MyMagic+ and FastPass+

[Suvadoo]

I think you have been pretty solid on this too... (been trying to PM you btw).

I do wonder what the folks who usually tell us your perspectives on FP+ are inaccurate think of this ?

Anyone who claims: The complainers here aren't representative of other folks, that Locals will love FP+, that First timers and non Disboarders mostly love FP+, etc etc ?

Pretty clear here from a good group of people in the know, who have contact with a lot of clients, that this whole FP+ thing isn't going over smoothly with the "average" guest either ... ???

I too find it interesting that none of the FP+ PR team has commented on what the podcasters had to say.

On previous negative FP+ posts, the people who love it have tried to find reasons why the person had a bad experience. The typical response has been, it worked great for us, so what did you do wrong?

I now realize there are a lot of people who are unhappy with FP+. I never understood why people would get so excited when they were able to get their
7DMT FP's 60 days out. I always thought the FP+ frenzy and subsequent elation were way over the top for a 3 minute ride.

Reports from the last Disney shareholder meeting were open to interpretation. Profits were up and most people attributed that to MDE, but the ticket , food, and merch prices were increased. They also said more people were using FP+ than Legacy, but they didn't mention that more rides had FP+. To me , it seemed like they were trying to put a positive spin on FP+ and MDE without providing concrete statistics. Consequently, the people on the boards concluded that FP+ and MDE are huge successes despite what the negative nellies have to say.

I believe Bob Eiger is responsible for MDE and FP+ going into DLR. He's such a techie and he is going to make this project succeed, it's his legacy! I wonder what middle management thinks?

LT, I thought you provided some great suggestions on ways FP+ could be improved. With every problem you've mentioned, you also tried to come up with a solution. There are a lot of people on these boards who respect you, even if you are a Caveman!

 

[crostorfer]

I find it interesting that the only ones commenting on this thread are those of us who have been critical of FP+, and vocal about it, since it's inception.

 

[lmcarr49]

Where are the I love fp+ fanatics?

My husband thinks all this planning is ridiculous and is ready to cancel and go on a cruise.

 

[wisblue]

I have been reluctant to comment on this thread because it would have felt like crashing a private party of the FP+ "Dislikers" Club. But, as long as there are now a number of people calling for an opposing viewpoint, I am weighing in.

If you really want a different perspective on this podcast I could offer it, but I don't know if it's worth triggering the inevitable backlash. The short version of my reaction is that I don't find panel discussions like this to be very informative when every member of the panel is starting with the same opinion. It would be like having a discussion about a highly partisan political subject and only having members of one party represented.

Because I generally don't follow these podcasts, I have no idea who any of these panel members are (except for the brief introductions they were given) and how reliable their opinions usually are. But, when they start out declaring in varying degrees that they don't like FP+, including 2 who essentially said that they think it sucks the fun out of going to WDW, I have a pretty good idea that it's not going to be a balanced presentation.

The moderator said that he likes FP+, but really didn't elaborate on it or do much to question the panelists when they pulled out some of the overbroad statements that we often hear on these boards.

Given the perspectives of the people presenting them, I don't put much weight on the comments about client reactions. When I listened to the podcast I didn't think there was that much of that, other than a comment from the president of Dreams Unlimited, who said they had a very mixed spectrum of opinions, and from Kathy, who seemed to emphasize that people were surprised that there was so much planning that could be done in advance. If there was anything that discussed how clients responded after their trips, I missed it, though I have to admit I wasn't hanging on every word of this presentation.

I listened to this before anyone had responded to this thread, and I shrugged it off as not saying anything we haven't heard many times before. In fact, some of the speakers were much less well informed about how FP+ works than a lot of people on these boards. But, I am not surprised that the opponents of FP+ lapped it up.

 

[Suvadoo]

Where are the I love fp+ fanatics?

My husband thinks all this planning is ridiculous and is ready to cancel and go on a cruise.

That's the way I feel. Last week I went on MDE to put in my trip info for April. I was hoping the website had improved enough to tell me the date I could start booking FP+, but noooo! It says I can book at 30 days, but I know I have a 60 day window at the Swan. So I use the chat feature to get clarification from a CM. Well, this is a pointless exercise, because she keeps telling me it's a 30 day window. I even provided info from the Swan's website that said I had a 60 day window. Then I had a V-8 moment! I thanked her and disconnected. The next CM was able to confirm my 60 day booking window and give me the date I could start booking.
Why is it that Disney costumer service is so inconsistent?

 

[ArwenMarie]

That's the way I feel. Last week I went on MDE to put in my trip info for April. I was hoping the website had improved enough to tell me the date I could start booking FP+, but noooo! It says I can book at 30 days, but I know I have a 60 day window at the Swan. So I use the chat feature to get clarification from a CM. Well, this is a pointless exercise, because she keeps telling me it's a 30 day window. I even provided info from the Swan's website that said I had a 60 day window. Then I had a V-8 moment! I thanked her and disconnected. The next CM was able to confirm my 60 day booking window and give me the date I could start booking.
Why is it that Disney costumer service is so inconsistent?

The Chat function is horrible, at least the times I have used it. Sometimes it's good for a laugh. I swear it's either robots or people in other countries who are just pulling lines off of a piece of paper and typing them in.

Same for the phone CMs. If you call and say you want to make a new reservation, you get the best CMs. Otherwise, it's variable.

 

[Suvadoo]

The Chat function is horrible, at least the times I have used it. Sometimes it's good for a laugh. I swear it's either robots or people in other countries who are just pulling lines off of a piece of paper and typing them in.

Same for the phone CMs. If you call and say you want to make a new reservation, you get the best CMs. Otherwise, it's variable.

Agreed. But the other question I have is why can't the MDE provide this info accurately and instantly when you enter your hotel reservation number and tickets? I just don't understand why their website is so lousy.

 

[Laketravis]

I have been reluctant to comment on this thread because it would have felt like crashing a private party of the FP+ "Dislikers" Club. But, as long as there are now a number of people calling for an opposing viewpoint, I am weighing in.

If you really want a different perspective on this podcast I could offer it, but I don't know if it's worth triggering the inevitable backlash. The short version of my reaction is that I don't find panel discussions like this to be very informative when every member of the panel is starting with the same opinion. It would be like having a discussion about a highly partisan political subject and only having members of one party represented.

Because I generally don't follow these podcasts, I have no idea who any of these panel members are (except for the brief introductions they were given) and how reliable their opinions usually are. But, when they start out declaring in varying degrees that they don't like FP+, including 2 who essentially said that they think it sucks the fun out of going to WDW, I have a pretty good idea that it's not going to be a balanced presentation.

The moderator said that he likes FP+, but really didn't elaborate on it or do much to question the panelists when they pulled out some of the overbroad statements that we often hear on these boards.

Given the perspectives of the people presenting them, I don't put much weight on the comments about client reactions. When I listened to the podcast I didn't think there was that much of that, other than a comment from the president of Dreams Unlimited, who said they had a very mixed spectrum of opinions, and from Kathy, who seemed to emphasize that people were surprised that there was so much planning that could be done in advance. If there was anything that discussed how clients responded after their trips, I missed it, though I have to admit I wasn't hanging on every word of this presentation.

I listened to this before anyone had responded to this thread, and I shrugged it off as not saying anything we haven't heard many times before. In fact, some of the speakers were much less well informed about how FP+ works than a lot of people on these boards. But, I am not surprised that the opponents of FP+ lapped it up.

............................

 

[mom2rtk]

Agreed. But the other question I have is why can't the MDE provide this info accurately and instantly when you enter your hotel reservation number and tickets? I just don't understand why their website is so lousy.

Their IT systems have long been known to be "less than great". Which is why it was so crazy for them to have implemented a program that runs ride access through that same "less than great" IT system.

 

[mom2rtk]

LakeTravis, no need to highlight the obvious. I think that post speaks for itself.

And BTW, if you do a trip report from your recent Universal stay, be sure to post a link here in this thread. I'd love to hear more about it.

 

[Suvadoo]

Their IT systems have long been known to be "less than great". Which is why it was so crazy for them to have implemented a program that runs ride access through that same "less than great" IT system.

Another slogan: WDW : MDE, FP+, Customer Service... Everything less than great. It can be added to the Pay More Experience Less campaign.

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

I have been reluctant to comment on this thread because it would have felt like crashing a private party of the FP+ "Dislikers" Club. But, as long as there are now a number of people calling for an opposing viewpoint, I am weighing in. If you really want a different perspective on this podcast I could offer it, but I don't know if it's worth triggering the inevitable backlash. The short version of my reaction is that I don't find panel discussions like this to be very informative when every member of the panel is starting with the same opinion. It would be like having a discussion about a highly partisan political subject and only having members of one party represented. Because I generally don't follow these podcasts, I have no idea who any of these panel members are (except for the brief introductions they were given) and how reliable their opinions usually are. But, when they start out declaring in varying degrees that they don't like FP+, including 2 who essentially said that they think it sucks the fun out of going to WDW, I have a pretty good idea that it's not going to be a balanced presentation. The moderator said that he likes FP+, but really didn't elaborate on it or do much to question the panelists when they pulled out some of the overbroad statements that we often hear on these boards. Given the perspectives of the people presenting them, I don't put much weight on the comments about client reactions. When I listened to the podcast I didn't think there was that much of that, other than a comment from the president of Dreams Unlimited, who said they had a very mixed spectrum of opinions, and from Kathy, who seemed to emphasize that people were surprised that there was so much planning that could be done in advance. If there was anything that discussed how clients responded after their trips, I missed it, though I have to admit I wasn't hanging on every word of this presentation. I listened to this before anyone had responded to this thread, and I shrugged it off as not saying anything we haven't heard many times before. In fact, some of the speakers were much less well informed about how FP+ works than a lot of people on these boards. But, I am not surprised that the opponents of FP+ lapped it up.

I guess I found it interesting for several reasons. I don't listen to the podcast as regularly as I used to, but I have a pretty good idea of who everyone is. First, I was surprised that they didn't like it because they are locals. I would have thought that as a local it would be a huge advantage to be able to reserve 3 FP for the more popular rides and not have to worry about making rope drop. If I was close and had an AP, I wouldn't feel like I had to be in the park all day ( or a majority of the day) to get the value out of my ticket. Also, I don't think that Kathy, John, or Kevin are ride junkies. They weren't people who were uber users of legacy FP before. Second, I was surprised to hear about the response they got from their clients. It just gave us a different perspective. Everyone on the Disboards is planner to some extent or we wouldn't be here.

I have to admit, that I don't see how this will work at DL. I like the magic bands and I think that most other people do too. But DL has a much smaller number of guests staying onsite so few will be able to use them for charging privileges or room keys. And with the number of local AP holders being so high, I think availability of FP for very popular attractions will be limited. Plus they have fewer rides that currently have FP. They will have to add FP to a lot of attractions.

 

[Suvadoo]

Lt , glad you didn't just cut out the pertinent details of a PP. Smart move to leave the whole thing intact. After all, you know where paraphrasing got you.

Also, Do you mind if I call you LT? If so, I'll revert back to Caveman

 

[soniam]

I like FP+. The IT system is broken though.

However, very few websites, apps, or computer systems in general live up to my expectations. I am required to use a computer fie my job; there isn't a single thing, other than thinking, that I can do without access to a computer and my company's network. I can't even read documents offline. So bad computer systems is part of my everyday life. I know things improve some over time.

I haven't piped up, because I don't care to convince others of my opinion. Mine is based upon my experiences, which are different from others. We all have a right to our opinions. I also don't think Disney is going to abandon this; however, they may improve it. I actually just feel kind of privileged to be able to afford these kind of vacations. We couldn't afford it when I was a kid.

 

[SmithSmith]

I'll add my two cents on why I haven't commented on this thread.

I haven't watched the podcast! I was a regular viewer/listener until December. I just haven't been able to "get into it" lately. I think it has something to do with Shaun not being there anymore.

BUT... from other comments it looks like Kevin & John are taking part in this discussion?

To my knowledge, they haven't been to the parks in a LONG TIME... unless something has changed since last month...

 

[mom2rtk]

I'll add my two cents on why I haven't commented on this thread.

I haven't watched the podcast! I was a regular viewer/listener until December. I just haven't been able to "get into it" lately. I think it has something to do with Shaun not being there anymore.

BUT... from other comments it looks like Kevin & John are taking part in this discussion?

To my knowledge, they haven't been to the parks in a LONG TIME... unless something has changed since last month...

The podcast is linked in the first post if you'd like to watch it.

 

[SmithSmith]

The podcast is linked in the first post if you'd like to watch it.

Thanks. I'm a subscriber so it's available to me through all my TV's, my iPad, and my iPhone. So it's not that I don't know how to watch it, it's just I haven't wanted to watch it. Without Shaun, something is missing, I can't put my finger on it... perhaps balance? Or enthusiasm? I'm not sure...

 

[Suvadoo]

I'll add my two cents on why I haven't commented on this thread.

I haven't watched the podcast! I was a regular viewer/listener until December. I just haven't been able to "get into it" lately. I think it has something to do with Shaun not being there anymore.

BUT... from other comments it looks like Kevin & John are taking part in this discussion?

To my knowledge, they haven't been to the parks in a LONG TIME... unless something has changed since last month...

Just curious, how can you comment on the show if you haven't seen it? Also, besides John and Kevin, the following people were present: Kathy, Rino, Corey, Craig and Dustin. Since Kathy, John, and Kevin are involved with the travel agency, they provided guest feedback. It was quite interesting. Also not quite the home run that Disney wants.

 

[SmithSmith]

Just curious, how can you comment on the show if you haven't seen it? Also, besides John and Kevin, the following people were present: Kathy, Rino, Corey, Craig and Dustin. Since Kathy, John, and Kevin are involved with the travel agency, they provided guest feedback. It was quite interesting. Also not quite the home run that Disney wants.

That was my point. People were asking why the FP proponents weren't commenting on this thread. My reason: "I haven't watched the podcast!". Therefore, I didn't feel I COULD comment, so I havent.

What did I say that made you feel I was commenting on the show?

 

[Shaden]

I suppose that only furthers the question. Wondering why people aren't watching and responding to the podcast, since they don't seem to have any problems reading and responding any other time ... well sort of no problem.

And if we are always so concerned with the accuracy of peoples information and the difference between personal experience and overall or average experience ... this is pretty fantastic.