I have such happy memories of my family’s trips to DW the last 6 years. I was always excited about the next time we could go back. For the first time, I’m not excited. I’m really actually dreading this trip. Just when I had FastPass strategies down that worked for our family, they go and implement this horrible new system. It feels like a blatant rip off from everything I’m reading. Congratulations Disney, you made your parks something I couldn’t wait to get back to, to something I’m going to be extremely hesitant to spend my money on going forward after this next trip. I hope this new
Genie+ backfires spectacularly on them.
Fastpass+ worked really well for those that knew how to use it, stayed on site and made their plans 60+ days before arrival. In most cases these would be the frequent visitors; typically not local to the area (can't imagine them planning far in advance in most cases). The "disadvantage" for the infrequent or last minute visitor only became worse in the last few years as attendance has been increasing and the "good" Fastpasses get taken earlier and earlier.
I happen to be in that frequent out of state visitor that knew how to get the most out of FP+ and always had a blast at WDW, riding the best rides each visit to the park.
Now, with attendance rising and Disney wanting to focus on the once per life visitor buying daily park tickets, they want to move to a model where everyone starts with a (mostly) level field every morning. While I wish FP+ had stayed, I believe the new Genie+ system will improve guest satisfaction for the infrequent visitor.
Ofcourse if Disney makes more money at the same time then..it was inevitable. My main issue is that the model seems to have been designed to maximize yield than guest satisfaction. For instance, it could have been free and still balanced out the disadvantage of the infrequent visitor who would only learn about it first day at the park. OR if they didn't want to make it free then charge more per person (half of that per child) so those with shorter vacations or flying in long distance can do more rides without waiting.
With current/target adoption rates, on busy days you're going to pay the same price but only really going to get one good LL, best case 2.
I see the current implementation as basically a larger than usual and a more flexible means of ticket price increase. The only silver lining for me is that my favorite park is Epcot and Genie+ has the least value in that park. In 2022 I will be moving to Universal APs with once a trip visit to Epcot only.
After much though it's clear to me that MY experience will be seriously downgraded with these changes. WDW is not going to be the relaxed "happy place" I am (was?) used to. Disney is likely hoping I'll visit a few times before I figure this out .. but once you break it down it's clear to me atleast. However I anticipate it will be a huge financial success for Disney and possibly even increase the overall guest experience by leveling the playing field.
Its not going to be easy to find a replacement but honestly I was starting to get priced out anyway (big family and we almost always stay at the Swan or another Epcot resort) so the timing isn't that bad.