Vista Street and Carsland decorated for the Holidays for the first time.
The rumors of an IronMan attraction coming in are exciting. Tomorrowland could use something new.
I am also equally excited to be attending the D23 Expo. Can’t wait for all the hoop-la to be announced!

 

[scrapshappen]

Would now be the proper time to point out that what Al reports are just rumors?

I was wondering about that. I haven't seen the FP return time enforcement announced anywhere else. Has anyone?

 

[furb & dez]

Open gates with RFID tags sound interesting, but also subject to a lot more error and cheating. Does sound like one way to solve those long turnstile lines though. I'll wait and see on it.

Since FastPass is tied to your ticket being activated (at this point it's the swipe at the gates), if someone were to "sneak in" they would be completely unable to use the FastPass system.

As much as I both dislike and enjoy the FastPass system, I'll admit that in its current incarnation, I would not do several rides unless I had a FastPass (Indy and Space Mountain in particular).

 

[Patrick in Oregon]

As mentioned earlier, a Stark Expo would keep the feel of Innoventions, but bring it into the future. Very good idea.

 

[NewbieMouse]

After all Disney is a business and I want them to prosper so that I can continue to enjoy my passion at the level I have come to expect.

I think the problem I am having with some of this stuff is that the price increases and extra charges seem to be constantly coming, and they're somewhat excessive. It feels to me like it's way beyond the "prosper" threshold. I'm starting to feel taken advantage of.

But like someone else said, it's basic economics - as long as we keep paying their prices with no decrease in demand, they will keep charging them! But for us, I think we may start spending our vacation dollars elsewhere; it's just too much.