Why is everyone so upset?

[Stinky_Pete]

I'd settle for just once.

Have you tried day before or day of?

Like I said, in my experience, sometimes there were no FP+ for the really popular attractions even the day before, but all of a sudden they were available the day of in the morning. I checked on the bus ride to the park of my choice that day.

 

[midaroco]

Time is money, no one company touts this more than Disney. I don't mind waiting in line for 15 - 20 mins. I will not, however, wait in line for 75+ minutes. I have the luxury of going to the parks once, sometimes twice a year. Many families aren't so lucky and simply want to create fun experiences together as a family. A family waiting in line for 75 mins on a hot day does not fun memories make. This change does seem to be somewhat limiting to all individuals, from the experienced and seasoned visitors to the first time visitors. Disney's goal with the magic bands is simply to encourage more time spent on property through the fastpass+ system as well as increased spending through linking a credit card to the band and not being able to account for the sales until the end of your vacation when you receive your folio.

 

[bcrook]

Exactly! I just see so many people freaking out over what they think might happen or what could happen.

If people are booking for July, they need to consider what might happen or what could happen. It is going to look dramatically different then. This little half test in October November will be nothing like full roll out. It seems smart for people to ask questions, make a prediction, and then make a decision about spending thousands of dollars.

And right now all off site guests are excluded. So it isn't great for them.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

Time is money, no one company touts this more than Disney. I don't mind waiting in line for 15 - 20 mins. I will not, however, wait in line for 75+ minutes. I have the luxury of going to the parks once, sometimes twice a year. Many families aren't so lucky and simply want to create fun experiences together as a family. A family waiting in line for 75 mins on a hot day does not fun memories make. This change does seem to be somewhat limiting to all individuals, from the experienced and seasoned visitors to the first time visitors.

If you are a seasoned visitor, and plan well, you don't need to wait in line 75 mins. for anything if you use rope drop, a touring plan and FP+. Unless you are going at the absolutely busiest times of the year (Christmas week, Easter, etc.) which has never been a good idea.

Disney's goal with the magic bands is simply to encourage more time spent on property through the fastpass+ system as well as increased spending through linking a credit card to the band and not being able to account for the sales until the end of your vacation when you receive your folio.

Of course they hope to maximize guest spending! And they don't want you to be too conscious of it. It is amazing how quickly the magic band payments process.

But you can keep your receipts and add them up every evening as I used to do, or go to the front desk during an off time (like when you get back to your resort from a park) and have them run your charges. I had such a long list one time that the front desk supervisor said he wanted to tour Food & Wine with me!

 

[mgrayar]

We all are paying more for less. Vacations are choices, however, whereas gas and food are not. I currently have friends at WDW who declined magic bands because they don't care if they ride headliners or not. I'm interested in hearing their perspective. I do not have any firm plans to visit at the moment and am maintaining a wait and see attitude. I'm just happy I didn't go in October. And I'm not complaining about the changes but I do support others' rights to discuss, worry, and speculate especially if they have a trip pending.

. You are supporting something that nobody is disputing. We all support the right to discuss. Declining MB's serves zero, literally nada, purpose. The MB's are just a tool that works like your KTTW, but we all get KTTW's too. Those that decline MB's are just turning down a free souvenir. It gains you nothing to decline them. I don't get why anybody would decline the band. You do not have to use it and they do make a fun free take home reminder.

 

[Jennasis]

Personally, I'm hoping for a sticky. One for those who have concerns and are worried about FP+/MDE and their upcoming vacation and one for those to bash those who have concerns and are worried about their upcoming vacations.

 

[princesslover]

I don't get the people who say Disney is messing with a system that wasn't broken. That is entirely subjective. For some it may have worked fine but I personally thought it was a giant pain in the rear to have to walk all the way to an attraction, pull the FP, then double back when it was time to ride.

I also refuse to join the TSMM stampede at HS or any other stampede for the popular ride du jour.

FP+ worked great for us during a very busy week (Columbus Day). Not only did we ride all the E tickets with minimal waits, we also had more pool and resort time with FP+.

I'm glad they are updating the technology and really think the doom and gloom here is out of control.

Agreed! The system was broken for many visitors. That is why it is changing. I, for one, HATED the idea that I HAD to be at rope drop to have a chance at even getting a FP for rides like TSMM. To me, *THAT* is a broken system.

 

[mgrayar]

Personally, I'm hoping for a sticky. One for those who have concerns and are worried about FP+/MDE and their upcoming vacation and one for those to bash those who have concerns and are worried about their upcoming vacations.

Do you see people bashing?

 

[disnut1149]

What happened is a massive increase in attendance (11-12 million per year in the Magic Kingdom in the early 1990s, 17 million plus per year in the last few years). It's a lot easier to happily wait in line when the lines were half as long as they are now! The negativity comes from Disney deciding to fix a problem (the fast pass system) that wasn't broken, and doing so by beta testing a system on people spending enormous sums of money expecting a predictable vacation experience. Now, you may remember the halcyon days of small children waiting happily in line for an hour or more, but I have a three year old, and I haven't ever met one myself who is delighted to just absorb the disney magic atmosphere as she stands in a que for an hour. Obviously no line is a requirement-- every guest has the choice to just not wait. But the previous fast pass system, with unenforced return times, let our family ride our favorite rides only waiting 10-15 minutes tops. The new system requires young kids to spend far far more time in line if they want to ride their favorite attractions. I'm not going to change it, but I don't have to love it.

Note, this is my first post. I have been learning and lurking, but this "why can't you all just be happy-- what is WRONG with you?!" attitude drove me to write.

Great post!!

 

[mgrayar]

Agreed! The system was broken for many visitors. That is why it is changing. I, for one, HATED the idea that I HAD to be at rope drop to have a chance at even getting a FP for rides like TSMM. To me, *THAT* is a broken system.

I think the majority of visitors would agree. Those of us on here may tend to be more RD and run type people, but we are still the minority. A majority of the guests are not the commando touring type, but I think Disney wants them to be able to ride each ride once too and go home and tell their friends how great it was.

 

[mikek]

I'm trying to wrap my head around all the negativity when dealing with the new FP system. I remember the day of "E" tickets and no fast past. When vacation at any Disney outlet was relaxing and enjoyable. When folks didn't tour down to the last minute and kids and adults alike had a great time. What happened? Has life became so hectic that we can no longer wait in line like we use to? If you ask me...it's sad that we can't slow down and enjoy what is an awesome time. The time when Walt had a vision.

Yes, I understand that time is precious and kids (and adults) are spoiled. Is the time to stand inline and talk to others gone? Has Disney spoiled it or have we?

I refuse to go all out all day long. I refuse to worry about FP, whether it be + or -. I refuse to not enjoy something that makes me happy.

Teach yourself and your kids to slow down and enjoy the time together. Life is too short to worry about anything else....imho.

I'd LOVE to slow down and enjoy Disney like we used to but they force me to plan 6 months in advance what park to go to, what i want to eat, and when. If I don't i can't enjoy a sit down meal anymore. I'm OK with waiting- but frequently now you get told "sorry no walk ups today". If you get lucky and they are taking walk ups it can be a 2 hour wait becasue so many others have booked their reservations 6 months in advance.

Seems now they are blowing up the rides in the same manner that I'll have to plan 60 days in advance what i want to ride and when.

What's next? I have to make FP for counter service? For using the men's rooms? Reserving a slot on the monorail, ferry, or bus?

Basiclly Disney has decided they dont want us to just relax and explore but rather they want us to plan out every minute of our stays so they can maximize their take from my wallet.

I dont mind people having those options. There are plenty that like planning way out in advance and more power to them, but i wish there was some hold back for those of us who just want to go with the flow.

 

[Jennasis]

Do you see people bashing?

Often...from both sides.

 

[mgrayar]

I'd LOVE to slow down and enjoy Disney like we used to but they force me to plan 6 months in advance what park to go to, what i want to eat, and when. If I don't i can't enjoy a sit down meal anymore. I'm OK with waiting- but frequently now you get told "sorry no walk ups today". If you get lucky and they are taking walk ups it can be a 2 hour wait becasue so many others have booked their reservations 6 months in advance. Seems now they are blowing up the rides in the same manner that I'll have to plan 60 days in advance what i want to ride and when. What's next? I have to make FP for counter service? For using the men's rooms? Reserving a slot on the monorail, ferry, or bus? Basiclly Disney has decided they dont want us to just relax and explore but rather they want us to plan out every minute of our stays so they can maximize their take from my wallet. I dont mind people having those options. There are plenty that like planning way out in advance and more power to them, but i wish there was some hold back for those of us who just want to go with the flow.

That is genius. I am going to recommend my alma-mater install FP+ for the ladies restrooms in the football stadium. My wife always wants me to walk with her, this way I may be able to time it to quarter and half.

 

[mgrayar]

Often...from both sides.

Sometimes I think people mistake differing opinions for bashing. It's impossible to convey context and tone in type.

 

[princesslover]

I think the majority of visitors would agree. Those of us on here may tend to be more RD and run type people, but we are still the minority. A majority of the guests are not the commando touring type, but I think Disney wants them to be able to ride each ride once too and go home and tell their friends how great it was.

I agree. And I think it is incredibly smart. I think that (sometimes) DIS'rs may forget that they (we??) are in the minority. It's easy to lose perspective of that with so many members on here.

No one has a crystal ball and can predict what the standby lines will look like or what FP- or FP+ availability will be. For now, I am loving that I aready have my Soarin, TOT, and TSMM booked. It is one less thing to worry about.

 

[moosecrouse]

My couple of thoughts. If we had the Disboards when they rolled out Fastpass I'm sure we would've read sane things then as we do today. No sure how Disney is suppose to test this or any other new system without a controlled rollout Beta like they are doing now. My final thought is the basis for any forum or review site. People who have a bad experience are more likely to take to a social media site to vent then the person who had a seamless trip. Of course we are going to see more negative then positive post. Its human nature.

 

[Jennasis]

Sometimes I think people mistake differing opinions for bashing. It's impossible to convey context and tone in type.

Thread on this subject have been closed due to the "heated" discussion.

 

[Jennasis]

My couple of thoughts. If we had the Disboards when they rolled out Fastpass I'm sure we would've read sane things then as we do today. No sure how Disney is suppose to test this or any other new system without a controlled rollout Beta like they are doing now. My final thought is the basis for any forum or review site. People who have a bad experience are more likely to take to a social media site to vent then the person who had a seamless trip. Of course we are going to see more negative then positive post. Its human nature.

The Disboards were around when FP was originally rolled out I believe. Before the big server change. My memory may be a wee but spotty, but I'm fairly certain I planned both my 1999 honeymoon and my 2000 (first FP trip) with the DIS.

 

[mikek]

...

I think that the biggest difference in the halcyon days was that no one batted an eye when you beat your children into waiting happily.

best post ever- lol

 

[mgrayar]

Oops, I thought you were saying this thread was now closed. Sorry.