Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World

[SarahWI]

My big question is “With all the stuff that was incomplete in today’s news, why did we have to hear it today?” Like, is something worse coming and this is the distraction?

I agree - weeks ago insiders were talking about how much integration genie required and that was why IT was having issues: not communicating correctly with ticketing, the hotel side, etc. It doesn’t feel like what was released today has a high level of integration with those other modules. I feel like I lost track of a big piece of the puzzle.

 

[jpinkc]

Is it just me or did the Disney Parks Facebook page shut down the comments like they did on the Disney Park Website???

 

[KrzyKtty]

This is what Touring Plans is projecting to be Tier 1 (i.e. pay to play):

Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

EPCOT: Test Track and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Hollywood Studios: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash

Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage and Kilimanjaro Safaris

For Magic Kingdom I would guess that's only until Tron comes out, unless they're leaving Tron out of the new fastpass system entirely... ??

 

[lentesta]

I’m having a hard time understanding why anyone would pay for that extra lightning access.. wouldn’t you just RD the hot new ride instead of fork over up to 100 dollars or more.

Also @lentesta , you can totally outdo this system right? How do you see this affecting touring plans?

We have to see it work. I’m excited to compete against it.

 

[jpinkc]

Some observations from the 14 minute video:

Lightning Lane Include with Genie+

• Astro Orbiter
• The Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
• The Haunted Mansion
• It’s a small world
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Peter Pan’s Flight

Lightning Lane Not Included with Genie+

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain

Removed

• Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Not sure on anything alphabetically after Space, so Splash Mountain wasn't pictured nor was Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. I also believe Astro Orbiter would be a new addition to the "not-Fastpass" group.

Now I see many things missing off that list. Is there going to be a 3RD TIER sprung on us???

 

[seabreezept813]

There won't be a standby for the hot new ride for you to rope drop. Take Ratatouille. It will be virtual queue or pay to ride only. If you miss the virtual queue your only option will be to pay.

More at https://www.wdwmagic.com/attraction...en-with-virtual-queue-and-no-standby-line.htm

Interesting but aren’t virtual queues just for RotR and Rat? Or do you see that extending to Mine Train, Slinky, etc (the other rides that wouldn’t be Genie+).

 

[Dinardo]

Ok, it’s settled - I’m done. The trip we are taking the week of Labor Day feels way more expensive than what it’s worth.

Our theoretical next trip will totally not be worth the money, in my opinion - at least not for my family of five (4 “adults” and 1 child).

 

[BaconPancakes]

I agree - weeks ago insiders were talking about how much integration genie required and that was why IT was having issues: not communicating correctly with ticketing, the hotel side, etc. It doesn’t feel like what was released today has a high level of integration with those other modules. I feel like I lost track of a big piece of the puzzle.

The fact that they still require you to call in to book special events like Boo Bash to wait over two hours on hold should tell you all you need to know and Disney’s IT capability. This new app will be a disaster tech wise.

 

[trainplane3]

My big question is “With all the stuff that was incomplete in today’s news, why did we have to hear it today?” Like, is something worse coming and this is the distraction?

Same feeling here. It was surprising to have something this dropped in the middle of the week. What are we getting this Friday then?

 

[RSoxNo1]

Now I see many things missing off that list. Is there going to be a 3RD TIER sprung on us???

Looks like Pirates was shown in the video as well as Include with Genie+

 

[brb1006]

R.I.P to this guy

 

[Dinardo]

I’ll need to pay for a park hopper to hop to a park after 2pm in order for me to pay more to ride a few rides that used to be included in park admission (after I used my first three fast passes)

Done.

There is so much more to explore in the USA than some oven in Central FL - and it probably costs less.

Or maybe I allocate my money to a week at Universal now.

 

[SarahWI]

The fact that they still require you to call in to book special events like Boo Bash to wait over two hours on hold should tell you all you need to know and Disney’s IT capability. This new app will be a disaster tech wise.

I waited 4 hours on hold the day on site booking was released. It was a nightmare and yet I felt lucky I got tickets and it was only 4 hours. Agreed on IT issues.

 

[brettf22]

My favorite response so far.

 

[MrPromey]

Those after hour ticket prices aren't looking so bad now. Christ you can do the whole park in 4 hours and not have to jump through a million hoops just to ride a ride.

And guess who still wins with that?

 

[Casper Gutman]

I just called Disney and has a discussion on this.
I was told that charging for line skipping service is an industry standard. So.. There it is.

And as we all know, WDW is an industry follower, not a leader.

You know, if I were Chapek, I would’ve wanted to get one or two high profile attractions or shows planned and under construction before the massive price increases to try not to equate myself entirely with naked greed. But at least between this, the “not-a-parties,” and the SW hotel, the theme of Chapeks reign is crystal clear. Over was the IP acquisition guy. Chapek is the price gouge guy.

Well, at least when he’s raising park prices, he isn’t alienating the stars of the most profitable entertainment franchise in history by picking ham-fisted fights. So that’s a plus.

 

[runnsally]

this doesn’t feel like vacation

 

[KrzyKtty]

We have to see it work. I’m excited to compete against it.

Honestly I'm still going to use touring plans anyway. I trust touring plans to be honest with the itineraries they help me build. I don't trust that Disney's truly going to build my itinerary in a way that benefits my time the best. They'll build it in a way that benefits their bottom line and their pockets.

 

[brb1006]

He did a Facebook live that just ended. I couldn’t resist going to see what he could come up with. He kept saying “why are people mad, it doesn’t change anything, I don’t get it.” He doesn’t get it and never will.

I commented to him that I’ll stick with Len Testa and Touring plans bc there is a way to have a business and make money while still caring about people, while trying to help ppl with their vacation, and while being able to tell the truth instead of Chapek’s talking points.

Lou Mongello needs to stop snorting so much pixie dust!

 

[runnsally]

We have to see it work. I’m excited to compete against it.

Lenie+