Comments on: Rumor round-up for Dec 28, 2012: More Harry Potter expansion speculation, developments at Downtown Disney, FastPass Plus

By: derekburgan

derekburgan — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 15:02:47 +0000

In reply to michelle. Appreciate the reply Michelle. I was struck by your last comment though. With Disney putting in over a billion dollars in infrastructure to lay the ground work for things like FP+ along with rolling out New Fantasyland and rumors of big changes coming to Hollywood Studios AND with Universal putting a billion into their parks, I wouldn't count on it becoming cheaper any time soon. In fact I would take a mental note of the prices today for tickets/hotel rates and remember them as The Good Ol' Days. :)

By: derekburgan

derekburgan — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 14:43:43 +0000

Fast Plus Plus has some really neat options in it, and if used to its fullest extent looks to be able to provide that “dream” vacation that many have in their mind before coming, but it also has some unfortunate side effects, especially to people who are used to just showing up at the parks and doing whatever they feel like that day. Like the Disney Dining Plan has lowered the restaurant experience (in my opinion, and I’m talking about lack of choices, over priced for the quality of food you get, etc), the Fast Pass Plus program could have a drastic effect on people who are used to touring a certain way and don’t want to be the type of person who plans out every minute of their vacation 180 days out.

By: Cassy

Cassy — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 13:36:39 +0000

People should keep in mind when comparing Universal’s Express pass to Disney’s Fastpass is the different size of the two companies. Universal only has three hotels. Disney has twenty-five different hotels, not including their campsite. Universal’s system works great for them because they are so small. Disney has so many guests that if all of them were using the Fastpass line it would probably be faster to use the standby line.

That being said, I don’t really like the idea of “having” to plan my rides months in advance. I think that Fastpass is fair because everyone has the same opportunity to get one. As for getting rid of EMH, I think I’ll cry. It is a great tool for us to get some stuff done before everyone else shows up.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:32:49 +0000

I can’t stand the thought of FP+ ( and I stay deluxe when I go to Disney).I hate having to book dining 6 months out , now I will also have to have my park days and ride times down to precision 6 months out.I also change plans constantly..what a nightmare this could be . The thought makes my head spin, and just another reason I love Universal…As for getting rid of EMH, they did that once and sent characters to the resorts as a consolation, all while billing it as an improvement that the guests wanted ( more character time).what a joke!. and it didn’t work all that well for Disney.They were inundated with complaints..But I am sure they will put some sort of spin on it to make it look like they are giving some sort of wonderful perk.My guess is they are trying to save and make $$ to pay for The Fantasyland expansion and Avatarland .

By: michelle

michelle — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:44:25 +0000

Hi there, we stopped going to WDW for the fastpass problems, last time we came over, we used fastpasses at disney, every ride was booked all day, we got one ticket for toy story, came back at 6pm to ride it, closed down for repairs, one heartbroken kid. We come over next year, its universal all the way. If disney get the hotel guest to use fastpass same problems. i would go to universal instead, fastpass/express ticket come with your room card, saves a fortune. love michelle xx

Coming from abroad(UK) We dont get over to orlando ,as often as we would like. we have seen many changes over the years.

Cheaper deals would bring us over more often, its been 5 years since we came over, looking foreward to it !!!

By: derekburgan

derekburgan — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:40:18 +0000

In reply to Maureen. They have a pretty healthy revenue from hotels already, but they definitely plan to get more people on property who would be otherwise looking at cheaper alternatives otherwise. One rumor we'll be discussing next week is something else that may change, and that being the end of Early Magic Hours, which is a cost savings for them as well. With the Florida Disney company seemingly run by people looking much more at the $$$ end of the parks, I'd be shocked if there wasn't some sort of "pay for play" option where people not staying on Disney property can "buy" the Fast Pass + perks so that they can also plan (or almost be forced into planning) their trip weeks/months in advance and not be left out in the cold.

By: Maureen

Maureen — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:22:02 +0000

Interesting about the FastPass+. Do you think Disney expects to generate more hotel income this way? Or will they go to a additional cost FastPass+ more ike Universal’s Express Pass?