This just in from Disney Parks blog!

[Planogirl]

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.

Are you sure about that?

Like many have said, we don't know what the final product will look like. Will the system ever allow re-rides? Plus if so few people used fastpasses before and Disney is trying to get everyone to use how quickly will the headliners run out now? Or even rides such the Haunted Mansion and Pirates?

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Fastpass has become so complicated. I don't know if i'll ever like or get used to this whole new system even with the changes they just announced. It just used to be so much simpler before. Imagine people who are not in the know like we are. How confusing would it be to walk into a park and find a whole new system and try to understand it? I'm imagining people would have to stand there and download the MDE app, and login or register and then link their tickets, plus pray that all the fastpasses aren't gone already. Luckily, I get my info here on the Dis but if I didn't and just walked into the park, i'd be really upset, especially since Disney continues to raise their ticket prices.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Fastpass has become so complicated. I don't know if i'll ever like or get used to this whole new system even with the changes they just announced. It just used to be so much simpler before. Imagine people who are not in the know like we are. How confusing would it be to walk into a park and find a whole new system and try to understand it? I'm imagining people would have to stand there and download the MDE app, and login or register and then link their tickets, plus pray that all the fastpasses aren't gone already. Luckily, I get my info here on the Dis but if I didn't and just walked into the park, i'd be really upset, especially since Disney continues to raise their ticket prices.

I agree but Disney has been marketing the heck out of this system. I think lots more folks will have some understanding of how it works before they go. I do know that I'll be stalking the boards til my next trip b/c if there is a way to maximize and get the biggest bang for your buck, I am confident DISers can figure it out.

 

[doctornick]

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.

It's also completely illogical.

As long as a ride is operating to capacity, then all FP+ does is redistribute wait times. If there are people -- and reading these threads, there certainly are people -- who are waiting more to go on rides and/or going on fewer rides, it is only because other guests are waiting less or going on more rides that they would have with paper FP. It's impossible for all guests to spend more time waiting in line than previously.

Now, mind you, I think the reality is that you have a lot of people saving a little time in line and a small number of people waiting a lot more time in line. But of course some people are better off -- a lot of folks who, for example, had never gone or would never had gone on TSMM or Soarin' without a 60+ min wait now will have FP+ for them.

 

[jade1]

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

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 !!!

No problem, pointing out this is correct the 4 busiest months of the year is a good thing.

The slower months it will work even better.

 

[JeremyGNJ]

It's also completely illogical.

As long as a ride is operating to capacity, then all FP+ does is redistribute wait times. If there are people -- and reading these threads, there certainly are people -- who are waiting more to go on rides and/or going on fewer rides, it is only because other guests are waiting less or going on more rides that they would have with paper FP. It's impossible for all guests to spend more time waiting in line than previously.

Now, mind you, I think the reality is that you have a lot of people saving a little time in line and a small number of people waiting a lot more time in line. But of course some people are better off -- a lot of folks who, for example, had never gone or would never had gone on TSMM or Soarin' without a 60+ min wait now will have FP+ for them.

Make no mistake about it. FP+ is not a "time saving" system. It is only a "time planning" system. It doesn't save you time waiting in line (because like you said it just redistributes wait times).

But it does allow you to plan your day better. You could make sure you have a FP for a ride just before your dinner, or just after. You can make sure you get that ONE important thing done with no fuss. You can make sure to have an efficient plan for navigating the park.

Disney went to great lengths to make sure the system is not exploitable. If people stop trying to analyze FP+ to death to "get the most out of it", and instead use it to help plan their day...they'll be a lot happier.

 

[Mad Hattered]

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.

Bro, please tell me you won't be wearing these anytime soon.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Fastpass has become so complicated. I don't know if i'll ever like or get used to this whole new system even with the changes they just announced. It just used to be so much simpler before. Imagine people who are not in the know like we are. How confusing would it be to walk into a park and find a whole new system and try to understand it? I'm imagining people would have to stand there and download the MDE app, and login or register and then link their tickets, plus pray that all the fastpasses aren't gone already. Luckily, I get my info here on the Dis but if I didn't and just walked into the park, i'd be really upset, especially since Disney continues to raise their ticket prices.

Double post.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Double post.

We have been saying this for 6 months. They will shove this down the throat of everyone visiting. When they start advertising FP+ on a Mickey Bar ice cream stick some will finally realize it.

ETA -I did not quote "double post". People have been saying that for more than 6 months.

 

[jade1]

Make no mistake about it. FP+ is not a "time saving" system.

Hmm really, no mistake at all?

So if I visit XMAS week, golf Wednesday AM (I didn't say fishing because the Hat Man will scold me ), have lunch at the room, then hang at the BLT pool until 4PM. Dinner at California Grill at 5:30 PM.

Now I want to see Wishes at 10 PM and the pre show at 9:45, but ideally ride the 3 mountains before-which have no FP- left and are all 100 minute waits.

If I walk to Splash at 7:30 after dinner, we would get off app 9PM-then have to walk to the castle as the other 2 are out of the question. You guessed it-we will not be riding any mountains-just wait for Philhar, maybe POTC or HM and just enjoy the weather and decor-still great.

Now I have FP+'s for 7PM Splash, 8PM BTMRR, and a 9PM SM.

Arrive at Splash at 7:30, off app 8:10, BTTM at 8:15-off at 8:45, walk to SM but stopping for a Dole Whip on the way. 9:10 SM-off at 9:40, watch the pre show and Wishes.

And this is not an exaggeration to a typical day at WDW for us-at all.

So, will FP+ save us any time?

 

[Mad Hattered]

So if I visit XMAS week, golf Wednesday AM (I didn't say fishing because the Hat Man will scold me )

The name's Hattered, Mad Hattered...

You know I couldn't resist that "fishing line". You are obviously a fishing fan and I would highly suggest you check out Lake Okeechobee for some bass fishing sometime. My Dad was just down there for a big tournament last month.

p.s. my SIL just moved to Andover, MN and sent us pictures of her ice fishing out of a cabin in the middle of some huge lake.

 

[Disneylover99]

. If people stop trying to analyze FP+ to death to "get the most out of it", and instead use it to help plan their day...they'll be a lot happier.

But Disney is allowing me to book FP's 60 days in advance. That's why I analyze it. And if I'm booking this far in advance, I will do my best to get the most out of my planned park days for my family. I'm sure many people feel this way. It has nothing to do with happiness.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

We have been saying this for 6 months. They will shove this down the throat of everyone visiting. When they start advertising FP+ on a Mickey Bar ice cream stick some will finally realize it.

ETA -I did not quote "double post". People have been saying that for more than 6 months.

Haha - I like that Mickey Bar scenario. Sorry ya got messed up.with my double post too. Using my phone and sometimes it posts twice but I try.to delete I'd I catch it. The person I quoted said something along the lines of people getting there and not knowing how it works. I am not a vet like most folks....have only been to the world a handful.of times, but I still believe guests are going to be VERY aware of FP+.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

But Disney is allowing me to book FP's 60 days in advance. That's why I analyze it. And if I'm booking this far in advance, I will do my best to get the most out of my planned park days for my family. I'm sure many people feel this way. It has nothing to do with happiness.

Totally agree!

 

[DPCummerbund]

Hmm really, no mistake at all?

So if I visit XMAS week, golf Wednesday AM (I didn't say fishing because the Hat Man will scold me ), have lunch at the room, then hang at the BLT pool until 4PM. Dinner at California Grill at 5:30 PM.

Now I want to see Wishes at 10 PM and the pre show at 9:45, but ideally ride the 3 mountains before-which have no FP- left and are all 100 minute waits.

If I walk to Splash at 7:30 after dinner, we would get off app 9PM-then have to walk to the castle as the other 2 are out of the question. You guessed it-we will not be riding any mountains-just wait for Philhar, maybe POTC or HM and just enjoy the weather and decor-still great.

Now I have FP+'s for 7PM Splash, 8PM BTMRR, and a 9PM SM.

Arrive at Splash at 7:30, off app 8:10, BTTM at 8:15-off at 8:45, walk to SM but stopping for a Dole Whip on the way. 9:10 SM-off at 9:40, watch the pre show and Wishes.

And this is not an exaggeration to a typical day at WDW for us-at all.

So, will FP+ save us any time?

This is a GREAT example of how FP+ has the ability to help people - and that's in its CURRENT form.

Imagine what will happen when they let people book 3+ FP (which is apparently happening soon) and FP+ across parks (which is at least in the pipeline).

I really want to do AK in the AM. I'm not a rope drop guy, but I get there earlyish. I get FP+ for the safari, EE, and another favorite ride (9, 10, and 11 am), and maybe a standby after that if I feel like it. I strode in late, and got all my favorites in before lunch.

I head back to the hotel for lunch, a swim, and a nap. I have 3 FP for MK (say, the 3 mountains) for late afternoon, then an ADR for dinner. I ride my 3 mountains, and as I'm at the restaurant I make my next FP+ for after dinner. I then enjoy a late night at the park, when it's a little cooler and standby lines are shorter, and alternate with my next FP+.

That sounds like an AWESOME day at the park. And, unlike FP- (which was a system exclusive to Disney), all of this is just an app on my phone, so it's no harder to figure out than Angry Birds.

 

[Shaden]

No problem, pointing out this is correct the 4 busiest months of the year is a good thing.

The slower months it will work even better.

Jade ... how did we end up on the same "team" ????

hahaha

 

[Shaden]

Bro, please tell me you won't be wearing these anytime soon.

Homie, I promise I wont .. I can't go THAT far I might "flip flop" but, I am going to stick to my guns. If I think it's an overall advantage to the "pro" ... I like it, if not ... I don't ... its that simple.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Homie, I promise I wont .. I can't go THAT far I might "flip flop" but, I am going to stick to my guns. If I think it's an overall advantage to the "pro" ... I like it, if not ... I don't ... its that simple.

Well, have it known that I'm watching your choice of footwear.

Don't make us cut you loose. It gets lonely on the streets. Never forget that. But if you can infiltrate the other side and figure out how to "Pro" things up then come on back and we'll roll this Mouse.

 

[JimmyV]

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.

I can see how one might reach this conclusion, but I don't think the math supports the assumption that we will see a change in the outcome, at least in the busiest weeks/months. (And in the "off season", none of this really alters the fact that rides are easy to come by).

While one might think that the optimal strategy is for "everyone" to book their FPs early, "everyone" can't do that. There are only so many FPs that the computer can dole out in the parks' first two hours of operation. If TT can accommodate 500 FP per hour, only 500 people can and will book those in the first hour. It's not as if 4,000 people will be getting FPs during that hour. With this new change, it is almost a sure thing that crafty commandos will jump on these times in hopes of getting more FPs later in the day. So the 500 slots will fill up. But they would have filled up anyway in the busy weeks/months. Now that pre-booking is open to all, every time slot is going to get pre-booked for the really popular rides. Now, we've just shifted the order in which they fill up. Under FP+1.0, the first 500 slots would be taken by forlorn guests who got "stuck" with them because those were the only slots left available. " Honey!...the only time I can get for Test Track is 9:10. Should I take it?" And it gets taken. Under FP+2.0, it's: "Honey!...we're in luck. There is a FP available for Test Track at 9:10. Sweet!" Either way, that 9:10 slot is/was going to get booked. So when you show up for RD and see the SB line growing because people are streaming in through the FP line, you won't notice any change. The only thing that will be different will be that the people in the FP line will be there because they want to, instead of because this was the only time they could get. But numerically, 500 is 500 and those slots are destined to be filled either way.

 

[Shaden]

Well, have it known that I'm watching your choice of footwear.

Don't make us cut you loose. It gets lonely on the streets. Never forget that. But if you can infiltrate the other side and figure out how to "Pro" things up then come on back and we'll roll this Mouse.

I think you might be the best person on the internet ... seriously.

I will be posting a day by day, from May 2 - May 16th. Its going to be ALLLLLL about FP+ in direct comparison to last year, the exact same time frame. Which my wife dutifully recorded, literally hour by hour, because she is a scrapbooking fiend.

I will represent, hard.