Big changes coming to FASTPASS in March

[Gator]

:fork: TOTALLY SUUUUUUUCKSSSS!!!!!! :fork: I like being able to grab a fastpass, and then be able to return anytime later in the day. It makes it easy with kids. Otherwise, you're criss-crossing all over the parks with their little legs. Plus, the first time I'm a minute shy of the return time and they tell me to go stand in the stand-by line, I'm gonna be MAD and the CM is gonna take the brunt of it :fork:

TOTALLY SUCKS

 

[Guppy_121]

whew!

ok ... ( takes a breath ) .. ok ... ( takes another breath )..
I read it all, whew! ( collapses ) :ROFLOL:

I am also on the " I did not know this was allowed" side of all this. Found out about it just after my last trip ( darn it, was looking forward to taking advantage of it ). So obviously I never had a problem returning within my set window, and do not anticipate having a problem going forward. I do see an advantage to the way it was, since it seems that most ( not all ) of everyone who knew and used it, were using mostly to get in that one more time on a ride, rather than riding that ride the one and only time per trip.

as for the allowance of 5min before and 15 min after the stated times, I think that this to allow for any time difference with my watch, phone ect... and disney's posted time. Example, I arrive at what my watch says is 2pm, but Disney time is at 2:04pm. You get the idea. Not to have an actual hard cut off, so that when you get there at 2:16pm, well not you are not 1 minute late, you are 16 minutes late.

If anyone is reading this post, you clearly have "1 post" more free time than i do :wave:

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

:fork: TOTALLY SUUUUUUUCKSSSS!!!!!! :fork: I like being able to grab a fastpass, and then be able to return anytime later in the day. It makes it easy with kids. Otherwise, you're criss-crossing all over the parks with their little legs. Plus, the first time I'm a minute shy of the return time and they tell me to go stand in the stand-by line, I'm gonna be MAD and the CM is gonna take the brunt of it :fork:

TOTALLY SUCKS

You can still be 15 minutes late, and now you can also be 5 minutes early.

 

[fosse76]

Not quite true... I'm the only nerd in this neck of the woods and I've had lots of people say to me after they got back from their first trip, "Did you know you can use expired FPs!?!" And then they go on to pass this advice to other first timers as some great secret of WDW (which I guess it kind of is to newbies). So people know about it... not just us *cough*geeks*cough*!

But that's the key. They didn't know BEFORE going to WDW. So if the times had been enforced, they wouldn't have had any problem with it. It was a fun discovery for them after the fact.

I've read a lot of this thread and then I got bored. I can't believe the sheer the number of people who have called names (scammers, cheats, abusers, etc.) and thrown insults. In the past this was NOT a rule... now it is! Before I could "abuse" system and it was ok! And yes, it was ok! I don't care what time was printed on the ticket, if a CM told me I was allowed to enter the queue after my return time then I was allowed - plain and simple!

I think what makes those of us who don't think this a big deal are trying to say is that the people who are upset have no reason to be upset. FP has ALWAYS had the time restriction. They allowed late entry because it wasn't too big a deal, and the company doesn't think the confrontation of guests as to why they are late was worth the hassle. No one was ever entitled for late entry. The FP clearly states when you can ride.

Frankly, I think they should give a two hour window. That's much more reasonable at a place like WDW (where so many factors are NOT under our control). It would give people time to get out of lunch (if they were delayed), it would give time for a parade to pass by (if you got stuck by one), it would give you time to get from one side of the park to another without having to clip other people's heels with your stroller (sorry, couldn't resist), etc.

At the shortest, I believe, you have 90 minutes from the second you get a FP until the time it "expires." Maybe getting a sit-down meal at that point isn't the best idea, or running to the other side of the park to get in a 60-minute queue isn't a good option either. You know before you get the pass what time you can ride. If you can't get back within 90 minutes don't get the FP. The people complaining the most about this know the most about how WDW works, its layout, dining, etc. So the only legit excuse is being stuck ON a ride (not it breaking down while you are in line.

 

[CoasterKing]

In the case of a lightbulb, if every highly educated doctor tells you it's okay to eat it, go ahead.

What if a Stormtrooper tells you it's okay to eat it? Should you, or is he just being evil 'cause he's a Stormtrooper?

:ROFLOL:

CoasterKing
:king:

 

[flynnibus]

Why do people constantly compare FP guidelines with traffic laws? Can you not tell the difference between traffic LAWS and a guideline on a piece from a theme park?

Because it's a comparison that works. The severity of the penalty or your license tangent is irrelevant. The point that matters is what is enforced and communicated vs what is the actual rule.. and that enforcement does not change the rule itself.

Want a all theme park example?

How about cutting in line. It's park policy that line cutting will lead to dismissal from the park. It's written that way, and you can ask CMs and be told that as well. The rule still stands that they can throw you out for it.

However, Disney has given people latitude to ignore this rule for scenarios it feels are to it and the park's benefits. Like letting a family regroup, etc.

Just because Disney allows it with latitude for what have been determined to be reasonable cases (and asking the CM, they too will tell you that you can do it) doesn't mean the 'no cutting rule' no longer exists or didn't exist.

That is an example that avoids what you were concerned about... even though those concerns are irrelevant to the point being made with the comparison.

 

[David S.]

Do you get to pick what your time to ride is when you get in a stand-by line? No. Why should you get this extra value simply because it's a FP?

I know it's FEASIBLE - but why should you be entitled to it? Why is the system bad if it doesn't give you this extra value over the other methods which you already accept? Why hold FP to a higher standard?



You mean like when you trek all the way across the park to ride something only to find out the wait is longer than you wanted to wait? Or that it's shutdown? Or that FPs are even out for the day?

This is an INFORMATION problem - not a reason to justify why guests must have the ability to pick their timeslot. This is an example of trying to post-fit a reason into a conclusion.



This is not a new point, but simply a concatenation of the previous two.



You mean just like you not being able to ride a ride because you are unwilling to wait in the expected wait time posted? Come on.. it's not harsh to say someone needs to forego getting a FP (a perk) because it doesn't fit their needs. Not getting a FP does not harm them, take anything away from them, or keep them off the attraction. It just means they have to use the stand-by line. I never realized Disney was PUNISHING all those people in standby all these years...



Exactly like if you went and found the stand-by line unsuitable to you. Why the higher standard for FP.. and this new expectation it should save you from having to move around the park?



It's not a matter of fair at all - it's simply how it works - for everyone. So it is fair.

I don't have time for a detailed reply right now, as I have to leave, but to your first point I'll just say it's all about perception. To have the incredible flexibility to use the FP at you discretion all these years, and then lose that flexibility - leads to a perception of a loss of benefits. Like when Sea World took away the free rides on Sky Tower for annual passholders last year (but they have since righted this and made it free for everyone as of early January 2012).

And why shouldn't you be able to get a Fastpass time for later in the day if none of those times have been given out yet? When you make reservations for anything else, you can usually pick from any available time. But under the new FP rules, if the time available when you are next to the machine doesn't work for you, tough luck. (this obviously wasn't an issue with the "late" returns). Judging from the other replies, there are lots of other regular posters here who would like to see this implemented. Of course, if it is implemented as a fee-based service, they will now be charging for a perk that was once free (the flexibility of the passes not expiring)

 

[draybook]

Returning late does have a minor impact on the system. I have experienced a couple times where I returned during my alloted time only to find the fp line full. While in line I realized the majority were people with passes that should have been used earlier. So to say it has no impact is not correct. Granted this has only happened a couple times, but it does happen. Before I get flamed, I am just sharing my experience.

How did you realize this? Did you personally inspect the FP's of each individual in front of you? I'm not flaming you, but I'm glad that you're at least sharing something about it. I've asked numerous times in the thread for proof of such things happening, but nobody has stepped forward. Thanks!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I think what makes those of us who don't think this a big deal are trying to say is that the people who are upset have no reason to be upset. FP has ALWAYS had the time restriction. They allowed late entry because it wasn't too big a deal, and the company doesn't think the confrontation of guests as to why they are late was worth the hassle. No one was ever entitled for late entry. The FP clearly states when you can ride.

Saying "you have no reason to be upset", even aside from the fact that you're completely disrespecting a group of people's opinion, is a far cry from "You're scum of the earth, a cheater, an abuser, and/or equivalent to a child beater and murderer for what you've done with fastpass."

 

[Tom Morrow]

:fork: TOTALLY SUUUUUUUCKSSSS!!!!!! :fork: I like being able to grab a fastpass, and then be able to return anytime later in the day. It makes it easy with kids. Otherwise, you're criss-crossing all over the parks with their little legs. Plus, the first time I'm a minute shy of the return time and they tell me to go stand in the stand-by line, I'm gonna be MAD and the CM is gonna take the brunt of it :fork:

TOTALLY SUCKS

This is why I'm not sure this new rule will ever last... whiners like this.

What is really needed is a "choose your time" system like I and several others have mentioned. The most popular return windows would sell out first, so if the one you want is sold out, you have to pick the next best time for you.

How did you realize this? Did you personally inspect the FP's of each individual in front of you? I'm not flaming you, but I'm glad that you're at least sharing something about it. I've asked numerous times in the thread for proof of such things happening, but nobody has stepped forward. Thanks!

Just ask any CM who works/has worked a FP attraction and they will confirm that this does happen, especially later in the day.

 

[flynnibus]

At the shortest, I believe, you have 90 minutes from the second you get a FP until the time it "expires."

In my experience seen from when FP opens for the day. It's 45mins+1hr window. But I may be off there.

 

[BostonMagic]

:fork: TOTALLY SUUUUUUUCKSSSS!!!!!! :fork: I like being able to grab a fastpass, and then be able to return anytime later in the day. It makes it easy with kids. Otherwise, you're criss-crossing all over the parks with their little legs. Plus, the first time I'm a minute shy of the return time and they tell me to go stand in the stand-by line, I'm gonna be MAD and the CM is gonna take the brunt of it :fork:

TOTALLY SUCKS

People like this will make me feel for the CM's. Why scream and yell at part-time, underpaid CM's? Do they vote on the rule? No.

With a 5-minute early window, and a 15-minute late window, and the 1 hour time slot, you'll have an hour and 20 minutes to get to your ride. If you don't make it in that time, then that's bad planning on your part. There are endless options of ways to spend time in between FP's.

Just because you can't do Splash Mountain in the hour you have to wait before using your FP to Space Mountain, doesn't mean it's a Cast Member's fault. Be realistic and go shopping, grab a snack, or take some time to just enjoy the sights and sounds.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Because it's a comparison that works. The severity of the penalty or your license tangent is irrelevant. The point that matters is what is enforced and communicated vs what is the actual rule.. and that enforcement does not change the rule itself.

Want a all theme park example?

How about cutting in line. It's park policy that line cutting will lead to dismissal from the park. It's written that way, and you can ask CMs and be told that as well. The rule still stands that they can throw you out for it.

However, Disney has given people latitude to ignore this rule for scenarios it feels are to it and the park's benefits. Like letting a family regroup, etc.

Just because Disney allows it with latitude for what have been determined to be reasonable cases (and asking the CM, they too will tell you that you can do it) doesn't mean the 'no cutting rule' no longer exists or didn't exist.

That is an example that avoids what you were concerned about... even though those concerns are irrelevant to the point being made with the comparison.

No, it doesn't work. You can only compare using FP late to another activity that CM's (or the relevant authority figures) actively approve of and suggest to guests. Cutting in line is not okay - you can get away with it, but a CM would never suggest it. Same with reusing a refillable mug - you can get away with it, but a CM would never suggest it. Same with no flash pictures on certain rides. Or speeding. The fact that many members have been advised by CM's to use FP's at their leisure is why people have viewed it as acceptable, and finding a far more inappropriate comparison for the sake of making late FP users look like sinners is petty.

 

[Captain Chaos]

:fork: TOTALLY SUUUUUUUCKSSSS!!!!!! :fork: I like being able to grab a fastpass, and then be able to return anytime later in the day. It makes it easy with kids. Otherwise, you're criss-crossing all over the parks with their little legs. Plus, the first time I'm a minute shy of the return time and they tell me to go stand in the stand-by line, I'm gonna be MAD and the CM is gonna take the brunt of it :fork:

TOTALLY SUCKS

You must be a real role model for your children... Boy do I feel bad for them later in life if they have the same pathetic mentality you do.... Nice example you'll set for your children...

 

[flynnibus]

How did you realize this? Did you personally inspect the FP's of each individual in front of you? I'm not flaming you, but I'm glad that you're at least sharing something about it. I've asked numerous times in the thread for proof of such things happening, but nobody has stepped forward. Thanks!

Because it's easy to reasonably deduce.

Disney didn't allow early returns - hence all people in the line must be current return window FP holders, or expired FP holders (or comp'd FP holders.. but that scenario is less common)

With lots of experience of what the FP line normally looks like for a specific attraction - one has a decent expectation of what the FP looks like average

So if you get in the FP line, and it's abnormally large, by a significant margin, there are only two possibilities.
1) The FP line hasn't been moving, so the the number of returners (both legit and expired) is growing faster then it's being relieved. Since Disney makes it a point to let FPs in at such a higher ratio, the only way this can backup significantly is if the ride isn't operating fully. This can be determined by speaking with other guests, the CMs, etc. When a ride stops - word travels fast
2) An excess of late returners is in the line, spiking demand

Since rides stopping is pretty well propogated through the line and to CMs.. its pretty easy to identify when that is part of the problem.

So, you don't need to survey people about their FP window to get a good feeling of abnormal FP return load if you've been on the attraction regularly.

 

[fosse76]

Anyways, my take on this is that the return windows are not selectable is an issue.... on many instances the window printed hits during our Dinner Reservations.

Then don't get a FastPass. It's not a life or death decision here.

The reality is that under the current system people can still get a FP and ride it after their dinner with No Worries. With the new system the reality is that this family (and it is even more tragic if this is a once in a lifetime trip) may not realisticly have an opportunity to ride the attraction.

That's ridiculous. They can wait in the standby queue if they can't make the FP return. Dining is not an excuse for missing the FP return.

A Simple solution would be to allow the FP user to select a window equal to their earliest eligible time or to pick a later period (and as each of those later window times fills to capacity you make that particular time disappear from the list). Sadly this would require all new FP machines with touchscreen tech to really be implemented...and I am not certain WDW would do that.

It's not a simple solution. It not only requires people to plan every minute of their trip, but you're implying that people have the experience and knowledge to adhere to that itinerary, which they are making up "on-the-go." Picking a specific return time is in no way going to stop people from showing up late.

 

[flynnibus]

No, it doesn't work. You can only compare using FP late to another activity that CM's (or the relevant authority figures) actively approve of and suggest to guests. Cutting in line is not okay - you can get away with it, but a CM would never suggest it

People ask the greeter position this all the time. Most people are conscious of it and won't due it for fear of losing their spot without asking.

You guys are hanging on the 'stormtrooper said so!' way too hard. He's no more an authoritative source then greeter CMs that answer people and allow them back into line. Policy and enforcement do not alter the existing rules - it's simply an issue of what they chose to enforce. It's not such a hard concept to digest.

There is a point about ENCOURAGING the behavior vs acknowledging it or accepting it. But for every stormtrooper video someone can dig up and reference adnauseum there are countless other references ENCOURAGING people to return during the return window instead. So should we take a few instances as proof that washes out many many many more references that point to the contrary?

Be objective about it for once.

 

[Stellajack]

:fork: TOTALLY SUUUUUUUCKSSSS!!!!!! :fork: I like being able to grab a fastpass, and then be able to return anytime later in the day. It makes it easy with kids. Otherwise, you're criss-crossing all over the parks with their little legs. Plus, the first time I'm a minute shy of the return time and they tell me to go stand in the stand-by line, I'm gonna be MAD and the CM is gonna take the brunt of it :fork:

TOTALLY SUCKS

Really? Is that a threat or a promise? What about civility? I have actually heard of Disney escorting undesirable guests from the premises.

At this point, does anyone really know how the new FP policy will affect their visit to the parks? Looks like it is going to be a "wait and see". We will continue using FastPass. It has always proven to be a real time saver for us. We don't "plan our days" around FastPass, but we do make valid decisions about when and where to use them.

For those of you who use late returns, I don't believe any of my trips have ever been negatively impacted by your use of FP. I really don't care how you use it. But, a "writer" once said, "to thine own self be true". Some of you are complaining about how others have called you names while you also arrogantly refer to "stupid guests, ignorant, fried brains, etc."

 

[flynnibus]

There was a long line inside the building... This was outside before entering the "recording studio". When we entered, we encountered a long wait... which is part of the reason the wait was over an hour despite the wait time saying 45 minutes... And yes, we were standing out there for a good 20 minutes..

Unless the trains were running empty (not enough people beyond the merge point) - by holding you at the merge point, the CM did not increase your wait at all. He simply kept you waiting at that point, vs waiting further down the line. By your own post, he only let 2 people in front of you. So unless the load station ran out of guests... making you wait at merge was not responsible at all for your wait being longer then advertised.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

People ask the greeter position this all the time. Most people are conscious of it and won't due it for fear of losing their spot without asking.

You guys are hanging on the 'stormtrooper said so!' way too hard. He's no more an authoritative source then greeter CMs that answer people and allow them back into line. Policy and enforcement do not alter the existing rules - it's simply an issue of what they chose to enforce. It's not such a hard concept to digest.

There is a point about ENCOURAGING the behavior vs acknowledging it or accepting it. But for every stormtrooper video someone can dig up and reference adnauseum there are countless other references ENCOURAGING people to return during the return window instead. So should we take a few instances as proof that washes out many many many more references that point to the contrary?

Be objective about it for once.

What do you mean by that? My personal experience of what factually happened isn't objective enough? Somehow, my word that I was encouraged by CM's (who presented it as an awesome little tip that'll make your vacation so much more enjoyable) isn't valid?

I have an opinion, but I also know what objectively happened. The fact that people here are trying to deny both is insane.

And I haven't seen any references that point to the contrary. Post me a video of a Disney official saying it's not okay to use FP late.

And yes, it is "a hard concept to digest" because it's about semantics and opinion over definitive fact. I see the rule as what they're currently telling guests - the new rule will be that you can arrive 5 minutes early or 15 minutes late. You see the rule as the strict time slot. In other words, even if I start arriving 5 minutes early, I'll still be breaking the rules. I don't accept that, and I don't think it's right.