I can kind of sympathize with the OP. Since the whole
MDE/FP+ transition started, there has been a lot more negativity on the board. Sometimes you start reading a thread about how someone liked FP+ and you get to page two and it goes downhill fast. Or threads that have nothing to do with FP+ get hijacked and no longer discuss the original topic.
I know part of it is that people are resistant to change. I know that part of it is that people will be forced to change if they want to continue visiting WDW. I know part of it has been the frustration of the testing process (growing pains, for lack of a better term) and the changes made daily during that time. I know it doesn't seem fair and it may cause some people to vacation elsewhere.
But it would be nice if we could see more posts about how to maximize your day working within the new boundaries - to me that is what strategy is all about. We should be sharing our tips on how to make the new systems work more efficiently, because the new systems are here to stay. Disney may tweak it a little here and there, but basically we just have to adapt and move on, or go elsewhere.
I've been going to WDW since 1971. I've seen a lot of things come and go. Some were great, some not so great. But the one thing you can always count on is nothing will stay the same.
There are a couple of viewpoints that are important.
Decided to go:
1. If someone is going to WDW - no matter what. Then I agree that the changes are here to stay, and they need to be able read about how to get the most out of their planned trip. This is the case with the OP. The "here is my itinerary what do you think" strands filled with FP+ selections have already started trickling in. People will be happy to help and comment.
But there is another reason for TPAS boards.
Not sure what next trip should look like:
2. How are changes going to affect my future planning? This is just as important. This is why we still need discussions about Disneys motive and possible long range goals. This is why we need to try and predict. It doesn't make sense for me to blindly trust Disney with Annual pass purchases for my family without some sense of what to expect. Here are some of my questions that are being discussed "vigorously".
- how will off site guests be treated in July over 4th of July?
- if everyone is on the system will I have to grab ride reservations in May?
- should I use my Wyndham Points at Bonnet Creek for October 2014?
- would I be happier staying at Universal and enjoying their system and experiencing Diagon Alley?
- Do I invest $2500 in annual passes?
- for 2015 do I use my DVC points at wdw or do I try for
Disneyland at the seven month mark? And I need to worry about 2015 now, because we will be booking those vacations soon, and I have to allocate points.
- I have a group of 12 wanting to plan a trip, after the October 2013 experience, I am not willing to organize all of that again. What are my options? Could a party that size simply wing it?
- with the new credit card guarantee that dampens my enthusiasm for dining (too risky with a large group).
There are other questions.
The easiest thing for me is 2016 - July 4th. Saving DVC points for a big family get together. Good or Bad we will be staying at AKV and enjoying a week in the parks. I can worry about best FP+ strategy in May that year.
But now I have to decide about F&W 2014, spring Break for 2015, and summer get together with friends in 2015. All off site visits. I have to decide right away.
I have to make my best guesses and roll the dice. 10 month booking window for Wyndham starts right now for FW!
Exactly it is bc we love going to our favorite place that these changes are concerning.
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