Spirited News, Observations & Thoughts IV

[fractal]

Comment today from a Trip Report -

Thanks! I'm honesty a little tired of the FP+ doom and gloom from people that haven't tried it yet. I was not a fan of the idea of it at first, but we got lucky when testing it. No problems and the system really worked for us.

 

[fosse76]

"Very expensive" and "in some cases costing a lot"...all words that are music to the ears of TDO.

I remember @ParentsOf4 had a few posts where he had a similar theory to your tier system for FP+ for the resorts. Then since this is the new perk for staying on property they eliminate EMHs altogether and save a bunch on labor costs.

Eh. It depends on when you visit, but when I was there in July, the unlimited was about $100. While that on its face is expensive, depending on where one is staying, it can still add up to less than staying at one of the Universal resorts. And even I, who travels solo, find it difficult to maximize the unlimited aspect. Especially when doing both parks in a day.

As for EMH, I agree. Disney definitely wants to eliminate them. I would guess people don't shop as much during that time (and since very few food options are ever available during night EMH, food sales are pobably pretty paltry as well).

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

Is there any way to get from Universal (hotels) to WDW property without renting a car? Just weighing my options for next year. I'd rather not rent a car, if I can avoid it...

 

[fosse76]

Yep, Disney just expects that people will stay longer to get 'all' the rides, I have a PAP I'm seriously considering not renewing, I'm DVC but all that means is I have a base in Orlando and there's a lot to do in Central FL besides Disney and UNI,

Bought an AP to KSC as DW and I are both geeks and we could spend 3-4 days there easily especially if they have launches scheduled.

I myself wasn't going to renew my Premier Pass (especially with the price increases) because I just haven't felt the need to visit WDW. But I had to go to California for work for a month in June, and I practically lived at Disneyland, so I renewed knowing that I would make at least one trip to WDW, and the cost of the pass plus the 10 days I spent at DLR would pay for itslef. I will not, however, renew it next year. And I was lucky, I bought it the day before the price increases!

With Universal expanding, Disney is playing a very risky game. People who extend their trips will start exploring off-site locations they wouldn't have had time for. Even without FP, DHS and DAK could be experienced in the same day. DHS is harder only because of the show schedules, but DAK can be done in 4 hours. If FP+ significantly increases standby wait times, people will get frustrated, and all Universal will have to do is jump in with a marketing campaign exploiting free express pass for on-site deluxe guests...who pay less than Disney's moderate guests. Throw in the new attractions they have added, and Universal now has a new customer base.

 

[Pentacat]

Is there any way to get from Universal (hotels) to WDW property without renting a car? Just weighing my options for next year. I'd rather not rent a car, if I can avoid it...

Universal used to offer scheduled shuttles, at least from the Royal Pacific, to WDW property. I don't see that listed on the LRP website anymore.....

Taxi or town car?

 

[rael ramone]

Is there any way to get from Universal (hotels) to WDW property without renting a car? Just weighing my options for next year. I'd rather not rent a car, if I can avoid it...

Call Disney... I'm sure they'll appreciate the question

 

[fosse76]

Mears offers shuttle service from Disney to Universal, so I imagine they offer the same service in reverse. Last time I used it the cost was $17 per person. Just call and find out. Going to Universal their pick up times in the morning were limited, but they had generous return flexibility. Don't know about headed to Disney though.

 

[Lucky]

Call Disney... I'm sure they'll appreciate the question

Actually the CMs at Guest Relations get that question all the time and will happily tell you the best way to catch a taxi to Uni & the approximate fare.

 

[orky8]

Comment today from a Trip Report -

Thanks! I'm honesty a little tired of the FP+ doom and gloom from people that haven't tried it yet. I was not a fan of the idea of it at first, but we got lucky when testing it. No problems and the system really worked for us.

As has already been covered, this is meaningless because the testing is ocurring in a vacuum where FP+ are plentiful, even at the last minute. If you got FP and FP+ with essentially all reservations available, I'm sure you'd think highly of the system too. While this testing is improtant for operational understanging, the feedback from users must be taken with a huge heaping of salt.

 

[wdisney9000]

Comment today from a Trip Report -

Thanks! I'm honesty a little tired of the FP+ doom and gloom from people that haven't tried it yet. I was not a fan of the idea of it at first, but we got lucky when testing it. No problems and the system really worked for us.

Hope everyone is as "lucky" as they were. And did they make their FP+selections 60 days out?

 

[fractal]

As has already been covered, this is meaningless because the testing is ocurring in a vacuum where FP+ are plentiful, even at the last minute. If you got FP and FP+ with essentially all reservations available, I'm sure you'd think highly of the system too. While this testing is improtant for operational understanging, the feedback from users must be taken with a huge heaping of salt.

So this "real world" testing is meaningless but speculation based on hearsay is important enough for 330+ pages of comments?

 

[wdisney9000]

So you believe of the 13 people who have replied to my query so far... none of them ever missed out on getting a FP???... so they couldn't possibly reflect the majority demographic you insist is out there. Nevermind the statistical anomaly you propose that by taking a diverse random sample.. I somehow have missed the majority that exists.

You can lead a horse to water, but obviously you can't make them drink.

13 people on a FB page poll? Gallup would be impressed. And they are YOUR friends, who more than likely know that you are a Disney buff which Im sure you dont think comes into account in any way. Its more like your leading the horse to water and trying to make him have sex with the water. Whats the point?

 

[orky8]

So this "real world" testing is meaningless but speculation based on hearsay is important enough for 330+ pages of comments?

Both are probably without much meaning. But, this is the internet, so whatcha gonna do. But, to address your point, I think speculation about how a system will perform under real world circumstances is more important than testing in a vacuum. That's not to say this small scale testing isn't important from an ops perspective, understanding how easy to use the applciation is, etc... But, from an overall guest satisfaction perspective, I stand by my comment that it is meaningless. These guests are getting to use FP+ under ideal conditions (i.e, practically all reservations are available) while still being permitted to use FP. We all know that this simply won't be the case when the system goes live, and all guests have access to the reservations 60 days out.

 

[wdisney9000]

So this "real world" testing is meaningless but speculation based on hearsay is important enough for 330+ pages of comments?

Its not important because its the same as if Coca-Cola was announcing a new soft drink, so they ask Coke drinkers to sample it and give feedback. But, the new Coca-Cola flavor isnt ready yet so they have them sample the original Coca-Cola instead. Would you buy the new flavor based off someones review?

 

[Goofyernmost]

Depends on how it was asked? I already showed you how it was asked.



So you believe of the 13 people who have replied to my query so far... none of them ever missed out on getting a FP???... so they couldn't possibly reflect the majority demographic you insist is out there. Nevermind the statistical anomaly you propose that by taking a diverse random sample.. I somehow have missed the majority that exists.

You can lead a horse to water, but obviously you can't make them drink.

OK, for gods sake if it's that important to you, you win. You are my chief go to guy from now on if I want solid statistical proof based on 13 people out of millions. What am I thinking...I must be wrong. Now that this is done can we just move on to something that matters? Thanks.

 

[wdisney9000]

OK, for gods sake if it's that important to you, you win. You are my chief go to guy from now on if I want solid statistical proof based on 13 people out of millions. What am I thinking...I must be wrong. Now that this is done can we just move on to something that matters? Thanks.

Dont insult the 13 Wise Elders of Face Book. Their knowledge is exceeded only by their power!

 

[fractal]

Both are probably without much meaning. But, this is the internet, so whatcha gonna do. But, to address your point, I think speculation about how a system will perform under real world circumstances is more important than testing in a vacuum. That's not to say this small scale testing isn't important from an ops perspective, understanding how easy to use the applciation is, etc... But, from an overall guest satisfaction perspective, I stand by my comment that it is meaningless. These guests are getting to use FP+ under ideal conditions (i.e, practically all reservations are available) while still being permitted to use FP. We all know that this simply won't be the case when the system goes live, and all guests have access to the reservations 60 days out.

I'll stick with actually results. One of the main reasons companies do roll outs of new systems in small phases is to work out all the bugs. I'm sure with a system as large as FP+ there are plenty of bugs to be worked out. I could argue that using FP+ in a testing group is anything but "ideal conditions".
The fact that the experiences have been so positive to date for me is actually quite impressive. People generally hate change and psychologically will be prone to not like "change", especially at first and more so if there are still bugs in it.

The company I work for made a massive upgrade to it's operating platform from an old, slow system that you couldn't navigate through unless you knew about a hundred "code words". The new system is quick, intuitive and far superior. My "area" was one of the first to get the new system and 95% of the employees absolutely freaked out. They complained about everything to the point where the new system was getting blamed for rainy days. It was fascinating to observe. Now, 8 months later I hear no more complaints and even some positive comments.

Anyway, you are correct; it is the internet.

 

[fractal]

Comment from tater tot's trip report he completed about a week ago...

So for me, the MagicBand was awesome. I didn't have any problems getting everything linked up or selecting and changing fast pass times. I can't wait for it to go live for everyone. It's just so much easier to deal than a paper or plastic ticket.

 

[orky8]

I'll stick with actually results. One of the main reasons companies do roll outs of new systems in small phases is to work out all the bugs. I'm sure with a system as large as FP+ there are plenty of bugs to be worked out. I could argue that using FP+ in a testing group is anything but "ideal conditions".
The fact that the experiences have been so positive to date for me is actually quite impressive. People generally hate change and psychologically will be prone to not like "change", especially at first.

The company I work for made a massive upgrade to it's operating platform from an old, slow system that you couldn't navigate through unless you knew about a hundred "code words". The new system is quick, intuitive and far superior. My "area" was one of the first to get the new system and 95% of the employees absolutely freaked out. They complained about everything to the point where the new system was getting blamed for rainy days. It was fascinating to observe. Now, 8 months later I hear no more complaints and even some positive comments.

Anyway, you are correct; it is the internet.

If Virginia spent $2 billion to add a lane to the freeway I use on my commute everyday and let me and dozen other people test it out, we'd all love it and give rave reviews about the test. When testing concludes and the general populous is allowed on the lane, my thoughts about how wonderful that lane is will certainly change and, since my hypothetical takes place in the DC area, I assure you one lane will do nothing to solve the traffic problems.

That the FP+ infrastructure is functioning properly in small scale and usable and hence, getting good reviews is encouraging -- BUT, that is not most peoples main concern with FP+. I assume eventually disney will be able to make the system operable, I'm concerned about having to plan my rides 60 days in advance and having little to no availability to make changes on the day of. That concern is not being tested now and is, in my opinion, the biggest flaw in the entire FP+ plan. Of course, on a personal level, I am an uber planner and I think I will be able to use FP+ to my advantage.

 

[fractal]

If Virginia spent $2 billion to add a lane to the freeway I use on my commute everyday and let me and dozen other people test it out, we'd all love it and give rave reviews about the test. When testing concludes and the general populous is allowed on the lane, my thoughts about how wonderful that lane is will certainly change and, since my hypothetical takes place in the DC area, I assure you one lane will do nothing to solve the traffic problems.

That the FP+ infrastructure is functioning properly in small scale and usable and hence, getting good reviews is encouraging -- BUT, that is not most peoples main concern with FP+. I assume eventually disney will be able to make the system operable, I'm concerned about having to plan my rides 60 days in advance and having little to no availability to make changes on the day of. That concern is not being tested now and is, in my opinion, the biggest flaw in the entire FP+ plan. Of course, on a personal level, I am an uber planner and I think I will be able to use FP+ to my advantage.

I don't see a comparison. A new road is not opened up to the public to help the construction crew work out the bugs ( whoops, looks like we forgot to fill in that hole). Completely different.