Paid FP options coming soon to WDW?

[SaharanTea]

I agree with all of this. Disney wants to have HIGH guest satisfaction. Die hards know how to plan and tour the park to minimize waits and maximize rides. But there are so many people who show up at the park without much of a clue and end of waiting a long time less satisfaction. Actions like denying rerides lessens the high satisfaction of diehards, and getting the fastpasses into the hands of the clueless will redistribute the satisfaction.

You're suggesting that people who can't figure out the current system will be able to figure out the new system that's the same as the current system but with added rules, restrictions, tiers, and price points?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

There's still rope drop and/or closing time - although rope drop seems to be getting pretty crazy for any type of headliner! I would imagine, even if they limit re-rides through FPs, they can't really limit additional rides through standby.



I feel like I remember that the one original intents of FP+ was to try and level the playing field with the paper FP uber users. It doesn't seem to me that Disney is so good at trouble shooting unintended consequences so maybe they didn't think through how more experienced users would be able to utilize the system, especially with the app. So, anyway, we had a snow storm last week and we were supposed to have 4" and we had 12" - the weather man said the storm "over performed," which I thought was kind of positive way to reframe being buried in snow...so anyway, we've done very well over the years with FP+, but I don't see myself as a commando but more as an "over-performer," lol. I just hope whatever they roll out has some measure of clarity, logic, and flexibility. Ok, even as I write that, I realize I'm probably being overly optimistic!

Migh be oversimplifying but always saw FP+ as a way to counter the “running of the bulls” to the Toy Story Mania Paper FP machines - as someone in that sea of humanity one trip I am forever grateful for FP+ just to avoid that!

 

[saskdw]

Definitely could see some tracking of demand and rides with the highest demand, during the busiest of days wouldhavr more things pushed to paid option

Could be another way for Disney to even out crowds - slower times have more “free” FP available

Martin posted again this afternoon. He was indicating that there would be software tracking everything and constantly making changes.

 

[saskdw]

You're suggesting that people who can't figure out the current system will be able to figure out the new system that's the same as the current system but with added rules, restrictions, tiers, and price points?

They will be able to do it at home in advance instead of in a crowded park with impatient kids screaming at them.

 

[saskdw]

Migh be oversimplifying but always saw FP+ as a way to counter the “running of the bulls” to the Toy Story Mania Paper FP machines - as someone in that sea of humanity one trip I am forever grateful for FP+ just to avoid that!

I was the designated runner as well. We actually rope dropped in those days. I was always worried I was going to hurt someone. I'm fairly built and people tend to bounce off of me even if I don't mean it.

 

[crvetter]

Martin posted again this afternoon. He was indicating that there would be software tracking everything and constantly making changes.

That isn't much of news since it is how it works now. The software currently tracks usage and releases additional FP for rides it views as having lower than expected utilization or they feel they need to move people around the parks. So I would assume they would monitor how many to sell actively based on demand for that right in particular and if they need to release some to the free pool as a crowd control (it's more of a logical procession of a system that worked well for crowd control to simply keep that component of the system).

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Migh be oversimplifying but always saw FP+ as a way to counter the “running of the bulls” to the Toy Story Mania Paper FP machines - as someone in that sea of humanity one trip I am forever grateful for FP+ just to avoid that!

Me too! Yes, I have fond memories of doing the "running of the bulls" for TSMM at rope drop, only to find I could only get a late afternoon return time

But I agree - it does give one more strategies for rides - I've liked it too for the flexibility during the day, but also handy if you want a late start!

 

[familyman123]

You're suggesting that people who can't figure out the current system will be able to figure out the new system that's the same as the current system but with added rules, restrictions, tiers, and price points?

Yes.

Some people just don’t want to plan ahead. They want to just show up and have everything be like in the commercials. If today they show up and all the FOP FASTPASSES are gone, not much you can do. But put a sign up saying get on your phone and for $50 per person get to the front of the line they’ll probabaly figure it out.

 

[SaharanTea]

That's how I thought it worked.

Basically we have differing opinions on this and it isn't likely one of us is going to sway the other.

You're against paid FP's in any form and I "might" be ok with it depending how the final details look. Plus it's hard to have a debate based on speculation and maybe's! LOL

Apologies, I don't mean to suggest your opinion is wrong. If you say paid FPs are better for your touring style than the current system, that's not for me to say.

My exception was with the notion that the current system gives commandos an advantage that isn't available to anyone else. That I disagree with.

 

[JaxDad]

I was the designated runner as well. We actually rope dropped in those days. I was always worried I was going to hurt someone. I'm fairly built and people tend to bounce off of me even if I don't mean it.

I loved being the runner! “Alright, everyone give me your tickets! I’ll meet you at ___!” It not only involved tactical planning (it’s more strategic now), but also a little physical stamina and agility. I was always careful not to affect others in the park.

 

[Farro]

I'm now kind of kicking myself I bought an AP for next year. We bought an AP (non-resident) and planned on buying one hopper. If now you have to buy some kind of package to get these fast pass options, what happens to my AP?

 

[rteetz]

I'm now kind of kicking myself I bought an AP for next year. We bought an AP (non-resident) and planned on buying one hopper. If now you have to buy some kind of package to get these fast pass options, what happens to my AP?

An AP is a big question. I would imagine they offer something for APs. They do for MaxPass at Disneyland.

 

[mom2rtk]

There's still rope drop and/or closing time - although rope drop seems to be getting pretty crazy for any type of headliner! I would imagine, even if they limit re-rides through FPs, they can't really limit additional rides through standby.

I think this could make rope drop much worse. And I hear it's pretty bad in some cases already.

 

[Violetspider]

You're suggesting that people who can't figure out the current system will be able to figure out the new system that's the same as the current system but with added rules, restrictions, tiers, and price points?

Exactly, and personally...I like to be rewarded for my hard work. I spend a significant amount of time planning for my Disney trips. I put in the time and generally get rewarded with the fast passes I want at the times I want them. If there are folks out there that are willing to spend the money on a WDW trip, but can't be bothered with doing a little research ahead of time...then their experience will reflect that. Leveling out the playing field by taking away from the enthusiastic planners and letting the "I'll wing it's" buy their top tier fast passes kinda stinks in my humble opinion. I can't really afford to be an "I'll wing it."

 

[Farro]

An AP is a big question. I would imagine they offer something for APs. They do for MaxPass at Disneyland.

Maybe. It just may be a pain if one of us has an AP and one has a ticket. Hopefully it's tied to resort stay or something. Or something you can just purchase separately and add on.

So many unknowns! I just want to know my resort cost for next year!!!

 

[mom2rtk]

Martin posted again this afternoon. He was indicating that there would be software tracking everything and constantly making changes.

Good thing Disney IT works so flawlessly........

 

[SaharanTea]

Yes.

Some people just don’t want to plan ahead. They want to just show up and have everything be like in the commercials. If today they show up and all the FOP FASTPASSES are gone, not much you can do. But put a sign up saying get on your phone and for $50 per person get to the front of the line they’ll probabaly figure it out.

Fair. But how many of those people are going to be extra, extra mad that not only can they not get a fast pass, not only is the standby 200 minutes, but now Disney expects them to shell out even more money for their expensive Disney vacation just to be able to ride the thing they saw in the commercial.

That was on the sign, but it sure wasn't in the commercial.

 

[familyman123]

Fair. But how many of those people are going to be extra, extra mad that not only can they not get a fast pass, not only is the standby 200 minutes, but now Disney expects them to shell out even more money for their expensive Disney vacation just to be able to ride the thing they saw in the commercial.

That was on the sign, but it sure wasn't in the commercial.

It’s a good question - my guess is they will be satisfied. “So glad I got to jump to the front of the line”. Similar to people who pay for the after hour events and rave about them despite the price. That’s just my take though.

 

[SaharanTea]

Exactly, and personally...I like to be rewarded for my hard work. I spend a significant amount of time planning for my Disney trips. I put in the time and generally get rewarded with the fast passes I want at the times I want them. If there are folks out there that are willing to spend the money on a WDW trip, but can't be bothered with doing a little research ahead of time...then their experience will reflect that. Leveling out the playing field by taking away from the enthusiastic planners and letting the "I'll wing it's" buy their top tier fast passes kinda stinks in my humble opinion. I can't really afford to be an "I'll wing it."

We're on the same wavelength. I feel like people who don't mind upcharges already have their advantages with the events, parties, and tours.

 

[SaharanTea]

It’s a good question - my guess is they will be satisfied. “So glad I got to jump to the front of the line”. Similar to people who pay for the after hour events and rave about them despite the price. That’s just my take though.

I agree. There will be those folks who like the option. There will also be other folks who get ticked at being nickel and dimed. This may please one set, but it will anger the other set. That's what I'm saying. Your guess on the percentages of each is as good as mine.