Unfair :(

[BigAlsGal]

Honestly, those that stay onsite in some respects are suckers.
Unless you rely on the bus and magical express, there is little to no incentive to stay onsite versus the Gaylord Palms for instance.

Agreed! I am a total sucker for disney. I go to disney to stay at disney. Not go to orlando to visit the disney parks. Immersion is what I pay for and immersion is what I get. Worth every penny to me!!!

 

[MrInfinity]

We got a lot more for staying on site. Yes my room is probably not as nice, but I don't plan in being in my room much. Plus we got free dining and are using Disney transportation. However, had we not gotten free dining we probably would have stayed off site.

No kidding. Ppl don't stay on prop cuz of the "room". Heck I could stay at a Sheraton across the street for free.

A) the experience
B) the transportation
C) just being there
D) they're really cool
E) I love them
F) The monorail
G) waiting in line for buses talking to other families is fun
H) the experience
I) the experience
J) the boat rides are an awesome way to get to/from MK or EC
K) Magic Bands
L) Captains Mai Tais
M) Disney restaurants in your hotel
N) Disney characters in your hotel
O) Electrical lights parade
P) EMH
Q) FP+
R) Seeing your hotels themed up in your kids' fav characters
S) Leaving your car and the rest of the world behind and just being at Disney World for a week.

Man I could go on and on. NOWHERE in there is the "quality of room". I don't care if the sheets are silk or polyester... No room is worth $500/nt and no dinner is worth $35/adult flat rate. Yet here I am. I can't wait. Is it May yet?????

 

[wen8jr]

The DIS mods should do a tally of how many actual users post to this board, and how many specifically post about FP+. This would tell the tale of how many people are posting who are either thrilled about FP+ or their vacations are completely ruined out of the millions that visit Disney each year. I see the same posters (me included at times) day in and day out, so I think it would be very telling.

While I love the DIS especially to gain info, and it has been a wonderful tool for my planning I think people are very dramatic on the boards (any board) if they don't like something. Which is not a true reflection on reality at times. In fact, I think people get upset way too easy.

Drama, Drama, Drama.

 

[robpa]

Heh... You just compared them.

You know when someone says comparable they mean like or similar right? You can compare anything but that wasn't what was meant in terms of that post.

 

[Planogirl]

The DIS mods should do a tally of how many actual users post to this board, and how many specifically post about FP+. This would tell the tale of how many people are posting who are either thrilled about FP+ or their vacations are completely ruined out of the hundreds of thousands that visit Disney. I see the same posters (me included at times) day in and day out, so I think it would be very telling.

While I love the DIS especially to gain info, and it has been a wonderful tool for my planning I think people are very dramatic on the boards (any board) if they don't like something. Which is not a true reflection on reality at times. In fact, I think people get upset way too easy.

Drama, Drama, Drama.

Some might be like me too. I'm not thrilled but optimistic about our trip and trying to plan as wisely as I can. No drama here. (At least not right now. )

 

[robpa]

I certainly don't hate you. I would do exactly the same thing if I could.


Technically it's not really FOTL. You still have to wait in line behind others with Express access much like Disney's fastpasses. To me FOTL infers that you get to pass everyone else but that isn't exactly true.

It's true that the few onsite resorts at Universal don't really seem to have too much effect on standby. Plus if it gets really crowded there is always that ability to buy Express passes if needed which is something that Disney doesn't offer. At least not yet. Plus of course you get far more than 3 attractions.

I know, but that is what they call it so that is what I called it. A fastpass isn't always fast either

 

[Bullseye]

Honestly, those that stay onsite in some respects are suckers.
Unless you rely on the bus and magical express, there is little to no incentive to stay onsite versus the Gaylord Palms for instance.

The way to go is to stay on site and have your own wheels so you can have all the perks and still get out of the bubble as needed to shop, eat, and visit other area attractions. I sure didn't feel like no sucker watching Wishes from my living room every night at BLT or walking out on my balcony at Kidani to catch a giraffe standing on his hind legs to get to the high branches. You might get a better room for your money offsite brah, but you sure can't get those kind of memories at Gaylord Palms!

 

[Punzie]

Then isn't being in the bubble one of the perks of a hotel on property?

Are you saying disney should only offer a certain number of perks?

 

[Planogirl]

The way to go is to stay on site and have your own wheels so you can have all the perks and still get out of the bubble as needed to shop, eat, and visit other area attractions. I sure didn't feel like no sucker watching Wishes from my living room every night at BLT or walking out on my balcony at Kidani to catch a giraffe standing on his hind legs to get to the tall branches. You might get a better room for your money offsite brah, but you sure can't get those kind of memories at Gaylord Palms!

In fairness, that depends on the type of memories you wish to make. The Gaylord has their own events and attractions that might just appeal to some people.

Personally, I would take the giraffe.

 

[robpa]

Are you saying disney should only offer a certain number of perks?

No, but people value each perk differently so I don't think they could ever offer enough. When you go to book your accommodations you chose to book or not book on your perceived value(including more than just park perks) If you believe you are receiving value you book if not you look elsewhere. A lot of people book Walt Disney World resorts so they must feel that they are already getting value so why all of a sudden do they want more?

 

[dizneyjill]

Honestly, those that stay onsite in some respects are suckers.
Unless you rely on the bus and magical express, there is little to no incentive to stay onsite versus the Gaylord Palms for instance.

I stay on site because....it's DISNEY...I'm treated so special...even at the values. They're just so good to me. I've gotten on wrong buses and they will go out of their way to get me there.I like walking around at night and seeing all the characters. What can I say...I'm hooked, but not a sucker.

 

[Punzie]

Disney's Fastpass (+ or - ) is not the same thing as Universal's Express Pass. They are COMPLETELY different systems. Not even comparable.

Its ironic to read threads like this one where the onsite folks try to convince the offsiters that the lack of the ability to partake in FP+ (at least, for now) is not something to get their panties in a knot over, yet there are a multitude of posts on other threads where people are discussing changing their reservations so they are at one of the resorts taking part in the testing.

And everyone who walks through a turnstile with a valid ticket is a "paying customer". Unless, by some stroke of luck, their admission was free.

Yes you can compare them they offer the same function- cutting line.

If universal uses such a system as a perk to their hotels why can't disney? I don't see your logic at all.

Do Iike the switch.

Did I enjoy testing in September? No way.

It screwed up my first couple days continually and I didn't get anything for it. I also did not pull more than my usual fp with it so I do not see how some people are so disadvantaged. Granted more are using it now but all the speculation on here just leads to histrionics of people assuming their trip is ruined and fall in a pit of disney desperation

My friends are there now if youd like to know what it's like. They go all the time so are quite able to compare.

As for the dis people saying they're changing rooms.

How is this some kind of proof to you that having a band is vital?

The board has dramatic people who tend to go overboard like every forum.

Also it's full of people crazy of disney and they just want to try it because they think its something shiny and new and a rare chance to be a part of something before everyone.

Also many are worriers and let the little info we have plague them so they switch for the security that mb will make their trip better (losing they are sadly mistaken I wish we hadn't tested)

It is by no. Means proof that a trip without mb and fp+ is doomed based on some disers changing rooms.

But- don't you think this is what disney wants? It's not even out of testing and they already have people switching from off site to on. Working exactly as planned:..

 

[Punzie]

Then Uncle Walt is a cheapskate. Imagine charging family those kinds of prices just for visiting him.
Seriously, you feel like part of the Disney family?

Ha. No I do not. I'm a consumer but based on so many rants about how disney owes them obviously others do.

What I meant was the whole experience of disney how they try to make you feel important : "welcome home" calling you a guest not a customer, the strange over niceness that everyone exudes.

I know it's all commercial psychology but its also good customer service that makes the experience pleasant and one reason we like being there. We are from MD people aren't nice here it's nice to be talked nicely to all week.

But all that niceness and making the guest feel special and part of the family has left them feeling entitled. Because sadly that is society's thinking. I am owed something .

People forget its a company.

Are there threads like this on uni boards bemoaning the fact to use FOTL you have to Pay or stay onsite?

That is what I don't get.

Disneys system is free. Has been always. You're welcome- from disney.

Now they're switching it up a bit and hotel guests may MAY have an advantage over others when all is said and done.

And?

Hotel guests are giving disney more money. Why shouldn't they get something?

Parks and the hotels are part of the resort. They're tied together. Sure you paid for a park ticket but I paid for a park ticket AND an overpriced room that got me a dumb mug and a chance to pick a ride before you, but it cost me A LOT.

I just can't see the problem in "fairness" here

 

[robpa]

Agreed! I am a total sucker for disney. I go to disney to stay at disney. Not go to orlando to visit the disney parks. Immersion is what I pay for and immersion is what I get. Worth every penny to me!!!

So this is your perk then for staying onsite, correct ?

 

[aubriee]

The way to go is to stay on site and have your own wheels so you can have all the perks and still get out of the bubble as needed to shop, eat, and visit other area attractions. I sure didn't feel like no sucker watching Wishes from my living room every night at BLT or walking out on my balcony at Kidani to catch a giraffe standing on his hind legs to get to the high branches. You might get a better room for your money offsite brah, but you sure can't get those kind of memories at Gaylord Palms!

However, you can sit on your balcony at Wyndham Bonnet Creek and watch Illuminations at night. Also from some rooms you can see Spaceship Earth all day. If you happen to be facing the other direction across the lake, you can see parts of Wishes and even the castle in the distance. Other than part of Illuminations, those you can't see at Kidani.

Plus I'm staying in a one or two bedroom fully equipped condo at a Deluxe resort and paying just $60.00-$70.00 per night. Granted we don't get the giraffe right outside our window though. lol

 

[Punzie]

However, you can sit on your balcony at Wyndham Bonnet Creek and watch Illuminations at night. From some rooms you can see Spaceship Earth all day. If you happen to be facing the other direction across the lake, you can see parts of Wishes and even the castle in the distance. Othe than part of Illuminations, those you can't see at Kidani.

Plus I'm staying in a one or two bedroom fully equipped condo at a Deluxe resort and paying just $60.00-$70.00 per night. Granted we don't get the giraffe right outside our window though. lol

Good to know.

We have three kids they youngest turned 3 while at disney this fall. A strategically timed trip- we got there the day before her bday to take of advantage of being able to stay at moderates one.last.time.

Not sure what we will do now that our family aged/sized out of anything but the deluxes or value suite (not a fan of POR Murphy bed option) so this may be what we do next year! Although we do like free dining so we will have to do number crunching, but that's a great price!

 

[Dallydown]

Coming from someone that recently booked an offsite stay for xmas-NY week. We were originally going to schedule a Presidents week trip in Feb but due to work I had to scramble a dec trip together.

I'm upset granted that we don't get access to FP+, but what makes it worse is the on-property folks using the FP+, EMH and then double dipping into the FP-, the only chance we offsite have to get on 1st tier rides. So now we have to scramble to be a rope drop, run our ***** off to the FP- kiosk in hopes of securing any chance of a 1st tier ride. Granted Disney makes a ton of money from on-property guests, but if they continue to screw the offsite guests me thinks they will only have on-site guests left, especially in the busy seasons. That has got to cut into their bottom line.

I am totally honest. I will be triple dipping and have no guilt feelings at all.
We have 50 old KTWW tickets and will use them if we can.
For more then years we had to watch people use a "special card" to get unlimited fast pass entrance.
We will just use what Disney permits us to use like everybody else did in the past decades. No more no less.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yes you can compare them they offer the same function- cutting line.

If universal uses such a system as a perk to their hotels why can't disney? I don't see your logic at all.

My friends are there now if youd like to know what it's like. They go all the time so are quite able to compare.

The board has dramatic people who tend to go overboard like every forum.

They do offer the same premise, but they are VERY different. Disney's version offers the opportunity to ride three headliners *if* you pre-book your ride time in advance. 3. Universal's is either once-per-ride (for the basic version) or unlimited (which is free to onsite guests or available for purchase with your tickets as a bundle). Every ride in the park except for Forbidden Journey. Every. Single. One. All day long. Whenever you feel like it.

Yes, Universal offers this as a free perk to their onsite guests. But they also offer it for purchase by their offsite guests. That is where I am saying Disney has dropped the ball (at least for now.....we'll see what happens when the roll out is complete). I definitely agree that Disney has to offer something to get people to stay onsite. Otherwise why would people want to pay exorbitant prices for motel-style accommodations? But those perks should also be made available....in some form....to offsite guests in order for Disney to remain on par with the offerings at their competitors (Universal and SeaWorld).

No need to ask your friends for second-hand advice. I have been to ALL the Orlando parks (SW, DC, Aquatica, all for Disney parks, both Disney waterparks, and both Universal Parks). We know how all the systems work because we've used them all. Which is why comments like "Disney's Fastpass and Universal's Express Pass are the same thing" make my jaw drop. And I immediately think......yup, that's someone who's never been there themselves. You can say you don't care that their systems are different, or that you still prefer the Disney parks despite the fact that they are different systems.....but to say they aren't different (or that they are "comparable") is laughable.

You may well think I am going overboard (or being dramatic, or whatever you want to call it) but I am trying to be factual. I am completely accustomed to the claws coming out from many posters who don't want to hear that Disney could do something better. Its a company. Its definitely NOT perfect. Despite their success, they could take a page from their other Orlando competition and do so much better. In fact, I hope they do......I will wait and see what happens as things progress with FP+, then decide from there.

I am only one person, but Disney has already lost my business for accommodations because they are inferior and horribly overpriced as compared to what else is in the area. They have lost my business for virtually all dining for the same reasons. The jury is now out on what happens to the park experience with the recent changes, too.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

In fairness, that depends on the type of memories you wish to make. The Gaylord has their own events and attractions that might just appeal to some people.

 

[btk2333]

So this is your perk then for staying onsite, correct ?

I'm sorry but this argument makes no sense- are you saying disney should only offer one perk?

Maybe they should only offer one ride because that's your ride for the park ticket

Or you can only meet one character because that's your character for the day

Disney should keep offering on site guests more and more perks- if it makes off site people upset than so be it- maybe they'll decide to stay on property- people are getting upset because Disney is adding value to staying on site- this is disneys goal- if people weren't getting upset it would mean that the on site perks weren't good enough- I just don't understand why people are surprised by this...