Start paying for Fast-Pass?

[ClemsonTigger]

this sound over engineered (cell phones acting as some sort of GPS monitor to alert for broken rides sounds silly and impractical). but looking at the underlying idea here, i think its genious. those who dont appreciate it are the off-site guests obviously but there needs to be more of a premium to resort guests. for what resort guests pay to stay at disney this sort of privilege seems very reasonable. Taking it a step further, I agree someone choosing to pay 100$ a night at All Stars shouldnt have the same privileges as someone paying 400$ a night at the Poly. The Poly guest is willing to pay 4 times as much because of the proximity of the resort, it amenities, etc.. why cant that carry over into their park experience as well. Right now in the park the resort guests are treated like every other person in the place while they are willingly sacrificing much more, money-wise, than the person who chooses to stay at the Red Roof on international drive. For every off-site person who would get insulted because they cant do what the next person can, think of the people paying $400 a night to see some youth group of 40 snag all the fastpasses for Soarin by 9 AM. Upgrades to the park experience needs to be an option, tying it to resort selection is a great idea. Theres 2 sides to every equation.

Not really so overly engineered. I get updates on my flights on my PDA, notices of delays or upgrades. I can even check in.

As for entitlements and fairness, you have good points. For some reason, people expect Disney to be affordable to all and fair to all. Lets face it, those of us who know the parks have a distinct advantage. As with any other industry, if you pay a premium price, you deserve premium service. Does anyone complain that someone paying for first class airline ticket gets "free drinks and better food?" Should people on concierge at AKL be the only ones allowed to take the special morning and evening tours? Is Lexus service the same as Kia service? People seem to loose that perspective with Disney it seems.

 

[unkadug]

Not really so overly engineered. I get updates on my flights on my PDA, notices of delays or upgrades. I can even check in.

As for entitlements and fairness, you have good points. For some reason, people expect Disney to be affordable to all and fair to all. Lets face it, those of us who know the parks have a distinct advantage. As with any other industry, if you pay a premium price, you deserve premium service. Does anyone complain that someone paying for first class airline ticket gets "free drinks and better food?" Should people on concierge at AKL be the only ones allowed to take the special morning and evening tours? Is Lexus service the same as Kia service? People seem to loose that perspective with Disney it seems.

Also...if you order chop steak at a restaurant, you wouldn't complain about your neighbor eating prime rib!

 

[jasondiff]

That Key to the World thing is a horrible idea...

Actually, all of this is. I understand Disney wants to appeal to the people who stay onsite, but what about AP holders? We are pumping just as much money and it totally sucks not being able to eat places when I go for a random visit because of free dining and all that.

I was happier with Disney before I moved down here...

In my analysis AP holders get a benefit too, more than offsite guests but not as much as resort guests. And I think that positioning is pretty fair for how much you pay per day compared to resort guests.

And I hate the free dining too, though I'm an ultra planner and I have no problems getting dining ressies, I can see how it impacts other people a lot. I hate the dumbing down of the menus it has caused.

 

[khale1970]

Slightly OT, over the past years the one thing that kinda gets to me is the Handicap NO-PASS Fastpass. Before everyone jumps down my throat, what I am saying is I have no problem when Aunt Susie having a broken leg and waiting at the front. But the point is her family should have to wait in the standby line and when they get to loading all can ride. If someone has a legitimate severe handicap that is one thing. But I don't get why by Aunt Susie having a broken leg.... Uncle Joe, cousins Jim, Bob, Dave, Lou, nephews Joey and Chris, nieces Mary,Christine and Gina, stepson, John, daughters Carly and Marianne, Brother George and his crew who are all in perfect healh can just walk right on.:shrug: We saw this a couple of times this trip. Again legitimate handicaps are one thing but obvious abuses should not be allowed. Just a little observation .. that is all.

So long as we are already off topic on this, I have to agree with you. Our last trip to WDW, Small World has just reopened after the refurb. Lines were longer than normal, and we sat and watched groups of 6 to 10 people move to the front because they were with someone whose only disability was obesity (they were on the scooters that are taking over the parks). The line took about an hour, and much of that was consumed with the long times it took to get the obese person from their scooter into the boat.

Like you, I don't have a problem with anyone who has a hard time walking going to the front of the line. But only to wait for the rest of their party in the stand by line.

 

[scpergj]

I don't think anyone shouldn't be allowed Fastpasses. Florida Annual pass holders go much more than twice a year so they should be able to see/ride everything they wish during their yearly pass so if anyone is barred from Fastpass , I can kinda understand it. They visit much more than the average guest and since they live closer they can pick to go at less crowded times to visit. We honestly do not use fast pass all that much during our visits, only used it for Space Mt. and Soarin this year.

Maybe you need to rethink that...

How about we let everyone except for people from New Jersey use a fastpass? Or if you get free dining, you can't use fastpass...or if you child is under 3 and gets in for free, they can't ride any rides?

Some of us Florida residents actually go and stay on site for long weekends...or even just a regular weekend. Last year, we had Florida Resident AP's, spend 17 days in the parks, and my total bills on all of the trips we took, including food, tickets (the AP's), and lodging, were over $5000. Now, if I'm spending that much to visit, I expect the same level of service that everyone else is getting.

If Disney decides to change the FP system, it's their call. If attendence drops because of any (possible) changes, they will address that, too.

Oh...and it's a Jim Hill article. I quit putting any stock into anything he said a couple of years ago. I know, I know, he occasionally gets something right...but even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

My opinion...

Kevin

 

[tonganprince]

If they charge people that stay on the property, they will lose me too.

 

[OldKeyWest]

Sounds like a rip off and just flat out confussing.

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

Maybe you need to rethink that...

How about we let everyone except for people from New Jersey use a fastpass? Or if you get free dining, you can't use fastpass...or if you child is under 3 and gets in for free, they can't ride any rides?

Some of us Florida residents actually go and stay on site for long weekends...or even just a regular weekend. Last year, we had Florida Resident AP's, spend 17 days in the parks, and my total bills on all of the trips we took, including food, tickets (the AP's), and lodging, were over $5000. Now, if I'm spending that much to visit, I expect the same level of service that everyone else is getting.

If Disney decides to change the FP system, it's their call. If attendence drops because of any (possible) changes, they will address that, too.

Oh...and it's a Jim Hill article. I quit putting any stock into anything he said a couple of years ago. I know, I know, he occasionally gets something right...but even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

My opinion...

Kevin

First it was a reply to someone else that mentioned AP holders dont get to use FP. Second as mentioned we hardly use it .. so don't let the NJ residents use it really won't bother me.

You say .. you go 17 days at the parks (at least 2-3x as much as most others)so I rethought my point and I'll stand by it. IF any guests shouldn't be allowed FPs , I understand FL AP holders not being allowed since they can spend 2,3 or 4x as many days in the parks as most other guest. I know for a fact that we could see just about all we wanted in 17 days at the parks at least . Many vacationers may visit other parks, site or family when in FL.

 

[angelfaerie52]

First it was a reply to someone else that mentioned AP holders dont get to use FP. Second as mentioned we hardly use it .. so don't let the NJ residents use it really won't bother me.

You say .. you go 17 days at the parks (at least 2-3x as much as most others)so I rethought my point and I'll stand by it. IF any guests shouldn't be allowed FPs , I understand FL AP holders not being allowed since they can spend 2,3 or 4x as many days in the parks as most other guest. I know for a fact that we could see just about all we wanted in 17 days at the parks at least . Many vacationers may visit other parks, site or family when in FL.

Then don't argue money... I will probably spend several thousand dollars this year on the parks. If they are going to do so many perks for resort guests, such things should be given to AP holders. We're paying premium so that we can go again and again and spend our money. I would certainly consider not buying an AP if it meant I could not get on any rides due to resort guests having monopoly over the fast pass system. There are too many resort guests competing. This isn't Universal, with three hotels.

 

[wdwmomof3]

I am just going to wait to see what happens. There is no reason for me to stress about this now. :hammer:

 

[ClemsonTigger]

I am just going to wait to see what happens. There is no reason for me to stress about this now. :hammer:

Amen!

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

Then don't argue money... I will probably spend several thousand dollars this year on the parks. If they are going to do so many perks for resort guests, such things should be given to AP holders. We're paying premium so that we can go again and again and spend our money. I would certainly consider not buying an AP if it meant I could not get on any rides due to resort guests having monopoly over the fast pass system. There are too many resort guests competing. This isn't Universal, with three hotels.

I don't recall saying anything about money... but since you brought it up...... The several thousand dollars you are spending over the year...... most visitors spend in their weeklong vacation.

We hardly use it... wouldn't matter if they charge or take it away. But if they it away take the dining plan with it.

 

[Silvermist]

Hi! :wave: I've been coming here for a long time but I usually just read without posting. I really wanted to put my .02 in on this topic though.

I would LOVE to see a special Fastpass priviledge for the Resort Guests at WDW. Ideally it would not include having to go to an attraction multiple times (to get a ticket and then later to return and ride).

I'm a Disney girl through and through but the first time we used the program at Universal, we were hooked! It was pure bliss. No crisscrossing the park multiple times getting tickets and adding more mileage to an already exhausting day. No watching the clock worrying about missing the return window. No tickets to keep track of.

Although Universal cannot compare to Disney in every other area, they scored big on this one. Imo it is the ultimate guest treatment. Just start where you wish and make your way around the park on your own time thoroughly relaxing and making the most of your time and energy. Just pull out your room card at the ride entrance and after a quick scan you're off!

I know WDW faces difficulties that Universal does not when you compare the much higher number of resort guests Disney has and it's a certainty some people will be unhappy with whatever criteria they use but it would be incredible if they could offer a system to their resort guests that would allow them to bypass the whole ticket/return later system.

To me it would be of much more value than EMH.

 

[tigsmom]

From today's Sentinel...

orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-fastpass0607sep06,0,3600232.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout
OrlandoSentinel.com

Disney's FastPass entering digital era

Scott Powers
Sentinel Staff Writer
September 6, 2007

Walt Disney World visitors could someday order line-skipping, "FastPass" ride tickets from their cell phones or home computers, and could receive preferential treatment based on the price of their Disney accommodations, using a new technology the resort's parent company is developing.

The technology, which the Walt Disney Co. is seeking to patent, would use central computers to manage distribution of FastPass tickets throughout Disney World's four Central Florida theme parks and at Disneyland in Southern California. Such passes, which shorten the wait for theme-park rides, could be ordered and downloaded through all sorts of wired or wireless digital devices, according to the patent application filed Aug. 30.

FastPass tickets are available from kiosks placed outside popular rides such as Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom and Soarin' in Epcot.

A Disney World official downplayed on Wednesday the FastPass ideas spelled out in the application, which is on file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said the technology is envisioned for use in connection with all sorts of guest services, such as shopping and dining-room management.

There are no plans to change FastPass, she said.

"They are still in the very early stages of development. There's no telling where the dreams might lead," Prunty said. "We're looking at lots of ways to use interactive technology."

Ride management evolves

Still, most of the 30-page patent application deals with FastPass, spelling out an interactive, digital system in detail.

Among the ideas: How theme-park officials or customers could revise FastPass times via text messages in case something such as poor weather complicates plans.

The wait in line for the more popular Disney rides is typically more than an hour. But people who swing by early can pick up FastPass reservation tickets at a designated kiosk, which lets them return at set times and enter the ride through a shorter line.

The ideas in the patent application are an evolution of Disney's ride-line management, said Dennis Speigel, a private consultant and president of International Theme Park Services.

"It's kind of the digital-age queue line," Speigel said.

Some people -- notably single-day visitors to the giant resort's theme parks -- could be frustrated by some of the ideas in the patent paperwork, however.

'Hierarchies of access'

Disney's application openly suggests that the technology could be used to give preferential treatment to people who spend more money at the resort.

That could mean priority for the best FastPass times would go to people staying in Disney's luxury hotels, followed by those in its moderate hotels, then by those in its budget hotels, then by day visitors.

"Spending per guest at hotels can determine different hierarchies of access to Fastpass," the application states. "Thus, the more that is spent by a patron, the higher the priority can be."

Also, day visitors who send a text message request for a FastPass could have an advantage over people who don't and use a kiosk.

A means test for rides?

"That's really a bad idea," said Arlen Miller of Kissimmee, a Disney enthusiast and past president of the World Chapter of the National Fantasy Fan Club. Apparently, text-message visitors could present a coded Disney ticket or a "Key to the World" pass once they enter the park and go to a ride.

"I don't have a problem with people staying at a resort [hotel] being able to get the reservation. But I resent the fact that someone who's off-property with a cell phone or a PDA can do it and they're not even in the park," Miller said. "That's discrimination against people who aren't as financially fortunate."

There also could be privacy concerns, suggested Jim Hill, founder of JimHillMedia.com, the Disney-watching Internet site that first reported the patent application Wednesday.

The patent application notes that, once someone uses a cell phone or PDA to contact the system, the system could recognize the device and track the person around the park.

Hill wrote in his blog that the intentions behind such a use are likely fairly innocent but would inevitably raise privacy-rights questions.

The application credits three people as co-inventors behind the patent: Disney World's Gregory B. Hale, chief safety officer for all Disney parks and resorts worldwide; Kenneth W. Schweizer, of Disney World's design-and-engineering team; and Jonathan Ackley, of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, Calif.

Prunty said safety and security issues are among those that must be explored before any system could be set up.

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

Copyright © 2007, Orlando Sentinel

 

[Brian_B]

I don't mind reading Jim Hill (though I don't really believe him) but does anyone else here hate the whole "Why for" thing? That annoys me. So do the constant pop-ups that Firefox blocks.

I never understood what the phrase "why for" was supposed to mean. "Why" is what the JHM article usually addresses; there is no need for the extraneous "for", unless it is in an attempt to sound intelligent by mimicking the phrase "where for", as in "Where for art thou, Romeo?". "Where for" means "Why" (Juliet is asking no one in particular why he is called Romeo Montague, as being part of a different family they can never be together...yeah, you get the idea). So Jim, if you're reading this, it might behoove you to change the whole "Why For" article title to either "Why" or "Where for". If you're not down with the whole brevity thing, then I suggest something like "The Writer of This Article Never Payed Attention in English Class".

- Brian

 

[Mickey_Mouse]

the only way to stop people getting fastpasses who are not going to use them without charging people would be to change the system to: until you have used the fastpass you can not get another one - i suppose this would not work it you arrive at park and for example soarin next available fastpass was 17:00!! but maybe it would stop things like this happening.

I think Disney charge enough already without adding more costs.

 

[Blackie Pueblo]

I have heard the arguments about this and have heard great points made on both sides. But I still tend to believe that Disney is beginning to cater only for the "better half" for lack of a better term.

As far as this thing about those who spend the big money on the expensive hotels should be treated better, this is true to a certain extent. But don't tell me when you stay on site you don't already get perks. Those that spend the money and stay onsite already the better hotels, this includes comparing the All Stars to the Floridian (dont say people don't put down the All Stars because I'm constantly reading how they suck and those who stay there are looked down upon), you get free parking and/or busses, better resturants, more things to do AT the hotels, and you get the extra hours be it daytime or late. And those who have the hundreds to spend on PASSES get your perks too including previewing rides and such.

I'm just saying I don't know how I feel about the advancement of Fast Pass. It just seems to be causing more chaos as is anyway. And at the rate it's going it seems like the decision will be made with or with out my opinion.

Also... let's not forget that Disney himself came from a poor family from Missouri.

"To ALL who come to this happy place... welcome!"
---Walter Elias Disney

 

[Jimmy Thick]

I totally agree with people who can afford the premium resorts deserve additional benefits. I love the fact I can get previews for attractions due to the fact I'm a passholder. I wish Disney would offer more premiums for those that shell out a small fortune to stay at a deluxe.

But, I don't look down upon people who stay at All-Stars or moderate's either. Thats all some can afford.

But, a perfect Disney would be Fast-Passes for deluxe resort guests only, and Extra Magic Hours for non deluxe guests. But people staying on property, and only those staying on property should get the perks.

 

[cooleo]

I think it would be ridiculous to have to pay for FASTPASS.

 

[bladerunner]

I totally agree with people who can afford the premium resorts deserve additional benefits. I love the fact I can get previews for attractions due to the fact I'm a passholder. I wish Disney would offer more premiums for those that shell out a small fortune to stay at a deluxe.

But, I don't look down upon people who stay at All-Stars or moderate's either. Thats all some can afford.

But, a perfect Disney would be Fast-Passes for deluxe resort guests only, and Extra Magic Hours for non deluxe guests. But people staying on property, and only those staying on property should get the perks.

That awfully nice of you - screw everyone else right - like most of the people in and around Central Florida that don't need to stay at a resort, AP holders along with others that make frequent day trips every month and other tourists that just may not be staying at a Disney resort for whatever reason.

I'm not too thrilled with the idea. It would be a real shame that Disney start to visibly classify patrons by their monetary status. Sounds a lot like the Titanic to me!