Fastpass for deluxe resort guests only?

[nepalostparks]

With the availability of all types of resorts, etc. at Disney, doesn't that create a bit of a "class" system in and of itself? Almost like DVC? I know my hubby doesn't really want to stay at GF due to the "stuffiness" of the folks who stay there (yes- I know!)

At the different levels of resorts, yes, there are differences in amenities. But once you get to the gates, every guest, from Grand Floridian to the $30 motel out on 192, has the same access to FASTPASS.

 

[menamechris]

How is it a deal when Disney offers fast pass for free to everyone. How does it benefit the Universal resort guest who has to actually pay for the fast pass perk when other Universal resort guests get it for free because they have more money?

Who cares? It's how Universal decides to do business. It's a perk you can purchase. And it is much more of a "perk" than Disney's FastPass system. With FastPass, you wait in a line that basically just cuts the standby time in half. At Universal, you literally walk on... Disney also uses FAstPass primarily for their "E" tickets or most popular attractions. Universal excludes their version from the 2 biggest attractions, making it equal and fair for everyone on those.

 

[nepalostparks]

With FastPass, you wait in a line that basically just cuts the standbytime in half. At Universal, you literally walk on...

I'm not sure how you use FASTPASS, but when I use it the wait is far less than half the standby time. In fact, I don't think I've ever had to wait more than 15 minutes in a FP line, even when the standby line wait time was 60 minutes or more on the attraction. But you do have to plan ahead and return, so it's less instant gratification when compared to Universal's option.

And I've had a few attractions at Universal when using Express Pass where I didn't "literally walk on".

 

[menamechris]

I'm not sure how you use FASTPASS, but when I use it the wait is far less than half the standby time. In fact, I don't think I've ever had to wait more than 15 minutes in a FP line, even when the standby line wait time was 60 minutes or more on the attraction. But you do have to plan ahead and return, so it's less instant gratification when compared to Universal's option.

And I've had a few attractions at Universal when using Express Pass where I didn't "literally walk on".

Do you get my point aside from the small details?

 

[nepalostparks]

Do you get my point aside from the small details?

I understand your point, yes, but it did get mired in the hyperbole.

 

[menamechris]

I understand your point, yes, but it did get mired in the hyperbole.

I'll clarify - Disney's FastPass is still subject to the length of the standby line. FastPass holders are "inserted" into the standby line in groups usually...

Universal's verison is not nearly as popular - less people are using it; not all guests in the park - so more often then not, you can get into the next group of people getting on a ride.

 

[kittybubbles]

I do not think Universal owns nor runs the hotels that are 'on property', maybe it's a deal they've worked out with the hotels (as I imagine Swan/Dolphin/Hilton DTD pay Disney for the extra magic hours perk). So maybe this new hotel does not want to pay for the perk, I really have no clue, just pointing out that the comparison to Disney owned hotels is not very accurate.

but Disney does have some things that are 'exclusive'. Isn't there a morning tour at AK that only 'club level' deluxe resort guest can book, aren't there different levels of VIP tours that might include some level of an unlimited fast pass?

who really knows what next gen will bring? couldn't Disney save operating cost by getting rid of magic hours and just give resort (hotel) guest express passes that get them on the rides during normal operating hours?

Anyway, to me, it looks like Disney is trying to make the. Wait less noticeable by trying to entertain while in the que for standby while still having some sort of 'fastpass' for everyone....but I doubt anyone here really knows what. The future will bring.

 

[Clever Name]

At the different levels of resorts, yes, there are differences in amenities. But once you get to the gates, every guest, from Grand Floridian to the $30 motel out on 192, has the same access to FASTPASS.

Not really. There are a number of ways that people have figured out to beat the FASTPASS system. And no, I’m not going to discuss the methods that are used. Disney is aware of the problems with the system and it will be addressed in the NEXTGEN system. Another problem that the NEXTGEN system will solve are the repetitive attraction guests that just can’t seem to get enough ride time.

 

[nepalostparks]

Not really. There are a number of ways that people have figured out to beat the FASTPASS system. And no, I’m not going to discuss the methods that are used. Disney is aware of the problems with the system and it will be addressed in the NEXTGEN system. Another problem that the NEXTGEN system will solve are the repetitive attraction guests that just can’t seem to get enough ride time.

Your mystery methods aside, everyone has equal access when they walk through gates. There may be ways to manipulate the system, and there are certainly ways to make it work to your advantage. But the fact remains that everyone still has the same shot at this point, whether staying in a Deluxe, Moderate, Value, or off-site.

 

[Clever Name]

Your mystery methods aside, everyone has equal access when they walk through gates. There may be ways to manipulate the system, and there are certainly ways to make it work to your advantage. But the fact remains that everyone still has the same shot at this point, whether staying in a Deluxe, Moderate, Value, or off-site.

That's the idea that Disney presents but in practice it's flawed and some people know how to take advantage of the system. Various methods have been used over the years and some methods have been stopped. There are still a few serious flaws in the system that will not be corrected until the advent of NEXTGEN. As it stands now, some guests are more equal than others.

 

[lebeau]

I can't vote for any of these choices. There's too many exclamation points!!!

lebeau - Casting a vote for None of the Above!!!

 

[tracyandalex]

Personally, I would not have a problem with Disney offering an express pass sort of thing to deluxe resort guests and maybe more limited express type passes for moderate and value resort guests. I think the issue for Disney would be pulling the free FPs. As long as all guests can still get the free FPs I don't think it will be such a big deal.
We stay at Hard Rock every time we go to Universal because we love that hotel and we love the Express Pass

 

[John]

Just a side note......but if you were some athelete or "B" list actor....dont they treat them a little different? ie move to the head of the line? I understand the security issues. SO we should accept that as an exemption to the...."we treat everyone the same no matter how much money you have" rule? I am sure if you were some unknown multi millionare and request such sevices you could recieve them.

 

[nepalostparks]

Just a side note......but if you were some athelete or "B" list actor....dont they treat them a little different? ie move to the head of the line? I understand the security issues. SO we should accept that as an exemption to the...."we treat everyone the same no matter how much money you have" rule? I am sure if you were some unknown multi millionare and request such sevices you could recieve them.

That falls under Safety, the number one Key. And Safety is supposed to trump all else, so yes, it fits in with the Disney mantra.

 

[wiigirl]

No. Staying at a Disney resort gets you extra magic hours. That's the perk.

Huge perk if you ask me!

 

[wdwfan100]

Why does Disney have to treat everyone the same? Every business has a clientele. When running a business, why can't a special perk be given to higher paying clientele? It happens every day in many different types of businesses. Lunches are bought, concert/sports tickets are shared, special accesses are granted, parties are thrown. It is incentive to continue the business relationship and a way of saying, "Thanks, I appreciate your business".

 

[Clever Name]

Why does Disney have to treat everyone the same? Every business has a clientele. When running a business, why can't a special perk be given to higher paying clientele? It happens every day in many different types of businesses. Lunches are bought, concert/sports tickets are shared, special accesses are granted, parties are thrown. It is incentive to continue the business relationship and a way of saying, "Thanks, I appreciate your business".

They don't. This is a fan creation built upon an egalitarian dream. During Walt's days the average child could not afford to ride the Matterhorn repeatedly because it was too expensive. Rich kids could ride the Matterhorn all day if they so desired. Disney is going back to a high tech. ticket system with NEXTGEN to shake out some of the low end customers.

 

[wm49rs]

They don't. This is a fan creation built upon an egalitarian dream. During Walt's days the average child could not afford to ride the Matterhorn repeatedly because it was too expensive. Rich kids could ride the Matterhorn all day if they so desired. Disney is going back to a high tech. ticket system with NEXTGEN to shake out some of the low end customers.

Or they may not, and simply offer XPass as a system for those who wish to plan a little in advance. Time will tell. But for now, the FastPass system is still free, and open to all.

 

[sgtmgd]

Ummm, I don't know about that...


Jimmy Thick- Secrets secrets...

I do..we were there over new years...no express for Forbidden Journey..resort guess or not...single rider line...is the way to go for that ride

 

[Clever Name]

Disney has looked very closely at Q-Bot and Lo-Q. The wristband will replace external devices but there will be a way to purchase no wait entrance.