What gets me most is the hypocrites on this board

[diskev]

Thank you for your report and it's good to hear that at least some CMs are "enforcing" the new FP+ system the way it's meant to be implemented, to give everyone a fair chance.

Is this a FACT or your Opinion? Given the evidence provided by other posters, I suspect this is Opinion. People have stated they have been told they can use the FP- machines despite being participants in the MB and FP+ testing. If I am wrong, can you provide details about how this is a FACT? Who you spoke with at Disney, their role in FP+ testing, etc.

 

[AmyB2006]

The only thing causing those three families not to ride is the wait time. If they aren't willing to wait, that indicates that the value of the ride does not match the cost in the wait time. In that case, it wasn't important enough to them. But one person or one family riding four times doesn't equate to 3 other families not getting to ride or not choosing to ride. Assuming families of four, the three additional ride cars (2+2) won't be enough of an impact to prevent three families from having the opportunity to ride.

Agree with the bolded. But again, that's why I think (my personal opinion only) Disney is coming up with this system. It will allow more people to ride the ride on a FP, then anyone else who wants to ride without FP or multiple times will have to wait in standby line.

I think Disney had enough people complain that they weren't getting to ride the headliner rides because FPs are gone too soon and standby lines are 90 minutes +.

 

[diskev]

I wouldn't call it a scam either. But it is not allowed by Disney. If you try to book two dining reservations for the same people at the same time, it makes you cancel one.

The only way to book two at the same time, is to use a separate email address. you have to figure out a way to do it.

So while I wouldn't say it's a scam, it is going around the system as intended.

Well, yes an no. While you can't book two different restaurants online at the exact same time, you CAN book two different restaurants at different times. I'm not entirely sure what the minimum time gap is, but I have made multiple dinner reservations and different restaurants at different times. Since it's highly unlikely that somebody will have two dinners, I would consider this as overbooking. It's allowed by the system and I do it frequently during early planning as I work on obtaining my desired ADR dates/times. Once I have my ideal schedule worked out, I empty out those I no longer need. Works great and helps ensure I get exactly what I want. I take what I can get, until I get what I want.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Well, yes an no. While you can't book two different restaurants online at the exact same time, you CAN book two different restaurants at different times. I'm not entirely sure what the minimum time gap is, but I have made multiple dinner reservations and different restaurants at different times. Since it's highly unlikely that somebody will have two dinners, I would consider this as overbooking. It's allowed by the system and I do it frequently during early planning as I work on obtaining my desired ADR dates/times. Once I have my ideal schedule worked out, I empty out those I no longer need. Works great and helps ensure I get exactly what I want. I take what I can get, until I get what I want.

The time gap is several hours.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Well, yes an no. While you can't book two different restaurants online at the exact same time, you CAN book two different restaurants at different times. I'm not entirely sure what the minimum time gap is, but I have made multiple dinner reservations and different restaurants at different times. Since it's highly unlikely that somebody will have two dinners, I would consider this as overbooking. It's allowed by the system and I do it frequently during early planning as I work on obtaining my desired ADR dates/times. Once I have my ideal schedule worked out, I empty out those I no longer need. Works great and helps ensure I get exactly what I want. I take what I can get, until I get what I want.

The disney computer system often runs check for duplicated reservations. Either by credit card, email address etc. If found, they can be possibly cancelled.

I know because it has happened to me.

Large party reservations (depending on the restaurant and party size) often need to be made directly through the restaurant and their management. In one experience I ran into a CM who tried to circumvent this rule by making a reservation for my party of 26 by reserving one table of ten, and two tables of 8 to which all were cancelled without me knowing. Imagine showing up with 26 people to le cellier and no reservation...fun fun.

From what I was told the checks are random and might not even get picked up, but they do happen.

 

[diskev]

Agree with the bolded. But again, that's why I think (my personal opinion only) Disney is coming up with this system. It will allow more people to ride the ride on a FP, then anyone else who wants to ride without FP or multiple times will have to wait in standby line.

I think Disney had enough people complain that they weren't getting to ride the headliner rides because FPs are gone too soon and standby lines are 90 minutes +.

If you're interested in my opinion, I'll share. I don't think FP+ has anything to do with complaints about FP. FP+ is a major change in technology. I had the opportunity to work with a former Disney employee so I have a little insight into the amount of data they collect and what they can do with it. MB is the key here. They represent convenience for you, and a massive data source for Disney. Prior to MB, Disney had to relay on limited methods for tracking Guest movement around the World. MB grants them a unique tracking ID for each guest. They can (and will) be able to track individual people throughout each park. Doing so allows them to see the "Guest Flow". Better insight to the flow allows them to react to increases and decreases in Guest density throughout the World. Couple this with MDE and you have the ability to steer guests around the World to load balance Guest density. This allows you to reduce wait times creating a more positive overall experience for Guests. This is just one aspect to it. The abilities that MB grant Disney is overwhelming when you consider what is possible with technology.

Adding FP+ back into the discussion ... FP+ allows Disney to know in advance not only WHAT you'll be doing during that day but WHEN. And WHEN is incredibly important. For three experiences per Guest participating, they know where you will be and what you'll be doing. Couple that with tracking and they can predict what you'll do between experiences. Knowing in advance allows them to adjust on the fly. The more thought I put into MB and FP+, the more I want to be involved on the backend. The opportunities for creating and advancing technology and Theme Park experiences are limitless with what Disney is doing right now. And this is just the beginning.

 

[WDSearcher]

onsite should get some perks, but not completely cut off the day guest or Florida residents chance of now being handicapped everyday they want to go to the park.

Hey, I would stay at Disney, if they didn't overcharge for crap Holiday Inn rooms decorated in Disney themes.

That's the same reason I don't stay at Universal. I pay way too much for a room for way too little of a benefit.

And really, Universal cuts off day guests and Florida residents too. As an off-site day guest or a FL resident, the only way I can get a Universal Express pass is to pay for it. That's not exactly a "day-guest-friendly" policy.

 

[saskdw]

onsite should get some perks, but not completely cut off the day guest or Florida residents chance of now being handicapped everyday they want to go to the park.

Hey, I would stay at Disney, if they didn't overcharge for crap Holiday Inn rooms decorated in Disney themes.

I agree they should work something in for AP holders, especially the Florida residents.

 

[jlm196]

I haven't been around for a few weeks. People still don't get this?! Can't believe people are still crying about "double dipping" In sept we did use both our kttw and our band. Our cards had to be printed ten times yes then thank you mb system... We did not use all those extra cards for fp. However I don't feel bad using one set of kttw and bands . We did NOT get more fp than we normally would on a trip so we weren't robbing anyone. To expect people to only get three fp while everyone else is getting as many as they can pull - is absurd and to whine and call it cheating as though it is some big offense is pathetic. We normally would pull fp every opportunity that we can. We pulled less fp this trip bc we had three scheduled a day. Being able to plan them a certain way freed up time as I was pretty strategic in my times and rides allowing us to not really need as many fp as we normally would pull.

Exactly!

 

[AmyB2006]

If you're interested in my opinion, I'll share. I don't think FP+ has anything to do with complaints about FP. FP+ is a major change in technology. I had the opportunity to work with a former Disney employee so I have a little insight into the amount of data they collect and what they can do with it. MB is the key here. They represent convenience for you, and a massive data source for Disney. Prior to MB, Disney had to relay on limited methods for tracking Guest movement around the World. MB grants them a unique tracking ID for each guest. They can (and will) be able to track individual people throughout each park. Doing so allows them to see the "Guest Flow". Better insight to the flow allows them to react to increases and decreases in Guest density throughout the World. Couple this with MDE and you have the ability to steer guests around the World to load balance Guest density. This allows you to reduce wait times creating a more positive overall experience for Guests. This is just one aspect to it. The abilities that MB grant Disney is overwhelming when you consider what is possible with technology.

Adding FP+ back into the discussion ... FP+ allows Disney to know in advance not only WHAT you'll be doing during that day but WHEN. And WHEN is incredibly important. For three experiences per Guest participating, they know where you will be and what you'll be doing. Couple that with tracking and they can predict what you'll do between experiences. Knowing in advance allows them to adjust on the fly. The more thought I put into MB and FP+, the more I want to be involved on the backend. The opportunities for creating and advancing technology and Theme Park experiences are limitless with what Disney is doing right now. And this is just the beginning.

That actually sounds excellent and I'm glad you shared.

I'm of the 'I don't care if Disney tracks me' crowd.

 

[Maverick]

Disney has changed alot since my first trip in 1976 when I rode my first 'E' ticket attraction. (Jungle cruise I think?) We go to WDW because we love that Disney provides a canvas for us to paint life-lasting memories with our family and friends. It's really up to us to decide whether those are good memories or not.

I will have the opportunity to try out the new FP+ and magic bands in December. We'll give it a whirl and I'll be sure to post our findings. I suspect the changes will have little material effect on our overall experience unless we allow it to do so. If people are multi-dipping FP's, eh... I can't stop that and it's up to me whether or not this adversely affects my overall vacation.

A potential positive is the ability to book evening fast pass choices before we ever arrive in Orlando. In the past, many of those headliners were out of FP's before we ever got back to the parks for our evening magic each day. As an example... I cannot remember riding TSM later in the day, but will be able to do that now.

Other than that... I bet I'll have the same giddy smile on my face while I hold hands with my wife of 22 years as we enjoy time together at Disney.

Thanks,
Mav

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

If you're interested in my opinion, I'll share. I don't think FP+ has anything to do with complaints about FP. FP+ is a major change in technology. I had the opportunity to work with a former Disney employee so I have a little insight into the amount of data they collect and what they can do with it. MB is the key here. They represent convenience for you, and a massive data source for Disney. Prior to MB, Disney had to relay on limited methods for tracking Guest movement around the World. MB grants them a unique tracking ID for each guest. They can (and will) be able to track individual people throughout each park. Doing so allows them to see the "Guest Flow". Better insight to the flow allows them to react to increases and decreases in Guest density throughout the World. Couple this with MDE and you have the ability to steer guests around the World to load balance Guest density. This allows you to reduce wait times creating a more positive overall experience for Guests. This is just one aspect to it. The abilities that MB grant Disney is overwhelming when you consider what is possible with technology.

Adding FP+ back into the discussion ... FP+ allows Disney to know in advance not only WHAT you'll be doing during that day but WHEN. And WHEN is incredibly important. For three experiences per Guest participating, they know where you will be and what you'll be doing. Couple that with tracking and they can predict what you'll do between experiences. Knowing in advance allows them to adjust on the fly. The more thought I put into MB and FP+, the more I want to be involved on the backend. The opportunities for creating and advancing technology and Theme Park experiences are limitless with what Disney is doing right now. And this is just the beginning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITjsb22-EwQ

 

[Angel Ariel]

The solution is to limit FP+ to on site resort guests. I think after Disney sees the headache and complaints that is exactly what they will do. Everyone can stay onsite if they wish - there is a price point for everyone.

Disney has already officially stated that FP+ will be included in theme park admission for everyone. IMO, they'd cause a lot more ire changing that at this point.

 

[saskdw]

Adding the Credit Card guarantee doesn't prevent bookings beyond a very small scale. What it does is ensure that no Table Service restaurant has a missed ADR without some profit and otherwise guarantees most will cancel with enough advance for others to pick up the available booking.

I think it will also discourage most people from making a bunch of ADR's in the first place. Were 50 days out from our Dec trip and I can make an ADR for almost anywhere I want. The only impossible ADR at this point is BOG.

 

[diskev]

I think it will also discourage most people from making a bunch of ADR's in the first place. Were 50 days out from our Dec trip and I can make an ADR for almost anywhere I want. The only impossible ADR at this point is BOG.

I think it's less "discourage" and more "prevent due to ability and willingness". Some people just don't use Credit Cards and those people will suffer the ability to book those Table Service options they could before. But discourage? As long as I cancel 24 hours in advance, then there's nothing about the guarantee that discourages me. This is evidenced by the multiple bookings I did that required a guarantee. I'm sure there are others like me.

 

[MarieA]

I don't know if someone can answer this question.

We are AP holders (since 2006) and our renewal is 11/2013. We won't pick up our passes until May 2014. How can we make FP+ reservations without having the AP in our possesion? It's my understanding that we are able to make a certain amount of FP+ reservations with an AP.

I am not interested in the whole MagicBand, FP+ system but it may be the only way we can get on certain rides. My DH and I usually decide what park we are going to visit at breakfast each morning. I already plan some ADRs and don't want to plan each and every day of my vacation. Vacation is supposed to be relaxing not stressful.

With regard to the ADRs, what happens if you become sick less than 24 hrs before your ADR? Will you still be charged a fee if you cancel?

We have always been big WDW fans (I am a past Magic Kingdom Club Director for my company). Right now I do not like some of the new policies they are implementing. If I'm not happy with how this whole MagicBand, FP+ system plays out, we will most likely use our DVC points for locations other than WDW.

 

[saskdw]

I think it's less "discourage" and more "prevent due to ability and willingness". Some people just don't use Credit Cards and those people will suffer the ability to book those Table Service options they could before. But discourage? As long as I cancel 24 hours in advance, then there's nothing about the guarantee that discourages me. This is evidenced by the multiple bookings I did that required a guarantee. I'm sure there are others like me.

There are others like you, but I think a large percentage of people will not attach their CC to a bunch of extra ADR's with the intent of cancelling them later. Some like you will, but it will greatly decrease the number. When you take the decreased number of ADR's and add in the ones people like you cancel it will mean alot more last minute ADR's available. I definately see this as a positive move by WDW. The only problem is IMO having to secure a time with a CC now makes this an official reservation. A lot of people will feel this way, so hopefully with the decrease in ADR's they will be able to seat people in a more timely fashion.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Disney has changed alot since my first trip in 1976 when I rode my first 'E' ticket attraction. (Jungle cruise I think?) We go to WDW because we love that Disney provides a canvas for us to paint life-lasting memories with our family and friends. It's really up to us to decide whether those are good memories or not.

I will have the opportunity to try out the new FP+ and magic bands in December. We'll give it a whirl and I'll be sure to post our findings. I suspect the changes will have little material effect on our overall experience unless we allow it to do so. If people are multi-dipping FP's, eh... I can't stop that and it's up to me whether or not this adversely affects my overall vacation.

A potential positive is the ability to book evening fast pass choices before we ever arrive in Orlando. In the past, many of those headliners were out of FP's before we ever got back to the parks for our evening magic each day. As an example... I cannot remember riding TSM later in the day, but will be able to do that now.

Other than that... I bet I'll have the same giddy smile on my face while I hold hands with my wife of 22 years as we enjoy time together at Disney.

Thanks,
Mav

Aw, too cute

 

[diskev]

There are others like you, but I think a large percentage of people will not attach their CC to a bunch of extra ADR's with the intent of cancelling them later. Some like you will, but it will greatly decrease the number. When you take the decreased number of ADR's and add in the ones people like you cancel it will mean alot more last minute ADR's available. I definately see this as a positive move by WDW. The only problem is IMO having to secure a time with a CC now makes this an official reservation. A lot of people will feel this way, so hopefully with the decrease in ADR's they will be able to seat people in a more timely fashion.

I'm curious, *why* do you feel this will decrease overbooking ADRs? For me, I see no negative other than possibly incurring an expense for failing to cancel one 24hrs in advance. MDE helps ensure you are aware of everything you have booked (FP+, ADR, etc) so it's far easier to remember an ADR than it was previously. The risk seems incredibly minor, esp. if you have a smaller family size.

 

[WDSearcher]

I'm curious, *why* do you feel this will decrease overbooking ADRs? For me, I see no negative other than possibly incurring an expense for failing to cancel one 24hrs in advance. MDE helps ensure you are aware of everything you have booked (FP+, ADR, etc) so it's far easier to remember an ADR than it was previously. The risk seems incredibly minor, esp. if you have a smaller family size.

In general, most people don't like "penalties", even if the dollar amount is seen as insignificant. My guess is that the majority of guests won't take the chance of forgetting to cancel a second (or third) ADR 24 hours out and not do as much double-scheduling. It's easy to make a double ADR when you can do it without handing anything over. If you're making an ADR and someone asks for your CC number just in case you don't make your reservation and don't cancel in time, it makes people think twice. Human nature.