VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[TCRAIG]

So what’s the Groupie’s view on the new FastPass system coming next month? I like the ability to make attraction reservations in advance like the old FastPass + system. Of course paying for FastPasses is painful but on the whole, we much prefer it. To the current Genie+ system. Groupie thoughts?

I know it is really going to be called Lightning Lane Multi-Pass but to me it is FastPass monetized. It’s clear that it gives a solid incentive for people to stay on site to get the booking advantage.

I prefer it to Genie+ - much more usable for the way I do the parks…only downside to me is not being able to pre-book across split stays…

 

[bluecastle]

I like the fact that I can reserve a few attractions ahead of time, especially since now I can’t get a DAS anymore. I am hoping that at the 7 days out mark, I can make my selections in any order, like I do with my ADRs (trying for the most difficult to get first rather than chronologically by day)
Hopefully, most of the inevitable glitches will be worked out before my trip in November. But, for now, this is an improvement for me. I do not wake up at 7 am at WDW!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I like the fact that I can reserve a few attractions ahead of time, especially since now I can’t get a DAS anymore. I am hoping that at the 7 days out mark, I can make my selections in any order, like I do with my ADRs (trying for the most difficult to get first rather than chronologically by day)
Hopefully, most of the inevitable glitches will be worked out before my trip in November. But, for now, this is an improvement for me. I do not wake up at 7 am at WDW!

So you are in the same boat as me with not being able to get DAS anymore. I understand they had to make changes but it stinks for us who really needed it.

 

[jimmytammy]

So what’s the Groupie’s view on the new FastPass system coming next month? I like the ability to make attraction reservations in advance like the old FastPass + system. Of course paying for FastPasses is painful but on the whole, we much prefer it. To the current Genie+ system. Groupie thoughts?

I know it is really going to be called Lightning Lane Multi-Pass but to me it is FastPass monetized. It’s clear that it gives a solid incentive for people to stay on site to get the booking advantage.

I know Tammy is happier about it than getting up at 7am to book
I feel like it’s an improvement being able to book prior to arrival. I’m with you Granny, not a fan of paying for something we have already paid for in ticket prices, but alas, it’s the norm these days.
It’s like the previous FP system to me and though that system took away the spontaneity for us as long time park goers, it also allows us to feel like we are on vacation again, not being up so early intentionally.
I look forward to seeing how it plays out for our Dec trip

 

[Granny]

Yes, I agree that cost aside, this new system works much better for us. We don't get up early on our vacation trips. And this way we can be sure to see some of our favorite attractions during a trip. We don't wait in lines any more, so this works better for us. Although I must say that I can't see spending the money on Animal Kingdom or EPCOT.

I saw one blog that indicated that you could purchase the LLMP for a cheaper park, say DAK, and once you use your first lightning pass you can get another ride pass at any park. So you can book early DAK attractions and then book MK or other park attractions the rest of the day. It's a way of enjoying the LLMP in MK but not paying the MK price.

 

[CarolynFH]

It's a way of enjoying the LLMP in MK but not paying the MK price.

Assuming Disney hasn't figured that out and priced the LLMP accordingly!

 

[bluecastle]

I saw one blog that indicated that you could purchase the LLMP for a cheaper park, say DAK, and once you use your first lightning pass you can get another ride pass at any park. So you can book early DAK attractions and then book MK or other park attractions the rest of the day. It's a way of enjoying the LLMP in MK but not paying the MK price.

IIRC, you had to use all 3 FPs in your first park before you tried to get one for another park. That’s why I was surprised when I read that you only had to use one before you could try for one in another park. This seems like a loophole that I would be very surprised if Disney doesn’t eliminate before this gets implemented, probably by cost, as Carolyn said. We shall see. I added this to my notes though, just in case I want to use it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

So what’s the Groupie’s view on the new FastPass system coming next month? I like the ability to make attraction reservations in advance like the old FastPass + system. Of course paying for FastPasses is painful but on the whole, we much prefer it. To the current Genie+ system. Groupie thoughts?

I know it is really going to be called Lightning Lane Multi-Pass but to me it is FastPass monetized. It’s clear that it gives a solid incentive for people to stay on site to get the booking advantage.

I plan to try to use in September. I have not yet paid for either of the choices that they offer now.

 

[sleepydog25]

I haven't ridden a ride in a Disney park in--wait for it--over 2 1/2 years. And, with the whole Genie+ system plus LL, I didn't have any plans to ride anything again soon. The new LLMP seems to be an improvement over Genie+, and that might be enough to entice me to make an effort to visit a park sooner than I'd previously thought.

I enjoy reflecting (not focusing) on what life was like at various points in my past. To that point, had all of us been sitting around some 20 years ago--which is when I first bought into DVC--and the notion of charging extra dollars for particular rides on TOP of the high price of park tickets would be the future of Disney, I'm certain we would have collectively blown a gasket. Now? It's de rigueur. My how times have changed.

 

[Judique]

I haven't ridden a ride in a Disney park in--wait for it--over 2 1/2 years. And, with the whole Genie+ system plus LL, I didn't have any plans to ride anything again soon. The new LLMP seems to be an improvement over Genie+, and that might be enough to entice me to make an effort to visit a park sooner than I'd previously thought.

I enjoy reflecting (not focusing) on what life was like at various points in my past. To that point, had all of us been sitting around some 20 years ago--which is when I first bought into DVC--and the notion of charging extra dollars for particular rides on TOP of the high price of park tickets would be the future of Disney, I'm certain we would have collectively blown a gasket. Now? It's de rigueur. My how times have changed.

Sleepy - are you saying you haven't visited any parks in 2 and 1/2 years?

For those of us who bought in early - (first purchase in 2000 for me) I think we got the best of DVC.

I've gone to the parks and enjoyed them in my own way. All the rides are great but I'm not buying any add ons to ride anything. It just doesn't appeal that much to me at this point in my life. I don't really love hour long lines for the safari or jungle cruise but I can still manage to get through them, while people watching and chatting with others in line (sometimes). I've tried almost everything in the past, but time brings changes and been there done that.

I'll be doing a few park days in December and then using up an old park hopper in February as I'll be in the area for 2 weeks. I know they'll cut the days or make me pay extra to use it so that's another incentive to skip the additional costs.

Edit: @Granny - I think the new fast pass will be excellent for people like my 31 yo DD and my neice and her husband who love the parks and rides and will quickly pay for it all to do as much as they want to.

 

[bluecastle]

Yes, I agree that cost aside, this new system works much better for us. We don't get up early on our vacation trips. And this way we can be sure to see some of our favorite attractions during a trip. We don't wait in lines any more, so this works better for us. Although I must say that I can't see spending the money on Animal Kingdom or EPCOT.

I saw one blog that indicated that you could purchase the LLMP for a cheaper park, say DAK, and once you use your first lightning pass you can get another ride pass at any park. So you can book early DAK attractions and then book MK or other park attractions the rest of the day. It's a way of enjoying the LLMP in MK but not paying the MK price.

I gave this a little more thought and came to the conclusion that Disney will most likely make you pay a multi-park price if you plan on park hopping and that will make this strategy impossible. So, I’m thinking there will be an option to buy a LLMP for one specific park or an option for all if you have hoppers, just like with genie+. Since they didn’t release specific price info yet, I’m thinking this is the way it will go. No loophole However, I plan to use my old FP strategy of making a res for a less popular tier 2 attraction early in the day so when I ride it, or just let it expire, I can get another Tier 1. Hopefully, that will work, according to the info that has been released so far.

 

[sleepydog25]

Sleepy - are you saying you haven't visited any parks in 2 and 1/2 years?

Correct! I've been to DHHIR twice and AKL once, all in the past year or so. That's the extent of my Disney experience since Christmas of 2021. Again, no plans to visit the parks anytime soon--the amount of pre-planning and expense just don't align with my goal of having a relaxing, laid back vacation.

 

[Judique]

Correct! I've been to DHHIR twice and AKL once, all in the past year or so. That's the extent of my Disney experience since Christmas of 2021. Again, no plans to visit the parks anytime soon--the amount of pre-planning and expense just don't align with my goal of having a relaxing, laid back vacation.

I agree. I've got 'old' tickets to use up and still have to make reservations. I don't bother until last minute knowing I can hop if I feel I want to go somewhere.

We are doing DHHIR for Thanksgiving (3 nights) and then I'm continuing on to BWV and the new CFW for a total of 5 nights at WDW. Then back in February for 2 weeks on and offsite.

Once my tickets expire there's a great chance I'll use most of my points at DHHIR while I can. I'll probably still go to Florida to meet up with extended family and share a house in January or February of coming years.

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Independence Day!!

 

[Granny]

 

[bluecastle]

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hi everyone! Its been a long while since I've been on Disboards. Life has just been so crazy.
we have a vacay planned at VWL for Nov 13-18th. We wanted to go Nov 20 to 25th but even though Thanksgiving is Nov 28th, we were surprised to find our Pirate Passes were blocked after Nov 21st. I had already booked the room! I called MS in a panic and admitted with my busy life, I neglected to notice our passes were blocked and they got us in a week earlier. We were in WDW last November ( 11/29 to 12/3). Just my stupid oversight. MS was super nice about it.
My question now.....I think we will miss out on the WL lobby Christmas tree. That is a bummer to me, but December dates were not available to us as we can only book at 7 mos out. Can anyone confirm when the tree goes up? Thanks and hope you all had a nice July 4th (I worked this year so celebrating today!)

 

[jimmytammy]

Hi everyone! Its been a long while since I've been on Disboards. Life has just been so crazy.
we have a vacay planned at VWL for Nov 13-18th. We wanted to go Nov 20 to 25th but even though Thanksgiving is Nov 28th, we were surprised to find our Pirate Passes were blocked after Nov 21st. I had already booked the room! I called MS in a panic and admitted with my busy life, I neglected to notice our passes were blocked and they got us in a week earlier. We were in WDW last November ( 11/29 to 12/3). Just my stupid oversight. MS was super nice about it.
My question now.....I think we will miss out on the WL lobby Christmas tree. That is a bummer to me, but December dates were not available to us as we can only book at 7 mos out. Can anyone confirm when the tree goes up? Thanks and hope you all had a nice July 4th (I worked this year so celebrating today!)

Hey Maria!
Glad to see you here. I hope someone can clarify better than me, but most times we have been around that time of year has been right after Thanksgiving snd the tree is always up by then. I know it can be a bit sporadic where some resorts get decos sooner than others, maybe a weekish apart. Here is hoping and some Moose Dust that it will be up for you folks!

 

[bluecastle]

Here are the previous dates the Christmas decor went up at The Lodge and the date of Thanksgiving. There doesn’t seem to be too much correlation with Thanksgiving. I am hoping that it is the same as 2019, but I also read an article that the WL decorations are at the back of the holiday warehouse and that is why the dates have been later the last couple of years. I am sorry to say that the 18th seems to be a long-shot, but you never know! We arrive on the 17th and even then, I am not feeling confident that it will be up before we leave. But, at least the MK and HS will be decorated, so Christmas will be around in some places!

2018: 11/20 TG 11/22

2019: 11/19 TG 11/28

2020: 11/12 TG 11/26

2021: 11/11 TG 11/25

2022: 11/22 TG 11/24

2023: 11/21 TG 11/23

2024: 11/ ? TG 11/28

 

[CarolynFH]

Hi everyone! Its been a long while since I've been on Disboards. Life has just been so crazy.
we have a vacay planned at VWL for Nov 13-18th. We wanted to go Nov 20 to 25th but even though Thanksgiving is Nov 28th, we were surprised to find our Pirate Passes were blocked after Nov 21st. I had already booked the room! I called MS in a panic and admitted with my busy life, I neglected to notice our passes were blocked and they got us in a week earlier. We were in WDW last November ( 11/29 to 12/3). Just my stupid oversight. MS was super nice about it.
My question now.....I think we will miss out on the WL lobby Christmas tree. That is a bummer to me, but December dates were not available to us as we can only book at 7 mos out. Can anyone confirm when the tree goes up? Thanks and hope you all had a nice July 4th (I worked this year so celebrating today!)

Reportedly the resort decorations are put up based on a lottery system, so some years WL wins the lottery and gets its tree etc. early in the process and sometimes it loses the lottery so the tree comes later. Thus the variation in dates and length of time before Thanksgiving in the post above.