How Necessary is FP+?

When we were in Florida during Christmas and New Years of 2013-14, Fast Pass+ was just being rolled out (I think). We took advantage of the option, but then ended up changing our FPs throughout the day with no problems at all. Availability was really good.

We're going back in July, and debating on how much we want to pre-plan the trip. DH is convinced that we can wing it like we did last year, but I think now that FP+ has rolled out completely, we'll be hard-pressed to get on the good rides without pre-ordering.

Any ideas? We're also still kicking between annual passes or day-passes (we're staying on property, though)... which would make a difference, too, right?

It cant hurt to have the FPs. You don't have to use them. I would get them for sure.

We were there this past Christmas week. and found that the FP+'s main advantage is for the really, really popular attractions, like 7DMT, the Mountains at MK, Toy Story Mania, RnRC, ToT, EE, Kilimanjaro Safari and Test Track & Soarin'. If you want to ride those without waiting 60 min. or more, then you'll be out of luck if you don't get FP+ in advance. Your best option in that case would be to try to ride first thing (park opening) in the a.m. or very late at night.

For other less popular attractions, having advance FP+ reservation is not so important. But then again, in July the parks will be crowded, so expect long lines for most of the best attractions.

If you don't mind waiting in really long lines, or don't mind missing the most popular rides, then you can wing it. Otherwise, I 'd definitely take advantage of getting FP+ in advance. You may still be able to change your times for those most popular rides up to a couple of days before, but in July, I wouldn't wait until the day-of to try to get FP+ for those big attractions.

We were there Christmas 2013 2014 too. I found at times lines for FP+ just as long as the regular lines. We never went straight through and had a minimum 10 minute wait every single time. I really think it was because it was new. I agree with not really wanting to plan much but I would definitely book your 3 for the day you can always change last minute. I would utilize FP just for big ticket rides and wing it on not so popular ones.

We were there last week which is technically a less crowded time and without FPs we wouldn't have gotten to ride some of our favorites such as SM, 7DMT, or RnRC. I would get them for the big ones for sure and if you want to not use the other ones and wing those rides you'll be fine.

Book em, it's part of the trip planning fun. If you decide not to use them when you get there, just cancel them.
Besides, it's not like Mickey will send his nephews out for you if there is a schedule deviation.

Get them for sure if you want to ride the most popular rides:mickey:

Too many factors unknown. How often do you go? Kids involved? Are particular rides dont miss things? You are going in peak heat and peak summer crowd season. I think if you dont make them you will regret it. people can complain about the "planning" aspect Disney has created with fp+ but once you use it and discover how much more relaxed it makes your trip, then you will be thankful you did a little work ahead of time.

We are also going in July, and I can't imagine not having them. We had an amazing trip in July 2 years ago right before the FPP started, and I just booked our FPP last night for our trip this year. It only took me about 15 minutes, and I got all my choices early in the day so we can try and get more later or at other parks. I don't think it will be too difficult to get what you want, and you can always change it later. Enjoy! :mickey:

If you want to ride the E Ticket rides with less than an hour wait, get FP+. I have seen 7DMT upwards of 160 min in the summer. It's a great ride but I only get in stand by line if it's 60 or less.