This just in from Disney Parks blog!

[KYDisneyDad]

FP+ isn't an improvement over FP- for us, but the ability to possibly get more than 3 FP+s is a slight improvement over being locked into only 3.

Agreed, 4 is better than 3, but it's the effects caused that seriously concern me the most. Additional FP after 3 used means optimal FP strategy is to schedule early as possible starting at rope drop. Rope drop advantage is now gone. An more importantly more Fastpasses for people for all the minor rides that don't need and never had it before means standby gets that much worse since such FP now gets complete priority over standby. That more than anything needs to change.

 

[ethanwa]

I don't care what anyone says... FP+ is an improvement over FP- for me and my family.

I hate it when people throw blanket statements out there like "FP+ hasn't helped anyone." It's just plain WRONG.

 

[travelinggnomes]

I might go against the grain here, in saying that fp+ is not the most horrible thing imo, at least not since they added the additional. I have really bad arthritis, but refuse to be bound to a chair while my sweet little ones are bounding around!!! It was HARD to go from one ride to the next for fastpasses and then back to them when it was time to actually ride. We are offsiters, and the only attraction we were not able to book for our upcoming trip was Anna and Elsa. With FP+, we were able to plan our trips and not have to back track much. THIS will help make my days in the park SO much better!!!

 

[WillAustin]

Agreed, 4 is better than 3, but it's the effects caused that seriously concern me the most. Additional FP after 3 used means optimal FP strategy is to schedule early as possible starting at rope drop. Rope drop advantage is now gone. An more importantly more Fastpasses for people for all the minor rides that don't need and never had it before means standby gets that much worse since such FP now gets complete priority over standby. That more than anything needs to change.

I don't think rope drop advantage is gone. There will be far more no-shows for early morning FPs than any other time of day. People who didn't get up early before aren't suddenly going to do it because of a FP+ reservation.

For us, a strategy of riding both FP and standby in the morning is the same as we used before. I think it will work for us, at least better than the 3 FP and done setup.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

1) Will there be anything worthwhile left?
2) Do I really have to wait through a kiosk line to MAYBE avoid a ride line?
3) Will re-rides be allowed?
4) How will tiering work?
5) Do I need to get to my second park get a 4th FP if I want to hop?
6) Can I get a 5th?
7) Do I really have to use all 3 first, or can I delete them and move on to my 4th? (A real issue at DHS and Epcot)

Well thank goodness that FP+ isn't as complicated to understand and use as FP- was!

My questions is when Disney is going to stop requiring everyone who uses FP+ to select 3 FP's? As far as I can tell you still have to pick 3 or MDE will select more for you and you can't cancel just one - it's all or nothing, correct? It might help some to allow people who actually only have 1 or 2 rides they want to do to select only those and thus free up slots for those who would actually like them.

 

[jade1]

Agreed, 4 is better than 3, but it's the effects caused that seriously concern me the most. Additional FP after 3 used means optimal FP strategy is to schedule early as possible starting at rope drop. Rope drop advantage is now gone. An more importantly more Fastpasses for people for all the minor rides that don't need and never had it before means standby gets that much worse since such FP now gets complete priority over standby. That more than anything needs to change.

I don't think rope drop advantage is gone. There will be far more no-shows for early morning FPs than any other time of day. People who didn't get up early before aren't suddenly going to do it because of a FP+ reservation.

For us, a strategy of riding both FP and standby in the morning is the same as we used before. I think it will work for us, at least better than the 3 FP and done setup.

I agree RD will still be beneficial for commandos. SB will still mix in with your 3 FP+ selections-like you say, over sleep, sick, hangover, reschedule, cancellations etc.

Then the 4th FP+ (hopefully 5th and 6th ect) will depend on seasons IMO, BTMRR in off season, POTC in peak type of thing.

So RD for SB, and then to add what you can-maybe it's Fantasmic and you come back for that.

Or if you can get a 5th after the 4th is used-a whole new strategy will arise, let's say POTC is available in 20 minutes-but 7DMT is available for 8 hours from now. Do you lock in 7DMT and go back and swim, or take POTC and take your chances after for a 5th?

 

[morethananyonex]

Well thank goodness that FP+ isn't as complicated to understand and use as FP- was! My questions is when Disney is going to stop requiring everyone who uses FP+ to select 3 FP's? As far as I can tell you still have to pick 3 or MDE will select more for you and you can't cancel just one - it's all or nothing, correct? It might help some to allow people who actually only have 1 or 2 rides they want to do to select only those and thus free up slots for those who would actually like them.

In the survey they mentioned this. If I had to guess I would say it's coming when they can figure out how to make the system do it properly. Who knows, maybe it's coming soon it's just not exciting enough for a blog post.

I mean how would that look? "Some super exciting news for our park guests, now you can choose to book only two FP instead of three! That's right you heard us, we listened to our guests and made it possible to book less!" I don't know about you, but that makes me super pumped about what's going on at the parks.

 

[Shaden]

Ironic, with FP- it was eerily similar, although much worse, for the average guest arrival.

So they said, "ok, sure, if you would like to pick through the scraps after you arrive, go right ahead."

True, true. But I guess that's my point. Scraps are scraps.

True, but scraps "after 3" is a lot better than just scraps.

I don't know why I have to point this out ... but this is only true for about 1 Third of the year !!!!

The rest of the year, especially if you go to the recommended parks, there are FPs to pull throughout the day !!!

 

[2Tiggies]

I don't care what anyone says... FP+ is an improvement over FP- for me and my family.

I hate it when people throw blanket statements out there like "FP+ hasn't helped anyone." It's just plain WRONG.

And suddenly the majority becomes the minority.

Love Tink actually backed up her statement with a list of reasons. I'm glad it works for you. I'm glad it works for those it does work for but despite its share of fans, the pro FP+ group is not 100% happy. Those who find it flawless are definitely in the minority.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

I don't know why I have to point this out ... but this is only true for about 1 Third of the year !!!!

The rest of the year, especially if you go to the recommended parks, there are FPs to pull throughout the day !!!

Is this true now tho. I don't have an AP or a tickets linked so I can't check. I realize now with spring break and Easter coming up it isn't a good time to check. But let's say end of Apr/beg may.....would love to know what availability for headliners is at noon and maybe 4. Will there be FP+s left at those times for later in the day?

 

[Shaden]

Is this true now tho. I don't have an AP or a tickets linked so I can't check. I realize now with spring break and Easter coming up it isn't a good time to check. But let's say end of Apr/beg may.....would love to know what availability for headliners is at noon and maybe 4. Will there be FP+s left at those times for later in the day?

absolutely, at least, the last couple years there have been.

The increased distribution of FPs might change this though, yet to be seen.

However, Late April, early may, usually "5" crowd level days. If you go to the recommended park, we have been able to pull FPs all day, head somewhere for dinner, then head back to a park for Illuminations or wishes and STILL pull FPS.

 

[Disneylover99]

I don't care what anyone says... FP+ is an improvement over FP- for me and my family.

I hate it when people throw blanket statements out there like "FP+ hasn't helped anyone." It's just plain WRONG.

I'm happy that FP+ has been an improvement to your family.

I also don't like blanket statements like, FP+ is fair for everyone. That's just not true.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

In the survey they mentioned this. If I had to guess I would say it's coming when they can figure out how to make the system do it properly. Who knows, maybe it's coming soon it's just not exciting enough for a blog post.

I mean how would that look? "Some super exciting news for our park guests, now you can choose to book only two FP instead of three! That's right you heard us, we listened to our guests and made it possible to book less!" I don't know about you, but that makes me super pumped about what's going on at the parks.

Awww - They are so great at making everything sound like a positive thing - this one ought to be easy!

I don't know why I have to point this out ... but this is only true for about 1 Third of the year !!!!

The rest of the year, especially if you go to the recommended parks, there are FPs to pull throughout the day !!!

I know that you keep stating this but it seems to be forgetting that there has been a fundamental change in the FP's in that the distributions don't happen in incremental steps earliest to latest. Thus there's zero guarantee that all the later FP's for the headliners won't be booked up far earlier in the day compared to how FP- worked and FP- history can not give any indication of future availability under FP+.

 

[DPCummerbund]

What I can't help but thinking is that FP+ is FAR from a finished product. I feel bad for the people who are having problems with it, but in the long term I think it can be a FANTASTIC system if Disney uses it properly - and I have no doubt that they will.

That's what bothers me about all the criticism here on the boards - it's so short term. Eventually, it can make park-going fun and easy for 90% of Disney's guests (the 90% who actually want to make it fun and easy). So again, I feel bad for those who are experiencing problems now, but I am certain that months from now or years from now, it will be an awesome system that the vast majority of guests won't want to give up.

 

[2Tiggies]

That's what bothers me about all the criticism here on the boards - it's so short term. Eventually, it can make park-going fun and easy for 90% of Disney's guests (the 90% who actually want to make it fun and easy). So again, I feel bad for those who are experiencing problems now, but I am certain that months from now or years from now, it will be an awesome system that the vast majority of guests won't want to give up.

I do believe it has potential. I do not believe the way it was implemented has been handled smartly. Yes, we can expect to see ongoing changes but you can't begrudge those complaining who are locked into or have come back from trips where they were effectively used as rack rate paying guinea pigs to deal with problems that should be supplier's responsibility, not consumers' problems. When the test retained the voluntary opt in or opt out that was a different matter. This may be testing but it is all there is. So test or not, there is no fall back. Not for Disney. Not for the [paying] guests.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

absolutely, at least, the last couple years there have been.

The increased distribution of FPs might change this though, yet to be seen.

However, Late April, early may, usually "5" crowd level days. If you go to the recommended park, we have been able to pull FPs all day, head somewhere for dinner, then head back to a park for Illuminations or wishes and STILL pull FPS.

I do hope it's still the case. Just a little leery b/c now close to 100% (or at least I think that is Disney's goal) is using FP+ where before only 50% were using FP-. I'm anxiously waiting to see how late Apr early May pan out. I tentatively have a trip planned for late Oct and per Easy calendar parks are rated 4-5 and 6 on weekend but I'll make sure to stay away from Epcot on the weekend.

 

[Planogirl]

People don't care to wait in lines at a theme park. They do it all the time. They expect to.

They'd rather not, but most are rational enough to know that amusement parks that don't have lines usually aren't open too long.

Give them reasonable lines and the opportunity to forego a few of them and I think you've got a recipe for success.

I honestly thought at one time that WDW wasn't like other themeparks. It never occurred to me (my fault) that many visitors weren't using fastpasses. I was naïve and believed that at least most were and that Disney had figured out a way to get around most of the waiting in lines. I see that I was wrong and it's also possible that the lines have gotten worse in order to get everyone on an equal footing.

So then my only decision is whether I want to wait. I can't see it ever being OK for me but I don't fault others for not minding.

 

[Shaden]

What I can't help but thinking is that FP+ is FAR from a finished product. I feel bad for the people who are having problems with it, but in the long term I think it can be a FANTASTIC system if Disney uses it properly - and I have no doubt that they will.

That's what bothers me about all the criticism here on the boards - it's so short term. Eventually, it can make park-going fun and easy for 90% of Disney's guests (the 90% who actually want to make it fun and easy). So again, I feel bad for those who are experiencing problems now, but I am certain that months from now or years from now, it will be an awesome system that the vast majority of guests won't want to give up.

I do believe it has potential. I do not believe the way it was implemented has been handled smartly. Yes, we can expect to see ongoing changes but you can't begrudge those complaining who are locked into or have come back from trips where they were effectively used as rack rate paying guinea pigs to deal with problems that should be supplier's responsibility, not consumers' problems. When the test retained the voluntary opt in or opt out that was a different matter. This may be testing but it is all there is. So test or not, there is no fall back. Not for Disney. Not for the [paying] guests.

Seriously, as happy as I am about the current upcoming changes (though no idea if they will be in place in time for my trip) I can't see how anyone could honestly be so positive about the system and its roll out, unless of course they were being completely self-centered and self-interested.

What is absolutely hilarious is that so very many of us saw the need for these changes, like, almost these exact changes (though again, I think many of us would prefer three rolling FPs, people offered a couple different variables)

And yet, Disney rolled the system out in the crap form it was anyway. I can't thing of any feasible way that Disney didn't know this change was needed either, or that it wasn't planned, and instead they have screwed over months of peoples' trips (yes yes, its worked for some, but that doesn't mean it also hasn't screwed over others) all under the label "testing". Gee thanks. When in reality, they could have rolled this out, in the same form they are about to change it to, right from the start.

1 of two things is true, if Disney thinks this is a good change and they are proceeding with it.

1) This was always part of the plan, in which case they purposely rolled the system out in a way which would screw with some people's trips, knowing they were going to make this change an that this would be better for many people.

2) They didn't know they were going to do this, and this is a reaction to user feedback and data collected. Which means the people they pay the megabucks couldn't see what a bunch of people on a Disney Forum saw months ago. In which case Disney program directors are absolutely incompetent and should be fired.

 

[Shaden]

I do hope it's still the case. Just a little leery b/c now close to 100% (or at least I think that is Disney's goal) is using FP+ where before only 50% were using FP-. I'm anxiously waiting to see how late Apr early May pan out. I tentatively have a trip planned for late Oct and per Easy calendar parks are rated 4-5 and 6 on weekend but I'll make sure to stay away from Epcot on the weekend.

Yea Practically, that is an important consideration for sure. FP usage is WAY up .... I guess there really is no way to know how this is going to play out.

But simply looking at the numbers, the math if you will, as long as you are in the right park, on the right days, during mid season, I think this shouldn't be a problem. There just wont be enough people there to soak up all the FP capacity.

 

[Planogirl]

What I can't help but thinking is that FP+ is FAR from a finished product. I feel bad for the people who are having problems with it, but in the long term I think it can be a FANTASTIC system if Disney uses it properly - and I have no doubt that they will.

That's what bothers me about all the criticism here on the boards - it's so short term. Eventually, it can make park-going fun and easy for 90% of Disney's guests (the 90% who actually want to make it fun and easy). So again, I feel bad for those who are experiencing problems now, but I am certain that months from now or years from now, it will be an awesome system that the vast majority of guests won't want to give up.

I think that it has potential too but right now it just looks ugly to me so I'll reserve judgment. Someday we'll know won't we?