This just in from Disney Parks blog!

[jrjankowski8]

For me, I'm going to stick with the FP+ in the evening of whatever park I'm going to be in at night because that's usually when the park is the most crowded and has the longest waits. Plus the last thing I want to do in the 1-2 hrs before I have to leave the park is wait in line and burn it.

I'll still rope drop some rides in the AM and keep my evening rides. That way I'll get 2-3 rides in the AM and still have my 3 rides at night.

I wouldn't want to chance using my 3 FP+ in the AM so I can get more for later, and then not having any options left.

The 3 FP+ I get initially are guaranteed. So I'd rather use them when I need them.

 

[mom2rtk]

Agreed. The Mouse has the cheese on the move for sure!

However, I would never plan on FP+ for Headliners AT ALL same day being available during peak. If the FP- ran out by noon limited only by attendance in THAT park THAT day, now FP+ are limited only by the number of active tickets holders WORLDWIDE, jeepers, maybe even Figment becomes unavailable same day.

There is already a report that TT was unavailable at opening. As more and more people become aware of how the system works, I imagine there will only be a increase in users.

I would stick with later day slots at peak season too. Just too little chance for any payoff. Heck, I'm not even sure if it will be worth it in low to moderate seasons. That's why I'll be watching here for reports over the coming months.

 

[rastuso]

Can't keep up with this thread, but I just don't understand all the love for this move. It is pretty much meaningless.

If you waste your FP+ for early times, when it isn't really needed, then you MIGHT get one more decent FP+, and that would probably be it.

If you save your FP+ for the afternoon or later, you may be able to get a Pirates of HM FP+. But that IS NOT A BENEFIT. Remember, just a year ago, you NEVER had a serious wait for those rides except the absolute worst days.

This change in the system is a slight improvement on the mess that was created by the system to begin with.

On any day that an FP+ will available for Space Mountain at 1 pm, crowds are going to be fairly light anyway.

-R

 

[WillAustin]

If you waste your FP+ for early times, when it isn't really needed, then you MIGHT get one more decent FP+, and that would probably be it.

It's going to depend on when you go.

It will be interesting to see how 9am-noon is during the summer.

Unfortunately I think standby in the mornings is going to be a whole lot slower than before solely because of FP+.

I think there's a chance no-show FPs will be recycled back into the allocation for the day and become available later for changes or additional FP.

 

[morethananyonex]

You missed the biggest variable:
The time of year.....

From my understanding Spring break time is always long lines?

Also you mentioned posters which accounts for basically nothing in comparison to attendance. You couldn't get more FP- until 2hr/after ride in the past as well so by getting there at RD you could assure multiple rides on headliners of choice.

I just don't see this as an actionable event for those who don't do RD.

I wrote a reply to this, but it looks like the DIS ate it . I'll try again.

I don't think the effects on RD from this change will come from people who otherwise wouldn't have gone that early. I think it's pretty hard to pull a huge amount of people into the park early who otherwise wouldn't have, RD has always been a huge advantage, yet majority of people don't arrive until much later.

Instead, I think the change will come from people who already take advantage of RD. The biggest change will IMO come from the people in the know, who up until this point were maximizing FP+ by arriving at RD, riding SB, and using their FP+ in the afternoon/evening. I think that will be the group that shifts the most because of this.

It doesn't really work as nicely at DHS/Epcot because of the lack of attractions, or AK because let's face it, you really don't need much more than 3 there. At MK though (or for anyone hopping to MK later in the day, depending on how hopping rules work), there's lots of incentive to use FP+ as early as possible. For example, book FP+ at 9, 10 and 11. Ride SB until just before 10 when you use your first FP. After that ride SB again until just before 11, when you would use your 2nd and 3rd FP back to back. Preferably these are headliner type rides that you may not be able to grab a 4th+ FP+ for later in the day. After you exit the last ride, book another. These would be the secondary type rides that have gotten significant waits since the introduction of FP+.

At a park like MK, someone who takes full advantage of the system may be able to avoid lines for a good part of the day. It only really works if you are familiar with the park layouts so you can time your FP properly. Running around between rides, especially for the first 3 FP, kind of takes away the benefit of this. This still wouldn't be as significant as FP-, in terms of cutting down waits. Those days are gone. However, it seems likely that you would be able to grab secondary FP+ for a good part of the day, giving you walk ons all day long.

Anyways, long story short, it will be guests like the ones here on the DIS who screw up the SB lines because of this . It likely won't encourage people to get their butts moving to get to the parks early, it is much more likely to be the people who already use RD to maximize their touring.

 

[OtherScott]

I wrote a reply to this, but it looks like the DIS ate it . I'll try again.

I don't think the effects on RD from this change will come from people who otherwise wouldn't have gone that early. I think it's pretty hard to pull a huge amount of people into the park early who otherwise wouldn't have, RD has always been a huge advantage, yet majority of people don't arrive until much later.

Instead, I think the change will come from people who already take advantage of RD. The biggest change will IMO come from the people in the know, who up until this point were maximizing FP+ by arriving at RD, riding SB, and using their FP+ in the afternoon/evening. I think that will be the group that shifts the most because of this.

It doesn't really work as nicely at DHS/Epcot because of the lack of attractions, or AK because let's face it, you really don't need much more than 3 there. At MK though (or for anyone hopping to MK later in the day, depending on how hopping rules work), there's lots of incentive to use FP+ as early as possible. For example, book FP+ at 9, 10 and 11. Ride SB until just before 10 when you use your first FP. After that ride SB again until just before 11, when you would use your 2nd and 3rd FP back to back. Preferably these are headliner type rides that you may not be able to grab a 4th+ FP+ for later in the day. After you exit the last ride, book another. These would be the secondary type rides that have gotten significant waits since the introduction of FP+.

At a park like MK, someone who takes full advantage of the system may be able to avoid lines for a good part of the day. It only really works if you are familiar with the park layouts so you can time your FP properly. Running around between rides, especially for the first 3 FP, kind of takes away the benefit of this. This still wouldn't be as significant as FP-, in terms of cutting down waits. Those days are gone. However, it seems likely that you would be able to grab secondary FP+ for a good part of the day, giving you walk ons all day long.

Anyways, long story short, it will be guests like the ones here on the DIS who screw up the SB lines because of this . It likely won't encourage people to get their butts moving to get to the parks early, it is much more likely to be the people who already use RD to maximize their touring.

It's easier to get people to change what they do than when they do it.

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

For me, I'm going to stick with the FP+ in the evening of whatever park I'm going to be in at night because that's usually when the park is the most crowded and has the longest waits. Plus the last thing I want to do in the 1-2 hrs before I have to leave the park is wait in line and burn it.

I'll still rope drop some rides in the AM and keep my evening rides. That way I'll get 2-3 rides in the AM and still have my 3 rides at night.

I wouldn't want to chance using my 3 FP+ in the AM so I can get more for later, and then not having any options left.

The 3 FP+ I get initially are guaranteed. So I'd rather use them when I need them.

I agree with you. I would rather stand in a ride line than at a kiosk.

 

[PEC]

First I see this helping more during non-peak seasons. During peak seasons (ie Christmas) it really doesnt matter because you are not likely to get 3 FPs whether FP- or FP+ (except maybe MK) for the top rides. Understand tier being an issue but with old system TT, Soarin and TSMM were gone well before noon anyway. Offseaon you will now get a chance for one of the top rides later in the day. If your FP+ are all morning.

I believe MK is where this will work best for individuals that go early in the day. There are a lot of good options for rides and the FPs get better dispersed. There should be a decent chance of a late BTMR, Splash or Space Mountain being available. Even during peak season, early afternoon, you probably have a chance of getting a top ride for later in the day.

 

[rastuso]

First I see this helping more during non-peak seasons. During peak seasons (ie Christmas) it really doesnt matter because you are not likely to get 3 FPs whether FP- or FP+ (except maybe MK) for the top rides. Understand tier being an issue but with old system TT, Soarin and TSMM were gone well before noon anyway. Offseaon you will now get a chance for one of the top rides later in the day. If your FP+ are all morning.

I believe MK is where this will work best for individuals that go early in the day. There are a lot of good options for rides and the FPs get better dispersed. There should be a decent chance of a late BTMR, Splash or Space Mountain being available. Even during peak season, early afternoon, you probably have a chance of getting a top ride for later in the day.

There is no way that will be the norm once all visitors having early FP+ access is the norm, and we are quickly getting to that.

Again, go to the basic math. BTMRR only has about 15000 FP+ to hand out anyway. You think after 45,000 people get their three (135,000 total), that one of those 15,000 would still be around? No way.

-J

 

[MaryKatesMom]

You missed the biggest variable:
The time of year.....

From my understanding Spring break time is always long lines?

Also you mentioned posters which accounts for basically nothing in comparison to attendance. You couldn't get more FP- until 2hr/after ride in the past as well so by getting there at RD you could assure multiple rides on headliners of choice.

I just don't see this as an actionable event for those who don't do RD.

As I have said numerous times, the time of year is ALWAYS the biggest variable. I have been in through all different crowd levels and without proper planning, peak times could be un-manageable.

Attendence has gone up 1.5% while the SB lines % has almost doubled.

Here is a thread on recent changes.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3258581

 

[morethananyonex]

It's easier to get people to change what they do than when they do it.

Exactly.

A change like this will be similar to FP-, IMO. Not in the way it operates, but in the way it's used. It will be used by people who are willing to put the effort in, are willing to learn about it, and whose touring style it fits (or can be forced to fit). A family who doesn't show up until early afternoon isn't going to to suddenly arrive at 9 AM to start blowing through FP.

 

[PEC]

There is no way that will be the norm once all visitors having early FP+ access is the norm, and we are quickly getting to that.

Again, go to the basic math. BTMRR only has about 15000 FP+ to hand out anyway. You think after 45,000 people get their three (135,000 total), that one of those 15,000 would still be around? No way.

-J

Understand the math, but historically BTMRR would have FP- available late in the day. Keep in mind MK is different. Peter Pan, ETWB, Space Mountain, Splash MTN and when finished 7 Dwarfs will all get there fair share. Families with children will include Dumbo and Winnie. Nostalgic individuals will go with Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and POTC. Heck even Buzz and Tommorowland Speedway will be choices for a decent amount of individuals. Oh this isn't counting Wishes, MSEP, Mickey Meet and Greet and Pricesses. I guess we will see.

 

[OtherScott]

Exactly.

A change like this will be similar to FP-, IMO. Not in the way it operates, but in the way it's used. It will be used by people who are willing to put the effort in, are willing to learn about it, and whose touring style it fits (or can be forced to fit). A family who doesn't show up until early afternoon isn't going to to suddenly arrive at 9 AM to start blowing through FP.

Yep. I've tried to defend the rationale behind the new system only because I think it is absolutely necessary going forward, whether park expansion is in the plans or not. It might not work out, but based on the totality of what I know (about life, not Disney), my opinion is that it's the best option for success.

As for how it will affect me personally, not much change. I did RD at Epcot and DHS because I had to, and now that I don't, I won't. We have season passes for Kings Island near Cincy and we do a few days every summer at Cedar Point. Getting off of Rock-N-Roll Coaster my kids said, "That's it?" They'd rather go to the stunt car show they've seen a dozen times and Indiana Jones (even before dad got to be one of the extras).

So Disney has taken our family of 6 out of the morning rush, getting a character breakfast on about 1/2 the mornings. We'll meet up with the rest of you around lunch.

 

[sethschroeder]

I thought the biggest benefit to all of this, as repeated loudly and constantly by the Pro-FP+ crowd, was that you didn't have to wake up early and rush to the park anymore? I thought everyone was excited to sleep in? Now, we're back to rope drop being essential for everyone, and suddenly people are happy to get up for rope drop again? I'm confused.

This is still a big benefit! To those saying that this somehow changes RD to being more crowded I was pointing out people have been saying its been important for better stand by lines for a while.

The reserve 3 FP+ I love for September as we can make our afternoon locks as we never do and won't do RD as it's vacation and waking up and rushing to a park is not relaxing, we love the nice stroll to the park late morning.

 

[sethschroeder]

Exactly.

A change like this will be similar to FP-, IMO. Not in the way it operates, but in the way it's used. It will be used by people who are willing to put the effort in, are willing to learn about it, and whose touring style it fits (or can be forced to fit). A family who doesn't show up until early afternoon isn't going to to suddenly arrive at 9 AM to start blowing through FP.

Bingo!

 

[babydoll65]

I would prefer they give four fps from the get go to be used between any parks for parkhopping. Maybe set up two fps between two parks then once you have used all your fps for THAT park you would allowed another.(that park only) would be nice if maybe they could put some kiosks in the resort's themselves. (Open 24 hours) I know this is just wishful thinking.

 

[glamdring269]

There are already reports of TT FP's being unavailable at RD. It will ALL come down to seasonality. It always did. I would much rather go during value season like we used to but going during Holiday's is all we can do for now.

I would never put my FP+ in an AM slot over peak. All of the FP- for headliners were gone by Noon in years past and there isn't any significant increase in capacity that would indicate more FP's in the system. Nothing has changed except RD is now 30 day's out for FP's.

I do think it would be situational and also tied to seasonality. We typically spend the afternoons back at the resort and head back out in the evenings. With tiering there is really no point in wasting all 3 FP+ at Epcot in the PM so I would opt to use them in the morning on those days in order to get extra ride benefit at RD. This would be most effective at a place like DHS. Hopping to MK may still provide added benefit since there are so many rides. This is especially true when you're going during a '5' season.

Fortunately for us we still have (hopefully) enough time for all of this to be figured out since we are not visiting until October.

 

[Shaden]

Exactly.

A change like this will be similar to FP-, IMO. Not in the way it operates, but in the way it's used. It will be used by people who are willing to put the effort in, are willing to learn about it, and whose touring style it fits (or can be forced to fit). A family who doesn't show up until early afternoon isn't going to to suddenly arrive at 9 AM to start blowing through FP.

Yep. I've tried to defend the rationale behind the new system only because I think it is absolutely necessary going forward, whether park expansion is in the plans or not. It might not work out, but based on the totality of what I know (about life, not Disney), my opinion is that it's the best option for success.

I think I like the change because a) it will be better for me b)It will be better during the slower parts of the year. c) I can't see it making much difference either way in busier seasons (so its not a negative then) d) I think this will allow the "pros" and the people who put in full days "commando" to do more. Which I think is good. You want the first timers to have a great time, but you also want the most loyal guests to be able to maximize their enjoyment. At least, I do, and I think its good business.

Is this perfect ? Is it a return to FP- ... no, but its pretty close. I would have rather had the 3 cycling FPs, being able to hold 3 at any time. But I will take this too.

 

[chrismb22]

d) I think this will allow the "pros" and the people who put in full days "commando" to do more.

I'm sorry, I know what you meant by doing the park "commando" but I just had a vision of all these people going "commando" in the parks. Not sure I am on board with THAT plan on a hot, sweaty day.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm sorry, I know what you meant by doing the park "commando" but I just had a vision of all these people going "commando" in the parks. Not sure I am on board with THAT plan on a hot, sweaty day.

I travel in December. That might be problematic........