Fastpass for pay???

[Steffiesunshine]

I don't know if anyone has heard about this. It was noted in an article from Jim Hill Media.

Now I don't know if that website may be "anti-Disney", but he does give a link to the actual Disney patent application that states:


[0144] Different hierarchal models can be established for the ability and right to obtain and use the Fastpass according to different priorities. [0145] 1. Guest [0146] a. Spending per guest at hotels can determine different hierarchies of access to Fastpass. Thus, the more that is spent by a patron, the higher the priority can be for Fastpass. [0147] b. Hotel accommodation in related resorts and environments associated with the entertainment center are allocated different priorities. Where a patron is in a related hotel, a higher priority can be given. [0148] c. Different levels and hierarchies can be applicable at different hotels. Thus, more luxurious hotels can have higher priorities. [0149] 2. Seasonal differences can be factored into the grant of different privileges. Accordingly, special promotions for Fastpass can be provided according to the season.



Doesn't that go against everything Walt Disney wanted for his park? To not have it be "only for the rich"? I think treating non-resort guests, or even resort guests in less than deluxe resorts as "second class" seems wrong.

I know that with the EMH, there are certain advantages given to the resort guests already, but once in the park, everyone is on equal footing.

I don't like the sound of it. I hope Disney never resorts to actually putting this system in effect. It's one thing to see those who really know how to work those fast pass systems walk by you in line (I wish I could plan out the system so well!), but to know that someone who is walking by you is doing so just because they are paying for the GF and you are staying at a value or mod resort... :mad:

[Ilovestitch]

I don't see a problem with it because Disney already does this with Extra Magic Hour.

What about people now who can't afford to stay onsite and they have to leave the park, whereas those who can afford it can stay an extra 3 hrs or enter an hour early.

So I think the argument about how it's not what Walt wanted doesn't hold up to well b/c they already do it.

I think it would be nice if you stayed at a deluxe you could get unlimited Fastpass.

I know I've seen certain Disneyland packages like that-- you can have unlimited Fastpass.

[RNRcoasterGrl07]

but which patent application was it? because that sounds alot like DVC cards.

if you go to the Vacation Club session they give you a card that allows you to get immediate fastpasses with up to three per card.

[Steffiesunshine]

but which patent application was it? because that sounds alot like DVC cards.

if you go to the Vacation Club session they give you a card that allows you to get immediate fastpasses with up to three per card.

It looks like it was filed for last year regarding having an electronic fast pass system that would send fastpass time info to a cell phone or PDA, and other ideas regarding guests being able to obtain fastpasses in advance of park visits.
It's quite long, but the wording above about different heirarchies of guests based on how much they have spent at Disney was included. I didn't see anything that would allude to the DVC owners.

[disney[xo]sweetie]

wow thats clever of disney (little bit evil, but thats ok)
haha i can see where that can work to their advantage.

[disnut8]

That patent was applied for last year and has not been put into use as of yet. There was a lot of discussion at that time (and a TON of panic) about it. It's in the patent, Disney covers their a$$ for the future and it remains to be seen if anything will come of it.

[Robo]

It was noted in an article from Jim Hill Media.

That's enough reason for me to ignore it.

And I'm not kidding.

[Disney1976]

I don't see a problem with it because Disney already does this with Extra Magic Hour.

What about people now who can't afford to stay onsite and they have to leave the park, whereas those who can afford it can stay an extra 3 hrs or enter an hour early.

So I think the argument about how it's not what Walt wanted doesn't hold up to well b/c they already do it.

I think it would be nice if you stayed at a deluxe you could get unlimited Fastpass.

I know I've seen certain Disneyland packages like that-- you can have unlimited Fastpass.

EMH I think also is unfair to local AP's. True, I could theoretically go to Disney every day (if I didn't have a life outside Disney), but I am still denied early entry or the ability to stay later because I have no need to stay at a resort. To further reward guests staying on property, especially possibly rewarding them further for spending a lot of money on a hotel room is another slap in the face to all of the locals who spend money on AP's every year. Why should I be denied unlimited fastpasses? I may not stay at a hotel on site because I live close by, but I come more often during the year then most guests, and every time I come, I spend money on SOMETHING.

[guelde96]

I think giving a perk for people to stay on property is good business sense. I don't think Disney will start giving different perks for different resorts. That is very different than giving everyone who stays in a Disney owned and operated resort the same perk. That would not be very Disney like.:wizard:

[CanadianGuy]

This was covered in a patent application some time ago and was debated at the time extensively on the Rumors & News Board.

Since that's all this is at this point- this thread is also moving over to the Rumors & News Board.

Thanks!

KNox

[One Year Pin]

EMH I think also is unfair to local AP's. True, I could theoretically go to Disney every day (if I didn't have a life outside Disney), but I am still denied early entry or the ability to stay later because I have no need to stay at a resort. To further reward guests staying on property, especially possibly rewarding them further for spending a lot of money on a hotel room is another slap in the face to all of the locals who spend money on AP's every year. Why should I be denied unlimited fastpasses? I may not stay at a hotel on site because I live close by, but I come more often during the year then most guests, and every time I come, I spend money on SOMETHING.

I don't think EMH is unfair to anyone. The way I look at it, the guests who stay at one of the resorts and spend $100 a day or more for the room get a few extra hours in the park. Have you ever priced a room at the GF? I think 3 extra hours on a monday night isn't a lot. As for AP...no offense, but you are getting what you paid for. And if you add up all the hours you COULD spend in the park (if you had no life, as you said) and all the hours the average resort guest could spend in the park, who do you think would come out on top? Besides, AP get other perks that resort guests don't get. (special previews of attractions, advance notice of events, etc)

I don't mean to offend anyone, and I'm sorry if I come off a little harsh, but everybody doesn't deserve everything that everybody ELSE gets. If that were the case, I'd have a request in to the Playboy Mansion for a few bunnies to hang around with.

[drakethib]

I don't think EMH is unfair to anyone. The way I look at it, the guests who stay at one of the resorts and spend $100 a day or more for the room get a few extra hours in the park. Have you ever priced a room at the GF? I think 3 extra hours on a monday night isn't a lot. As for AP...no offense, but you are getting what you paid for. And if you add up all the hours you COULD spend in the park (if you had no life, as you said) and all the hours the average resort guest could spend in the park, who do you think would come out on top? Besides, AP get other perks that resort guests don't get. (special previews of attractions, advance notice of events, etc)

I don't mean to offend anyone, and I'm sorry if I come off a little harsh, but everybody doesn't deserve everything that everybody ELSE gets. If that were the case, I'd have a request in to the Playboy Mansion for a few bunnies to hang around with.

Agree.

P.S. Let me know if you are able to work out that Playboy thing.

[dallasdisneymommy]

I don't think EMH is unfair to anyone. The way I look at it, the guests who stay at one of the resorts and spend $100 a day or more for the room get a few extra hours in the park. Have you ever priced a room at the GF? I think 3 extra hours on a monday night isn't a lot. As for AP...no offense, but you are getting what you paid for. And if you add up all the hours you COULD spend in the park (if you had no life, as you said) and all the hours the average resort guest could spend in the park, who do you think would come out on top? Besides, AP get other perks that resort guests don't get. (special previews of attractions, advance notice of events, etc)

I don't mean to offend anyone, and I'm sorry if I come off a little harsh, but everybody doesn't deserve everything that everybody ELSE gets. If that were the case, I'd have a request in to the Playboy Mansion for a few bunnies to hang around with.

Couldn't agree more! Life is filled with perks and privileges for one group of people or another -- so there's no point in stewing over what other people get that you do not. It's a waste of energy.

[disrailfan]

Here is a link to the US Patent website and the actual patent if anyone wants to read it. Bottom line is that they (Disney) owns the rights to the technology. They have either chosen not to use it or are trying to figure out a way to make it work. :confused3

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=%22fast+pass%22&s2=disney&OS=

Read the entire document as there is a bunch of info here.

Actually this is thed one about what this thread is discussing the other link above is about another for-pay system that allows the user to have control of a hand held device that would allow the scheduling and tokens for access to advanced queue positions.

Here is the link:
Fast Pass Patents (http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&r=2&f=G&l=50&d=PTXT&p=1&S1=fastpass&OS=fastpass&RS=fastpass)

[mitros]

That's enough reason for me to ignore it.

And I'm not kidding.

Won't you elaborate for us..................

[disrailfan]

Won't you elaborate for us..................

I am pretty sure he means that Jim Hill Media has not had very reliable data/information lately about Disney. I don't personally read his stuff because it is typically wrong or a stretch of the truth. Just my opnion!

Robo, please chime in if I am wrong here. b

[caryndisneydiva]

this info also appears in the unofficial guide 2008...

[CanadianGuy]

Won't you elaborate for us..................

Jim Hill either completely stretches or flat out fabricates and in more than one instance in the last twelve months has been proven to be actually and factually flat out wrong.

He gets some stuff right.. but he sensationalizes too much because he likes seeing his name in print.

Either that or his "sources" inside Glendale and Burbank like feeding him wrong stuff to see him flounder later.

this info also appears in the unofficial guide 2008...

Who got it from... (drumroll) Jim Hill... a credited contributor to their book.

Knox

[DisneyBaby!]

I don't see the big deal about people either paying for fastpass or giving priority to those who spend the most. I work in the F & B side of a major casino operator in the midwest and we give priority to the highest level player in seating and level of service. But those people spend the most, so why not make them happy. I can't imagine how different the technology is from what we use. There is also some out there that as soon as a high level player puts a card in a slot machine, a beverage server/ slot attendant or casino host is dispatched to give personal attention. Just about every business has some sort of rewards program, why not house of mouse. As a DVC member that dines out daily at mostly full service and comes home with way more stuff for the 3 monkeys than they need or play with, why not. I see the time when people will be able to make "reservations" for the rides based on amount spent. It's the old 80/20 rule, 80% or your revenue comes from 20% of your customers. Make the 20% happy.

[Missish]

If this was indeed implemented, I would NOT be happy. I've been to WDW 10 times, but have never stayed onsite. Why not? My family and I love WDW, but not enough to be immersed in it 24/7 for the entirety of our holiday. We rent a villa, and that works out so much cheaper, since we usually stay in the Kissimmee area for 10-14 days.

We have considered staying at a Disney hotel, just to make the most of EMH, but never have because we're such big fans of staying in an offsite villa.

One of the things I've always loved about FastPasses is the fact that everyone can use them. I barely remember the days before FP, but my parents do, and they say that we often missed some of the 'best' rides by simply not being able to do them all before the big queues built up. I don't want to have to go back to that again!

I think my family and I have shown ourselves to be loyal to Disney (aside from going to the parks, we also go to DTD, mini golf, do backstage tours, have meals etc), so I don't see why we should be penalised for choosing not to give even more money to the Disney empire by staying in a hotel.

[DVCMem100]

Hey, last time we were there were TONS of people with those motorized chairs. They were allowed to jump in line! a FEW were actually handicapped but most did not look like they were. They were not forced to wait in line.

I had heard a rumor that Disney was going to get rid of this privilege to every person unable to walk around the park all day (just older or fatter!)

BTW - When I saw a child who was obviously truly handicapped I had NO issue with them jumping the line!

[minnie61650]

Hey, last time we were there were TONS of people with those motorized chairs. They were allowed to jump in line! a FEW were actually handicapped but most did not look like they were. They were not forced to wait in line.

I had heard a rumor that Disney was going to get rid of this privilege to every person unable to walk around the park all day (just older or fatter!)

BTW - When I saw a child who was obviously truly handicapped I had NO issue with them jumping the line!

Sorry, you are misinformed an EVC allows me and others to experience the magic of Disney that we may not otherwise be able to experience.
It provides equal access and opportunity it does NOT allow
the user to skip the lines.

With the exception of the Make a Wish children Disney does not give out front of the line passes


Disney started mainstreaming most of their lines in the late 1990's. Those in WC/EVC will usually enter in the regular line. They will be able to stay in EVC with their party until just before boarding most of the time.
Sometimes the WC/EVC may be pulled from the mainstream line part way down so they can board the ride in an
Accessible area. * Note they are not being taken to the front of line just an area that is accessible for them. EVC's can't climb steps so sometimes they need to take an elevator. Or they may need to board a ride where the riders usually exit in case
they need an accessible vehicle or need the moving sidewalk slowed or stopped so they can board.

Have you ever been on IASW, HM, Buzz Lighter, or SE when the ride slowed momentarily slowed down or stopped for minute or two?

Most likely that was because the ride had to slowed or stopped so a disabled person could board or disembark from the ride.

When that happens just relax, sit back and enjoy the scenery. After all you are at Disney!

This was posted by SueM in MN .(she is a moderator of the disABILITIES forum) in this thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15921408#post15921408

I agree with the other posters, but I wanted to respond to one comment.

Most of the people who write about wheelchair/ECV abuse are writing what they think about assumptions they have made, rather than about actual facts.
Many people assume that guests using wheelchairs or ECVs get to bypass lines on most attractions. Because of that, they assume that anyone they see who does not look like they need the wheelchair or ECV must be abusing it to get what they think is an advantage.

When MK and Epcot were built, no one thought that much about how people using wheelchairs or ECVs would access the attractions. As a result, some were not wheelchair/ECV accessible or were not accessible thru the regular line; those attractions had a 'wheelchair entrance'. People who didn't use wheelchairs or ECVs saw the 'wheelchair entrances' as a 'perk' or something Disney did to be 'nice' to people with disabilities.
Those of us who used wheelchairs or ECVs knew the truth; that was the only way that those particular attractions were accessible. As time went on and those attractions were renovated or replaced, some were able to be made accessible without a wheelchair entrance.

AK and the Studio were built with accessible lines/attractions (called Mainstream Access), so in most cases, people using wheelchairs or ECVs at those parks will wait in the same lines and for the same amount of time as other guests (LONGER in some cases).

The majority of attractions at WDW are Mainstream Access, so don't worry about people thinking your mother is 'abusing the system'. As the other posters wrote, if she can't walk the distances, she needs to use something.

From this thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15932834#post15932834
Don't count on shorter waits, though.

All of the Fastpass lines and many of the other lines are wheelchair/ECV accessible, so wheelchair/ECV users wait in line with everyone else in the same lines for those attractions (that is called Mainstream Access). All of the attractions at AK and MGM were built with Mainstream Access. Because MK and Epcot were built much longer ago, before wheelchair access was thought of, some of the attractions there have regular entrances that are not accessible and DO have wheelchair entrances. As they renovated attractions, they added Mainstream Access if possible and wheelchair entrances are now the exception, rather than the rule.

Many people have posted that their experience was that for around 50% of attractions, their wait was the same as it would have been had they not been using an ECV/wheelchair. For about 20-25% of attractions, it was faster, but usually not that much faster. And for about 25-30% of the attractions, the wait was longer; sometimes much longer since some attractions have limited numbers of wheelchair 'spots' and there are also fire regulations regarding how many people with special needs may be in the building at one time.
Traveling for many years with one person using a wheelchair and another using an ECV, I that has pretty much been our experience too...........

.

[disneymomof2boyz]

I don't know about having different fastpass privelages to Deluxe guests compared to Value guests. That would seem completely unlike Disney to do something like that. But I have been hearing about Disney wanting to give priority to their guests for the Fastpasses. Like an itenerary that is already made, and you choose what you want. I think that's cool. :)