Our FP+ testing experience 7/19

[WillAustin]

awesome, thanks for the review!

I wonder how it will work at TS locations, I've heard the servers will have handheld scanners but so far that is just a rumor.

In June, we encountered 2 servers at TS restaurants testing the RFID scanners. They use an iPod touch inside of a larger box.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Our next Disney trip will likely be 2016 or 2017. To the OP and all others who participate in the testing and rollout (with all the inevitable bumps), you have my respect, gratitude and sympathy. Thank you.

We should make that the motto for FP+ testers: To boldly go where no man has gone before.

Or, should that be: Abandon hope all ye who enter here?

 

[jpessa]

What about all those people who travel to WDW from overseas? Isn't it expensive to get US service on 'foreign' phones? It was for our family from Norway! They'd have to get a full media package, right?

So, if you don't have a smartphone, you have to get a printout or jot down your times somewhere (like a sharpie to my forearm, I'm thinking) - maybe I'll bring little scraps of FP sized paper and make my own FP+ slips...

With your phone in airplane mode, turn on the Wifi, which is free inside all parks and Disney resorts. Voila!

If you do not have a phone I read they have FP+ kiosks in the parks where you can make /change /cancel FP+ selections.

 

[mesaboy2]

We should make that the motto for FP+ testers: To boldly go where no man has gone before.

Or, should that be: Abandon hope all ye who enter here?

My choice to describe FP+ would be from O Brother, Where Art Thou?: "They have a plan...but not a clue."

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

As someone going in August, but not to one of the selected resorts, I'm still really worried about the double dipping thing!

It just seems that no matter how you do the numbers, the FPs for major attractions are going to be harder to come by. Some of them already run out mid-day and I'm thinking now it may be even earlier than that.

Here's the only options I can see. Please let me know if you think it could be another way....and give me some hope!

1. People book FP+ for (an example) TSM. That many FPs are now taken out of the old-fashioned system, so starting the day we already have "X" fewer FPs available as walk-ups. So instead of running out by 12:00, are they going to run out by 10:00?

2. Again, people book FP+ for TSM. This doesn't affect the number of FPs available at the walk-up machines at all---they're not linked and Disney leaves the same number available. But now we have the usual walk-up number PLUS the FP+ booked in advance. That will make the FP lines even longer and, by default, the stand by line as well.

In either option, all those people who booked FP+ are also able to go up and pull regular FPs. It's not like there's fewer of us eligible for the walk-up FPs. We're still "competing" against the same number for those hard-to-get FPs. At least if people couldn't double dip, there would be, theoretically, fewer people trying to get the FPs at the machines.

Am I missing something here? Or is my family going to be disappointed at the longer lines and/or not being able to get FPs for certain rides?

 

[etail]

Right, which was my concern. I mean, I have a smartphone, so I'm not terribly worried about it, but still. There are tons of scenarios which will now require that people possibly memorize when their FP+'s are for several days:

1) No smartphone
2) Dead smartphone
3) Lost smartphone
4) Not currently with the party member who HAS a smartphone...

Etc.

One of the threads has the report that kiosks will exist in the parks to arrange and re-arrange schedules. To which the immediate thought is how many and how easy to navigate...

 

[g-dad66]

As someone going in August, but not to one of the selected resorts, I'm still really worried about the double dipping thing!

It just seems that no matter how you do the numbers, the FPs for major attractions are going to be harder to come by. Some of them already run out mid-day and I'm thinking now it may be even earlier than that.

Here's the only options I can see. Please let me know if you think it could be another way....and give me some hope!

1. People book FP+ for (an example) TSM. That many FPs are now taken out of the old-fashioned system, so starting the day we already have "X" fewer FPs available as walk-ups. So instead of running out by 12:00, are they going to run out by 10:00?

2. Again, people book FP+ for TSM. This doesn't affect the number of FPs available at the walk-up machines at all---they're not linked and Disney leaves the same number available. But now we have the usual walk-up number PLUS the FP+ booked in advance. That will make the FP lines even longer and, by default, the stand by line as well.

In either option, all those people who booked FP+ are also able to go up and pull regular FPs. It's not like there's fewer of us eligible for the walk-up FPs. We're still "competing" against the same number for those hard-to-get FPs. At least if people couldn't double dip, there would be, theoretically, fewer people trying to get the FPs at the machines.

Am I missing something here? Or is my family going to be disappointed at the longer lines and/or not being able to get FPs for certain rides?

I wouldn't worry about it, if I were you.

Toy Story Mania and Soarin are really the only two attractions where Fast Passes run out early, and I don't think they are going to run out THAT MUCH earlier.

Just do these as soon as the park opens (and note that both Hollywood Studios and Epcot have often been opening anywhere from 30 to 15 minutes earlier than the "official" 9:00 opening time), or get Fast Passes for them in the early morning (before 10:00), and you should be fine.

 

[pachelbel9]

It's all digital. I think you're supposed to be tracking where you're supposed to be when by using the MDE app on your smartphone. Which many people don't have.

That sounds awful. We were there in Feb, and I remember getting so very annoyed with MDE that I eventually gave up. It was so slow and unresponsive. Now it's required use? Ugh.

 

[ladynmom94]

One of the threads has the report that kiosks will exist in the parks to arrange and re-arrange schedules. To which the immediate thought is how many and how easy to navigate...

And can we schedule a time at the kiosk as one of our FP+ options? Lol

 

[Vertical]

And can we schedule a time at the kiosk as one of our FP+ options? Lol

And can you get a FP+ to use the kiosk so you can skip the line that will form?

 

[ChloesDaddy]

My choice to describe FP+ would be from O Brother, Where Art Thou?: "They have a plan...but not a clue."

 

[dvdcrow]

Correct. And I'd assume you will get cards in August because they have to be proactive about making sure you have access in case of the bands failure.

Every CM with whom I spoke assured me that we would be getting cards to get regular fast passes in addition to the magic bands. We are scheduled to be testers of the My Magic Plus system in August, and I spent several hours at at the computer today scheduling fast passes for the various rides and attractions that we hope to see. Hope the system works without any major glitches! I plan to bring paper copies of our scheduled activities, just in case.

 

[bcrook]

As someone going in August, but not to one of the selected resorts, I'm still really worried about the double dipping thing!

It just seems that no matter how you do the numbers, the FPs for major attractions are going to be harder to come by. Some of them already run out mid-day and I'm thinking now it may be even earlier than that.

Here's the only options I can see. Please let me know if you think it could be another way....and give me some hope!

1. People book FP+ for (an example) TSM. That many FPs are now taken out of the old-fashioned system, so starting the day we already have "X" fewer FPs available as walk-ups. So instead of running out by 12:00, are they going to run out by 10:00?

2. Again, people book FP+ for TSM. This doesn't affect the number of FPs available at the walk-up machines at all---they're not linked and Disney leaves the same number available. But now we have the usual walk-up number PLUS the FP+ booked in advance. That will make the FP lines even longer and, by default, the stand by line as well.

In either option, all those people who booked FP+ are also able to go up and pull regular FPs. It's not like there's fewer of us eligible for the walk-up FPs. We're still "competing" against the same number for those hard-to-get FPs. At least if people couldn't double dip, there would be, theoretically, fewer people trying to get the FPs at the machines.

Am I missing something here? Or is my family going to be disappointed at the longer lines and/or not being able to get FPs for certain rides?

There is a third option. Not too many people double dip the same ride. Then the FP number stays the same as we know right now.

I think rides like TSMM, Peter Pan, and splash will be hit the hardest by this test. Those have universal appeal. And Peter Pan mainly because the lower ride capacity. I think people will double dip those rides.

 

[O-Jo]

Could someone please post a picture of the bands? I haven't seen one yet, and I'm concerned about my 3yr old wearing it too. Thanks!

 

[mom2rtk]

The test in December was pretty big too I think. And I honestly didn't notice any difference on the headliners. Only on the attractions that didn't have FP to begin with, so there were FP people taking priority over the standby line without us having an option to join the FP line.

 

[d1gitman]

Blue is an error, green is go. The front ones are working perfectly with the cards as far as I've seen over the past few weeks. There wasn't anyone else testing magic bands that I saw so we were the only FP+ guests. The tour groups were doing a great job of backing up the lines all on their own. Lol

And it took a few secs for each touch point to process. It will take a while if everyone in the line was using it as you have to make sure the right part of the band is touching the head and hold it there so instead of the line moving as fast as you can walk and flash your Fap, it is restricted to 1 band every few secs. That does add up.

Ah. My bad. My memory failed me as i remembered blue and thought that was the color for accepted. I'm really curious as to how backed up Fast Pass+ entrances will be when fully rolled out. But then again as i type this i know that at universal they scan your ticket and that can take a few seconds too

 

[BethA]

On the app where is the area to book fast passes. I must not be looking in the right place, or does it only show for those who got an email thanks

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

There is a third option. Not too many people double dip the same ride. Then the FP number stays the same as we know right now.

I think rides like TSMM, Peter Pan, and splash will be hit the hardest by this test. Those have universal appeal. And Peter Pan mainly because the lower ride capacity. I think people will double dip those rides.

It doesn't matter if it's the same ride or not--it's the total number of FPs given out. Right now, if I grab a Peter Pan FP, I can't run right over and also grab Splash at the same time. But from what I'm reading one person with FP+ can book Peter Pan and then when they get to the park go over and grab Splash at the same time. In essence, they're taking two FP "spots" if you will, where either system alone would only allow you one.

 

[bcrook]

It doesn't matter if it's the same ride or not--it's the total number of FPs given out. Right now, if I grab a Peter Pan FP, I can't run right over and also grab Splash at the same time. But from what I'm reading one person with FP+ can book Peter Pan and then when they get to the park go over and grab Splash at the same time. In essence, they're taking two FP "spots" if you will, where either system alone would only allow you one.

I see where you are coming from.

 

[Simba77]

One more question: How comfortable/uncomfortable are the bands, and do they feel sweaty in the summer heat?

Keep in mind that you don't technically have to wear the band at all times. You could put it in your pocket or a bag or belt pack, then remove it when needed.

Just based on how they look, I'd say they're about like a watch with a resin/rubber strap in terms of "feel."