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

[sandybeach14]

In August we were one of the first set of testers for the magic bands . My DH and I are annual pass holders, so we had our "tickets" and our magic bands but our kids only had Magic Bands. Therefore my DH and I got FP+ selections with My Disney Experience with our kids but we could also get standard FP with our tickets.
My question- is the old system gone? Will it be gone soon?

We have several trips in the plans for 2014. And are curious about the future of FP-

 

[magentarhps93]

It seems like the only option that those who love FP+ give for us "crazies" (my own words ) who want to ride Tower of Terror 20 times is to go during EMH hours. Well before, we could do it whenever we wanted. Why pay a full day's admission if we're just supposed to go during the 3-4 extra hours? When not even all of the rides are being offered during those times (I just read somewhere Splash Mountain isn't offered during EMH anymore?! WHAT? Being from Chicago I always thought it was hilarious to watch people say it was too "cold" to ride in 50-60 degree weather at night!)

 

[Angel Ariel]

In August we were one of the first set of testers for the magic bands . My DH and I are annual pass holders, so we had our "tickets" and our magic bands but our kids only had Magic Bands. Therefore my DH and I got FP+ selections with My Disney Experience with our kids but we could also get standard FP with our tickets.
My question- is the old system gone? Will it be gone soon?

We have several trips in the plans for 2014. And are curious about the future of FP-

The legacy system is not.gone yet, but no one knows how long.that will be the case. The fp machines at ak have been.covered and unusable since Dec 18th.

 

[morethananyonex]

In August we were one of the first set of testers for the magic bands . My DH and I are annual pass holders, so we had our "tickets" and our magic bands but our kids only had Magic Bands. Therefore my DH and I got FP+ selections with My Disney Experience with our kids but we could also get standard FP with our tickets.
My question- is the old system gone? Will it be gone soon?

We have several trips in the plans for 2014. And are curious about the future of FP-

It was rumoured to be going away before the new year. I wouldn't be surprised to see all parks move to FP+ only during January. Sucks because we go in February, but we expected it.

 

[magentarhps93]

Oh I also had another question: For those of you who say the FP+ is so you don't have to go to RD, the convenient way we can park hop with this system is by booking FP+s for later in the evening in one park...and doing RD in the first park?...Ummm okay?

(Not quoting anyone specific here just questions based off of what I read)

To be honest I haven't tried the new system. As much as I hated the sound of it I figured for my upcoming trip, "What the heck, I'll give it a fair shot." Until I learned that my CM friend can't use it, so I'll stick to my complaining until the system offers a chance to prove me wrong.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

On Dec 6, we tried to change our FP+ for TSMM to a later time, when AKL turned the power off and we overslept We could not change it on the fly. We hustled to make it there, FPs were gone by 9:25am.

So I dont see the ability to change it on the fly like many others could do...certainly not what WDW tried to sell me during the parade on TV the other day

I'm not sure a person can judge the ability to change things around based on one experience. It could be hit or miss. Some times it might be available and others it might not. I was there the same time you were and was able to do so twice for headliners.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I loved using FP+ in October, it was very convenient and easy However I do NOT like the new change with only being able to choose 1 premium ride/attraction per day. What is the point going to Epcot if you can't FP Soarin and Test Track both? Or Test Track and Illuminations viewing? Why should a person have to choose one over the other? If we are limited to 3 attractions per day then I think we should be able to choose whichever 3 we want. Same goes for the Studios, I should be able to book TSM and Fantasmic on the same day. Or TSM and RnR. It's silly to choose one. If they run out of FP's for a certain attraction then I have no problem being locked out of getting one, they could just say something like "we're sorry all FP+ for this attraction have already been claimed"... then at least I would know I had the chance but people were ahead of me and got them first. As WDW people we are use to that. But I don't agree with taking the opportunity from me right off the bat without even giving me the chance to have a FP for 2 good rides. It should be first come first serve just like the old FP system, and just like ADRs for dining. What's next?? We can't eat at Crystal Palace for breakfast and Be Our Guest for dinner? We will be force to choose one or the other. I don't know, I just feel like it's more fair the old way. Especially if you are only taking a 4 day trip and visiting one park per day. Luckily we arrive tomorrow for 8 days so we can visit Epcot twice, one day with Soarin, a different day for Test Track. Seems silly but at least we will get to ride them both.

 

[crostorfer]

. Especially if you are only taking a 4 day trip and visiting one park per day. Luckily we arrive tomorrow for 8 days...

I think you may have just hit one of maybe 3 nails on the head, right here.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I think you may have just hit one of maybe 3 nails on the head, right here.

And really the evening fireworks viewing and special shows should have nothing to do with rides during the day. If a person chooses Fantasmic then they can't choose Toy Story?? That just doesn't make any sense to me.

 

[morethananyonex]

I'm not sure a person can judge the ability to change things around based on one experience. It could be hit or miss. Some times it might be available and others it might not. I was there the same time you were and was able to do so twice for headliners.

I agree. However, I think this goes for a lot of FP+ right now.

Bottom line is, we just don't know how it's going to shake out. We don't know how the supply of FP is going to be impacted when everyone is on the system. We don't know what kind of changes Disney is going to make before it's "finalized". I take both good reports and bad reports with a grain of salt right now.

I loved using FP+ in October, it was very convenient and easy However I do NOT like the new change with only being able to choose 1 premium ride/attraction per day. What is the point going to Epcot if you can't FP Soarin and Test Track both? Or Test Track and Illuminations viewing? Why should a person have to choose one over the other? If we are limited to 3 attractions per day then I think we should be able to choose whichever 3 we want. Same goes for the Studios, I should be able to book TSM and Fantasmic on the same day. Or TSM and RnR. It's silly to choose one. If they run out of FP's for a certain attraction then I have no problem being locked out of getting one, they could just say something like "we're sorry all FP+ for this attraction have already been claimed"... then at least I would know I had the chance but people were ahead of me and got them first. As WDW people we are use to that. But I don't agree with taking the opportunity from me right off the bat without even giving me the chance to have a FP for 2 good rides. It should be first come first serve just like the old FP system, and just like ADRs for dining. What's next?? We can't eat at Crystal Palace for breakfast and Be Our Guest for dinner? We will be force to choose one or the other. I don't know, I just feel like it's more fair the old way. Especially if you are only taking a 4 day trip and visiting one park per day. Luckily we arrive tomorrow for 8 days so we can visit Epcot twice, one day with Soarin, a different day for Test Track. Seems silly but at least we will get to ride them both.

I would also rather see it being a free for all (with the 3 FP limit) and have them run out. It's my own fault if I book late or change a FP, I wouldn't be upset if there was no availability for a certain ride. You snooze, you lose.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I would also rather see it being a free for all (with the 3 FP limit) and have them run out. It's my own fault if I book late or change a FP, I wouldn't be upset if there was no availability for a certain ride. You snooze, you lose.

Exactly! I think people are use to that already... sure I'd love a Be Our Guest ADR for next week but I knew months ago I was too late for that. WDW has operated all their parks and resorts with this philosophy for years, sometimes you don't get the resort you want, or the restaurant you want, or the FP you want, but at least give me a fighting chance.

 

[disneyerin]

I loved using FP+ in October, it was very convenient and easy However I do NOT like the new change with only being able to choose 1 premium ride/attraction per day. What is the point going to Epcot if you can't FP Soarin and Test Track both? Or Test Track and Illuminations viewing? Why should a person have to choose one over the other? If we are limited to 3 attractions per day then I think we should be able to choose whichever 3 we want. Same goes for the Studios, I should be able to book TSM and Fantasmic on the same day. Or TSM and RnR. It's silly to choose one. If they run out of FP's for a certain attraction then I have no problem being locked out of getting one, they could just say something like "we're sorry all FP+ for this attraction have already been claimed"... then at least I would know I had the chance but people were ahead of me and got them first. As WDW people we are use to that. But I don't agree with taking the opportunity from me right off the bat without even giving me the chance to have a FP for 2 good rides. It should be first come first serve just like the old FP system, and just like ADRs for dining. What's next?? We can't eat at Crystal Palace for breakfast and Be Our Guest for dinner? We will be force to choose one or the other. I don't know, I just feel like it's more fair the old way. Especially if you are only taking a 4 day trip and visiting one park per day. Luckily we arrive tomorrow for 8 days so we can visit Epcot twice, one day with Soarin, a different day for Test Track. Seems silly but at least we will get to ride them both.

Good point. I think so much of this frustration and anger is because Disney's sudden tier "rationing" feels totally random and unfair. People will go way beyond the extra mile if they feel they are being treated fairly.

 

[morethananyonex]

Exactly! I think people are use to that already... sure I'd love a Be Our Guest ADR for next week but I knew months ago I was too late for that. WDW has operated all their parks and resorts with this philosophy for years, sometimes you don't get the resort you want, or the restaurant you want, or the FP you want, but at least give me a fighting chance.

We booked our next trip 4 months out, so we missed out on a BoG dinner ADR at a good time for our family. That's just how it goes. I'm not mad at Disney for allowing people to book it before I did. I have the opportunity to stand in line at lunch (or as it turns out now, get a FP+). It's the same situation as a FP+. I have the opportunity to get it as soon as possible, take my chances with it sticking around, or stand in line.

That said, people like you and I are okay with it, but I imagine if that happened too often and too far out from the ride date it could turn off people from scheduling their day, which is exactly the opposite of what Disney wants. There's lots of restaurants, but at certain parks there's not a ton of rides to book instead. Maybe when Disney builds a new ride at Epcot or DHS (you know, in 2035) tiering will go away .

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We booked our next trip 4 months out, so we missed out on a BoG dinner ADR at a good time for our family. That's just how it goes. I'm not mad at Disney for allowing people to book it before I did. I have the opportunity to stand in line at lunch (or as it turns out now, get a FP+). It's the same situation as a FP+. I have the opportunity to get it as soon as possible, take my chances with it sticking around, or stand in line.

That said, people like you and I are okay with it, but I imagine if that happened too often and too far out from the ride date it could turn off people from scheduling their day, which is exactly the opposite of what Disney wants. There's lots of restaurants, but at certain parks there's not a ton of rides to book instead. Maybe when Disney builds a new ride at Epcot or DHS (you know, in 2035) tiering will go away .

Oh I totally agree. People like us (the WDW diehards and DISboard readers) can be prepared and understand, but goodness gracious what a mess this is trying to explain to first timers. If I was going to WDW for the first time I'd probably have a heart attack trying to figure this all out.

 

[ZoZo]

I don't understand why some people cannot comprehend that this new system is in fact limiting to some people. I'm not disputing that it works out great for some, it just doesn't for us. If it was just DH and I, I would probably think it was great. What's not to love about having a leisurely morning (or RD if we want), booking FP+ in the afternoon, having a nice supper then taking advantage of late EMH riding whatever we want? Unfortunately, toddlers kind of put a damper on that kind of touring

For us, the system is absolutely limiting. We usually stay at deluxes that are convenient to either MK or Epcot and hop to those parks in the evening. Now, we have to decide if we want to use our FP+ in the morning park (which is kind of a waste sometimes) or book the second park which can be made difficult by unpredictable naps, a reasonable hour for dinner, and bedtime. In the past, even if we didn't use tons of FP in one day, we most definitely used them in more than one park even if it was just for 1 or 2 rides. It is making the park hopper look seriously unappealing, if nothing changes this may be our last trip with it.

I understand people love the changes, I really do, but it's frustrating when people get all condescending and "don't understand" why people don't like the changes just like they do. People are entitled to have differing opinions.

Hear, hear. Well said.

 

[Planogirl]

I think that those who mentioned that people vacation differently and that this new system doesn't necessarily work for their style hit the nail on the head. I so often see people say that all of this works great for them and therefore everyone should like it and that attitude puzzles me. No, that's not how it works.

As for us, we stayed offsite a few weeks ago and for the most part we were fine. However we decided to skip TSMM and we still had access to legacy fastpasses. We don't use that many however it occurred to me that we use them on an as needed basis and don't really have set times when we ride anything. FP+ could make that flexibility impossible. I still believe that times will become difficult to change once all of those who stay offsite get into the system. How things are working at AK is not a good way to judge IMO since the attendance is so much lighter than at Epcot or MK. Only time will tell.

I do agree that if this all becomes too much of a pain that we would be wise to move on. The crowded conditions already make me uncomfortable and I can't see that getting any better.

 

[Laketravis]

Which is why my suggestions above might be helpful. To be honest, the parks really clear out right after they close to non-resort guests. Staying up until 3 am isn't something that I've done with EMH very often because it is so dead. In the beginning of December, I stayed until 12:30ish, which is late for a young child. However, I think morning EMH might be the way to go for those with young children along with using FP+.

This wasn't the case on our recent visit. We have an 8 year old who eagerly accepted the challenge to stay at MK until 3am based on the promise of lower crowds. We left, wide awake, at 2:45am when we realized the crowds would not be thinning out.

We found both morning and evening EMH to be more crowded than ever before. I think it is like previous recommendations to "go during _________ because it's less crowded". The daytime crowds are forcing more and more to seek alternatives and more and more are now taking advantage of EMH.

Interesting how just a month or two ago about a half-dozen of us on this board were accused of being haters and trying to undermine Disney's popularity by spreading mean-spirited negative opinions in regards to FP+, but the number of those who don't see these changes as being a benefit certainly appears to be growing. Hopefully, Disney is getting this feedback.

(Disclaimer: the above is provided for informational purposes only, and is based on a recent visit comprising 17 days of visual and physical FP+ participation. It is in no way an endorsement, critique, expression of like, dislike, hatred, or disdain of any portion of the process in whole or in part. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and the right to change and or adjust the recommendations herein based on any and all adjustments made by external parties is reserved)

 

[Rileygirl]

The legacy system is not.gone yet, but no one knows how long.that will be the case. The fp machines at ak have been.covered and unusable since Dec 18th.

Wait!

Legacy is going and off site people are not on the grid???? Seriously? Legacy is now gone in AK???

So an off site guest has NO ACCESS to fast pass in the animal kingdom right now??

HOLY TOLEDO
can this be confirmed?

 

[Angel Ariel]

Wait!

Legacy is going and off site people are not on the grid???? Seriously? Legacy is now gone in AK???

So an off site guest has NO ACCESS to fast pass in the animal kingdom right now??

HOLY TOLEDO
can this be confirmed?

Offsite guests at ak can use fp+ by going to the fp+ stations when they arrive. Same day only. Fp- machines at ak.have been covered since Dec 18...there is at least one long thread about this somewhere

 

[TinkGirl]

Offsite guests can set up fp + at kiosks in ak the day of their visits.