I'm A Believer: The New System Works

[doctornick]

Cost withstanding, the narrative was the system was a complete failure and would result in a much worse experience for visitors. Real world feedback I've read is overwhelmingly opposite of that.

Exactly. I too have have very positive experiences with the system (and look forward to being able to book additional FP+ from my phone). The all in one of the MB is fantastic and I like not having to be a FP runner -- after going back to DLR recently it made me appreciate FP+ even more.

 

[doctornick]

For me the system isn't the issue..

It's ride capacity and the options available. If capacity and the quantity and quality of the attractions was increased I couldn't accept any realistic criticisms of Magic Bands. It's ok saying the system doesn't have issues in off peak April/May but the '4th fastpass' options come midday in MK in June weren't anything to shout about. And I didn't get first choice for first 3 either.

Oh this is certainly true -- that's not a functionality with the MB or FP+ though, but just a ton of shortsightedness and dragging their feet with Disney. It's ridiculous ow under-built the parks are in Florida. I think it's one slight benefit is that FP+ seems to have make higher ups more acutely aware of the woeful ride capacity in the parks; I'm hoping that leads to even more expansion beyond the stuff already announced. DHS/DAK/Epcot all need more attractions in the near future.

I'm hoping that tiers can be eliminated as that is one feature I do not like about FP+. The expansions for TSMM and Soarin' seem at least partially to have been done with that in mind.

 

[flynnibus]

Cost withstanding, the narrative was the system was a complete failure and would result in a much worse experience for visitors. Real world feedback I've read is overwhelmingly opposite of that.

You mean all those fastpass lines all out in the walkways were fake? Or the reports on tech support calls and challenges?

 

[invader]

"MM+ is great if you ignore the fact that I visited on one of the lowest capacity times of the year and ignore the cost of the program."

 

[Wdw62114]

I just don't get all these posters complaining about MM+ being $2 billion wasted! MM+ has been around since last 2013 yet people are still complaining about how much of a waste it is because that money could of been spent on improving and expanding WDW. WHAT??
So all these expansions since MM+ has been announced doesn't count then huh? Pandora, Star Wars Land, Toy Story Land, Fantasyland, New nighttime shows, the ESPN World of Sports expansion, and um....Disney Springs?
Yeah Disney is totally using MM+ as an excuse to not upgrade WDW. Love today's society. People feel the need to complain when they make zero sense and lack facts/intelligence.

 

[invader]

I just don't get all these posters complaining about MM+ being $2 billion wasted! MM+ has been around since last 2013 yet people are still complaining about how much of a waste it is because that money could of been spent on improving and expanding WDW. WHAT??
So all these expansions since MM+ has been announced doesn't count then huh? Pandora, Star Wars Land, Toy Story Land, Fantasyland, New nighttime shows, the ESPN World of Sports expansion, and um....Disney Springs?
Yeah Disney is totally using MM+ as an excuse to not upgrade WDW. Love today's society. People feel the need to complain when they make zero sense and lack facts/intelligence.

Have you ever heard of the term "opportunity cost"

 

[sgtmgd]

I have been a long naysayer and halfway supporter of the new MagicBands and FastPass+ but I have to eat my words. The system today is outstanding and works amazingly well.

With the recent update to allow real time additions to Fast Pass from the app, this is the perfect system.

We planned our trip only ~3 weeks in advance and were able to plan our 3 Fast Passes for everything we wanted pretty easily. New times are constantly opening up if you weren't able to get the most popular attractions like 7DMT, Toy Story, etc.

As many of you know, if you finish your 3 planned Fast Pass early in the day, you have the ability to get one at a time at any park as long as there is availability. From our experience (granted it was late April) there was always something we wanted to do. We must have used 8-10 Fast Passes per day and never waited anymore than 10 minutes in any line. The game changer is that you can do it from the app and get any ride, anywhere on property. No more running to the ride.

It's not just good for Fast Pass. The system seems completely stable, fast, and error-free. Park entry is WAY faster now. We had 0 issues the entire time. It worked every time with our meal plan, flawlessly. It seems quicker than ever before. The app is awesome. Tap to pay is awesome.

Disney is definitely going to get the data they want, which is the real goal. I'm fine with that. They can track everything: your habits, spending behavior, length of time spent in different areas, etc. It's limitless. They even integrate your name on rides like Small World and Haunted Mansion, giving you a personal touch.

I'm not sure it was worth billions, but I see this as only the beginning. They've basically fixed the waiting in line issues (although I haven't tried this at peak times at WDW). The convenience factor is awesome. This integrated system for paying, meal plan, fast pass, room entry, etc and seeing everything real time on the app is a game changer.

I'd like to see them add meal plan allotments somewhere on the app. I'm sure there are a ton of enhancements coming and I'm looking forward to it.

You do realize that "you must complain about something" in each post here nowadays

 

[disneyflush]

I have been a long naysayer and halfway supporter of the new MagicBands and FastPass+ but I have to eat my words.

I'm happy you enjoyed your trip but I'm not sure you have ever said anything close to negative about the company on here. Again, glad you had a great time!

 

[Chef Mickey]

I'm happy you enjoyed your trip but I'm not sure you have ever said anything close to negative about the company on here. Again, glad you had a great time!

You should read more of my posts in that case. I've been super critical of Iger, EPCOT, DHS, and their complete lack of expansion and E-Tickets over the last 10 years.

 

[Fox&Hound]

Anything that allows me to not have to run to an attraction at rope drop or even be at rope drop is a huge win for me. There was no way getting a fastpass for TSMM aka the running of the bulls was safe for anyone. Bravo, Disney!

 

[slappy magoo]

Forbidden Journey and the original HP area cost Uni about $200 million. MM+ and FP+ is rumored to be about $2 billion.
So, if Disney were smarter with their money, they could have built TEN Hogsmeades AND Hogwartses instead of the controversial FP replacement.
Let that soak in. Then cry.

I honestly don't know the answer to this question, maybe someone here does...

Does Disney own - in part or in whole - the technology that was developed for them in MM+/FP+

Because if they do own a piece of it...I mean Universal already gives Disney a cut of the parks because of the previously established Marvel deal; if they see this tech as creating a better experience for Disney guests, would they be willing to make a similar investment? And would it be cheaper to use Disney's version of the tech and tailor it to Uni's needs versus starting from scratch? Would Six Flags see value in it? Or other theme parks here and abroad? And could other businesses see potential ways to use this tech, and would Disney get a piece if they do?

Because if they do, that investment, as crazy it may seem now, could wind up paying for itself.

Plus, if it continues to work the way it's designed to work - at least on the consumer end - where it makes the experience better so people are inclined to return, then there is literally a return on investment.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Our last trip was the first experience using the new system. I was also surprised and happier with the process than I expected. I still am not entirely happy with the FP+ and I'm still not convinced that it makes my time on property better than before, but I know its here to stay and I'll deal with it the best I can.

 

[TubaGeek]

I honestly don't know the answer to this question, maybe someone here does...

Does Disney own - in part or in whole - the technology that was developed for them in MM+/FP+

Because if they do own a piece of it...I mean Universal already gives Disney a cut of the parks because of the previously established Marvel deal; if they see this tech as creating a better experience for Disney guests, would they be willing to make a similar investment? And would it be cheaper to use Disney's version of the tech and tailor it to Uni's needs versus starting from scratch? Would Six Flags see value in it? Or other theme parks here and abroad? And could other businesses see potential ways to use this tech, and would Disney get a piece if they do?

Because if they do, that investment, as crazy it may seem now, could wind up paying for itself.

Plus, if it continues to work the way it's designed to work - at least on the consumer end - where it makes the experience better so people are inclined to return, then there is literally a return on investment.

Universal has (had?) its own ride reservation system already. Does anyone know if Q-Bot is still around? It's a system also in use at other parks. Instead of the bands and sensors and all that, you get a little LCD screened business card sized gizmo that you can do pretty much everything on.

Super cheap, super effective.

 

[BigRedDad]

As long as the system doesn't change. However, the plans are already being laid to alter it. AP holders are pretty screwed without an on property reservation. I think AP holders should be able to book any time they want when the window opens. Then, you will have the tiered system. Disney has already done it with the $69 morning tickets and $149 evening party things. As those become not worth it, they will finally implement their master plan.

Concierge reservations: 6 FP per day 90 days out (days are random)
Deluxe reservaations: 5 FP per day 75 days out
Moderate reservations: 4 FP per day 60 days out
Value reservations: 3 FP per day

This is what will be given as a benefit to staying at the higher end resorts. Cater to the ultra wealthy.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

As long as the system doesn't change. However, the plans are already being laid to alter it. AP holders are pretty screwed without an on property reservation. I think AP holders should be able to book any time they want when the window opens. Then, you will have the tiered system. Disney has already done it with the $69 morning tickets and $149 evening party things. As those become not worth it, they will finally implement their master plan.

Concierge reservations: 6 FP per day 90 days out (days are random)
Deluxe reservaations: 5 FP per day 75 days out
Moderate reservations: 4 FP per day 60 days out
Value reservations: 3 FP per day

This is what will be given as a benefit to staying at the higher end resorts. Cater to the ultra wealthy.

As long as the system doesn't change. However, the plans are already being laid to alter it. AP holders are pretty screwed without an on property reservation. I think AP holders should be able to book any time they want when the window opens. Then, you will have the tiered system. Disney has already done it with the $69 morning tickets and $149 evening party things. As those become not worth it, they will finally implement their master plan.

Concierge reservations: 6 FP per day 90 days out (days are random)
Deluxe reservaations: 5 FP per day 75 days out
Moderate reservations: 4 FP per day 60 days out
Value reservations: 3 FP per day

This is what will be given as a benefit to staying at the higher end resorts. Cater to the ultra wealthy.

You missed DVC - F you we have your money already. 1 FP Tuesday only 09:00

 

[Jon81uk]

I made the argument earlier that I don't believe it was either $2b on the new system or $2b on new rides, attractions, and expansion. This administration just doesn't seem to want to spend money on WDW attractions because it's good enough as is (they believe this because numbers don't lie).

My guess is the $2b would have gone to other projects outside of WDW. WDW is viewed as a cash cow and MagicBands were another way to milk the cow.

Much of the $2bn would have gone on the same things, can you imagine a hotel that doesn't offer free W-Fi nowadays? The IT infrastructure WDW needed was huge, apparently some parts were still 20+ years old. Door locks, new POS that can take contactless payments (bank cards and Apple Pay). All of these things were needed for My Magic+ but quite likely would have been needed anyway.

I agree, the money spent on MM+ wouldn't have been spent on attractions.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

2 BILLION worth on routine maintenance? Do you need any work doing I'm happy to quote.

 

[BalooChicago]

I love MB. When I was at DL last year I really missed it. Would have greatly improved the experience.

 

[Jon81uk]

2 BILLION worth on routine maintenance? Do you need any work doing I'm happy to quote.

Not routine maintenance. A new Wi-Fi network is possibly a capital investment, but is quite major. Same goes for till/POS upgrade, that is more major. replacing one till, is maintenance, adding a new card reader to all of them is investment.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Have you ever heard of the term "opportunity cost"

The system was expensive, but people seem to think this $2b was either going to be on this new system or $2b in new rides and park expansion.

That was never going to happen. This $2b was most likely going to IT infrastructure and other non park related items regardless of how they spent it.

The current leadership is all about expansion outside WDW (Replicating the cash cow that is WDW) and increasing guest spend.