Perhaps FP+ will make WDW better for more people?

[DisneyKentucky]

But the problem is that 3 FP+ followed by waiting in standby lines for the rest of the day isn't going to make a "magical" day for most visitors. Marginally better for some of the previously clueless guests? Maybe. Significantly worse for previous FP-users in the know? Definitely.

So now instead of some people having an awesome time (and subsequently telling all their friends and family how amazing Disney is) and others having a terrible time, we have everyone having a "meh...that was ok but I don't feel the need to rush back anytime soon" time. Yay?? Are we supposed to be happy about that?

IMO that is a bizarre thing to shoot for as a company.

Oh, and before someone points out that having just 3 FP+ w/tiering is perfectly wonderful for some people, I would wager that those same people are the ones who claim they "never needed or used FP- anyway" and were simply content to "stand in line enjoying the company of their family members" while "soaking up the atmosphere." So those people are a wash as far as FP+ is concerned.

Bottom line from my perspective? FP+ stinks.

FWIW, I was there in November. Back 8 weeks later. I'll be back in 15 weeks this next time. Was a blast and FP+ worked well and everyone had a good time. I used to get 5-7 FP a day. 3 didn't bother me this time. It's not about the FP as much as the time spent with your family soaking up the atmosphere..... Seriously though, I think we as fans know which rides will be long lines and which won't.

If being mad about it makes you feel better, go for it. I think the front end of this will be rough for some but, I am in it for the long game (although I had a great trip with it).

 

[morethananyonex]

Sense of Entitlement is entitlement. Comparing their sense of entitlement was not wrong at all. Saying you won't support Disney because you are entitled to more FP than others is maybe not in the same book but, in the same spirit. People have got to see that it's not just about how many rides you ride. Heck, some of the best memories can be made waiting in a line.

If it's not about how many rides you ride then why the big push from certain people about keeping things fair and giving everyone FP+? If waiting in line is so great, why was it making people dislike Disney and find it unfair according to some here?

If the rides are not of great importance than distributing FP+ equally should not matter to either side. If lines are great spots for making memories why are so many advocates for the FP+ system glad they can finally get their hands on certain FP because they don't even ride the attraction without it?

 

[DisneyKentucky]

If it's not about how many rides you ride then why the big push from certain people about keeping things fair and giving everyone FP+? If waiting in line is so great, why was it making people dislike Disney and find it unfair according to some here?

If the rides are not of great importance than distributing FP+ equally should not matter to either side. If lines are great spots for making memories why are so many advocates for the FP+ system glad they can finally get their hands on certain FP because they don't even ride the attraction without it?

I'm not one who made those claims. I don't think it's about FP+. I think it's about making the band useable on so many levels they can increase profits. I think you are confusing the Magic Band and/or My Disney Experience with some sort of ride sharing program. It is a profit enhancement for Disney. No doubt about it. There will be a time where you can probably buy more FP. Right now, the photo pass (Memory Maker) and a host of other things are tied to it (unfortunate my Tables in Wonderland acct can't be on it).

It's why anyone who advocates what you say are as off the mark as those who think they are entitled to a certain number of fast passes. I think there is an awesome convenience factor to this that outweighs the rope drop days of multiple fastpasses. Not to mention being able to carry less cash and other things in the car due to the magic band. Case and point, the RunDisney event all I had to carry was the things I consumed during the race since money for stuff and key to room were all on my wrist. Not to mention, I could plan the rest of my trip during the run on my phone.

 

[morethananyonex]

I'm not one who made those claims. I don't think it's about FP+. I think it's about making the band useable on so many levels they can increase profits. I think you are confusing the Magic Band and/or My Disney Experience with some sort of ride sharing program. It is a profit enhancement for Disney. No doubt about it. There will be a time where you can probably buy more FP. Right now, the photo pass (Memory Maker) and a host of other things are tied to it (unfortunate my Tables in Wonderland acct can't be on it). It's why anyone who advocates what you say are as off the mark as those who think they are entitled to a certain number of fast passes. I think there is an awesome convenience factor to this that outweighs the rope drop days of multiple fastpasses. Not to mention being able to carry less cash and other things in the car due to the magic band. Case and point, the RunDisney event all I had to carry was the things I consumed during the race since money for stuff and key to room were all on my wrist. Not to mention, I could plan the rest of my trip during the run on my phone.

I think we're basically in agreement then, just differ on a personal use perspective.

This is most definitely about increasing profit for Disney, it's not being put into play because people who slept in couldn't get Toy Story FP. It's not being put into play because some families used FP- to the fullest. If Disney can capture the people who may not have spent an additional day or two at Disney by providing them with a guaranteed headliner or two that's what it's all about.

I suspect FP+ also exists because Disney needed to give guests incentive to wear the bands all day long instead of just selling them as a KTTW card bracelet. In the end Disney doesn't care if everyone is getting a fair shot just as long as people are spending more time and money on Disney property. When people talk about fairness, it implies the state of the parks were unfair before. They were not, they were just skewed towards a different group, same as FP+.

 

[DisneyKentucky]

I think we're basically in agreement then, just differ on a personal use perspective.

This is most definitely about increasing profit for Disney, it's not being put into play because people who slept in couldn't get Toy Story FP. It's not being put into play because some families used FP- to the fullest. If Disney can capture the people who may not have spent an additional day or two at Disney by providing them with a guaranteed headliner or two that's what it's all about.

I suspect FP+ also exists because Disney needed to give guests incentive to wear the bands all day long instead of just selling them as a KTTW card bracelet. In the end Disney doesn't care if everyone is getting a fair shot just as long as people are spending more time and money on Disney property. When people talk about fairness, it implies the state of the parks were unfair before. They were not, they were just skewed towards a different group, same as FP+.

Don't get me wrong either. I understand people that aren't happy about getting TSMM passes in triple. I was one who did get those when available. Still, let's not act as if this won't be fixed (as well as park hopping) in the future. Really early stages. I just don't understand complaining about new technology that has some great user functions in other aspects.

I've also seen people take photos of FP+ Kiosk lines. Fantasyland and Town Square were awful. That said, there were 3 others that were empty. Just like being able to use FP- the less Disney knowledge someone has, the more likely they will wait in town square or Fantasyland.

 

[agavegirl1]

Okay, no flaming but, I used about 1-2 FP- per day on my visits. However, I only go every 4-5 years and there are not any more predictable "slow times" anymore. My trip this fall will be almost exactly 4 years from my previous trip. We are RD people and love to ride over and over. I have been reading and fretting and biting my fingernails over how my usual touring plans will work.

I am booked at POP for my trip and have received the emails, flash drive, customized booklet etc. for my trip. I have still not bothered to download the app because I think it is currently a train-wreck. I will worry about it around my ADR window.

Because some people had a seamless experience, I am hopeful. Because others have spent 5-6 hours at the resort desk and guest relations, I am fearful. I am a savvy, spreadsheet preparing, commando traveler who has had wonderful experiences. I don't want a magic band. Yup, I said it. I do not want a mouse-arrest bracelet that tracks my movements, purchases, meals, touring style etc. I don't wear a watch. I don't like stuff on my wrist and I don't like the whole idea.

I can wear it on a belt loop and deal with it. I can put it in an foil packet when I don't need it. I can gripe all I want. I just can't NOT use it at this point.

I am mostly concerned about the effect of FP+ on Standby lines. So far, not impressed. We shall see. We shall see.

Waiting patiently to see what the "side effects" are.

I never used more than "my fair share of FP-" but the effects of this "guest management" program may still crimp my style.

 

[morethananyonex]

Don't get me wrong either. I understand people that aren't happy about getting TSMM passes in triple. I was one who did get those when available. Still, let's not act as if this won't be fixed (as well as park hopping) in the future. Really early stages. I just don't understand complaining about new technology that has some great user functions in other aspects. I've also seen people take photos of FP+ Kiosk lines. Fantasyland and Town Square were awful. That said, there were 3 others that were empty. Just like being able to use FP- the less Disney knowledge someone has, the more likely they will wait in town square or Fantasyland.

My own personal issue is we leave in less than 2 weeks now. I would be shocked if any changes were made to FP+ before then, but FP- will be completely gone.

We're stuck right in what IMO is the crappiest part of the test phase. I think this system does have potential to be better once Disney has had a chance to analyze the data and tweak the bad parts. It is still Disney no doubt, and we will have fun, but it's hard to look at the future of FP+ when my family is spending thousands of dollars on the current system. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) cost of flights are very prohibitive for us, we are not from the US, so our only trip with a few years of no Disney before and after is this one, during the most restrictive part of the test.

It's much harder to swallow a mediocre today for a better future when our visits are not as frequent as many people on here.

 

[bocaj1431]

Sounds sort of like the Manhatten Moms who hire the handicap to get them spots in line. "This is how the rich see Disney."[/QUOTE]

Really?? A bit of a stretch dont you think.

 

[kerplop]

Honestly? People who tour like us are in the small minority of Disney visitors. Cutting back FPs for us isn't going to magically free up FPs or make standby lines shorter for other people. I think you overestimate how many people actually plan like the Dis or similar forums.

 

[bocaj1431]

Just so you know, I was there the past 10 days. Except for this weekend when the holiday crowd rushed in..... was easy on and off. Went flawless. Love the new system.

Isn't this time of year much less crowded than the rest of the year? So, wouldn't your experience not be a typical one. I would think the true test of the affect it has on the lines is to see how it works during the busier times of year. Spring break, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, spring and summer.

 

[aubriee]

I guess this doesn't bother me. I can work around this system, still get to do a lot of stuff, and have a great trip. Now more families can too, because the FP's are going to more DIFFERENT people, not just the same family getting 5 FP's.

But if all that matters is you and your family, then yeah, be mad and don't go to Disney World. Maybe you'll just have to learn to get a smaller piece of the pie to allow others to have a slice too.

The problem is some of us are not getting any of the pie. We are annual passholders who choose to stay offsite. With my elderly mom we may or may not be able to make rope drop. Due to her poor health we can not stay late in the parks. Before we could always get a return time early enough to work for us. Now we can't because people have already prebooked those earlier times. We were there in early Dec and got to ride only a very few rides. My mom loves Toy Story Mania. We usually get to ride it at least three times a trip. In Dec, for the first time ever, we did not get to ride it at all. At MK we didn't get to ride any of the mountains, due to the long standby lines and no FP- return times with a decent return time. That has never happened before. The only ride we got to ride at MK was Buzz and Jungle Cruise, but the wait for JC was so bad that my mom was almost in tears and just wanted to leave the park afterwards. The standby line was like 30 minutes for Jungle Cruise. Because of her ECV they made us wait 20 minutes before they would even let us get in the wheelchair line, where multiple wheelchairs were already waiting. Since they had only one boat online that held a wheelchair, we then had to wait four rounds before we could get in that boat, so instead of a 30 minute wait like the standby people had, we had a 70 minute wait. At that point we said to heck with Disney and spent the rest of the trip doing offsite stuff. We didn't even go over to AK at all. Instead since we have APs for Universal and Fun Passes for Sea World, we spent extra days over there and went to the beach one day. We spent only two half days and one full day at WDW, whereas in an eleven day trip we normally spend nine days in the Disney parks. The old fast pass system was fair to every one. Now those same fast passes with decent return times are gone, before we even get a chance to try for them. As AP holders we didn't spend over $1800.00 for annual passes to go the parks 4-6 times a year, just to people watch.

I was also there in Sept, again stayed offsite, and even though not everyone was even using FP+ at that time, I saw how FP+ negatively affected that trip. Both standby and FP lines were longer than I had ever seen them in Sept and FP return times were for much later than I was used to getting first thing in the morning. So yeah, I gave FP+ a chance for not one, but two trips and both trips were negatively effected. I spent more time in lines, got fewer FPs, and got much less done than I usually do. I am an AP holder that goes 4-6 times a year and feel like I wasted money on our APs this year. For the first time in many years we will not be renewing them. We will keep our APs for Universal and Fun Passes for Sea World, but WDW has finally lost our business.

 

[BudgieMama]

I've tried to imagine myself a total newbie. I think the last thing I would want to have to deal with, walking into the "Happiest Place on Earth", would be suddenly having to deal with the FP+ kiosks.

We're planning our first trip. Personally, when I started reading about WDW (when FP+ was only just starting testing) FP- scared the heck out of me, mainly because it seemed making the most of my day relied on dashing around to different FP- machines whose locations I was trying to figure from a map, in a place I'd never been before, in order to make sure we're getting on the rides we most want to get on to.

FP+ is a much less scary prospect for me as a first timer. As we're staying site, we can book ours in advance (and then they're done) or change them on the go on our phones. Even if we arrived at the gate with no FP+, we could go to one place and get them. That seems a much simpler and newbie-friendly idea to me...

 

[disneyerin]

The problem is some of us are not getting any of the pie. We are annual passholders who choose to stay offsite. With my elderly mom we may or may not be able to make rope drop. Due to her poor health we can not stay late in the parks. Before we could always get a return time early enough to work for us. Now we can't because people have already prebooked those earlier times. We were there in early Dec and got to ride only a very few rides. My mom loves Toy Story Mania. We usually get to ride it at least three times a trip. In Dec, for the first time ever, we did not get to ride it at all. At MK we didn't get to ride any of the mountains, due to the long standby lines and no FP- return times with a decent return time. That has never happened before. The only ride we got to ride at MK was Buzz and Jungle Cruise, but the wait for JC was so bad that my mom was almost in tears and just wanted to leave the park afterwards. The standby line was like 30 minutes for Jungle Cruise. Because of her ECV they made us wait 20 minutes to even get in the wheelchair line, where multiple wheelchairs were already waiting. Since they had only one boat online that held a wheelchair, we then had to wait four rounds before we could get in
that boat, so instead of a 30 minute wait like the standby people had, we had a 70 minute wait. At that point we said to heck with Disney and spent the rest of the trip doing offsite stuff. We didn't even go over to AK at all. Instead since we have APs for Universal and Fun Passes for Sea World, we spent extra days over there and went to the beach one day. We spent only two half days and one full day at WDW, whereas in an eleven day trip we normally spend nine days in the Disney parks.

I was also there in Sept, again stayed offsite, and even though not everyone was even using FP+ at that thime, I saw how FP+ negatively affected that trip. Both standby and FP lines were longer than I had ever seen them in Sept and FP return times were for much later than I was used to getting first thing in the morning. So yeah, I gave FP+ a chance for not one, but two trips and both trips were negatively effected. I spent more time in lines, got fewer FPs, and got much less done than I usually do. I am an AP holder that goes 4-6 times a year and feel like I wasted money on our APs this year. For the first time in many years we will not be renewing them. We will keep our APs for Universal and Fun Passes for Sea World, but WDW has finally lost our business.

I feel really, really bad that your mom had to have that experience. I don't care how many people are having wonderful times with the new fast pass + system, and how much they deserve it because of all the work and planning they are doing. People who are particularly struggling, or medically vulnerable, or who just want to go to WDW and don't realize everything it takes to simply get on a ride and have fun, should not have to go through this kind of stress at a place that brags of magic.I have had a really great time with FP+, I LOVED it in December, but stories like this frustrate me.

Please Disney, you are a billion dollar company.....can you not hire 1 person who can figure out how to have a non stressful time at WDW without having to calculate and manipulate every frigg'n(oops!..SINGLE) minute?

 

[Silock]

The problem is some of us are not getting any of the pie. We are annual passholders who choose to stay offsite. With my elderly mom we may or may not be able to make rope drop. Due to her poor health we can not stay late in the parks. Before we could always get a return time early enough to work for us. Now we can't because people have already prebooked those earlier times. We were there in early Dec and got to ride only a very few rides. My mom loves Toy Story Mania. We usually get to ride it at least three times a trip. In Dec, for the first time ever, we did not get to ride it at all. At MK we didn't get to ride any of the mountains, due to the long standby lines and no FP- return times with a decent return time. That has never happened before. The only ride we got to ride at MK was Buzz and Jungle Cruise, but the wait for JC was so bad that my mom was almost in tears and just wanted to leave the park afterwards. The standby line was like 30 minutes for Jungle Cruise. Because of her ECV they made us wait 20 minutes before they would even let us get in the wheelchair line, where multiple wheelchairs were already waiting. Since they had only one boat online that held a wheelchair, we then had to wait four rounds before we could get in that boat, so instead of a 30 minute wait like the standby people had, we had a 70 minute wait. At that point we said to heck with Disney and spent the rest of the trip doing offsite stuff. We didn't even go over to AK at all. Instead since we have APs for Universal and Fun Passes for Sea World, we spent extra days over there and went to the beach one day. We spent only two half days and one full day at WDW, whereas in an eleven day trip we normally spend nine days in the Disney parks. The old fast pass system was fair to every one. Now those same fast passes with decent return times are gone, before we even get a chance to try for them. As AP holders we didn't spend over $1800.00 for annual passes to go the parks 4-6 times a year, just to people watch.

I was also there in Sept, again stayed offsite, and even though not everyone was even using FP+ at that time, I saw how FP+ negatively affected that trip. Both standby and FP lines were longer than I had ever seen them in Sept and FP return times were for much later than I was used to getting first thing in the morning. So yeah, I gave FP+ a chance for not one, but two trips and both trips were negatively effected. I spent more time in lines, got fewer FPs, and got much less done than I usually do. I am an AP holder that goes 4-6 times a year and feel like I wasted money on our APs this year. For the first time in many years we will not be renewing them. We will keep our APs for Universal and Fun Passes for Sea World, but WDW has finally lost our business.

That's pretty awful. Sorry to hear that.

Any particular reason you didn't get one of the new DAS cards? Seems like it would have helped a lot.

 

[Disneylover99]

But the problem is that 3 FP+ followed by waiting in standby lines for the rest of the day isn't going to make a "magical" day for most visitors. Marginally better for some of the previously clueless guests? Maybe. Significantly worse for previous FP-users in the know? Definitely.

So now instead of some people having an awesome time (and subsequently telling all their friends and family how amazing Disney is) and others having a terrible time, we have everyone having a "meh...that was ok but I don't feel the need to rush back anytime soon" time. Yay?? Are we supposed to be happy about that?

IMO that is a bizarre thing to shoot for as a company.

Oh, and before someone points out that having just 3 FP+ w/tiering is perfectly wonderful for some people, I would wager that those same people are the ones who claim they "never needed or used FP- anyway" and were simply content to "stand in line enjoying the company of their family members" while "soaking up the atmosphere." So those people are a wash as far as FP+ is concerned.

Bottom line from my perspective? FP+ stinks.

Great post! I agree.

 

[Disneylover99]

Just so you know, I was there the past 10 days. Except for this weekend when the holiday crowd rushed in..... was easy on and off. Went flawless. Love the new system.

The system was flawless for you, and that is great. But the system is not flawless for everybody.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

To the OP - I believe that you understand the intent of FP+. I also believe that most of the folks posting on the Dis really don't care. This group in particular is heavily invested in pre-trip planning and was well positioned to fully leverage the old system, so this group (more than any other) will lose something in the change. Even the best planner now has less leverage. Though a willingness to prepare still gives them a leg up (by booking early, understanding the system, understanding their options, etc), it has been dramatically diminished.

Human beings are pretty narcissistic - even the best of us. We want what we want, and we really aren't looking out for our fellow man. I am no less guilty than anyone else. It is what it is.

So, while this may help those who know little of WDW before they step on property, people posting here are not going to have much sympathy. They see how it hurts them, and really don't have any sympathy for those who are unwilling or unable to plan like them.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

The system was flawless for you, and that is great. But the system is not flawless for everybody.

NOTHING is flawless for everyone.

Sent from my IPad using DisBoards.

 

[kia5711]

We're planning our first trip. Personally, when I started reading about WDW (when FP+ was only just starting testing) FP- scared the heck out of me, mainly because it seemed making the most of my day relied on dashing around to different FP- machines whose locations I was trying to figure from a map, in a place I'd never been before, in order to make sure we're getting on the rides we most want to get on to. FP+ is a much less scary prospect for me as a first timer. As we're staying site, we can book ours in advance (and then they're done) or change them on the go on our phones. Even if we arrived at the gate with no FP+, we could go to one place and get them. That seems a much simpler and newbie-friendly idea to me...

Exactly this for us as well

 

[crostorfer]

Nobody is saying different people won't get a chance to ride TSMM, for example. It's not more people, the ride has the same capacity limits, it's different people. In order for you to get a TSMM FP when you couldn't before, someone who did get one before now cannot. Again, different people not more people.

What people are saying to you, is some of us don't want to get less enjoyment on our vacations for other families to get more. That's why we're annoyed.

I think Disney has implemented their own version of Animal Farm.