Planning not as fun anymore

[wdrl]

And what if you're dealing with a child who's borderline height so she may or may not be eligible? I asked on another board about that-should I make FP+ for her if she's n-o-t q-u-i-t-e 40" now, so she may or may not make it. If she doesn't, I asked, will they give her another FP+ or does she just lose 3 that day and just get 2? No one could answer me. So I don't know whether to FP+ BTMRR for her or play it safe, and get the third FP+ for another ride I'm sure she'll be eligible for.

If I was in your position, I would go ahead and make the FP+ for BTMRR now. She might grow enough and meet the height requirement by the time of your trip. If by the time of your trip she hasn't grown enough, then you can always change the FP+ selection to another attraction.

Even with the old system we sometimes ran into issues with kids and attractions. Years ago our little niece said she wanted to ride Space Mountain, so we got the old legacy FastPasses for the whole group. Then, when her older sister told her the ride was dark, our niece changed her mind. Unfortunately, we had to wait another hour before we could get another FastPass.

 

[CarolMN]

And what if you're dealing with a child who's borderline height so she may or may not be eligible? I asked on another board about that-should I make FP+ for her if she's n-o-t q-u-i-t-e 40" now, so she may or may not make it. If she doesn't, I asked, will they give her another FP+ or does she just lose 3 that day and just get 2? No one could answer me. So I don't know whether to FP+ BTMRR for her or play it safe, and get the third FP+ for another ride I'm sure she'll be eligible for.

If I was in your position, I would go ahead and make the FP+ for BTMRR now. She might grow enough and meet the height requirement by the time of your trip. If by the time of your trip she hasn't grown enough, then you can always change the FP+ selection to another attraction.

Even with the old system we sometimes ran into issues with kids and attractions. Years ago our little niece said she wanted to ride Space Mountain, so we got the old legacy FastPasses for the whole group. Then, when her older sister told her the ride was dark, our niece changed her mind. Unfortunately, we had to wait another hour before we could get another FastPass.

I'd take a chance on BTMR, too. Since there are so many more rides at the MK than the other parks, they don't seem to be running out of FP+ options that quickly (except for a very few like A&E or 7DMT), at least the ones for the shorter guests.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I really dislike all the changes too. We used it on our last trip, including via the app on my phone, but I did not find the FP+ system flexible at all. We're going to be taking a big family group down next year (plans have been in the works for a long time) and instead of looking forward to it, I'm kind of dreading it. Last time we'll be doing that unless the trip works out better than I'm worried it will.

We went to Disneyland recently (again with a fairly big family group) and had a great time. It was lightly raining, which kept the local crowds away - huge percentage of DL business - and we just ran from ride to ride. The kids had a great time. Can't see that ever happening again at Disneyworld.

I realize Disney is trying to compensate for too many people in too few parks in Florida. They really need to build another one to accommodate the crowds, but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. All the planning now gives me the feeling that Disney is doing me a favor by allowing me to ride 3-4 rides a day without standing in hour long lines, and allowing me to eat in restaurants with pricey food that isn't as good as it used to be as long as I'm willing to figure out where I want to eat at a certain time on a certain day months in advance. Just not that much fun anymore, for this family at least.

 

[cjwags10]

We were there in June and I really like fast pass+. It helps minimize the chaos of having to go to RD each morning to ride the top rides with a short wait. Now we can go on more rides with a short wait if we go to RD in the am and use FP+ in the evening. As others have pointed out, with the old FP system the FP's would run out early especially during peak times. You would have to wait stand by anyway. For us it has given more flexibility and has actually freed up some times where we would have waited stand by. FP+ has made it easier to hit the top rides - less RD mornings which my teenagers appreciate.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I HATE being tied to a schedule on vacation. I think it is partly because every minute of my teacher work days, including bathroom visits and lunch, have been scheduled to the minute. So I NEVER make ADRs for DH and I before our trips except for Candlelight Processional package. We eat where we can and often go off site where we get more variety, better quality and better value. We have used Fast Pass+ at 60 days for Toy Story, Soarin' and Test Track but have changed times/days often. When we bring newbies all bets are off and I am often forced into commando mode. I try to enjoy their excitement as a tradeoff for losing our spontaneity.

That's how we have handled it too. We only make 1 or 2 ADR's for special places (like V & A), and wing it for the rest of our meals. We only do FP+ for the rides that are difficult to get, but mostly we just go early in the morning and do what we can and then leave the parks. Since FP+ arrived, we are spending a lot less time in the parks and spending far less on meals at Disney. Instead we are going off site more. I think Disney's plan has been a boon for the occasional WDW visitor, but it's alienating those of us who are frequent return visitors.

It seems odd that Disney spends so much on promoting DVC at ALL of the resorts, but they are making it less attractive to enjoy the parks.

 

[AdamsMum]

I agree with the op. I was at the F&W festival last year. Booked several food and beverage seminars, all for 4 or 5 p.m and 2 adrs at epcot for evenings. My fast pass plus reservations worked out for about 3 days. The weather was hot and humid, and it started to feel like work getting to the fast passes. After the third day I just blew them off. I also found the minor rides like Journey into Your Imagination had a 15 minute wait when it has always been a walk on. I always liked to plan the trip, things we would do, dining, fantasmic, and I thought I was an obsessive planner. But this just got to be too much. Made a 10 day trip with family members this year (in May), and it also turned out to be too much planning. Kids got tired, my mom got cranky and tired. It really was work. Sometimes I like to change my mind about where I'll go in the morning. That doesn't factor into fastpass + if its a relatively busy time of year. Still happy for those that like it, I'll need to think up a new strategy for my next trip.

 

[sweetdana]

I don't see how you are in a worse position because of the new system. Under the old system if you arrive late in the parks their was a good chance you would not get a FP for the ride you wanted. When we used FP's we always have them starting later in the day... That way if we decide to get up later we can without missing our FP's send god same time if we wasn't yo get up early we can go to the parks send get on the rides with minimum wait times and know that we have FP's we will use later. To me it's a win win

If I showed up at 11 to mk.. There would still be a later fp for sm .. Not on Christmas, but mostly any other time. This was not an option for us.. Could of been a fluke. Sure.. But it was our experience.

 

[bnk1120]

I'm at Disney World now and the whole system was down today. We were running late this morning, so I tried to change my fp times and couldn't. Got to Ak and the system was still down and I didn't know what any of my times were. I mean why write anything down if you have it at your fingertips on the app, right? Really annoying.

 

[granmanh603]

That's how we have handled it too. We only make 1 or 2 ADR's for special places (like V & A), and wing it for the rest of our meals. We only do FP+ for the rides that are difficult to get, but mostly we just go early in the morning and do what we can and then leave the parks. Since FP+ arrived, we are spending a lot less time in the parks and spending far less on meals at Disney. Instead we are going off site more. I think Disney's plan has been a boon for the occasional WDW visitor, but it's alienating those of us who are frequent return visitors.

It seems odd that Disney spends so much on promoting DVC at ALL of the resorts, but they are making it less attractive to enjoy the parks.

I am 100% on board with your opinion, could not have said it better it is exactly the way we feel. It is so sad after so many years of happiness now it is more anxious trip and "planning" I dread it.

 

[granmanh603]

I'm at Disney World now and the whole system was down today. We were running late this morning, so I tried to change my fp times and couldn't. Got to Ak and the system was still down and I didn't know what any of my times were. I mean why write anything down if you have it at your fingertips on the app, right? Really annoying.

Don't have an ap don't have a smart phone! Have to write everything down before we leave. So when we were there in Oct and rides were down alot never knew because messages were waiting for me when I got back to room on computer/ipad.

when we went in July booked and went early and by time FPs were used there really was nothing left you cared about doing and longish line on SB. Rides you used to walk on!

 

[disneynutz]

That's how we have handled it too. We only make 1 or 2 ADR's for special places (like V & A), and wing it for the rest of our meals. We only do FP+ for the rides that are difficult to get, but mostly we just go early in the morning and do what we can and then leave the parks. Since FP+ arrived, we are spending a lot less time in the parks and spending far less on meals at Disney. Instead we are going off site more. I think Disney's plan has been a boon for the occasional WDW visitor, but it's alienating those of us who are frequent return visitors.

It seems odd that Disney spends so much on promoting DVC at ALL of the resorts, but they are making it less attractive to enjoy the parks.

The DVD/DVC business unit makes Disney money by selling contracts now instead of looking for income in the parks later. Disney knows that many owners do not visit the parks like they did before buying, that's why they offer AP discounts.

MDE, MB's, and FP's are designed to lock guests into the Disney mindset, months prior to vacation. They know that if you spend time setting things up and ordering bands there is less of a chance that you will cancel your vacation.

That's another reason why Disney loves selling DVC, guaranteed park/resort attendance by members.

Bill

 

[tjkraz]

Personally I find that MDE/FP+ enhances our trips greatly. Gone are the days or rushing to the parks early to get certain FPs (Toy Story), criss-crossing the parks picking up FP tickets and all of the uncertainty associated with return times.

Takes me 2-3 minutes per park to select the attractions we most want to visit and set return times which are reasonable. We usually do them consecutively with the first return window around 10-11am. That means we can arrive as late as 10:45 (a VERY leisurely start to our day) and do the first two FP attractions back-to-back.

And we've found the system to be extremely flexible. Last trip we rescheduled an entire day at Epcot on 24 hours notice and still got first choice of times for Test Track, et al. We've also adjusted attraction visit times without incident. On one occasion we were eating lunch later than expected. While standing in line at Columbia Harbor House--and already inside of the return window for our next FP--I rescheduled it for an hour later. Easy peasy.

We've never scheduled a lot of ADRs. We do end up spending less time in the parks, but given the things sacrificed (waiting idly, running for FPs), that's a GOOD thing.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

So we are going Dec 22 through 27 post-cruise, Christmas week topped with a family celebration. I made all of my ADRs for our evening meals when the booking window opened. I knew we usually go to Epcot the first day, so our ADR for lunch is there, and we'll have our FP+ there too. Tuesday we'll hit AKL for EE and the safari and lunch at Yak and Yeti. In the evening we have ADRs at Brown Derby with a plan to do the lights. Christmas Eve is Narsoose's, and Christmas Day is Raglan Rd -- we may or may not do parks. And then there's 26 and 27. So, while I haven't experienced FP+ yet, it seems to support the way we travel. And after 9 plus years of DVC ownership, I'm willing to give it a try.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[teacher383]

Maybe it depends on the time of year and the park, but I took a last-minute trip to Disneyland (and I live in MD) this summer (July) and I was able to do everything I wanted and I even got my picture taken with Anna and Elsa...with only a 30 minute wait. So don't let it get you too frustrated, just plan smartly and be prepared to be flexible.

 

[castle1]

Maybe it depends on the time of year and the park, but I took a last-minute trip to Disneyland (and I live in MD) this summer (July) and I was able to do everything I wanted and I even got my picture taken with Anna and Elsa...with only a 30 minute wait. So don't let it get you too frustrated, just plan smartly and be prepared to be flexible.

I didn't think Disneyland had FP+.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We decided to book a trip to Disney World Jan 9-16, 2015 and we used to get so excited for the trips but now with having to plan the whole trip ahead of going. Tonight we are struggling to decide what ADRs to book and I think it takes away from the whole trip now. We have to plan all our rides, all our dining and all of our days months ahead of the trip. With the new dining rules if you change your mind about a park or it rains you can get charged for cancelling after the 24 hour rule. We used to plan a little and wing it but that is impossible now. Disney is our favorite place but we have started planning other places for vacations becasue we don't want to be sick of the trip be fore we go.

I know it sounds like whining but I am wondering if anyone else feels this way. Please don't flame me, I still love Disney and will forever but I think they are taking a lot of the fun out of the experience

thanks letting me vent a little

Judy

Be sure you send an email to guest services - from the Contact Us link on the Disney World page. Let them know how you feel, and list the reasons this is diminishing your vacation experiences. I got a personal phone call and email from them when I did this, shortly before they announced the 4th FP availability. I know my one email didn't change things, but if enough emails are received, they do pay attention.

This whole FP+ debacle is a huge fail - your description is a big reason. Now they are closing down stand by lines and handing out tickets to come back at a certain time. So they are giving out legacy FP when you get to some rides- what a crazy mess!

 

[granmanh603]

Be sure you send an email to guest services - from the Contact Us link on the Disney World page. Let them know how you feel, and list the reasons this is diminishing your vacation experiences. I got a personal phone call and email from them when I did this, shortly before they announced the 4th FP availability. I know my one email didn't change things, but if enough emails are received, they do pay attention.

This whole FP+ debacle is a huge fail - your description is a big reason. Now they are closing down stand by lines and handing out tickets to come back at a certain time. So they are giving out legacy FP when you get to some rides- what a crazy mess!

Diminished experience that is the way to describe it. I never ran around getting FPs and never was stressed. I would look at time decide if it worked, rode something in the area, ate whatever...or wandered slowly to another area or even got a pass later in the day for that night to return. Never waited on a long stand by line... mostly 15 min and a rare 30 if we really wanted to do it. Now the Stand by line are crazy. This summer our DGS wanted to do POC and there were no FP+ left in afternoon and we waited min of 45 I think it was longer.... I have never waited in 14 years longer than 15 min and usually walked on.
And for us this last time we could not even get into the park without and issue. I wonder if that Bob Iger ever even attempted to use MDE or MB????? I guess he doesn't really care they are raking in the bucks.:

 

[BL2014]

From what I see, most of you all are from outside of Florida. I am blessed to be a Floridian and can visit WDW on a regular basis. Therefore I do think planning is good for those that come from out of state to visit, but in saying that don't sweat the small stuff. Flexibility is the key, be willing to change your plans due to circumstances that sometimes you can't control, you are there for a vacation...relax, go by the pool, take walks and enjoy where you are at for this short time. When you go into the theme parks it's crowded and those crowds sometimes are stressful, so at those peak times go back to your beautiful resort and chill out, enjoy your Florida WDW vacation

 

[DenLo]

. . . I have never waited in 14 years longer than 15 min and usually walked on. . . . .

Really, I am surprised. Since 2009 I have stood in standby lines many times for more than 30 minutes. And sometimes 45 minutes when the wait time was listed as 15 minutes (that usually happens at TOT when an elevator goes offline). All of these times is prior to FP+.

It is possible that since Disney's park attendance just keeps going up that parks are just more crowded. The DVC News has an article about the figures released for 2013 park attendance. http://dvcnews.com/index.php/other-...2609-2013-theme-park-attendance-report-issued

 

[MAGICFOR2]

From what I see, most of you all are from outside of Florida. I am blessed to be a Floridian and can visit WDW on a regular basis. Therefore I do think planning is good for those that come from out of state to visit, but in saying that don't sweat the small stuff. Flexibility is the key, be willing to change your plans due to circumstances that sometimes you can't control, you are there for a vacation...relax, go by the pool, take walks and enjoy where you are at for this short time. When you go into the theme parks it's crowded and those crowds sometimes are stressful, so at those peak times go back to your beautiful resort and chill out, enjoy your Florida WDW vacation

I think the fact that we live other places is the whole point. Many of us have to plan for a couple of years to come and look forward to experiences that can't be had other places with our families. It is not "small stuff" for us to spend the kind of money we do just to enjoy something we can't get anywhere else. When we have limited time and can't do what we have been able to in the past and we have to choose to go back to the pool in order to "enjoy our vacation," something is wrong. We can find a nice resort pool at many locations all over the country. We come to WDW to enjoy the attractions that we want to enjoy - not the left overs. Just feeling hopeful that things will change.

Really, I am surprised. Since 2009 I have stood in standby lines many times for more than 30 minutes. And sometimes 45 minutes when the wait time was listed as 15 minutes (that usually happens at TOT when an elevator goes offline). All of these times is prior to FP+.

It is possible that since Disney's park attendance just keeps going up that parks are just more crowded. The DVC News has an article about the figures released for 2013 park attendance. http://dvcnews.com/index.php/other-...2609-2013-theme-park-attendance-report-issued

We have rarely waited in Stand-by longer than 30 minutes, either. We have used the crowd predictors at the parks, gotten there at RD, used legacy FP and ridden everything big by 1 pm, then enjoyed some of the less popular attractions and shows and shopped or took a break, then came back for fireworks, etc. We did this last July. I don't think the crowds are that incredibly different this year from last