Paid FP options coming soon to WDW?

[Wakey]

I know how to call BS when I see it and this is something that won't go anywhere as described originally.

And the other issue is this would end up leading to people finding ways to abuse the DAS, which is going to be a problem. Although I could be wrong on that, as both Universal (at least Hollywood) and Sea World (at least San Diego) have a paid version of express access and both do better with their equivalent of a DAS, but I doubt it. Which is a other reason I call BS on the rumor.

Time will tell, but I seriously doubt this one will come true.

Marni (Martin) only ever gives accurate information. The only time the rumour doesn't come to fruition is when Disney change plans. This is why many people take this deadly seriously, and do not treat it like some clickbait rumour.

So given who has said it, I expect we will see it coming, and this time it will as Martin himself says, be 'toxic'. I suspect it will push some people to tipping point, but basically Disney doesn't want those customers anyway, there are uncharge spenders to service instead- at least until the next recession.

Having recently seen the toxic points re- allocation (reversed) with lockoff premium and the questionable Riviera not open to resale buyers decision (both DVC), I have concluded Disney will happily make toxic decisions where there is money to be made.

 

[cmwade77]

People already do abuse DAS and did when it was GAC.

Time will tell.

I am sure there is some, but it is far less than with the GAC, to the point where it isialmost nonexistent, the point is this will lead to a substantially higher amount of abuse, to the point where paid FPs would be worthless, as the waits will be just as long as standby.

I have seen enough rumors out there to be able to see through the fake ones and this one is fake.

 

[rteetz]

I have seen enough rumors out there to be able to see through the fake ones and this one is fake.

Again time will tell...

 

[magickingdomprincess]

I really hope the rumor isn't true, it in the very least we would still get 3 free FP's. My first reaction to this was disgust, and thinking maybe I am really done with Disney for awhile (after my 3 planned trips this year that is). I know universal does it, but you can stay onsite to alleviate that. I've had a day to think about it and now I'm just hoping it's not too bad. Will be interesting to see. My FP day is approaching in about 5 weeks, I'm hoping I haven't wasted my time coming up with a FP plan that will go out the window.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Unsold will just go unsold I would think. Less FP riders would mean more standby riders so theoretically this could be good for the standby line.

If so, then the original explanation of my magic + is either:
1. A lie
2. A failure

As this system would be completely antithetical to those explanations.

 

[rteetz]

If so, then the original explanation of my magic + is either:
1. A lie
2. A failure

As this system would be completely antithetical to those explanations.

Disney wouldn’t admit to that

MyMagic+ did spread out crowds a bit which was one thing it was supposed to do.

 

[JenniferYoung44]

I'm not convinced that the lack of FP for the opening of SWGE has anything to do with this.

I think it's because they are opening with only one ride. With every single person trying to get a FP for that one ride, the ride FP's would be unattainable for most and the ride almost impossible to ride without. If they had 2 rides open I think they would both open with FP.

I also don’t think it has to do with this but for a different reason. I think they want to be able to control the amount of people going into the land without having to deal with certain people trying to get by the line because they have a FP slot they need to get in for.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Disney wouldn’t admit to that

MyMagic+ did spread out crowds a bit which was one thing it was supposed to do.

I also think it was to drive people to less popular attractions and also for Disney to better track people and also to let people get on at least a few of the attractions they really want without huge waits - so make as many people as possible at least a bit satisfied

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Yes there have been internal changes as noted in the FP cancellation thread. Split Stays for example are being affected.

That was obviously a pretty hot thread here until Saturday...then this thread pops up on Sunday:

EDIT: And I will add that it makes sense. This is obviously a FAR more significant rumor/change than what was discussed there. It will impact everybody whereas that had a very minimal impact.

 

[1lilspark]

IMHO if it’s supplemental paid fastpasses like the club level I’d be okay

 

[Violetspider]

This is all making my head hurt. Everything I was anticipating for SWGE during my December DL trip looks to be completely wrong, and now the FP+ system at WDW potentially getting an overhaul? My next trip to WDW is June of 2020 with, unfortunately for me, a group of 16 that I'm supposed to do the FP+ management for. I think I'm going to need a very big bottle of whiskey to drown myself in.

 

[anomamatt]

Anyone else worry that this is the end of the line for the so-called 'FastPass+ strategists'? Gulp.

 

[JenniferYoung44]

As I said, scaremongering at its worst, seriously, do you think Disney would do this an alienate that many people in their loyal fan base?

Absolutely

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Anyone else worry that this is the end of the line for the so-called 'FastPass+ strategists'? Gulp.

@anomamatt - those guys are RESILIENT...

(Sorry - sometimes I can't help it with the memes...but at least they are funny and on topic now )

 

[Patches Lee]

I hope at “best” it’s just a larger roll out of the CL FP test. I still wonder though what the price point will be. I mean the CL people first had to pay for CL ($$$) then pay $50. I have to think the lowest starting price for 3 FPs outside of that CL investment would have to be $100 pp. but maybe sell 1 at $50? But at that point, might as well pay the $80 for EMM... I don’t see them getting rid of that. They sell out all the time. But knowing Disney, those will get to 3 digits pretty soon...

Even with the current discount switching to a CL room would cost $188 more/night. Being only me, DH, and DD10 to me the value of the food available isn't there for us. So the option of purchasing 90FP will be out just on that alone. I think there is more coming in opening it to everyone.

 

[PolyRob]

I'm curious what the easy guest recovery option will be now or what DVC tours will give out after successful completion? I can't imagine Disney throwing FP+ around like candy when it could be making additional money off of them.

 

[TDSAXX]

Years ago when my wife first started talking about a trip to Europe, I always would joke why spend all that money when you can see it all at Epcot? Now a trip to Disney costs as much or more than Europe.
If FP changes significantly, screw Disney, I’ll go elsewhere. There’s plenty of other places to go in this world.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Disney wouldn’t admit to that

MyMagic+ did spread out crowds a bit which was one thing it was supposed to do.

And this would undo that.

 

[Mome Rath]

So, yeah, I do think people are right (as I mentioned in my previous post); revenue is one obvious component, but again, I go back to crowds, and loooonnnggg lines... that's not the same as park attendance. Thinking all of this over I have a question that I do think pertains to the topic at hand; people eaters. I see that phrase thrown out a lot, the last time was when we were all discussing the theater that never was at MK. So, what was the last actual thing you consider (question to the thread in general) to be a people eater that was implemented?

Are we seeing this paid FP idea right now partially because none of the supposed people eaters are actually... eating people? Perhaps, as was mentioned, FP + was supposed to be a type of people eater and failed. Has DS failed to draw people out of the parks for some reason? Are the hotels themselves "failing" in drawing people away, how about the restaurants in the parks? Anyway, just some thoughts.

If they would let you have one free FP at all times, even if you have to wait til the day you are in the park to get the next one after your initial one, I would be more comfortable with the idea. I would also be more comfortable if they had a pay as you go, and only have to buy one at a time if you so choose...

 

[jade1]

We split our stay last December between Portofino and WDW deluxe resorts. We paid significantly less money for Portofino than we did with the WDW deluxe resorts and had front of the line passes for eveything at US/IoA. It's a much more laid back approach for us there. I love disney but .....good customer service includes KEEPING your customers, not just adding new ones. Your repeat customers are your bread and butter. With 3 trips coming up here and one that includes bringing our toddler granddaughter I'm going to have to wait and see how this may impact future trips. We were considering adding on to DVC but maybe we should sell it instead.

Such a great trip. Did that many times.

However not only did US/IOA get stale, just can't justify US room costs compared to DVC (esp BCV/BWV/BLT). And since we have DVC AP the lure back to WDW at night was even greater. We knock out US during a day.

Now straight up cash stays without DVC (sounds awful), I can see split stays with US, esp if they get a 3rd park.