Spirited News, Observations & Thoughts IV

[Yensid1974]

A lot of people in th trip reports and MB sections of this site all have pretty positive reviews, with only a few double dipping in the FP...

The double dipping of FP will come to an end. They are working that problem out of the system as we speak...no eta but it will come to an end.

 

[danv3]

Doesn't November 1 seem pretty soon for a complete roll out? That's less than 60 days away, so even if it was announced today you'd be looking at a couple of weeks' worth of reservations coming open for FP+ all at once. And have they ever figured out how it's going to work with off property guests and AP holders? (If that's been answered in this thread, I've definitely missed it among the other floatsam and jetsam that has swirled by in the past 400+ pages).

 

[lebeau]

A lot of people in th trip reports and MB sections of this site all have pretty positive reviews, with only a few double dipping in the FP...

I don't doubt you. But can you tell me specifically which threads to look at. Specifically ones that don't include douple dipping - because that's like getting an opinion on a completely different product.

 

[PirateFrank]

A lot of people in th trip reports and MB sections of this site all have pretty positive reviews, with only a few double dipping in the FP...

I was part of the test in August. While I am still *no* fan of pre-planning my park days, the truth is I'm already doing it to a certain extent with ADRs. Once I got past that initial frustration, I found fastpass+ to be a true godsend and so long as it doesn't turn into a 60-day out frenzy, I am a huge believer. I was able to get through 3/4 of the Mk in 5 hours one morning with a lunch break sandwiched in between.

Granted, I'm not optimistic it won't turn into the 60-day out frenzy. I am already expecting to get up at 6am next Tuesday, when I hit the 60-day mark for my next visit to o-town.

 

[lebeau]

I was part of the test in August. While I am still *no* fan of pre-planning my park days, the truth is I'm already doing it to a certain extent with ADRs. Once I got past that initial frustration, I found fastpass+ to be a true godsend and so long as it doesn't turn into a 60-day out frenzy, I am a huge believer. I was able to get through 3/4 of the Mk in 5 hours one morning with a lunch break sandwiched in between.

Granted, I'm not optimistic it won't turn into the 60-day out frenzy. I am already expecting to get up at 6am next Tuesday, when I hit the 60-day mark for my next visit to o-town.

So no "double dipping?"

As you point out, your experience is likely to be very different from the general public's experience once it is rolled out and available to everyone to book 60 days out. Double dipping just compounds that discrepancy.

 

[baymenxpac]

I was part of the test in August. While I am still *no* fan of pre-planning my park days, the truth is I'm already doing it to a certain extent with ADRs. Once I got past that initial frustration, I found fastpass+ to be a true godsend and so long as it doesn't turn into a 60-day out frenzy, I am a huge believer. I was able to get through 3/4 of the Mk in 5 hours one morning with a lunch break sandwiched in between.

Granted, I'm not optimistic it won't turn into the 60-day out frenzy. I am already expecting to get up at 6am next Tuesday, when I hit the 60-day mark for my next visit to o-town.

i know what you mean, but i guess my counter to that would be that an experienced park goer could essentially do that already with traditional FP and strategy without disney spending the $2 billion on MM+.

 

[JenniferS]

The double dipping of FP will come to an end. They are working that problem out of the system as we speak...no eta but it will come to an end.

Hopefully not too quickly though.
I will be there in less than a week, for 10 days, and have no compunction whatsoever about double dipping.
I made our FP+ ressies at about 30 days prior to arrival, so the selection was meh. I had to totally re-plan 2 days, switching parks even. So, if I can use an extra FP here or there, and Disney allows it, then I'm going for it.

 

[PirateFrank]

So no "double dipping?"

As you point out, your experience is likely to be very different from the general public's experience once it is rolled out and available to everyone to book 60 days out. Double dipping just compounds that discrepancy.

Nope, I didn't realize that I could double dip until a cast member told me I was still able to get regular fast passes halfway through the trip....but even then, we didn't feel the need.

I agree....it's going to be a lot different in a few months. Even with the limited test population, desirable 'attractions' like preferred fireworks locations, were *extremely* hard to come by.

i know what you mean, but i guess my counter to that would be that an experienced park goer could essentially do that already with traditional FP and strategy without disney spending the $2 billion on MM+.

I disagree, not possible even with some *serious* theme park zig-zagging. Consider this.
We walked into the Mk at 9:15 with a fp+ for Peter Pan between 9-10. Between 10-11, a fp+ for BTM. Between 11-12, a fp+ for splash mtn. Space mtn was 12-1. I can't imagine anyone pulling the above off with regular fast passes, so tightly packed like I had them. Not possible....and if it were close, you would have to do it with *serious* zigzagging. I had all of these before I woke up that morning. We circumnavigated the park in a very foot-friendly, leisurely pace, filling the time in-between fast passes, with other attractions...not racing from kiosk to kiosk.

 

[PirateFrank]

But yes, I do appreciate that a pro could exploit every angle and get through the Mk like we did, with some ease. I did enjoy pulling this off without much of a fight, though.

When this goes live, however, I'll likely never enjoy it that easily every again.

 

[WDW1974]

I won't even ask what I missed or why this thread was closed and opened. It just ain't worth it.

But on the newsfront, I guess you all heard about the demise of the GAC and some of the changes I hinted at. If it works the way it should, it will be a win-win except for, perhaps, some truly disabled folks that got used to being treated like they were Bob and Willow. Most everyone else should benefit from this.

What else? Not much.

Poly DVC announced. Yeah, such a shock that I knew it was only a matter of time a decade ago. The real problem for Disney with DVC is where it goes in two years when it has a presence at every deluxe resort on property. They put the RC/PH area on ice because of huge costs to build there. Both EPCOT plans are riddled with costly difficulties. And there just isn't a blessing of size anymore. So, the next move will be the interesting one.

Most folks here ignored or yawned when I brought up the decision to offer CMs 40% dining discounts at a wide array of locations as a sign of trouble. I wish old pal Tim were here to tell me how wrong I am.

Oh, Miceage confirmed what I told you about Monstropolis for DCA getting funded. Look for construction to begin before the end of the year.

And I'll repeat myself yet again, but look for a MAJOR Star Wars announcement soon after the fiscal year begins. This will happen and it, hopefully, isn't going to be dragged out so long that no one cares when it does.

Very interesting meetings going on in Paris of late.

Planes will hit $150 million globally next week. About $100 million of that is PURE PROFIT. That doesn't include all the merchandise, that is selling very well, or the future DVDs. And that is why there is already a sequel in the works.

There are folks on the west coast very concerned that Thor will struggle to turn a profit this fall.

Disney made off with four Emmys for its French-inspired Mickey Mouse short at Sunday's Creative Arts Emmys (yes, they went on without me ...can you imagine that?) I actually really liked the look of that one.

And congrats to my pal Michael's wife, Carrie Preston, for her Emmy for The Good Wife and to the amazing Bob Newhart who finally snagged a statue at age 84.

On the subject of TV, Breaking Bad on Sunday was riveting to watch. A friend suggested they could have ended the show after that episode, and I agree. Except we all know Mr. White still has unfinished business to attend to, which likely means it isn't a good time to be a Neo-Nazi in New Mexico. ...The show where Dean Norris is a bad guy and not buried in the desert with Gomie, Under the Dome, ended a hugely successful run on CBS last night with a lousy episode that tied up no loose ends at all. What would they have done if the show had flopped this summer? I was intrigued by Sleepy Hollow on FOX ...of course, I was by Under the Dome too and by last night I was sorta happy it was over.

 

[WDW1974]

Also neglected to mention that Disney is still sticking by its 'late 2015' opening for the Shanghai resort.

A friend who was there recently said that almost nothing has been done, but reminded me that this is China where they build cities in less time.

My remark was this is Disney, which takes three years to build kiddie coasters.

 

[WDW1974]

Doesn't November 1 seem pretty soon for a complete roll out? That's less than 60 days away, so even if it was announced today you'd be looking at a couple of weeks' worth of reservations coming open for FP+ all at once. And have they ever figured out how it's going to work with off property guests and AP holders? (If that's been answered in this thread, I've definitely missed it among the other floatsam and jetsam that was swirled by in the past 400+ pages).

Yes. And I have not heard that date.

But even if that is what they are trying to do, which I see no way they'll achieve but, that only means that MM+ will be available for their resort guests across the board. It still doesn't mean the end of FP or bands for all.

 

[aladdin2007]

Yes. And I have not heard that date.

But even if that is what they are trying to do, which I see no way they'll achieve but, that only means that MM+ will be available for their resort guests across the board. It still doesn't mean the end of FP or bands for all.

Thanks for the update on everything, do you know if Imagination is still suppose to close come January?

 

[WDW1974]

i know what you mean, but i guess my counter to that would be that an experienced park goer could essentially do that already with traditional FP and strategy without disney spending the $2 billion on MM+.

But, seriously, where would the fun be in that?

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Very interesting meetings going on in Paris of late.

Ooo, about what? The media attention they're getting for letting the park rot, cutting entertainment and serving bad food?

 

[WDW1974]

Thanks for the update on everything, do you know if Imagination is still suppose to close come January?

As far as I know nothing has changed there.

 

[WDW1974]

Ooo, about what? The media attention they're getting for letting the park rot, cutting entertainment and serving bad food?

Nah, more about getting more bodies into the resort as is, although there have been plenty of rehabs and cosmetic work done this summer. And now that it is the off-season attractions (Peter pan currently) are going down for for work, so they are not exactly ignoring everything.

But so much needs to be done ... I'll see that firsthand at holiday time!!!

 

[nytimez]

If you haven't seen it, Spirit, @jmcl07 posted a link to a good read on Motley Fool. Nothing that hasn't been said here a thousand times (or more), the interesting part is where it is now being noted from the point of a view of an investor - and frowned upon.

 

[Captain Chaos]

Not that this would actually work, but at least it gets into the media.. Gee, would WDW fans ever do something like this? Nah they will just say WOW THAT ROTTED WOOD IS THE MOST MAGICAL ROTTED WOOD EVER!!!!! SEE MY PURTY TRACKING BRACLET MAW? HONEY BOO BOO LIKEY IT....

From the UK's Daily Mail: Broken-down rides, reheated food and cancelled shows: Thousands of people across Britain and Europe sign petition against Disneyland Paris amid claims it's 'literally falling apart' More than 5,000 people, including hundreds of Brits, have signed the petition, titled 'Save Disneyland Paris' It says the resort has been 'seriously damaged' and is 'literally falling apart' It comes amid complaints of broken rides, reheated food and no stage shows The document has been sent to Bob Iger, Walt Disney's chief executive The magical kingdom was opened in France in April 1992 By SOPHIE JANE EVANS PUBLISHED: 06:47 EST, 14 September 2013 | UPDATED: 10:45 EST, 15 September 2013

It is a magical kingdom that has brought joy to millions of families throughout the world. But now, a 5,000-strong petition has been launched against Disneyland Paris, claiming the popular holiday resort has been 'seriously damaged' and is 'literally falling apart'. It comes amid complaints about reheated food, broken rides and cancelled stage shows. Hundreds of Brits have shown their support for the petition, which has 5,147 signatures so far. The document demands higher standards at the kingdom, which it claims is not living up to the 'Disney' standard. It has been addressed to Bob Iger, chief executive of the California-based Walt Disney Company, which owns 39.8 per cent of the French resort. 'The upkeep of parks, attractions and hotels has been neglected so often during the past 20 years that many facilities are not "Disney standard",' it reads. 'Many themed elements are decaying and crumbling, while others are literally falling apart.' Jake Howarth, from London, was one of the Brits to sign the petition. He said: 'I have long been a visitor to Disneyland Paris, and over the last few years have sadly seen a decline in a number of things, all of which have been mentioned in the petition. 'What strikes me about all of the Disney resorts I have visited is that, no matter where people are from, the one thing that remains the same world over is the Disney magic. 'Therefore, I feel it is unfair that Disneyland Paris has been allowed to decline so sadly, and its visitors are allowed to experience what I believe is now an inferior experience.' Tim Nightingale from Chatteris in Fenland, Cambridgeshire, added: 'I expect value for money and having stayed there a number of time, I feel the value has dropped with each subsequent visit.' The petition, which was sent to Mr Iger earlier this week, was started by Belgian theme park enthusiast Guillaume Gallant, who claims he was disappointed by his latest visit to the park. He told The Independent he was shocked to discover four of the shows had been cancelled, two attractions were closed and a high number of rides kept breaking down. He also claimed that food in one of the resort's most expensive restaurants appeared to have been re-heated. 'We received our dishes in less than five minutes which is obviously too short a time for our food to have been cooked after we ordered,” said Mr Gallant. The petition, which has been translated into six languages, claims the park's fast food outlets are steep in price and cannot compete with other nearby restaurants, such as McDonald's. It also highlights the 'early' closing times of the resort's restaurants. 'When Disneyland Park closes at 11pm, you would expect to be able to have a nice evening dinner, not to discover the restaurant closed at 7.30pm,' it reads. 'These short opening hours make it impossible to book a meal for later in the day - you either have to plan ahead or settle for counter service offerings in Disneyland Park or Disney Village.' It also acknowledges the number of stage shows that have been cancelled due to budget cuts. These include The Tarzan Encounter show at the Chaparral Theater, The Legend of the Lion King show at Videopolis and the iconic night-time parade, Disney's Fantillusion! Disneyland Paris, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has long been considered Europe's number one tourist destination. Despite a rocky beginning - seeing low visitor numbers and financial problems - the park went from strength to strength and now houses five themed lands, featuring 49 attractions. Last year, it saw a record 16 million people go through its ornate iron gates - giving it nearly as many visitors as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre combined. However, it has always been considered a poorer imitation of its sister resort in Florida, which has three times more parks and considerably better weather. The petition, which claims the park's quality has been sacrificed in a bid to boost attendance figures and reduce costs, is another blow for Disneyland Paris, which has recently been the subject of much controversy. Earlier this year, Euro Disney, the company that runs Disneyland Paris, and two former gendarmes were fined 150,000 euros for using spying tactics on candidates applying for jobs at the theme park. And last year, an array of the park's cartoon characters went on strike over low wages. Disneyland Paris was unavailable for comment.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Oh, Miceage confirmed what I told you about Monstropolis for DCA getting funded. Look for construction to begin before the end of the year.

Would the 2017 opening date be accurate if it starts work this year? Any news on the rumoured Fantasyland 60th upgrade?

There are folks on the west coast very concerned that Thor will struggle to turn a profit this fall.

Guess there's some concern it won't get a major post-Avengers attendence bump over the 1st one.

I was intrigued by Sleepy Hollow on FOX ...

Saw the premier, lots of exposition. Hopefully it will be fleshed out better and not too overburdened by too many gimmicks and revisions to the original story.

EDIT: Premier had over 10 million viewers, not bad.