*** Updated to add spring break Data*** New Data, FP+ impacting wait times, discuss

[2Tiggies]

Everyone had equal opportunity to use FP with the legacy system. If they chose not to use it, it wasn't my problem.

Thank you for that. Why are some folk having a hard time accepting this?!

 

[amg35]

Trolling is a post that is intended to invite a reaction. My post invited a question. It is always best in a debate to cause people to ask questions and perhaps challenge their own belief system. I believe that is what happened there.

I was not offended. I was just answering the way I would tour rather than the way the example family was touring.

But I realize I like to tour different than a lot of people - rope drop and I'm okay with waits (30-45 min).

I'm an anomaly.

 

[JanaDee]

So it helps the subset listed above, and it hurts everyone else? Where do people think the balance lies? I didn't see anything in the msn article that quoted a Disney rep as stating that this revolutionary system was designed to help people who sleep til noon.

IMO, yes, it does. It used to be you wanted to ride headliners, you got yourself out of bed early or took your chances later in the afternoon with FP.

Now, I think Disney is catering to the lowest common denominator, which is never a good thing.

 

[DividedSky]

Everyone had equal opportunity to use FP with the legacy system. If they chose not to use it, it wasn't my problem.

this is simply not true.

those that could employ a runner had an advantage. an adult with a small child couldn't make use of a runner that a family of two or more adults could implement.

 

[JanaDee]

this is simply not true.

those that could employ a runner had an advantage. an adult with a small child couldn't make use of a runner that a family of two or more adults could implement.

Uh, those same people had the exact same opportunity to walk to a FP machine and get a FP as those that used a "runner" (which we never did).

 

[2Tiggies]

this is simply not true.

those that could employ a runner had an advantage. an adult with a small child couldn't make use of a runner that a family of two or more adults could implement.

I've done all my Disney trips alone with a child. I was not able to abandon her to employ a runner for FP. We collected our FP's and got to the lines as quickly as our own reasonable pace allowed us to and by getting up early and being at the parks for opening, we successfully 'had an advantage' over other guests? Yeah, sure we did. But we earned that advantage when we were showered, dressed and waiting for a bus while they were in bed not having decided yet what they felt like doing after a leisurely breakfast. I fail to see how this is unfair. I also never felt disadvantaged by the fact that I knew that others used runners.

 

[mesaboy2]

this is simply not true.

those that could employ a runner had an advantage. an adult with a small child couldn't make use of a runner that a family of two or more adults could implement.

Laughably weak counter-argument. First off, pretty much no one actually "ran". Second the difference between a fast-walker and a lone parent with a toddler getting to a FP kiosk was miniscule. Anyone who showed up at rope drop--even one parent with 27 toddlers--were going to get FPs to TSM.

 

[morethananyonex]

this is simply not true. those that could employ a runner had an advantage. an adult with a small child couldn't make use of a runner that a family of two or more adults could implement.

What a comment like that fails to address is aside from the madness that surrounded TSMM (which was dealt with before FP+ was implemented) none of the attractions needed a runner. There was no need to rush to any attractions at RD except possibly TSMM in order to secure a FP. That's simply a myth perpetuated by people who are arguing in favour of FP+.

Many attractions (especially ones that your one adult with a small child could ride together) did not run out even close to early. Your example family would still have no problem grabbing more than what is offered with FP+. It was absolutely a choice of the hypothetical family if they did not use them.

 

[2Tiggies]

Laughably weak counter-argument. First off, pretty much no one actually "ran". Second the difference between a fast-walker and a lone parent with a toddler getting to a FP kiosk was miniscule. Anyone who showed up at rope drop--even one parent with 27 toddlers--were going to get FPs to TSM.

We posted at the same time. Case in point.

 

[DividedSky]

I've done all my Disney trips alone with a child. I was not able to abandon her to employ a runner for FP. We collected our FP's and got to the lines as quickly as our own reasonable pace allowed us to and by getting up early and being at the parks for opening, we successfully 'had an advantage' over other guests? Yeah, sure we did. But we earned that advantage when we were showered, dressed and waiting for a bus while they were in bed not having decided yet what they felt like doing after a leisurely breakfast. I fail to see how this is unfair. I also never felt disadvantaged by the fact that I knew that others used runners.

two adults and a child could use fp- in a manner you simply couldn't duplicate.

 

[FutureMayor]

The system clearly has some flaws. I agree with a prior post that we shouldn't fully judge it until it has had some time to work out the kinks. I just returned from our second trip using FP+ and have these thoughts:

1. The old system was better from a guest's perspective. If you were visiting the park for only one day and were staying off-site you had a shot at getting on several good rides - especially if you got to the park early. The rewards were there for anyone willing to make the effort.

2. The current system requires those same single day off-site visitors to create a MDE ID and then get FPs. Gone is the reward for getting there early. Many guests are likely to find this whole process very confusing.

3. We were far less efficient in both Epcot and MK during our last visit. On days where you are dealing with heavier crowds, being able to acquire FPs and alter plans on the fly was better than scheduling your day.

4. There are a lot of people asking for feedback in the park. They want this to succeed and become the gold standard. Venting will not improve things, but a lot of the smart ideas people have in here will.

5. The app is useful for changing plans on the fly, but still a little clunky. Being able to change both a ride AND time at the same time would go a long way in improving flexibility. Currently the only way to do it is to first change EITHER the ride or time, then change the other.

6. We are likely to see more FPs available to Disney hotel guests. I think a tiered scale may be in the works...

 

[DividedSky]

Laughably weak counter-argument. First off, pretty much no one actually "ran".

I know for a fact some people ran.

some teens even push

 

[mesaboy2]

I know for a fact some people ran.

some teens even push

I didn't say otherwise (ref. "pretty much"). To claim it was any significant number (and gave any real advantage) is ludicrous.

 

[redrosesix]

this is simply not true.

those that could employ a runner had an advantage. an adult with a small child couldn't make use of a runner that a family of two or more adults could implement.

So now Small Child has to wait in longer SB lines -- wow, that's an improvement. The only ride where I could possibly see this as an issue is TSMM, and tbh if you got there at RD you could get a fp- after a leisurely stroll to the ride, or just ride it. The longest waits were always for rides that Small Child couldn't ride. And good luck if the only ride Small Child wants to do is TSMM or Buzz -- no matter how much Small Child likes it, you can only FP each ride once.

Tbh, when I had a small child my biggest problem was how to get them out of the HISTK playground.

 

[2Tiggies]

two adults and a child could use fp- in a manner you simply couldn't duplicate.

I didn't need to duplicate it. I knew others used it. My point is, I didn't feel cheated. It balances out. Two adults and one child may have to wait for the next ride vehicle. As a party of two we are often called to the front to fill the gap. All was fair. It didn't matter to me that the person with older children or an extra adult might be able to gain a 3 minute advantage on us. Was I aware that others could do that? Sure. Did I care? Nope. It was never a threat to the success of my day in the parks

 

[DividedSky]

I didn't say otherwise. To claim it was any significant number (and gave any real advantage) is ludicrous.

your straw men are very pretty to look at.

1) the concept of a runner does not mean they literally ran, nor did I initially claim such a thing.
2) I never made any claims of how many people employed it, I pointed out that the group makeup would made fp more useful for some then it was for others.

 

[DividedSky]

I didn't need to duplicate it. I knew others used it. My point is, I didn't feel cheated. It balances out. Two adults and one child may have to wait for the next ride vehicle. As a party of two we are often called to the front to fill the gap. All was fair. It didn't matter to me that the person with older children or an extra adult might be able to gain a 3 minute advantage on us. Was I aware that others could do that? Sure. Did I care? Nope. It was never a threat to the success of my day in the parks

fp+ also balances out.

comparing the first 45 days of the new system, with zero regard to actual park attendance numbers is something only those with an agenda would be prone to do.

 

[2Tiggies]

I pointed out that the group makeup would made fp more useful for some then it was for others.

Yes and seeing as they were such a small minority, I fail to see how it had any impact on the rest of the guests

 

[mesaboy2]

your straw men are very pretty to look at.

1) the concept of a runner does not mean they literally ran, nor did I initially claim such a thing.
2) I never made any claims of how many people employed it, I pointed out that the group makeup would made fp more useful for some then it was for others.

To an infinitesimal degree. Ooh, you got us. Congratulations.

 

[DividedSky]

Yes and seeing as they were such a small minority, I fail to see how it had any impact on the rest of the guests

someone claimed everyone had an equal opportunity to use legacy fp.

the fact is, your party demographic changes what opportunity legacy fp affords you. Some people had an opportunity to use a runner. others did not.

I just showed one example of how people did not have equal opportunity, so the statement of fact I replied to has been proven false.