TSM standby-less test Oct. 6-9

[jahber]

Is this test still going on today? Because I am seeing one FP+ available for only 2 people (we have 4 in our family, so...useless anyway) and it's 5:55-6:55. It says no others available. That and Star Tours are the only rides my 7yo likes at DHS. So do I drive 45 minutes on the hope that we can ride one of the two rides we want? I'm gonna say no thanks, Disney. I hope whatever it is they're trying to figure out is worth it, because they just kept us out of the park for a day--and I would hope that's not their goal. But who knows?

 

[vacationer1954]

I agree. If announced in advance that TSMM will be FP only on certain dates, it would be no different in my opinion than any other refurb. Guests who pay attention to those things in advance would know what they were getting into while those who are oblivious to it will be unpleasantly surprised, just like they are when a major attraction like Splash Mountain is closed.

Of course, WDW already closes rides, occasionally, without advance notice other than on a placard at the front of the park, so this is no different from those occasions.

I don't disagree with your feelings, but I have realized over the last 5 years that Disney is NOT a vacation ( in the kickback, relax and unwind sense).

I agree. With TSA regulations and airline baggage fees you now need to plan how you're going to get your luggage to your destination. If you're going on a cruise you now need to worry about booking shore excursions in advance, booking premium restaurants and spa treatments at precisely the right time, and how you're going to have exactly the right bills to slip into tip envelopes. Even in a place where most of the attractions are free like Washington DC you have to deal with your members of Congress to get special passes to see the most popular attractions.

If I want to "vacation" in the method your use of vacation implies, it'll be at the beach on Cape Cod, state parks in upstate NY, or something else like that!

For us, Disney is that but that's because we don't worry about most of the things some people in this thread are worried about. If we don't visit an attraction on one visit then we'll visit that attraction during another visit. We don't measure the quality of vacation by how many attractions we get in to. So it isn't the way Disney works that ruins vacations. We have a great time.

 

[4077]

For us, Disney is that but that's because we don't worry about most of the things some people in this thread are worried about. If we don't visit an attraction on one visit then we'll visit that attraction during another visit. We don't measure the quality of vacation by how many attractions we get in to. So it isn't the way Disney works that ruins vacations. We have a great time.

As you point out, it definitely depends on how you vacation and what you concern yourself with! If I could just walk around and get this ride but perhaps not that one, leave for 3-4 hours in the afternoon and stroll back for a few other rides, but maybe not all the ones I want and then have everyone in group saying, "No worries, we'll get it next time."....well, that could be more relaxing. Oh well, like I said....it's still fun for me the way I "have" to do it, just not relaxing.

 

[Missyrose]

Is this test still going on today? Because I am seeing one FP+ available for only 2 people (we have 4 in our family, so...useless anyway) and it's 5:55-6:55. It says no others available. That and Star Tours are the only rides my 7yo likes at DHS. So do I drive 45 minutes on the hope that we can ride one of the two rides we want? I'm gonna say no thanks, Disney. I hope whatever it is they're trying to figure out is worth it, because they just kept us out of the park for a day--and I would hope that's not their goal. But who knows?

The test is scheduled to go on today, yes.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Of course, WDW already closes rides, occasionally, without advance notice other than on a placard at the front of the park, so this is no different from those occasions.

I agree. With TSA regulations and airline baggage fees you now need to plan how you're going to get your luggage to your destination. If you're going on a cruise you now need to worry about booking shore excursions in advance, booking premium restaurants and spa treatments at precisely the right time, and how you're going to have exactly the right bills to slip into tip envelopes. Even in a place where most of the attractions are free like Washington DC you have to deal with your members of Congress to get special passes to see the most popular attractions.

For us, Disney is that but that's because we don't worry about most of the things some people in this thread are worried about. If we don't visit an attraction on one visit then we'll visit that attraction during another visit. We don't measure the quality of vacation by how many attractions we get in to. So it isn't the way Disney works that ruins vacations. We have a great time.

If Disney closes an attraction at the last minute, it's because of something unforeseeable -- a mechanical issue generally. These issues are psychologically easier to deal with than Disney making a planned temporary or permanent change without notice.

Do you really plan that much for a cruise? We never book extra-cost restaurants or spa visits. It not a huge deal to predict that our family wants to eat at 6 instead of 8 and there are 24/7 food options. We prepay all our cruise tips before we leave home. The cruise activity schedule isn't available until each evening and hardly dictates your day. I like to research excursions and book them early, but there are plenty of last-minute private tour options. I almost always book tours with no cancellation fees in case someone is sick. Often we just grab a taxi and go somewhere.

I like to research and book trips early. The problem is when I'm required to decide what day and time I'm going to do everything. For example -- Yellowstone. You must book onsite hotels a year in advance. Whether you do or not (we stayed "offsite" and camped instead), there's no requirement that you decide which day and time you'll see Old Faithful, which day you'll swim in the hot springs, etc. Our days were shaped around the weather and how everyone felt. DD saw a photo of a rainbow pool, and we hiked off to see it. In D.C., yes some things require advanced booking for logistic and security purposes (White House mandatory, Capital recommended) but most things do not.

I know that Disney always requires planning to have the best day. But now the advanced planning is so much more detailed, making last-minute changes is so much more complicated, and your carefully crafted plans are always at risk of an unannounced "test" or other change. It is a hundred times easier to go with the flow if you get to visit Disney often. Last spring we went to MK and had a great day under the three FP+ limit because we'd been the year before and just hit our favorites. But many people in my northern state visit once or twice in a lifetime. I get emotional because I want those kinds of families to experience the Disney magic. Dumb and naïve, but oh well.

Since I like advanced planning more than 90% of the population, how can this be going over well with the masses? We won't see the real effect on attendance for several years.

 

[cakebaker]

Is this test still going on today? Because I am seeing one FP+ available for only 2 people (we have 4 in our family, so...useless anyway) and it's 5:55-6:55. It says no others available. That and Star Tours are the only rides my 7yo likes at DHS. So do I drive 45 minutes on the hope that we can ride one of the two rides we want? I'm gonna say no thanks, Disney. I hope whatever it is they're trying to figure out is worth it, because they just kept us out of the park for a day--and I would hope that's not their goal. But who knows?

Yes, supposedly today is the last day.

If I lived locally, and TSMM was that important to me, I wouldn't pick today for a run to HS. What a luxury to be within an hour of WDW!

 

[vacationer1954]

If Disney closes an attraction at the last minute, it's because of something unforeseeable -- a mechanical issue generally.

Generally, but not always. We really don't know when this test was scheduled. It may have been on short notice. Also it may be that an advance notice like that might nullify the test and so it was important that it not be announced in advance. I think it is silly to assume the most sinister assumption about Disney.

Do you really plan that much for a cruise?

Yes, many people do.

We never book extra-cost restaurants or spa visits.

So you wouldn't know much about that aspect of it. That's like people who don't book ADRs or FP+s at Disney. We are all different and so what's important to me may not be important to you, and what's important to you may not be important to me.

 

[faneuil]

So you wouldn't know much about that aspect of it. That's like people who don't book ADRs or FP+s at Disney. We are all different and so what's important to me may not be important to you, and what's important to you may not be important to me.

Which is why eliminating SB entirely is a bad idea.

More power to the uber-planners. More power to the "fly by the seat of our pantsers". (Yes, it's a made up word!)

Having FP+ and SB helps both ends of the spectrum enjoy the type of vacation they love to have.

 

[vacationer1954]

I don't think that's the case. Those in the know can really make FP+ and SB work for them while Disney has the ability with a FP+ only system to even the playing field.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

I don't think that's the case. Those in the know can really make FP+ and SB work for them while Disney has the ability with a FP+ only system to even the playing field.

Please help me understand how?

 

[cabanafrau]

Which is why eliminating SB entirely is a bad idea.

More power to the uber-planners. More power to the "fly by the seat of our pantsers". (Yes, it's a made up word!)

Having FP+ and SB helps both ends of the spectrum enjoy the type of vacation they love to have.

I'm not willing to accept that Disney is driven by a motivation to see to it their guests enjoy their WDW vacations anymore. Their actions reveal a determined focus upon Disney's enjoyment of their guests' wallets.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Which is why eliminating SB entirely is a bad idea.

More power to the uber-planners. More power to the "fly by the seat of our pantsers". (Yes, it's a made up word!)

Having FP+ and SB helps both ends of the spectrum enjoy the type of vacation they love to have.

To me, it's also the difference between what you paid for (rides, shows) and extras (adrs). In the cruise example, I paid for the included meals, shows, and onboard activities. I shouldn't have to plan them in detail months in advance or miss them entirely.

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

Fair enough - people are certainly upset if they can't get a reservation at a restaurant and it's booked.

But, is anyone suggesting that a BETTER alternative would be for the restaurant to leave a certain fraction of its tables available everyday for walk-up/standby guests? That doesn't seem like an improvement to me.

I have heard that very thing suggested several times on this board.

There's a couple of things in your post I wanted to comment on

Originally Posted by indimom3-


While I understand a 1 day park ticket wouldn't do you much good, it is pretty decent compensation for missing 1 ride in a park. It isn't something you'd have to use on this trip.

It was my understanding that they were going to add a day back to her multi day tickets, not give her a free one day ticket.

Honestly, if RNC and TOT are too much for your kids, and they don't like Disney Jr, Muppets, Great Movie Ride, the build a snowman, Stunt Show, or any of the character meet n greets along with the other shows that are there- I'm not sure just being able to ride TSMM multiple times really gives you enough to do at HS for 8 hrs or more.

You did get to ride it once, that's more than some from what I understand.

So she should be thankful that she was allowed to ride once? Part of the problem with DHS is that there are very few things to do there now. DCA does not have this problem because there are plenty of other things to ride. We only spent 6 hours there on our last trip (and that included lunch at Sci Fi) and would probably skip it completely if we didn't like TSMM so much. It is the only ride there that my kids want to go on.

How about a restaurant that doesn't allow walk-up/standby but still has empty tables?

You mean like BOG?

Wow.

I'm not going to get on some high horse and try to tell you why you should feel good or lucky about any of that, or why or how you should have done anything differently.

That was your experience, and it sucked. I hope you send those very same comments to Disney.

This is precisely what I think they are testing. It makes no sense to test IF they need additional capacity for this ride. They DO! But if the rumored third track is to be used only for FPs, they need to ensure they balance the number/times of the FPs to ensure no wasted capacity (which many reported seeing during this test).

I disagree vehemently with the way in which they're going about executing the testing. But the test itself does make sense. Think about the complaints we've seen here about PotC boats leaving half full while there is a long line for SB. That's what can happen if one track is dedicated to FP+. With PotC, they have sometimes diverted SB guests to the other side to remedy the unbalanced lines. But if the FP+ line and third track are not accessible from the SB line, that won't be an option. So they are going to want the line being just long enough to ensure vehicles are getting filled without backing the line up too much or else there will be complaints that FP is not fast enough.

They were doing this at POTC quite a bit on our last trip and it made a big difference.

According to Allearsnet, the FP+ only test has been expanded to the Be Our Guest restaurant at MK:

So now they are not even giving out paper returns? We saw quite a few upset people when we at lunch there last week.

 

[slzer0]

For us, unexpected tests can be a huge bummer. We may live in FL, but Disney is (for us) VERY expensive, and we know we won't make it back for a least four years or so. At least refurbs are announced and we could plan around them.

The idea of Disney turning little kids away from a ride and making them sad just turns my stomach.

And Fwiw, at the price you pay for a park ticket, being thankful you got to ride once just doesn't cut it. I'm not thankful, I PAID for entrance to your park and access to all rides within.
I'm not thankful to get my food after I order at McDonald's. I paid for it.

If they want to test, fine. Test the early half the day and issue return FP for ALL turned away. Another day, test the other half and post at the gate that the second half of the day will be FP testing.

 

[jahber]

There were no FP+ when I checked at 5am, but now they are wide open. Not helpful, Disney. If I were a normal person (which, clearly I am not), I would have assumed that meant FP+ were gone for the day and made difference plans. What's the point of opening them all up at 9am, when it's too late for a visitor to decide whether it's worth it to go to DHS or not? Frustrating.

 

[vacationer1954]

Please help me understand how?

By leading each guest through a very user-friendly experience.

I'm not willing to accept that Disney is driven by a motivation to see to it their guests enjoy their WDW vacations anymore. Their actions reveal a determined focus upon Disney's enjoyment of their guests' wallets.

Yes of course but of course a certain amount of one leads to the other. But only a certain amount.

To me, it's also the difference between what you paid for (rides, shows) and extras (adrs). In the cruise example, I paid for the included meals, shows, and onboard activities. I shouldn't have to plan them in detail months in advance or miss them entirely.

When you pay for admission to the park you aren't paying to ride any specific ride.

 

[magicbob]

But, is anyone suggesting that a BETTER alternative would be for the restaurant to leave a certain fraction of its tables available everyday for walk-up/standby guests? That doesn't seem like an improvement to me.

Just back from Oktoberfest in Munich this weekend, and this is precisely what the most popular fest tents do. They book reservations throughout the day for 90% of the tables, but leave 10% for walk-ins (otherwise most of the guests attending would not be able to get into any of the beer tents!).

 

[Praying Colonel]

For the first time in a few years, we are not at WDW during our Fall Break, which is this week. While we miss it, this photo at least partially validates our decision not go this year. I have a lot of friends at WDW this week, and I'm guessing they'll have some not-so-complimentary things to say about this test. If I was there this week and saw this, I'd be furious.

I'm somewhat of a Disney apologist, both on these boards and in person, but some of these recent decisions at WDW leave me sad and/or shaking my head. You just don't treat people paying lots of money to come to your parks this way.

I couldn't agree more.

DW starts a new job this Monday and we decided to take a last-minute trip before she starts. Our choices came down to renewing our APs (which would expire on 10/3) and going back to WDW for a few days, or going to the gulf coast for a beach vacation. Given everything we've experienced this past year with FP+ and the diminishing of our park experience, we decided not to renew and go to the beach, instead.

It was a bittersweet decision. We had a great time at the beach, but it felt like the end of an era for us after having had such great vacations at WDW over the years.

I came back and found this thread and learned what they did with TSM and yet another cockeyed test at the expense of the guest experience, and it just confirmed we made the right decision. Time for us to see some other stuff.

Very sad--it didn't have to be like this.

 

[magicbob]

I know what you mean!

Here are the informational posts I have found so far --

Installment #3

(Intallment #1: Post 361 on page 25
Installment #2: Post 647 on page 44)

All hail the self-appointed arbiter of which posts are of worth.

 

[cakebaker]

All hail the self-appointed arbiter of which posts are of worth.

I read the daily "what's worth reading" summary in hopes that one of my brilliant posts have made the list.

So far...nada.

Guess I just need to post more