devores

Im here.
 
I guess I will be the voice of reason here.
 
I have been at the fort for a year straight. If you are looking to this as a "cheap" way to move to Florida, you are going to be surprised. A monthly site will run you anywhere from $2400 to $3500 a month, unless you have some serious discounts. Add in the cost of your "new" RV and tow vehicle and you can probably tack on another $1000. So $4500 a month in "rent" compared to apartments less than a mile from Disney for $1200.
 
 
Just food for thought.
 
We have also been fulltiming for 4 years now.
 
If you plan to spend extended periods of time in an RV, make sure you get something everyone can live with. Remember, there is no where to get away from each other in an RV. Think of storage too. Everything you own must fit into that thing too. Add in the animals and you could quickly run out of room. I would not suggest anything smaller than a fiver for living, 30 foot at least. Trust me, we have gone through 4 RVs in 4 years until we found the one we could live in comfortably.  
 
As for having someone set you up, I personally would not buy an RV I could not move myself. Too many things happen and I would need piece of mind that I can move my house when I need to. Hurricanes, tropical storms, fires, sink holes, falling tees.....these are all realities and things that have happened at the fort and surrounding areas. A company could take hours or even days to move you. A sink hole could swallow your rv in minutes.

It seems Lou may really be done with Disney. I caught a picture of him at his new job, delivering newspapers, today.
 
Don't believe me......
 

It seems Lou may really be done with Disney. I caught a picture of him at his new job, delivering newspapers, today.
 
Don't believe me......
 

I see advantages, but it really depends on the pass holder. Having the ability to schedule your fast passes and not worry about sending a runner or running with the bulls at RD is advantage enough for me. You could decide you are going to MK on Sat and schedule your FP for space mountain the Tuesday before. You will already have your time and not have to rush around. Plus, as new features are implemented, you are already in the system so you can immediately take advantage of them.
 
Think of it this way, your AP will be used to enter the park. Your AP (the physical card) is registered to your account. You use your MB to enter the park. The MB is linked to your AP on your account. So although you do not physically swipe or tap your AP card, it is used to enter the park. Therefore it is marked as being used that day.
 
And yes, as long as you have valid park entry on your account, you can schedule FP+. So an AP holder can have FP+s for everyday if they wanted. And they can be scheduled or changed up to the time of. So you could enter the park and bring up the app and schedule your FP+s standing in the castle hub. If any are available, you could have one setup for 10 mins after you schedule it.
 
Not going into the in depth workings, but to make purchases a PIN number is needed, to enter the park a finger scan is used.
 
But yes, the band is just a number linked to your account. When you use the band (or any RF enabled device for that matter) it just reads the RF code and accesses the account it is linked to then checks the appropriate database for authorization.
 
In order for your plan to work, you would need to first glean the code from a band. Then, you would have to encode another band or bands on the spot that match the band you just gleaned from (color, name, etc). Then, you would have to hack into the database and see what FP+s are scheduled for what times and use them before anyone figures out the band was compromised. Once the band is lost, stolen, or compromised in anyway, it is deactivated within seconds and a new one issued with a different number. You would spend more time getting this done than you would waiting in the standby line on a busy day.

As an AP holder, you can participate in the FP+ side of the system if you want. Simply create an account with the mydisneyexperience system and link your AP to it. It can be done one of two simple ways. If using the website, click on link tickets and enter the number on the back of your AP. It should come up as an AP and allow you to make FP+ reservations. If using the phone app, click on tickets and then link existing pass and scan the code on the pass or enter the number. You can always unlink the pass later if you want.

The "loophole" they are talking about is for those who have the magic bands for the test. They are advised not to collect legacy FPs during the test, but do not enforce it.
 
This is how and why the testers are able to get legacy FPs in addition to the FP+s, and obviously the blog author does not know a dang thing about how the MyMagic+ system works and is spreading bad info.
 
The tickets used to enter the park are linked to the guests mydisneyexperience account. The MBs and KTTWC are also linked to this account. Guests, during the test period, are given both a MB and KTTWC as a back up that functions just like the MB does (its your key, park ticket, charge card, etc) just like the current KTTWC.
 
When the MB is used to enter the park, it just marks the ticket on the mydisneyexperience account as used for the day. So the KTTWC is marked as used for park entry too. Thus, it can be used in legacy FP machines as well. 
 
Once the system goes fully live, the legacy FPs will be discontinued and this "loophole" will no longer be an issue.  

Im late to the party. I will tell what I know now, and update later this week as we are testing the system the next couple of days. And this is an in depth test, not a "Hey do you want to participate" test. As CM tetsers, we are required to do certain things and keep a journal of our experience and report back to the big wigs when done. Believe me I will keep detailed notes.
 
Now for some comments.
The ONLY official MyMagic+ service center is in the Town Square Theater in the MK. There is a huge sign out front letting guests know. It has aprox 10 stations set up that consist of nothing more than an Ipad running the app. The guest logs into their account and a trained CM helps them through setting up reservations or linking bands or making FP+ selections. They DO NOT deal with guest phone issues. They do have tech support CMs around (the ones that the OP dealt with) that are out during testing to note these problems and potential fixes. Once the system goes live, these techies will not be out and the guest phone issues will be theirs. Eventually, every park will have a permanent service center similar to the one in MK. But as of now they are temps.  
 
See my comment above.
 
BUT, you are forgetting, the MyMagic+ system is THE system now. It doesn't matter if you use the MB or the RFID card, you are doing the same exact thing. The ONLY difference will be instead of waving your arm in front of a portal, you have to dig out your key card. As a matter of fact, I have 10 MyMagic+ devices linked to my MyDisneyExperience system. Nine RFID enabled cards and one MB. The nine cards are the 9 keys I have gotten during my stay at the Fort. AP pass holders can link their AP to their account as well and eventually, CMs will use it for their Maingate pass (starting this month). Eventually whenever you check in, you will need to have an account with mydisneyexperience.
 
The app everyone hates so much is just a portal to the system. You can access your account by pointing your smartphones browser to the website as well. The same site you access from your home computer.
 
I for one am excited about the direction this is going. Yes, there are problems. But its a big endeavor and any big change has problems. That's why they are testing it. Like Lou, I know more than I should and I think everyone will surprised when the whole system comes on line. Most people only know about 30% of what Disney has planned. The growing pains will pass and this will be the system that every Theme park emulates.

Yep, want to get out of the rain in Florida? Walk across the street.........

The Fort is fine. Didn't look like anything happened here.
 
The storm was most definitely a small tornado. Those who know me, know that I have been through several tornados since I moved to Florida and I grew up in IL where tornados are common.  
 
The wind picked up suddenly and the trees were blowing sideways as was the rain. The wind stopped and it got quite, then, it picked up suddenly again. That was the eye of the tornado. Again, it was nothing large and probably did not produce a funnel cloud. But was still a tornado. Most likely just forming over the MK.
 
Most damage was large branches breaking off trees, parts of the CoP roof blowing off, Tommorowland flooded, and signs and walls being blown over. It appeared the tornado blew from T land to the contemporary in that direction.
 
Boat traffic was cancelled and busses were backed up because only bus terminal A was opened due to the damage at bus terminal B (the wall).
 
Disney does have storm shelters. For major storms where prior knowledge is had, the tunnels are used. This storm blew in too quickly to get people into them for shelter. In this case, they use any and all indoor space. Characters are pulled and they use the meet and greet areas (Petes Silly Sideshow, TST, the Nook, etc) they also shut down rides and will not let people exit keeping them inside for safety (Buzz, space, etc) and they open all attractions for shelter (CoP, Hall of Presidents, Tikiroom, etc) Everything is shut down in case there is a power failure to eliminate people stuck on the rides.
 
Of course, people have to be smart enough to seek cover. CMs will not put themselves in harms way to tell guests to seek cover.
 
The lightning was intense and it struck the orbiter several times, yet there were still people jumping in the puddles directly below it and walking around. Some of the strikes were so close, the hair on my arms raised up from the electric charge in the air. DW and I were helping keep people back once we realized it was a tornado. We were on the porch of CoP and there were kids standing at the railing. We told them to get as close to the building as possible and crouch down. Some woman was screaming she was so scared (it wasn't that bad).

The photos I take depend on the group. I usually have them sit on the steps and it makes a nice family picture with no one around, or I do the magic shots there with the kids so you don't have other peoples butts in the picture. But I have to be near them for it to work. I cant wander too far from my assigned position.
 
The parade starts from Frontier land for two reasons.  
 
There is a location backstage where they stage the parade prior to step off that floods. When it rains enough, they cannot stage the parade there as it is flooded.
 
The second reason is MS is sloped down toward the train station. Part of the optical illusion (if you didn't know this, sorry for ruining it for ya)
 
When the street is wet, some of the bigger floats cannot get started on the wet pavement if they have to stop. This is also the reason you never see the horse drawn trolley never stop on MS heading to the castle. It always stops heading toward the train station. The horse cannot get the trolley moving again if it has to start uphill.  

That is a great photo of you and Twin #1.
 

That is a great photo of you and Twin #1.
 

We all posted at the same time.

Next came R2D2.  Naturally, I looked for an inconspicuous "tourist" walking down the street in his vicinity.  But, I didn't see one:
 

 

 

 
I didn't catch whoever it was that was controlling that droid.  Maybe if that guy in the red shirt would have stood still for a second, I would have had a better chance of seeing out in the road.  Hey, but he almost gave Chewbacca a high five.  I'll bet his kids might have been proud of him had he not failed at that.  Maybe if he shave that stubble off his head and got a neck tattoo he would get some respect.
 
 
TCD
 

 
 
Is that 2 people in the front seats of that car??? I wonder why this car has 2 people riding in the front seats and all of the others only have a driver?

Sorry I was late. I thought you handled it pretty well. Plus it was entertaining to watch.

Ok,
 
PP+ works just like the regular PP service in regards to regular photos. See a photographer, get your picture taken, scan your card, its yours.
 
The plus part about it is you also get all your ride photos and dining photos (not only digital, but hard copy as well). How this works is you hand your special PP+ card to the ride attendant manning the photo station or the photographer at the dining location and they will put them on your card for you. There is no limit to how many photos you have taken. If you ride space mountain 5 times, you get all 5 photos. If you have 2000 photos taken, you get all 2000 at the end of your vacation.  
 
The ride and dining photos can only be added to the PP+ card, but if you get any other PP cards during your stay, you can add them to your account and they become part of your CD.
 
When your vacation is done, you "order" your CD by following the directions you will get on your PP+ package. You pay for all of this in advance so "ordering" your CD at the end of your vacation is just clicking a button and getting it mailed to you. No additional cost.
 
The CD is yours and you have full rights to do what ever you want with the photos. Print them, copy them, share them.....what ever. So you can make copies of the CD if you wanted to give to family.
 
Remember, with PP+, you get EVERY photo taken.
 
As far as a refund, as long as you do not register the card on your online account, you could get a refund, but there would have to be a good reason and every case is held differently.
 
If you do not feel you would use the ride or dining, you could get the regular PP CD. This includes any photos taken by a PP photographer. But riding just 3 rides or visiting one dining location will make up for the cost difference.
 
Pre ordering the CD would net you a discount, and you would still get some stock photos in your online account. If you want the stock photos from the PP+ CD, you could buy a CD containing them at any view station on property for $49.95. If you do allot of scrapbooking, they are nice. But the ones you get free in your online account should be enough. When getting your PP CD, you also get your bonus content (stock photos) on your CD as well.

Internet access at the Fort became free last spring as part of the WiFi project at WDW.
Unfortunately widespread WiFi still isn't available at the campsites at the Fort.
More info here...
http://www.fortfiends.net/_/info/internet-access-at-fort-wilderness-r238

Sorry I was late. I thought you handled it pretty well. Plus it was entertaining to watch.

In a previous TR (http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/10220-a-pirates-life-for-me/) I mentioned we tried two new experiences at WDW.
 
The second was the Wilderness Explorers at AK.
 
This is a learning experience that takes you around AK and has you perform activities to earn badges. The great part about it is you do not have to dedicate time to this experience as it can be accomplished while you enjoy the park as normal.
 
First, a meet and greet to get us in the mood......
 

 
You start your experience at the hut just across the bridge when you first enter AK
 

 
Here, you receive your handbook and a badge (sticker) to identify yourself to the other troop leaders
 

 
Inside the book you will find a map of the locations of the other troop leaders
 

 
and the activities at each location
 

 
The activities vary by location and range from performing a task, finding a hidden clue, or just talking to a troop leader.
 
While walking around the park, you will find markers
 

 

 
that guide you to troop leaders
 

 
Most of the troop leaders are located in areas that you will be going to anyway, but some are in areas you might not have been before, so you get to see areas of the park you might otherwise have missed.
 
Most activities only take a few mins and are not difficult, and you will learn something.
 
The thing I like about this experience is that it is not just another game. You will learn something. The troop leaders start with basic info in an effort to teach you something but will not give you your badge until they feel you have learned something. And it is geared towards the explorers.  
 
One example is the Gorilla badge.
 
There was a group of small boys in front of us. The troop leader was telling them about how gorillas eat plants and how they walk on their knuckles. When it was our turn, she told us about how newer batteries contain a metal that is only found in the rain forests and that the forests are being cleared to get this metal, threatening the gorillas natural habitat. By recycling one battery, we can save aprox an acre of rain forest.
 
Since this can be done while enjoying your touring plan, I recommend everyone stop on your way in and pick up a handbook. You do not have to complete all the badges in one day and can start and stop whenever you want.
 
We arrived at 1pm and dedicated the day to this. When we left at 6pm, we had completed 18 out of 31 badges.
 
This will be a great activity for homeschoolers and field trips such as boy or girl scout troops.
 
We will return and complete the rest of our badges at some point.
 
 

I figured I would relate our experiences of two new attractions that recently opened up at WDW.
 
The first being the Pirates Adventure.
 
We visited the MK with the sole purpose of trying out this new experience.
 
You start your adventure in Adventureland in a tiny shack near POTC.
 

 
When you enter, there are consoles lined up along one wall.
 

 
You receive a talisman and are assigned a console to begin your adventure. You can also use your KTTW card if you have an RFID enabled one, such as an AP, and will soon be able to use the magic bands. I prefer the talisman as it adds to the experience. We saw others waving their KTTW card around and it just didn't feel piratey.
 
Once at your assigned console, you wave your talisman over a secret area and are directed to take one of five maps.
 

 
This is all five maps and the talisman.
 
After getting your map, the console directs you to your starting point by using symbols.
 

 

 
There are clues hidden throughout Advetureland.
 
The maps get a little confusing sometimes as the clues are close together and the map is hard to read. But if you read the writing next to symbols on the map, it tells you where to find the clue and the pictures show you what your looking for.
 
Once you find the clue you are looking for, you wave your talisman over the symbol and it triggers a response. This is not always a video like the SOTMK, allot of the responses are from objects around you and not always directly in front of you. So look around when triggering the clue.
 

 

 
After a brief dialogue from Capt Jack, you are directed to another clue via symbols that appear
 

 
If you look at the photo above, you see the crossed swords next to the lantern. That is an example of the symbols that direct you to your next clue.
 

 
Here is another
 
Each quest consists of about 4 or 5 clues and then you find the treasure you are hunting for. Not all of the symbols are used from the map during your quest and each time you play, it is different.
 
You can also halt play and come back later and pick up where you left off.
 
After completing a quest and finding the treasure, you are directed back to the starting point to begin a new quest.
 
After completing all maps, you are directed to a special grand finale which I wont spoil here.
 
We had fun with the game and will probably do it again.
 
It is a allot of walking. Completing all 5 maps you will have walked 1.5 miles around Adventureland. We completed all 5 maps in about 2 hours, but we are experienced at navigating crowds. It could take longer if you have a large group or small children.
 
The quests take you through the most crowded part of the land, so be prepared. I would recommend this for anyone with small boys, but it is not a recommendation I make as a must do. If you have a hole in your touring plan and need to fill a few hours, give it a try. But do not cut out another attraction for this. If you have to choose between SOTMK and this, SOTMK will win my vote.
 
I will leave this with some photos of some of the clues we encountered, but refrain from giving too much as not to ruin the adventure for those planning on doing themselves. You have probably seen some of these things around Adventureland before.
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Water parks and mini golf courses closed, Disney Quest at Phase 4 as of 1230, Mickey's BBQ cancelled for tonight, no marina boat rentals.
 
Sea World and Busch Gardens are closing early today as well.
 
No plans for Disney to adjust hours.

Yall can bicker about the chipmunks. The Asian guy is Lee. Yes, we know him. He is what we call a character stalker. The things handed to the chipmunks were pictures of them from Tokyo Disneyland of them in Kimonos. He also had some for the other characters that same weekend. He is not alone though, he does travel with a few others. They have been here for a few months and come all of the time.
 
Chip and Dale are big in Japan and sometimes trumps the mouse himself in popularity.   

Bell was running all night. In fact, that's where I had breakfast at around 3am. We had pancakes, eggs, French toast, bacon, sausage, and OJ. We were graced with Capt Jacks company as well. So I had breakfast with Jack Sparrow, Belle, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyor.

I can attest to hearing them just 5 mins ago. They aren't as loud as they used to be, but you can still hear them from the loops near the marina. You can also still hear the Water Parade music. These are the sounds that put me to sleep everynight.