Mad Dog
V.I.P. Member
I don't even try the WDW advance dining reservations since I refuse to commit to a meal time months in advance of a vacation. So I only eat quick service on Disney property. BOG is impossible, except for breakfast, which is the only advance reservation I attempt. I used that as a way to get into the park before rope drop, before they started the early gate admission last year. Now there's no need for even that. I hate FP plus, even though I can use it to my advantage since I know the ins and outs, BUT, it's not very workable for NEW attractions. Bad system for new stuff. And for some of the new attractions you might not be able to get a FP until your 64th or 65th day out. I last stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort in Oct. 2015....Universal website and app. don't bother me much, since short of reserving a hotel, I have no need of it. Hotel Express passes basically make any planning moot. No need to plan anything at Universal if you're in a Deluxe resort. Even with meals you can get day of reservations just about anywhere on property. I change my agenda numerous times just about every day depending on the weather, when we feel like waking up, and how we feel in general. And now that all the Potter stuff has Express lines, we don't even bother to arrive early for early entry. Hotel Express is Theme Park Gold. I never even look at the website or app once I arrive at Universal.When did you last stay at Disney?
I’m staying at Pop Century in September for a week (My first time staying at Disney) and already I’m struggling to get reservations for Be Our Guest and Brunch at the Top. A spot opened today for Be Our Guest and within 5mins it was gone. It's becoming almost essential to stay at Disney to guarantee a FP and reservation at your first, second or even third choice. When I'm 60 days out, I'll be straight on to get my FP.
I'm at some what of a crossroads of where to go from here in the next few years as Disney's own success is making it a nightmare to plan a good trip plus most of the resort is a construction zone but they're ready to deliver on so many great new rides that you can't not go.
On the flip side, I'm pretty set on staying at Hard Rock this year and the Express Pass makes things a million times easier compared to Disney but Universal need to take a drastic step with their app and website as it feels 5 years behind where Disney is currently at and as Universal expands, it really needs to step up it's game.