So FP- person wants to plan using FP+,...

[Laz]

...where do I begin when I have so many questions?

Family profile

All adult family of 3 that will spend 7 days in a WDW resort during the busy times of the summer (probably the 4th of July week). We are very experienced FP- users who will use EMHs, rope drops, and park hoppers. I have seen some basic strategies that might work for us (morning EMH/rope drop, afternoon by pool, early dinner, FP+ usage early evening, night EMH) We do not need character greetings or night firework show reservations (prefer rides). We will switch parks at will, depending on crowds and weather. I keep seeing where you can switch FP+ and reservations while in the parks on the go. How realistic is the use of that feature? Is there some place I can get a detailed explanation of the current FP+ system or specific questions answered?

Yes, I have been one of the negative people on the boards concerning FP+. However, I promised my family to explore the new system in more detail before I totally rule out another trip to WDW in the near future.

 

[mesaboy2]

...where do I begin when I have so many questions?

Family profile

All adult family of 3 that will spend 7 days in a WDW resort during the busy times of the summer (probably the 4th of July week). We are very experienced FP- users who will use EMHs, rope drops, and park hoppers. I have seen some basic strategies that might work for us (morning EMH/rope drop, afternoon by pool, early dinner, FP+ usage early evening, night EMH) We do not need character greetings or night firework show reservations (prefer rides). We will switch parks at will, depending on crowds and weather. I keep seeing where you can switch FP+ and reservations while in the parks on the go. How realistic is the use of that feature? Is there some place I can get a detailed explanation of the current FP+ system or specific questions answered?

Yes, I have been one of the negative people on the boards concerning FP+. However, I promised my family to explore the new system in more detail before I totally rule out another trip to WDW in the near future.

The first posts in the three threads linked in my signature provide a good overview and include some helpful details as well.

 

[hedberg1661]

Do you have specific questions now? Please post.

As far as FP+ goes....I was there in Dec and used the system. To my delight it worked really well. I loved having the band do just about everything for me. I will list some of the major pros and cons below but please post back some questions and I may be able to help you:

PROS:
-Ability to change FP+ Selections from mobile device or kiosk even the day of
-Use only one "device" for everything (minor con for AP DVC or any discount is you still need to present your card for the discount but I didn't find this to be a major issue as I am an AP holder)
-Water/sweat proof meaning you can wear them in the pool and on all rides

CONS:
-Discount issue as previously stated
-Accessories aren't the best...yet. Little icons you pop on the bands come off very easily. Do not buy them.
-Limited to 3-4 FP per day
-FP+ only available in one park per day (of your choosing)

 

[Laz]

How easy was it for you to make changes on your mobile device? For example, if it starts raining and I do not want to go on Thunder Mountain, can I switch to Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, etc? Did the mobile app give good, up to date information on wait times? Were you there during a busy time of the year?

 

[practicallyperfect77]

How easy was it for you to make changes on your mobile device? For example, if it starts raining and I do not want to go on Thunder Mountain, can I switch to Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, etc? Did the mobile app give good, up to date information on wait times? Were you there during a busy time of the year?

I was there Nov 28- Dec 5...First 3 days were rated 9 due to Thanksgiving and the rest 4. It was just me and a friend so only 2 ressies to change. Fri after thanksgiving, I was unable to to change RnRC (I believe I had 4-5, but got back there closer to 3:30 so just sat at waited. On Sat, was unable to change Soarin' to an earlier time...I wanted it about 2 hours earlier. Both HS and EP were the recommended parks on those respective days. Tue I was able to change space to an earlier time about an hour up. Wed unable to change TSMM or ToT. I used my phone (Razr Maxx) and was on Verizon data as I have unlimited data right now. There were some times (waiting in line at Soarin') that I would use Disneys WiFi. There were many times I would go into the MDE app and get the error message "a blip in the system must have occurred), but many times it worked OK too. I found if I continually got the error, I could go into the app and clear the data and cache and then it worked fine. If you plan on using phone and being in the park most of the day, I would suggest getting an external battery charger. I was at RD most days and phone dead by 2.

 

[hedberg1661]

How easy was it for you to make changes on your mobile device? For example, if it starts raining and I do not want to go on Thunder Mountain, can I switch to Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, etc? Did the mobile app give good, up to date information on wait times? Were you there during a busy time of the year?

I was there the second week of Dec and found I could switch most everything. Like a pp Soarin was a tough one to change. I would imagine the 7 dwarfs mine car ride will have the same problem. However, the mountains at MK were no issue.

I had SM break down on me while in line with my FP+...as soon as they shut it down they automatically loaded an additional FP to use basically anywhere for the remainder of that day in MK.

As PP stated there were some "error" messages with the mobile app but I believe most of these have been resolved. Do remember we were part of the testing phase so that is somewhat expected.

Overall, I had a really good experience with FP+.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

What I found odd, is the day I wanted to change ToT, up an hour and couldn't...there was no line in standby so I just rode that. Found it strange no FP+ were available for right then when there was no line.

 

[hedberg1661]

What I found odd, is the day I wanted to change ToT, up an hour and couldn't...there was no line in standby so I just rode that. Found it strange no FP+ were available for right then when there was no line.

I would think that the system does not allow you to pick a FP+ for something that doesn't have a long queue at that present time.

On a side note similar to this...I found EC to be the hardest park to switch things around because there are only a few FP rides.

 

[kay1864]

CONS:
-Discount issue as previously stated

What is this issue?

 

[hedberg1661]

What is this issue?

Sorry it was up in my PROS section and didn't want to retype.

Basically if you have a discount for merch/food (ex: Annual Passholder, DVC, etc.) you still need to have your AP/DVC card on you because the band cannot identify that to the CM checking you out...yet. I would imagine they will fix this down the road. Also, another small problem is also buying alcohol and getting ID'ed. They still require proper photo ID so that isn't solved by the band.

Hope that helps.

 

[bcrook]

Sorry it was up in my PROS section and didn't want to retype.

Basically if you have a discount for merch/food (ex: Annual Passholder, DVC, etc.) you still need to have your AP/DVC card on you because the band cannot identify that to the CM checking you out...yet. I would imagine they will fix this down the road. Also, another small problem is also buying alcohol and getting ID'ed. They still require proper photo ID so that isn't solved by the band.

Hope that helps.

I doubt that. But I agree about the frustrations of still having to carry the cards. I don't mind the ID for alcohol purchase, but Annual Pass, DVC, TIW, etc should be easy to link.

 

[maman_et_fille]

Just an FYI, FP+ kiosk CM told us that if you haven't used all your FP+ reservations and want to park-hop, you can currently visit guest relations at either of the parks you're visiting (i.e. before you leave park 1 or when you arrive at park 2) to have your FP+ reservations switched to the second park. You can't do it at a kiosk.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Just an FYI, FP+ kiosk CM told us that if you haven't used all your FP+ reservations and want to park-hop, you can currently visit guest relations at either of the parks you're visiting (i.e. before you leave park 1 or when you arrive at park 2) to have your FP+ reservations switched to the second park. You can't do it at a kiosk.

Hmmm - wonder if anyone has tried this? Not sure it would really matter b/c you probably stand in the GR line as long as you would the attraction line. I shouldn't be so negative.

 

[Laz]

Just an FYI, FP+ kiosk CM told us that if you haven't used all your FP+ reservations and want to park-hop, you can currently visit guest relations at either of the parks you're visiting (i.e. before you leave park 1 or when you arrive at park 2) to have your FP+ reservations switched to the second park. You can't do it at a kiosk.

That could be a pretty big deal if that gets out.

How is FP+ handled during ride breakdowns?

 

[practicallyperfect77]

That could be a pretty big deal if that gets out.

How is FP+ handled during ride breakdowns?

On my trip in Dec, I had a FP+ for BTMRR. It went down. The CM said we could use at any other attraction at any time. About half an hour later, I got an email from Disney stating the same. I used it on Space after Wishes. Rode the People mover and by this time my other scheduled FP+ for Space was in the right return time. So b/c BTMRR went down, I was able to FP+ Space twice in about half an hour of time.

 

[ferd]

What I found odd, is the day I wanted to change ToT, up an hour and couldn't...there was no line in standby so I just rode that. Found it strange no FP+ were available for right then when there was no line.

I had the same thing happen over at AK with the Adventurer's Outpost (M & G for Mickey and Minnie.) We went to AK Sat before last around 3pm to try the new FP+ system. Got a FP+ for the Outpost for about 2 hours away. CM told us there was nothing sooner. We walked around park and past the Outpost and saw there was literally no wait at all. We walked our 2 year old right up to see Mickey and Minnie and were out in less than 5 minutes, and yet couldn't get a FP+ for sooner than 2 hours away?

 

[practicallyperfect77]

I had the same thing happen over at AK with the Adventurer's Outpost (M & G for Mickey and Minnie.) We went to AK Sat before last around 3pm to try the new FP+ system. Got a FP+ for the Outpost for about 2 hours away. CM told us there was nothing sooner. We walked around park and past the Outpost and saw there was literally no wait at all. We walked our 2 year old right up to see Mickey and Minnie and were out in less than 5 minutes, and yet couldn't get a FP+ for sooner than 2 hours away?

Which I guess is really a goo thing maybe b/c then you can use FP+ on something else. It's just finding the something else. In EP there isn't much that needs FP+ that I go on anyway...especially with tiers.