Possible Disneyland FastPass Changes

[DisneyDrum]

An interesting bit of news- a survey is going around asking about electronic fast passes. Sounds like they are getting closer to implementing MyMagic+ style features, but without the magic bands.

The first set of questions describe the current FastPass system, but with a smartphone app and in park kiosks as opposed to the paper system.

The next set of questions ask about expanding attractions that offer fastpasses - this included attractions such as Dumbo and viewing areas for the fireworks.

The final set of questions asked about reserving FastPasses in advance (before arriving in the park up to a few days in advance).

Sounds like a reasonable upgrade to the FastPass program that avoids some of the problematic parts of MyMagic+. Remember though, just because Disney asked about it in a survey doesn't mean that it's going to happen. Thoughts?

 

[DisneyJoe]

An interview with a top level Disney exec not too long ago hinted that they would probably have a FP+ type system, but with no MagicBands.

I find it logical to not have MagicBands in Disneyland since there are only 3 Disney operated hotels vs the 20+ in WDW.

 

[Stevek]

FP+ seems like a no brainer to be honest...depending on the limitations. We used it at WDW and really enjoyed the flexibility to not only book them in advance, assuring we'd get to ride what we wanted, but we were able to change on the fly when we realized the ride we wanted to go on didn't need a FP (short line)

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I don't have a phone and refuse to get one. Does that mean I won't be able to use Fastpass anymore?

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

I don't have a phone and refuse to get one. Does that mean I won't be able to use Fastpass anymore?

You'd be relegated to kiosks.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I refuse to use my phone for a Fastpass, for Pete's sake. If it turns out to be that way, it will be the end of Fastpasses for me.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I agree. Scheduling everything in advance and using smart phones is ridiculous, in my opinion. Even if I did own a phone, I wouldn't bring it to Disney.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I believe the Fastpass option should be rid of entirely, to be honest.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I rarely use it. I'm pretty good at touring the park, skipping longer queues, waiting for opportune times to experience things (Fantasmic/Paint the Night/Fireworks = all E tickets aside from Space Mountain are a go) while utilizing single rider and judging line lengths while wandering back and forth across the park, all while never looking at the wait time board or the Disneyland app.

 

[zooey]

Eh, I'd use it honestly. But I don't think they need it. I agree fast pass could be gotten rid of entirely and everyone would realize the lines move faster without it.

 

[Axoman]

I agree. Scheduling everything in advance and using smart phones is ridiculous, in my opinion. Even if I did own a phone, I wouldn't bring it to Disney.

Yep. Being able to just go and enjoy yourself without having to plan anything is very appealing to me.

I'll be going to WDW this fall for the first time since 1995 and I'm interested to see how the FP+ and magic bands work, but I have a feeling I'll still prefer the laid back atmosphere at Disneyland.

 

[phrog]

I also filled out a survey for Disney about the FP+ system. I like the magic bands. I didn't have to worry about taking my purse into the park,I just put my ID and my annual passholder card in my shorts pocket and away we went. I wish that they had a system to link a credit card to a magic band for days you don't stay on property though. I like the way they do the fast pass at WDW. It gives across the board opportunity for everyone to pick a ride that they just have to do.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

With how savvy the million AP holders are at DLR, I feel like it'll be slim pickings for us tourists if we're not on our A game.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Yep. Being able to just go and enjoy yourself without having to plan anything is very appealing to me.

You can still do that. It's your choice. I begin a 5 day WDW tomorrow and I have 3 dining reservations, and 0 FP+. My wife made 1 FP+ for her favorite ride. The rest of the time is unplanned.

 

[ForeverAnna]

I don't think that we need it for the rides but I sure would like to pick my showtime for Fantasmic! I prefer going to the later show and its a pain trying to figure out when the fast passes will switch over. Once I had to go by four times. The cast members will give you an estimated time but they're only making an educated guess.

 

[Bairstow]

Sounds like it could be an improvement.
With some compromise you could combine the best features of both the current fastpass system with legacy paper fastpass.
Making FP reservations, day-of, without having to physically travel to the appropriate kiosk(s) would be very nice.

Even WDW-style pre-scheduling of fastpasses sounds somewhat attractive to me when I consider the hassle we had to go through to get our passes for Racers.

 

[Stevek]

I refuse to use my phone for a Fastpass, for Pete's sake. If it turns out to be that way, it will be the end of Fastpasses for me.

I pretty much felt the same way until I used it. It was incredibly easy to make changes on the fly...we were over at Big Thunder and got a FP for Space Mountain...kept us from having to run from one side of the park to the other which allowed us to keep the day flowing nicely.

What part about using your phone do you not like? Disney having access to your phone/knowing where you are in the park?

 

[Californian Elitist]

I pretty much felt the same way until I used it. It was incredibly easy to make changes on the fly...we were over at Big Thunder and got a FP for Space Mountain...kept us from having to run from one side of the park to the other which allowed us to keep the day flowing nicely.

What part about using your phone do you not like? Disney having access to your phone/knowing where you are in the park?

I like to preserve my phone's battery for as long as possible. Using it for a Fastpass is not something I'm interested in. I rarely use Fastpasses in general, but when I do, I don't want to have to whip out my phone.

I don't want to think about using technology just to visit a theme park.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

I don't have a phone and refuse to get one. Does that mean I won't be able to use Fastpass anymore?

Are you Victorian? What the heck?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Are you Victorian? What the heck?

Some people don't have phones. It happens.