FP+ "Problems" - I Just Don't Get It

[DisneyKidds]

So much hate for the FP+ system over the lack of availability of FP+ reservations. MM+ inception right through this morning you see the frequent complaint that there were no FP+ reservations available for this, that, the other thing, almost everything......even when people go online at midnight 60 days out. People decry the FP+ system for the abhorrent amount of time that must be spent to plan and secure elusive FP+ reservations. Other than the general 'I don't like that Disney makes me plan my vacation so much' complaint, these two 'problems' seem to be at the very heart of the anti-FP+ movement.

Now, I'm going to try and be delicate about this, and will probably fail miserably......but I don't get it. I really don't. Yes, user experiences vary, but how much can they really vary? Based on my experiences I have to ask myself.....what is the problem? Is there really one, or is the majority of the FP+ backlash coming from people who just aren't that capable of figuring out the (relatively simple) system, or people that seem to find a way of exaggerating a small problem into a big issue?

I'm compelled to ask this question because last night I secured some FP+ reservations without any problem whatsoever. Not only that, but I changed some times and swapped a few experiences. In and out in 30 minutes, a week's worth of FP+ reservations secured and tailored, everything we could have wanted available, got everything we desired.

Now, before you say 'sure, that could be...if you were making reservations for an off time', let me clarify. These were for the week between Christmas and New Year's, THE busiest time of the year at WDW. You might say 'ok, great for you, you got REALLY lucky'. But this is the third time I've had no problem securing anything and everything we wanted with the FP+ system. 'But you are making reservations for a small party' you might say! No, I've been equally successful for 2, 5, or 12 people. Last year we used FP+ between Christmas and New Year's. No problems, but the system was new, so maybe not a lot of people were using it? Then we had a trip in July, another very busy time at WDW, and got everything (including Mine Train and A&E), and I did so at 45 days out. Ok, I figured maybe I was lucky there? Then there was last night, where I secured FP+ reservations, sans problems, for an even busier time at WDW. Mine Train, got it. A&E, there if I wanted it.

So, I'm thinking luck has nothing to do with it, and the 'problems' are either exaggerated or fabricated. How else do you explain it? Discuss amongst yourselves.......

 

[kbelle8995]

Here's my Opinion. FP+ is a system that is great for some people for others not so much.

I went in with an open mind or at least I tried too. But with three FP+ I felt trapped and wasn't able to allow my day to be flexible as I would like it.

It's not for me. It's as simple as that. I am a planner but FP+ is a step too far.

 

[Jennasis]

You weren't lucky. You were typical....at least Disney hopes so. Those of us who did not have that kind of luck are likely not the overwhelming majority, but things still happened to make our experience with the system blow chunks. Your experience doesn't negate the ones who didn't fair well as the ones who didn't fair well don't negate your positive one.

 

[surferdave]

So, I'm thinking luck has nothing to do with it, and the 'problems' are either exaggerated or fabricated.

Brace for some well deserved backlash for calling people liars.

Who knows why it works fine for some people and not for others? It's a massive relational database built from new technology and several legacy systems. Data for fastpasses, dining reservations, resort reservations, purchasing, photo storage, and a half dozen other data sets are stored, changed, deleted, copied and moved from data base to data base. You haven't even begun to list the different problems people might be encountering.

 

[mesaboy2]

So much hate for the FP+ system over the lack of availability of FP+ reservations. MM+ inception right through this morning you see the frequent complaint that there were no FP+ reservations available for this, that, the other thing, almost everything......even when people go online at midnight 60 days out. People decry the FP+ system for the abhorrent amount of time that must be spent to plan and secure elusive FP+ reservations. Other than the general 'I don't like that Disney makes me plan my vacation so much' complaint, these two 'problems' seem to be at the very heart of the anti-FP+ movement.

Now, I'm going to try and be delicate about this, and will probably fail miserably......but I don't get it. I really don't. Yes, user experiences vary, but how much can they really vary? Based on my experiences I have to ask myself.....what is the problem? Is there really one, or is the majority of the FP+ backlash coming from people who just aren't that capable of figuring out the (relatively simple) system, or people that seem to find a way of exaggerating a small problem into a big issue?

I'm compelled to ask this question because last night I secured some FP+ reservations without any problem whatsoever. Not only that, but I changed some times and swapped a few experiences. In and out in 30 minutes, a week's worth of FP+ reservations secured and tailored, everything we could have wanted available, got everything we desired.

Now, before you say 'sure, that could be...if you were making reservations for an off time', let me clarify. These were for the week between Christmas and New Year's, THE busiest time of the year at WDW. You might say 'ok, great for you, you got REALLY lucky'. But this is the third time I've had no problem securing anything and everything we wanted with the FP+ system. 'But you are making reservations for a small party' you might say! No, I've been equally successful for 2, 5, or 12 people. Last year we used FP+ between Christmas and New Year's. No problems, but the system was new, so maybe not a lot of people were using it? Then we had a trip in July, another very busy time at WDW, and got everything (including Mine Train and A&E), and I did so at 45 days out. Ok, I figured maybe I was lucky there? Then there was last night, where I secured FP+ reservations, sans problems, for an even busier time at WDW. Mine Train, got it. A&E, there if I wanted it.

So, I'm thinking luck has nothing to do with it, and the 'problems' are either exaggerated or fabricated. How else do you explain it? Discuss amongst yourselves.......

Another FP thread encouraging people to debate the merits. I just don't get that. I really don't. How much can these threads really vary?

 

[Marionnette]

So much hate for the FP+ system over the lack of availability of FP+ reservations. MM+ inception right through this morning you see the frequent complaint that there were no FP+ reservations available for this, that, the other thing, almost everything......even when people go online at midnight 60 days out. People decry the FP+ system for the abhorrent amount of time that must be spent to plan and secure elusive FP+ reservations. Other than the general 'I don't like that Disney makes me plan my vacation so much' complaint, these two 'problems' seem to be at the very heart of the anti-FP+ movement.

Now, I'm going to try and be delicate about this, and will probably fail miserably......but I don't get it. I really don't. Yes, user experiences vary, but how much can they really vary? Based on my experiences I have to ask myself.....what is the problem? Is there really one, or is the majority of the FP+ backlash coming from people who just aren't that capable of figuring out the (relatively simple) system, or people that seem to find a way of exaggerating a small problem into a big issue?

I'm compelled to ask this question because last night I secured some FP+ reservations without any problem whatsoever. Not only that, but I changed some times and swapped a few experiences. In and out in 30 minutes, a week's worth of FP+ reservations secured and tailored, everything we could have wanted available, got everything we desired.

Now, before you say 'sure, that could be...if you were making reservations for an off time', let me clarify. These were for the week between Christmas and New Year's, THE busiest time of the year at WDW. You might say 'ok, great for you, you got REALLY lucky'. But this is the third time I've had no problem securing anything and everything we wanted with the FP+ system. 'But you are making reservations for a small party' you might say! No, I've been equally successful for 2, 5, or 12 people. Last year we used FP+ between Christmas and New Year's. No problems, but the system was new, so maybe not a lot of people were using it? Then we had a trip in July, another very busy time at WDW, and got everything (including Mine Train and A&E), and I did so at 45 days out. Ok, I figured maybe I was lucky there? Then there was last night, where I secured FP+ reservations, sans problems, for an even busier time at WDW. Mine Train, got it. A&E, there if I wanted it.

So, I'm thinking luck has nothing to do with it, and the 'problems' are either exaggerated or fabricated. How else do you explain it? Discuss amongst yourselves.......

Wow!

Even though I have had success getting the FP+ that I want, I would never dismiss someone else's difficulties as hyperbole or lies. The system is glitchy and that's pretty evident.

 

[Nancyg56]

Wow! Even though I have had success getting the FP+ that I want, I would never dismiss someone else's difficulties as hyperbole or lies. The system is glitchy and that's pretty evident.

It sure is! I'm here now and while I Don't hate it, I am not a fan. It was nice to have experiences booked ahead, but changing is only easy if there are attractions available you want. Just because Indiana Jones is available in a time span died not mean I want it

 

[Luvchefmic]

"Is there really one, or is the majority of the FP+ backlash coming from people who just aren't that capable of figuring out the (relatively simple) system, or people that seem to find a way of exaggerating a small problem into a big issue? "


I am certainly capable, even college educated, can tie my sneakers and everything BIG difference onsite 60 days offsite 30 days. That's all I have to add for now.

 

[JanaDee]

Calling people liars doesn't tend to go over well. But you knew that, didn't you? I am on my phone so *insert pot stirrer emoticon here*.

I am sick of people calling those that don't like FP+ idiots and/or liars.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Calling people liars doesn't tend to go over well. But you knew that, didn't you? I am on my phone so *insert pot stirrer emoticon here*.

I am sick of people calling those that don't like FP+ idiots and/or liars.

here you go, another example of what I am capable of

 

[Angel Ariel]

Based on my experiences I have to ask myself.....what is the problem? Is there really one, or is the majority of the FP+ backlash coming from people who just aren't that capable of figuring out the (relatively simple) system, or people that seem to find a way of exaggerating a small problem into a big issue?

Or could it maybe just be as simple as others tour differently than you, or have different likes/dislikes than you?

so, I'm thinking luck has nothing to do with it, and the 'problems' are either exaggerated or fabricated. How else do you explain it? Discuss amongst yourselves.......

I'm truly happy for you that the fp+ system has worked so well for you. I'm happy you didn't have to hunt for weeks to get that elusive A&E fp+, as I did. I just managed to finally get 2 A&E yesterday, my trip is in 10 days. Only because of the cancellation thread here did I find even 2 slots. Not enough for my entire party, but it is better than nothing.

Now, I'm not saying the whole system sucks because I couldnt get A&E at 60 days. I don't like it simply because I dislike this level if preplanning. That's not a fabrication, or exaggeration - it just isn't how we like to tour. You don't have that issue with it, and that's totally fine. Different strokes for different folks. I respect that it works well for others.

If only your post showed respect for those that feel differently from you rather than implying people are either incompetent or are simply lying.

 

[mesaboy2]

Or could it maybe just be as simple as others tour differently than you, or have different likes/dislikes than you?



I'm truly happy for you that the fp+ system has worked so well for you. I'm happy you didn't have to hunt for weeks to get that elusive A&E fp+, as I did. I just managed to finally get 2 A&E yesterday, my trip is in 10 days. Only because of the cancellation thread here did I find even 2 slots. Not enough for my entire party, but it is better than nothing.

Now, I'm not saying the whole system sucks because I couldnt get A&E at 60 days. I don't like it simply because I dislike this level if preplanning. That's not a fabrication, or exaggeration - it just isn't how we like to tour. You don't have that issue with it, and that's totally fine. Different strokes for different folks. I respect that it works well for others.

If only your post showed respect for those that feel differently from you rather than implying people are either incompetent or are simply lying.

As usual, you say what I'm thinking with much more finesse and eloquence than I can manage.

Now, I'm off to learn how to feed myself. Someone please remind me: the fork goes in the left ear and the spoon in the right, correct? Or do I have that backwards?

 

[Scootypuffjr]

I also don't get it. Here now and during our 1st park day we managed to use our 3 FP+ at DHS and then park hopped to AK and got a 4th (Kilamanjaro Safaris), 5th (Kali River Rapids) and 6th (Dinosaur). We didn't try for EE, because DH didn't want to but the standby was only 15 minutes if we did. It didn't take me more than 1 minute to get each additional FP+ from the time I walked up to the kiosk to the time I left, and it felt like every time we needed a kiosk there was one right there. I don't understand all the haters...we are loving it! 2nd park day coming up today for MNSSHP!

 

[kmb584]

I am certainly capable, even college educated, can tie my sneakers and everything BIG difference onsite 60 days offsite 30 days. That's all I have to add for now.

Agreed. We typically stay offsite because we go so often and having to book at 30 days out compared to 60 makes a huge difference. We'll be there in less than 2 weeks and when our FP+ window opened I didn't even bother looking for A&E or 7DMT. What shocked was that TSMM was not available on any of our DHS days and Pan was only available for 1/3 of our MK days.

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I stayed up to midnight to book my FP+. I was able to get everything I wanted ... but one wasn't even available till 7:30 that night as the rest were taken.
I didn't want the popular meet & greet or the parade FP+'s and it was good I didn't as they were all gone before I got my chance to book at midnight.
I enjoy not having to RD every day to ride some rides but I dislike trying to plan my complete day 60+ days in advance.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I also don't get it. Here now and during our 1st park day we managed to use our 3 FP+ at DHS and then park hopped to AK and got a 4th (Kilamanjaro Safaris), 5th (Kali River Rapids) and 6th (Dinosaur). We didn't try for EE, because DH didn't want to but the standby was only 15 minutes if we did. It didn't take me more than 1 minute to get each additional FP+ from the time I walked up to the kiosk to the time I left, and it felt like every time we needed a kiosk there was one right there. I don't understand all the haters...we are loving it! 2nd park day coming up today for MNSSHP!

I'm glad you are having such a great time. I hope fp+ will be a good part of our vacation once we are there too.

That said, I would hope that it is understandable that there are those who have not had such wonderful experiences with the system. They don't deserve to be called liars just because someone else had a better experience than they did.

 

[Angel Ariel]

As usual, you say what I'm thinking with much more finesse and eloquence than I can manage.

Thanks!

Now, I'm off to learn how to feed myself. Someone please remind me: the fork goes in the left ear and the spoon in the right, correct? Or do I have that backwards?

Come on now...everyone knows the spoon goes in your left ear

 

[cakebaker]

I've figure out that the great thing is- You don't have to get it! Just enjoy that it works well for you and you're able to get all the rides and attractions that you need to have a great trip!

 

[JanaDee]

here you go, another example of what I am capable of

Thank you.

 

[flatlandcycle]

Between February and October, I was unable to book Mine Train FP+s for any of my four, on property stays.

I'm no super techie, but I did put a NFC reader on a RPi and can play different videos for each magic band. I guess I don't need Disney for my simulated experiences. Without the cost of a Disney AP I can afford to create my own Kool-Aid reality.

This is where Diswiz should have gone with their old NFC technology - cool Magic-Band interactive animatronics. So you have robot cameras take pictures of me when I pass a long range reader. Big woop.

They cannot even figure out how to keep guest ids straight by choosing appropriate Primary Key Variables.