How FP+ Really Works!?!

[DisneyDefenders]

Specifically, once Fast Passes are released at the 60 day window for resort guests, and they all get booked, are any additional Fast Passes ever released into the system?

So, should those who book at the 30 day window or afterwards even try for the popular rides, or are they solely at the mercy of those who got Fast Passes at the 60 day mark, cancelling their Fast Passes?

Does anyone on here really know? Because if you ask a Cast Member, they'll give you a vage non direct answer.

 

[drizgirl]

Sometimes, like when hours are extended. And very occasionally in other circumstances. But it's nothing routine or reliable. There is no routine release of batches of fastpasses. There was rumor of a same day release of FOP for a while, but that was definitely unique and I think not happening any more.

People change plans all the time though so it's always worth watching for different times to pop up.

 

[DisneyDefenders]

This is the frustration...everything is based on rumors and guests hoping to get lucky. But I guess the opening of Toy Story Land is what finally got me to post about this. No one who grabbed a fast pass for Slinky Dog or Alien Saucers during the 60 day window is going to give those up.

So the question is, are guests who keep checking daily to see if anything opens up, simply wasting their time? I think a little clarity on how the system actually works, is only fair to provide to guests, who are already grappling with all the other challenges that come with vacation planning.

 

[larryz]

Express your displeasure to wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[Goofyernmost]

I don't know how they dole them out, but, I do know that I have gotten good ones the night before. Hadn't even tried before then and was also able to get one for the 7DMT right after I finished my 3 in Epcot and was headed for MK.

 

[DisneyDefenders]

Oh, I have politely shared my frustration many times, just thought with all the experts on here, that perhaps someone could help get to the facts on how it all works once and for all.

 

[PeakSeason]

No one who grabbed a fast pass for Slinky Dog or Alien Saucers during the 60 day window is going to give those up.

This isn't necessarily true. I book at 60 days out but often revise my plans once on site. On my last trip I cancelled Flight of Passage (on two different days), Navi River Journey, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, and quite a few others. I always cancel what I decide not to use because I know there's someone else looking to pick them up.

 

[thomas998]

You can complain all you want, but those complaints are really what Disney is hoping for. It means that you are being forced to accept that staying on property has advantages which is what the want guests to believe.

 

[TwilightZone]

You can complain all you want, but those complaints are really what Disney is hoping for. It means that you are being forced to accept that staying on property has advantages which is what the want guests to believe.

I think disney wants less complaints, not more. It's why they are changing DHS, Epcot, and yes, even DCA. They want their guests to be as happy as possible. That being said, there are things that disney can't really control, like if someone wants a fast pass for a specific ride, for example, and I'm not sure how well any fast pass revision will be and I don't think disney wants to use universal hollywood's version of fast pass due to disney being a way bigger (and busier) park.

 

[DisneyDefenders]

This isn't necessarily true. I book at 60 days out but often revise my plans once on site. On my last trip I cancelled Flight of Passage (on two different days), Navi River Journey, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, and quite a few others. I always cancel what I decide not to use because I know there's someone else looking to pick them up.

Sorry I didn't specify...I meant that no one who grabbed Fast Passes for either of the two new rides at Toy Story Land for opening day on June 30th, will ever give that up.

And the main point of the thread is, that I'm trying to find out if anyone who actually knows without a doubt how the system works, is willing to help clarify so that guests can determine if they are likely to waste their time constantly hitting refresh on an app that will never give them what they are hoping to find.

 

[thomas998]

I think disney wants less complaints, not more. It's why they are changing DHS, Epcot, and yes, even DCA. They want their guests to be as happy as possible. That being said, there are things that disney can't really control, like if someone wants a fast pass for a specific ride, for example, and I'm not sure how well any fast pass revision will be and I don't think disney wants to use universal hollywood's version of fast pass due to disney being a way bigger (and busier) park.

I'm betting Disney would love to be using Universal's system where you pay for the fastpass and they make money from it. The first park I every saw with the buy your way to the front of the line was Six Flags and I though, "wow I hope other parks don't start doing this." Then what do you know Universal picked up on it, its only a matter of time until Disney does the same thing.

 

[Willmark]

Disney operates in this weird area where everything is “equal” for the guests while trying to edge to a sliding scale. One could argue that it is already that way with resorts.

 

[Thebolt]

I imagine it is one of those algorithms that Disney keep tweaking.
e.g. They might well issue a low number of FP for a new attraction, until they understand the real world throughput a little better; and ramp up supply over the following weeks?

 

[SourcererMark79]

Occasionally I don't make it to a FP reservation and fail to cancel. I'm curious to know what % of FP don't get redeemed. Since there is no rule or penalty to cancel if it's not going to be used, I don't fear any repricussions, but I want to think there's still considerate people out there who will cancel.

That being said, as many people who are changing plans on MDE, it's surprising how often an E Ticket FP or popular attraction will appear. Don't lose hope, just keep checking, just keep checking...

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Disney operates in this weird area where everything is “equal” for the guests while trying to edge to a sliding scale. One could argue that it is already that way with resorts.

Disney has no pretense that every guest is "equal." A guest staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (TM) is, has always been, and always will be superior than an off-site guest.

This is the frustration...everything is based on rumors and guests hoping to get lucky. But I guess the opening of Toy Story Land is what finally got me to post about this. No one who grabbed a fast pass for Slinky Dog or Alien Saucers during the 60 day window is going to give those up.

So the question is, are guests who keep checking daily to see if anything opens up, simply wasting their time? I think a little clarity on how the system actually works, is only fair to provide to guests, who are already grappling with all the other challenges that come with vacation planning.

Sounds like you might want to consider staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (TM).

 

[21stamps]

Oh, I have politely shared my frustration many times, just thought with all the experts on here, that perhaps someone could help get to the facts on how it all works once and for all.

They’re free Fast Passes, able to be booked at 60 days in advance if you’re staying on property.
If not, you still have a chance of getting them.
Or, you could wait in stand-by if the ride is a absolute must do.
Or, we could all complain and send emails about how unfair it is that everyone has the same opportunity to book the FPs..
..and then maybe Disney will start charging for them. I’m sure no one would complain about that.


Best advice- Keep Checking. If you can’t get one, then either do rope drop or last ride of the night on them.

 

[randomsoulshine]

Occasionally I don't make it to a FP reservation and fail to cancel. I'm curious to know what % of FP don't get redeemed. Since there is no rule or penalty to cancel if it's not going to be used, I don't fear any repricussions, but I want to think there's still considerate people out there who will cancel.

That being said, as many people who are changing plans on MDE, it's surprising how often an E Ticket FP or popular attraction will appear. Don't lose hope, just keep checking, just keep checking...

I do. We had grabbed a POC fast pass as our seventh or eighth for the day at MK but decided we were all worn out so we grabbed a Dole Whip and while doing so I cancelled POC in hopes some other guest would stumble upon it and be excited.

 

[larryz]

Or, we could all complain and send emails about how unfair it is that everyone has the same opportunity to book the FPs..
..and then maybe Disney will start charging for them. I’m sure no one would complain about that.

Everyone has the same opportunity?
Stay off property, 30 days.
Stay on property, 60 days.
Stay on property, pay extra for club level, pay even more, 90 days.
Buy an "ultimate" tour experience, no reservation required.
Buy a Plaid for 6 hour minimum, no reservation required.

It looks to me like they're already charging for 'em...

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Everyone has the same opportunity?
Stay off property, 30 days.
Stay on property, 60 days.
Stay on property, pay extra for club level, pay even more, 90 days.
Buy an "ultimate" tour experience, no reservation required.
Buy a Plaid for 6 hour minimum, no reservation required.

It looks to me like they're already charging for 'em...

Yeah, people who spend more money get more stuff. Shocking, I know.

I went to the Ford dealer the other day with $40,000 to buy an F-150. Can you believe that the guy who spent $80,000 got TWO F-150s!?!?!? It was completely outrageous. I think I'll write an angry e-mail to Ford customer service letting them now how incensed I am. Henry Ford is definitely rolling in his grave that his company has come to this.

 

[hsisthebest]

I stayed offsite 5/31-6/9. I was able to get FOP for 7 by checking every day- then of course had to plan my trip around that fastpass- still no big deal. I also got Toy Story Midway Mania thanks to wdwmagic's updates that fastpasses were again open. The only thing I could never get no matter how many times I checked was 7 dwarfs, but we had done that on a previous trip.
I never felt like a second class citizen staying offsite, the money saved more than made up for the "inconvenience" of parking and taking trams- which was often way faster and less crowded than Disney buses have been in the past.