TSM standby-less test Oct. 6-9

[flicx]

So, no version of FastPass at all? Long lines with no alternatives? Only three parks?

Maybe you better update yourself on Disney world history. I said I would take the way it was in the mid to late 90's. Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, and fast pass was introduced in 1999. Oh yeah lets not forget in those days the characters still walked the parks. So, yes I still would take the mid to late 90's over current times. Lets not forget the 90's had some of the most aggressive construction of attractions too!

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

For lots of additional money!! Just like the hard ticket events!

That's a perfect example. It's not all about the money to many guests.

Does anybody believe there are indeed guests that will go to MNSSHP as the only park visit of that day? It's guaranteed-so they spent a park pass and and additional $65 for just an evening, or the $99 additional Frozen event?

I mean how many folks do 7AM to 10PM every day for a week?

How many visit on AP, or 7 day (or 10 day) hoppers?

Certainly a local will stop in just for a few hours-so why is it odd an out of state visitor might do the same.

I think a lot of folks take "day 4" off completely. And what did they save? $10 whole dollars-on what, a $3,000 trip, $5,000? $10,000? For $10 why not just go in for TSM and Fantasmic? Regardless-they did "something" that whole day.

So every day is somebody's 4th day and they are usually up for something else that day, even if just to rest by the pool-much less all the other offerings.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Actually would be fun to know how long on average every park guest is really inside a park each day.

I think the MB's will make it obvious-but not sure if the "cards" will show when you leave.

I don't they had any way of knowing in the past correct? Just arrival scans only-not departure.

They will also know "onsite (by hotel category) vs offsite (by local or destination as well as ticket type).

 

[cakebaker]

I can find roller coasters near my house, which my son will not ride. We love Disney for the highly themed rides that we can go on together for a family. And since the tickets are the most expensive component if our trip, we want to get a lot of value from them. My kids like swimming at the resort and visiting the water parks, but they also like going on their favorite rides several times. And a 10 year old is much harder to distract with a Mickey bar.

We do love spending time at the water parks though. We had such a relaxing day at BB on our last trip. Most likely because it didn't involve making any plans or FP+ reservations.

We have local rides as well, never go there though because we don't like amusement parks.

I think we all want to get a lot of value out of our vacation $$'s and it's just a matter of what you personally consider that to be. For us WDW still is a lot of bang for the buck. I still contend it's absolutely possible to multi-ride almost every ride in every park. I don't think FP+ stopped it at all. You just have to adjust how you do it. That will work for some, not for others.

Oh yeah lets not forget in those days the characters still walked the parks.

This is one of the things I absolutely miss the most. I dislike intensely this power method of meeting characters. But, we can blame guests for this change, not Disney. They were fogging the characters, fighting to get to get to them and in general making ***** of themselves to the point it was a danger to the character and other guests.

It's was a lot like getting a front spot for a parade is today- crazy and dangerous.

 

[AmyB2006]

I hereby name the current park management Judith.

Great movie.

But at least we don't all have to get fake butt implants. LOL

 

[vacationer1954]

You also mention resort dining, but most reviews I've read about resort food is that it's overpriced and mediocre.

One of the best things these forums help with is knowing which of the resort restaurants aren't "overpriced and mediocre".

People defend what they love and I believe that you are defending WDW.

So if cakebaker is defending what she loves, Disney parks, what are the people arguing with cakebaker defending.

I think my park tickets should be enough.

I'm glad they aren't. That way I have more control over how many of the extras I pay for. I would prefer if they cut admission in half and charged separately for rides and shows (like the old "A" through "E" tickets).

Actually would be fun to know how long on average every park guest is really inside a park each day.

I wonder if the Magic Bands is helping Disney know that.

 

[AmyB2006]

One of the best things these forums help with is knowing which of the resort restaurants aren't "overpriced and mediocre".

Very true


I'm glad they aren't. That way I have more control over how many of the extras I pay for. I would prefer if they cut admission in half and charged separately for rides and shows (like the old "A" through "E" tickets).

Ugh... no thanks LOL. I think they charge enough for "extras" already. And there are plenty of extras.

I wonder if the Magic Bands is helping Disney know that.

I'm sure they are.

 

[Luvchefmic]

That's a perfect example. It's not all about the money to many guests.

Does anybody believe there are indeed guests that will go to MNSSHP as the only park visit of that day? It's guaranteed-so they spent a park pass and and additional $65 for just an evening, or the $99 additional Frozen event?
I mean how many folks do 7AM to 10PM every day for a week?

How many visit on AP, or 7 day (or 10 day) hoppers?

Certainly a local will stop in just for a few hours-so why is it odd an out of state visitor might do the same.

I think a lot of folks take "day 4" off completely. And what did they save? $10 whole dollars-on what, a $3,000 trip, $5,000? $10,000? For $10 why not just go in for TSM and Fantasmic? Regardless-they did "something" that whole day.

So every day is somebody's 4th day and they are usually up for something else that day, even if just to rest by the pool-much less all the other offerings.

I wish I could give you ( not you personally I just quoted you as I forgot where I left off reading in this thread and I wanted to address as a local) a number but I think many people here would be shocked by how many locals are doing just that, in addition to either holding off on either buying new APs or renewing at all for the time being.

 

[Angel Ariel]

So if cakebaker is defending what she loves, Disney parks, what are the people arguing with cakebaker defending.

They're defending that they also love Disney, and that even though they don't like many decisions Disney is making right now, that it doesn't mean they love Disney any less.

I can't tell you how many times I've read that those who don't like what's happening should just leave and never come back (not saying cakebaker said that, just that it has been said a lot in the last year). It's frustrating for those of us who do *love* Disney, but don't love many recent decisions, to be told that no we really don't love Disney and should leave and make room for everyone else.

 

[wisblue]

Agreed-except when it 20 below and a foot of snow.

Got me wondering what effect geographical location might have on this subject. That and if you have been many times so things are less important.

For us this makes a huge difference.

Thank you for making this point because it is a big factor for us.

Our first several trips to WDW with the family all came sometime between mid February and mid April, and one of our main objectives was to get a break from the winter weather. A week doing nothing but sitting on a beach or around a pool would bore us to tears, but a week of nonstop days in theme parks would push us to exhaustion pretty quickly.

These early trips, when our daughters were young, established the general approach to WDW vacations that we have continued to this day. Mornings at a park, afternoon break, and evening in a park. WDW has provided us a perfect mix of recreation, entertainment, and relaxation while allowing us to spend time outdoors when doing that at home was not that much fun.

In the last couple of years we have visited WDW during the summer months a couple of times because of our youngest daughter's stints with the Disney College Program and a professional internship. Except for those extraneous factors, I would generally not choose to visit WDW from about May through October because being outside is usually more enjoyable at home than it is there.

It isn't that we like to sleep in (which we never do) or that we aren't "ride people" (because we certainly do a lot of that), we just aren't hell bent to ride as many things as possible in a day or to ride certain things over and over. When we aren't enjoying attractions, we can just enjoy being outside, and I think a lot of people from the northern climates feel that way when they visit WDW in the winter and early spring.

In that context, being able to make a few FP+ reservations in the evening (when paper FPs would never have been available for a major attraction) does add to our overall enjoyment. But, no FP system is a critical part of why we enjoy WDW.

 

[cakebaker]

Just to make it clear- My intent is not to defend Disney. I just like the new fp system and I don't want to see Disney become another amusement park with wall to wall thrill rides and lots of pavement.

But I'm not a Disney apologist. Far from it.

 

[cakebaker]

...These early trips, when our daughters were young, established the general approach to WDW vacations that we have continued to this day. Mornings at a park, afternoon break, and evening in a park. WDW has provided us a perfect mix of recreation, entertainment, and relaxation while allowing us to spend time outdoors when doing that at home was not that much fun.

It isn't that we like to sleep in (which we never do) or that we aren't "ride people" (because we certainly do a lot of that), we just aren't hell bent to ride as many things as possible in a day or to ride certain things over and In that context, being able to make a few FP+ reservations in the evening (when paper FPs would never have been available for a major attraction) does add to our overall enjoyment. But, no FP system is a critical part of why we enjoy WDW.

This is us exactly! Our approach to touring was set when my 34 yr old daughters were 8 yrs old. Hasn't changed since and it still works- fp+ made it better, but no system stopped it.

But our overall enjoyment kept us going even during times when it was more challenging to do it the way we wanted.

 

[momof2n2]

Thank you for making this point because it is a big factor for us. Our first several trips to WDW with the family all came sometime between mid February and mid April, and one of our main objectives was to get a break from the winter weather. A week doing nothing but sitting on a beach or around a pool would bore us to tears, but a week of nonstop days in theme parks would push us to exhaustion pretty quickly. These early trips, when our daughters were young, established the general approach to WDW vacations that we have continued to this day. Mornings at a park, afternoon break, and evening in a park. WDW has provided us a perfect mix of recreation, entertainment, and relaxation while allowing us to spend time outdoors when doing that at home was not that much fun. In the last couple of years we have visited WDW during the summer months a couple of times because of our youngest daughter's stints with the Disney College Program and a professional internship. Except for those extraneous factors, I would generally not choose to visit WDW from about May through October because being outside is usually more enjoyable at home than it is there. It isn't that we like to sleep in (which we never do) or that we aren't "ride people" (because we certainly do a lot of that), we just aren't hell bent to ride as many things as possible in a day or to ride certain things over and over. When we aren't enjoying attractions, we can just enjoy being outside, and I think a lot of people from the northern climates feel that way when they visit WDW in the winter and early spring. In that context, being able to make a few FP+ reservations in the evening (when paper FPs would never have been available for a major attraction) does add to our overall enjoyment. But, no FP system is a critical part of why we enjoy WDW.

And of course every family is different. But we are "pre-RD through last firework" visitors, who usually go every other day. Our family is so large that we always have someone new in our party who is just finally figuring out the Disney fun. So, while I would just as soon never see Lion King show again they do. While I never care to ride Space again, I have someone newly tall enough who wants to ride 4 times. I know people get this.

I DO love being warm. I get that. But it costs us $2200 for 5-day tickets for our family. I can't spend that much just to be warm. While we are in the park we DON'T STOP MOVING. We like to go- go-go. We do see value for our dollar as "how much did we get to do."

Thankfully, we are now big DCL fans. My now 4-year old DD thinks Rapunzel & Cinderella live on a luxury liner. But I do wish she could experience TSMM & see BatB show. I'm hoping WDW gets past this snag.

 

[magicbob]

Just to make it clear- My intent is not to defend Disney. I just like the new fp system and I don't want to see Disney become another amusement park with wall to wall thrill rides and lots of pavement.

But I'm not a Disney apologist. Far from it.

I think you could count on one hand the number of people here (regardless of their stance on FP+) who wish to see Disney become just "another amusement park with wall to wall thrill rides and lots of pavement."

Someone brought up the geography factor. I think age is also a factor. Even though I still have the stamina to be a "commando" I've found that a more relaxed approach with time spent at the resort is more enjoyable for us. I'm sure this is at least in part attributable to being older (also, when we were younger, we struggled more financially, so we would scrimp and save to do WDW as cheap as possible and try to squeeze every minute in to "get our money's worth"). Midday breaks for swimming, etc. are something we would never have dreamt of doing 25 years ago. But 8 or so years ago, we tried it and liked it. We also started scheduling "non-park" days. A solid week of parks (especially since we like to be there at RD) would be exhausting. But taking every third day or so off for resort recreation, etc. gives us the recuperation time we need.

I'll give some thought to the suggestion someone made about a "pop-in" park visit to ride a few pre-reserved things and leave. Again, in the past, we would never have dreamt of doing this, but at $10 for that extra day, it's a relatively minor added expense. Maybe we'll find that taking a morning off for resort time and hitting a park for just a few hours in the early evening works for us. My concern remains to be that, while this could work for some of our days, I still feel like it would negatively impact our vacation if it were the rule rather than the exception.

You obviously have more vacation time than we do!

Well, we do feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to visit these wonderful places. But in all honesty, it's only possible because we live so close right now. I can literally decide on Saturday morning to get in the car and have lunch in Paris, Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, Brussels, etc.

And it's not like we went on full-blown multi-week vacations to all of those places... we did spend a week in Crete the summer before last and also a week in Scotland last spring, but most of the trips have been 1-4 days. Our big trip this summer was a Baltics cruise, which accounts for that long list of Scandinavian and Baltic countries (all of which were about 8 hour port calls except for 2 days in Saint Petersburg).

I'm taking lots of "day trips" (or one overnight) on the weekends as well as taking advantage of 3- or 4-day holiday weekends. I don't want to squander any free time we have here with all of these locations being so close, because it will be a lot more expensive to come back and visit them in the future.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I think you could count on one hand the number of people here (regardless of their stance on FP+) who wish to see Disney become just "another amusement park with wall to wall thrill rides and lots of pavement."

 

[wisblue]

And of course every family is different.

Of course every family is different, and it's a darn good thing they are because it would be impossible for WDW to handle if a high percentage of park guests all tried to do the exact same thing the exact same way. Can you imagine the MK with 40,000 commandos all trying to ride Space Mountain 5 times in a day?

That being the case, maybe people shouldn't conclude that, just because Disney is doing something that doesn't work well for them, they are insensitive to their guests or that they don't know what their guests want. Many things they do are going to be better for some guests than for others.

Despite the accusations that have been directed at me, I don't think Disney can do no wrong. But I do think they have a better handle on striking a balance on what works better for their guests as a whole than anyone on this board does.

 

[vacationer1954]

That being the case, maybe people shouldn't conclude that, just because Disney is doing something that doesn't work well for them, they are insensitive to their guests or that they don't know what their guests want. Many things they do are going to be better for some guests than for others.

Despite the accusations that have been directed at me, I don't think Disney can do no wrong. But I do think they have a better handle on striking a balance on what works better for their guests as a whole than anyone on this board does.

The fact that Disney has a better handle on what works better for guests as a whole even though that's different than what they may want may be part of the frustration some people are expressing.

 

[wisblue]

The fact that Disney has a better handle on what works better for guests as a whole even though that's different than what they may want may be part of the frustration some people are expressing.

I can understand people being frustrated when Disney does something that they see as adversely affecting their experience.

But there are a lot of posts on this board from people who are convinced that they know what is better for Disney as a whole than Disney management does. For example, they are sure that more guests preferred paper FP over FP+, and that any studies Disney does to evaluate that are skewed to produce the results Disney wants. I find it hard to believe that any company that is as successful as Disney would really do that.

 

[flicx]

The fact that Disney has a better handle on what works better for guests as a whole even though that's different than what they may want may be part of the frustration some people are expressing.

It's not a fact. It's Disney's opinion, one that is scewed by wanting the most money from it's patrons. There in lies the problem with so many people, before Disney seemed to balance both. Now they seem to care only about maximizing profits even if customer service and many other aspects suffer.

 

[flicx]

I can understand people being frustrated when Disney does something that they see as adversely affecting their experience.

But there are a lot of posts on this board from people who are convinced that they know what is better for Disney as a whole than Disney management does. For example, they are sure that more guests preferred paper FP over FP+, and that any studies Disney does to evaluate that are skewed to produce the results Disney wants. I find it hard to believe that any company that is as successful as Disney would really do that.

So you feel a poll taken that has no negative comment section about a product gives you fair results. This topic was discussed at lengths not long ago. When you do polls or studies like this you have to get positive results. Wish I could remember what post had the actual questionaire on it but alas I don't perhaps someone else can help me out.