Question about those of you who also visit WDW

[kkendle]

I was wondering if those of you who visit both Universal and WDW every year has had any opinions changed since the magic band/FP+ system. I know I have read in the past about people who visit both parks and wondered if you like/don't like the new system.

I have not been since FP+ and the magic band and reserving FP's had taken effect....our last visit was in March 2013.

The whole idea doesn't thrill me at all...especially since we like to stay offsite.

We will probably visit again in March 2015 and not sure if we will visit both parks or just US/IOA.

Just wondering what your thoughts are. I have read some stuff on the WDW forums but there are literally hundreds of pages and so much other stuff to muddle through.

Thanks...can't wait to visit US/IOA again and see the new things.

 

[DisUniversal]

I was wondering if those of you who visit both Universal and WDW every year has had any opinions changed since the magic band/FP+ system. I know I have read in the past about people who visit both parks and wondered if you like/don't like the new system.

I have not been since FP+ and the magic band and reserving FP's had taken effect....our last visit was in March 2013.

The whole idea doesn't thrill me at all...especially since we like to stay offsite.

We will probably visit again in March 2015 and not sure if we will visit both parks or just US/IOA.

Just wondering what your thoughts are. I have read some stuff on the WDW forums but there are literally hundreds of pages and so much other stuff to muddle through.

Thanks...can't wait to visit US/IOA again and see the new things.

FP+ is nice for short visits where you can reserve a few of your 'must see' attractions, but I really don't like the whole concept. Taking a week long vacation and having to have 'reservation times' for 20+ attractions and ADR's for 20+ meals isn't really a vacation for me....it's more like work. They may as well sell Mickey branded Franklin planner's so everyone can keep track of all the appointments that are now necessary to properly enjoy a 'vacation'.

 

[2girlsmom]

We go to both Disney and Universal parks (and Seaworld parks as well, for that matter). We are NOT particularly fans of FP+, as we definitely were able to ride more prior, we have found that even rides that rarely had any line now have wait times, which is particularly unfortunate. What we love about Universal, though, is how easy it is. There are so many things to see and do, and since my family is all older (youngest is 14 now), so many more thrilling rides to go on. But the pace is different, it rarely feels as packed in as Disney does, even when it is very busy. We generally have stayed at the Universal Loews hotels and you can't beat the express passes, especially during busier times, but also the ease of going between parks and back and forth to the hotels, it's just more relaxing for us, even though we are riding thrill rides so it's also exciting.

 

[kkendle]

FP+ is nice for short visits where you can reserve a few of your 'must see' attractions, but I really don't like the whole concept. Taking a week long vacation and having to have 'reservation times' for 20+ attractions and ADR's for 20+ meals isn't really a vacation for me....it's more like work. They may as well sell Mickey branded Franklin planner's so everyone can keep track of all the appointments that are now necessary to properly enjoy a 'vacation'.

I haven't visited since the new system was introduced but I feel the same way. We were good at getting fast passes and knew when we could get another so were good at that system. This whole new concept doesn't thrill me at all and makes me not want to visit.

I just wondered if it is as bad as I imagined....this fall my daughter and I are going to DL...who has the old system still in place.

 

[lazer]

FP+ is nice for short visits where you can reserve a few of your 'must see' attractions, but I really don't like the whole concept. Taking a week long vacation and having to have 'reservation times' for 20+ attractions and ADR's for 20+ meals isn't really a vacation for me....it's more like work. They may as well sell Mickey branded Franklin planner's so everyone can keep track of all the appointments that are now necessary to properly enjoy a 'vacation'.

We are visiting universal for the first time this fall, so I can't speak to that. But, the above is exactly how I feel. I don't want to have to plan meals and rides for 10 days. And, without planning, we'd be waiting in lines and missing some meals we usually enjoy. So, not planning isn't an option. I'm sure fp+ works for some people, but we've been so many times and have our way of touring, I'm just not into the "new way of touring". Also, we go in the fall and used to encounter very low crowds...that has changed too, which I'm sure has factored into our decision to skip Disney this trip. (Yes, we were spoiled in the past!)

We used and loved fp+ and magic bands during limited testing. But, we were also able to use legacy fp on that trip

 

[kkendle]

We go to both Disney and Universal parks (and Seaworld parks as well, for that matter). We are NOT particularly fans of FP+, as we definitely were able to ride more prior, we have found that even rides that rarely had any line now have wait times, which is particularly unfortunate. What we love about Universal, though, is how easy it is. There are so many things to see and do, and since my family is all older (youngest is 14 now), so many more thrilling rides to go on. But the pace is different, it rarely feels as packed in as Disney does, even when it is very busy. We generally have stayed at the Universal Loews hotels and you can't beat the express passes, especially during busier times, but also the ease of going between parks and back and forth to the hotels, it's just more relaxing for us, even though we are riding thrill rides so it's also exciting.

Thanks...we are in the same position..my youngest is now 16 but we do still love Disney...I just don't think we would enjoy it as much as we used to because of the changes. We too love Universal and after we stayed in one of their onsite hotels a few years ago, decided we will ALWAYS do that when visiting because of the perks. It was awesome and truly worth the extra cost for what you get.

 

[MouseEXP]

My visits usually consisted of 10-12 days.
The majority of my time I would stay at WDW. For example, 7 days at WDW and 3 at Universal.
This year 5 days will be spent at Universal and Sea World/Discovery Cove
With WDW getting the other 5.
There is just nothing new at WDW except New Fantasyland and I honestly don't really care if I see that or not.

 

[DisUniversal]

We are visiting universal for the first time this fall, so I can't speak to that. But, the above is exactly how I feel. I don't want to have to plan meals and rides for 10 days. And, without planning, we'd be waiting in lines and missing some meals we usually enjoy. So, not planning isn't an option. I'm sure fp+ works for some people, but we've been so many times and have our way of touring, I'm just not into the "new way of touring". Also, we go in the fall and used to encounter very low crowds...that has changed too, which I'm sure has factored into our decision to skip Disney this trip. (Yes, we were spoiled in the past!)

We used and loved fp+ and magic bands during limited testing. But, we were also able to use legacy fp on that trip

Seems like they are catering to the planners who feel the need to have nearly every detail of their 'vacation' planned out and are doing so at the expense of people who like to like to relax,go with the flow and actually enjoy their vacation.

 

[DrHfuhruhurr]

Thanks...we are in the same position..my youngest is now 16 but we do still love Disney...I just don't think we would enjoy it as much as we used to because of the changes. We too love Universal and after we stayed in one of their onsite hotels a few years ago, decided we will ALWAYS do that when visiting because of the perks. It was awesome and truly worth the extra cost for what you get.

I'd say, if you like Disney, you should try it before coming to a conclusion on the new changes. I was really worried, too, after reading all of the posts on DIS about the new system, but when we finally took our trip the first week of June, it wasn't the disaster that many have suggested.

It did seem kind of absurd that I was planning months in advance what parks I would be in on what day and which rides I would need FP+ for. But, the truth is, none of that planning was really all that necessary, and we ended up changing a lot of it once we arrived, anyway. The FP+ are not difficult to get the night before, or even day of, for most of the attractions, and we had no problem riding whatever we wanted to.

Universal was definitely less of a plan-in-advance deal, but I wouldn't say that the days in the parks were necessarily that much less stressful. Since we wanted to see the Harry Potter stuff, we still had to get up early, and long lines even in the Express Pass queues meant that we still had to backtrack a bit and think smart on our feet.

ADRs... I don't know. I really enjoy planning where to eat and setting up reservations (very few of which are difficult to snag), so it doesn't feel like planning to me. But, our best meal experiences of the trip were the times where we changed things up at the last minute or just played it by ear, anyway. Eating is never a stressful proposition for me.

Caveat: Except when we wanted to eat at Margaritaville and nearly got laughed off the pier for expecting to walk in and get a table. Then we ended up at Bubba Gumps.

 

[kkendle]

I'd say, if you like Disney, you should try it before coming to a conclusion on the new changes. I was really worried, too, after reading all of the posts on DIS about the new system, but when we finally took our trip the first week of June, it wasn't the disaster that many have suggested.

It did seem kind of absurd that I was planning months in advance what parks I would be in on what day and which rides I would need FP+ for. But, the truth is, none of that planning was really all that necessary, and we ended up changing a lot of it once we arrived, anyway. The FP+ are not difficult to get the night before, or even day of, for most of the attractions, and we had no problem riding whatever we wanted to.

Universal was definitely less of a plan-in-advance deal, but I wouldn't say that the days in the parks were necessarily that much less stressful. Since we wanted to see the Harry Potter stuff, we still had to get up early, and long lines even in the Express Pass queues meant that we still had to backtrack a bit and think smart on our feet.

ADRs... I don't know. I really enjoy planning where to eat and setting up reservations (very few of which are difficult to snag), so it doesn't feel like planning to me. But, our best meal experiences of the trip were the times where we changed things up at the last minute or just played it by ear, anyway. Eating is never a stressful proposition for me.

Caveat: Except when we wanted to eat at Margaritaville and nearly got laughed off the pier for expecting to walk in and get a table. Then we ended up at Bubba Gumps.

Thanks for your comments...you are right...we should probably try it out at some point. I just feel so lost...even reading the confusing threads about it. True also about getting up super early...although worth it at US...it does wear on you. I could care less about ADR's...we never make plans for where to eat before we visit. We just feel there are enough places to eat that this is the least of our concerns.

 

[RMulieri]

Havent been since they instituted FP+ and have NO desire to at this point..I was ok with planning my dining out that far, but now with legacy FP gone and having to book ride times in advance too? not a vacation for me anymore.

 

[Pattil1960]

I love the Express Pass because I did not have to plan. We could do what we wanted when we wanted. The advantage of FP+ for us was we could get fast passes without having to do rope drop. We are not early risers, so FP+ made life more convenient.

 

[fabfemmeboy]

I was wondering if those of you who visit both Universal and WDW every year has had any opinions changed since the magic band/FP+ system. I know I have read in the past about people who visit both parks and wondered if you like/don't like the new system.

I have not been since FP+ and the magic band and reserving FP's had taken effect....our last visit was in March 2013.

The whole idea doesn't thrill me at all...especially since we like to stay offsite.

We will probably visit again in March 2015 and not sure if we will visit both parks or just US/IOA.

Just wondering what your thoughts are. I have read some stuff on the WDW forums but there are literally hundreds of pages and so much other stuff to muddle through.

Thanks...can't wait to visit US/IOA again and see the new things.

I visit both and I find that I prefer magic bands. FP+ has its pluses and minuses - especially compared to US/IOA where we never spend the extra money for the equivalent of FP, I like having the option to schedule my day in advance. Of course, I also stay on-site at WDW and not at US/IOA, so that may colour my opinion.

 

[macraven]

I visit both and I find that I prefer magic bands. FP+ has its pluses and minuses - especially compared to US/IOA where we never spend the extra money for the equivalent of FP, I like having the option to schedule my day in advance. Of course, I also stay on-site at WDW and not at US/IOA, so that may colour my opinion.

since you don't stay onsite at the darkside, of course that would color your opinion

 

[jon18uk]

I loved FastPass as it was free and therefore still like the idea of FP+ as there is no additional cost.

I won't stay at the Universal deluxe hotels (too expensive) to get Express pass or pay for it either. I don't feel like I missed out on anything on our last trip, we queued for a bit too long for The Mummy and obviously queued for Forbiddon Journey but it didn't ruin our visit. I think as you have to pay for Express there are less people using it resulting in shorter standby lines.

Most of the UK Merlin run theme parks sell a FastTrack option or a Q-Bot option but again, I have never paid and don't think I ever will.

Disney's FastPass (either paper or FP+) is a nice bonus that means I can ride a few rides knowing that at a prescribed time I can ride something else with less wait. I don't see it as a queue jump, more of a reservation.

 

[kbelle8995]

I tried FP+ last spring. I really disliked it. Too much time spent looking at my phone. And I felt harried and trapped. I am looking hard at Universal as a future destination.

 

[Magpie]

I like both. At the moment, our plans for the next few years look like this:

Uni: August 2014. Disney (with APs): Christmas 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016. Uni: Spring 2017

Disney's about 3 time as large as Uni, so it makes sense for us to visit more often. And Disney's still my husband's "happy place".

For us, FP+ meshed very nicely with our usual touring style, since I was already in the habit of planning out our days based on the usual crowd calendars. I didn't find it particularly difficult to use, and we liked being able to reserve FPs ahead of time for things like Toy Story Mania. Plus, I had fun customizing my MagicBand with nail polish.

Both Disney and Uni are very relaxing vacations. We don't find the planning at all stressful, and we certainly don't plan ahead each day's meals. There's always a table available somewhere, if you're flexible and willing to try something new. (Yes, you might end up in Morocco - but that's not a bad thing!) Typically, I'll get one or two ADRs for a trip, and play the rest by ear, same as Uni.

 

[Ed J]

I've used FP+ on split trip and a on site trip! we like it.... More than the old, in some ways yes in some ways no. Most of the most vocal complainers about FP+ will rant, then say they have yet to use it .

Comparing express pass to any pass Disney is not a fair comparison. EP is way better. US is way better than WDW in many ways and the opposite can also be said. US is like DL in the sense you have true immersion. You never leave "the bubble" to get from area to area. "The bubble" at WDW is a freakin joke when you get on a bus to go pretty much anywhere let alone DAK. If you want to stick to 3 parks and use boats and trains, then there is a point, but it's not the same by a long shot.

 

[kathy884]

I like all the world class Orlando theme parks. On my next trip which is a short four day one I'm doing one day at SeaWorld, one day at Universal/IOA, and one day at the Magic Kingdom. // My son is in college now, so we are able to go right after his finals before the Christmas crowds, and there are low crowd predictions for all three parks (crowd levels in the 3 to 5 range which I'm thrilled about). This is great because FP+ isn't needed with the ride waits I see predicted, and this is a budget trip (we'll be in an offsite condo and won't be purchasing express passes or quick queue).

We did another low crowd day at WDW when FP+ was in existence and FP+ didn't affect us in any way, as fastpasses weren't needed in the first place. // There isn't much new at Disney, but we always have so much fun there, so if in Orlando we have to do at least one day at one of their parks. We're excited about all the new HP stuff too which definitely is why we are doing a Universal/IOA day. And SeaWorld is just a great/relaxing/beautiful park. Can't wait.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm glad to see others who feel like I do. We used to plan just a few ADR's at WDW and often go to whatever park we feel like that morning. We got to the parks at rope drop most mornings so it was no big deal to get fastpasses for the popular rides. Now it's all different and not in a good way IMO.

I work under constant schedules every day. I don't want to do that while on vacation too!