So FP+ suddenly no longer 3 selections - it's 1 'Premium' + 2 'others'

[Biggeek]

Heading to Disney World next week and we are participating (reluctantly) in the Magicband / FP+ program. Couple weeks ago I had already made our FP+ selections (3 / day) but today I went to make a change to a day and met with a very unpleasant surprise..

I can now only select 1 from the "premium ride" list -- Soarin, test track, maelstrom.. and a couple others i don't recall, and select 2 from "others' such as Imagination, captain EO, Mission space, turtle talk and the like..

If I don't change the others, I'm okay and can keep my 'regular 3' .. but this is ridiculous..

Seriously.. I'm already hobbled with only 3 now they're taking away all my good choices.. seriously??.. they really are trying to ruin the experience...

[Tink1]

Was just coming to post this! Have rec'd the following 5 minutes ago

As part of our test-and-adjust process with MyMagic+, an alternate FastPass+ selection process will be tested at Epcot beginning on Nov. 1.
As part of this test eligible Guests who make FastPass+ selections for Epcot will choose from two groups of experiences:
Guests will select one experience from the first group – Soarin’, Test Track, IlluminNations, Mission: SPACE, Epcot Character Spot
Guests will select two experiences from the second group – Spaceship Earth, Captain EO, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, Living with the Land, Maelstrom, Meet Winnie the Pooh & Friends in the United Kingdom, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk With Crush
Guests will be guided through the selection process in My Disney Experience. Guests who have already made FastPass+ selections for Epcot will be able to keep their selections, as long as they do not cancel their entire selection sets. Changes can be made to individual experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (REACTIVE):

Why can’t I make FastPass+ selections for both Soarin’ and Test Track (or any two experiences in the first group)?
To provide the best possible experience for everyone at our theme parks, we are testing a FastPass+ selection approach designed to allow more Guests to secure their most preferred experience. This approach allows you to make FastPass+ selections for one experience in the first group and two in the second group. But you can still enjoy all Epcot experiences – including highly demanded ones – with the standby option.

Why can’t I make a selection for Soarin’/Test Track/Mission: SPACE on My Disney Experience when there are FASTPASS tickets available at the attraction?
To provide the best possible experience for everyone at our theme parks, we are testing a FastPass+ selection approach designed to allow more Guests to secure their most preferred experience. This approach allows Guests who are eligible for MyMagic+ testing to make FastPass+ selections for one experience in the first group and two in the second group. FASTPASS tickets are available on a limited basis for Guests who are not eligible for MyMagic+ testing.

Why can I select from all experiences in the other theme parks but not at Epcot?
We are currently testing an alternate FastPass+ selection process at Epcot. This may or may not be implemented at other theme parks.

Can I change my FastPass+ selections?
Yes. For selections made at Epcot during this test, the selection modifications must be made from within the same group. For example, if you want to change a selection you made from the second group, you must replace it with another experience from the second group.

I already had FastPass+ selections for Epcot including [two experiences in the first group], but now I want to change all of my selections. The system no longer will let me select [those two experiences in the first group] – why?
To provide the best possible experience for everyone at our theme parks, we are testing a FastPass+ selection approach designed to allow more Guests to secure their most preferred experience. If your previous selections were made prior to the start of the test, you can modify individual FastPass+ selections without becoming part of this test. If you want to make all new selections, however, you will be part of the test and will need to make selections from the two different experience groups.

Can I get additional FASTPASS tickets if I am participating in MyMagic+ testing?
To provide the best possible experience for everyone at our theme parks, we ask that Guests participating in MyMagic+ testing refrain from acquiring FASTPASS tickets, reserving FASTPASS tickets for Guests who are not yet eligible for testing. We appreciate your understanding during our test-and-adjust period.

[dnickels]

When I (a local, AP holder - so not yet eligible for FP+) got to Epcot on Sunday morning and saw the Fastpass return times for Soaring were already 5:30-6:30 PM I wondered if it was just a fluke busy morning or if people making FP+ selections had already grabbed all those 'spots'.

Personally I welcome this change. At least at Epcot (and probably the other parks as well) people are going to make the exact same FP selections if given the choice and right now that's really hurting the experience for day visitors and locals who don't get to reserve their FP spot ahead of time. If or when they/we are allowed into the system too, you're going to have the same sets of rides booked up ahead of time at all of the parks and that won't have solved anything.

Ideally I prefer the old FP system, that's obviously not going to be an option anymore.

[WishingStar2006]

I don't have a trip planned and even I am getting upset....this whole Fast Pass+ thing is ridiculous and will negatively impact the whole Disney Experience....EVERYTHING on a schedule...meals and fast passes...and you have to kno months in advance where you want to go when....doesn't sound very relaxing!

Sorry, had to vent. I love Disney World...but it really is making me rethink future plans.

Makes me sad that the WDW we have all come to love is changing and not really for the better.

[Ms. Mode]

WOW! Thanks for this info, I'm so glad I locked in our choices last week.

[Itchy]

I just checked our reservations for fast passes and they are still intact. We will be checking in on Dec 12th. I would presume that we are past the test phase as we never received a letter for the magic band or fast pass +. We have ordered our bands a little over a week ago and set up our fast passes then as well.

40 days and counting....

[cer]

Lame.

They should be completely embarrassed that they have wasted monies for fastpass technology on Captain EO? and these other second tier experiences as well.

I thought they were smarter.

Also, dnickels, I am appalled at how they are side lining the local ap population.

Shame on Disney World.

Booooo Fastpass +!!!!!

[Goofy4TheWorld]

This news had just left me speechless.

Wow.

What a terrible way to "plus" the system.

[Disney Goof]

To all:

We were just at WDW last week and just an FYI, make sure to check you Fast Pass times a few times. Our times changed a few times and we weren't notified. Keep checking on the app site as well as at the kiosks to make sure your times didn't change.

Enjoy!!!

[tinkwest]

To all:

We were just at WDW last week and just an FYI, make sure to check you Fast Pass times a few times. Our times changed a few times and we weren't notified. Keep checking on the app site as well as at the kiosks to make sure your times didn't change.

Enjoy!!!

Ridiculous.

[1DisneyNut]

Oh great, now they are only going to allow you to in effect get one fastpass. Everything you can choose from in the tier two list for the other two is attractions for which we never get fastpasses.

I knew fastpass+ was going to be a debacle but this is getting absurd. If it keeps on, it is going to be so absolutely frustrating; one will need a vacation after their vacation to WDW so they can unwind.

[Biggeek]

One Fast Pass is exactly what you end up with now. Not a single of the 'secondary' selection attractions ever have more than a few minutes of Standby times.. so you never need a FP for them..


It was bad enough that we went from our typical 5-6+ Fast passes a day on the old system down to just 3.. but this has essentially had them spend a billion dollars on a system effectively removing the Fast Passes.. just absurd.

Total Disney Fail. I should just save my thousands of dollars and go to work.. it's less aggravating and stress.

[PirateLover]

In the words of Mr. Pricklepants, "And so it begins..."

[retiredfigment]

We are testing the magic bands the first week of Dec. Reluctantly. Here is my grief. When I made my selections, they all came up later in the morning and afternoon. We are early risers and usually 'open' the park. Why should we have to wait.

[Melanie]

In the words of Mr. Pricklepants, "And so it begins..."

Yes. Yes, indeed.

[Dario]

We just got back from WDW last week and here is what I can say...

I really enjoy being able to make selection and plan my days. Helped me feel excited before the trip

I really dislike how because everything had to be plan i felt i was running from place to place not really enjoying my time there.

I really disliked that i could only get FP+ for just one park. (we tend to go to at least two parks a day for variety)

it was so frustrating how much longer it took to check in for your FP+...(and to get into the park)

It was frustrating that they make you plan ahead, get the FP+ and the the ride or the show is down/cancelled. At that point is really hard to make any changes.

I feel bad for anyone that didn't have FP+ selections done. FP were gone by 8am and stand bye lines were really long.


They want you to use the My Expirience site/app but the wifi *****!!!!

Limitation is never the answer...i hope the reconsider.

THE magic band have potential...but the FP+ needs tons of work!

[vicster]

Personally, I think they should get rid of the fast pass+. We were there a couple of weeks ago and by 10:00 am all fast passes for Toy Story Mania were gone. I can only believe it's because of fast pass+ - we were not selected to test it. We spent a lot of money to go to WDW and to not be able to go on many attractions equals a big waste of money. May have to find a better way to spend my vacation money.

[gerald72]

One Fast Pass is exactly what you end up with now. Not a single of the 'secondary' selection attractions ever have more than a few minutes of Standby times.. so you never need a FP for them..


It was bad enough that we went from our typical 5-6+ Fast passes a day on the old system down to just 3.. but this has essentially had them spend a billion dollars on a system effectively removing the Fast Passes.. just absurd.

Total Disney Fail. I should just save my thousands of dollars and go to work.. it's less aggravating and stress.

Exactly my thoughts....

[Zawadi]

Just logged into My Disney Experience, in preparation for our December trip, and found a new section on using FP+ to book the restrooms to avoid a 2 hour line of crossed legs!

Only joking but it sums up the stupidity of FP+

The website is an absolute joke to navigate - designed by a user experience graduate drop out.

If Disney want to balance out the length of lines then why restrict FP+ to a single park? What's the point of paying extra for hopping?

:

[Aurora]

Why can’t I make a selection for Soarin’/Test Track/Mission: SPACE on My Disney Experience when there are FASTPASS tickets available at the attraction?
To provide the best possible experience for everyone at our theme parks, we are testing a FastPass+ selection approach designed to allow more Guests to secure their most preferred experience. This approach allows Guests who are eligible for MyMagic+ testing to make FastPass+ selections for one experience in the first group and two in the second group. FASTPASS tickets are available on a limited basis for Guests who are not eligible for MyMagic+ testing.

This is absolutely crazy. So now people who have chosen Soarin' for their "preferred" experience can't get a FP for Test Track even when FPs are still available??? I have no words.