Observations From Recent Trip 4/29 - 5/5

[Buffalo2Disney]

To the OP did you book your fast passes first thing in the morning to grab your 4th early on or did you wait until later in the day. Still trying to find the best plan of attack as our 60 day window is approaching. Thinking morning might be best as we will leave around noon every day to return after dinner.

We generally booked our Fastpasses to start around Noon every day. It was around 3PM that we would try to make a 4th FP on the app. By then a lot of the availability was gone until after a couple refreshes and cancelled times would start to appear.

Using your 3 pre-booked FP in the morning would generally give you the best availability of the 4th+ FP for that day.

 

[TAK]

Oh they know they are at WDW... and they want everyone on the planet to know about it too!

Imagine what life must be like for these people. Yikes.

I don't usually reply to things like this but I take offense at that, given that I've already posted on this thread why I do use social media while I'm at the parks. I don't have to "imagine what life must be like for these people". I am "these people". If you want to live your life differently, that's your business, but how I communicate with my loved ones is my business as well.

I DO want my loved ones to know I'm at WDW. A lot of them have never been able to afford going there, just as I wasn't able to afford to do so until recently, and they want to see it through my eyes and I want to share it with them. And some of them are Disney fans like myself and can't get enough of the Parks, and want an update. Some of them are older, or have disabilities that keep them from traveling. I share things with them any time I can, whether that's at Disney or at a family gathering at home, so they can feel included. Some of them are friends who live across the country, or across the globe, and the Internet and FaceTiming is a blessing that allows us to stay in each others' lives in a way we wouldn't have been able to do years ago.

Yes, people who block someone else's view with their electronic device, or who don't pay attention when they're using said device, are rude, just as anyone who blocks walkways or talks too loudly is anywhere (and people do that all the time without phones). I think the OP made it clear that's what they were frustrated by, people who aren't paying attention or infringing on someone else's experience, and I concur heartily. That's annoying. But anything else is no one's business but their own.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

- People: It's sad to see that many people really don't experience WDW anymore. They care more about their phones / social media than actually experiencing WDW. So many people have their heads in their phones the whole time, checking facebook, taking selfies, and posting to social media. We kept asking ourselves "Do these people actually know they are in WDW?" Other than checking FP times we kept our phones away and shut off. Enjoy being there and put the phones away!! We saw a women still texting on your phone during the lap bar check on Space Mountain and still had her phone out while the ride started. WHY!?

Seriously. It's Walt Disney World. You don't need to be on your phone, at all.

 

[Jennasis]

What's even sadder is paying that much attention towhat other people are doing with their phones, that you can actually see their screens and know what apps they're on or hear the particulars of their conversation.

 

[Buffalo2Disney]

What's even sadder is paying that much attention towhat other people are doing with their phones, that you can actually see their screens and know what apps they're on or hear the particulars of their conversation.

Actually requires not much attention at all.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

What's even sadder is paying that much attention towhat other people are doing with their phones, that you can actually see their screens and know what apps they're on or hear the particulars of their conversation.

hmm well yes I do agree to an extent. But people don't hold their phones right up to their eyes all the time. I could just be casually looking around and noticed. That part wouldn't bother me at all I personally don't care what you are on as long as it's not during a ride/show and your sound is off as far as hearing your game or text messages. Some people text a bunch but never put it on silent or vibrate...cuz I really want to hear your ringtone a bunch of times. That goes for all places not just at WDW. I just view it as respectful.

As far as conversations..people talk all around you it's hard not to hear what's going on. Ever hear a drip from a faucet and then that's the only thing you can concentrate on? I'm not in the habit of listening to other's conversation but some people tend to talk very loud or about things that would likely be best to be discussed in private. I'm one whose voice carries while my husbands does not at all. I actively keep my voice lower if I'm in a setting that is generally perceived where it would be polite not to blast my voice all over.

 

[Mitzicat]

I also agree to an extent. My cell phone is my camera so it will be out taking pics and selfies. This will be my boyfriends first trip staying on property visiting all the parks except magic kingdom for the first time (we did MNSSHP last year). I could see myself Facetiming my cousin who is a huge Disney nut like myself, but I would do it off the beaten path to give her a few seconds of feeling like she is in the park. And I am thankful for those bloggers and Disney nuts out there that post videos. that's how I get to see some of the rides at Disneyland Paris or people watching at Disneyland.

 

[tlmadden73]

- People: It's sad to see that many people really don't experience WDW anymore. They care more about their phones / social media than actually experiencing WDW. So many people have their heads in their phones the whole time, checking facebook, taking selfies, and posting to social media. We kept asking ourselves "Do these people actually know they are in WDW?" Other than checking FP times we kept our phones away and shut off. Enjoy being there and put the phones away!! We saw a women still texting on your phone during the lap bar check on Space Mountain and still had her phone out while the ride started. WHY!?

It doesn't help that you want to be checking the MDE app frequently to grab that 4th, 5th or 6th Fast Pass.

But that is just in general. The problem is the smartphone is a GREAT portable camera (way better than what my parents would lug around back in the day). But then the draw of "just checking facebook" or posting that great photo to share with the world is hard to resist.

 

[monorailrabbit]

It doesn't help that you want to be checking the MDE app frequently to grab that 4th, 5th or 6th Fast Pass.

But that is just in general. The problem is the smartphone is a GREAT portable camera (way better than what my parents would lug around back in the day). But then the draw of "just checking facebook" or posting that great photo to share with the world is hard to resist.

This. WDW has made it almost necessary to be on a mobile device to some degree. While I'm not a fan, if you want to use the helpful app to find characters or grab a FP+ you need a device of some kind. I like to unplug, so I only use mine for the quick FP and photo (LOVE my phone's camera) but I don't begrudge anyone who wants to be glued to their device. That is, as long as I'm not forced to watch a parade through your screen or you bump into me because you aren't paying attention.

 

[old feller]

We just got back from another great WDW trip this past Thursday. It was just as fun and amazing as other trips we have taken over the last 6 years. Here's some observations from the trip that I wanted to share with everyone.

- Crowds: We went the same week last year and felt like the crowds were just about the same. The weekend we arrived was the Summit Cheer/Dance competition and there were dancers everywhere. They were definitely worse and more noticeable this year than last year. We said we would move a trip a week later to avoid them. Once Monday hit most of them left and the parks were way less crowded.

- FP+: Compared to last trip when you could only get a 4th+ FP at a kiosk, we found that FP availability was much less now that everyone can get a 4th+ FP on their phone. Most of the time by mid-day the app kept showing no availability left for most of the rides you would want to FP. HOWEVER, if you keep refreshing the time your looking for on the app many times a time would appear that was close to what you were looking for. Mostly due to people cancelling at the last moment. These FP's go fast so grab it while you can.

- Weather: The weather our first couple of days was perfect! 90+ degrees and sunny. Unfortunately as our trip was winding down the weather turned. Monday night we were supposed to see Fantasmic at 9PM, however at 8PM a very violent storm came through and the show was cancelled. We had booked the Fantasmic dinner package and were SOL. They do not refund you for a weather cancellation. We spent much more $$$ on dinner than we would have otherwise.

Our last full day on Wednesday was an all day rain. This was GREAT. Crowds were non-existent. They were so low that 7DMT was a 15 minute wait! We stayed most of the day in MK until about 12:30am and got numerous rides done multiple times with no waits. Just be aware of the following day. The next day Thursday (Our last day) was supposed to be the least crowded day at MK. Everyone who had skipped it the rainy day showed up on Thursday instead. It was sooooo packed we left and went to AK instead.

- People: It's sad to see that many people really don't experience WDW anymore. They care more about their phones / social media than actually experiencing WDW. So many people have their heads in their phones the whole time, checking facebook, taking selfies, and posting to social media. We kept asking ourselves "Do these people actually know they are in WDW?" Other than checking FP times we kept our phones away and shut off. Enjoy being there and put the phones away!! We saw a women still texting on your phone during the lap bar check on Space Mountain and still had her phone out while the ride started. WHY!?

- Hollywood Studios: It's definitely a half-day park at best. We were done with everything we wanted to do by 11AM. We decided to stay for the entire day because of our Fantastmic dinner and then to watch Fantasmic at night (which ended up being cancelled). It was our only day planned there the entire trip but a lot of the day was just spent sitting and people watching. It'll be a great park once the new lands open by for the next couple of years it will be brutal. There's no other way to say it.

- Rope Drop: We are park people. We are there from rope drop to park close. Rope drop is still very effective. We could get soooo much stuff done in the early morning. Most people don't start arriving until 11AM. Our plan each day was to rope drop and ride as much as possible with little waits. Grab something for lunch around 11-11:30AM when the crowds arrive and then have our FP scheduled starting at Noon. Worked out great and got a ton done.


We had another amazing trip and can't wait to go back! We are planning on taking another trip ASAP. While we like the Spring time because of crowds / weather, we are thinking of trying the Fall again because we love Food & Wine much more than Flower & Garden.

If anyone has any questions I'd be more than happy to answer

Great report..glad you had a good time...we are trying September for first time.thinking of doing fp+. For 11:30 or 12:00 like you did. We always rope drop too. Now we have hoppers too ???? Wondering how crowded or not crowded it will be ...nov 2013 we walked thru most lines not much waiting...nov 2015 about same dates...Crowded
Thoughts

 

[megster1123]

Seriously. It's Walt Disney World. You don't need to be on your phone, at all.

I think that's a bit extreme. I use my phone for the camera. My family is excited for our trip and has asked for pictures of our trip along the way. Part of the experience is being able to share it with other people in your life. While I agree that there are people that take it way overboard (the aforementioned woman using her phone while the lap bar came down) there are people like me that want to include some other people in our trip. Using the phone for a FaceTime call to my parents so they can see their grandchildren's excitement as it happens...getting to see my parents feel included in the WDW magic for a second can be just as much as a part of the the "real" trip for us.

 

[Jennasis]

Also, we subscribe to quite a few vlogs on youtube and I am very happy those folks are out there with there cameras rolling bringing me video of the park (sometimes live) when I can't be there.

 

[tlmadden73]

This. WDW has made it almost necessary to be on a mobile device to some degree. While I'm not a fan, if you want to use the helpful app to find characters or grab a FP+ you need a device of some kind. I like to unplug, so I only use mine for the quick FP and photo (LOVE my phone's camera) but I don't begrudge anyone who wants to be glued to their device. That is, as long as I'm not forced to watch a parade through your screen or you bump into me because you aren't paying attention.

I guarantee once they've "trained" everyone to use their apps on their phone that they will ditch the paper maps alltogether to save a ton of money from the printing costs.

(I love the map portion with your actual place on the map .. it helps those "spatially challenged" like my wife .. and it is quite helpful in finding the nearest restroom or such, but it does make you feel like you need to pull out your phone a lot).

 

[pigletto]

I was there the same time as you and agree with most of your observations. I have to be honest though I was probably one of the people you saw with my face in my phone. All my fastpasses were on my phone and the app was glitchy and ridiculous. On our MK day I was booking another fastpass from noon until late into the evening because there were tons available (they definitely release more as day goes on). To do this I had to have my face in my phone fighting with the app. I don't have a single social media account, took ZERO selfies, and didn't text a single person. I said to my husband several times that I hate that to ride things without long waits and book 4th and beyond fastpasses you pretty much had to use your phone. I don't want it that way and I am sure many others don't as well. Disney has made it that way.

 

[mom2rtk]

I was there the same time as you and agree with most of your observations. I have to be honest though I was probably one of the people you saw with my face in my phone. All my fastpasses were on my phone and the app was glitchy and ridiculous. On our MK day I was booking another fastpass from noon until late into the evening because there were tons available (they definitely release more as day goes on). To do this I had to have my face in my phone fighting with the app. I don't have a single social media account, took ZERO selfies, and didn't text a single person. I said to my husband several times that I hate that to ride things without long waits and book 4th and beyond fastpasses you pretty much had to use your phone. I don't want it that way and I am sure many others don't as well. Disney has made it that way.

Anything is possible. But up to this point there has been no credible evidence that they release FPs throughout the day. That said, people do change plans and their cancelled FPs become available throughout the day.

 

[pigletto]

Anything is possible. But up to this point there has been no credible evidence that they release FPs throughout the day. That said, people do change plans and their cancelled FPs become available throughout the day.

I would have agreed with you before that MK day. I wasn't grabbing one random time, I was watching several time slots appear when there was none before. So I check for Thunder Mountain at 3pm and it tells me it's done for the day, and 15 minutes later I checked and had my choice of several consecutive timeslots. It didn't work that way for everything, but Splash, Big Thunder and Space Mountain opened up just a ton of times at one point. Other things like character greets would get those sporadic cancellations. I can't say for sure, just how it appeared. The only things we were completely shut out of were Anna and Elsa and SDMT.

 

[DisneyFive]

We are just two adults too. If we had kids it would definitely be different as to how many hours we are in the parks. We were up every morning at 6:30am and rarely were back in our room that night before Midnight. Every night we basically got around 5 hours of sleep. That's fine with us, the excitement trumps the tiredness. When we got home we slept almost the entire weekend to catch up.

Funny, we've been "park open to close" people since we started going to WDW in 2010. We want to get our money's worth. Kids were only 3 years old to 8 years old then. We use dinner ADR's as our way to recoup. It's a good * roughly* 2 hour diversion from park time to stroll, sit, relax... Granted, we go in September when park hours are less. MK, EP = 9pm, HS = 8pm, AK = 5pm.

By the way, with all the FP's being used up in the evenings, how did you feel the standby lines were?

Glad you had a great trip!

Dan

 

[TAK]

Funny, we've been "park open to close" people since we started going to WDW in 2010. We want to get our money's worth. Kids were only 3 years old to 8 years old then. We use dinner ADR's as our way to recoup.

We do the same!

I mentioned not having kids initially because, when I've talked about our "open to close" policy before, I immediately get people telling me what a bad idea that is, how our kids will get tired, etc. -- but we don't have kids so it's a moot point. You clearly are proof that it's doable with kids too, but I can't speak to it from personal experience.

 

[DisneyFive]

We do the same!

I mentioned not having kids initially because, when I've talked about our "open to close" policy before, I immediately get people telling me what a bad idea that is, how our kids will get tired, etc. -- but we don't have kids so it's a moot point. You clearly are proof that it's doable with kids too, but I can't speak to it from personal experience.

It's worked great for us too.

The first couple of years, our son would just nap in the stroller when he needed to. We did learn that by about day four we needed to sleep in and get a very good nights rest. Good to go again after that. We would then play our mornings "by ear" for the remainder of the stay to determine if we wanted to hit rope drop or get more sleep. We almost always close down the parks regardless. The first couple of trips, we would even hit the pools after we got back to the resort. Yes, we were crazy. We must have been running on excitement and pixie dust. We've slowed down some since then.

Dan

 

[opal]

Disney is encouraging their guests to be tethered to their devices via My Disney Experience. I take a screenshot of my dining reservations and Fastpasses for the day and check that when necessary. I also use my phone to take an occasional picture. If I need to do more than that, I step out of the flow of traffic.

We just returned from a short trip and our party was walked into countless times by people who were paying more attention to their devices than their surroundings. At one table service venue, we were subjected to a speakerphone conversation by the party at a nearby table and at another table service restaurant the couple never put their phones down during the entire meal, instead spent the entire meal reading each other emails while they ate.

The complaint here really isn't about the ever increasing use of devices, it is about the rudeness of the device's operators and lack of consideration for the people around them.