Not so magical bands

[TrudyNH]

After spending 10 days at Disney and using the new Magic Band system, my family noticed a small glitch. The most popular rides at each park were sold out of fast passes days before. We did not want to plan out where we would go each day until we saw the weather forecast. One day was predicted to be hot and sunny but two tornados touched down at the airport causing monsoon like rain to hit.

My point is that knowing the park was sold out of fast passes days in advance, we went to Universal instead. My family did not want to deal with 2+ hour wait times for rides knowing we could pay a small fee at Universal and get an Express pass U-bot. The new Fastpass system actually pushed us away from Disney.

Do they care? No way. So what if 5 people went to Universal for the day instead of Disney. So they missed out on the $1000 we spent elsewhere. I'm thinking there should be a cap on how many FP's can be given out in advance. Just my two cents.

 

[Planogirl]

You've hit the nail on the head as to what concerns me the most. I dislike planning in advance too so I sympathize.

I hope that you enjoyed Universal. We spend a lot of time there (because we like it not due to FP+).

 

[Shaden]

After spending 10 days at Disney and using the new Magic Band system, my family noticed a small glitch. The most popular rides at each park were sold out of fast passes days before. We did not want to plan out where we would go each day until we saw the weather forecast. One day was predicted to be hot and sunny but two tornados touched down at the airport causing monsoon like rain to hit.

My point is that knowing the park was sold out of fast passes days in advance, we went to Universal instead. My family did not want to deal with 2+ hour wait times for rides knowing we could pay a small fee at Universal and get an Express pass U-bot. The new Fastpass system actually pushed us away from Disney.

Do they care? No way. So what if 5 people went to Universal for the day instead of Disney. So they missed out on the $1000 we spent elsewhere. I'm thinking there should be a cap on how many FP's can be given out in advance. Just my two cents.

You've hit the nail on the head as to what concerns me the most. I dislike planning in advance too so I sympathize.

I hope that you enjoyed Universal. We spend a lot of time there (because we like it not due to FP+).

One of our biggest concerns as well.

Its awesome that we look at our FP+ selections and think.... that looks great ... except of course, its all subject to weather, how we are feeling those days, what kids are feeling and willing to do, how my almost 70 year old mother is doing and what she is up to .....

And we wont know any of that until the day of, and then the crap hits the fan. And that is one of the biggest weaknesses of FP+ ... you just don't KNOW 60 days out... you can hope ... and while I am hoping that during our stay with average of "5" level crowds there will be plenty of wiggle room for adjustment of FPs even day of ... I imagine for others, for at least a third of the year, this just wont be possible ....

 

[leebee]

OF course Disney doesn't care. They already have your park pass money, your resort hotel money, and if you are on the dining plan, they have that money, too. Why should they care if you spend ADDITIONAL money anywhere else? Especially if you have the dining plan, what are they going to miss getting from you… a couple of snacks? You'll probably still buy the same Disney souvenirs as you'd originally planned on, also. ALL they care about right now is their bottom line… PROFIT.

I am not looking forward to traveling to WDW under the restrictions of FP+. I am already not enjoying planning… and usually I like it so much, I have volunteered to plan trips for OTHER people. I don't think Disney will see the financial effects that FP+ has for at LEAST a year or two, not until the time that the repeat customer has the opportunity to try traveling under FP+, decide whether Disney is still a value for them, and then NOT make that next vacation plan. Money talks, and if the new guests and the veterans keep going to WDW, the message will be that FP+ is just dandy! Right now, attendance seems to be high, if revenues are to be believed. Look at these numbers in Jan 2015 and 2016 to see if FP+ is a success or not.

 

[ArwenMarie]

FP+ "encouraged" us to switch our trip from WDW to onsite Universal in February and we had the best time. Which I guess is a positive of FP+

 

[suemom2kay]

After spending 10 days at Disney and using the new Magic Band system, my family noticed a small glitch. The most popular rides at each park were sold out of fast passes days before.

That is interesting that you experienced FP+ being out DAYS ahead of time. I just checked MDE and was able to get a FP+ TODAY for BTMRR, Space, Splash; the only FP+'s that were grayed out were the Parade and Wishes. I can check the other parks, but I suspect that I will find the same. WDW leaves a certain amount of FP's available for day of for FREE. I just do not believe that you were unable to obtain FP+'s for headliners DAYS AHEAD of TIME.

I'm glad you enjoyed your FOTL passes but they are not CHEAP. What did that run you for a family of five?

 

[2Tiggies]

FP+ "encouraged" us to switch our trip from WDW to onsite Universal in February and we had the best time. Which I guess is a positive of FP+

Yes. I personally know three families who have done just that and for the same reasons this year. The common factor for all of them was unwillingness to map out a work-day like schedule for every day of their vacation. Even an office diary doesn't usually fill up with appointments 60 days in advance.

 

[mom2rtk]

That is interesting that you experienced FP+ being out DAYS ahead of time. I just checked MDE and was able to get a FP+ TODAY for BTMRR, Space, Splash; the only FP+'s that were grayed out were the Parade and Wishes. I can check the other parks, but I suspect that I will find the same. WDW leaves a certain amount of FP's available for day of for FREE. I just do not believe that you were unable to obtain FP+'s for headliners DAYS AHEAD of TIME.

I'm glad you enjoyed your FOTL passes but they are not CHEAP. What did that run you for a family of five?

OK. So glad you know more about what the OP experienced than they did. Sheesh.

 

[5Hfan]

these are many of our concerns too, we'll still go this year I think for our 5 year old who really wants to, but are doing a split stay at Universal, which has the 12 and 9 year olds thrilled (Harry Potter!). Normally I live and breathe planning for our Disney trips, but juggling ADRs and fast passes is just not making me excited at all. Too many variables, sick kids, weather, ride down, lines, who knows what the kids will decide is a repeat must do...

all this pre planning is NOT A VACATION for me!

 

[jamoka]

When planning our trip for today ... We were trying to switch from Mk to dhs or Epcot. As of last night, tsm was gone, soarin and test track all gone... I don't think they hold any for same day reserving guests.... That has not been our experience... Just sayin

 

[Marionnette]

Did you have problems with the Magic Bands or just issues with FP+?

I totally agree that FP+ has taken any spontaneity away from touring the parks unless you want to stand in long standby lines at even the less-popular attractions. But, I wonder why you didn't just make FP+ reservations ahead of time (even though your plans were not concrete) and then either alter or cancel them instead of relying on fate to determine if anything worthwhile was available? I mean, it costs you nothing but your time to set it up and the impact on your vacation, as you saw, can be pretty huge.

I'm not a fan of FP+ by any measure. But I have a hard time wrapping my brain around the idea that someone would go to Disney, knowing how FP+ impacts touring, and then return to complain that it didn't work for them because they didn't try to use it.

 

[suemom2kay]

OK. So glad you know more about what the OP experienced than they did. Sheesh.

Hey, just sayin' that if I can find FP's available TODAY during spring break, I find it hard to believe that there was nothing available DAYS IN ADVANCE. Just cause it is on the internet, does not mean it is true. Check FP availability for yourself for today and the next few days.

 

[suemom2kay]

When planning our trip for today ... We were trying to switch from Mk to dhs or Epcot. As of last night, tsm was gone, soarin and test track all gone... I don't think they hold any for same day reserving guests.... That has not been our experience... Just sayin

Just found this at 8:00 AT THE STUDIOS

Arrive between
9:45 - 10:45am
Star Tours® - The Adventures Continue
1 Arrive between
11:35 - 12:35pm
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith
Replacement
2 Arrive between
12:45 - 1:45pm
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

Arrive between
4:35 - 5:35pm
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
1 Arrive between
6:30 - 7:30pm
Star Tours® - The Adventures Continue
2 Arrive between
8:05 - 9:05pm
Toy Story Midway Mania!

AND THIS AT ANIMAL KINGDOM

Arrive between
9:35 - 10:35am
DINOSAUR
1 Arrive between
12:40 - 1:40pm
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
2 Arrive between
3:40 - 4:40pm
Kilimanjaro Safaris®

Sorry not buying that FP's were out days in advance. The only thing grayed out at 8:00 were Soarin' and Test Track. And Epcot has EMH tonight so it is likely the MOST CROWDED PARK today.

So Fastpasses ARE available the day of for people that want to make choices that day. Probably not if you wake up at noon and then decide to look on your phone/computer for availability. But otherwise, you can get FP's for headliners. I just find there is enough negativity without making stuff up.

 

[surferdave]

Hey, just sayin' that if I can find FP's available TODAY during spring break, I find it hard to believe that there was nothing available DAYS IN ADVANCE. Just cause it is on the internet, does not mean it is true. Check FP availability for yourself for today and the next few days.

You are more likely to find some spotty Fastpass+ availability on the day of your trip between 6 and 10 than you are a couple of days ahead because people who change plans are cancelling. It's a lot like advanced dining reservations. Anybody who is willing to keep their nose stuck in a computer or their smartphone for much of the morning of a trip instead of admiring the wonderful theming that makes WDW so much better than the competition will likely be able to secure some Fastpasses for things they couldn't get two days before. If they are persistent and their batteries don't die. And if MDE is working that day. And if they're willing to run around the park more than they would have for FP- back in the day.

EDIT: I just saw your latest post which looks about like what I would have expected. How many guests where you telling MDE you were securing FP+ for?

 

[mom2rtk]

Hey, just sayin' that if I can find FP's available TODAY during spring break, I find it hard to believe that there was nothing available DAYS IN ADVANCE. Just cause it is on the internet, does not mean it is true. Check FP availability for yourself for today and the next few days.

The PP isn't there this week. They just got back from a 10 day trip. And it likely doesn't make them feel any better to know what you can find today.

And maybe it's just me, but calling someone a liar right out of the gate just doesn't seem helpful.

 

[Kate and Family]

Regarding pre planning and locking our choices in, I feel the same way about hard ticket items. Should I buy a ticket for MNSSHP and take a chance that it will rain or kids will be sick? (last time at WDW, it rained, was unseasonably cold and kids were sick - yikes). Or do I take a chance on buying a ticket when we get there, choosing the day that looks best, on the hope it will not be sold out.

Same can be said for planning when to go. I angst over that one.

Pre-planning is a mixed blessing.

I think I will like FP+, and knowing I have certain rides locked in sounds fantastic to me - hated rounding up FP with FP legacy. However, it certainly takes away flexibility. But, at least it is free (like FP legacy, glad it is not by purchase like Universal) and once you have bought your ticket, it's available to be used.

 

[lions1995]

Hey, just sayin' that if I can find FP's available TODAY during spring break, I find it hard to believe that there was nothing available DAYS IN ADVANCE. Just cause it is on the internet, does not mean it is true. Check FP availability for yourself for today and the next few days.

I agree that it is doubtful they were all gone, but you are comparing crowd level 6 days currently to level 9s a week ago. So not sure if current FP availability says about previous availability. ( I wonder if Disney restricts the number of FPs as crowd level increases. )

As to the OP, I agree that FP+ is not as desirable for frequent guests (especially "power" users). I am a bit of a planning freak (I have itineraries, FP+, and dining planned for my November trip already! at least on paper). But I find the FP+ planning is even more stringent than I like.

I would much rather have a FP-+ system. No pre day reservations, but once in the park (and I have to believe that they can tell once you enter a given park) the system would allow you to pick your first FP of the day. Once you enter the FP que for that attraction, the system could let you make the next selection. Thus working like the old FP system, but electronically and without going to the attraction. I know this will never happen since it would defeat their purpose of know where and what you plan to do days before you do it.

 

[Robo]

No pre day reservations, but once in the park (and I have to believe that they can tell once you enter a given park) the system would allow you to pick your first FP of the day.

Well, yes.

You have to use a ticket (MB or otherwise) to enter the park.

 

[Kate and Family]

When planning our trip for today ... We were trying to switch from Mk to dhs or Epcot. As of last night, tsm was gone, soarin and test track all gone... I don't think they hold any for same day reserving guests.... That has not been our experience... Just sayin

I think this is the crux of the matter. DHS and EPCOT have limited headliners. Until more are added, the FP for these will be running out fast. I keep reminding myself that the first 2 visits after TSM opened, I was unable to ride and that last visit I was unable to ride TT. (I know folks will say, if I had PLANNED ahead a better strategy, I could have done these. But, even when getting the FP, the return times often were so far off, - I was unable to use them and meet the family for dinner etc.) So, now I can set the time. Big improvement - UNLESS I need to make changes for these attractions on the fly.

 

[Jennasis]

Just found this at 8:00 AT THE STUDIOS

Arrive between
9:45 - 10:45am
Star Tours® - The Adventures Continue
1 Arrive between
11:35 - 12:35pm
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith
Replacement
2 Arrive between
12:45 - 1:45pm
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

Arrive between
4:35 - 5:35pm
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
1 Arrive between
6:30 - 7:30pm
Star Tours® - The Adventures Continue
2 Arrive between
8:05 - 9:05pm
Toy Story Midway Mania!

AND THIS AT ANIMAL KINGDOM

Arrive between
9:35 - 10:35am
DINOSAUR
1 Arrive between
12:40 - 1:40pm
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
2 Arrive between
3:40 - 4:40pm
Kilimanjaro Safaris®

Sorry not buying that FP's were out days in advance. The only thing grayed out at 8:00 were Soarin' and Test Track. And Epcot has EMH tonight so it is likely the MOST CROWDED PARK today.

So Fastpasses ARE available the day of for people that want to make choices that day. Probably not if you wake up at noon and then decide to look on your phone/computer for availability. But otherwise, you can get FP's for headliners. I just find there is enough negativity without making stuff up.

The poster you quoted was looking for Soarin', Test Track (none of which are one your list) and TSMM which has a pretty late time on your list...and of course may not have been available for the size party the poster was looking for.