What is going on with the FP+ crackdown?

[DisneyMom93]

@DisneyMom93, do you mind if I ask what your sources are? Do you have inside knowledge of the IT systems? Thanks.

Sure but sorry, I won't give any names, etc. A couple of people in WDW eCommerce Sales/Service.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

Thanks! I appreciate the insider insight and definitely wouldn't expect anyone to use names.

The TOS is from September of 2016. TWDC has decided to plug some holes and as a byproduct will hopefully make the experience better for all guests.

I think their solution to only allow FP at the kiosk when admission is associated is perfect. Stop the action at the UX. The problem I have is locking guest accounts on something the technology allowed. That is just sloppy IT and goes against the experience TWDC says it wants to provide. There are a number of valid reasons for changing FP among family and friends. Do you think any of these guests have read the Terms and Conditions to know they are in violation? The rogue unofficial tour guides and true scammers aren't going running to GS. The DIS and other fan sites are a small population compared to the overall attendance.

IMO, putting GS in the position to explain why a guest's account was locked for something the technology allowed them to do isn't fair to anyone, including front line CMs.

As I said on another thread. TWDC can't have it both ways. They cut back on CMs monitoring the 2nd FP tap so we hear more reports of line jumpers. They don't train front line CMs on polices and procedures and create inconsistencies in guest experiences as a result. They spend a ~billion on MDE for sales and marketing opportunities, but lock guest accounts because IT can't code properly. And now they have created a black market for FP.

Sorry, but again IMO, the powers that be are taking action (if in fact they are since there haven't been any reports) only because their pocketbook was impacted by the unofficial tours.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

If you try to go outside of what's allowed (3 prebooked FP+s), you get stuck (can't play in the park)?

More generally speaking, "Well, poop!".

 

[5DisneyNuts]

I thought it had something to do with scamming being "udderly" ridiculous and not getting you anywhere.

More generally speaking, "Well, poop!".

 

[DisneyMom93]

Thanks! I appreciate the insider insight and definitely wouldn't expect anyone to use names.

The TOS is from September of 2016. TWDC has decided to plug some holes and as a byproduct will hopefully make the experience better for all guests.

I think their solution to only allow FP at the kiosk when admission is associated is perfect. Stop the action at the UX. The problem I have is locking guest accounts on something the technology allowed. That is just sloppy IT and goes against the experience TWDC says it wants to provide. There are a number of valid reasons for changing FP among family and friends. Do you think any of these guests have read the Terms and Conditions to know they are in violation? The rogue unofficial tour guides and true scammers aren't going running to GS. The DIS and other fan sites are a small population compared to the overall attendance.

IMO, putting GS in the position to explain why a guest's account was locked for something the technology allowed them to do isn't fair to anyone, including front line CMs.

I said on another thread. TWDC can't have it both ways. They cut back on CMs monitoring the 2nd FP tap so we hear more reports of line jumpers. They don't train front line CMs on polices and procedures and create inconsistencies in guest experiences as a result. They spend a ~billion on MDE for sales and marketing opportunities, but lock guest accounts because IT can't code properly. And now they have created a black market for FP.

Sorry, but again IMO, the powers that be are taking action (if in fact they are since there haven't been any reports) only because their pocketbook was impacted by the unofficial tours.

I think if people were creating fake accounts and "phantoms" with extra FPs with old tickets or MBs, and transferring FPs to their MBs later, then yes they did know that they were violating terms of service. It plainly states you can make up to 3 FPs. I don't think Disney owes them an explanation or a warning.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

I think if people were creating fake accounts and "phantoms" with extra FPs with old tickets or MBs, and transferring FPs to their MBs later, then yes they did know that they were violating terms of service. It plainly states you can make up to 3 FPs. I don't think Disney owes them an explanation or a warning.

By agreeing to the Terms and Conditions you agree to have Disney terminate your rights to MDE, dining reservations, photos, or FP at any time if you don't comply.

Obviously Disney felt there was enough abuse with the same day non-admission bands being used for FP so they shut that down. I hope any other holes they plug are handled the same way (meaning the technology doesn't allow the action in the first place).

 

[AngiTN]

Thanks! I appreciate the insider insight and definitely wouldn't expect anyone to use names.

The TOS is from September of 2016. TWDC has decided to plug some holes and as a byproduct will hopefully make the experience better for all guests.

I think their solution to only allow FP at the kiosk when admission is associated is perfect. Stop the action at the UX. The problem I have is locking guest accounts on something the technology allowed. That is just sloppy IT and goes against the experience TWDC says it wants to provide. There are a number of valid reasons for changing FP among family and friends. Do you think any of these guests have read the Terms and Conditions to know they are in violation? The rogue unofficial tour guides and true scammers aren't going running to GS. The DIS and other fan sites are a small population compared to the overall attendance.

IMO, putting GS in the position to explain why a guest's account was locked for something the technology allowed them to do isn't fair to anyone, including front line CMs.

I said on another thread. TWDC can't have it both ways. They cut back on CMs monitoring the 2nd FP tap so we hear more reports of line jumpers. They don't train front line CMs on polices and procedures and create inconsistencies in guest experiences as a result. They spend a ~billion on MDE for sales and marketing opportunities, but lock guest accounts because IT can't code properly. And now they have created a black market for FP.

Sorry, but again IMO, the powers that be are taking action (if in fact they are since there haven't been any reports) only because their pocketbook was impacted by the unofficial tours.

I think if people were creating fake accounts and "phantoms" with extra FPs with old tickets or MBs, and transferring FPs to their MBs later, then yes they did know that they were violating terms of service. It plainly states you can make up to 3 FPs. I don't think Disney owes them an explanation or a warning.

Of course those intending to find a way to get extra FP know what they are doing and are not going to be the ones shocked when something happens with their accounts. That's not who PP is referring to with the bold above. The guest that changes FP between ticketed users on their 1 MDE account without realizing it breaks a rule, because MDE allows them to do it, are going to be quite displeased by it all. And the CM they get to deal with will have their hands full trying to explain why MDE has a feature that is against the rules to use.

 

[AngiTN]

Sorry, but again IMO, the powers that be are taking action (if in fact they are since there haven't been any reports) only because their pocketbook was impacted by the unofficial tours.

And here we have a winner. They would have never done a thing had folks not found a way to make money on it

 

[brelyt]

And here we have a winner. They would have never done a thing had folks not found a way to make money on it

And this is where we disagree. Maybe Disney realized through complaints that allowing this cheating to continue was bad PR because the efficiency system they promote was often unavailable to many at 50+ days. Maybe, like a good business, they are responding by creating more supply by plugging the hole. So many cynical people on these boards.

 

[rteetz]

And this is where we disagree. Maybe Disney realized through complaints that allowing this cheating to continue was bad PR because the efficiency system they promote was often unavailable to many at 50+ days. Maybe, like a good business, they are responding by creating more supply by plugging the hole. So many cynical people on these boards.

I don't know if it was bad PR. Only people on places like the disboards knew about it. General guests have no idea.

 

[AngiTN]

And this is where we disagree. Maybe Disney realized through complaints that allowing this cheating to continue was bad PR because the efficiency system they promote was often unavailable to many at 50+ days. Maybe, like a good business, they are responding by creating more supply by plugging the hole. So many cynical people on these boards.

I simply don't believe significant numbers of FP were taken by people abusing the system. Some sure, but it's a very complicated process and there were not that many people trying to scam it. Simply too hard. Heck, most didn't even bother to plan period, much less scam. I never saw hoards of people running to FP kiosks with spare bands every day getting extra FP, did you?

 

[jbb4me]

I don't really understand the whole witch-hunt mentality of some of these posts. I have never used any of these methods of getting extra FPPs but I also don't feel angry or wish any ill-will on those who have chosen to use them in the past (especially since Disney apparently wasn't making it obvious it couldn't or shouldn't be done). Has it impacted my trips to Disney? I don't believe so. I've never counted on getting a 4th or 5th (or more) FPP to any particular ride. And with the new enforcement efforts, I also won't feel any more confident that I will get more day-of FPPs because there are thousands and thousands of other people in the parks so nothing is ever guaranteed (heck, not even my 3 prebooked FPPs if rides go down!). My touring plans won't change. My Disney experience arguably won't change.

So what's with all of the pitchforks? Does everyone here drive the speed limit?

 

[DisneyMom93]

Of course those intending to find a way to get extra FP know what they are doing and are not going to be the ones shocked when something happens with their accounts. That's not who PP is referring to with the bold above. The guest that changes FP between ticketed users on their 1 MDE account without realizing it breaks a rule, because MDE allows them to do it, are going to be quite displeased by it all. And the CM they get to deal with will have their hands full trying to explain why MDE has a feature that is against the rules to use.

But guests can still change FPs between ticketed parties if they all enter the park that day.

If Disney changes that it will be because of those that abused the system. But if they do change that, I agree that's a different story.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

And this is where we disagree. Maybe Disney realized through complaints that allowing this cheating to continue was bad PR because the efficiency system they promote was often unavailable to many at 50+ days. Maybe, like a good business, they are responding by creating more supply by plugging the hole. So many cynical people on these boards.

I don't mean to be cynical. I just don't like the direction Disney is going with this. With the amount of on site rooms and their ability to get 60 day FP, off site and day guests are going to be shut out most of the time when it comes to the headliners unless they keep checking.

I don't know if it was bad PR. Only people on places like the disboards knew about it. General guests have no idea.

I completely agree. In my experience and from CM friends, the guests that are complaining are people that have not planned in advance, can't get into a restaurant even though they paid for a dining plan, and have to wait on long standby lines for the most popular attractions.

Plugging a hole that a a small population (my guess) is taking advantage of is not going to solve those issues. Having more attractions will and at least they seem to be trying to move in that direction now.

 

[DisneyMom93]

I simply don't believe significant numbers of FP were taken by people abusing the system. Some sure, but it's a very complicated process and there were not that many people trying to scam it. Simply too hard. Heck, most didn't even bother to plan period, much less scam. I never saw hoards of people running to FP kiosks with spare bands every day getting extra FP, did you?

Regardless of WHO was abusing the system, it was enough for DW to implement a new system to put a stop to it.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

Regardless of WHO was abusing the system, it was enough for DW to implement a new system to put a stop to it.

Implementing a new system is different than locking guest accounts. I hope if Disney did in fact put in a new system (still unconfirmed) they did it the right way this time. Locking guest accounts is lazy.

 

[AngiTN]

But guests can still change FPs between ticketed parties if they all enter the park that day.

If Disney changes that it will be because of those that abused the system. But if they do change that, I agree that's a different story.

I know. But I wonder if every single guest that goes to Disney knows that you can only change between ticketed parties that have entered the park. Are there some out there that think you can change between some who stay back at the resort from exhaustion one day? The unsuspecting guest that gets caught up using a feature that is on the site but not trying to scam extra FP? Anyway, just like those that try to get extra FP is a small number, I'm sure those that accidentally break the rules are too. I just hope they don't get too irate with the CM that have to deal with them when their accounts are locked

 

[DisneyMom93]

I don't really understand the whole witch-hunt mentality of some of these posts. I have never used any of these methods of getting extra FPPs but I also don't feel angry or wish any ill-will on those who have chosen to use them in the past (especially since Disney apparently wasn't making it obvious it couldn't or shouldn't be done). Has it impacted my trips to Disney? I don't believe so. I've never counted on getting a 4th or 5th (or more) FPP to any particular ride. And with the new enforcement efforts, I also won't feel any more confident that I will get more day-of FPPs because there are thousands and thousands of other people in the parks so nothing is ever guaranteed (heck, not even my 3 prebooked FPPs if rides go down!). My touring plans won't change. My Disney experience arguably won't change.

So what's with all of the pitchforks? Does everyone here drive the speed limit?

Where do you see anyone wishing ill will on anyone that abused the system in the past?

I haven't seen that. The discussions have been about those still trying, or upset they can't anymore.

I personally hope the ones that continue to abuse and cheat the system since the change are penalized. I don't think just deleting the FPs is enough. There has to be some kind of penalty for it otherwise they will keep trying.

They SHOULD be scared to attempt to circumvent the system.

 

[Planogirl]

Implementing a new system is different than locking guest accounts. I hope if Disney did in fact put in a new system (still unconfirmed) they did it the right way this time. Locking guest accounts is lazy.

I still think that Disney plans to monetize extra fastpasses and that's harder if the public can get those extra fastpasses for free. Maybe it was a small number but apparently it was a concern to Disney.

 

[AngiTN]

Implementing a new system is different than locking guest accounts. I hope if Disney did in fact put in a new system (still unconfirmed) they did it the right way this time. Locking guest accounts is lazy.

Just make the FP system turn blue. Surely it can't be that hard, can it?