Paid FP options coming soon to WDW?

[Heigh-Ho]

It might look that way right now, but stock prices change, and companies succeed and fail all the time, based on their business decisions.

You're right but that's also been what people have been saying for years about Disney. Everyone has a right to be frustrated and disappointed and everything but Disney has been going strong for many years, despite controversial decisions and events.

Charging for parking? Didn't impact them, raising ticket pricing several times a year didn't impact them, going to dynamic pricing didn't impact them, raising meal plans several times a year didn't impact them, raising pricing on food several times a year didn't impact them, raising hotel rates several times a year didn't impact them, not having FP didn't impact them, stroller rule adjustments didn't impact them, package adjustments on the meal plans offered for free dining didn't impact them, virtual queues haven't impact them and so much more.

When I say didn't impact them I mean they haven't failed to be very clear. People still went and still want to go. Disney has a product that has a strong force. I don't like it but the realities is some companies (like Wal-Mart, Amazon and more) are so big it's not easy to topple them. Never say never of course but they also aren't in the same category of ones more susceptible to failure.

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

The only way that changes is for people to stop paying for all these parties, events, and add ons. People just keep gobbling them up.

I've never minded that they upcharge for the add-ons, personally. I don't want to pay for them so I don't, but that's never been a make or break for me. They don't change the way I experience the parks with my regular old park ticket. But to take FP+, something that has been included for a decade now and which is an integral part of making my time in the parks both enjoyable and worth the money, and make me pay extra for it on top of my park ticket AND hotel stay..... THAT is my breaking point. And I wonder if that might be the breaking point for a lot of others, as well, particularly families with small kids who just can't tolerate long lines, which makes fastpass non-optional for them.

 

[Remy is Up]

Precisely that. Nobody knows. So how do you know there is a new system coming?

I said they are testing a new system along with the old. Never said which one they will implement because only a handful of people can answer that. I don't think they would be testing a new system if they didn't intend to implement it eventually. But when it crashes the platform regularly it is hard to say. I'm passing along what I know of the testing process and integration to the platform. What the new system is? Who knows. Paid, hybrid? I know it is a fp system that isn't fp+. And fp+ has passed integration tests. Obviously even if I did know, I wouldn't post it though. I'm posting general info based on platform integration tests. No timelines, no details, nothing more.
Keep in mind. When pete came out in April of 21 saying parks would reopen memorial day weekend I responded and said incorrect. Pete doesn't know anything. The people in the know laugh at people like him and tell him zero. My source at the time said late july/early August was preferred based on what they knew but could be mid July. And I posted that because it didn't cause any issues to do so.
So I tend to trust the sources and people I know and post nothing that would compromise them or my relationships with them. Therefore, you can take what I'm saying with a grain of salt or you can ignore it. Reality there is a ton I don't post and skim by because responding wouldn't be appropriate. And there are a few other posters here who do the same thing.

 

[Aprilshack]

I said they are testing a new system along with the old. Never said which one they will implement because only a handful of people can answer that. I don't think they would be testing a new system if they didn't intend to implement it eventually. But when it crashes the platform regularly it is hard to say. I'm passing along what I know of the testing process and integration to the platform. What the new system is? Who knows. Paid, hybrid? I know it is a fp system that isn't fp+. And fp+ has passed integration tests. Obviously even if I did know, I wouldn't post it though. I'm posting general info based on platform integration tests. No timelines, no details, nothing more.
Keep in mind. When pete came out in April of 21 saying parks would reopen memorial day weekend I responded and said incorrect. Pete doesn't know anything. The people in the know laugh at people like him and tell him zero. My source at the time said late july/early August was preferred based on what they knew but could be mid July. And I posted that because it didn't cause any issues to do so.
So I tend to trust the sources and people I know and post nothing that would compromise them or my relationships with them. Therefore, you can take what I'm saying with a grain of salt or you can ignore it. Reality there is a ton I don't post and skim by because responding wouldn't be appropriate. And there are a few other posters here who do the same thing.

Just tell me if the dining plan is comimg back or not please!

 

[Wandering Oaken]

I said they are testing a new system along with the old. Never said which one they will implement because only a handful of people can answer that. I don't think they would be testing a new system if they didn't intend to implement it eventually. But when it crashes the platform regularly it is hard to say. I'm passing along what I know of the testing process and integration to the platform. What the new system is? Who knows. Paid, hybrid? I know it is a fp system that isn't fp+. And fp+ has passed integration tests. Obviously even if I did know, I wouldn't post it though. I'm posting general info based on platform integration tests. No timelines, no details, nothing more.
Keep in mind. When pete came out in April of 21 saying parks would reopen memorial day weekend I responded and said incorrect. Pete doesn't know anything. The people in the know laugh at people like him and tell him zero. My source at the time said late july/early August was preferred based on what they knew but could be mid July. And I posted that because it didn't cause any issues to do so.
So I tend to trust the sources and people I know and post nothing that would compromise them or my relationships with them. Therefore, you can take what I'm saying with a grain of salt or you can ignore it. Reality there is a ton I don't post and skim by because responding wouldn't be appropriate. And there are a few other posters here who do the same thing.

So you're saying that your source is either a Disney parks board member or one of the "top brass" at Disney parks? They would have to be if you know for a fact that they are testing a FP system that is for sure not FP+. But then I have to wonder why someone that high up would tell anyone else what is actually going on. Not attacking you, I am just trying to determine if this is just another instance of "I know someone that knows what is going on" or if you are giving educated guesses. Either way is fine because we will all find out soon enough. I am just curious is all.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Just tell me if the dining plan is comimg back or not please!

I haven't kept up are there still places to eat not open yet? I know they were utilizing mobile ordering for QS. If there aren't places open yet is it because capacity isn't 100% quite yet?

 

[Remy is Up]

Just tell me if the dining plan is comimg back or not please!

It was a program being tested on the new platform. Whether it is the old version or a new one I don't know. But some form of a dining plan.program has passed testing

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

Remy usually knows inside scoop, just saying
Just wish it was dessert parties returning.

 

[Aprilshack]

I haven't kept up are there still places to eat not open yet? I know they were utilizing mobile ordering for QS. If there aren't places open yet is it because capacity isn't 100% quite yet?

I can't see everywhere not being open by the 50th. Mobile ordering is a joke and i think capacity will be 85% next month?

 

[Wandering Oaken]

Remy usually knows inside scoop, just saying
Just wish it was dessert parties returning.

You may be right but based on their comments I hope you're wrong. LOL If they are coming back with something other than FP+ then it will likely be a paid option and that is not going to sit well with many people. A single day ticket is $109. Disney charging $100, $200, or $300 for FP (based on many guesses of others) is just stupid.

 

[lovethesun12]

In this case I think you misinterpreted my comments so I'm trying to make that clarification . I'm not trying to make anything personal here as people don't approach Disney the same way, they have different wants, and needs. But people on all sides are affected by how Disney is using FP, that's why I made the comment I did. It doesn't matter if you love FP, use FP exclusively, don't use FP, don't use it exclusively, plan your trip based on if its there or not or don't and more, it impacts us all. And it's why we all are watching for what they end up doing.

No, you reiterated what I thought you said so I don't think that's the case. I think you are missing my point, but I don't think it's really constructive to continue to discuss it.

 

[ChipnDale79]

And it's the most difficult part. People understandably have an emotional connection to Disney. Vote with your wallet, and enough people do the same, it can at least provide a nudge. But keep going and it just adds to it. My dad used to always complain about Blockbuster late fees yelling at them saying he'd never come back. He was always back within a few weeks.

It's not an easy decision anyone makes though.

you know what sucks, its when all of those add ons and cut backs takes away that feeling of magic that you used to have. For me, I was the disney guy that people thought was crazy for loving it as much as i did. I've lost a lot of that, and now feel like i was a sucker for so long for buying into it.

 

[Remy is Up]

So you're saying that your source is either a Disney parks board member or one of the "top brass" at Disney parks? They would have to be if you know for a fact that they are testing a FP system that is for sure not FP+. But then I have to wonder why someone that high up would tell anyone else what is actually going on. Not attacking you, I am just trying to determine if this is just another instance of "I know someone that knows what is going on" or if you are giving educated guesses. Either way is fine because we will all find out soon enough. I am just curious is all.

I fully understand. All I can tell you is the original fp+ system passed live integration and another fp system has been actively tested in test environment. As to your wondering, by the wanderer ( love your name btw), all I will say is sometimes we answer our own questions and don't even realize it. The curiosity doesn't bother me at all. Cheers

 

[Remy is Up]

Remy usually knows inside scoop, just saying
Just wish it was dessert parties returning.

I wish they would too. We are going to MK Monday night to see HEA after a last dinner of bacon and eggs at the wave. The dessert party would've been nice.

 

[ChipnDale79]

I've never minded that they upcharge for the add-ons, personally. I don't want to pay for them so I don't, but that's never been a make or break for me. They don't change the way I experience the parks with my regular old park ticket. But to take FP+, something that has been included for a decade now and which is an integral part of making my time in the parks both enjoyable and worth the money, and make me pay extra for it on top of my park ticket AND hotel stay..... THAT is my breaking point. And I wonder if that might be the breaking point for a lot of others, as well, particularly families with small kids who just can't tolerate long lines, which makes fastpass non-optional for them.

but they have changed how you experience the parks, they have shortened the amount of hours you can visit the parks and have added on paid for parties that take up that time you could have been in the parks. Not to mention that long walk i had from AK, those premium parking spots took up spots that would have put us closer.

 

[Aprilshack]

It was a program being tested on the new platform. Whether it is the old version or a new one I don't know. But some form of a dining plan.program has passed testing

Sounds promising!

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

you know what sucks, its when all of those add ons and cut backs takes away that feeling of magic that you used to have. For me, I was the disney guy that people thought was crazy for loving it as much as i did. I've lost a lot of that, and now feel like i was a sucker for so long for buying into it.

You're not a sucker - you thoroughly enjoyed those trips, which is all that matters. You're only a sucker if you keep spending your money on something that no longer brings you joy. That's a fine line to walk though, which I totally get. Especially with Disney, because there's such a nostalgia factor involved.

 

[Remy is Up]

I can't see everywhere not being open by the 50th. Mobile ordering is a joke and i think capacity will be 85% next month?

Agree completely. I think we could see a snowball effect on announcements due to increasing capacity. I just hope that doesn't cause them to rush and half do things. If they rush integration on the platform things can get messy

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

you know what sucks, its when all of those add ons and cut backs takes away that feeling of magic that you used to have. For me, I was the disney guy that people thought was crazy for loving it as much as i did. I've lost a lot of that, and now feel like i was a sucker for so long for buying into it.

I don't mean to like your post for what your post is about because but that I understand how you feel.

Not on the same level but Lake of the Ozarks is a common weekend destination for people in my area. For quite a while my husband and I would go down there with his mom and stepdad and we would frequent several of the same restaurants, one of the ones we loved a lot because it gave us a great vantage point for just watching the boats go by, it had decent pricing and good food and was just overall relaxing. We went last August and the place was a huge disappointment. From the food not being good anymore, the pricing being high, to the waitstaff to where if you wanted to sit where we used to sit you had to reserve now (rather than just grabbing an open table when it became available) and we were placed by the pool they built (which was a common thing a few years ago a lot of restaurants were building pools so these places became even more of a party place but where we sat before by the lake part we largely escaped that party feel). Sadly that may have been the last time we went to that particular restaurant and we're all bummed about it. It was a tradition of sorts to do so. We understand the pandemic and its effect however the Lake of the Ozarks is also a place that was not impacted the same, we just felt they shifted who they were targeting and it wasn't us leisurely watching the boats folks anymore.

 

[onelove8187]

Disney charging $100, $200, or $300 for FP (based on many guesses of others) is just stupid.

I see this as essentially 100% impossible. Per park Per day? No way in heck. Not even for Disney. I could see maybe that lines some were twisted when some truth nugget eeked out into the rumor mill, but that the actual nuggest of truth is that $100-$300 is per person for the length of a ticket ticket. I could certainly see that, but would expect the difference in those numbers is due to different theoretical entitlements that havent been decided yet or maybe based on the length of the ticket. The only way these were real numbers in the way it was presented is if this is for some elite option above and beyond other (more) reasonable options, like if this was $300/person/day for unlimited rolling any experience fastpasses, then I could see maybe $1200 a day for a family of 4 - essentially VIP tour lite... And no way anything like that is going to be offered as the only FP+ option. I would be more surprised by this than if Disney ran a free ticket, free resort, free club 33 membership promotion available to everyone that says "Miska Mouska Mickey Mouse" at the guest services.