Not sure I'm getting why FP+ is "limiting" peoples experience.

[disneyerin]

Disney created the monster by offering Original Recipe FP in all its glory in the first place. They GAVE people, for free, this wonderful product, for 14 years...and now for them (or anyone else) to act shocked that people are disappointed and feel limited by taking it away and replacing it with the new system is kind of ridiculous.

Now, perhaps, in the end, the new system will be better than the old. But the snail's=pace roll-out and the ever changing rules make it really hard to know if that will be the case. So we continue to wait and hope. As it stands, RIGHT NOW...yeah, the tiers, the 1 park per day, and the LIMIT of 3 are all limiting.

Maybe tomorrow will be different.

That's a really good point. I forget just how old I am! For younger folks, FP has been as much a part of WDW as Cinderella's Castle.

Disney has really messed up with the decisions they have made around the FP+ implementation. I have to believe that SOMEONE is working on this to make it better. But in the mean time, it is what it is. For those of us who can only go during the more crowded times, we have to come up with a plan B. That plan may be to postpone our trip until FP is fixed, or the plan may be to find someway to be OK with going on less rides.
My DD was beside herself waiting for TSM. After DL it had become her favorite ride. When I rode it on Dec. 16th, it became one of mine as well; I LOVED IT!! But after our FP+ was used, the stand by line never went under 70 min. So we made the decision to not ride it again. I also never made it to Test Track or Splash Mountain because of the lines. But I absolutely feel that this trip was perfect.

I don't want this to turn into a lecture about attitude. Sometimes, especially when you have little ones who's hearts are set on certain rides, it's next to impossible to "put the rides into perspective". But if you can lower your expectations about the amount of rides you'll be able to go on, it really, REALLY helps!!
Like I said, just doing that alone made our vacation feel truly perfect.

It won't change the fact that Disney has really screwed up, but it might just save your trip.

 

[crostorfer]

I don't want this to turn into a lecture about attitude. Sometimes, especially when you have little ones who's hearts are set on certain rides, it's next to impossible to "put the rides into perspective". But if you can lower your expectations about the amount of rides you'll be able to go on, it really, REALLY helps!!
Like I said, just doing that alone made our vacation feel truly perfect.

It won't change the fact that Disney has really screwed up, but it might just save your trip.

Yes, Virginia. You too can pay $1200 for base tickets for your family of four, and only ride 3 rides in an 8 hour period during peak season.

How much lower do you expect people's expectations to get?

 

[minnie mum]

But if you can lower your expectations about the amount of rides you'll be able to go on, it really, REALLY helps!!

It won't change the fact that Disney has really screwed up, but it might just save your trip.

See, here's the thing. Having been a regular visitor to the Disney parks since 1975, having seen all of the changes that have occured, having seen the skyrocketing prices for resorts, dining, and tickets, I really resent the fact that I am expected to LOWER my expectations (which have never been excessive) while paying MORE. As big a Disney fan as I am, if they don't get their act together soon, this is one Disney family that will be choosing to vacation elsewhere. Where we DON'T have to lower our expectations.

 

[DizFanSLD]

If the only measure of a good Disney vacation is the highest number of rides, then I am not sure why WDW would be anyone's vacation choice anyway. For sheer number of rides, they aren't at the top of any list. Find your nearest six-flags and ride everything over and over all day long. For me, I could spend an entire day at a WDW park, never ride a single ride and have a great day between shows, parades, fireworks and just atmosphere.

I am a RD person, and found the tiering to be not a big deal - Soarin' FP each Epcot day, and will ride TT at RD, and a similar alternating plan at DHS. I have scheduled FP+ for our February trip, made all my ADRs at the earliest opportunity, and I am thrilled with how my trip is laid out. I am also thrilled to never again have to do the death run at RD to pull FP- for Soarin' or TSMM. I'm a planner at heart, so FP+ suits me down to the ground!

I will say, that I don't have young children, so all the long line Fantasyland rides are once a trip rides for us. If you had little ones who want to do those over and over, I could see FP+ being a bit of a challenge.

But I would bet that FP+ will look very different by 2015 - They are going to work out the kinks and get plenty of user data before they settle on a final implementation of the program.

 

[Mkrop]

That's a really good point. I forget just how old I am! For younger folks, FP has been as much a part of WDW as Cinderella's Castle.

Disney has really messed up with the decisions they have made around the FP+ implementation. I have to believe that SOMEONE is working on this to make it better. But in the mean time, it is what it is. For those of us who can only go during the more crowded times, we have to come up with a plan B. That plan may be to postpone our trip until FP is fixed, or the plan may be to find someway to be OK with going on less rides.
My DD was beside herself waiting for TSM. After DL it had become her favorite ride. When I rode it on Dec. 16th, it became one of mine as well; I LOVED IT!! But after our FP+ was used, the stand by line never went under 70 min. So we made the decision to not ride it again. I also never made it to Test Track or Splash Mountain because of the lines. But I absolutely feel that this trip was perfect.

I don't want this to turn into a lecture about attitude. Sometimes, especially when you have little ones who's hearts are set on certain rides, it's next to impossible to "put the rides into perspective". But if you can lower your expectations about the amount of rides you'll be able to go on, it really, REALLY helps!!
Like I said, just doing that alone made our vacation feel truly perfect.

It won't change the fact that Disney has really screwed up, but it might just save your trip.

WHY in the world would I lower my expectations about something I paid a lot of money for???????

 

[vinotinto]

So exactly what kind of magic did we lose by having magic band and fast passes (to use if we wanted to) but simply doing things on our own schedule?


What IS limiting is this: growing crowds, longer wait times, and lack of "favorite rides" all which take away the option of being spontaneous for many visitors. When I stop for 3 seconds and really think about the lack of high quality rides (either new rides, or some variations with the old ones) in the parks I'm stunned. It's inexcusable with the resources Disney has. If Epcot had 6 rides as wonderful and fun as Soar'n and Test Track would the lines be as long? How may "TSM"s can you find at HS?


But, it's not the new fast pass system. The fast pass system simply gives everyone another choice, but no one is making anyone use it. It's what is happening in the parks thats creating the frustration. The lines are getting out of hand. And more people are visiting the parks without the parks expanding in a timely manner to add quality rides. And the more this happens, the more we are going to feel dependent on (and desperate to be part of) any system that offers to save us time.

If it's limiting to you, don't use it. How many trips have people taken since the parks opened without fast pass? Would they look back now and say their experience was less magical without them?

Well, Disney chose to invest one billion+ dollars in this "system." That is money that will not be invested in new rides/experiences, which is what you mention as the "problem". Disney does not have unlimited resources and the limited resources are being spent on FMM/FP+. There's already been a lot of talk of potential new rides/experiences that will have to get the ax because there is no resources to invest in them, since the choice is to invest in FP+ (read this: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3203472).

And FP+ has not helped with the problem of longer wait times, as you could get multiple old FP- for one attraction (e.g., TSMM, TT, Soarin, RnRC) and now with the limit to 3, the limit of not being able to repeat a FP+ and the limit of tiering at DHS and Epcot, you can only have a shorter wait at one. As Robo, as usual, so eloquently put it 6 > 3, especially, when, in the past you were able to choose the 6 to be whatever you wanted them to be. If you wanted to to rope drop and stay late, you could easily to 3 TSMM and 3 RnRC.

I guess you can decide not to participate in fastpasses anymore and just ride those long standby waits or not ride at all. Not really a pretty choice, is it?

Spending less time in lines means we had more time to go do other things. For example, my kids love rides and my DH and I love restaurants. The old FP system would allow us to do the rides the kids wanted to do without spending a lot of time waiting. That left us with more time to go to restaurants, etc.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

My husband and I go during slower times and are rope drop people, but we are still annoyed by the Fast Pass+ system for a few different reasons.

1. We always used more than 3 Fast Passes in a single day. For Magic Kingdom, for example, often got Fast Passes for Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and Jungle Cruise. We love doing Thunder, Splash, and Jungle Cruise both during the day and at night and made sure to watch those Fast Pass return times so we could get passes that ensured we could do them at night. At Hollywood Studios, we would get 3 for Tower of Terror alone, not to mention Rock n Roller Coaster.

2. As touched on above, we would use multiple Fast Passes for the same ride. We LOVE Tower of Terror and would do it multiple times in a day. We'd grab a FP and then hop on, do stand by for Rock N Roller Coaster, Grab a FP for that (first thing in the morning made this possible as our return for TOT was early) and cash in the FP for Tower. Then, later in the day, we would get FPs for Tower again. We can't do that now.

3. Park Hopping will be limited. Let's face it, as much as I love Hollywood Studios, counter service meals are lacking. I love Tangerine Cafe, though, and it is a short boat ride away. It was common for me to do DHS in the mornings (with doing Tower of Terror multiple times, remember), then head to Epcot, get a FP for Soarin' (they were usually still available, but the return time was later in the day), grab lunch at Tangerine Cafe and enjoy World Showcase. I have no desire to stand in a line that is an hour long. Fast Pass was perfect for this. Now, I get to choose between Fast Passing Soarin' for the afternoon or Tower of Terror in the morning.

4. When we booked our trip, Fast Pass was still the norm. There was no knowing when Fast Pass+ would be rolled out, so when we booked (we booked our trip next month in December of 2012), it was with the belief that we would still have Fast Pass as we all knew it. Prices have gone up and my experience will likely go down (I say likely because it might be improved - I haven't tried it out to know for sure)





Personally, I can see the added benefits of Fast Pass+ in situations. If you are the types of guests who enjoy sleeping in and leisurely get to the parks around lunch time, Fast Pass+ is excellent for you. You don't have to worry about Fast Passes being gone by the time you arrive or the times being too late. However, for the rope droppers, it's not as convenient. What I believe Disney should do (and I'm sure that Disney execs are just waiting for my suggestions ) is keep Fast Pass as is. Keep it free for all people who enter the gates and have it be unlimited. Then, have Fast Pass+ for the on-site guests and Annual Passholders. Let's face it. Disney wants people on their property. That's why they started offering the dining plans and extra magic hours. Let Fast Pass+ be another incentive, but keep Fast Pass around for those who enjoy it and have learned to plan their vacations with it.

 

[Mkrop]

If the only measure of a good Disney vacation is the highest number of rides, then I am not sure why WDW would be anyone's vacation choice anyway. For sheer number of rides, they aren't at the top of any list. Find your nearest six-flags and ride everything over and over all day long. For me, I could spend an entire day at a WDW park, never ride a single ride and have a great day between shows, parades, fireworks and just atmosphere.

I am a RD person, and found the tiering to be not a big deal - Soarin' FP each Epcot day, and will ride TT at RD, and a similar alternating plan at DHS. I have scheduled FP+ for our February trip, made all my ADRs at the earliest opportunity, and I am thrilled with how my trip is laid out. I am also thrilled to never again have to do the death run at RD to pull FP- for Soarin' or TSMM. I'm a planner at heart, so FP+ suits me down to the ground!

I will say, that I don't have young children, so all the long line Fantasyland rides are once a trip rides for us. If you had little ones who want to do those over and over, I could see FP+ being a bit of a challenge.

But I would bet that FP+ will look very different by 2015 - They are going to work out the kinks and get plenty of user data before they settle on a final implementation of the program.

But see that is your opinion for us it is all about the rides, I dont pay all that money just to wander around. For your family it is different and that is ok.

And we have never done the death run for any ride and yet were able to get FPs that suited our familiy's wishes to ride certain rides or even ride certain rides multiple times.

 

[disnut8]

Problem with that logic is that all other things are not equal. Costs to go to Disney have skyrocketed. We now are getting far less for more $'s. In the mid 1980's I took my family to Disneyland numerous times. A park ticket was $25-$30. Just 3-4 years ago an AP to DLR was $200. They are now nearly $700. As costs escalated FP's were created. It allowed us to still go and enjoy the park and see and do what we wanted with little trouble. Today the costs have risen further and we get less. Thats my trouble with it!

But costs at other things have skyrocketed too. And you get less. Move away from Disney World or Disneyland. You cited the '80s as a source. What was the price of gas back then? Realize that everything depends on that price. Everything. When was the last time you bought something that was not delivered to a store by a truck? Compare your grocery bills now to back in the 80s. The cost just to get to work with driving. Price of a movie ticket? 80s to now?

Has the price of a Disney trip gone up in price? Yes. But so has everything else so we all have less to spend. On everything. Even if you did a Washington, DC trip back in the 80s the price for the attractions hasn't rising (almost everything in DC is free) but your cost for gas driving there or your airline flight to get there is going to be more. Your hotel will be more. Your food will be more. So, in total, you are spending more on that trip now than you did in the 80s.

I think the point the OP was trying to make is that it's a vacation and one you planned and paid for. Vacation means time away from work to get recharged. But if you focus in on all the negatives, what good is a vacation? Focus on the positives. You should be spending time with your family and if that means not getting onto Test Track, what else can you do? What else did you do? Sit and gripe? Or maybe did something to relax? That's your choice.

 

[bcrook]

Help me out here because I may be missing something....

So many posts are complaining about how the new FP+ system is changing their experience of WDW, and that it feels limiting. But......can't you just not use the system? Or make your fast passes just incase, but not be married to them? We spent the whole day at MK and never used ours because we chose to just be spontaneous and do what we felt like doing at the time; exactly what we had used to do for years before this "nasty" new system took over.

So exactly what kind of magic did we lose by having magic band and fast passes (to use if we wanted to) but simply doing things on our own schedule? We used all our fast passes in the other parks and it worked great. But we used them because it added to the magic. How did this limit us? I guess I don't get it... We were able to be spontaneous because the crowds and lines were manageable, but even if they weren't, it wouldn't be the new fast pass system that was limiting us.

What IS limiting is this: growing crowds, longer wait times, and lack of "favorite rides" all which take away the option of being spontaneous for many visitors. When I stop for 3 seconds and really think about the lack of high quality rides (either new rides, or some variations with the old ones) in the parks I'm stunned. It's inexcusable with the resources Disney has. If Epcot had 6 rides as wonderful and fun as Soar'n and Test Track would the lines be as long? How may "TSM"s can you find at HS?

Obviously I'm not a business person who understands just what an undertaking this would be for Disney......perhaps it is impossible for any amusement park to keep up with a high demand of services....

But, it's not the new fast pass system. The fast pass system simply gives everyone another choice, but no one is making anyone use it. It's what is happening in the parks thats creating the frustration. The lines are getting out of hand. And more people are visiting the parks without the parks expanding in a timely manner to add quality rides. And the more this happens, the more we are going to feel dependent on (and desperate to be part of) any system that offers to save us time.

If it's limiting to you, don't use it. How many trips have people taken since the parks opened without fast pass? Would they look back now and say their experience was less magical without them?

I really doubt it.

I think what you are saying is the real problem with all of this fastpass+.

1. It would be a good system if there was more ride capacity in the parks so lines weren't crazy. I would use my FP+ for things like wishes maybe. But without the extra attractions, it makes the FP+ not work well for those that like the rides.

2. The reason for creating the system was to get more people into the ride lines of the minor attractions. They did this instead of building more rides. It still seems like an odd decision.

3. People who like to wander the park and traditionally ride three or less popular attractions a day will love this system no matter what happens. It is an improvement for them.

4. Off site guests are severely limited.

But I agree overall, FP+ isn't the real problem it is the lack of attractions. With more attractions there wouldn't be tiers, limitations on hopping, and a three a day limit.

I think everyone would think having the legacy system with more rides in each park and the ability to add a few FP+ reservations to their day as a huge bonus. It is the shortage of prime offerings that leads to the glitches.

 

[patty57]

or the plan may be to find someway to be OK with going on less rides.
My DD was beside herself waiting for TSM. After DL it had become her favorite ride. When I rode it on Dec. 16th, it became one of mine as well; I LOVED IT!! But after our FP+ was used, the stand by line never went under 70 min. So we made the decision to not ride it again. I also never made it to Test Track or Splash Mountain because of the lines. But I absolutely feel that this trip was perfect.

I don't want this to turn into a lecture about attitude. Sometimes, especially when you have little ones who's hearts are set on certain rides, it's next to impossible to "put the rides into perspective". But if you can lower your expectations about the amount of rides you'll be able to go on, it really, REALLY helps!!

I just have to say a big NO to all of this. Maybe I would be okay with going on less rides, or lower my expectations when Disney lowers their prices. Sorry, but if I'm paying thousands of dollars then I want what I feel I've paid for.

 

[disneyerin]

Yes, Virginia. You too can pay $1200 for base tickets for your family of four, and only ride 3 rides in an 8 hour period during peak season.

How much lower do you expect people's expectations to get?

As low as you can go and still have good time. When that line is crossed, then you should find a place to go where you and your family WILL have a wonderful time.

I agree that it sucks to pay so much and only be able to ride a few rides in a full day; I AGREE. But now that we know it will be that way, we need to figure out if it's still worth our money. If not, it just doesn't make sense to go because we will not be happy there. You deserve a great vacation! And until Disney gets that and makes the changes needed for you to have the wonderful time you deserve, you might want to look for a fabulous vacation spot that is worth the money.

 

[crostorfer]

As low as you can go and still have good time. When that line is crossed, then you should find a place to go where you and your family WILL have a wonderful time.

I agree that it sucks to pay so much and only be able to ride a few rides in a full day; I AGREE. But now that we know it will be that way, we need to figure out if it's still worth our money. If not, it just doesn't make sense to go because we will not be happy there. You deserve a great vacation! And until Disney gets that and makes the changes needed for you to have the wonderful time you deserve, you might want to look for a fabulous vacation spot that is worth the money.

At Disneyland, it still is worth the money, in my opinion. At WDW, I'm not so sure anymore. I'm still on the fence here about where to go in March, these FP+ threads are making me weigh more on the side of DL. No stress, no reservations needed, very relaxed, and regular FP to boot.

 

[vinotinto]

A lot of this is why I now find the US/IoA experience far superior to WDW. You stay on site there, you get the express pass included. You save hours of time, just as a bonus of staying on site in a lovely hotel, for half of the cost of a Disney Deluxe. If you don't stay on site, you pay $50-$125 a day for the privilege. I actually don't think that is unreasonable. At least it gives everyone a fighting chance, if you are willing to fork over the dough.

I realize the same system would never work at WDW due to the sheer number of rooms on property, BUT, (and I realize I'm in the flaming minority), I'd pay $100 a day extra to have an every ride fastpass, able to use all day long. I'd do it in a heartbeat, with a smile on my face. I think standing in more than two 120 minute queues per day may make a lot of people run to guest services to upgrade to never do that again, if given the choice. Especially 1st timers. I'd MUCH rather have a pay system, with more ride availability, than this tiered system with limited selection.

We already doll out $5-7000 total for a Disney vacation, an extra $500 for fastpass privileges is nothing, really.

And, like the OP says, no one would HAVE to use it.

I agree with you 100%. We love the US/IoA experience, which is very different than the FP+ experience. There is no limit to how many times you can use it and we would gladly pay for the equivalent at WDW.

However, for those that will ask, why don't you just go to US/IoA? Well, I don't like the rides there. Many make me very nauseous. I absolutely hate the rides where you are jerked around in front of screens. Do not like The Forbidden Journey, nor Transformers, nor Simpsons, nor Spiderman. I do not like the thrill rides like Hulk and Duelin Dragons. I found it to be very limiting what my petite DD (age 6) could ride with the rest of the family. In terms of the rides, WDW is still the best for our family. In terms of the experience, well, nothing quite beats the Portofino.

 

[patty57]

As low as you can go and still have good time. When that line is crossed, then you should find a place to go where you and your family WILL have a wonderful time.

I agree that it sucks to pay so much and only be able to ride a few rides in a full day; I AGREE. But now that we know it will be that way, we need to figure out if it's still worth our money. If not, it just doesn't make sense to go because we will not be happy there. You deserve a great vacation! And until Disney gets that and makes the changes needed for you to have the wonderful time you deserve, you might want to look for a fabulous vacation spot that is worth the money.

Now this I agree with. However, your original post said that the new FP+ isn't limiting, and it really is. If you don't mind that...that's okay. If you don't mind not going on Splash Mountain and other rides...that's okay too. It's not okay for us, so we need to decide (when FP+ is fully rolled out), if WDW works for us anymore. I just canceled a May trip (not for FP+, but a family conflict) and will evaluate if WDW is still worth it to us in the future.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Everyone vacations in their own way. Personally, I don't understand the anti-FP+ argument saying that a person is forced to use the system or that it is limiting what can be done while at WDW. Guests do not need FastPasses to enjoy the parks even in peak season (the only time I visit due to work constraints). One can simply wait on line or take advantage of EMH. By saying a person absolutely needs FPs to enjoy the attractions brings two thoughts to mind: (1) Before FP+, did one only go on attractions that had FPs? and (2) What did guests do before FPs even existed?

In my opinion, the old FP system caused guests to go from one part of the park to another just to reserve a ride time. That no longer happens thanks to the new system. I like that. Similarly, you no longer have to wait to reserve additional FPs like you had to with the old system. These were things guests complained about for years and now they're being addressed.

I tried the new system three weeks ago and found it to be fantastic. I have also been monitoring availability of popular attractions like Toy Story Mania, Test Track, etc. to see if FP+s are available throughout the day and night; this helps gauge whether or not the system can handle the large crowds right now. I have found that FP+s have been available even as late as 7 at night which means no longer is it necessary to sprint to TSM or others at rope drop. Will it be that way next month when I visit or in April? There's a chance that hiccups will occur, but as time passes and things are adjusted I expect those hiccups to be less and less. That's why Disney is taking its time with testing the system instead of throwing it out there and hoping it works.

I have many friends in WDW right now. The parks are crowded and lines can be long. That is to be expect being that it is the busiest time of year. With that being said, several have told me that FP+ has only made their vacations easier being that they don't have to travel from one side of the park to another just to have to return again when their FP wait time opens up. Similarly, knowing that they have experiences reserved has allowed them to relax more or explore other things (I found this to be the case myself). I do know that there are other friends who are having great difficulty getting MDE or WiFi to work right now which is a shame, but that comes with the fact that the system is still in testing. I rather Disney work out the kinks before it is full blown across property.

My advice to anyone heading to WDW in the next several months is to book FP+s for your favorites when at home and take advantage of night time EMHs if the park is crowded. Remember that you're on vacation and enjoy every moment. If you have trouble with something or a bad experience, immediately report it to Guest Services at a park or the concierge desk of your resort hotel so that things can be fixed. It's the only way for Disney to get it right.

 

[summermac]

It is limiting because of the tiers and because of only being allowed 3 per day. Period. How anyone doesn't feel that is limiting is beyond me. Add to it that you can't FP the same ride in the same day and that you also can't schedule FP+ in two different parks on the same day and yeah..extremely limiting.

But what you gonna do? We are making the best of it in February and that's all we can do.

 

[Angel Ariel]

If the only measure of a good Disney vacation is the highest number of rides, then I am not sure why WDW would be anyone's vacation choice anyway. For sheer number of rides, they aren't at the top of any list. Find your nearest six-flags and ride everything over and over all day long. For me, I could spend an entire day at a WDW park, never ride a single ride and have a great day between shows, parades, fireworks and just atmosphere.

Why does someone have to be a thrill ride person for rides to be an important part of their vacation?

My husband and I love Buzz Lightyear. We enjoy competing against each other to see who can get the best score, so we frequently ride it a few times. Since it's not a ride than consistently ran out of FP- (at least not until well into the evening), even during spring break, return times weren't usually very far out and we'd be able to use FP for a few rides on that without sacrificing being able to get FP for the bigger rides as well. If the FP time was 30 mins out, and SB was 20-30 mins, we'd ride standby, pull a FP for Space when our window opened, then ride with our FP. We'd usually do this once in the morning and once in the afternoon and we'd get 4 rides in in a day, with at least 2 of them being FP... and we'd still be able to use FP for Space, BTMRR, Splash (if we wanted to), etc.

I'm not a huge thrill ride person. While I love the WDW thrill rides, I would be a lot more hesitant with the truly big thrill rides at other parks. So just because I want to maximize my WDW rides while I'm there doesn't mean I'm this huge ride person who would be happier at Six Flags.

 

[crostorfer]

I agree with you 100%. We love the US/IoA experience, which is very different than the FP+ experience. There is no limit to how many times you can use it and we would gladly pay for the equivalent at WDW.

However, for those that will ask, why don't you just go to US/IoA? Well, I don't like the rides there. Many make me very nauseous. I absolutely hate the rides where you are jerked around in front of screens. Do not like The Forbidden Journey, nor Transformers, nor Simpsons, nor Spiderman. I do not like the thrill rides like Hulk and Duelin Dragons. I found it to be very limiting what my petite DD (age 6) could ride with the rest of the family. In terms of the rides, WDW is still the best for our family. In terms of the experience, well, nothing quite beats the Portofino.

I'm planning a Universal-only on site trip for late next fall, after the HP expansion opens and the initial crowds die down. We try not to do two of the same theme parks in the same year, it kind of takes away from the experience as we've discovered in the past. If we weren't waiting for Harry, we'd go to Universal with this next trip. My daughter is 10 now, and is an adrenaline junkie. US/IoA has a lot more to offer her, in terms of rides she enjoys.

I was set on Disneyland for a Spring Break trip, but started to get a little nostalgic for Disney World, as it's been well over a year since we've been there. Of course, that was before the FP+. Reading all of these threads, I'm not so sure we'll go back to WDW after all. If I tell my daughter she can only ride the Tower of Terror once, without an hour plus wait, and if we do that she can't ride the RNRR, and if we do either of those in the morning we can't ride Space Mountain in the evening without a 120 minute wait, she will throw a fit of epic proportions.

That is why a lot of the kids, especially the older kids, go. The rides.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Yes, Virginia. You too can pay $1200 for base tickets for your family of four, and only ride 3 rides in an 8 hour period during peak season.

How much lower do you expect people's expectations to get?

I can only go during peak season due to my career and have never experienced this before. In fact, I've gone on every attraction in MK during one evening when EMH was offered; I arrived an hour or two before park closed to regular guests after relaxing and shopping during the day and visited the attractions that were closed during EMH. I then covered the rest of the park during it. I actually did this again a few weeks ago.

I think the perception out there right now is that peak season is horrendous. Yes, it is - during the daytime. However, if one makes use of EMH at night, you won't find that to be the case.

Reading all of these threads, I'm not so sure we'll go back to WDW after all. If I tell my daughter she can only ride the Tower of Terror once, without an hour plus wait, and if we do that she can't ride the RNRR, and if we do either of those in the morning we can't ride Space Mountain in the evening without a 120 minute wait, she will throw a fit of epic proportions.

That is why a lot of the kids, especially the older kids, go. The rides.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Internet is a free playground where people are more candid with their opinions and, unfortunately, sometimes things are blow out of proportion. I would definitely NOT change your decision to go back to WDW based on these threads.

Again, make use of rope drop, FP+, and EMH so that you can ride repeatedly within one day or just make a FP+ for the same attraction on a different day.