The FP+ Gripe

[fuzzylogic]

Who is kind of surprised when they see people who LOVE to plan their Disney Vacations (down to the minute) gripe about pre-planning their FP+?

I would almost think if I enjoyed planning out my WDW vacations that much, I would LOVE the ability to book FP+ 2 months in advance!

Are the gripes about MDE being overblown? I see people saying their are not going to Disney World anymore because of it. They're angry because they say Disney is wanting to use this system to make more money and accuse them of being greedy. If the Disney company had no profits, there would be NO Disney World.

Walt Disney himself and the Disney company have always considered themselves to be on the forefront of technology, going digital (and paperless) for fast passes seem to be a natural progression. It's no surprise they are trying out newer technologies.

Way way way back in the day when Disney World introduced the KTTW so that it was your room key, park pass, your credit card, etc... I wonder how many people were so adverse to that change.

Sure, right now, there are some bugs to work out with the Magic Bands, FP+, etc... that's why it's still in the testing phase. Usually, Disney does a pretty good job at implementing new tech... In 5 years it will probably seem pretty natural to book your WDW trip, customize your band and wear it to the park so you don't have to keep up with your KTTW card.

I'm not saying that this new program doesn't have it's disadvantages, but it seems no one is talking about it's advantages either.

To me some of the advantages are:

1) Possible quicker park entry because we're not diggin' for cards and quicker check out lines at the gift shops
2) Not being forced to keep a card tucked away in a bag or pocket
3) The ability to customize your child's experience (if you to choose to opt-in and share the information)
4) Touch and go
5) If someone loves to plan, plan, plan - this gives them the ability to plan even more of their trip

Any other advantages I'm not thinking of?

Someone once told me... "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it"

Not trying to start a flame war, I would just like to see some folks point out the positive points of the MDE with magic bands, FP+, etc... for me.

 

[Princess Katherine]

I 100% agree with. I did this. I'm staying at CR and am a tester. I really didn't see what was so bad. I love planning down to the T. If I could control all of my family members like puppets to make them do just want I wanted so I could have a perfect Disney vacation I would do it. And I would make them like it. I'm so happy with the changes Disney is making. Once it's been a while people will realize that it is for the best.

Katie

 

[siskaren]

I 100% agree with. I did this. I'm staying at CR and am a tester. I really didn't see what was so bad. I love planning down to the T. If I could control all of my family members like puppets to make them do just want I wanted so I could have a perfect Disney vacation I would do it. And I would make them like it. I'm so happy with the changes Disney is making. Once it's been a while people will realize that it is for the best.

Katie

I'm not sure if you're being serious or not. I sure hope your tongue is firmly planted in your cheek.

 

[Novakm]

I think the problem is that these people DO like to plan everything! FP+ is a big mystery, and they can't plan for it. Dont know the deatils of how it works. Dont know if it will be active during thier next trip. Dont know if its the only FP option, or if the old one will still be available. Dont know if it will be hard to get the attractions they want. They are getting frustrated and assuming the worst. The concept sounds great, but the devil is in the details, and this is one devil they can't plan for.

 

[Vertical]

Well so far, all of the negative posts about FP+ are based on fear of the unknown, since it really isn't fully implemented yet. It's just a lot of assumptions (based on limited information).

Things I am excited about with MB/FP+

- Ability to book a pre-scheduled FP+ reservation for things like TSMM, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Soarin, Kali River Rapids, etc. so that I won't have to be part of that morning rush to get over there.

- New FP-able experiences like meet and greets, preferred reserved seating at the Electrical Parade, Wishes, Fantasmic, etc.

Things I am not sure how Disney will solve with the new FP+ experience:

- How to handle AP holders and their ability to simple grab up FP+'s day after day
- How to handle people who want to have the ability to sponteneously park-hop
- How to handle people who do not want to schedule out their day weeks in advance

The main challenge I see with the new system is that it doesn't appear to be very dynamic. Obviously they say you can change your FP+ on the same day, but what kind of availability will there be? This remains to be seen... but a lot of vacationers simply like to go in and flow, and stop and smell the roses throughout the park - chance character encounters, stop for pictures, grab a snack, etc. We're not all rigid schedule commandos, and the current appearance is that the FP+ is certainly more suited towards that philosophy and doesn't allow for much in the way of on-the-fly adjustments and decisions.

I am looking forward to trying it out, and finding out what I like and don't like about it. There will be adjustments along the way, and maybe even big changes, but I think the main concepts are here to stay.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I think the problem is that these people DO like to plan everything! FP+ is a big mystery, and they can't plan for it. Dont know the deatils of how it works. Dont know if it will be active during thier next trip. Dont know if its the only FP option, or if the old one will still be available. Dont know if it will be hard to get the attractions they want. They are getting frustrated and assuming the worst. The concept sounds great, but the devil is in the details, and this is one devil they can't plan for.

This is my feeling as well. We're a bunch used to being "in-the-know" thanks to DIS... and here, WE DON'T KNOW!! (I think Of Wayne's World... where Garth says "we fear change" LOL!)

I understand the concerns about the official info out so far... and that the final product will -- by definition -- not be able to make everyone happier than they are now with regular FP.

I do not share the pessimism about how Disney will manage this whole thing (at least not long term). Nor do I plan to make decisions about future trips based upon preliminary info and speculation. For me, the jury is still out on FP+.

That said, I have a hard time imagining any incarnation of FP+ that I will NOT be able to work with (or around!) to get to a great vacation for our family. I base this on Disney's track record as a company, as I see it.

Fingers remain crossed...

 

[kmb584]

I 100% agree with. I did this. I'm staying at CR and am a tester. I really didn't see what was so bad. I love planning down to the T. If I could control all of my family members like puppets to make them do just want I wanted so I could have a perfect Disney vacation I would do it. And I would make them like it. I'm so happy with the changes Disney is making. Once it's been a while people will realize that it is for the best.

Katie

I sure hope that's sarcasm.

 

[Novakm]

I'm really hoping its up and running when I go in December. I hate the idea of needing a runner to go get FP's. I like the idea that I could start the day with FP's booked for my 3 favorites, and having my touring plans all set.

My DW wants to be spontaneous. The idea of running to get FP's for later would make her feel rushed and scheduled. But she also hates to wait and miss things. If I have everything planned, she can be spontaneous. DW-"What should we do now" ME- "if we go to Space Mountain now, there is no waiting, and we should make it back to Main st. Just in time for the parade." Now that's magical!

 

[bcrook]

This article from Micechat provides a couple of ideas about this topic.

1. The author says that Disney is re-creating its business plan, and that is causing negative feedback.

2. This new business plan is similar to the wildly popular Disney Cruises. Where everything is planned and included.

I do think it is a major shift in philosophy, and more than just a technology gadget.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Who is kind of surprised when they see people who LOVE to plan their Disney Vacations (down to the minute) gripe about pre-planning their FP+?

I would almost think if I enjoyed planning out my WDW vacations that much, I would LOVE the ability to book FP+ 2 months in advance!

Are the gripes about MDE being overblown?

I see two lines of thought when griping about FP+...

1. The people who don't want to be limited to 3 FPs and who are good at getting there at RD, getting FPs, and really maximizing their days at the parks. Totally legitimate complaint IMO.

2. With regards to planning....People like to plan, but the problem with FP+ is that you can't change your plans as much once you are there. Kid gets sick one day, can't really move those FPs to another day as easily. That kind of thing. Where with the old FP system, you could just move your days around, etc.

JMO!

 

[hydrotony]

I love how the people who have been picked as FP+ testers are already finding ways around the system. After setting their daily 3 FP+s, they have been getting a bonus fourth FP+ for a less desirable attraction. Then they are going back into the system and changing the crappy FP for a good attraction FP and now have 4 top attraction FPs.

 

[Vertical]

I love how the people who have been picked as FP+ testers are already finding ways around the system. After setting their daily 3 FP+s, they have been getting a bonus fourth FP+ for a less desirable attraction. Then they are going back into the system and changing the crappy FP for a good attraction FP and now have 4 top attraction FPs.

Why do you consider that finding a way 'around' the system? It's using the system in the manner in which it is designed.

ALL Magic Kingdom FP+ days allow you to select 3 FP+ selections, then it gives you a bonus 4th, which it just defaults to Pirates of the Caribbean. The system fully allows you to change each and every FP+ reservation, so why would the 4th be any different?

How are you so certain that this is getting 'around' the system? It's just fully customizing the FP+'s that you are given, nothing more, nothing less.

In the current system, people race to (insert prime attraction that FP disappears for here.. TSMM, Soarin, etc.) first thing, grab FP's for it, ride it, ride again, then use the FP they pulled earlier to ride it a third time, then pull another FP for later in the day. How is that not 'getting around' the current system and abusing the system in a way that was never intended?

 

[Talking Hands]

I am wondering how this will work with those of us who are Deaf and enjoy the interpreted shows. We never get the schedule until 1 week before we go. Really makes making ADRs and FP+ difficult if not impossible.

 

[hydrotony]

Why do you consider that finding a way 'around' the system? It's using the system in the manner in which it is designed.

ALL Magic Kingdom FP+ days allow you to select 3 FP+ selections, then it gives you a bonus 4th, which it just defaults to Pirates of the Caribbean. The system fully allows you to change each and every FP+ reservation, so why would the 4th be any different?

How are you so certain that this is getting 'around' the system? It's just fully customizing the FP+'s that you are given, nothing more, nothing less.

In the current system, people race to (insert prime attraction that FP disappears for here.. TSMM, Soarin, etc.) first thing, grab FP's for it, ride it, ride again, then use the FP they pulled earlier to ride it a third time, then pull another FP for later in the day. How is that not 'getting around' the current system and abusing the system in a way that was never intended?

Wow, you got really super hyper defensive. I never said 'abusing' the system, you did. I actually made no accusatory statement, just said people are already figuring out the system to help themselves.

 

[mbrittb00]

I'm really hoping its up and running when I go in December. I hate the idea of needing a runner to go get FP's. I like the idea that I could start the day with FP's booked for my 3 favorites, and having my touring plans all set.

My DW wants to be spontaneous. The idea of running to get FP's for later would make her feel rushed and scheduled. But she also hates to wait and miss things. If I have everything planned, she can be spontaneous. DW-"What should we do now" ME- "if we go to Space Mountain now, there is no waiting, and we should make it back to Main st. Just in time for the parade." Now that's magical!

In a lot of ways I agree with you. I (being the runner) would welcome something that would cut down the amount if "running" I have to do.

However, you are making the assumption that you will be able to schedule you 3 fast passes for any attractions you wish. The testing to date suggests that your three fast passes will be selected in 3 separate categories, with only one being an E-ticket level attraction. Would you be as happy with a system where you could only pre-book 1 of your favorites and had to wait in line for the other 2.

It's true that a lot of the complaints are based in fears of the unknown. But most of those fears (conclusions) are drawn from evidence based on the testing as well as articles that have been written (some even by Disney themselves). To some degree Disney themselves is to blame for the complaints. They have been testing this "system" for well over a year, and have been dropping snippets of hints, info, and even marketing it up, all the while without any concrete explanation of how the system is going to work. I understand that Disney has no responsibility to release the details to anyone, but they should either keep it a complete secret (aside from what is necessary to test the system), disclose more details, or expect lots of complaints. The two biggest questions that most people have are :

1) will regular fast passes be available he day of in addition to your 3 advanced reservations
2) will the 3 advanced FP+ selections be split into three tiered categories (with only one being available for an E-ticket level attraction

I understand that the final implementation of the system may be slightly different from the initial plan, but the answer to these two questions would seem to be at the foundation of the system. Disney being mum on these two topics are causing people to fear the worst.

I hope that once it is finally implemented it is something that I can work with to continue having wonderful vacations there. Based on the info that has been released to date I fear that is not the case, but I will withhold final judgement until the system actually goes live.

 

[klangkat]

I'm someone who seriously enjoys planning and to be honest I don't really have an issue scheduling FP+ in advance except that at the moment in the UK we don't have access to the MDE site, so that would make it difficult.
My issue with FP+ is being limited as to how many we can use; three a day is a drastic change to our touring style. But, I would be just as upset if the current FP system changed and limited use.
I don't have an issue with RFID, or the bands, or anything else, but I don't like not being able to access the site (or have the app recognise/understand our UK tickets) or being so limited as to the number of FPs.

 

[Vertical]

Wow, you got really super hyper defensive. I never said 'abusing' the system, you did. I actually made no accusatory statement, just said people are already figuring out the system to help themselves.

You said people were 'getting around the system'. Now you're saying they're 'figuring out the system'. Those are two very, very different things. What was your point, exactly? The implication was that they were doing something they shouldn't be doing, since you found it "funny" and explicitly said they were "getting around the system" if not to accuse them of doing something they shouldn't?

I'm not defensive, just pointing out the facts.

 

[Rosanne]

You said people were 'getting around the system'. Now you're saying they're 'figuring out the system'. Those are two very, very different things. What was your point, exactly? The implication was that they were doing something they shouldn't be doing, since you found it "funny" and explicitly said they were "getting around the system" if not to accuse them of doing something they shouldn't?

I'm not defensive, just pointing out the facts.

When I read the post I thought he was commenting on/admiring the cleverness of Dis'ers to figure it out.

I guess that's what makes the written word so much harder to read than a face to face conversation.

 

[Vertical]

When I read the post I thought he was commenting on/admiring the cleverness of Dis'ers to figure it out.

I guess that's what makes the written word so much harder to read than a face to face conversation.

Quite possible.

 

[KCSherri]

I am a super planner...but here's why I don't like FP+:

1. It's one thing to decide the night before that we're going to wake up early, make it to RD, so we can grab an E-ticket Fastpass...but it's a whole different ballgame to have to decide 60 days out that I need that E-ticket Fastpass for a particular date and time. If I had to schedule a Kali River Rapids ride 60 days ago - and it's now pouring down rain in a monsoon - that will totally suck. I like to plan - but I also like a BIT of flexibility within that plan - and I just don't see FP+ offering much flexibility - if any at all.

2. As others have said, its the idea of being limited of what FP+'s I can choose that I don't like. What's that you say, Disney?? I can only choose ONE Soarin' FP? But what if that's the ONLY ride we plan on riding all day? I HAVE to ride SB now the rest of the day, and burn my remaining FP+ choices on rides I have no intention of riding. Once again - it's that removal of flexibility.

3. So, you're saying I'm going to benefit because the cashier line will go faster because someone isn't fumbling in their pocket for their card? How about when that technology goes down - and the scanner doesn't work on their bracelet? (And we all know this will happen...) Even if it works as planned, that ONE MINUTE of time I saved isn't worth the headaches.

4. I don't know how this is going to affect the Standby lines now...that one minute I saved at the cashier may now increase tenfold with time spent in the standby line....

I've been watching and waiting and observing various reports, which is about all we can do right now...but I'm beginning to think that "FP+" is actually now an acronym for "Flexibility Prohibited +"....