Originally Posted By SpokkerJones "Jim, does technology scare you?" If he's anything like me, he'd rather see the technology put into the rides like they are doing over at Universal.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <Jim, does technology scare you? Do you need a paper bag when you hear of new technological advances happening around you?> Of course not. Why?
Originally Posted By standor They are probably working on a new fast pass. You could make reservations for your whole vacation. I am talking about a fast pass for a BATHROOM BREAK.
Originally Posted By SpokkerJones I can see it now. *mother and child enter The Magic Kingdom* "Mommy, mommy, there's Mickey! Let's go see him!" "No, Billy, we are scheduled to ride Space Mountain at 9:42AM and then get a Fastpass for Buzz Lightyear." "But he's right there..." "We are meeting Mickey at 11:16AM!" "But..." "Stop whining!"
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Or even worse. Mommy, mommy, there's Mickey, can we go see him? Mom: Sure Billy, let's go over. Cast member: May I see your fast pass reservation please? Mom: What's that? CM: Ok, I am assuming you don't have one (explains system). Mom: So does that mean we can't see Mickey? CM: If you wish you can wait in the standby line, the wait is currently posted at 2 hours. Mom: Billy - do you want to see Mickey or ride 3 rides? Also, there is a risk we will miss our dining reservations at Epcot for lunch if we do. After 3 hours of screaming kids in a long line, the mom and Billy reach Epcot and their restaurant. CM: I am sorry mam, you missed your dining reservation. Mom: but I was standing in line for Mickey longer than posted and had to wait for traffic clearance on the monorail, then a security line for someone who barely even looked in my purse, then I had to dodge these photopass people. CM: I am sorry mam, may I recommend (insert counter service restaurant name here). Mom: But we are on the dining plan and wanted to use our vouchers for a table service. CM: well mam, if you would like to go over to guests relations, they can look for alternative times for you at other restauarants, I am afraid we are fully booked for today. Mom: but the restaurant has empty tables. CM: I am afraid we are fully booked. Have a magical day. after dodging pin carts, ODV, and photopass people Mom and Billy make it to guest relations, there is a sign telling them all the restaurants in Epcot are fully booked today. After 30 minutes in line, the mother reaches the desk. Mom explains everything that happens. CM: I am sorry to hear that mam, you should have booked your fast pass at home for your visit with Mickey, it is for your improved satisfaction. You could have booked 6 months ago. Mom: Urghhh, I only got permission from work to take this vacation 6 weeks ago. Can I find a restaurant? CM: You are in luck mam, we have a sitting over at wide world of sports for a 9:30pm dinner on Tuesday. Mom: We fly home monday. CM: I am sorry to hear that. You could try asking at the restaurants if there are any no shows. Mom: Is that my only option? CM: Well you can try coming back to guest relations at a later time to see if any slots open up? Mom: are they likely too? CM: well, if other guests make cancellations. Sadly though there are guests that might make a reservation in four different parks and 2 hotels at the same time, so they have options on their holiday. Mom: That hardly seems fair. CM: I am afraid there is nothing in the system to stop this. And there are internet message boards that advise some of these tactics. Mom: I thought this was supposed to be a vacation, not work. CM: I am sorry you do not feel that way mam. Have a magical day. Mom: what?!!!! You have to fing be kidding me, this is fed up. CM: Mam, please refain from using such language in a family park. Mom: I wanna see your manager. Manager: ah mam, my colleague his informed me. As a thank you for your time for stopping by, please accept these fastpasses to our newest attraction, the meet and greet with Mickey. Arrrrggggggg Guy in a scooter wearing 50 lanyards of pins and eating a turkey leg: You know, you can use your fast pass any time after the start time. Mom: But that's not what it says on the map. guy: I know, but there are ways to play the system. Mom: Urgggh, I am never coming back here again. Three weeks later: Mom: Hmmmm, I think I might go on the internet and see if it is worth booking in to WDW for next year's vacation? They are offering 40% off and free dining. I might be able to beat the system. And look at the fab picture we took with Mickey. I guess with two weeks a year vacation, 3 hours is not a long wait. Afterall, I can book times now, for my convenience.......
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad "Classic! Lets fill the parks with people waiting. They won't know it because they won't be in a line. BWAAAAAAAAhahahahah", said evil mastermind.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub This reminds me of Apple Store new and improved super cool technology customer service. I went into the store(not easy to find a parking spot...waited in line to be told I needed an appointment. Go home to make appt. on computer, come back and wait another 20minutes past my appt. time because the person ahead of me was either late or using more than their alloted time. If this is the future then I guess I get to keep my money.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Exactly. People are saying we should not judge the Next Gen system until implemented. When the PMO are paid to play with the ideas, issues, risks, benefits and disbenefits. If we can raise our concerns, perhaps it can help iron them out or get them to reconsider their investment at the next programme board meeting.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Great post #26 davewasbaloo. It's that kind of experience that 'scares' me. Not the 'technology' aspect. It's just over-planning -- coupled with people who want to get 'their money's worth' and a company that is taking the 'personal touch' out of the equation.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo to quote a mediocre pop song. It's not what you do, but the way that you do it. Glad you appreciated the post Jim. I was trying to highlight the potential based on the current issues. I felt afterwards I may have wasted my time. If it amused you, then it was worth it!
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORGOCH: I agrees with ya, dave, ducklin'. All that plannin' takes the magic right outta the yer sorry life an' leaves ya with a bunch a tragic mahem. See what happens when them goomers at the top tries ta fix things that ain't broken? I say git rid a fast passes altagether and let folks go back ta the way things were when Walt was still alive--when all pests were given the V.I.P. treatment!!!
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt Hey Witches!! I saw a Krispy Kreme the other day & thought of you lovely ladies!!
Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>a company that is taking the 'personal touch' out of the equation<< The ironic and infuriating part for me is that WDW is trying to make us believe this is *more* personal because a character or ride or whatever is going to know our name. This whole thing is billed specifically as a personalizing experience. Now tell me, what is personal about an experience planned for millions of people six months ahead of time?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Now tell me, what is personal about an experience planned for millions of people six months ahead of time? ---- I think we are missing ythe point-- for a 6-8 year old kid, 1/ they do not know this was set up 6 months ahead or how many others will partake 2/ their goal is to meet MM and have an experience- which they will.. this is not for 'us' here folks- this is for the kids. the analyzation as adults I believe is misplaced for this type of thing...
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I think we are missing ythe point-- for a 6-8 year old kid, 1/ they do not know this was set up 6 months ahead or how many others will partake 2/ their goal is to meet MM and have an experience- which they will..<<< And the kids will probably know about it, too. "So, Molly, we are meeting Mickey on June 30th, 10:00! Remember! It's going to be so much fun! I set up your appt!" It just seems so... sterile. Going to a theme park, especially one of Disney's, should be an experience that you plot out while there. It's about turning that corner, and having your breath taken away, and being drawn into some attraction. Not about knowing when and where and how you get to meet some foamhead.
