Say it isn't so!

[dis_guy]

I've found this thread very interesting since many of the concerns being voiced are certainly ones that I've mulled over quite recently too.

We just got back from WDW and have just experienced FP+ for the first time. I thought it worked quite well for us but you could see many people that had problems with it or didn't understand it or were trying to cheat the system by arriving early (46 mins for one I saw) or late and yelling at the poor CM stationed there. We sure saw lots of FP+ CMs in all the parks to help guests.

There were also many Disney Research CMs out and after answering a few questions for him I asked a few of my own, too. I told him we needed more that 3 Fast Passes per day and in more than one park since we had park hoppers. He said that they hear that from nearly everyone.

Like any Disney employee, he couldn't say much but he did say that the MBs and FP+ were still just being rolled out and the capacity being tested, saying that the recent availability of the MB to everyone was just another testing phase, really. He also said that we should begin seeing many and frequent changes to the whole system at the end of summer, once the peak crowds ease off a bit.

FWIW.

 

[smitch425]

I have no doubt that Blackfish wasn't 100% unbiased, but I'm just as sure that the few people quoted in the links above aren't either. Like all things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

What I do know, is that regardless of how well they're cared for, keeping killer whales in tanks like they do in Sea World and elsewhere, is the equivalent of forcing a human being to live inside a small studio apartment their entire life and never being allowed to go outside. That's not something I want to support financially, regardless of how well they might feed or treat that human inside the apartment.

When you really think about it, though, isn't anyone with a fish tank doing the exact same thing? Do you not visit zoos, aquariums, doctor's offices with fish tanks, etc. because of their animal treatment? I haven't seen the film, and have no plans to visit Sea World, but I do wonder where people draw the line between what is acceptable and what isn't when it comes to things like that.

To get back on topic...

OP, it is still possible to be spontaneous at WDW. My dad and stepmom were there over President's Day weekend and had the regular DDP. They did not schedule anything ahead of time, and did just fine. They had no trouble with TS meals, and rode whatever they wanted to. Just because Disney allows the scheduling of meals and FPs doesn't mean you have to do it. Now that all TS meals have the no show/late cancellation policy, it is much easier to get a same day reservation. I hope your trip is better than you expect, and should you decide not to return, I hope you have fun exploring new places. Good luck!

 

[alc571]

Like any Disney employee, he couldn't say much but he did say that the MBs and FP+ were still just being rolled out and the capacity being tested, saying that the recent availability of the MB to everyone was just another testing phase, really. He also said that we should begin seeing many and frequent changes to the whole system at the end of summer, once the peak crowds ease off a bit.

FWIW.

They announced these changes last week. Disney is now allowing you to book the 3 FPs in advance, and once you've used them, you can get more - one at a time. They also announced that they will be allowing you to park hop with them, but didn't give the details on that.

It's clearly a time of transition for the FP system. Disney is a big company, and obviously they are in the business to make money. They're not going to sabotage their own existence by implementing systems that cause them to lose all their customers, because that would mean they wouldn't make money. I don't understand why guests don't see that - give them a break. Yes it sucks if you had a vacation booked and were "forced to endure" the transition period, but if you let this little speedbump affect the happiness of your trip then, to me, you were just looking for things to go wrong. We did a last minute trip in January, and picked our FP+ reservations the night before we went to the park. No big deal.. it was great. I'd rather "endure" the FP+ system than the 4' of snow we had in Ontario any day!

We won't change the way we tour the parks for anything - FP's, ADR's, etc. We get up when we do, eat breakfast at the resort, head to the recommended park for the day, and enjoy the fact we're in Disney, in the sunshine and we're not at work. We've done all the rides before, so if we miss a few, who cares! I'll catch them the next day, or the next vacation. To me, it's all about the way you look at things. If you're intent on not having a good time, looking at everything as an inconvenience and "how dare they ruin my trip", then you're going to have a bad trip. And if that's the case, maybe it is time for you to move on.

 

[Aladora]

I realize I don't have to do any of those things but thats what made it special for us at one time. Life was better without ADR's, we like to just get up and go where ever our hearts feel is the best place that day. Yes we have a rough plan as to what days, what parks but that changes all the time for various reasons. Now if we change our park plans for that day and we have an ADR there we have to go back because the chances of getting another one for the new park you have decided on is slim to none and slim left for home. As for rides, we have been so often and stay so long the last little while, if there is a big line we keep on going. I liked the fact I could walk up to RRC (My favourite), lines too long, grab a Fastpass and come back later.

You could always make the long trek out to this coast and do Disneyland! Last September I walked up to Blue Bayou and was able to make a reservation for Carthay Circle for that evening. We still have paper fastpasses so no FP+ to deal with!

Plus, Carsland.

 

[scrappinginontario]

OP, from you signature it appears you have not been to WDW in almost 4 years. SO much has changed since then!

We've been a number of times throughout these changes and each time I'm just as excited, if not more so.

I would try and look for the positives and go with an open mind. I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised about how fun and relaxing your trip can be when the basics of your day are planned in advance but all the spontaneity of making changes (except probably dining) are open to you! Yes, FP+ reservations are booked in advance but it means you can sleep in a bit and still have an opportunity to ride Toy Story!

FP+ reservations can be changed on a whim from anywhere. Your resort room, within the park, at a restaurant. If you feel like something different or a different time just change it. I've even changed FP+ reservations after we completely missed the time. Love this option!

I hope the magic comes back for you and that you enjoy your upcoming vacation!!

 

[Cottager]

What I do know, is that regardless of how well they're cared for, keeping killer whales in tanks like they do in Sea World and elsewhere, is the equivalent of forcing a human being to live inside a small studio apartment their entire life and never being allowed to go outside. That's not something I want to support financially, regardless of how well they might feed or treat that human inside the apartment.

Are you restricting your protest to just "Killer Whales" in tanks or would it also include dolphins (http://youtu.be/7G0EoXJCZso) and manatees (http://youtu.be/dquAPHZjRZg) in tanks? I guess that rules out Disney World for you?

 

[greenclan67]

Exactly how I feel on the topic cottager...

OP I feel your frustration. We have taken a break from Disney parks the last 3 trips. My girls have still loved our Florida Vacations. We have been staying at some awesome resorts, most recently Orange Lake they loved it. Went tubing in the lake, teen beach bash, mini putt, lazy river, they didnt want to leave. We did half day at Seaworld twice, a day at Busch Gardens, and half a day at Aquatica. We were there for 10 days. One of our fav vacays.

 

[Salinger]

Are you restricting your protest to just "Killer Whales" in tanks or would it also include dolphins (http://youtu.be/7G0EoXJCZso) and manatees (http://youtu.be/dquAPHZjRZg) in tanks? I guess that rules out Disney World for you?

The manatees at Epcot are actually part of a rescue program. They are there after being seriously injured, usually by boats. They are treated, cared for and if possible, released back into the wild.

The dolphins, yes, I do have pangs of guilt about seeing them in captivity and don't believe they should be there. I do foresee a time when Disney will actually no longer have dolphins as pressure is mounting for them to discontinue the exhibit. While somewhat of a draw, they really are a very minor part of the overall Epcot, and indeed Walt Disney World experience and it will likely soon be more PR friendly for Disney to cease the practice than to continue it.

Trying to compare what Disney does to what Sea World does is about as relevant as someone earlier trying to say that killer whales in captivity is no different than guppies in an aquarium.

 

[smitch425]

Trying to compare what Disney does to what Sea World does is about as relevant as someone earlier trying to say that killer whales in captivity is no more wrong than guppies in an aquarium.

That is not at all what I said. Someone said that putting a whale in a tank is akin to putting a human in a studio apartment. I simply stated that ALL fish tanks are that way, and asked where people draw the line. So please don't claim that I said something that I did not say.

 

[LSmith]

That is not at all what I said. Someone said that putting a whale in a tank is akin to putting a human in a studio apartment. I simply stated that ALL fish tanks are that way, and asked where people draw the line. So please don't claim that I said something that I did not say.

Fish tanks and bird cages make me sick. Of course we can't boycott every single thing but I'm all for animal rights and why do you think we need to take an all or nothing approach?

It's the same as human rights. We have an absolute right to chose what we will stand up for and at the same time realize we can't save the world in a day.

 

[Salinger]

That is not at all what I said. Someone said that putting a whale in a tank is akin to putting a human in a studio apartment. I simply stated that ALL fish tanks are that way, and asked where people draw the line. So please don't claim that I said something that I did not say.

My apologies indeed if I misinterpreted what you said. I certainly didn't mean to do that.

My only point was, that given the intelligence and emotional maturity of killer whales, then fish in an aquarium is an entirely different situation.

Anyway, clearly, this discussion is not accomplishing much other than to get people annoyed so I think I'm done and will go back to daydreaming about my upcoming Disney happiness.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I know there are people on both sides of the MB ( & FP )issue. I can see the pros and the cons. People love it or hate it. Haven't seen many neutral opinions. I haven't experienced it.

I will say I don't like the idea that people can be tracked electronically in the parks. It has an Orwellian feel to me. In this time of extreme data collection. It's just one more drop in the data mining bucket. My reaction to it is: it's a turn off.

I agree with the OP on spontaneity. It's been dwindling over the years. If you don't participate in the sign ups ahead of time, you will probably not get what you want when you get to the parks. You are darned if you do (no spontaneity) and darned if you don't (limited choices). That's been my experience before the MB. Now with the FP added and the all the in one bracelet/data mining it further limits the window of choices.

So, I see her points. Not my cup of tea either.

 

[rella's fan]

After several yearly trips with DD, I was getting to the point where OP is. Then about 3 years ago we did a last minute trip to Disneyland, and after 3 more trips since, we have not been back to the World. Maybe give Disneyland a try, much more relaxed, better rides and shows (imho), easier to get around and ends up costing less - to stay across the road. Plus the weather is better and there's lots of other things to do in the area. Oh yeah and CARSLAND!

 

[Cottager]

I know there are people on both sides of the MB ( & FP )issue. I can see the pros and the cons. People love it or hate it. Haven't seen many neutral opinions. I haven't experienced it.

I was just thinking about my poor kids who are going to miss the "fast pass dash" with their perfect combination of a hop, skip and a jump that doesn't catch the attention of the CMs. I'll have to send them on another adventure...maybe a funnel cake run for their dear old dad!!!

 

[Disneylover99]

I was just thinking about my poor kids who are going to miss the "fast pass dash" with their perfect combination of a hop, skip and a jump that doesn't catch the attention of the CMs. I'll have to send them on another adventure...maybe a funnel cake run for their dear old dad!!!

That's the spirit!

 

[HeatherLassell]

Yikes! I'd never go to SeaWorld after watching the film Blackfish. Don't give them your money! If you won't go to Disney any longer, stick with Universal. But NOT SeaWorld!

http://da15bdaf715461308003-0c725c9...ist-of-inaccuracies-and-misleading-points.pdf

Please go read and educate yourself.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Yikes! I'd never go to SeaWorld after watching the film Blackfish. Don't give them your money! If you won't go to Disney any longer, stick with Universal. But NOT SeaWorld!

http://da15bdaf715461308003-0c725c9...ist-of-inaccuracies-and-misleading-points.pdf

Please go read and educate yourself.

 

[lisaviolet]

OP, I haven't read all of the replies or yours. So apologies in advance if I'm adding the obvious.

But I have that kind of vacation. Still. DVC helps in this area for hanging out. But I don't do ADRS, I'm unsure if I'll do FP+ much. But I'm the go with the flow on vacation type. Still have a wonderful time.

And have nice meals as well. Walk ups do happen as well. And there are a lot of 24 hour cancellations these days if you wanted to decide the day before.

Here's to some great vacations, no matter where they are for you.

 

[Csaks]

You could always make the long trek out to this coast and do Disneyland! Last September I walked up to Blue Bayou and was able to make a reservation for Carthay Circle for that evening. We still have paper fastpasses so no FP+ to deal with!

Plus, Carsland.

Seriously thinking about it for next time.

OP, from you signature it appears you have not been to WDW in almost 4 years. SO much has changed since then!

We've been a number of times throughout these changes and each time I'm just as excited, if not more so.

I would try and look for the positives and go with an open mind. I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised about how fun and relaxing your trip can be when the basics of your day are planned in advance but all the spontaneity of making changes (except probably dining) are open to you! Yes, FP+ reservations are booked in advance but it means you can sleep in a bit and still have an opportunity to ride Toy Story!

FP+ reservations can be changed on a whim from anywhere. Your resort room, within the park, at a restaurant. If you feel like something different or a different time just change it. I've even changed FP+ reservations after we completely missed the time. Love this option!

I hope the magic comes back for you and that you enjoy your upcoming vacation!!

Open mind is the way to go, which we have but this one will be the deciding factor whether we go back anytime soon after. We are relaxed with the 'go with the flow' approach to the World. Some love their totally planned, commando approach. We tried it once and felt we needed a vacation after our vacation.
Didn't mind doing one ADR a day for the whole vacation but this plan your ride thing months in advance is a bit much. We'll bring our phones but really don't want to use them, part of our enjoyment of past Disney vacations was being totally unplugged and immersed in 'another world'. Far from our regular lives and worries. That feeling has been getting less and less with the more reliance on the smartphone. I have found they have been a blessing and a curse, great aps for wait times for one. Connection to real life is the bummer. LOL

OP, I haven't read all of the replies or yours. So apologies in advance if I'm adding the obvious.

But I have that kind of vacation. Still. DVC helps in this area for hanging out. But I don't do ADRS, I'm unsure if I'll do FP+ much. But I'm the go with the flow on vacation type. Still have a wonderful time.

And have nice meals as well. Walk ups do happen as well. And there are a lot of 24 hour cancellations these days if you wanted to decide the day before.

Here's to some great vacations, no matter where they are for you.

I hope you are right about the 24 hour thing, more our style. I remember reading so many posts here in the past where people would book multiple restaurants because they had no idea where they'd be that day, screwing up the system. Our way around that problem was the Parkhopper, if you didn't feel like going to the park of your reservation that day, then you didn't and switched later in the day.

Hopefully it will be better once we drive through those gates and figure out this new Fastpass system. We have two weeks to do it and we'll see where things go from there. Who knows the Disney bug may bite us once again.

 

[Muziqal]

http://da15bdaf715461308003-0c725c9...ist-of-inaccuracies-and-misleading-points.pdf

Please go read and educate yourself.

Really? You provided one table, no citation of an author, as evidence. One internet analsyis doesn't = education. You might as well stick Bill Cosby's or Morgan Freeman's photo on the front page to add to the credibility of this document.