Just back from our from stay 11/29-12/3. We typically do go to WDW this time of year so it was interesting to compare crowds and wait times from year to year especially because last year I was able to use FP+ and my KTTW for FP. Overall I thought the crowds were a bit larger than last year especially for Saturday but they declined on Sunday and Mon-Wed were reasonable. I thought the 8 AM opening for MK was a big benefit this year. We arrived shortly after 8 AM so the lines to get in weren't too bad and went right to 7DMT on our first MK day our wait was about 20 minutes even though the posted time was already 60 minutes. In addition, the draw of this ride left most other rides with very short wait times until about 9:30 when crowds started picking up. Take advantage of this early time if you can get up This combined with our reserved FP times allowed to do all we wanted in MK by lunch each day.
FP+ has a mixed review from my perspective. It was nice to have some the popular rides already booked before we left but it left little opportunity to make day of or day before changes for the popular rides. I thought the location of kiosks were not the best and they need more of them. The CMs that worked there were helpful I thought. One big misunderstanding I had regarding the "bonus" FP was that it had to be at the same park. That is not true...we got multiple "bonus" FP at the parks we hopped to since we "reserved" morning FP at our first park. I think one change Disney should make is to allow you to book just one or 2 FP rather than defaulting to 3 especially for EPCOT where only TT and Soarin were needed.
Our wait time once in the FP line was short for most rides with the exceptions being Test Track and RNR which still seemed long. There was often a short line to scan your band to get into the FP line.
FP+ for Be our Guest didn't go so smoothly for us. We had to wait at check in and then wait in line to scan our bands for quite a while before sitting down. We had pre ordered our meals but it wouldn't come up on their systems (CMs couldn't help) so we had to reorder our meals. Once we got in and seated the food did come quickly but it wasn't hot...luke warm at best. We loved the theme but can't say we had the best experience this year.
As far as "Big Brother", I was surprised to see all of the "automatic photos" that were in photopass for our family. We only scanned our band twice and there were lots and lots of photos and videos posted. They tracked our bands back to our account every time one of us went on a ride that had a camera. They could tell what car of the ride we were in without us scanning our bands for the photo. That is somewhat troubling. It does make you wonder what other data they are keeping.
Overall, we still enjoyed our trip despite having to learn how to use FP and plan so much ahead. Between ADRs and FP+ you did feel like you needed to stick with your plan. Crowds were reasonable yet and Christmas decorations were nice. Busses were hit or miss...every 20 minutes is misleading I think. Sometimes two came back to back for the same destination and other times it is 35 minutes to wait. CMs at the resort bus stops are unable to help but I think people believe that they can help so they get frustrated quickly. What they should do is have these CMs help the bus drivers get the scooters in!
FP+ has a mixed review from my perspective. It was nice to have some the popular rides already booked before we left but it left little opportunity to make day of or day before changes for the popular rides. I thought the location of kiosks were not the best and they need more of them. The CMs that worked there were helpful I thought. One big misunderstanding I had regarding the "bonus" FP was that it had to be at the same park. That is not true...we got multiple "bonus" FP at the parks we hopped to since we "reserved" morning FP at our first park. I think one change Disney should make is to allow you to book just one or 2 FP rather than defaulting to 3 especially for EPCOT where only TT and Soarin were needed.
Our wait time once in the FP line was short for most rides with the exceptions being Test Track and RNR which still seemed long. There was often a short line to scan your band to get into the FP line.
FP+ for Be our Guest didn't go so smoothly for us. We had to wait at check in and then wait in line to scan our bands for quite a while before sitting down. We had pre ordered our meals but it wouldn't come up on their systems (CMs couldn't help) so we had to reorder our meals. Once we got in and seated the food did come quickly but it wasn't hot...luke warm at best. We loved the theme but can't say we had the best experience this year.
As far as "Big Brother", I was surprised to see all of the "automatic photos" that were in photopass for our family. We only scanned our band twice and there were lots and lots of photos and videos posted. They tracked our bands back to our account every time one of us went on a ride that had a camera. They could tell what car of the ride we were in without us scanning our bands for the photo. That is somewhat troubling. It does make you wonder what other data they are keeping.
Overall, we still enjoyed our trip despite having to learn how to use FP and plan so much ahead. Between ADRs and FP+ you did feel like you needed to stick with your plan. Crowds were reasonable yet and Christmas decorations were nice. Busses were hit or miss...every 20 minutes is misleading I think. Sometimes two came back to back for the same destination and other times it is 35 minutes to wait. CMs at the resort bus stops are unable to help but I think people believe that they can help so they get frustrated quickly. What they should do is have these CMs help the bus drivers get the scooters in!