This just in from Disney Parks blog!

[JanaDee]

Great news!!!!!! The pro FastPass+ folk were certainly right all along when they said FastPass+ would indeed see improvements in the future from Disney!!!!!! I hope there are more great things on the horizon for FastPass+ as Disney continues to test!!!!!

Standing in a long line to avoid standing in a long line later isn't an improvement.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

So if I have, let's say, BTMRR, Space and Splash for the morning at MK. I use all three. Now I can go get another one. Can I repeat one of those? Or are those basically taken off my list once I use them? Could I theoretically be getting FPs for Splash Mountain all day---use one, get one, use one, get one?

I know it's all speculation at this point anyway.

I'd really, really prefer the option they had of use one, replace it, and basically always have 3 active FPs in the queue. That would address the issue of MSEP or Wishes FP+s. You'd basically store that one and just rotate through your other slots all day. This having to use all 3 before you get another will require MUCH more planning!

 

[CinderElsa]

I really think the kiosk thing is the result of poor phrasing and doesn't actually mean that guests with smartphones/tablets must ALSO use the kiosks.

 

[OtherScott]

If they do implement this, there is zero reason that anyone with a smart phone should have to stand in line to get the fourth FP+. That is plain dumb. If they spent all this money on the technology then let people use it. Whether you are on your phone or at a kiosk, the system should know whether or not you have used your three initial FP+.

I think the quote was meant to convey that you can make the additional selection from inside the park. Since not everyone has a smartphone, he referenced the one method available to all. He missed the opportunity to promote the app but I think the message was meant to be simple, not limiting.

 

[ekendall2]

Totally a step in the right direction!!

HOpe this is fixed by our June trip!!!!

 

[slickpoetry]

if kiosk lines are truly 45 minutes long, and you have to wait in one of those lines each time you get a "bonus" FP (which you might not be able to use til hours later)....then there really is no advantage in waiting in those lines vs. waiting in the SB lines....

 

[OtherScott]

I really think the kiosk thing is the result of poor phrasing and doesn't actually mean that guests with smartphones/tablets must ALSO use the kiosks.

Great minds think alike. Greater minds type faster.

 

[ethanwa]

I really hope it's not "kiosk only" for the fourth FP+... that would be a disaster. I'm sure it's just been miscommunicated.

 

[CWdreamer]

I know that human nature is to dislike change and that FP+ has been very traumatic for many. That's ok and everyone has a right to their opinion. However, regardless of which side of the fence you are on, I think that this shows that the powers to be are listening to what people are saying and intent on making changes. Will they make all the changes that every person wants? No, and that because not everyone agrees on every change that should be made.

For example, people wanted more than three FP+. It looks like that wish may be granted. However, now that doesn't seem to be good enough. Now in addtion to more FP+, some people now want to add it on their phone and don't want to go to a kiosk. Some people are fine going to a kiosk because they used to have to go to a FP- minus machine and are just happy getting more FP+. No matter what WDW does, they cannot please everyone but I really do think they are listening.

WDW is a special place that my family enjoys and will continue to enjoy regardless of FP+ and the features that it brings. I'm just happy that they are listening and are adjusting as needed and that's good enough for me.

 

[OtherScott]

I really hope it's not "kiosk only" for the fourth FP+... that would be a disaster. I'm sure it's just been miscommunicated.

It wouldn't be a disaster. Remember, as of this week all guests have prebooking. Kiosk activity will drop off. That said, lazy language - of course you'll be able to use the app.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Standing in a long line to avoid standing in a long line later isn't an improvement.

Oh, yes it is!!!!

 

[Mad Hattered]

It wouldn't be a disaster. Remember, as of this week all guests have prebooking. Kiosk activity will drop off. That said, lazy language - of course you'll be able to use the app.

And those in THAT line were only offsite people. Now EVERYONE would be in that line.

 

[OtherScott]

if kiosk lines are truly 45 minutes long, and you have to wait in one of those lines each time you get a "bonus" FP (which you might not be able to use til hours later)....then there really is no advantage in waiting in those lines vs. waiting in the SB lines....

They're 45 minutes because until this week they were the only access points for offsite guests.

The number using them in the future will be those making changes and those who chose not to prebook. Will be crowded in morning but not much after the initial rush.

 

[ethanwa]

It wouldn't be a disaster. Remember, as of this week all guests have prebooking. Kiosk activity will drop off. That said, lazy language - of course you'll be able to use the app.

What I mean by disaster is that later in the day the kiosks would be jam packed because everyone would want that 4th FP+. Allowing people to use their phones (which the entire system was designed for) is what is best.

 

[JanaDee]

I know that human nature is to dislike change and that FP+ has been very traumatic for many. That's ok and everyone has a right to their opinion. However, regardless of which side of the fence you are on, I think that this shows that the powers to be are listening to what people are saying and intent on making changes. Will they make all the changes that every person wants? No, and that because not everyone agrees on every change that should be made.

For example, people wanted more than three FP+. It looks like that wish may be granted. However, now that doesn't seem to be good enough. Now in addtion to more FP+, some people now want to add it on their phone and don't want to go to a kiosk. Some people are fine going to a kiosk because they used to have to go to a FP- minus machine and are just happy getting more FP+. No matter what WDW does, they cannot please everyone but I really do think they are listening.

WDW is a special place that my family enjoys and will continue to enjoy regardless of FP+ and the features that it brings. I'm just happy that they are listening and are adjusting as needed and that's good enough for me.

Or they are losing money and need people to stay in the park longer.

 

[jhaig]

So how should this affect SB lines during "slower times" of the year? We are going in September, plan on doing rope drop each day, and was planning on using my FP+ for whatever park we go to in the evening. Am I going to have to change my strategy?

 

[slickpoetry]

They're 45 minutes because until this week they were the only access points for offsite guests.

The number using them in the future will be those making changes and those who chose not to prebook. Will be crowded in morning but not much after the initial rush.

That's true until people start to make their 4th FP selection....if the wording in today's announcement is accurate. Then EVERYONE in the park will line up at kiosks to get a 4th FP. Not at the same time, mind you.

Hopefully (as others say) the wording is inaccurate.

 

[cigar95]

What is described in the blog post was implemented as a test in the parks in early March - exactly as stated, including requiring a kiosk rather than an online method. Very few knew about it because there was no public announcement, but it was there to be tested. So the ability to activate it, apart from whatever fine-tuning resulted from observations of the March test, could happen very quickly.

And it was also active during an unannounced test in January, when I actually did it myself. Again, via a kiosk and in my case, at a separate park from the original three.

So this is all part of the huge and detailed test period. There has been a purpose behind much of what has been going on beyond things that have been part of formal publicity announcements.

 

[Disneyhabs]

I'd be surprised if that was the case. I'm going to assume you'll be able to use your smart devices as well.

If this change occurs I hope it is kiosk use only.

 

[OtherScott]

What I mean by disaster is that later in the day the kiosks would be jam packed because everyone would want that 4th FP+. Allowing people to use their phones (which the entire system was designed for) is what is best.

People would hit their respective 3rd FP at staggered times. Moot point, you'll be able to use app.