Preach it Pete!

[Alice Sr.]

I think they just tried to implement too many new things too close together, with many less than seamless results. I have been going to WDW every year since it opened. We have gone 2-3 times a year since I bought DVC (1998). Obviously we love Disney and obviously there have been many changes over the years, nothing that I can think of has resulted in this kind of revolt. I personally do not mind FP+, I do however, mind the computer glitches, excessive miscommunication, the recent occurrence of un-Disney (CM) attitudes and questionable customer service. I hear you about not going back and it may come to that but I hope not. While I do not enjoy reading about the discontent, I do appreciate that folks are taking the time to voice their opinions. I also appreciate that there is a forum for those to voice their opinions. Maybe it would be better to create a separate sticky for complaints. That way people can make their feelings known and share bad experiences without "poisoning" the general intent and mood of the primary forums.

Thanks,
Alice

 

[DisneyKingpin]

I respect the preferences of each individual.

Believe it or not, some prefer the simplicity of earlier times. You often hear folks talk about "the good old days." You know, when you didn't need to wear a seat belt, you could build a house out of asbestos, and you could smoke on an airplane.

And some prefer the progress of new ideas, like modern medicine, computers, smart phones, and roller coasters. (I'm only being half sarcastic. I really do hear people say all the time that the world would be a better place without computers and smart phones.)

My gut tells me that, most of the time, it's resistance to change of any kind making some feel so blue. It's a natural instinct. Totally understandable.

I must admit, though, I'm not sad if FP+ drives the critics from the parks and over to Universal. I'd actually be happy about it. Disney parks are so crowded. I would love to see less people through the gates. The crowd issue is one that even I long for "the good old days."

 

[kbelle8995]

Like another post about people Complaining about people who dislike the FP+ system.

A little diplomacy is needed on both sides of the issue.

 

[Jennygt]

Sure you can and any number of other cliches.

Doesn't mean they have to like it.

New does not necessarily equate to "better".

Well said. I have not used fp+ yet. I am not looking forward to it but I intend to give it my best shot for my family,however I am not a fan of this system for a few reasons, and I preferred the legacy system for the way my family tours. I like to read all trip reports good and bad, some things are helpful some are not. All things fp + are interesting for me to read at this time as I plan.

For the most part I have been reading very well written explanations as to why people have not enjoyed fp+, not sure why they seem to get flamed? I also read the threads about people who like fp+ and I am taking there experiences in as well? people need to vent at times and this is a good place,plus I am always hoping that someone from Disney will read a few posts and take into consideration some of the concerns about fp + that seem to come up again and again.
I agree with Pete it is sad to hear so many people say I just need a break from such a wonderful place, I am hearing that a lot from my non-disser friends as well.
I hope that I can contribute some real experience to this conversation as a begin to plan our Aug trip.

 

[julluvsdisney]

I used it July 4 th week and I loved it! We managed to ride everything we wanted to and relax more! I'm excited to try it again in 2 weeks!!!

 

[slapwhitey]

I used it July 4 th week and I loved it! We managed to ride everything we wanted to and relax more! I'm excited to try it again in 2 weeks!!!

This is what we have found as well. I haven't had to do a rope drop since this whole thing started. It's nice to sleep in and not rush while on vacation. I know this hasn't worked for everyone but it's been wonderful for us.

The only thing we didn't do the last time was Toy Story and that was only because we went later in the day and didn't feel like waiting in the standby line. Would have been the same situation with the old system as there would have been no fast passes left at that time of the day anyway.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I You know, when you didn't need to wear a seat belt, you could build a house out of asbestos, and you could smoke on an airplane.

And some prefer the progress of new ideas, like modern medicine, computers, smart phones, and roller coasters.

This made me laugh out loud.

These are our choices?

Asbestos and airplane smoke or modern medicine and roller coasters????

My dislike of the new FP+ system does not preclude me from enjoying my new iPhone6 or the lack of smoking on airplanes.

I think this is taking the discussion to ridiculous extremes.

I feel VERY, VERY lucky to have been able to enjoy the parks unencumbered by the requirement to make reservations to ride. I wish everyone were lucky enough to have had that experience.

If that makes me an unteachable old dog.....I'm okay with it.

 

[slapwhitey]

I feel VERY, VERY lucky to have been able to enjoy the parks unencumbered by the requirement to make reservations to ride. I wish everyone were lucky enough to have had that experience.

This was actually my favorite time in the parks. Prior to any type of fastpass whatsoever. That is when we could really stop and smell the roses. I didn't have to rush anywhere. I had no idea how long the wait was for Pirates until I showed up at the attraction. It also helped that when I went to the parks back then the crowds were considerably less but still my favorite time. Remember when you went to a hard ticket event (for around $30) and the park seemed virtually empty. I yearn for those days.

 

[tjevans]

Like another post about people Complaining about people who dislike the FP+ system.

A little diplomacy is needed on both sides of the issue.

I really questioned whether to post this reply, but finally decided to do so. I agree diplomacy is needed on both sides, but I think the pro-FP+ side always fires the first shot in the flame war. Someone will complaint about their bad experience with FP+, and there's always a defender who attacks the person "You don't understand how to use it right," is a common response to FP+ criticism.

I can't think of any example of anyone whose mind has been changed by an Internet discussion board. That includes the DIS, even though it is the greatest Internet discussion board. But people need to realize there are going to be discussions of what people don't like and there will be discussions of what people do like. Probably more of the former given human nature. It's pretty easy to tell the outlook of a particular thread by its title. If you don't agree with it, don't read it. It's that simple. (Now if only I could only take my own advice!)

 

[kbelle8995]

I really questioned whether to post this reply, but finally decided to do so. I agree diplomacy is needed on both sides, but I think the pro-FP+ side always fires the first shot in the flame war. Someone will complaint about their bad experience with FP+, and there's always a defender who attacks the person "You don't understand how to use it right," is a common response to FP+ criticism.

I can't think of any example of anyone whose mind has been changed by an Internet discussion board. That includes the DIS, even though it is the greatest Internet discussion board. But people need to realize there are going to be discussions of what people don't like and there will be discussions of what people do like. Probably more of the former given human nature. It's pretty easy to tell the outlook of a particular thread by its title. If you don't agree with it, don't read it. It's that simple. (Now if only I could only take my own advice!)

Oh Believe me I hear you. I especially Love the terms "simple system" and the inferred you must be as dumb as a post not to get this. Since I am NOT Pro FP+, I worried it was me taking it too personally. Unless you know every nuance of it, you are up a creek. I have a friend who went this week. She told me her family was NOT PLANNERS. I'm like yeah You're going to Love Disney (Sarcasm here) I really didn't know what to tell her after that.

It's my dang vacation. I don't like Disney dictating to me. If someone loves FP+ great. Just don't tell me what to think or write. And don't infer I'm stupid. I have a masters for heaven's sake.

Pete was respectful about it.

 

[DisneyKingpin]

This made me laugh out loud.

Making Kevin laugh... I can scratch that off my Disney bucket list!

Can I throw out one more ridiculous thought?

Would everyone be ok with splitting time between the two systems? We could do FP+, say, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. And old-school wait lines weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays. ... Or maybe switch it up every other month?

I'd be willing to make that compromise.

Oh, wait, then I'd never be in the park at the same time as Kevin and have no chance of ever meeting him. ... Cancel that idea.

 

[Kristina4109]

making kevin laugh... I can scratch that off my disney bucket list!

lol!

 

[sayhello]

I'm writing this as someone who hasn't done FP+ yet, but really doesn't think it fits the way I do Disney, so I went to Disneyland this year instead.

I remember when FP originally came out. You got to a ride, the line was way longer than you wanted to stand in, so you grabbed a FastPass, and came back in an hour or two to a shorter line. Fabulous! You could still be relatively "spontaneous", but didn't have to stand in really long lines. Then one trip I switched parks at lunch, and headed to Epcot. I went to Soarin' only to find that all FP's for the entire day were gone! Didn't ruin my day, but I wasn't fond of the ridiculously long Standby line I waited in. And it definitely started my disillusionment with WDW.

I just got back from Disneyland, where FP still works the way it should. I happened to be there at rope drop (much easier at 10am!) and walked with the crowds to Radiator Springs to *get in line*, not to grab a FP for later in the day.

I guess what I'm saying is, I'm not a fan of the way FP has evolved at WDW. Having to be there at rope drop to get a FP for the popular rides just doesn't happen for me (not at 8am!). So the idea of being able to book FP+ from outside the park is attractive. If everyone was was doing it at the same time, say the day before. The fact that you need to book 60 days in advance to do it is really a turn-off to me. And the idea that this means the standby lines are longer? Makes it even less attractive. They just seem to be sucking all the spontaneity out of going to WDW.

For now, I'll stick with Disneyland to get my Disney fix. Not to say I'll never go back to WDW, but something serious would likely need to change first.

Sayhello

 

[SoarinSC]

For now, I'll stick with Disneyland to get my Disney fix. Not to say I'll never go back to WDW, but something serious would likely need to change first.

Sayhello

Hope you're being hyperbolic to a degree, because unless "something serious" includes a further evolved version of FP+, you likely won't be coming back. It's here to stay. Instead of blowing FP+ and WDW off entirely how about take a short trip, try it out and judge it then? Just hate to think your decision is based on what you perceive it to be without trying it out first. Who knows you may love it. And if not, at least your decision is based on actual experience.

 

[sayhello]

Hope you're being hyperbolic to a degree, because unless "something serious" includes a further evolved version of FP+, you likely won't be coming back. It's here to stay. Instead of blowing FP+ and WDW off entirely how about take a short trip, try it out and judge it then? Just hate to think your decision is based on what you perceive it to be without trying it out first. Who knows you may love it. And if not, at least your decision is based on actual experience.

Yes, it is a bit of hyperbole, I guess. I definitely need to hit Florida to check out the new Harry Potter expansion, and I can't imagine going to Orlando without hitting WDW for at least a day or two. So I'll try it eventually. And see what I think. But I'm not hopeful... And no week-long WDW world trips in the near future.

Sayhello

 

[SoarinSC]

Yes, it is a bit of hyperbole, I guess. I definitely need to hit Florida to check out the new Harry Potter expansion, and I can't imagine going to Orlando without hitting WDW for at least a day or two. So I'll try it eventually. And see what I think. But I'm not hopeful... And no week-long WDW world trips in the near future.

Sayhello

Well, hopefully, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Btw, Harry Potter is rather amazing and worth the trip.

 

[lttlmc3]

Ug...old dog here I guess. I haven't used new FP+ and I'm not looking forward to it. Will it keep me away from Disney? No, but who am I to judge someone it will. I think the rant was a bit much. If people are not happy with something, they are allowed to discuss it and discuss why. They are allowed to say it will keep them away, just as those who say they love it are allowed to say they do. To say that people discussing opinions is "getting out of hand," is just ridiculous. The Dis a DISCUSSION board, afterall. We all don't just blindingly agree with Pete all the time.

 

[kbelle8995]

Ug...old dog here I guess. I haven't used new FP+ and I'm not looking forward to it. Will it keep me away from Disney? No, but who am I to judge someone it will. I think the rant was a bit much. If people are not happy with something, they are allowed to discuss it and discuss why. They are allowed to say it will keep them away, just as those who say they love it are allowed to say they do. To say that people discussing opinions is "getting out of hand," is just ridiculous. The Dis a DISCUSSION board, afterall. We all don't just blindingly agree with Pete all the time.

Thank you. You said it better than I could.

 

[catycatcat4]

I'm considering skipping my Disney pass for a year in 2016 and checking out universal for a year. I went to Halloween Horror Nights about 6 times this year and it was mind blowing how great the staff was. Other than a night when I got stuck on rip ride rocket until 3am and they failed to tell everyone's groups waiting outside what was going on. (After saying they did) But they made up for it with an xpress pass.

Between staff and the huge pain fast pass+ is. I might take a year and hope Disney gets its crap together.

 

[sayhello]

Well, hopefully, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Btw, Harry Potter is rather amazing and worth the trip.

I'll try to keep an open mind. And I really loved the Hogsmeade area, and have heard nothing but good things about Diagon Alley. I'm really looking forward to checking it out.

Sayhello