UPDATE p. 37. I finally canceled. Too much uncertainty for us.

[metzgardesign]

I can't speak for the original poster, but I guess it can be said that we did, in a way, cancel our trip. We have annually gone this time of year. And aren't this year.

For us, it boiled down to numerous things.....many of which I mentioned above. The uncertainty of what I was seeing about FP+ played a part of that. But many other things did as well. It could be argued that the FP+ is really just a symptom of the other causal reasons why we are not returning.

Just as I feel that the FP+ approach by Disney is actually an attempt at treating the symptom(s) of the problem(s) rather than addressing the actual problem(s) directly.

 

[rebbyparker]

I think I'm going to start saying "I don't get it" when people reference the fact they never used FP-. I've heard it way too many times the other way.

 

[Surfinpiratee]

You can tell me if I am wrong but your main reason for cancelling is because of FastPass and the uncertainty of how you could use it- right? Something that is only just an added bonus/option.

Am I the only one who could care less about fast pass? On our last trip we only used it twice.

I just don't see the big deal.

I've never used a 'fast pass' system at any park. I wasn't planning on using it at all on our trip in Jan. I don't mind waiting in lines. As long as its under like..40 mins

 

[Gillyrose779]

I fully researched FP before going on our vacation- 7 days of DW with a hopper. Having a 2 and 4 year old we def. could have utilized FP but we chose not to. Why- well- with two young kids we knew we were kind of on their schedule anyways so we made the trip more about the experience and the overall feel of DW and less about riding as many rides as possible.

I have taken trips in the past that has been focused on the rides and I can tell you our last trip with the kids was the best by far.

All I am saying is maybe we should focus less on the FP system and more on just the Disney experience. I think people have gotten much too accustomed to the FP and strategically finding ways to ride as many rides as possible and this has lead to the feeling of entitlement of the FP for some which has lead to disappointment with the new system.

 

[bcrook]

Fact is no one knows what the new system will do to standby lines so no one can say I told you so yet(Not saying this is your intention,just generalizing)

We don't have any idea. This is one of the great mysteries to unfold. I am looking forward to seeing the end result. I can envision several scenarios.

It will be interesting to see Disney can reprogram their patrons to spend a lot of time enjoying the older minor rides. How will attendance at hall presidents change? Will more people take advantage of the little things as they hope?

 

[4077]

I think most of them are just trying to show everyone why they are right and everyone else is wrong. The problem is no one is right or wrong since Disney won't tell anyone what the final product will look like

I think some people get defensive because it puts a damper on their anticipation of their own trips. I totally get that. I am not affected in the same way, but I get it. What I don't get is why you would keep going into threads that are clearly labeled that way though, why not just stick to the happy, happy, joy, joy ones?

I guess sometimes just the discussion itself is interesting

I think this must all be a part of the answer to why anyone goes to read a thread that they ALMOST CERTAINLY KNOW they will disagree (perhaps strongly) with. Some people enjoy getting into arguments, and not just "nice" back and forth, but nasty, personally offensive statements and insults....I mean, I honestly think some people just really and truly liked getting worked up into that type of frenzy, regardless of the topic (Kind of reminds me of Monty Python and the skit where he try's to buy an argument....he WANTS to argue). Bottom line, if you come on here with an opinion or thought that on a hot topic, someone else is going to be snarky, and that will lead to many posts about that snarky response, and we all just have to live with that as being a part of a large, mainly anonymous, discussion board. Glad I can watch and read all of it without getting worked up or worried about my trip. This board is truly most enjoyable if you can just laugh at it all (AND feel genuinely for people who have concerns). Good times

 

[Viva Las Disney]

What I don't get is why you would keep going into threads that are clearly labeled that way though, why not just stick to the happy, happy, joy, joy ones?

Re-reading the 2-3 happy, joy, joy threads gets boring quickly so the only other options are clicking on one of the thousands of negative threads or going outside and getting some fresh air, and that's not going to happen.

I'm an optimist, fanboy, apologist, (insert label here) and find these threads interesting mostly because I don't understand the logic, I think that's probably true of a lot of people. It's the same reason people argue politics, we all know we'll never change anyone's' mind but it's fascinating to try to understand the other side, especially since both sides think the other side is 100% wrong.

 

[bcrook]

I think I'm going to start saying "I don't get it" when people reference the fact they never used FP-. I've heard it way too many times the other way.

This idea that people don't use fastpass or even know how to use it seems odd to me. I do know for more than 1/3 of the year (off peak) people can get away without, but a lot if people know how to use it.

My calculation is at least half. This can easily be determined by how fast TSMM is wiped out every single day of the year. 10,000 people a day hit that ride and wipe out fastpasses by noon. That is over 3,650,000 people a year. That doesn't include the thousands a day who know how to use it, but just don't bother to mess with it.

I would guess wdw has about 9,000,000 unique customers a year. Way more than half know the fastpass system.

With Disney training more people to use Fastpass+ the pure number of users is going to skyrocket. Capacity remains the same. Demand skyrockets. Fastpass value soars.

When marketing starts, there will be a lot less people skipping fastpasses.

Btw - for all of those people traveling in January, may and September. I don't think it will ever matter. Three scheduled fastpasses a day along with short standby. It will be super cool with lots of same day flexibility.

 

[Planogirl]

Yes, that ignore feature is amazing.

I don't get the nerve of people criticizing others for why they cancel or delay or do whatever when it comes to THEIR vacations. People have the right to travel to anywhere they wish for whatever reasons they wish and people who think that they should critique those choices are just arrogant IMO.

I'm not referring to those that come here to legitimately discuss and question the logic behind such choices by explaining their thoughts. That makes sense on a discussion board. But fussing because someone doesn't agree with you? Please!

Xie, I also want to add my thanks to you for sharing your thoughts. I hope that you stick around.

 

[robpa]

I think this must all be a part of the answer to why anyone goes to read a thread that they ALMOST CERTAINLY KNOW they will disagree (perhaps strongly) with. Some people enjoy getting into arguments, and not just "nice" back and forth, but nasty, personally offensive statements and insults....I mean, I honestly think some people just really and truly liked getting worked up into that type of frenzy, regardless of the topic (Kind of reminds me of Monty Python and the skit where he try's to buy an argument....he WANTS to argue). Bottom line, if you come on here with an opinion or thought that on a hot topic, someone else is going to be snarky, and that will lead to many posts about that snarky response, and we all just have to live with that as being a part of a large, mainly anonymous, discussion board. Glad I can watch and read all of it without getting worked up or worried about my trip. This board is truly most enjoyable if you can just laugh at it all (AND feel genuinely for people who have concerns). Good times

Yup, I like the discussion. I find it interesting, and like Bcrook, am intrigued to see how this plays out.

 

[rebbyparker]

I like the discussion as well and I seem to learn something new here everyday. I do visit the "happy, happy, joy, joy" threads but don't post unless it fits the criteria of the thread. If I'm not going to DW in February, why would I visit a thread all about going to DW in February? i honestly don't understand people who make snarky comments about people who are concerned.

 

[mom2rtk]

We don't have any idea. This is one of the great mysteries to unfold. I am looking forward to seeing the end result. I can envision several scenarios.

It will be interesting to see Disney can reprogram their patrons to spend a lot of time enjoying the older minor rides. How will attendance at hall presidents change? Will more people take advantage of the little things as they hope?

I agree.

I'm going to watch with anticipation how this unfolds....... while visiting DLR in 3 weeks...... where this afternoon Soarin and TSMM both had wait times of 20 minutes.

 

[xie]

The Fairy Godmother is now holding a cattle-prod rather than a magic wand.

I'm so sad that that is true, but it's still an awesome mental image.

We're inching closer to trying Universal I think. My husband is die-hard WDW and he's to the point where he only wants to go once a year, at most, and is talking about taking a 2 or 3 year break again. If we do go stay at Universal I would imagine it'll be after the Harry Potter expansion opens, which really isn't that far away at the pace Universal is working. And yes, the butterbeer. I want some more of that, esp the frozen one.

We're actually thinking about taking the teen, now that he's old enough to really appreciate more things, on an Adventures by Disney trip instead of WDW. From what I have read Disney's CMs do a very nice job of guiding those trips, and it's all planned for you save maybe a few meals where you're on your own (in towns with plenty of options).

Disney World is just flat out overcrowded often anymore, unless you are willing to pull your kids of of school (and we're not). And there's not much new to see. And the ADR treadmill, which is now also a FP+ treadmill. The spontenaiety is gone from our relationship, Disney!

 

[AmyB2006]

Yes, that ignore feature is amazing.

I don't get the nerve of people criticizing others for why they cancel or delay or do whatever when it comes to THEIR vacations.

I don't think you're referring to me, but can I ask why if we're all having a discussion about this, and we're just joining the discussion trying to understand why the OP cancelled, why that is perceived as criticizing her?

I mean there have been a lot of broad general statements thrown around from both sides of this argument

 

[rebbyparker]

No, Amy, there were a couple of posters early on in the thread who were, less than generous with their sympathy, shall we say? She was referring to those.

 

[Shaden]

This idea that people don't use fastpass or even know how to use it seems odd to me. I do know for more than 1/3 of the year (off peak) people can get away without, but a lot if people know how to use it.

My calculation is at least half. This can easily be determined by how fast TSMM is wiped out every single day of the year. 10,000 people a day hit that ride and wipe out fastpasses by noon. That is over 3,650,000 people a year. That doesn't include the thousands a day who know how to use it, but just don't bother to mess with it.

I would guess wdw has about 9,000,000 unique customers a year. Way more than half know the fastpass system.

With Disney training more people to use Fastpass+ the pure number of users is going to skyrocket. Capacity remains the same. Demand skyrockets. Fastpass value soars.

When marketing starts, there will be a lot less people skipping fastpasses.

Btw - for all of those people traveling in January, may and September. I don't think it will ever matter. Three scheduled fastpasses a day along with short standby. It will be super cool with lots of same day flexibility.

For the first part of your post, this is what I tried ever so hard (while treading water) to explain to people months ago. Disney is going to (already is a little, but more so to come) push this HARD. We really might get to the point where virtually any guest who books online has FP+s booked, even if just the auto-selected ones. This is going to push usage up massively, while capacity stays the exact same.

The final part of your post, I hope you are right. But we were in the World this May for almost 2 weeks, the 5th - 17th, and there were some pretty solid lines on days. Everest was 50 mins on one day we were there, Soarin and Test Track both over and hour, TSMM, well, that is its own special beast. We will be back for over 2 weeks in May again, but wondering if this will be the last trip for a while. I hope not, but we really liked what FP did for our vacation, we used it well, we didn't over use it but it was central to our trip. We wont stand in a line longer than 20mins, if thats all we are offered, we wont go to Disney anymore, very sadly.

I agree.

I'm going to watch with anticipation how this unfolds....... while visiting DLR in 3 weeks...... where this afternoon Soarin and TSMM both had wait times of 20 minutes.

Jealous !!! Also, wish I was there for Soarin and TSMM at 20mins. Esp TSMM, even though I am an adult I LOVE that ride, and I always want to go back in a beat my score, but I am never willing to way the 60-90mins

 

[dennis j]

I think this must all be a part of the answer to why anyone goes to read a thread that they ALMOST CERTAINLY KNOW they will disagree (perhaps strongly) with. Some people enjoy getting into arguments, and not just "nice" back and forth, but nasty, personally offensive statements and insults....I mean, I honestly think some people just really and truly liked getting worked up into that type of frenzy, regardless of the topic (Kind of reminds me of Monty Python and the skit where he try's to buy an argument....he WANTS to argue). Bottom line, if you come on here with an opinion or thought that on a hot topic, someone else is going to be snarky, and that will lead to many posts about that snarky response, and we all just have to live with that as being a part of a large, mainly anonymous, discussion board. Glad I can watch and read all of it without getting worked up or worried about my trip. This board is truly most enjoyable if you can just laugh at it all (AND feel genuinely for people who have concerns). Good times

Well put 4077

well said 4077 (is that MASH) ?

I guess what bothers some people is the fact that
at some point we are all new to Disney and new to these
discussion forums. Maybe a person stumbles onto
these Dis boards on a search looking for advice for an upcoming
trip. A good percentage of them are probably new to Disney
Parks/ Resorts (just an educated guess). So they scroll around and
land in a thread like this one. Full of posts giving personal criticism's of
what they feel is wrong with Disney (or Universal, or where ever)
Not many posts giving fair, constructive help. Just stuff like "We're not going anymore"," We're not buying our AP's anymore","their lines are out of control all the time and always 1 hour to 2 hour wait times",
"their new pass distribution system screws up our style of travel", "the CM's are all unhappy and stressed", "the food is no good" and on and on.
That is not helping anyone. It is subjecting them to personal
opinions that are not necessarily true. Maybe puts a 'bad taste'
in their mouths.. maybe even makes them decide not to go at all. Hopefully most realize that they are just opinions from outspoken people and they go and have a good time in spite of this all. Then when someone posts an argument to their opinion people post stuff like " well, go to the Pixie Dust, all is Rosy Glasses, Luvy, Luvy threads then .. if
you don't like our views on this thread". "Get out of OUR space.". That's really helpful right? Just because people don't like a new thing does not necessarily mean it's broken so they should not post that it is. No wonder big companies like Disney have to hire social media monitors to provide reputation/ damage control. These types of Dis Forums & Social Media sites allow people to rip things apart in a big hurry. Most likely, there will come a day when a company can sue and shut that kind of behavior down.
That day may be coming people. Just say'n.. Anyway ,, what do I know. We just enjoy 'The World' and their resorts and restaurants. If we have a major complaint we direct it to a Disney Management CM, not these Dis Boards. We do enjoy reading the thoughts people have about attraction updates though. That is constructive!

 

[larryz]

It's a boat. With trolls.

Kind of like the DISBoards!

 

[Mad Hattered]

I think this thread needs an intermission.......

http://youtu.be/26pQNKEOXjo

Now back to the show........I'm going to be over there eating lunch in the corner.

 

[bcrook]

Yep. We all look at the parks and see long oversold lines for the headliners.

Disney execs look at the parks and see short "underutilized park capacity" at the second tier attractions.

Voila FP+.

And the Disney execs have confirmed this. That is the most succinct way to describe why we have FP+.