Well... MagicBands and FP+, Our Experience

[DisneyBum303]

Goodness, after reading through 12 pages, I am a little worried about our upcoming April vacation. I am also one of those 'don't like change' people, but I've been trying to keep an open mind. But one of the most fun aspects of our vacation is that we plan NOTHING! Other than Epcot on our first day, we never know what park we are going to until that morning. Many times, we just head to the bus stop and hop on the first bus that shows up.

And we are the ultimate park hoppers. The first few days of our vacation, we usually hit two parks a day. But towards the end, we hit three or four a day, going back to hit the favorite things before we leave. From what I'm reading, sounds like we can't do that anymore if we want to ride any of the big ticket rides without an insane wait.

Trying to keep the magic going and stay positive, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little concerned about a whole lot of waiting on this trip.

 

[rastuso]

Goodness, after reading through 12 pages, I am a little worried about our upcoming April vacation. I am also one of those 'don't like change' people, but I've been trying to keep an open mind. But one of the most fun aspects of our vacation is that we plan NOTHING! Other than Epcot on our first day, we never know what park we are going to until that morning. Many times, we just head to the bus stop and hop on the first bus that shows up.

And we are the ultimate park hoppers. The first few days of our vacation, we usually hit two parks a day. But towards the end, we hit three or four a day, going back to hit the favorite things before we leave. From what I'm reading, sounds like we can't do that anymore if we want to ride any of the big ticket rides without an insane wait.

Trying to keep the magic going and stay positive, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little concerned about a whole lot of waiting on this trip.

Sorry to break it to you, but you will never have a trip like that again, especially in April, unless it's after Spring Break.

Jason

 

[stairstepmom]

We've been here since Friday and your post sums up our experience so far as well. I will write up my own review after our trip to give the thing a complete chance, but I've been nothing but stressed over FPP times and ADR times that will cost us $120 to miss, barking at my kids to hurry up before we miss our window, having issues with the bands both with tech and with keeping track of so many bulky things, finding limited availability and missing rides we didn't miss last time on a trip that was 4 nights shorter.

A few magical moments but not outweighing the leaden weight on my shoulders that is MyMagic+.

We already figured we wouldn't be back for a few years, but boy I wanted to be proven wrong. I'm honestly not sure I want to come back ever, I am so disappointed right now.

 

[Clare]

....... some nebulous technology of dubious value?

I think this is my favorite description yet!

 

[bjtriche]

Many thanks OP. We are headed back to the World March 2, along with 12 of our friends that I am planning the trip for, who are also 1st time visitors. I suppose from the stories I am hearing that this will be their first and last trip. If not for them coming, I likely would have cancelled the trip and gone somewhere else. This has been a headache from the start with the amount of work planning a trip now includes.
The MDE site is terrible. I have not been able to get on the site without it crashing since beginning the process. This makes changing FP+ times a nightmare, as some change for some people but not others even though everyone in my party is selected.
I am afraid that the magic is quickly disappearing from me and my family, as they are sharing my frustration, and have all agreed that this will be our last Disney trip for the foreseeable future!

 

[buzz2400]

These new fp+, do you have a timeframe that you are to come to the ride or do you have to be there exactly at that time (for instance, the old fp gave you an hour timeframe to ride the ride). We were thinking of going first week of oct if they have free dining and tie it in with the horror nights at universal, now I am thinking maybe we should save our money.

For those thinking of going to yellowstone and jackson, wy, it is so beautiful. We did it this past sept. We had to cut it short since my mother who has dementia was doing so well but I hope to go back and see it all again at a slower pace.

 

[kmarie99]

These new fp+, do you have a timeframe that you are to come to the ride or do you have to be there exactly at that time (for instance, the old fp gave you an hour timeframe to ride the ride). We were thinking of going first week of oct if they have free dining and tie it in with the horror nights at universal, now I am thinking maybe we should save our money.

For those thinking of going to yellowstone and jackson, wy, it is so beautiful. We did it this past sept. We had to cut it short since my mother who has dementia was doing so well but I hope to go back and see it all again at a slower pace.

It is still like before, you have an hour window.

 

[Laketravis]

These new fp+, do you have a timeframe that you are to come to the ride or do you have to be there exactly at that time (for instance, the old fp gave you an hour timeframe to ride the ride). We were thinking of going first week of oct if they have free dining and tie it in with the horror nights at universal, now I am thinking maybe we should save our money.

For those thinking of going to yellowstone and jackson, wy, it is so beautiful. We did it this past sept. We had to cut it short since my mother who has dementia was doing so well but I hope to go back and see it all again at a slower pace.

Currently, you still get the same hour-long window.

 

[Thumper_Man]

I hope you don't mind my asking but do you know if it pays to purchase an annual pass for Universal in hopes to book a room on property at a discounted rate? My family is also thinking of putting some time in there this summer but we already have reservations at the world on DVC points. It's my dd's 16th birthday celebration and she is bringing a friend. With the fast pass changes I fear that the trip will not be as wonderful as we'd hope. Hence, the reason for some changes. We may stay at Disney for a portion of the time and then spend the rest of our time at Universal; maybe a day at Sea World.

I'm still reading through this whole thread and there is a ton of great information being shared here. Has me thinking if we'll ever go back to WDW. Especially since we're usually off site people. This MB/FP+ is making it more difficult for us to justify going back. DW and I own a timeshare through a different company. Between the cost of airfare and rental car, using our timeshare really helps cut down on the lodging expenses. I really didn't mind that we didn't get FD or EMH. Plus we figure we spend less on food without the dining plan. The money we saved would often go to us splurging on TS meals and souvenirs. We liked that at least FP- was the fair thing we had remaining to us. Now even that's not fair to us anymore. If we have to wait until the day of, then I don't see an trip back to WDW anytime soon. We thought about going this year, but with all the changes happening, we decided to wait until the dust settles. We chose to go to Cancun instead. I've seen the option of maybe exchanging our timeshare to stay on WDW property, but I don't know if we would get the full benefits doing that.

Anyways, I just wanted to mention that there is also a Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure thread on here has well. They will be able to answer all your questions there. They've been very helpful in helping me plan past vacations. I'll be watching these boards for when the HP expansion opens up as we really want to go back when this opens.

 

[3happydancers]

I'm still reading through this whole thread and there is a ton of great information being shared here. Has me thinking if we'll ever go back to WDW. Especially since we're usually off site people. This MB/FP+ is making it more difficult for us to justify going back. DW and I own a timeshare through a different company. Between the cost of airfare and rental car, using our timeshare really helps cut down on the lodging expenses. I really didn't mind that we didn't get FD or EMH. Plus we figure we spend less on food without the dining plan. The money we saved would often go to us splurging on TS meals and souvenirs. We liked that at least FP- was the fair thing we had remaining to us. Now even that's not fair to us anymore. If we have to wait until the day of, then I don't see an trip back to WDW anytime soon. We thought about going this year, but with all the changes happening, we decided to wait until the dust settles. We chose to go to Cancun instead. I've seen the option of maybe exchanging our timeshare to stay on WDW property, but I don't know if we would get the full benefits doing that.

Anyways, I just wanted to mention that there is also a Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure thread on here has well. They will be able to answer all your questions there. They've been very helpful in helping me plan past vacations. I'll be watching these boards for when the HP expansion opens up as we really want to go back when this opens.

Hey Thumper Man, thanks for the info. I'm going to check the US forum. Sounds like you made a nice choice to go to Cancun. I bet you will have a wonderful time. By the way, our very loved 10 month old puppy is named Thumper!

 

[recmouse]

Even if Disney is reading this... do you think they really care?
So sad...

 

[recmouse]

Somewhere in this thread someone asked for suggestions about other places to visit. Although I visit Disney yearly - I also check out the rest of the world too! I don't see how Disney can be your only vacation spot when there is a whole world out there! I've driven to California and back with my kids, cruised, and done stay-cations! There is so much to see just in the glorious USA! Think outside the castle!

 

[xie]

Warning: Another long post, sorry.

Many thanks to everyone for the good discussion. I appreciate it.

I wanted to let you know that we received a Survey email request from Disney. I expected we might, as I was asked for my information by a CM in the parks one day. We haven't been surveyed in over a couple of years (at least 5 trips ago), and things were very different then.

The survey covered both the resorts and the parks, and asked questions about both individually as well as all together. There was a fair range of selections for most of the multiple choice questions, including negative responses.

I wanted to share with you all a couple of the (many) questions, because I felt the list of answers is really pertinent to this thread's discussion.

I was asked this question because I responded that we are unlikely to return to the resort in the next few years:

Q: "Please take a look at the list of reasons provided below and choose which best describe why you are not likely to return to the Walt Disney World® Resort in the next five years."

A: (Please select all that apply)

I don't have the time
It's not for adults
The quality of the experience isn't as good as it used to be
Will likely visit again, just not within the next 5 years
It's a poor value for the money
I've been there, done that
I have medical issues
My kids are too old
I have other obligations
It's too far to travel
Had a bad experience on a recent visit
There is nothing new to see or do
I prefer other destinations
There is too much pre-planning involved
I prefer other theme parks
My kids are too young
It's too crowded
Too many long lines
It's too expensive
It's too exhausting
I don't like the weather
Other​

Now a number of the things on the list above echo concerns people have brought up here, so I felt it would be fair to Disney that I posted this and let you know that they ARE at least asking the questions (Such as, is there too much pre-planning required? Do people feel overcrowded? Is it a poor value for the money spent?). Of course this does not mean they will act meaningfully on the answers, but they are asking.

Later in the survey, I was asked many questions about FP+ and MagicBands, including questions about the nature of any problems I encountered with the bands, the apps, and the website. This particular question asks about using the website prior to arrival:

Q: Which of the following problem(s) did you experience when attempting to select Disney FastPass+ experiences before arriving at the Walt Disney World® Resort?

Answers: (Please select all that apply)

A technical problem with the My Disney Experience website or app (received an 'error' screen, page wouldnt load, etc.)
I didn't know how to select Disney FastPass+ experiences based on the information I received
An attraction I wanted to select wasn't available
The time I wanted to select for an attraction wasn't available
I wanted to make more Disney FastPass+ selections each day than the system would allow me to make
I wanted to make fewer Disney FastPass+ selections each day than the system would allow me to make
I wanted to make Disney FastPass+ selections in more than one park per day
I couldn't delete a Disney FastPass+ selection
I was able to make Disney FastPass+ selections for some in my party, but not others
I wasnt able to make Disney FastPass+ selections for anyone in my party
Other (please specify)Other (please specify)
I don't remember​

So here they are including answers like "I wanted to make more selections" and "I wanted to make selections in more than one park per day", both of which are things people on this thread have been talking about, in addition to giving me an "other" space to write out some of the technical problems I experienced using the site.

Anyway, thought I'd share this, because hope springs eternal, right? I do think that they care about guests, all guests including us, but right now they are flailing with this whole MyMagic+ program such that the challenges of getting it implemented have overridden good sense, good policy and good service.

Anyway, thanks all for the thoughtful and mature discussion in this thread, I appreciate it.

 

[wdwlver]

Warning: Another long post, sorry. Many thanks to everyone for the good discussion. I appreciate it. I wanted to let you know that we received a Survey email request from Disney. I expected we might, as I was asked for my information by a CM in the parks one day. We haven't been surveyed in over a couple of years (at least 5 trips ago), and things were very different then. The survey covered both the resorts and the parks, and asked questions about both individually as well as all together. There was a fair range of selections for most of the multiple choice questions, including negative responses. I wanted to share with you all a couple of the (many) questions, because I felt the list of answers is really pertinent to this thread's discussion. I was asked this question because I responded that we are unlikely to return to the resort in the next few years: Q: "Please take a look at the list of reasons provided below and choose which best describe why you are not likely to return to the Walt Disney World® Resort in the next five years." A: (Please select all that apply) I don't have the time It's not for adults The quality of the experience isn't as good as it used to be Will likely visit again, just not within the next 5 years It's a poor value for the money I've been there, done that I have medical issues My kids are too old I have other obligations It's too far to travel Had a bad experience on a recent visit There is nothing new to see or do I prefer other destinations There is too much pre-planning involved I prefer other theme parks My kids are too young It's too crowded Too many long lines It's too expensive It's too exhausting I don't like the weather Other Now a number of the things on the list above echo concerns people have brought up here, so I felt it would be fair to Disney that I posted this and let you know that they ARE at least asking the questions (Such as, is there too much pre-planning required? Do people feel overcrowded? Is it a poor value for the money spent?). Of course this does not mean they will act meaningfully on the answers, but they are asking. Later in the survey, I was asked many questions about FP+ and MagicBands, including questions about the nature of any problems I encountered with the bands, the apps, and the website. This particular question asks about using the website prior to arrival: Q: Which of the following problem(s) did you experience when attempting to select Disney FastPass+ experiences before arriving at the Walt Disney World® Resort? Answers: (Please select all that apply) A technical problem with the My Disney Experience website or app (received an 'error' screen, page wouldnt load, etc.) I didn't know how to select Disney FastPass+ experiences based on the information I received An attraction I wanted to select wasn't available The time I wanted to select for an attraction wasn't available I wanted to make more Disney FastPass+ selections each day than the system would allow me to make I wanted to make fewer Disney FastPass+ selections each day than the system would allow me to make I wanted to make Disney FastPass+ selections in more than one park per day I couldn't delete a Disney FastPass+ selection I was able to make Disney FastPass+ selections for some in my party, but not others I wasnt able to make Disney FastPass+ selections for anyone in my party Other (please specify)Other (please specify) I don't remember So here they are including answers like "I wanted to make more selections" and "I wanted to make selections in more than one park per day", both of which are things people on this thread have been talking about, in addition to giving me an "other" space to write out some of the technical problems I experienced using the site. Anyway, thought I'd share this, because hope springs eternal, right? I do think that they care about guests, all guests including us, but right now they are flailing with this whole MyMagic+ program such that the challenges of getting it implemented have overridden good sense, good policy and good service. Anyway, thanks all for the thoughtful and mature discussion in this thread, I appreciate it.

At the very least, I'm happy that they're asking those type of questions. As a dvc owner I'd love to take a survey and let them know how fpp just does not work for us. But they've already got my money so not sure they really care what someone like me thinks. Thanks xie!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Q: Which of the following problem(s) did you experience when attempting to select Disney FastPass+ experiences before arriving at the Walt Disney World® Resort?

Answers: (Please select all that apply)

A technical problem with the My Disney Experience website or app (received an 'error' screen, page wouldnt load, etc.)
I didn't know how to select Disney FastPass+ experiences based on the information I received
An attraction I wanted to select wasn't available
The time I wanted to select for an attraction wasn't available
I wanted to make more Disney FastPass+ selections each day than the system would allow me to make
I wanted to make fewer Disney FastPass+ selections each day than the system would allow me to make
I wanted to make Disney FastPass+ selections in more than one park per day
I couldn't delete a Disney FastPass+ selection
I was able to make Disney FastPass+ selections for some in my party, but not others
I wasnt able to make Disney FastPass+ selections for anyone in my party
Other (please specify)Other (please specify)
I don't remember​

So here they are including answers like "I wanted to make more selections" and "I wanted to make selections in more than one park per day", both of which are things people on this thread have been talking about, in addition to giving me an "other" space to write out some of the technical problems I experienced using the site.

Anyway, thought I'd share this, because hope springs eternal, right? I do think that they care about guests, all guests including us, but right now they are flailing with this whole MyMagic+ program such that the challenges of getting it implemented have overridden good sense, good policy and good service.

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but this was the exact wording of one of the questions on my survey. In October. And the one change they've made to FP+ since then is tiering. So are they really listening, or just asking? Who knows.

Just curious...did you get asked about whether you used traditional FPs on your trip, and if so, why you used them? Traditional FP seemed to be a major focus of the questions we were asked.

 

[Minniekins]

My DD23 and I went to WDW 2nd week in Dec for 10 days, stayed at the BCV's. We had MB's, and used FP+ and a little double dipping using our new AP card as well, though not much. MB's worked fine I guess, but I did not attach CC to them so don't know how that would have worked. Definitely not a fan of FP+, though we did get TSM FP+'s and we usually don't, not rope droppers at all. No real big problems, though I can see lots of potential problems, and I hated the limits imposed with the new FP+, and not being able to be spontaneous without losing our FP+s (no times to switch to). I was really hoping to get a nice big survey to respond to in regards to our trip and so far haven't found any surveys in my email from them. That is where they'd contact me, right, not thru MDE or anything like that? So, since it appears they haven't sent anything, who or where can I call, is that even possible, to get a survey sent to me? I was a tester of their product and new system and want to tell them what my experience was and what issues I have in regards to the new FP+ system.

 

[xie]

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but this was the exact wording of one of the questions on my survey. In October. And the one change they've made to FP+ since then is tiering. So are they really listening, or just asking? Who knows.

Just curious...did you get asked about whether you used traditional FPs on your trip, and if so, why you used them? Traditional FP seemed to be a major focus of the questions we were asked.

FP+ has only been in widespread use for a few months, so it doesn't surprise me that they haven't made changes yet.

I was asked whether I had used traditional fast pass, but that was it.

 

[xie]

My DD23 and I went to WDW 2nd week in Dec for 10 days, stayed at the BCV's. We had MB's, and used FP+ and a little double dipping using our new AP card as well, though not much. MB's worked fine I guess, but I did not attach CC to them so don't know how that would have worked. Definitely not a fan of FP+, though we did get TSM FP+'s and we usually don't, not rope droppers at all. No real big problems, though I can see lots of potential problems, and I hated the limits imposed with the new FP+, and not being able to be spontaneous without losing our FP+s (no times to switch to). I was really hoping to get a nice big survey to respond to in regards to our trip and so far haven't found any surveys in my email from them. That is where they'd contact me, right, not thru MDE or anything like that? So, since it appears they haven't sent anything, who or where can I call, is that even possible, to get a survey sent to me? I was a tester of their product and new system and want to tell them what my experience was and what issues I have in regards to the new FP+ system.

Hi Minniekins - yes the surveys come via email, with a link (it's a customized link so they know who is responding). At least for me, a CM stopped me just after I entered one of the parks (I want to say it was MK, but I could be wrong), and asked where I was from and then asked if I would be willing to participate (so I apparently met whatever geographical criteria he was screening for). I said yes, and he scanned my MagicBand to obtain my identity, and I was on my way within 20 seconds. Another "convenience" I suppose, since the last time we were surveyed a few years ago, the CM in the park stopped us and we had to provide all the contact information and email address.

Here's a link where you can email them. There's also a link on this page if you prefer to call.

 

[Minniekins]

Hi Minniekins - yes the surveys come via email, with a link (it's a customized link so they know who is responding). At least for me, a CM stopped me just after I entered one of the parks (I want to say it was MK, but I could be wrong), and asked where I was from and then asked if I would be willing to participate (so I apparently met whatever geographical criteria he was screening for). I said yes, and he scanned my MagicBand to obtain my identity, and I was on my way within 20 seconds. Another "convenience" I suppose, since the last time we were surveyed a few years ago, the CM in the park stopped us and we had to provide all the contact information and email address.

Here's a link where you can email them. There's also a link on this page if you prefer to call.

Oh, great, thanks so much Xie, I appreciate the link! I did see some CM's out looking like they were doing their surveys, though none approached me. I kinda thought I'd get one thru email automatically since I was 'testing' their product and such. Guess that a silly thing to think, lol! I'll have to sit down with this link this weekend when I have some time to fill out the survey. Thanks again for sharing the link!

 

[Tybalt]

My husband and I (DVC) went to the world with my mother-in-law and father-in-law (not DVC) over New Year's this year. We stayed at OKW and generally liked the FP+ system. Admittedly, we were a party of all adults, and I am an uber-planner who likes to keep some spontaneity (In the past, my husband and I have often enjoyed playing "Park Roulette" by jumping on the first park bus that came and wondering where we could go for the day; however, we always pre-booked dining and knew what we would be doing at night.)

A few things we appreciated:

1. Spending more time at the resort pool, hot tub, and tennis courts (relaxing more than we normally do on Disney vacations)
2. Being able to only spend 2 1/2 hours in the parks at night but still being able to do 3 rides without waiting (The parks were very crowded at this time of year, so we were able to ride our rides and then head to less crowded areas like the Boardwalk/ Downtown Disney/ the World Showcase.)
3. Having more time to linger at Epcot's many bars and restaurants
4. Feeling less rushed since we did not have to zoom around the parks collecting fast passes (We LOVE rides and used to get 6-9 FP' per day, but it was nice to enjoy the surrounding and atmosphere instead of doing this.)
5. Knowing that we would get to do all of the attractions we REALLY wanted to do at some point during our 6 day vacation
6. Walking around the back lot in HS/ animal trails in AK/ World Showcase in Epcot during times between FP+'s
7. Riding/ seeing attractions we rarely experience at MK since they had short waits (Philharmagic, Laugh Lab, "Jingle" Cruise, and Enchanted Tiki Room)
8. Knowing that our fastpass times would always be convenient for us

A few things that frustrated us:

1. Being tied to our cell phones (I was the only one frustrated by this since I was the "unoficial" planner who made any FP+ changes we needed to make. I HATE making decisions and dealing with tech issues on vacation...I have always planned ahead so that I could relax more during my vacations.)
2. Being unable to change FP+ times later in the day (In the morning, we were always able to change the ones for the evening, but at around 2:00 the FP+'s were generally all booked.)
3. Wanting to do more rides and more headliners (This was especially true in Epcot where even Malestrom was considered a headliner.)

For parties of all adults, I would recommend the following:

1. Book your FP+'s starting 1 hour after dinner, and book your dinner near your first FP+. This way, even if your dinner takes an hour and 45 min, you can still make the end of your FP window. Also, you will get to do your first 2 rides in a row without waiting. Then you can experience the ambiance, do your last ride, and hang out somewhere fun at night.
2. Book your first 2 rides near each other and your 3rd ride near wherever you want to hang out in between rides.
3. Aim to arrive at your first ride near the end of the 1 hour window so that you can do 2 rides in a row.
4. GO TO JELLY ROLLS! Deuling pianos are so fun! ($20 cover charge is expensive but worth it to us.)
5. Walk to as many parks as you can. (When going from MK to Epcot/ HS, take a bus to Beach Club/ Boardwalk. Then walk to Epcot/ HS...beautiful view, and less hassle.)

Overall, we would have liked more rides and more headliners, but we still prefer the new system to the old one because we found it more relaxing. We were still open to go wherever we wanted in the morning, but often we slept in/ played tennis/ hung out at the resort (all of which we enjoyed). We found that we focused less on the parks and more on vacationing. We did spend less money because of this, and that was nice too (though not likely what Disney intended). It was nice to be able to go out in the evenings and still do our 3 rides at very convenient times in relatively rapid succession.

Since we go every summer (This was our first New Year's there.), we were more pleased with the free time FP+ gave us than we were upset about the lack of rides. I imagine that 3 rides a day would really frustrate rare Dis-goers or once-in-a-lifetimers, but it actually made us take more time to relax.

On a side note, we are still glad that WDW does not have the "pay to get more fastpasses" system that Universal has. Even though we could afford to pay for more passes, we would not want to feel like we were paying to cut in front of people who might have had to save and save for a vacation. It is nice that Disney gives EVERYONE fast passes (even if you can only pre-book when staying on property...at least people at the "value" resorts can still pre-book and get the same number of fastpasses.)