Nov Trip..How much harder can this get?

[jtwibih]

MSEP is the most desirable of those 3 though. Only because you get a pretty good seat without having to get there an hour or more before the parade.

Wishes and Iluminations are an absolute waste just because of how many they pack into those areas and then they don't allow you to sit the entire time. I was not happy with that at all. I think Disney should scale back on the number of FPs available for these two. I know that probably isn't a popular opinion but being crammed in that space is not really much better than being out among the other crowd.

 

[Lucius Best]

I'll keep this rant short. I know we can't always get everything we want in life and sure, we can wait standby for 7DMT and A&E (which will drive me mad). But so disappointed that this trip has been a misery to schedule since Day 180 at 6AM when technology failed followed by customer service dropping my 7AM call twice. I have lots of first-timers coming with me this trip and I wanted everything to be smooth sailing.

We had good luck with 7DMT at rope drop on last trip. Got there around 8:15am, MK welcome show started around 8:45am, with rope drop shortly thereafter. Walked with mob to 7DMT (at least 75% of rope droppers going to Fantasyland, with most going to 7DMT), and waited about 20 minutes. Wait was not unpleasant, line moves quick because hardly anyone is returning with FP at that point.

Going to 7DMT right before park close was also a success. One night we saw 7DMT posted standby wait time increase from 30 minutes to 40 minutes minutes before park close. We could see the line was super short, only waited 11 minutes.

There are also positives to not getting FP for fireworks/parade. Instead you could get midday FP for more popular rides like Space/Splash/BTMRR, then theoretically get additional FP at kiosks.

 

[lugnut33]

At least with this new system OP can sleep in and doesn't have to be there at rope drop. Imagine how terrible it would be to have to get to the park at open, walk back to 7dMT, stick the 8 cards in a machine and get a FP for later that morning, then knock out a couple of rides until your 7dMT FP window opens. It's so ridiculous.

 

[AThrillingChase]

MSEP is the most desirable of those 3 though. Only because you get a pretty good seat without having to get there an hour or more before the parade.

Wishes and Iluminations are an absolute waste just because of how many they pack into those areas and then they don't allow you to sit the entire time. I was not happy with that at all. I think Disney should scale back on the number of FPs available for these two. I know that probably isn't a popular opinion but being crammed in that space is not really much better than being out among the other crowd.

If there are two showings though, the second showing is nearly dead. Very easy to get a spot right before.

Also, I did my FP+ a day late for November a couple of days ago and got everything. I even had multiple time options for 7dmt. I used the app. Maybe check again? I only have 2 people though, but had probably 10 time choices given. (I will be there for wine and dine half marathon week too)

 

[RustManFan]

I am dreading planning FP+ for late 2016. I am a wing it kind of gal and we usually didn't plan which park which day until we checked in at the resort and got the daily schedule. (we do almost zero table service so ADRs aren't a concern)

RATS!!!

 

[alopez926]

If there are two showings though, the second showing is nearly dead. Very easy to get a spot right before.

Also, I did my FP+ a day late for November a couple of days ago and got everything. I even had multiple time options for 7dmt. I used the app. Maybe check again? I only have 2 people though, but had probably 10 time choices given. (I will be there for wine and dine half marathon week too)

So envious! Nothing available for 11/11 or 11/12 for 7DMT - not even for one, never mind 8. I've checked the app and the website. We always go mid-week for our trips and have never had a problem before as long as we got online 60 days out to book. Obviously, it didn't work out for us this time.

 

[alopez926]

At least with this new system OP can sleep in and doesn't have to be there at rope drop. Imagine how terrible it would be to have to get to the park at open, walk back to 7dMT, stick the 8 cards in a machine and get a FP for later that morning, then knock out a couple of rides until your 7dMT FP window opens. It's so ridiculous.

Love this! Miss the old days.

 

[alopez926]

We had good luck with 7DMT at rope drop on last trip. Got there around 8:15am, MK welcome show started around 8:45am, with rope drop shortly thereafter. Walked with mob to 7DMT (at least 75% of rope droppers going to Fantasyland, with most going to 7DMT), and waited about 20 minutes. Wait was not unpleasant, line moves quick because hardly anyone is returning with FP at that point.

Going to 7DMT right before park close was also a success. One night we saw 7DMT posted standby wait time increase from 30 minutes to 40 minutes minutes before park close. We could see the line was super short, only waited 11 minutes.

There are also positives to not getting FP for fireworks/parade. Instead you could get midday FP for more popular rides like Space/Splash/BTMRR, then theoretically get additional FP at kiosks.

Thanks for the encouraging news on the Rope Drop and end of day wait times. I don't mind waiting 25-30 minutes! Hope we will have similar luck.

 

[SarahInMN]

I don't mean to flame anyone or be disrespectful but we have only had 1 problem booking things for November 2015 and it was a BOG dinner (which we got eventually with the help of DVC member services). We arrive 11/5 and leave 11/15.

For rooms: we booked 1 week at BCV using DVC points in December 2014, added on 2 nights at Boardwalk in January 2015 (not surprisingly BCV was booked because of F&W as per usual), and added on a last minute night at Dolphin when our flights got changed in August 2015.

For food: we got BOG dinner in May 2015 (this required being on the phone for about 45 min but we got it at the 18+10 window). Once I booked our FPs earlier this month, I made the rest of our ADRs without a problem: Sanaa, Spice Road Table, and Brown Derby.

For FP+s: I got online when our window opened and booked everything, including multiple 7DMT rides, multiple TSMM rides, multiple Test Track rides. Just this morning I changed some EPCOT FPs around to match the end of our VIP tour so we got one more Test Track ride. Again no issues for either me +DH or the 2 of us+2 others.

We've been using FP+ since they rolled out a few years ago: I think our first trip with them was F&W 2013 (BCV was an early test resort) and have used them on subsequent trips. We've never had problems with them and we love being able to sleep in and not rush for rope drop just to ride or get legacy FPs.

 

[AThrillingChase]

So envious! Nothing available for 11/11 or 11/12 for 7DMT - not even for one, never mind 8. I've checked the app and the website. We always go mid-week for our trips and have never had a problem before as long as we got online 60 days out to book. Obviously, it didn't work out for us this time.

I have them for the 10th, we leave on the 11th. Those are both weekdays though so I don't know why they would be so much busier. Do you have ADR's or something that is affecting it? If they overlap they won't show you available FP sometimes. Really I would just keep checking though, they open up all the time.

 

[alopez926]

I don't mean to flame anyone or be disrespectful but we have only had 1 problem booking things for November 2015 and it was a BOG dinner (which we got eventually with the help of DVC member services). We arrive 11/5 and leave 11/15.

For rooms: we booked 1 week at BCV using DVC points in December 2014, added on 2 nights at Boardwalk in January 2015 (not surprisingly BCV was booked because of F&W as per usual), and added on a last minute night at Dolphin when our flights got changed in August 2015.

For food: we got BOG dinner in May 2015 (this required being on the phone for about 45 min but we got it at the 18+10 window). Once I booked our FPs earlier this month, I made the rest of our ADRs without a problem: Sanaa, Spice Road Table, and Brown Derby.

For FP+s: I got online when our window opened and booked everything, including multiple 7DMT rides, multiple TSMM rides, multiple Test Track rides. Just this morning I changed some EPCOT FPs around to match the end of our VIP tour so we got one more Test Track ride. Again no issues for either me +DH or the 2 of us+2 others.

We've been using FP+ since they rolled out a few years ago: I think our first trip with them was F&W 2013 (BCV was an early test resort) and have used them on subsequent trips. We've never had problems with them and we love being able to sleep in and not rush for rope drop just to ride or get legacy FPs.

You are not being disrespectful, but your experience is not everyone's. I have done everything at the prescribed times and have not had the same experience as you. I am going on different dates and perhaps have a larger party (I don't know for sure). My +10 window didn't open for ADRs and I had to phone 3 times (two dropped calls) before I was able to get a CM to help me book them. By then, I was unable to get 75% of the ADRs I wanted, even trying to split up our large party.

I'm glad things worked out so well for you. They usually do for me too and we have been going at least once per year since 2009. This trip, however, has been one cluster after the other, and frankly, I'm exhausted before the trip has even begun. Have fun.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

OP I feel your pain. I had tech issues when my 180+10 opened and I am traveling with as well as booking all reservations for extended family. I was able to get a few of the places we wanted, but not all. Was able to get all the FP's we wanted other than A&E. So we're just planning to head over right after our pre-park opening breakfast. Trying not to stress about the details and just realize how lucky we all are to be able to vacation in Disney and be surrounded by our families. You'll have a great trip, regardless. But I hear you on the planning frustration. I don't even want to think about how many hours I've spent clicking "find a table" since May!

 

[Accident]

My FP+ window opens tonight for our party of 8 and I cannot get Wishes, Mine Train, A&E, or MSEP as they are all gone according to the DIBB on the dates we will be in MK. I have spent countless hours getting ADRs for our group since Day 180 and I'm not changing our park days now because I don't want to lose them. I'm so worn out by this whole process..

I can't remember if they changed this but either 45 or 30 days out is when anyone with a deposit needs to pay in full. I hate to say it but you have to keep checking every day because the fp+ for people that didn't pay it off will go back into the system. Keep in mind your 30 or 45 days may not be someone elses. If someone was staying 2 weeks for example, it might be 60 days out for the specific day you need. I do not know if there is a specific time of day they go back into the system also. I would assume if your not a night owl, first thing in the morning might be the best chance.

Even with long lines, everything isn't a long line and you might be talking a very small part of your day for that main attraction you care about even if you don't get it. not getting a fp for 7DMT doens't mean you can't get on it, just means it'll take you more than 10 minutes to ride it.

Also the central hub and some removal of some trees has a lot of really great never before available spots to see things like wishes. FP+ is in the back of the hub and very small compared to how much room for others. We were just there and it was the best views we saw ever without fp for it.

 

[alopez926]

OP I feel your pain. I had tech issues when my 180+10 opened and I am traveling with as well as booking all reservations for extended family. I was able to get a few of the places we wanted, but not all. Was able to get all the FP's we wanted other than A&E. So we're just planning to head over right after our pre-park opening breakfast. Trying not to stress about the details and just realize how lucky we all are to be able to vacation in Disney and be surrounded by our families. You'll have a great trip, regardless. But I hear you on the planning frustration. I don't even want to think about how many hours I've spent clicking "find a table" since May!

Me too! After painstaking refreshing and searching since our window opened in May, we now have most of the ADRs we wanted, but still unable to book any character meals. We'll survive--the kids won't even know that was an option, but I wish I could charge Disney by the hour for all the hours I've spent trying to use their systems to book my family's dream vacation!! Hope you have a great trip!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I have them for the 10th, we leave on the 11th. Those are both weekdays though so I don't know why they would be so much busier. Do you have ADR's or something that is affecting it? If they overlap they won't show you available FP sometimes. Really I would just keep checking though, they open up all the time.

November 11th is Vetrans Day.

 

[dkrauss]

While it isn't a perfect comparison because we're in Sept (relatively slow period) and you're going the week before thanksgiving..........but the A&E MG is showing a 40 min wait standby, on TouringPlans app.......@ 4:10pm. Hey I remember when A&E was 90 to 120min............its cooled off (pun intended ) quite a bit. The FOF and Wishes FP's are, as others have said not required to enjoy the show........Wishes most especially. BTW 7DMT is showing 48min.........

Don't let all this ruin your trip............Disney is more than 1 M&G or 1 ride.....

Doug

 

[usd2bmd]

Don't give up! I know it can be frustrating, but just be persistent and check the MDE often (maybe 2-3 times a day). Sometimes you have to "manipulate" the system and request Fastpass for 1-2 people only at first. People change their plans all of the time due to Dining plans opening up or people deciding to visit another park that day. I only got my tickets 2 weeks away from the start of our trip and was able to secure both Wishes and 7SDMT for 2 people. It took 3 days checking the system, 2-3 times a day to get it though.

I think getting FP for 7SDMT for 8 people should be doable, but it will probably be tough to get everyone with FP at the same timeframe to ride. Better to do rope drop if you want everyone riding together.

This to me makes it soo not fun. You're planning a vacation. It shouldn't take checking your app multiple times a day. This should be fun, it should be building the anticipation of a great time. But it sounds like it isn't and the new system sets people up to fel like they somehow lost before they even started playing. OP i feel your pain. the old way you just went to the ride when you got there and got your FP now you have to play with your phone all day in the hopes of getting what you want.

I wish you good luck.

 

[buzznina]

I am dreading planning FP+ for late 2016. I am a wing it kind of gal and we usually didn't plan which park which day until we checked in at the resort and got the daily schedule. (we do almost zero table service so ADRs aren't a concern)

RATS!!!

We also hardly do any ADRs, we find it takes up to much park time and (for us) we do not think the food "is all that". So when it comes time to do FPs, we have a LOT more wiggle room on park days etc.

 

[Happy_2_B]

we have only had 1 problem booking things for November 2015 and it was a BOG dinner (which we got eventually with the help of DVC member services).

BOG dinner is tough to get- and not everyone has a concierge staff to assist. I am glad you posted, though, as we are going in December and we only booked the trip a couple of weeks ago- which is last minute these days... We were going to wait until closer to when we get there to have the concierge staff assist us- but will call them after 'breakfast rush' tomorrow instead of waiting and see if they can work some magic. I have been on every day, a few times a day, for a week and haven't gotten dinner there to shake loose. A BOG breakfast dropped into our lap a couple of days ago- but no dinner yet. I have gotten everything to shake loose that we want in our itinerary except for this- and I have never been there without getting everything we wanted ahead of time- so this is a bit frustrating. At least you were in your window- we are well outside of ours, so this is gonna take some serious pixie dust

 

[DisneyOma]

No offense taken. We can definitely live without the MSEP and Wishes fast passes--they were nice to haves. We will likely split up at various points. But this is the first time my immediate family (mom, brother, sister, spuses and kids) will have been on vacation together as a group ever and there were certain experiences we wanted to do together. A&E for the little girls and 7DMT were two of those things. We'll figure it out. I just have chronic planning fatigue.

If you have the ability to plan two rope drop mornings are MK, you are all set. One morning head to A&E (the nonprincess people can go to Gaston's for a cinnamon bun the size of your head ) and the next, go to 7DMT. You may still have a bit of a wait, but it's first thing in the morning, and then you will be all set with other FP+.

My daughter has worked out what has to be done to get what we need at WDW. Two days for EPCOT, to get Soarin' and Test Track FP+. She books the earliest FP+ she can, as the other required FP+ are really not needed there and we tend to park hop. Sometimes we leave before those FP+ are used, but they expire before we get to our afternoon park anyways. Once there, we book our 4th FP+ (usually at MK, for Splash or Big Thunder, or Buzz.) We can get a lot of additional FP+, one at a time, this way.

For the hard to get rides (7DMT was not available for us one trip) we plan on staying at that park late at night, for an evening EMH usually. Also, we have found that it is easier to book FP+ based on the crowd calendars.

So, my point is, don't sweat the ones you don't get. There's a way around the system, but you have to be flexible and a little bit patient. You can still avoid the huge two hour lines, but it takes some planning and dedication.