The CAD $ and the possibility of a PAID FastPass+

[Carolynleanne]

We're DVC, but bought when the dollar was more than par and points on the resale market were running for <$70 at SSR and the current resale restrictions weren't a thing. I'm not sure we would now.

More to the point I fully expect Disney to replace the Magical Express with 'something'; the value of ensuring guests don't rent a car and stay (and spend) on sight are probably worth more that the cost of the bus. I do think they are looking to replace Mears though.

I had heard they expected the train to replace it? But the train would only take you to Disney Springs, then you'd have to bus from there to your Resort.

 

[mshanson3121]

I had heard they expected the train to replace it? But the train would only take you to Disney Springs, then you'd have to bus from there to your Resort.

That was just some rumors. The train was never to be the ME replacement. For starters, it's years away from being ready, and secondly, it only goes to Disney Springs, which as you say, still leaves you needing further transportation.

 

[von Monster]

The contract with Mears ends at the end of this year, Disney had to announce it was being 'retired' before DVC guests hit their 11 months on Jan 1 in order to prevent them from booking and getting the bad publicity when their reservations were canceled. The endgame with the train is to bring in South Florida, Orlando area, and Airport guests on layover in for a day. Also connects DS area hotels to downtown Orlando and the Airport. I can't see it being useful for transporting the number of guests WDW would need to move in a day.

I fully expect to hear about it's replacement from a different company by late summer / early fall.

 

[AdamsMum]

Thinking a lot about this today... I know many are speculating that when FastPass+ returns, it's going to cost us. I really hope it'll be a similar price to Disneyland in California if that's the route they take. If they go the Universal route and charge $100+ per person, per day, it will be unattainable for our family of five

I know Disney seems intent on getting every dollar they can out of us, but I really don't see them giving up that much control. I believe their fp+ was more about controlling traffic patterns in the parks than a benefit (even though it was) to guests. Think about it you had to book 60 days ahead, and book 3 with only 1 top tier ride for 3 out of 4 parks. This allowed them to forecast park attendance, cast member hours, park closure hours, transportation...for all but the few truly blowout times of year. Similarly Magic Express kept many people onsite for dining, shopping etc. Lots of folks who used to rent a car at the airport and eat/shop off site, were suddenly a captive audience. It worked for them, I think there must have been a breakdown of the relationship with Mears to end that.

Tickets used to include park hopping, and didn't expire. I'll still pay extra for the convenience of park hopping, but I'll be disappointed if they make fp+ a huge cost. A choice between $100/day per person, or terminally long lines for anything but the most minor of attractions wouldn't be a choice for me. I haven't been to Universal since they implemented the express pass, my last trip was miserable because I didn't have it. JMHO

 

[mshanson3121]

I know Disney seems intent on getting every dollar they can out of us, but I really don't see them giving up that much control. I believe their fp+ was more about controlling traffic patterns in the parks than a benefit (even though it was) to guests. Think about it you had to book 60 days ahead, and book 3 with only 1 top tier ride for 3 out of 4 parks. This allowed them to forecast park attendance, cast member hours, park closure hours, transportation...for all but the few truly blowout times of year. Similarly Magic Express kept many people onsite for dining, shopping etc. Lots of folks who used to rent a car at the airport and eat/shop off site, were suddenly a captive audience. It worked for them, I think there must have been a breakdown of the relationship with Mears to end that.

Agree. BUT... is FP+ as useful to them now that they have the park reservation system?

 

[redrosesix]

The contract with Mears ends at the end of this year, Disney had to announce it was being 'retired' before DVC guests hit their 11 months on Jan 1 in order to prevent them from booking and getting the bad publicity when their reservations were canceled. The endgame with the train is to bring in South Florida, Orlando area, and Airport guests on layover in for a day. Also connects DS area hotels to downtown Orlando and the Airport. I can't see it being useful for transporting the number of guests WDW would need to move in a day.

I fully expect to hear about it's replacement from a different company by late summer / early fall.

"the number of guests WDW would need to move in a day"...and their luggage.

There is no way that a train to DS replaces ME, no matter how soon that is. And if we rent a car from the airport (or even DS), we will not be spending all of our time in WDW. In fact, given the cost and lack of perks for onsite guests now, we will be staying offsite if we have to rent a car.

 

[AdamsMum]

Agree. BUT... is FP+ as useful to them now that they have the park reservation system?

Good point. I was hoping that would disappear.

 

[mshanson3121]

Good point. I was hoping that would disappear.

I'm tired and may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I saw that the reservation system is here until at least 2023.

 

[Sue M]

I love MaxPass at Disneyland. It is so superior to FP+. However, the max # of park days is 5 at Disneyland. You can easily spend 8-10 park days at WDW. When you start charging $20/person/day x 10 days, it soon becomes extremely costly. I don't mind paying for FP+, but it has to be reasonably affordable and not just for the elite.

And the big difference with DL is you still have the option of free paper FPs. I love that with DL you don’t have to make FP reservations in advance. Can only start making them once inside the gate.

 

[Carolynleanne]

I'm tired and may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I saw that the reservation system is here until at least 2023.

Really??? I had heard 2022 but not 2023.

 

[mshanson3121]

Really??? I had heard 2022 but not 2023.

Yeah, it's been extended until January 14, 2023.

https://blogmickey.com/2021/02/disney-park-pass-theme-park-reservation-system-extended-through-2023/

 

[Carolynleanne]

Yeah, it's been extended until January 14, 2023.

https://blogmickey.com/2021/02/disney-park-pass-theme-park-reservation-system-extended-through-2023/

crazy! That’s close to our trip the.