Not a fan of FP+..positive update #193 (sort of...)

[richmo]

How are the standby lines? I have had reports of them being not too bad and others of them being pretty long. I can deal with 3 FP+s, if I can ride minor attractions with minimal waits.

The standby lines have been quite long. In the past several days, I've seen 130 minutes at Test Track, 55 at Pirates and Haunted Mansion, 35 at Maelstrom, 75 at Big Thunder, Peter Pan and Space. These are summer/holiday like numbers.

The crowd level was supposed to be in the 7 range this week, but is clearly much higher (probably not 10, but I can see 8 or 9). I don't blame the long lines on FP+; there's just lots of people there. I'd blame it more on the winter we've had up north. I've been down roughly the same time the past five years or so and this was the most crowded I've seen it. I'm not referring to lines, but people in the streets, etc. Car rentals are gone in some cases, full hotels, etc.

 

[MichelleVW]

Is it really so difficult to believe that some people don't want to schedule their vacation? I mean, it's not how I'd choose to vacation at WDW, but if it's someone else's preference, they have a right to it! And they have a right to be frustrated if changes at WDW will effect how they tour.

Seriously, it's stuff like this that is really just...rude, IMO. There's just no better word. If I started telling a pro-FP+ person that I didn't understand why they toured the way they did, and if they just toured my way they might find they'd feel the way I feel, it would be seen as rude and unnecessary. I seriously do not understand why it's OK for pro-FP+ people to act that way towards those who are not thrilled with FP+.

Sorry you find it rude because I don't think it is. Personally I love the non planners...it makes my day so much easier. But if someone has been to WDW a million times they pretty much know how they tour and clicking on a couple of fast passes a day or two ahead of time really wouldn't be that difficult. To me it's like sticking with a rotary phone because well...it works just fine and I don't want to change. I'm not saying people have to go all commando and plan every second but is scheduling a couple of Fast Passes in the comfort of your home...or hotel...or on the bus on the way to the park really that much of a hassle?

Seriously I don't care if people like Fast Pass Plus or hate it. I thought I would hate it...but ended up liking it. Do I like everything about it...no...but it's not the devil that so many people make it out to be.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Is it really so difficult to believe that some people don't want to schedule their vacation? I mean, it's not how I'd choose to vacation at WDW, but if it's someone else's preference, they have a right to it! And they have a right to be frustrated if changes at WDW will effect how they tour.

Seriously, it's stuff like this that is really just...rude, IMO. There's just no better word. If I started telling a pro-FP+ person that I didn't understand why they toured the way they did, and if they just toured my way they might find they'd feel the way I feel, it would be seen as rude and unnecessary. I seriously do not understand why it's OK for pro-FP+ people to act that way towards those who are not thrilled with FP+.

ITA!

The pro-FP+ are trying to imply that we are simply unhappy or negative people which I honestly think most people that love WDW like I do are not.

Or that we were "commando" superusers who "abused" the system.

Or we are jumping the gun because we see data that SB lines are going through the roof and the app isn't always working.

Or that we are backward people that can't adapt or accept change

Maybe in a year when necessary changes are made it may be a different story, but right now, next month, I have to take my DD's to the MK and I've already had to explain you now can only pick 3 rides. I can't promise them anything more. I've BEEN in level 9-10 crowds. And if there are now FP+ lines in the secondary attractions, POTC is one that sticks out, my predictions are SB will be through the roof. If I am wrong I will come back and say "Hey SB lines weren't that bad".

If I had know they were going to limit my use of FP I would never have planned these trips. They have less value for me. If it works for you, good for you but don't be nasty to me.

 

[2Tiggies]

Is it really so difficult to believe that some people don't want to schedule their vacation? I mean, it's not how I'd choose to vacation at WDW, but if it's someone else's preference, they have a right to it! And they have a right to be frustrated if changes at WDW will effect how they tour.

Agreed.

None of my friends who go are planners. One of the senior partners in our firm has been going with his family for years and they decide on the day over breakfast where they are going for the day. He and his wife both have very scheduled lives and want to lose the phones and internet for their trip and enjoy each day as it comes. Not how we do it, but they keep going back and love it so it's not so strange that people don't want to plan. I like to have a basic plan and I do plan less than I used to, but I'm feeling very rigidly scheduled for the summer and don't like the amount of time I have to put into scheduling each day, while hoping nothing changes before my trip that I can't amend beforehand.

 

[davedmaine]

We didn't wait in lines over 20 minutes and rode everything at all 4 parks at least once if not multiple times. We used our 3 fast passes a day with zero problems. I was surprised that we were able to do that over spring break when it was pretty dang crowded. But we did it...believe it or not I don't care.

No way

 

[MichelleVW]

I think it's funny if you look back on these boards before Fast Pass plus because the argument was about if using them late was wrong...or we should just go back to the old days of no fast passes...always a debate. I just think you are putting yourself at a disadvantage if you straight up refuse to use them...but whatever...not my vacation.

 

[MichelleVW]

No way

Sorry for your disbelief....but yes way. We don't wait in lines...we are front of the line rope drop people that can get 3-4 attractions done before the people at the back of the rope drop crowd are thru the gates. Add that with our 3 fast pass plus and we're golden. Not commando...we take a nap pretty much every day...but after going to the parks 2-3 times a year for the past 15 years...it's not hard to know which way to zig when the crowd starts to zag....

 

[minniemous]

This type of abuse that you witnessed in October 2013 was not possible prior to Disney testing FP+. At some point during the FP+ testing, Disney turned off the requirement that the ticket media had to be used for entry in the park that day (I can't remember why, but I remember posts about it here).

Please be assured, the above was not the case for the vast majority of the time legacy FP was in effect.

Thanks. I was wondering about that. It was definitely an issue when I was there during the testing period. I had a very good experience with the new fast pass even with this abuse with the paper tickets. I also know we were there during a slower period.

 

[Claudia1]

I haven't had the time to read everybody's comments as I'm back in our room for a quick break.

FYI, the reason I lost the FP+s waste system glitched and/or the connection glitched while I was doing it. I have no idea what happened but the whole day was gone when I got back on. I was able to get back all but one. We are at the Boardwalk and the Internet connection is varying.

Still not a fan, tho. I understand this is the "new normal" but it is diminishing our experience.

 

[Junebugwv]

I agree with the OP on this one after using FP+ on our Feb 25- Mar 7 trip. Maybe the disruptions in the system will get fixed and make it a bit easier to change FPs. We found it frustrating, but made the best of our trip.

We can't expect any system to be perfect and sometimes you just have one of those vacations where quirky things happen. At HS, we showed up for our 9:40 AM TSM FP and the ride was down. It was down for a few hours and we were notified by email about a half hour later, after we went back every 10 minutes to see if it was up. But, we used the FP later that afternoon. The SB line said 120 mins, which I think was posted to keep SB people away because the FP line was very long all afternoon trying to get in all of the people who missed their FP time. The SB line was really short, but I didn't notice many being let on to the ride because the FP people were waiting a LONG time. That can't be typical.

Same day at Light Motor Action there was a snafu in the sound system and we had to sit and wait until it resumed. Quite a few people left and the Cars scene did not resume. Things like that just happen.

Same day, at Indiana Jones, they announced a malfunction and there were no scenes on the buildings- all on the ground. Just a weird day and those things happen.

When we went to AK, we decided to do EE at rope drop. The ride did not begin until 9:30. You just have to adapt the FPs the best you can because odd things happen.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

The standby lines have been quite long. In the past several days, I've seen 130 minutes at Test Track, 55 at Pirates and Haunted Mansion, 35 at Maelstrom, 75 at Big Thunder, Peter Pan and Space. These are summer/holiday like numbers.

The crowd level was supposed to be in the 7 range this week, but is clearly much higher (probably not 10, but I can see 8 or 9). I don't blame the long lines on FP+; there's just lots of people there. I'd blame it more on the winter we've had up north. I've been down roughly the same time the past five years or so and this was the most crowded I've seen it. I'm not referring to lines, but people in the streets, etc. Car rentals are gone in some cases, full hotels, etc.

Thanks! hopefully, you are right and it is just the crowds. I am luckily am able to go during the less crowded times of year. Those wait times are way more than I have ever seen.

 

[Planogirl]

Just some thoughts as I've read through the rest of this thread...

As evidenced by this particular thread, I think many of the complaints are coming from people who haven't had the opportunity to try out the new FP+ system and are basing the majority of their opinions on assumptions given by other people who haven't used the new FP+ system either. I completely expect that there will be far less "ruined" vacations when people actually get to use FP+. But, I also expect that we will continue to see every possible experience on the spectrum... but that's not exclusive to FP+, as it's always been that way for one reason or another.

Maybe, if people would stop jumping on the opportunity to spew so much negativity, it would be easy to recognize that not every positive experience is happening only to those who've been labeled "defenders of FP+"... similarly, it needs to be noted that not all of the negative opinions are coming from people who actually know what they're talking about based on a real experience.

FP+ isn't perfect - not by a long shot. There will be plenty of people who actually use it and hate it. I, personally, did not find it to be a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad thing. But, really, don't you think you should at least USE IT first, before verbally vomiting all over the place about how terrible it is?

Have you ever decided against a purchase because you didn't like the features? Are there places you don't wish to travel to because the amenities don't appeal to you?

I would say that those who have tried FP+ might have a leg up on those who haven't but that doesn't mean that people can't educate themselves and state what they feel about the requirements and features. Besides there are many who have tried it and say that they don't care for it just as there are others that like it.

 

[2Tiggies]

As evidenced by this particular thread, I think many of the complaints are coming from people who haven't had the opportunity to try out the new FP+ system and are basing the majority of their opinions on assumptions given by other people who haven't used the new FP+ system either. I completely expect that there will be far less "ruined" vacations when people actually get to use FP+. But, I also expect that we will continue to see every possible experience on the spectrum... but that's not exclusive to FP+, as it's always been that way for one reason or another.

Maybe, if people would stop jumping on the opportunity to spew so much negativity, it would be easy to recognize that not every positive experience is happening only to those who've been labeled "defenders of FP+"... similarly, it needs to be noted that not all of the negative opinions are coming from people who actually know what they're talking about based on a real experience.

Well at least the thread was started by someone based on their less than stellar experience with FP+

On the topic of labels, I have seen plenty of references to the "Debbie Downers".... Just saying.

What you need to keep in mind with FP+ is that the experience begins with it long before you actually get to the parks. Your days are scheduled to accommodate the FP's you hope to get, you have to try and book them on the painfully slow website (when it's working) and glitches and errors are becoming accepted as normal. So I am not convinced that those who have not yet tried it in the parks but are at or past the online selection stage have no experience with it at all. They just don't have in-park experience. But the dissatisfaction expressed by those who dislike it include being locked into a rigid schedule and various grievances with the website and app.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Sorry you find it rude because I don't think it is.

It wasn't my favorite word to use, but I can't think of a better word to describe basically telling someone that they're vacationing wrong

I'm not saying people have to go all commando and plan every second but is scheduling a couple of Fast Passes in the comfort of your home...or hotel...or on the bus on the way to the park really that much of a hassle?

I don't think it's the act of scheduling that certain people are finding a hassle. I think it is more they don't want to be ON a schedule on vacation in the first place.

Seriously I don't care if people like Fast Pass Plus or hate it. I thought I would hate it...but ended up liking it. Do I like everything about it...no...but it's not the devil that so many people make it out to be.

No, it's not a devil. But it doesn't work well for everyone's touring style. And everyone's entitled to have their own personal touring style, IMO.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a FP+ fan.

No one knows ME and how I toured the parks. My signature might give some hints, but who knows around here anymore. I've been to WDW more times than should be legally allowed by someone never residing in the state of Florida. I KNOW this system doesn't work for my wife and I. We are not the only two people feeling this way and it's pretty obvious.

Perhaps it could best be explained with food. I knew from childhood that I hated black licorice. I loved red licorice. I still do. I tried to like black licorice because of my love for red licorice, but just couldn't stomach it. I know for a fact that I won't like fennel or anise (and if we want to be truthful, you can count Chervil or Tarragon, too) because they would remind me of black licorice. You don't have to try things to know they won't work for you. It just takes someone experienced enough to know their own palate.

So yeah....this whole thing leaves a putrid taste in my mouth...

 

[wuzzy6]

My only point was that there are too many people making statements as facts, but their sources for said statements-as-facts are from other people's assumptions and speculations about something they haven't even tried yet.

As for the food analogy... I don't like brussels sprouts, and I never have! But, one day I tried something new and discovered I actually love brussels sprouts with brown sugar and bacon. (If you want the recipe, I'll be happy to share it with you!) Thankfully, I was willing to keep an open mind and try something different, even though I have known for the past 40 years what I like and dislike. I could have hated it, absolutely - I actually thought I would hate it!!! But, I would've never really known without trying it first. Your logic definitely goes both ways, and that's not a bad thing.

Honestly, I don't particularly care who likes or doesn't like FP+, as I am completely certain it's not going to be a good experience for everyone who tries it. I'm not trying to convince anyone that it's going to be sparkles and rainbows for everyone who tries it, either. I'm just super-happy for the people who ARE trying it, in spite of all of the negative things they've heard, only to discover that it was actually an overall positive experience for them. Personally, I hope they do away with tiers, and I hope they will change things to allow FP+ selections in different parks on the same day. But, for now, I will continue to make the very best of my visits to WDW - continue to be happy for others who do the same - and continue to be really bummed for those who have lousy visits. For those who refuse to give it a shot, I hope they find something else they enjoy and have a blast!

 

[magicbob]

Just some thoughts as I've read through the rest of this thread...

As evidenced by this particular thread, I think many of the complaints are coming from people who haven't had the opportunity to try out the new FP+ system and are basing the majority of their opinions on assumptions given by other people who haven't used the new FP+ system either. I completely expect that there will be far less "ruined" vacations when people actually get to use FP+. But, I also expect that we will continue to see every possible experience on the spectrum... but that's not exclusive to FP+, as it's always been that way for one reason or another.

Maybe, if people would stop jumping on the opportunity to spew so much negativity, it would be easy to recognize that not every positive experience is happening only to those who've been labeled "defenders of FP+"... similarly, it needs to be noted that not all of the negative opinions are coming from people who actually know what they're talking about based on a real experience.

FP+ isn't perfect - not by a long shot. There will be plenty of people who actually use it and hate it. I, personally, did not find it to be a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad thing. But, really, don't you think you should at least USE IT first, before verbally vomiting all over the place about how terrible it is?

So let me see if I have this straight? Positive experiences are coming from both FP+ defenders AND also by regular people who have not been so-labelled. But negative opinions are coming from people who don't know what they're talking about. Right.

The whole USE IT first argument just doesn't hold water when the product is an advance reservation system. It's designed to be used before your vacation.

 

[mom2rtk]

As for the food analogy... I don't like brussels sprouts, and I never have! But, one day I tried something new and discovered I actually love brussels sprouts with brown sugar and bacon. (If you want the recipe, I'll be happy to share it with you!) Thankfully, I was willing to keep an open mind and try something different, even though I have known for the past 40 years what I like and dislike. I could have hated it, absolutely - I actually thought I would hate it!!! But, I would've never really known without trying it first. Your logic definitely goes both ways, and that's not a bad thing.

Would you have tried brussel sprouts if they cost $5,000? (or more?)

 

[Laketravis]

I don't like brussels sprouts, and I never have! But, one day I tried something new and discovered I actually love brussels sprouts with brown sugar and bacon.

I tried that, but even when sprinkled with brown sugar and wrapped in bacon, FP+ still left a bad taste in our mouths.

 

[2Tiggies]

Would you have tried brussel sprouts if they cost $5,000? (or more?)

I tried that, but even when sprinkled with brown sugar and wrapped in bacon, FP+ still left a bad taste in our mouths.

At $5K I wouldn't have touched them. Bacon or no bacon.