My own issues (maybe it is petty to some, sorry) include that as a Cast Member, when we get a family member into the park we are not able to get FP until we arrive that day whereas everyone else is able to book in advance.  Now this is obviously no different from other guests with 1 day tickets, the fact they are taking an employee perk (getting someone in for free…but come on, it isn’t like we are making great or even good money as Cast Members) and turning it into a hassle is just one more issue with the new system.  My wife has an annual pass as well, so she can get FP 30 days in advance, but I cannot get the same FP because I cannot book until the day I visit (besides the fact the CM schedules only come out 2 weeks in advance…so how are we supposed to plan which day to get FP???).  And no, my wife’s Annual isn’t at a CM discount rate, there isn’t really one for CMs, so the best we can do is the Annual Renewal.

So this isn’t just a negative situation for our Guests, it is a negative for the Cast as well.  We sympathize with the Guests who have complaints, so please do not feel like you are a burden to those of us in Guest Relations, having you come in to give a complaint or compliment is a part of our job and we appreciate you taking time to come in and voice your appreciation or concerns.

Thank you to everyone who visits the parks and despite the fact that some upper management types have proven yet again that they are clueless about the Guest experience, they will be shown the error of their ways through the voice of the Guests…provided that you speak up.  You may also use the online submission here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/contact/

Despite the challenges with the new FP system, we still hope to See Ya Real Soon!

There have been some changes to the FastPass+ system. Once you’ve read this article, we strongly recommend that you view our new blog post: https://orlandoinformer.com/wpold/2014/mymagic-fastplass-plus-guide-for-advance-ride-reservations/

Thanks!

@Melanie  I have seen Magic Bands for sale on Ebay.com. I am sure you can purchase one (they are MUCH cheaper than one night stay in the resort) and have them update the info. I have to say, even though Disney is alleviating of paper (old FP system), these bands aren’t very “green”. Wanted to get this point out there after reading this post. Thanks Maureen, great job!

Sara Rocke I am a DVC member, an AP holder for the past 4 years, stockholder in Disney, use the Disney Chase Visa card, have Disney dishes, silverware, cabinet knobs, hidden Mickeys in my wallpaper – I LOVE DISNEY – but this Fastpass + is a nightmare.  We just got back from a week long vacation in Disney from January 18th thru the 24th.  I am in COMPLETE agreement with Captain Action.  Who wants to walk around with your phone in your face while you are on vacation?  Because that is what happened!  Plus you get 3 fast passes a day. Period.  You can’t park hop and get fast passes at the second or third park.  Disney now fast passes just about EVERYTHING.  And why can’t I fast pass Tower of Terror AND Rockin Roller Coaster?  Because it is on a tiered system.  If Disney is going to only allow 3 fast passes then let us pick those 3 – whether we want 3 fast passes to TOT or 3 fast passes to Expedition Everest.
Been there.  Done that.  Won’t be back until they can work the kinks out of a very weird system.

But I mainly wanted to post on here to say – thanks, Maureen!  Out of all the articles that I have read on this new system, yours was the only one that made it all clear!  I love the way that you post step by step instructions along with visual aides.  Posting the kiosk locations and even the specific FP+ attractions helped me to shed the stress of the unknown and has made me look forward, once again, to our upcoming trip.

One thing I am still not sure about… you said that if you stay onsite for 1 night, you can get the magicbands… does that mean I could stay just 1 night, pre-schedule all 4 of my Disney park days on that band, and still get to use the magicband while staying the rest of the week off site???

Excuse me mr negative. If you don’t want to use the system you don’t have to. Disney has enough people visiting that you going to universal will make no difference to them. I’m sure you are the kind of guest who goes to guest relations at the end of your day to complain about everything that went wrong instead of enjoying the time with your family. You obviously don’t have a Disney attitude so why don’t you just go to some other b grade park and keep your bitter comments to yourself.

Sounds great if you like having your face in your phone while you walk around the park sticking to a schedule of ride times, restaurant reservations, and parks all chosen 180 days ahead.
No thanks.
I’m concerned this is going to make Universal really packed

No Ruth, I have schedules, appointments, and have to check my phone and computer all day when I work. I don’t want to do this on vacation. 9 out of 10 people don’t want a vacation like this either.
Going to Universal.

During my visit, I was participating in a training program for Travel Agents, and we were repeatedly told that they are “testing and adjusting” the process. Overall, I felt that it worked pretty seamlessly for me and I think that it has great potential. I would recommend experiencing it for yourself instead of reading all of the internet speculation.

@Tricia Crawford – my roommate was an AP holder and had a MagicBand attached to that ticket, which she used throughout her visit, instead of using the Park Ticket provided through our training program. She received her AP MagicBand late in 2012 or early in 2013 and is able to use it every time she visits, whether she stays in a resort or not.

Heather the parks have free WiFi

They charge for the Disney app in the UK?  The app was free here in the States. But to answer your question, Disney is setting aside slots for day guests to select at in-park kiosks. If you are staying onsite, castmembers can assist you with getting them selected upon check in.

ShelleyBaan it acts the same way as a paper fastpass. if you plan on using a rider switch, you do not need a fastpass for the person who will be using the rider switch.