Stand By Lines and FP+

[scrappinannie]

It's possible that this may happen with rides that already have FP and dispense a lot of them. However, many rides that did not previously have or need FP are being retrofitted with FP+, and there's no way that that won;t make standby waits longer.

I, too, think standy by lines will be longer. Not just in number of people but also in length of time in line. I just don't see how even adding more attractions to the FP+ list is going to help a large majority of people in either situation...standby or FP. It just makes us all crazy trying to "figure out the system."

I was just there on a day with soft opening of Fastpass+. Standby lines were horrible. Amount of people in fastpass line were longer than ever, and even at the turnstile, cast members were taking ALL fastpass people before standby. At Splash Mountain, at the cast member taking fastpasses, our family waited for 40+ people to get thru the fastpass line, and no others were in line, before she switched back to the standby line. No more toggling between the two. I understand the need to take them first, my point is there were just so many more people there! Maybe that is also the result of no longer honoring fastpasses past there end time.

Also found lines that didn't have fastpass and now do, were now much longer (obviously). In general, not overly excited about the changes coming to the parks.

As we drove around the Lake Buena Vista area later that night, we commented on the amount of development still going on. Hotels upon hotels still being built. As long as people fill the rooms, the parks will overflow. A sign of the times, I guess.

This is what I was afraid of.^^^

180 days out I make all ADR's for 10 day trip. now I make all FP+ that I am allowed (3 per day). Now I have arrived for my 10 day vacation???
First thing I have to take out my schedule, must be at this ride and that ride at certain times, must be at specific restaurant at specific time.
Tell me how is this a nice relaxing vacation taking the time to smell the roses as the expression goes.
Maybe I'm dumb, but have been to Disney every year for the last 20+ and have never made ADR's and never used fast pass.
You know what, I have a wonderful relaxing vacation just going with the flow.
I look at all the ambieance and enjoy relaxing in the parks.
Am I crazy or just plain smart?

Totally agree. I will schedule my dining reservations, at least I know what park I'm going to be in every day, but scheduling my attractions is not something I want to do on vacation. There's planning. Then there's over planning, stressful planning, why did I come to Disney for my vacation planning. Why do we all have to be so scheduled all the time? Vacation was meant as a break from all that day to day, wall to wall scheduling of our lives crap. Looks like Disney is no longer going to be any type of "relaxing" vacation destination. And my "magical" vacation is coming up fast in October and I'm almost dreading it. I DO NOT want to be one of the first groups utilizing FP+!!!!

 

[ArwenMarie]

In some ways, a Disney vacation already is insane in so many ways. Getting there for rope drop, running around for FPs, making detailed touring plans, ADRs, lining up for parades and fireworks, etc...I dunno. But as you said, this could definitely be the thing that tips the scale for a lot of folks.

 

[SciFi]

I can't see how FP+ will possibly make things better, but I know that they study all this thoroughly and I'm hoping that it will be an improvement somehow. I really want to be optimistic because I love WDW, but unfortunately, looking back over the years (I was there the year it opened and many times since), I know there's been a slow and steady decline in many areas. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the powers that be will do whatever is necessary keep the magic going.

Me too. I have doubts about the end results of all this, but reserve the right to be pleasantly surprised if it works out.