Fast Passes - 2008 Forward

[cguill]

My wife just told me that Disney is looking at only giving Fast Passes to people that stay at one of their resorts starting sometime in 2008. Anyone else heard this ??? Personally it wouldn't bother me any, just a perk for staying at one of their resorts. Universal Studios/Island of Adventure does this, we paid extra for it last year, but it was worth it. I don't know that Disney would charge extra. Just wondering if anyone else had heard this ???

[AngelKitty]

I hope Disney does not do this. The way they do the fast pass is perfect just the way it is and I don't think they should change it. Most of the time when I am in Disney, I am staying at a Disney resort, but I still think everyone who has a theme park ticket should have a right to a fast pass and not have to pay extra for it.

[everylastbreath]

I totally agree, hope they do it. Universal has a much better fast pass system, I think if you paid the extra to stay on site, you should get perks.

[RoyalRoseBlue]

I like the idea of this concept, especially how quickly Soarin runs out. It's an added insentive to stay on property. I just hope they keep it for the cast members as well. I took full advantage of fast pass when I was working down there and loved it!

[cguill]

It was really nice at Universal/Islands, you could go on any ride any time you wanted, you just went to the Fast Pass line, and you could go on the rides an unlimited amount of times ...

[mx3man123]

I think it's a stupid idea. Why penalize people that don't stay onsite? Onsite people already get the extra magic hours.

[WDWguru]

A few weeks ago, Disney applied for a patent on some new technology for the fast pass system. It's all very esoteric right now and mostly deals with the ability to communicate with handheld devices. Speculation from the news reports at the time were they could use it to give guests staying in higher end resorts the ability to get passes or make ADRs via mobile device. But it's all speculation at this point based on a patent filing. I wouldn't get too worked up about it.

Here is the story from the Orlando Sentinel: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-fastpass0607sep06,1,1451336.story?coll=orl-business-headlines-tourism

[OneLittleSpark]

As far as I'm aware this is just a rumour. I think it's based on a patent Disney put in for recently, for an updated Fast Pass system. One thing the patent mentioned briefly was that the new system could, theoretically, give resort guests a higher priority in obtaining passes. As far as I'm aware, there are no plans to actually put this in place (though I may be wrong; it has been known once or twice).

EDIT: WDWguru, you beat me to saying that!

I hope they don't install any hierarchy. Uncle Walt wanted all Guests to be equal in the parks and I think that's the way it should stay. I think resort guests get loads of perks already with EMH and transport, not to mention Disney Magic on tap 24 /7! I always stay on property, but I don't want to be classed as 'better' than someone else because of it, or get onto rides faster just because of which hotel my clean undies are currently residing in!

[goofyernmost]

As bad as Fastpass is now I cannot imagine the public outcry if they connect it with total immersion in Disney. In the first place they don't have enough rooms, in spite of the massive amounts of resort building, to accommodate every one the goes to the Parks. There is enough frustration and bad feelings about the system now without giving it a "class" and "economic" structure. I would guess that for every "happy" fastpass holder out there, there are 10 unhappy ones that for whatever reason, couldn't get one. The only good thing about them not being able to get one is that it is not connected with having the financial ability to get one. Add that to the story and it becomes a very unpleasant experience for a great many people. In the long run...not a good plan.

It would be a bad, bad idea and would ruin the magic for many people. I can't see it as something that Walt would have thought a good thing.:confused3

[KimWDW]

From the article:
"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."

I have a big problem with preferential treatment to deluxe visitors. The child whose parents can only afford a value resort should have the same ride access as the parents whose child can afford a deluxe. Can you imagine? "Sorry, Billy, we have to wait one hour in line because we're poor. Your pal Johnny gets to skip the line because he's rich." That makes me sick. If that happens, Walt will be rolling in his grave.

Glad it's just rumor for now.

[cguill]

Whether I agree or disagree really doesn't matter - what we all have to remember is that in the final analysis, Disney is a business and out to make money ...

[TINKERIFIC]

:eek:
:scared1:
:confused:

OK, all of these emotions come into play after reading this article. Fastpass is fine...do not change what is working. OK so some rides, i.e. Soarin, "sell out" quickly.

It seems as if this would be confusing also. Not to mention placing priority on those who spend money. No matter what hotel you stay in onsite...they are expensive compared to off site hotels...IMO. I spend less on the room so that we can spend more on food, souvenirs, etc.

I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS AT ALL.

[mill4023]

It's a terrible idea and it's one of the things I hate about Universal.
There is nothing wrong with offering extra perks to guests who stay on-site and Disney already does that with EMH. The difference is that EMH does not negatively affect the theme park experience for those guests who stay off-site. Changing FP to an on-site perk, however, would definitely make the theme park experience worse for everyone who stays off-site.

[Camping Griswalds]

It's a mixed message that is for sure. However I disagree when you say that EMH does not affect others who cannot use it!!! First off, those parks are always busier that day, the EMH guest are already in the parks, and can grab fast passes faster than someone can run to the location after being let in at rope drop.

I also think Disney has already catered to people who can pay more. If you can' t afford the EXTRA price for MNSSHP, or MVMCP or P & PP, your child is missing out there too.

Bottom line it's a business. Unfortunately for many of us, it all comes down to the mighty dollar. They keep jacking up attendance tickets, yet we keep buying, and attendance is at an all time high. They will keep doing things like this until the consumer can't take it, and then they will re consider. Walt Disney was a truly inspirational man, and had great ideals, but even he charged admission. It woun't change my opinion of him or his company if they still want to continue to make a profit. Will I suffer...no. Will I continue to visit...yes. Maybe not as long, maybe we will have to wait longer, but we will go to Disney World!!

Oh and by the way, we are staying off site this year. We've stayed anywhere from Contemporary, to Pop and now off site.

[cguill]

Well said ... I'm tryingt to decide if the Halloween party is worth approx. another $250 to me and my family after spending thousands already just to go, doesn't sound like much but it all adds up ...

[mickaholic4077]

I think to charge for fast passes,or give resort guests priority,would be a terrible idea!!

[CathrynRose]

From the article:
"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."

I have a big problem with preferential treatment to deluxe visitors. The child whose parents can only afford a value resort should have the same ride access as the parents whose child can afford a deluxe. Can you imagine? "Sorry, Billy, we have to wait one hour in line because we're poor. Your pal Johnny gets to skip the line because he's rich." That makes me sick. If that happens, Walt will be rolling in his grave.

Glad it's just rumor for now.

I agree 100% - I stay in Value or Moderates, but stay for 2 weeks + at a time....I stay 'cheap' so I can stay long - I end up spending a TON of money on food, gifts, fun, etc etc - I'd imagine pretty darn close to a deluxe for a few days.

This would be absurd.

[Colleen27]

From the article:
"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."

I have a big problem with preferential treatment to deluxe visitors. The child whose parents can only afford a value resort should have the same ride access as the parents whose child can afford a deluxe. Can you imagine? "Sorry, Billy, we have to wait one hour in line because we're poor. Your pal Johnny gets to skip the line because he's rich." That makes me sick. If that happens, Walt will be rolling in his grave.

Glad it's just rumor for now.

I agree. I don't have a problem with the idea of on-site guests having some advantage, and I could see that happening. With the reduction in value of the dining plan, Disney might be looking for other perks they could offer resort guests, and FastPass preference would be a perk that a lot of people would go for but that wouldn't cost Disney much to offer. But I really dislike the idea of tying any sort of guest privledges to resort price!

[JohnnyB2]

I totally agree, hope they do it. Universal has a much better fast pass system, I think if you paid the extra to stay on site, you should get perks.

I agree with everylastbreath,Universal FOTL pass is great. Disney has to many guests at their hotels to use the same system,but to give a few fast passes (good for any ride) to the guests staying on their property would sure be nice. Some seasons if you don't wake up at dawn you may not get a fast pass for a certain ride and being a guest of Disney I think that is a shame:thumbsup2 :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[epfootballcutie04]

ok so im way torn on this issue...

part of me that says YEAH!!!: I always stay on-site. ALWAYS. so i would love that advantage. I could do what i want a lot more faster and get on with my day and it would just make it that more magical for me and whomever i'm with.

HOWEVER, I'm not really a self centered arrogant freak, and i DO have a soft side... the NO part of me says:

What about all the other people?!? just because you dont stay on property doesnt mean that you shouldnt be allowed to use fast pass.

EVERYONE has the CHANCE to wake up EARLY to get their fastpasses for soarin'. That should NOT be an excuse. Yes, i understand, it's hard to get the kiddo's up and ready. But you still have the chance. With my family it's the fact that we like to sleep in. (er.... THEY like to sleep in. I'm more of the "Let's get up at the crack of dawn-an hour before they open' kind of girl)

people that stay on-site DO have the EMH hours. So it's not like Disney is overlooking us here.

But still... the fastpass thing would be nice, ihave a feeling it will never happen though, they would lose too many customers that get angry over it...

or... they would get a lot more people trying to stay on property....


ahhhhhhhhhh this is giving me a headache.

Why don't we just be happy and thankful that we are AT disney, regardless of the wait time.

there.

i like that the best.

Everyone wins:rotfl:

[byoung]

From the article:
"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."

I have a big problem with preferential treatment to deluxe visitors. The child whose parents can only afford a value resort should have the same ride access as the parents whose child can afford a deluxe. Can you imagine? "Sorry, Billy, we have to wait one hour in line because we're poor. Your pal Johnny gets to skip the line because he's rich." That makes me sick. If that happens, Walt will be rolling in his grave.

Glad it's just rumor for now.

I totally agree with you it should be the same for anyone staying onsite.

[dopeyfanatic]

Onsite guests get plenty of perks. ME, Disney transportation, free parking if you have a car, package delivery to your room, EMH. The thing about all of those also is that it's the SAME regardless of which hotel you stay in. I don't think the family that had to scrimp and save to stay at value should have any less extras than the one who is staying deluxe. Yes, some people scrimped and saved to stay deluxe, but most of the time those people could have easily stayed value or moderate with no problem. The extra saving was just to go up to deluxe. Does that make them better because they make more money? No. I think changing the FP system over to resort guests only would be a shot in the foot. They would have MANY unhappy guests. FP allowed shorter wait times making kids happier, and adults happier. Can you imagine going back to the days where most people were waiting an hour in line for a ride? That would be chaos! What I see being possible is that people who stay onsite can get more than one FP at a time. Perhaps two? Instead of having to wait two hours until you can get another one. Gives that extra little perk to onsite guests while still allowing the majority of guests there (which are offsite) the chance to get one.

[SnwflkCts]

This keeps getting batted around and I guess we will have to wait and see. What I don't understand is how come nobody pans Universal for doing exactly this? Onsite get unlimited fast pass and the rest ... expect to pay! No free ride there!!! And we know THEY don't have enough rooms for everyone to stay onsite!!!

I think fast pass does seem to work out well the way it operates now and no hurt feelings all around ... but I think there will be some changes because this rumor has come around before ... where there is smoke ... there are burning fast passes -- :laughing:

[Blueyed Girl]

I can see both sides of this. When I was a kid we were the family who couldn't afford it. Now that I'm an adult I'm very glad that I can say that we can afford these "perks". HOWEVER, I would feel so guilty using it because I'd look at those I pass by and remember that those people could easily be us or we could easily be them! It just doesn't seem very fair. I can't imagine how my parents felt having to tell us we couldn't afford some stuff, and I can't imagine how horrible I'd feel having to say it to my son.

[disneyag]

I would love to see Fastpasses for onsite guests! I don't think it should be tied to the price of your hotel, however. It seems like onsite "perks" are less than they used to be. ANYONE with a multiday pass can use Disney transportation in the parks (actually, I have never even seen a CM look at a park ticket before a guest got on a bus.) EMH isn't much of a perk anymore. Those parks get so crowded. In the early 1990's, the early onsite at the MK some mornings were VERY uncrowded. Now, that's just not true. Package delivery isn't even to your room anymore (unless you stay Club Level), it's just to your resort's gift shop. I would love to see an additional perk for Disney resort guests.

[purvislets]

Here is my opinion: they should keep the fastpass machines as they are so that anyone can get a fastpass (as long as they aren't gone that is!) and maybe give the Disney resort guests 1 fast pass for all fast pass attractions. It could be preprogrammed into their keycards that could be scanned at the ride. Once they use up the fast pass for a particular ride then they'd be even with everyone else. I wouldn't see how that would really hurt things, you know?

[Metro West]

It's a terrible idea and it's one of the things I hate about Universal.And what pray tell are some of the other things you hate about Universal? :rolleyes1

So...you actually hate another resort simply because they give their onsite guests a perk? Wow! What would you say to someone staying offsite at Disney because they couldn't afford to stay onsite and complaining about not being able to stay later because it's a EMH night? I wonder if that would be one of the things they would hate about Disney? :sad2:

This keeps getting batted around and I guess we will have to wait and see. What I don't understand is how come nobody pans Universal for doing exactly this? Onsite get unlimited fast pass and the rest ... expect to pay! No free ride there!!! And we know THEY don't have enough rooms for everyone to stay onsite!!!And your point is...........? This is exactly the reason Disney probably can not give their onsite guests FOTL access like Universal does. Disney has too many people to do that w/o making everyone unhappy and "unmagical".

[pepperw23]

From the article:
"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."

I have a big problem with preferential treatment to deluxe visitors. The child whose parents can only afford a value resort should have the same ride access as the parents whose child can afford a deluxe. Can you imagine? "Sorry, Billy, we have to wait one hour in line because we're poor. Your pal Johnny gets to skip the line because he's rich." That makes me sick. If that happens, Walt will be rolling in his grave.

Glad it's just rumor for now.

I agree.

[inkkognito]

Onsite guests at WDW have perks that I, as a local and AP holder, cannot take advantage of (like EMH). What's the difference if they change the FP system? At least at Universal, I can be on even footing with the resort guests (albeit after 4 p.m.) by buying a Premier Pass that gets me to the front of the lines too. Other than the offseason, WDW lost a lot of $$ from me this past year. Why go there in the peak season, only to find all the FPs for the good rides gone within two hours, when I can go FOTL at Universal?

[DVCLiz]

I'd be delighted to get extra FPs as a result of staying at a Disney resort, and I'd like it even better if I got more or better perks by staying at a more expensive resort.

[DisneyDadof3]

Onsite guests at WDW have perks that I, as a local and AP holder, cannot take advantage of (like EMH). What's the difference if they change the FP system? At least at Universal, I can be on even footing with the resort guests (albeit after 4 p.m.) by buying a Premier Pass that gets me to the front of the lines too. Other than the offseason, WDW lost a lot of $$ from me this past year. Why go there in the peak season, only to find all the FPs for the good rides gone within two hours, when I can go FOTL at Universal?

Interestingly enough, Universal has lost my money for the same reason - I'm just on the other side of the issue - everyone at WDW in treated evenly. I will NOT pay for the extra like at Universal. Everyone has the same opportunity each day as WDW. If WDW used the same system as Universal, I would not buy the annual passes and come 3-4 times per year - thus losing my money.

On a side note, I have been to WDW over Christmas, Easter, and in June and have never seen the fastpasses all gone to any of the rides until at least mid-afternoon.

[phyllis1966]

...I have a big problem with preferential treatment to deluxe visitors. The child whose parents can only afford a value resort should have the same ride access as the parents whose child can afford a deluxe. Can you imagine? "Sorry, Billy, we have to wait one hour in line because we're poor. Your pal Johnny gets to skip the line because he's rich." That makes me sick. If that happens, Walt will be rolling in his grave...


KimWDW, I agree wholeheartedly with you, and I am a deluxe visitor. There are already other perks available, and I wouldn't mind them adding additional perks, if they really feel they must, ;) but I can't see penalizing anyone, especially children whose parents can't or won't pay extra to stay onsite/deluxe/whatever - it seems heartless. I know it's a business, but I'm sure they can find other ways to make money.




:sunny:

[CanadianGuy]

This falls under the Rumors and News board much better than TPA&S right now.

I'm moving this over there. Thanks,

Knox

[DisneyDadof3]

This falls under the Rumors and News board much better than TPA&S right now.

I'm moving this over there. Thanks,

Knox

agreed!

[keishashadow]

Disney applies for many patents each year (all those imagineers earning their keep;) ). This was 1st bandied about couple years ago, when it wasn't clear what was considered to be a deluxe resort (dvc'ers were getting nervous:rolleyes1 ).

We weren't able to visit Disney for many years; so glad we now can work it into our budget.:banana:

I don't begrudge everyone who went when I couldn't; so I can't see why anyone can honestly say it isn't fair for Disney to reward what they construe to be their best (whether best revenue producing or more of a reward inducing guests to stay onsite/deluxe i cannot say) customers. Think of it as a carrot to increase revenue.:confused3 Yes, I am a stockholder; yes, Disney is a business albiet pixiedust filled.

Another poster mentioned the fact that if you are a non-onsite guest; there are many strategies to follow (off season, be @ gates when they open, etc.). We spent a portion off-site @ the Sheraton Vistana last year in the summer; surprised how well things went.

As for Universal, even though we do currently have APs, doubt we'd visit unless staying onsite...def. part of the whole experience there for us...FOTL is incomparable!

I do feel for the locals; they are the ones who need to navigate around all these tweaks to the system and the hoardes of tourists invading their turf.

[mill4023]

However I disagree when you say that EMH does not affect others who cannot use it!!! First off, those parks are always busier that day, the EMH guest are already in the parks, and can grab fast passes faster than someone can run to the location after being let in at rope drop.

Sure, but off-site visitors can choose to visit the non-EMH parks each day, and in that way, it can be an advantage, because the EMH draws extra visitors away from the non-EMH parks. In any case, it doesn't have the same directly negative effect on those who cannot use the perk. Universal's system of giving free Express line access to resort guests makes the lines much longer for those who do not have that perk. You could argue that Disney's current FP system also makes stand-by lines longer, but at least EVERYONE has the choice of whether to wait in the longer stand-by lines, or use FP to come back and ride later.

Special events like MNSSHP and MVMCP are different. These are special events that anyone can choose to pay to attend or not. When you buy MYW tickets and go visit a theme park, you are paying the same price for admission to the parks as those who stay on-site and you should receive the same park experience. It's my opinion that once you have paid your admission and entered the park, you should not be penalized by your choice of which hotel you are staying at.

[bubba's mom]

You could argue that Disney's current FP system also makes stand-by lines longer, but at least EVERYONE has the choice of whether to wait in the longer stand-by lines, or use FP to come back and ride later.

everyone also has the option of purchasing the EP at Universal too...if you opt not to purchase it, that's fine....but you ARE (at least) given the option ;) (whether it's a purchase OR staying onsite)

It's my opinion that once you have paid your admission and entered the park, you should not be penalized by your choice of which hotel you are staying at.


See, that is the difference....I don't see it as a "penalty", I see it as "paying for the privledge" ;)

[everylastbreath]

What I don't understand is how come nobody pans Universal for doing exactly this? Onsite get unlimited fast pass and the rest ... expect to pay! No free ride there!!! And we know THEY don't have enough rooms for everyone to stay onsite!!!



Exactly

[cindalu]

I disagree. There have been a few times that me and my family could not get fastpasses. I think this is a great idea. It could stop some people from getting more that one pass for the same ride.

JMO

[everylastbreath]

KimWDW, I agree wholeheartedly with you, and I am a deluxe visitor. There are already other perks available, and I wouldn't mind them adding additional perks, if they really feel they must, ;) but I can't see penalizing anyone, especially children whose parents can't or won't pay extra to stay onsite/deluxe/whatever - it seems heartless. I know it's a business, but I'm sure they can find other ways to make money.




:sunny:

In a perfect world this is correct, but the fact is that we live in a world where the more you pay the more you get, so you could say the same thing to the child that rides in the mini van, when his friend has a cadillac, if you can afford the extra you should not be penalized because you can (or choose) to spend extra. Everyone is not equal, if that were true there would be no concierge (spelling?) rooms, people choose to pay for that perk and they should receive it. If I (or anyone) chooses to pay for the deluxe hotel they should recieve more. My personal opinion is it should be for all on-site guests (regardless of deluxe or value hotel), that should be a perk for staying on site.

[Mouseaholic!!!]

One Question.....

If the fast-passes are handed out based on the $$$ of your resort....does this mean DVC will be at the BOTTOM of the list? They do like brag about how little they "pay to stay".

[DVCLiz]

One Question.....

If the fast-passes are handed out based on the $$$ of your resort....does this mean DVC will be at the BOTTOM of the list? They do like brag about how little they "pay to stay".

I sure hope not!!!!!! I hope they have good memories and factor in that big check I wrote them not too long ago, and the one I write for my annual dues every January. That should get me a few FPs, I hope!!!

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

Perhaps they could tweak the current FP system in some way. Maybe if you are staying in a deluxe resort (or even DVC), you can go to the concierge desk and have the privilege of ordering which rides you want a FP for the day/night before you go to the park and even choose your own return time. Would anyone be upset if Disney tried something like this?

[TINKERIFIC]

I do not think any WDW wide "privliges" whether it be fastpasses or anything else should be "handed out" based on resort. Now if each individual resort/hotel wants to limit any of their "privliges" to only their guests then so be it.

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

There is no "handing out" of anything. If you are staying a deluxe resort, you are paying more for it.

[Jason71]

The most common defense of the proposed plan seems to boil down to "WDW needs to fill hotel rooms, and a new perk will help them do that." But why use a perk that will ultimately discourage other visitors?

If off-site visitors (or even those at the values if this is limited to moderates and better) have to wait in longer lines and perceive they are being treated as second-class, they will quit visiting WDW. Word-of-mouth is a horrible thing. While there might be some gains in revenue from the hotels, it will only be off-set by an eventual decrease in revenue from the parks.

As an alternative, WDW could begin offering perks at their hotels that have absolutely no effect on guests visiting the parks. Customer service at least equivalent to other high-end hotels would a good start. Or a "Storm-a-Long Bay"-equivalent pool at each hotel. Even a better transportation system would do wonders--not necessarily the pipe dream of monorails everywhere, how about just luxury buses run often enough to guarantee everyone a seat? Any one of these things would increase the value of a stay at the WDW hotels without alienating those who don't stay there.

[Mouseaholic!!!]

The most common defense of the proposed plan seems to boil down to "WDW needs to fill hotel rooms, and a new perk will help them do that." But why use a perk that will ultimately discourage other visitors?

If off-site visitors (or even those at the values if this is limited to moderates and better) have to wait in longer lines and perceive they are being treated as second-class, they will quit visiting WDW. Word-of-mouth is a horrible thing. While there might be some gains in revenue from the hotels, it will only be off-set by an eventual decrease in revenue from the parks.

As an alternative, WDW could begin offering perks at their hotels that have absolutely no effect on guests visiting the parks. Customer service at least equivalent to other high-end hotels would a good start. Or a "Storm-a-Long Bay"-equivalent pool at each hotel. Even a better transportation system would do wonders--not necessarily the pipe dream of monorails everywhere, how about just luxury buses run often enough to guarantee everyone a seat? Any one of these things would increase the value of a stay at the WDW hotels without alienating those who don't stay there.


I agree completely.

Maybe they would not have to find incentives to fill resorts if they offered well-maintained parks, spotless resorts and the best customer service in the industry. Oh yea....like Disney did in the past!

Let's hope the are not distributed based on resort. How sad would it be for everyone who is trying to save $$ in this time of obscene Disney price increases by dropping from Deluxe Resorts to Moderates or Value Resorts.

[everylastbreath]

As an alternative, WDW could begin offering perks at their hotels that have absolutely no effect on guests visiting the parks. Customer service at least equivalent to other high-end hotels would a good start. Or a "Storm-a-Long Bay"-equivalent pool at each hotel. .

Why should Disney do that? If you want Deluxe accomodations, you should pay for them, it is not up to Disney to make up the differences in people's salaries. :confused3

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Why should Disney do that? If you want Deluxe accomodations, you should pay for them, it is not up to Disney to make up the differences in people's salaries. :confused3


Disney SHOULD do this because their Deluxe Resorts do NOT match standard Deluxe Resorts elsewhere.

Beach Club lost it's 4th star for a while this year....it was rated as a 3 star.....which is equal to a high-end Holiday Inn.

[everylastbreath]

Disney SHOULD do this because their Deluxe Resorts do NOT match standard Deluxe Resorts elsewhere.

Beach Club lost it's 4th star for a while this year....it was rated as a 3 star.....which is equal to a high-end Holiday Inn.

The post that I quoted was stating that Disney should upgrade the Mod/Value hotels to be more equivalent to Deluxe hotels, not upgrade Deluxe to be more standard to Deluxe Resorts elsewhere.

[DiszyDean]

What does the level of Disney resort you are staying at have anything to do with fast passes? Meaning, you are paying more for staying at a deluxe and are receiving what you paid for (in theory). Entrance into the park is the same amount of money for someone staying at a deluxe resort as a value resort so the privileges should be the same.

I would support a fast pass system that is free for Disney resort guests and available for purchase for non-resort guests. This way, both groups can get fast passes and it remains a "perk" vs. an exclusion. This is the way I believe it is at Universal.

[raidermatt]

The post that I quoted was stating that Disney should upgrade the Mod/Value hotels to be more equivalent to Deluxe hotels, not upgrade Deluxe to be more standard to Deluxe Resorts elsewhere.

I don't think that's what the quote meant. I think it actually was referring to Disney deluxes matching the service at other similarly priced hotels.


I HIGHLY doubt Disney would make FPs an on-site only perk. There's just too many off-site guests that would be up in arms over that.

I wouldn't be surprised by them offering more FPs to on-site guests, or even just deluxe guests. I agree with Jason that it's a bad idea because there are better ways to encourage people to stay on site. But since Disney doesn't appear to have any desire to do any of those things, I'm guessing they will eventually use FP to do it.

[jade1]

We visit a few times a year and usually at busy times. The best attraction FP's are usually gone by noon. However we usually only get 2 FP's a day on average, so why not make it easy and be able to schedule 2 FP's a day ahead of time? If we are in deluxe and get 4-well yea we schedule that many, if we are in mods we will schudule 3, Values 2 (or whatever). It still would be much easier than currently trying to guess what time to go into EPCOT to obtain 6PM Test Track so we can make dinner and Illuminations.

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

We visit a few times a year and usually at busy times. The best attraction FP's are usually gone by noon. However we usually only get 2 FP's a day on average, so why not make it easy and be able to schedule 2 FP's a day ahead of time? If we are in deluxe and get 4-well yea we schedule that many, if we are in mods we will schudule 3, Values 2 (or whatever). It still would be much easier than currently trying to guess what time to go into EPCOT to obtain 6PM Test Track so we can make dinner and Illuminations.

Exactly!

Also, one of the big drawbacks to FP is how time consuming the whole process takes. At Epcot, you've got to walk to the Land to get a Soarin FP that tells you to come back in 2 houes. Then you walk across Future World to TT or MS and wait in line because you can't get another FP yet. Eventually you have to walk back to the Land to go to Soarin. Letting guests get a FP or 3 the night before with a pre-determined return will eliminate a lot unnecessary walking back and forth and save a ton of time too. Put the FP machines in the lobby or at the concierge desk. It could be done.

[rebecca06261]

Onsite guests get plenty of perks. ME, Disney transportation, free parking if you have a car, package delivery to your room, EMH. The thing about all of those also is that it's the SAME regardless of which hotel you stay in. I don't think the family that had to scrimp and save to stay at value should have any less extras than the one who is staying deluxe. Yes, some people scrimped and saved to stay deluxe, but most of the time those people could have easily stayed value or moderate with no problem. The extra saving was just to go up to deluxe. Does that make them better because they make more money? No. I think changing the FP system over to resort guests only would be a shot in the foot. They would have MANY unhappy guests. FP allowed shorter wait times making kids happier, and adults happier. Can you imagine going back to the days where most people were waiting an hour in line for a ride? That would be chaos! What I see being possible is that people who stay onsite can get more than one FP at a time. Perhaps two? Instead of having to wait two hours until you can get another one. Gives that extra little perk to onsite guests while still allowing the majority of guests there (which are offsite) the chance to get one.

Quick Correction: They don't deliver packages to your room, they deliver them to the resort's main qift shop two days after the purchase, then you get to stand in line for an hour 1/2 to pick up the goodies! :upsidedow
But I love the idea of an extra fast-pass or two...or even three!!!:woohoo:

[jade1]

Exactly!

Also, one of the big drawbacks to FP is how time consuming the whole process takes. At Epcot, you've got to walk to the Land to get a Soarin FP that tells you to come back in 2 houes. Then you walk across Future World to TT or MS and wait in line because you can't get another FP yet. Eventually you have to walk back to the Land to go to Soarin. Letting guests get a FP or 3 the night before with a pre-determined return will eliminate a lot unnecessary walking back and forth and save a ton of time too. Put the FP machines in the lobby or at the concierge desk. It could be done.

That also takes a lot of guests out of the lines to obtain a FP. Still leave the current system, but with most on site guests not in these lines-the off site guests may have a lot less to deal with. Of course this is assuming not ALL available FP's for any specific attraction can be pre scheduled by onsite guests. Another thing is a lot of onsite guests will grab these passes and never show up for the ride time which make make the standby line shorter.

Currently there is often so much effert in obtaining a pass that come heck or high water, we are going to use it.

[paulh]

We visit a few times a year and usually at busy times. The best attraction FP's are usually gone by noon. However we usually only get 2 FP's a day on average, so why not make it easy and be able to schedule 2 FP's a day ahead of time? If we are in deluxe and get 4-well yea we schedule that many, if we are in mods we will schudule 3, Values 2 (or whatever). It still would be much easier than currently trying to guess what time to go into EPCOT to obtain 6PM Test Track so we can make dinner and Illuminations.

Once you have your FP in hand its valid from start time till closeing. Were told this when we were on space mountin when it broke asked CM could we get out of line as we had FPs for test track and were about to expire.They told us what i have stated.Since then never had a problem using them later.Also they said you might stop off to eat, buy something. they dont whant to stop you spending money to rush back to a ride:thumbsup2
Paulh

[bubba's mom]

Once you have your FP in hand its valid from start time till closeing. Were told this when we were on space mountin when it broke asked CM could we get out of line as we had FPs for test track and were about to expire.They told us what i have stated.Since then never had a problem using them later.Also they said you might stop off to eat, buy something. they dont whant to stop you spending money to rush back to a ride:thumbsup2
Paulh

They may have told you it was valid till closing because it broke down ... similiar situation with us...had FP for BTTMR and it went down...indefinately. :confused3 They told us we could use our FP at any FP except Philharmagic ...so, while I don't believe they are all available till the end of the day, it was probably for your inconvenience..... :thumbsup2

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Whether I agree or disagree really doesn't matter - what we all have to remember is that in the final analysis, Disney is a business and out to make money ...

Just done a bit of number crunching.

2 adults in January stopping at the Grand Floridian for two nights with park tickets - $1531

2 adults and 2 children stopping at the ASM resort for 14 nights with park tickets - $2898

Now the couple may eat at Victoria and Alberts both nights they are there, they may not, but I bet their food expenses don't run to the same as the family of fours. They may buy items from the stores in the parks, but I reckon the family of four will spend more there too. So, who does this business really value?

[Ted and Holly]

I have shown up past the "end time" of a Fast Pass several times with no issue. I have even brought it to the CM and they let me in the FP line. It may not be a rule, but it is definitely something that many CMs allow.

I would be against setting up FP levels according to what resort you stay at. I would also be against making FP a purely onsite deal. If any new idea makes it any harder to get a FP or participate in an attraction, I might reconsider my yearly AP renewal.

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

If any new idea makes it any harder to get a FP or participate in an attraction, I might reconsider my yearly AP renewal.

My argument over Universals paid Express Pass was how it would affect locals who attend the parks on a regular basis, but at least at Universal you can just pay the $15+ dollars for the perk (still wrong IMO). If to get a Fastpass at Disney you have to stay onsite, that's isolating all the local park users, which is a bit of a kick in the teeth and showing disrespect for any loyalty this group has shown over the leaner times at WDW.

[jade1]

Just done a bit of number crunching.

2 adults in January stopping at the Grand Floridian for two nights with park tickets - $1531

2 adults and 2 children stopping at the ASM resort for 14 nights with park tickets - $2898

Now the couple may eat at Victoria and Alberts both nights they are there, they may not, but I bet their food expenses don't run to the same as the family of fours. They may buy items from the stores in the parks, but I reckon the family of four will spend more there too. So, who does this business really value?

Thats true but I bet WDW would rather get $1531 every 2 nights than $2898 every 14. Also if the Value gets 2 FP per day and the Deluxe gets 4, that would be 16 FP and 112 FP.

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Thats true but I bet WDW would rather get $1531 every 2 nights than $2898 every 14. Also if the Value gets 2 FP per day and the Deluxe gets 4, that would be 16 FP and 112 FP.


We are not talking about about valuing a hotel room, we are talking about valuing a customer. The couple I mentioned are going to be treated better than the family even though the family could be spending twice as much money. The perk of deluxe over value is 200ft more square feet in your room, location and amenities, and that should be it.

[jade1]

We are not talking about about valuing a hotel room, we are talking about valuing a customer. The couple I mentioned are going to be treated better than the family even though the family could be spending twice as much money. The perk of deluxe over value is 200ft more square feet in your room, location and amenities, and that should be it.

I'm not so sure, you make an excellent point on the amount of money spent overall being more by one group in this scenario and receiving fewer FP's per day (other than 4 in a room would actually give you the same). I just feel that WDW from a business perspective would prefer to obtain more money per day in all cases. Your example is one group spending $765 per day and one at $207. Now if the GF group checks out and the room sits empty for the next 12 days-then yes it's not good business. That's not actually what happens though.

[doubletrouble_vb]

The deluxe guests should obtain more service over their stay...they are paying for it. Whether or not that should be Fastpasses...I'm not so sure. I was over at Universal at New Years and waited in a very long line for The Mummy. All that time I spent waiting was time I might have chosen to stop in and have a bite to eat, visit a shop or otherwise spend money. In other words Universal lost more than just the cost of the premium pass I elected to not purchase because they tied me up in a long wait on line.

I think this is what would happen at Disney if they went that route. Their daytrippers and value guests would wind up tied up in line, choosing to eat counter service and skip browsing the stores because time would become more precious. Of course I do that anyway since Disney doesn't have the more interesting merchandise they used to have.

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

The deluxe guests should obtain more service over their stay...they are paying for it. Whether or not that should be Fastpasses...I'm not so sure.


I liken the debate to that of flying. If you pay for First Class you get a bigger seat, leg room, better food, better drink selection, choice of films and even massages, and no-one will argue that you deserve that because you've paid for it. If you pay for Economy you get none of these things but your flight cost so much less, but the end result is that you all take off together at the same time and land together at the same time. The airline does not let off First Class passengers and then let Economy wait for an extra two hours because they paid less.

[phyllis1966]

I liken the debate to that of flying. If you pay for First Class you get a bigger seat, leg room, better food, better drink selection, choice of films and even massages, and no-one will argue that you deserve that because you've paid for it. If you pay for Economy you get none of these things but your flight cost so much less, but the end result is that you all take off together at the same time and land together at the same time. The airline does not let off First Class passengers and then let Economy wait for an extra two hours because they paid less.


Very well stated and a perfect comparison, I think...as I posted earlier in the thread, as a deluxe guest I would love some extra perks, and there are many people (concierge, etc.) who spend much more than we do who would therefore have even more perks. I just don't think the fastpass thing is fair to those families who can't or don't spend as much.




:sunny:

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Very well stated and a perfect comparison, I think...as I posted earlier in the thread, as a deluxe guest I would love some extra perks, and there are many people (concierge, etc.) who spend much more than we do who would therefore have even more perks. I just don't think the fastpass thing is fair to those families who can't or don't spend as much.




:sunny:


I can see that from the bottom of your post that you have stayed in the deluxe resorts a few times and I am glad that you feel this way too. The money side of things to me personally isn't an issue, but I know I would feel uncomfortable walking past a queue of people, who have been waiting for over an hour with kids, for every ride I went on just because I'm in the financial position to do so just isn't right.

[EUROPACL]

The deluxe guests should obtain more service over their stay...they are paying for it. Whether or not that should be Fastpasses...I'm not so sure. I was over at Universal at New Years and waited in a very long line for The Mummy. All that time I spent waiting was time I might have chosen to stop in and have a bite to eat, visit a shop or otherwise spend money. In other words Universal lost more than just the cost of the premium pass I elected to not purchase because they tied me up in a long wait on line.

I think this is what would happen at Disney if they went that route. Their daytrippers and value guests would wind up tied up in line, choosing to eat counter service and skip browsing the stores because time would become more precious. Of course I do that anyway since Disney doesn't have the more interesting merchandise they used to have.


The old Disney learned this long ago....the Eisner/Iger Disney found it eaiser to just cut back on park hours, cut back on the number of rides offerered, cut back on CMs working, cut back on food quality and quanity, cut back on what is offerened in the shops, cut back on upkeep, cut back on Capital spent in the parks...and just keep raising prices across the board to make up for any money lost by customers standing in a line. In short they just don't care if you stand in line anymore.

[TINKERIFIC]

Although I am financially able to stay in a deluxe resort, I choose to stay value or mod...we spend much more money elsewhere this way. I just have a hard time paying a lot more money for amenities I might not use. Anyways...

I do think that deluxe resort guests should get extra perks because they pay more...but I believe it should stay outside of the parks. IMO, once you enter those park gates everyone should be treated equally. At least as far as onsite guests are concerned (EMH). I think the extra perks should be resort specific. Hopefully that makes sense anyways.

[Lilolvr]

My wife just told me that Disney is looking at only giving Fast Passes to people that stay at one of their resorts starting sometime in 2008. Anyone else heard this ??? Personally it wouldn't bother me any, just a perk for staying at one of their resorts. Universal Studios/Island of Adventure does this, we paid extra for it last year, but it was worth it. I don't know that Disney would charge extra. Just wondering if anyone else had heard this ???I hope they do this!! That would be great!!! :yay: :yay:

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

I hope they do this!! That would be great!!! :yay: :yay:

Better still, charge around $700 per ticket per day and only let 5000 people daily into the Magic Kingdom, this would make the annual spend on MK park tickets roughly the same and make queues smaller for all us wealthy folk.

[doubletrouble_vb]

I liken the debate to that of flying. If you pay for First Class you get a bigger seat, leg room, better food, better drink selection, choice of films and even massages, and no-one will argue that you deserve that because you've paid for it. If you pay for Economy you get none of these things but your flight cost so much less, but the end result is that you all take off together at the same time and land together at the same time. The airline does not let off First Class passengers and then let Economy wait for an extra two hours because they paid less.

Actually the First Class passengers DO get off first! I don't really have a problem with Disney giving people perks because they stayed in a certain location. If you tie something to the high end rooms that people want to have you might be able to decrease the amount of time you have to discount those rooms to get people in them (compare discounted seasons on the deluxe hotels to those of the values...there's a significant difference). The equivalent of FOTL for a limited number of rooms might be the way to have that happen without affecting the existing Fastpass program very much.

[DemoBri1]

Instead of giving Fast Passes to those that only stay "on property", I'd rather see a "front of the line" type of deal where those on property guests get that little extra touch of magic.

Personally, with all the available rooms on property, I don't know how they'd implement such a thing, but maybe have two Fast Pass entrances? One for those staying off property and one for on property? This could cause the on property line to extend out further than the off property line, but then what you'd probably end up doing is taking a bit more people at a time from the on-property line than the off property line.

I don't know...just a thought.

[bubba's mom]

Personally, with all the available rooms on property, I don't know how they'd implement such a thing, but maybe have two Fast Pass entrances? One for those staying off property and one for on property? This could cause the on property line to extend out further than the off property line, but then what you'd probably end up doing is taking a bit more people at a time from the on-property line than the off property line.

I don't know...just a thought.

While a good thought, that is just like Universal does it... I think the problem is that Disney is SO big and they 'outdid' themselves SO well, that they can't offer the onsite FOTL that Universal does.... Talk about being too good.....

I am curious to see what Disney does and how they are going to 'compete' with the Universal onsite perk of unlimited express.... Be interesting :scratchin