Unfair :(

[Granny square]

If anyone should be complaining about things being "unfair", it's people like me who have paid to stay at a Disney Resort during the test period but haven't been chosen to participate in FP+. How is that fair?

You were robbed!:/

 

[nugov2]

Here is the link to the two different Express Pass options for visitors to the Universal parks:

https://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Universal-Express/Express-Passes.aspx

SeaWorld offers something similar, called "Quick Queue":

http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/Attractions/Rides/Quick-Queue-Unlimited

Both available for purchase by ANY day guest.

I have used both systems (as well as the original Fastpass at Disney) and both are far superior to the Disney FP. You would not believe how nice it is not to have to return to a certain ride at a certain time. You can ride it (gasp!) whenever you want, with front of the line access. After you ride it once, assuming you have the unlimited EP or the QQ, you can ride it again. No additional FP needed. Still front of the line access. Beautiful.

Does it cost? If you are on onsite guest at either family of parks, no....its an included benefit. As an offsite guest, then yes, it does. You can choose to buy it, or you can choose to stand in line. At least you have a choice. You have options. I think that's what most Disney offsiters are asking for.....a choice.

Personally, I think that Disney is looking for some way to strong-arm people to pay ridiculously inflated prices for motel-style accommodations, and this is what they have found will work. Otherwise, the reasons for staying onsite are becoming woefully fragile......access to an overpriced dining plan with mediocre food quality, and problematic "free" bus transportation (slow, crowded, and prone to a variety of issues.....just read the transportation board).

Exactly!! I think that you should be able to pay for it. I don't want to stay on site b/c there isn't enough space for my family. Not one single place that they offer is enough for me to enjoy a vacation for a week. Some people stay off site for this specific reason, not to save money. Our family will always pay for the upgrade for convenience on a vacation. Universal caters to that and got a lot more of our money on our last vacation. We are that family that even paid for the top tier valet parking so we didn't have to wait to have our car brought to us...it was parked right there in front of the gate. WDW needs to offer these perks at a cost to off site guest or they will lose out on a chunk of guests. Nothing WDW offers as an onsite incentive would get me to stay there with my family..unless they build much larger on site spaces.

 

[sonofanarchy]

Disney has completely excluded offsite guests from an options regarding FP+. Not a very magical decision on their part.

Do you really think FP+ is a benefit? It's not. It would be if you could also get regular Fastpasses, but since you can't, it's no benefit at all. If anything, it's a disadvantage in that you can only get 3 per day. You can get as many regular FP as time will allow you. I'd prefer that. Plus, you don't have to plan exactly where you will be at a specific time 60 days in advance.

 

[sonofanarchy]

You were robbed!:/

I feel left out, but like I said, I'd rather deal with regular FP anyways. At least I can get more than 3 per day.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Do you really think FP+ is a benefit? It's not. It would be if you could also get regular Fastpasses, but since you can't, it's no benefit at all. If anything, it's a disadvantage in that you can only get 3 per day. You can get as many regular FP as time will allow you. I'd prefer that. Plus, you don't have to plan exactly where you will be at a specific time 60 days in advance.

LOL, no....I personally don't see FP+ (or the entire FP system in general) as a benefit. But I also don't find the dining plan nor the "free" transportation to be as wonderful as many other guests do. I am the non-typical Disney guest, you might say .

I have been to all the other parks. I have seen much better systems that are working well and providing great guest experiences. I am not anti-Disney (there are some Disney aspects our family loves) but I cannot be a Disney apologist, either. I think their FP systems stinks. And I think that offsite guests are getting the short end of the stick.

 

[nugov2]

What I would like to see WDW offer is 3 FP for off site 4 for value 5 for mod and 6 for deluxe. I think AP holders should get 5 or 6 b/c they are loyal customers.

You should then get to purchase additional FP to add on to your ticket in advance. Maybe up to 10 total per day. They could offer incentives such as book now get double the fp at your resort or buy your ticket now and get 2 extra fp. The options are endless and everybody gets a some....those who want to can buy more. It gives all a happy experience.

 

[momto2inKC]

Yeah, and that incentive is fast pass+, it shouldn't be both! And it won't be soon, but during my trip it is!

Well, hopefully you don't let it ruin your trip. I'll be there in 2 weeks on site and would be quite happy to have this additional 'perk' as an on site guest

 

[Elizaspride]

I miss they days when there was no FP period...to be completely 'fair' you should just be first in line at rope drop to have the shortest wait time. . ::runs and hides::

 

[dadofgoofy]

I don't really have a problem with the new FP+ system. Unlike many of the posters in the 100's of threads on the topic, my family HAS ACTUALLY USED IT. I recognize just how many thousands of people want to ride the headliners everyday, and realize that there are times that I will have to wait in a standby line. We just prioritized our day based on what was most important to us.

Since we had park hoppers, our best days worked when we went to one park at rope drop and hit the headliners with very little wait, then scheduled our FP+ selections in the evening where we would either ride the headliners again in that park, or hop to another park and ride the headliners there.

I know many people are all up in arms about having to pick their FP+ options 60 days out, but I'm telling you from my experience, that this is not necessary. It's not like ADRs. We were able to make and change FP+ options within a few hours of the ride time on almost everything. (Obvious exceptions being we couldn't try to get a soarin' FP at 8pm.)

I think once full roll out hits, or once even a great percentage of the doom and gloomers on this boards ACTUALLY use it instead of basing their fury on the sparse actual feedback on here, it will alleviate many concerns. It is not a perfect system by any means, but I think it worked well in our experience.

 

[Kelleigh710]

I think that those staying off-site are just going to have to change up their touring plans a little bit. We leave in 9 days (who's counting, right?) for a split stay. I have 3 nights at the Dolphin (which is not testing for magic bands because it is not Disney owned) and 6 nights at Bay Lake. So my first 3 days in the park, I am bandless. We opted to do a short day in Epcot to do the little things like Nemo, Captain EO, Spaceship Earth and finishing up with dinner in France. The next day, it's back to Epcot but for the Food and Wine Festival only. We plan on heading over around 11 and really taking our time with the World Showcase and having fun really exploring the countries. The next day is Magic kingdom and it is supposed to be super crowded all day. So, we will relax all day by the pool, have dinner at Ohana at 8pm, and head over for Extra Magic Hours around 10pm to 2 a.m. Maybe our plans are a little different because we don't have kids, but this is the best plan of attack for us without having the bands.

I sometimes question if it really is cheaper staying off property. Obviously there are some good deals out there but by the time you are done renting a car and everything else, I would think that a Value Resort on property may work a little better. In my opinion, I would probably consider a split stay (like the one I have coming up) before spending the entire vacation off-site.

OP, I know you're upset and I completely understand why. I really do hope that you can come up with a strategy to do all the things you want and more importantly, have a magical vacation!

 

[mm1971]

You missed the entire point of my post.

What I am saying is that Disney's competitor parks have found a system where they can benefit their onsite guests while still offering a comparable product (for a price) to their offsite visitors. Pay the price to stay onsite and get the included benefit, or have the option of paying the price to add the perks as an add-on, its the choice of the consumer.

Universal and SW do not exclude ANY guest from those benefits. Its just a question of whether or not those benefits come at an additional cost. Offsite guests to either of these sets of parks have options.

Disney has completely excluded offsite guests from an options regarding FP+. Not a very magical decision on their part.

I understood your point. The point I made was that it was a much easier transition for US/SW due to the logistics involved.

Also, I'm not sure we know they are excluding off-site guests at all (right now they are excluding some on site guests in the testing). They may offer FP+ for free to everyone with a ticket to the parks. Of course if you have to book day of visit vs. 60-180 days for on site, I'm not sure that is really a benefit. Or maybe Disney plans to have a purchasable FP+ or something similar. The point it that no one knows at this point. I'm sure that if they can find a way to have FP+ benefit on site guests and provide an incentive to get people to stay on property AND offer something similar to off site guests for a fee to add to the revenue, they will.

Good discussion.

 

[aaarcher86]

Yeah, and that incentive is fast pass+, it shouldn't be both! And it won't be soon, but during my trip it is!

Shouldn't is an opinion. It IS right now because Disney needs to test the system and without regular FP they wouldn't have as many willing to do so.

Sorry it's falling during your trip, buts it's going to fall into someone's since Disney is open year round.

 

[sonofanarchy]

And I think that offsite guests are getting the short end of the stick.

How does that differ from anywhere else where you're willing to pay more money?

Universal - Stay on site and get Express.
Sea World - Pay for their version of Fastpass.

You can't expect to get a Lexus when you pay for a Dodge.

 

[myhouseofmouse]

You missed the entire point of my post.

What I am saying is that Disney's competitor parks have found a system where they can benefit their onsite guests while still offering a comparable product (for a price) to their offsite visitors. Pay the price to stay onsite and get the included benefit, or have the option of paying the price to add the perks as an add-on, its the choice of the consumer.

Universal and SW do not exclude ANY guest from those benefits. Its just a question of whether or not those benefits come at an additional cost. Offsite guests to either of these sets of parks have options.

Disney has completely excluded offsite guests from an options regarding FP+. Not a very magical decision on their part.

I think your missing the fact that this is in testing!!! From what everyone out there is saying, that once TESTING is completed everyone will be able to use the new FP+ system. Disney is not excluding anyone, simply testing their product. It also doesn't look like Disney is going to be charging people extra money to use this system, which I for one, think is a much more fair system then used at Universal. I should haven't to "PAY to play".
Even if Disney does give Resort guest first picks on FP+ times or gives them more FP+ options then non-resort guests, I still think that is better system then having to pay even more money to be able to use it at all.

People have to remember Disney has a lot more guests going to their parks then over at Universal, they need time find a way to balance everything out.

 

[Granny square]

I feel left out, but like I said, I'd rather deal with regular FP anyways. At least I can get more than 3 per day.

I'd agree. We had the chance to change up and stay at Saratoga springs in a studio for a bit more when parking was included. Decided that 3 fp reservations just weren't a big incentive when giving up a two bedroom at the ak front door Hoping the originals are available to some degree. We are rope drip people though so one way or another we will have fun.

Hope you find the same!

Lol, I prefer to think of it as a vintage Lincoln, lol. Lots of space but not big in the market

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

How does that differ from anywhere else where you're willing to pay more money?

Universal - Stay on site and get Express.
Sea World - Pay for their version of Fastpass.

You can't expect to get a Lexus when you pay for a Dodge.

Offsite guests visiting Universal & Seaworld can purchase the upgrade, even if they are not staying at a Universal or SW onsite property. Those benefits are not 100% reserved for those guests. They are available to purchase a la carte by ANYONE.

Disney is not currently extending FP+ to any offsite guest. Period. Not even for an extra fee.

Did I say anywhere that I thought offsite guests shouldn't pay for the upgrade?

 

[sonofanarchy]

Offsite guests visiting Universal & Seaworld can purchase the upgrade, even if they are not staying at a Universal or SW onsite property. Those benefits are not 100% reserved for those guests. They are available to purchase a la carte by ANYONE.

Disney is not currently extending FP+ to any offsite guest. Period. Not even for an extra fee.

Did I say anywhere that I thought offsite guests shouldn't pay for the upgrade?

But you can still use regular Fastpass, which in some people's opinion, is better than Plus. On-site guests can't use both, so it's no disadvantage.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I think your missing the fact that this is in testing!!! From what everyone out there is saying, that once TESTING is completed everyone will be able to use the new FP+ system. Disney is not excluding anyone, simply testing their product. It also doesn't look like Disney is going to be charging people extra money to use this system, which I for one, think is a much more fair system then used at Universal. I should haven't to "PAY to play".
Even if Disney does give Resort guest first picks on FP+ times or gives them more FP+ options then non-resort guests, I still think that is better system then having to pay even more money to be able to use it at all.

People have to remember Disney has a lot more guests going to their parks then over at Universal, they need time find a way to balance everything out.

I am definitely not missing the fact that the system is in testing.

Which reports are you reading that confirms the FP+ system will be open to all guests (including offsite) once testing is complete? (feel free to post the link for me to read)

Yes, Disney has more guests than the Universal and SW parks. They also have deeper pockets, and a much larger workforce. Surprising, then, that the roll out of FP+ is as painful as it is.

 

[damo]

You can't purchase the same privilege at Universal actually, only a cut down version of it. Plus, FP+ is still in testing, non-Disney guests will be able to purchase once it goes live (I understand)

Yes, you can purchase the unlimited express pass at Universal. You can also purchase a one time/ride pass. You can also purchase a time-bot type pass that allows you to enter the express line at a scheduled time.

Check the bottom of the page ... https://www.universalorlando.com/Th...ress/Express-Passes.aspx?Intsrch=express pass

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

But you can still use regular Fastpass, which in some people's opinion, is better than Plus. On-site guests can't use both, so it's no disadvantage.

But your original question to me was how the FP+ system was any different than the Universal or SW front-of-the-line systems. I explained to you that it was different because Universal and SW allow their offsite guests could have access to them. Disney's offsite guests do not currently have access to FP+ (and many are reporting being at aa disadvantage because of it.....like the OP).

I get that you, personally, can't see (or don't WANT to hear) that there are better systems out there. That other parks are accommodating both their onsite and offsite guests quite successfully.