Are they still enforcing the fastpass return times?

[the-reason14]

Honestly I really can't comment on how I feel about FP+. I try not to get myself worked up over what seems like a lot of assumptions and conjecture at this point (not saying you are "worked up" but that some people are extremely for or against something they haven't tried yet). I would rather wait and see how the changes actually affect my day and see how I feel about it then.

I am someone who usually visits once or twice a year (which being from Canada seems like a lot to some people) and while I notice and have made comments on some things that I found missing or incomplete (Spash Mountain attraction resulted in a few guest service comments from me) I don't notice every burnt out bulb or chip of paint simply because I tend to be more of a big picture person.

People that are detail oriented could go crazy in a park each day but that's not me - nor anyone that I have traveled with over the years (thank goodness...I don;t think my style would mesh with theirs) :lol: I, also would like to have a better descent on SSE (it actually hurts my head a bit, too - I wouldn't mind a bit of padding there) but I still come out of the attraction feeling happy that I saw it.

Like I said before, I don't think anyone can tell you your decision to not renew your AP is the right or wrong one but if I had to give you any advice. Don't renew - wait until some of the major changes are done and go visit for two days. Spend one day making plans and see if you can get any enjoyment out of ADR's followed by FP+ times. The next day - don't plan any ADR's or FP+ times and see how you fare. You may find that there is actually a middle ground that can work with your traveling style. It may even prove to be AP worthy again.

As much as everyone on here seems to think they know exactly how long every line will be (standby and FP) and how each day will go in reality there may be some instances that surprise you. It's worth a shot, isn't it? :shrug:

You're right. All of it is assumptions and what ifs and hypotheticals, nothing is concrete and it could all be abandoned(doubt it). A friend who work's there told me they're in the process of seeing if they want to continue with it. But I agree, the best bet for me is to simply adjust. I've been spoiled with the hoarding fastpass syndrome that any other way seems too much or unenjoyable. I know I've been fortunate and blessed to have gone to WDW as many times as I have over the years, so the next time I do plan on going will be after some new rides and upgrades are done. Then I'll consider adjusting to see if it's worth it. Personally at the moment, it's not.

 

[rct247]

There IS a grace period! 5 minutes before and fifteen after.

I know there is a grace period for early and late arrivals, but I meant a grace period of allowing guests to get used to the "new policy". I have guests that come up and say, "Oh, well, we didn't know, no one told us. Can you let us in this one time?". That's the type of grace period I believe the poster was referring to - a way for guests to learn from the mistake once or for a day or for their entire next vacation visit, etc. That's where it just wouldn't be possible. The enforcement went into effect in March, but you could still have visitors who visited WDW in 2006 visit again in 2016 for the first since then and claim they didn't know and should be allowed to get used to the "new policy". It has to be enforced strictly and immediately for it work.

 

[G00fyDad]

I know there is a grace period for early and late arrivals, but I meant a grace period of allowing guests to get used to the "new policy". I have guests that come up and say, "Oh, well, we didn't know, no one told us. Can you let us in this one time?". That's the type of grace period I believe the poster was referring to - a way for guests to learn from the mistake once or for a day or for their entire next vacation visit, etc. That's where it just wouldn't be possible. The enforcement went into effect in March, but you could still have visitors who visited WDW in 2006 visit again in 2016 for the first since then and claim they didn't know and should be allowed to get used to the "new policy". It has to be enforced strictly and immediately for it work.

LOL Yeah, I'm sure that won't be abused. :ROFLOL:

No. They did what they should have done. Rip the band-aid off, and just go with it. No "grace period" for slow learners. The signs, and CMs at the FP distribution, as well as the obvious time printed on the FPs should be enough to get the... people... accustomed to the change.

 

[wdwfan100]

Well, when Disney employees, including managers encourage it, it's a hard offer to pass up. We followed the windows on our first trip in 08, and then I found out about using them late. We're fine with the new policy and will be following it.

This is an honest inquiry, not an effort to start an argument. How was the is lack of enforcement communicate? We go to Disney frequently and never had this communicated to us by anyone.

 

[G00fyDad]

This is an honest inquiry, not an effort to start an argument. How was the is lack of enforcement communicate? We go to Disney frequently and never had this communicated to us by anyone.

It wasn't really communicated. Many people started trying to get away with it, because, well... it is all about them , and the management decided not to push the issue. After a while it just became the norm, and a generally encouraged practice by management. But they aren't going to come right out and say "Hey, I know we put the return times on your ticket, and we'd like for you to return on time, but hey, if you don't feel like it then that's fine. Just show up when you can."

 

[wdwfan100]

It wasn't really communicated. Many people started trying to get away with it, because, well... it is all about them , and the management decided not to push the issue. After a while it just became the norm, and a generally encouraged practice by management. But they aren't going to come right out and say "Hey, I know we put the return times on your ticket, and we'd like for you to return on time, but hey, if you don't feel like it then that's fine. Just show up when you can."

That cleats things up a little, thanks.

 

[MaryJaneP]

If everyone will be forced into a similar boat to do the FP+, I'll just keep doing the standby lines, as I have always done, but now the standby lines should be really short, what with everyone in the FP+ line.

 

[luv]

This is an honest inquiry, not an effort to start an argument. How was the is lack of enforcement communicate? We go to Disney frequently and never had this communicated to us by anyone.

I first heard about it from a tour guide. We stopped to get FPs for something and she told us not to worry about the return time coming during the tour because we could use them anytime after the return time began.

 

[dsnyfreak]

im glad they are enforcing the FP system. I was there in march and they had yet to start so towards the end of the day,after the fp had been depleted since 11am, ppl were still in a long fp line for rides.. i for one think the stand by lines will be more efficient with the enforcement because im sure some of you have been in a stand by line and it moves a few feet or you think " wow this line is moving pretty fast..then...they all come at once...about 20-25 ppl through the fp line and then the standby line comes to a halt and you dont move for 10 minutes..i also hate when you are in the stand by line and 10 ppl cut through to be with the 1 or 2 ppl holding their place in line 20 minutes ahead of you. this happened to us on TSM..there was about 10 spanish speaking guests cutting through the line..there was an angry older lady asked why there were cutting they s0aid .." my family there.." the ppl around us were really pi$$ed..as we were towards the back of the line and these ppl didnt want to wait like the rest of us??thats just rude. they were not just the next row over...they were way ipast where ppl take pics with mr potato...they were all the way at the front where you pick up your glasses!!! I think there should be a CM at points in the lines to enforce this as well...if you cannot wait with the rest..you will have to get in the back of the line or your party in the fron to f the line can stand in the same spot til they get to them and let the rest of the guests pass them...

 

[jpittore1]

Fast Pass

I think we all just need to admit that we'll follow the "Disney Rules"...when Disney didn't enforce the FP return times..we came back any time that fit our schedule. We are all like 10 year olds, if Mom and Dad doesn't care we'll keep doing the behavior and Disney allowed the bad behavior with returning whenever to ride in the FP line.

I'm glad they are enforcing and we'll follow the "Disney Rules" and return during the correct times now. Disney allowed this behavior to go on and we don't have to blame anyone...I'm amazed how passionate many of the members are on this message board.

 

[Becky]

Hey Mickey if you are not going to enforce the return times then save ink and remove them from the FP. Um, might as well just take the date off too while you are at it. Say then I can use my collection of unused FP's from years ago. Hum, don't enforce the room rates either or opening and closing times. Just a joke people don't shoot the messenger.

 

[natatomic]

I know there is a grace period for early and late arrivals, but I meant a grace period of allowing guests to get used to the "new policy". I have guests that come up and say, "Oh, well, we didn't know, no one told us. Can you let us in this one time?". That's the type of grace period I believe the poster was referring to - a way for guests to learn from the mistake once or for a day or for their entire next vacation visit, etc. That's where it just wouldn't be possible. The enforcement went into effect in March, but you could still have visitors who visited WDW in 2006 visit again in 2016 for the first since then and claim they didn't know and should be allowed to get used to the "new policy". It has to be enforced strictly and immediately for it work.

There actually WAS a grace period, oddly enough. It started March 7th and lasted about a week. They said it was just an "education" phase. Everyone who was late with their FPs during that week was still let in (even though we were spieling about enforcing the times at the FP distribution when they got the FPs and all the signs were already up on the machines), only we told them not to do it again, which really comes across as "we say we're going to enforce this rule, but we're Disney and can never really say no." So a week's worth of very lucky people got the head's up, but of course no guests beyond that time period got to be "educated." AND, when those guests who were in the park that one week come back, they'll probably still be under the impression that they'll just be told, "Ok, but just this once!" then be let it at every attraction. Not that they'll all come back at once and cause a big scene, but really, the "education" period did not seem really thought through to me.

 

[love disney]

There IS a grace period! 5 minutes before and fifteen after.

Well, based on my experience over this past weekend the "grace" period depends on the cast member. My wife and I got fastpasses, and I looked at the return time. I should have looked more carefully as the time changed between the first and the second fp. We went right at the return time, she got waved through, however I was told I had to wait because my fp return time (which was just 5 minutes later) had not arrived. My fault for not paying closer attention, but definitely no 5 minute early grace period. I had heard there was a grace period, so when we got fastpasses 5 minutes apart I thought I would try it again to see if it was just that first CM...lo and behold we got turned down again. (Note, I wasn't upset because I was just testing the whole grace period information I was given.)

In any case, I did find that the return time enforcement period created longer lines in the fp line, and also resulted in a less enjoyable trip as we constantly had to run back and forth across the parks. The return time enforcement made the trip far too structured, less spontaneous for us. Will I still use fastpass? Of course. But am I happy about the change? No, and I really hope the NextGen/X-pass thing doesn't result in trips being even more structured. I personally like the spontaneity the old system allowed for, and didn't like that my wait times with my fastpasses seemed much longer than before the enforcement of the return time.

 

[the-reason14]

Don't lump me in with that bunch. I don't go to Disney looking for a chip in the paint.

No but I'm sure you complain about it



You're the one who said it. Not me. And thanks for the compliment. :wave:

:ROFLOL:



You're right about one thing. You don't know about me. Disney doesn't rule me. I just find it odd that you come on to a Disney forum talking smack about how you aren't going back over some trivial little issue. Just made me laugh, a little.

Nor do I care, and I'm not talking smack just giving my take since this is a discussion forum. But if you want to see it that way then be my guest. And what's trivial to one person, may not be to another.


Doesn't really bust me up one way or the other. Stay... go... doesn't matter much to me. The SS Narcissistic just left. Maybe you should get down off that cross, build a dingy, and catch up.

Mattered enough for you to hit my quote button . And thank you!! But maybe you should try telling someone who actually gives a flip.

None actually. We decided to spend the money on other things that were far more important to us than a vacation and that could not wait. Thanks for asking though.

My day is complete now that I have this information. :sohappy:

Then don't ask. I'm sure you have a backspace button.

Yes I do, but I guess you're not as good as detecting vile sarcasm as you are spewing it.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

I think we all just need to admit that we'll follow the "Disney Rules"...when Disney didn't enforce the FP return times..we came back any time that fit our schedule. We are all like 10 year olds, if Mom and Dad doesn't care we'll keep doing the behavior and Disney allowed the bad behavior with returning whenever to ride in the FP line.

:veryconfu "We" as in you and me? Not me! Not in a dozen trips since FP started have I ever once came back to an attraction outside the FP return time printed on my ticket and yet I managed to do everything I wanted to do and have a lovely time.

Yes, I knew you COULD because I had seen other people get through but I traveled with family and friends and their children and figured it was much easier to explain how the FP times work on their passes rather than explain that the passes really mean nothing. Besides, I figured eventually it would change and they would enforce the rule once it got out of hand - when too many people knew they weren't regulating the FP times and their entire system was thrown out of whack.

Also, I have never had any need to use a FP outside of the window because I looked at when the return time was before I got it and knew whether I could make it back. If I couldn't make it back and wanted to do that ride I stood in Stand-by. I have never had a FP for TSMM and yet, I lived happlily ever after - even while using the standby line.

 

[the-reason14]

:veryconfu "We" as in you and me? Not me! Not in a dozen trips since FP started have I ever once came back to an attraction outside the FP return time printed on my ticket and yet I managed to do everything I wanted to do and have a lovely time.

Yes, I knew you COULD because I had seen other people get through but I traveled with family and friends and their children and figured it was much easier to explain how the FP times work on their passes rather than explain that the passes really mean nothing. Besides, I figured eventually it would change and they would enforce the rule once it got out of hand - when too many people knew they weren't regulating the FP times and their entire system was thrown out of whack.

Also, I have never had any need to use a FP outside of the window because I looked at when the return time was before I got it and knew whether I could make it back. If I couldn't make it back and wanted to do that ride I stood in Stand-by. I have never had a FP for TSMM and yet, I lived happlily ever after even while using the standby line.

I don't think this is why they changed it. It wouldn't have lasted for as long as it did, if it all of a sudden got out of whack. This is just a way for Disney to somehow make more money. If it really was an issue, they probably would have went back to enforcing the times a few months or a year after they allowed it. And I doubt Disneyland would still allow this with the amount of locals they get who would know about "abusing" the system.

 

[draybook]

I've said this before and I guess I'll say it again. Most of the people on here would say that the majority of park visitors have no idea how FP works or that you used to be able to come back later than what the time window allotted for. Then you have people saying that too many people were "abusing" the system. Well, if most of the people didn't know you could use them late then how did that minute amount of people abuse it so hard that they had to start enforcing it?


Am I the only one that thought that this change was due to the upcoming XPass and not because of "abuse"?

 

[the-reason14]

I've said this before and I guess I'll say it again. Most of the people on here would say that the majority of park visitors have no idea how FP works or that you used to be able to come back later than what the time window allotted for. Then you have people saying that too many people were "abusing" the system. Well, if most of the people didn't know you could use them late then how did that minute amount of people abuse it so hard that they had to start enforcing it?


Am I the only one that thought that this change was due to the upcoming XPass and not because of "abuse"?

No you're not, I think it's because of the xpass as well. It was allowed for way too long for it to 'all of a sudden' be an issue. From my knowledge, Disneyland still allows late entry, and with the amount of locals there that would know about it, it should be a problem there but it's not, so I don't think it was at WDW either.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

I don't think this is why they changed it. It wouldn't have lasted for as long as it did, if it all of a sudden got out of whack. This is just a way for Disney to somehow make more money. If it really was an issue, they probably would have went back to enforcing the times a few months or a year after they allowed it. And I doubt Disneyland would still allow this with the amount of locals they get who would know about "abusing" the system.

Am I the only one that thought that this change was due to the upcoming XPass and not because of "abuse"?

Oh, I agree that the reason is probably due to the rolling out of X-Pass. I just thought a few years ago from seeing how many people actually KNEW about the non-enforcement of rules that if it caught on, eventually the entire FP system would fail. That is why I didn't let any of the people know that I was traveling with that you could do that - they never had a problem using the FP's as designed so I figured, why bother :shrug:

I was actually surprised at the number of people that knew you could get in past your time. I just imagined a snowball effect of people telling each other and a few years down the road the entire queue of ToT being full of people with expired FP's:lol: