New Fast Pass Testing at Splash Mountain?

[DonaldDoleWhip]

When I was a cop, I almost always said "please put your hands on top of your head" before handcuffing someone. I may have said please, but that doesn't mean it was an optional request.

But returning within your one-hour return window has been optional for as long as I can remember, as any attraction CM I've spoken to has always said it doesn't matter when you return as long as it's the same day and it's after the beginning of your window.

As of now, I don't think someone is in the wrong for using a fastpass outside of their return window. If that were the official policy, people would do it, like with ADR's (show up 15+ minutes late and you lose your table). Until that becomes the rule, for me it's much more convenient to ride something when I feel like it, as opposed to going out of my way to return for a time that's less convenient for me.

At least I'm not a fastpass-vulture who blocks the FP entrance 10 minutes before my window even starts, therefore blocking people with earlier FP windows from getting into the attraction in a timely manner. That's always an issue for me at Space Mountain, Splash, and Soarin'.

 

[markc]

It's very simple people - you cant arbitrarily not enforce something for OVER TEN YEARS, and even encourage people to come later after their fast pass window, and then start claiming you have to come in the window. Furthermore, if Disney is going to do that, then they are going to need to be held accountable for ensuring that Priority Seating reservations are seated at the times they are reserved for and nothing later and that standby line times are stated accurately as that could be a deterrent to meeting your fastpass window.

And as many people have said - there's no real reason to enforce it. The net effect is the same if I come within my window, or 3 hours later. If anything - people in the standby lines prior to that will benefit with a shorter wait time which will be made up later in the day when I do come to actually redeem it, therefore there is no negative effect.

Anybody at Park Operations is downright mentally challenged, for a lack of better words, if they even think they have a chance to enforce this. They're going to get more problems associated with it then its worth.

The ONLY park right now that enforces the windows is Disneyland Paris. (Tokyo doesnt, Anaheim doesnt, but I had problems at Paris with coming back late). Paris probably enforces it more due to cultural differences than anything else.

 

[kennygman]

I just can't see Disney World (yes, we aren't in Japan or Hong Kong) attempting to turn a bunch of College students into the equivalent of Paul Blart Fastpass Cop. They have enough stress to deal with already.

Actually, it is. It's already being talked to cast internally. As soon as the reservation system for FPs comes into play, they will be enforcing the window.

They are already discussing xpass implementation with hourly cast members? Really?

This. Although I hope they're being more systematic than that about collecting the data.

Couldn't they just scan the FP to retrieve the late vs on time data. There is a bar code there. I agree that this is a crazy way to poll your guests on their experience. How is your day going? Great! Are you are enjoying your stay MK? Awesome. WHY ARE YOU LATE WITH YOUR FASTPASS?! Have a magical day!

 

[KingdomofDreams]

Some of you seem to be making the assumption that just because Disney has been offering FastPasses and managing the system in a certain way, they are now committed or obligated to continue without change. Things change. The world evolves, as do business practices. Just because something was offered or handled in a certain way in the past, doesn't mean it will be offered or handled that way tomorrow. If they determine that return times need to be enforced, it would be very easy for them to alter the wording on the FP ticket and post signs where appropriate clarifying the new policy. Honestly, Disney is under no obligation to continue the open FP system at all. They might also decide to limit the total number of FastPasses each park guest could obtain each day.

The real issue here is overall wait times for all guests. If, in fact, return times have no relevance and there is no mathematical basis for redistribution of riders, then the powers that be simply need to give a FP that states to return after a specified time and leave it at that making it perfectly clear to all guests, not just those who are familiar with working the system. But if there is statistical evidence that return times do reduce wait times for all lines - standby and FastPass - then in the interest of customer service and consideration of the guest experience for all, they need to adhere to those times and make no exceptions other than providing a limited "grace period" to allow for someone being just a few minutes late.

 

[G00fyDad]

Some of you seem to be making the assumption that just because Disney has been offering FastPasses and managing the system in a certain way, they are now committed or obligated to continue without change. Things change. The world evolves, as do business practices. Just because something was offered or handled in a certain way in the past, doesn't mean it will be offered or handled that way tomorrow. If they determine that return times need to be enforced, it would be very easy for them to alter the wording on the FP ticket and post signs where appropriate clarifying the new policy. Honestly, Disney is under no obligation to continue the open FP system at all. They might also decide to limit the total number of FastPasses each park guest could obtain each day.

The real issue here is overall wait times for all guests. If, in fact, return times have no relevance and there is no mathematical basis for redistribution of riders, then the powers that be simply need to give a FP that states to return after a specified time and leave it at that making it perfectly clear to all guests, not just those who are familiar with working the system. But if there is statistical evidence that return times do reduce wait times for all lines - standby and FastPass - then in the interest of customer service and consideration of the guest experience for all, they need to adhere to those times and make no exceptions other than providing a limited "grace period" to allow for someone being just a few minutes late.

Amen! :sohappy::sohappy:

 

[BigThunderMatt]

They are already discussing xpass implementation with hourly cast members? Really?

Actually, yes they have. Contrary to belief, Disney sometimes actually does have the best interests of their cast at heart and know that many cast members hate the stress that the current leniency of the system places on them.

Until you've had to stand at merge point and put up with furious standby guests while you let FP in constantly because the line is backed up the entrance (with management approval to do so) then you really don't understand how flawed the current system is.

 

[draybook]

When I was a cop, I almost always said "please put your hands on top of your head" before handcuffing someone. I may have said please, but that doesn't mean it was an optional request.

When I've been arrested I don't recall being asked to please put my hands on my head. That being said, being arrested and using a fastpass are definitely apples and oranges. That being said, I'll take the bait. The proper argument would be you asking me to obey the speed limit. There's usually signs that show a minimum AND maximum speed. The law states that window and outlines the appropriate measures taken when you violate that window. The Fastpass ONLY says that they won't accept early arrivals, nothing is said about late arrivals. Therefore, Disney has left the window open and has suggested that you come during that window, because if you come later there will be no repercussions.

I'll agree with the person that said if they start enforcing it, I will gladly abide by it and won't even complain. Until such time we will get and use FP's at our leisure.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Some of you seem to be making the assumption that just because Disney has been offering FastPasses and managing the system in a certain way, they are now committed or obligated to continue without change. Things change. The world evolves, as do business practices. Just because something was offered or handled in a certain way in the past, doesn't mean it will be offered or handled that way tomorrow. If they determine that return times need to be enforced, it would be very easy for them to alter the wording on the FP ticket and post signs where appropriate clarifying the new policy. Honestly, Disney is under no obligation to continue the open FP system at all. They might also decide to limit the total number of FastPasses each park guest could obtain each day.

The real issue here is overall wait times for all guests. If, in fact, return times have no relevance and there is no mathematical basis for redistribution of riders, then the powers that be simply need to give a FP that states to return after a specified time and leave it at that making it perfectly clear to all guests, not just those who are familiar with working the system. But if there is statistical evidence that return times do reduce wait times for all lines - standby and FastPass - then in the interest of customer service and consideration of the guest experience for all, they need to adhere to those times and make no exceptions other than providing a limited "grace period" to allow for someone being just a few minutes late.

I have no problem if the official policy changes and wait times are enforced. I'll be slightly frustrated at first because it means adjusting my touring plan, but it's nothing that I can't deal with. In fact, as pointed out in this thread, perhaps the change would make standby lines bearable enough to endure.

That said, I do have an issue with the people who act like there's currently something wrong with using a fastpass late, even though CM's have always said it's fine as long as you don't show up early. With the current policy, anyone can show up late with a fastpass if they want. Some do, some don't. If they change the policy, I'll deal with it, but until then, I'm not going to tolerate my morals and ethics being questioned because I do something that anyone can do if it benefits them.

 

[kennygman]

Actually, yes they have. Contrary to belief, Disney sometimes actually does have the best interests of their cast at heart and know that many cast members hate the stress that the current leniency of the system places on them.

Until you've had to stand at merge point and put up with furious standby guests while you let FP in constantly because the line is backed up the entrance (with management approval to do so) then you really don't understand how flawed the current system is.

So the Cast Members would trade a few people upset here and there for many more that are upset? How does the guest at the head of the standy by line even know if the FP is late or not? I've never heard another guest ask that question. They are just upset that they are being passed by someone after waiting for 60 minutes in the heat and finally almost reaching their goal. They'll be upset at the person at the FP return area AND at Guest Services. I don't really see the benefit of changing this policy. It's 6 of one and half dozen of another.

In addition, it will place even more stress on cms when the person is trying to 'argue their case' about why they are late. What about when a ride goes 101 for a period of time and they can't return in the window? This change would create unecessary variables for the CM to have to make 'judgment calls.' It's easier to just accept the fp, smile and wave them through.

I don't really personally care one way or the other. I can work with whatever they system allows. I did EVERY attraction at Epcot and DHS on busy back to back EMH days in April using only 1 FP total for TSM. I know how to tour the parks, but this will create a lot of ill feelings among many WDW fans.

I can see another market gaining new ground if this change is ever implemented though...less expensive local tour guides.

 

[unclejay1960]

The main reason fast pass was designed was so that guess spend money in the park and not standing inline all day. If you show up for TSM at 9:30 and your dinner plans are for 6:30. Are you going to stand there or come back later hoping that passes are still available. With ride break downs happening at any time for any ride they should never stick to the end time.

 

[G00fyDad]

So the Cast Members would trade a few people upset here and there for many more that are upset? How does the guest at the head of the standy by line even know if the FP is late or not?

I think you missed his point. He was trying to say the stand-by guests get upset when they see any FP users getting to go in front of them (regardless of what time if on the ticket).

In addition, it will place even more stress on cms when the person is trying to 'argue their case' about why they are late.

Why the argument? Tell the guest the policy and leave it at that. Don't argue the point. If they don't like it they can go to Guest Relations and they can tell them the same thing the attraction CM told them.

I don't really personally care one way or the other. I can work with whatever they system allows. I did EVERY attraction at Epcot and DHS on busy back to back EMH days in April using only 1 FP total for TSM. I know how to tour the parks, but this will create a lot of ill feelings among many WDW fans.

Then they will have ill feelings (just like many of you here that exploded when the mere mention of this happening was posted) and they will move on. They will continue to come to Disney parks and life will go on. Some here keep acting like it will be a massive complaint assault on Disney CMs that will last forever. It would only be every now and then from a guest that is arrogant enough to assume he/she should still be allowed to do this when others aren't. Many, many, many others that currently use late FPs would simply shrug it off, act like an adult, and go on about their day. Especially if Disney were to post signs. But they shouldn't even have to do that. It would be a small fraction of people that would lose it over this new way of doing things. Many of them appear to be on this board.

 

[Slugger]

Actually, yes they have. Contrary to belief, Disney sometimes actually does have the best interests of their cast at heart and know that many cast members hate the stress that the current leniency of the system places on them.

Until you've had to stand at merge point and put up with furious standby guests while you let FP in constantly because the line is backed up the entrance (with management approval to do so) then you really don't understand how flawed the current system is.

Exactly... I will let anyone one of you stand at merge point at Peter Pan's Flight and let you deal with it for about five minutes. Merge is the most hated position in rotation because we all know that we are going to get yelled at some point during the time we are there. As a matter of fact, less than a month ago we have had one female CM get punched by a male guest that was at stand by because she was doing her job. We had another female CM get verbally abused by an older gentleman and 4 guys in there 20s because of she was doing her job. Management took care of both situations and were removed from the parks. The one guest that punched the CM even had charges pressed against him.

I have been told as of right now to allow fast passes in after the hour return time, but to stop advertising that they can come back any time after the first hour on their FP. I for one don't see that many complaints about not being allowed to use the fast pass. I've had many guests come up to me while I'm at return asking me if they could still use their fast pass even though they missed their return time.

I think it's about time to start being more strict with fast passes because i believe it will help out with both the speed of the fast pass line as well as the stand by line.

 

[trr1]

What is xpass?

 

[G00fyDad]

...less than a month ago we have had one female CM get punched by a male guest that was at stand by because she was doing her job. We had another female CM get verbally abused by an older gentleman and 4 guys in there 20s because of she was doing her job.

That is the exact attitude I am talking about. This whole "It's all about me" mentality has to stop. I think that is my big problem with this whole thing. It isn't about whether Disney looks the other way on it or not but rather the entitlement of some people. :king:

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

It would be a small fraction of people that would lose it over this new way of doing things. Many of them appear to be on this board.

I'm sure you won't even read this since apparently I'm fortunate enough to be on your ignore list, but I wanted to share my reply for others to read.

I think this opinion is backwards. The people on this board will know about the change as soon as it takes place. They might complain about it for a while here, but when they're in the parks, they won't put themselves in a situation where they have to "lose it." They'll know to use their fastpass within the return time or not get it at all. The people who will lose it are the ones who don't read any boards and are completely thrown for a loop when they're not allowed to use fastpasses after the return time as they've always been able to do. But in the long term, I don't think anyone will lose sleep over this.

 

[G00fyDad]

What is xpass?

Xpass is the idea of being able to generate FPs for attractions months in advance of your trip. Some of us that know exactly what parks we will be in (at least in the mornings) love this idea. Guaranteed FPs for us without having to wait in the nightmarish TSM FP lines.

However, Disney is getting such a backlash over this idea that I doubt we will ever even see it.

 

[Krack]

When I've been arrested I don't recall being asked to please put my hands on my head. That being said, being arrested and using a fastpass are definitely apples and oranges. That being said, I'll take the bait. The proper argument would be you asking me to obey the speed limit. There's usually signs that show a minimum AND maximum speed. The law states that window and outlines the appropriate measures taken when you violate that window. The Fastpass ONLY says that they won't accept early arrivals, nothing is said about late arrivals. Therefore, Disney has left the window open and has suggested that you come during that window, because if you come later there will be no repercussions.

I'll agree with the person that said if they start enforcing it, I will gladly abide by it and won't even complain. Until such time we will get and use FP's at our leisure.

The speed limit laws don't say "Please drive below the stated speed". They say, "You may not exceed the stated speed." When you speed (except in certain exigent circumstances), you have broken the law - end of story. Whether or not it is enforced is a different issue.

On the other hand, you were arguing that the use of the word "please" meant that Disney didn't consider their written FastPass policy a rule. I disagree. I consider it a rule that Disney elects not to enforce as long as the repercussions of enforcement outweigh the repercussions of not enforcing it. The system only works (and I think saying that "it works" is arguable at best - the preFastPass system was much better, imo ... but I digress) because the majority of people honor the rule and make an effort to conform to the way the system was designed. Those that do not follow the rule are taking advantage of both (1) the majority of people who are following it and (2) Disney management who would rather slightly inconvenience thousands of people following the rules than have to listen to the complaints of hundreds of people who elect not to follow the rule.

 

[The Mom]

I'll agree with the person that said if they start enforcing it, I will gladly abide by it and won't even complain. Until such time we will get and use FP's at our leisure.

And that was my point. No one is right or wrong here, and until it is stated that a FP will not be honored later, and enforced, people will continue to do what they have been doing for the past decade or so - with no apologies or guilt needed.

Your (or my) individual "take" on the whole situation does not mean anything - it is up to WDW to determine exactly what they want.

If they really do change the way they have done things re FP, some people will be upset, while others will say "about time.' But the majority will not react at all.

 

[draybook]

On the other hand, you were arguing that the use of the word "please" meant that Disney didn't consider their written FastPass policy a rule. I disagree. I consider it a rule that Disney elects not to enforce as long as the repercussions of enforcement outweigh the repercussions of not enforcing it.

In my eyes you only solidified my argument. Once again, there's nothing on the FP about not accepting late arrivals. They do address early arrivals. There's no document saying that it's a rule, at least not that I've seen. As you said, speeding is against the law, ie; it's in writing and a known fact that you can look up and prove. As far as I know, there's no such document regarding Fastpasses. I'm not arguing what I think, I'm arguing about what is plain as day. In court this would be a document, and this document doesn't say they won't take a late arrival. Thus you wouldn't be able to prove someone was doing anything wrong by showing up late.

 

[KingdomofDreams]

The main reason fast pass was designed was so that guess spend money in the park and not standing inline all day. If you show up for TSM at 9:30 and your dinner plans are for 6:30. Are you going to stand there or come back later hoping that passes are still available. With ride break downs happening at any time for any ride they should never stick to the end time.

Disney does care about reducing wait times for all guests. It results in a more positive guest experience which increases customer satisfaction, and the less time a guest spends in line waiting, the more time they have to wander in and out of shops and spend more money. The hope of course is that it is a win for both the guest and the company. It is a business after all.

Whatever reduces wait times for all guests - standby and FP user - is a step in the right direction. As far as ride downtime, I'm sure the Disney brain trust is smart enough to come up with a way to code or mark your FP in some way that enables you to return later if the ride is actually down when you arrive at the FP entrance.

... less than a month ago we have had one female CM get punched by a male guest that was at stand by because she was doing her job. We had another female CM get verbally abused by an older gentleman and 4 guys in there 20s because of she was doing her job. Management took care of both situations and were removed from the parks. The one guest that punched the CM even had charges pressed against him.

That is horrible! Those poor CMs! And to make it even more deplorable, this was men physically and verbally abusing a girl/woman. I'm so happy to know that Disney management took the appropriate action and removed them from the parks and pressed charges for the assault. Hopefully they all were banned from the parks for life.