What to REASONABLY expect using FP+ for first time?

[MagicRat]

Planned a semi-last minute trip with the family for Fri-Sun March 7-10. Will be buying annual passes for the first time using our DVC member discount, but will be staying offsite for this trip. I am usually a FP barnstormer and this will be my first trip under the Obamacare...er...FP+ regime. I'm pretty much panicking given what I've been reading since we'll be staying offsite, but want to try to calm some of my fears. A couple of questions for people who have been there using FP+ only:

1) Will all of the big ticket FPs be gone if we're at the parks shortly after opening. We're not rope drop folks but I do like to get there before the huge crowds and now that the kids are bit older, we can stay a bit later at night. If I get to HS at 9:30 or 10, are TSMM passes going to be gone or will something be available?

2) How long will the kiosks lines be around that time? I don't mind waiting 15 mins or so but don't want to spend an hour waiting for FPs that may not even be there.

I'll probably have more questions, but those are what are really bothering me right now. Also, I'm sure there's answers in some prior threads, but all of the threads are now 15 or 20 pages!! Thanks for any answers.

 

[mesaboy2]

Planned a semi-last minute trip with the family for Fri-Sun March 7-10. Will be buying annual passes for the first time using our DVC member discount, but will be staying offsite for this trip. I am usually a FP barnstormer and this will be my first trip under the Obamacare...er...FP+ regime. I'm pretty much panicking given what I've been reading since we'll be staying offsite, but want to try to calm some of my fears. A couple of questions for people who have been there using FP+ only:

1) Will all of the big ticket FPs be gone if we're at the parks shortly after opening. We're not rope drop folks but I do like to get there before the huge crowds and now that the kids are bit older, we can stay a bit later at night. If I get to HS at 9:30 or 10, are TSMM passes going to be gone or will something be available?

2) How long will the kiosks lines be around that time? I don't mind waiting 15 mins or so but don't want to spend an hour waiting for FPs that may not even be there.

I'll probably have more questions, but those are what are really bothering me right now. Also, I'm sure there's answers in some prior threads, but all of the threads are now 15 or 20 pages!! Thanks for any answers.

1. You should be okay for most headliners still at that time, but TSM I'm just not sure. The system is too new to have patterns like this down yet.

2. Pretty busy. Try to find kiosks towards the back of the parks or in out-of-the-way places for best chance at short lines.

Some more info can be found via the green link in my signature.

 

[hydrotony]

The mid-day and early afternoon FPs may be gone and don't expect to get any viewing spot FP at the Magic Kingdom for fireworks or parade.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

I think the other posters have answered your questions very well. My strong recommendation is have a list and study up where the kiosks are - so you know where you're going and you're not wasting time looking for them. Also know what FP you want have your A plan and your B plan so you're not wasting time at the FP locations.

Good luck and have fun!