WendyZQ
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2013
- Messages
- 52
Just returned from our first ever family trip to WDW 
We stayed offsite at WBC (2/18-2/25) and utilized FP+ via the kiosks. We had an amazing trip (can't wait to go back!), and I do think FP+ worked for our family. Please keep in mind I have nothing to compare it to, but I thought it was pretty great. A few observations:
- RD & FP+ kiosks - This seemed essential. Depending on what crowd calendar you looked at, we were either there on a fairly crowded (7/8) or moderate time (5/6). We managed to book our FPs early every day. Later in the day lines at the kiosks seemed insane.
- IT issues - What happens when the system goes down!?! iPads happen. Lots of them. Entire system was down Friday 2/21 at HS from pre-RD to mid-afternoon. That meant the cute little circle Mickeys at the park entrance were not working. We were first in line and had a great view of the scrambling CMs and management. The solution was to post two CMs at each turnstile -- one to scan bands/cards with the iPad and one to count attendance with an oldstyle clicker. You were unable to make FP+ reservations at all. Although the kind CM at the kiosk near American Idol gave our family a paper FP ticket good for one ride that day (one for each of us). We used it for TSMM. FP+ was back up around 3 and I was then able to book, though not too much available late in the day. But, yes, we did end up with 4 FPs that day.
- FP+ lines - A few folks have reported seeing long lines for FP+ rides. We experienced some of that too, although I don't think we waited more than 10 minutes for any FP+ attraction. Seems to be a jam-up with getting people to scan their tickets/bands. And you have to do it twice. Once to enter the FP+ line and then again at the end of the line. (Keep those cards handy!) Saw a few people gumming up the works trying to get in when their time slot had passed (by hours) and then decided to argue with the CM.
- MB/RFID/FP+ possibilities - I noticed at Test Track that it looks like they used to have some sort of key card for the ride, but now they just use your MB or card. Made me think about all the customization they can utilize with this system. Some really exciting possibilities. We also ran in to a nice, chatty security guard at International Gateway who was talking about the planning Disney can do with this system. By knowing in advance how many folks are planning to ride certain rides, they can better predict crowd levels and staffing.
Not sure when our next trip will be (hopefully in the not too distant future), but it will be interesting to see how this system evolves.
We stayed offsite at WBC (2/18-2/25) and utilized FP+ via the kiosks. We had an amazing trip (can't wait to go back!), and I do think FP+ worked for our family. Please keep in mind I have nothing to compare it to, but I thought it was pretty great. A few observations:
- RD & FP+ kiosks - This seemed essential. Depending on what crowd calendar you looked at, we were either there on a fairly crowded (7/8) or moderate time (5/6). We managed to book our FPs early every day. Later in the day lines at the kiosks seemed insane.
- MK - Wednesday (2/19) there were CMs outside the gates of MK helping you book before the park even opened. This was pretty chaotic with lots of people crowding in and an overwhelmed CM. But it did get the job done.
- AK - Only park we didn't RD on. Arrived at 10, skipped the first two kiosks and ended up at a FP+ spot (not really a kiosk, just CMs and iPads) just before the entrance to the boneyard. One person in line before me, much less chaotic than MK. Very helpful CM.
- HS - FP was down on Friday (2/21) - more on that below.
- EP - We went both Sunday and Monday (2/23 and 2/24). International Gateway is awesome! Entered there at RD on Sunday. First in line at the gate, first to the Kiosk. CM helped me through it. Monday we arrived at 9:10 to zero line -- at the gate or the kiosk. I did it myself this time. The touchscreen can be a little tricky, and you do need to play with times to get the ones you want.
- IT issues - What happens when the system goes down!?! iPads happen. Lots of them. Entire system was down Friday 2/21 at HS from pre-RD to mid-afternoon. That meant the cute little circle Mickeys at the park entrance were not working. We were first in line and had a great view of the scrambling CMs and management. The solution was to post two CMs at each turnstile -- one to scan bands/cards with the iPad and one to count attendance with an oldstyle clicker. You were unable to make FP+ reservations at all. Although the kind CM at the kiosk near American Idol gave our family a paper FP ticket good for one ride that day (one for each of us). We used it for TSMM. FP+ was back up around 3 and I was then able to book, though not too much available late in the day. But, yes, we did end up with 4 FPs that day.
- FP+ lines - A few folks have reported seeing long lines for FP+ rides. We experienced some of that too, although I don't think we waited more than 10 minutes for any FP+ attraction. Seems to be a jam-up with getting people to scan their tickets/bands. And you have to do it twice. Once to enter the FP+ line and then again at the end of the line. (Keep those cards handy!) Saw a few people gumming up the works trying to get in when their time slot had passed (by hours) and then decided to argue with the CM.
- MB/RFID/FP+ possibilities - I noticed at Test Track that it looks like they used to have some sort of key card for the ride, but now they just use your MB or card. Made me think about all the customization they can utilize with this system. Some really exciting possibilities. We also ran in to a nice, chatty security guard at International Gateway who was talking about the planning Disney can do with this system. By knowing in advance how many folks are planning to ride certain rides, they can better predict crowd levels and staffing.
Not sure when our next trip will be (hopefully in the not too distant future), but it will be interesting to see how this system evolves.
