Fass Pass Plus Observations from this weekend

[Magic Fanatic]

I agree after using the fast pass system that it is great for my family and the way we like to visit the parks. We know just wha to get fast passes for and what rides we don't need them for.

The thing I don't understand is all of the complaints about a free perk. Remember Disney doesn't have to give everyone fast passes. They choose to. Every other park I've ever been to has had the express passes. However these other parks either make you pay for the express pass or are only for resort guests. I for one am thankful that Disney thinks enough of its guests to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the use of these passes. No one says that they have to be used. So if you don't like it, don't use it. No skin of anyone's back. Just remember fast passes or no fast passes, you are in Disney world!!!!! Enjoy it, it's my happy place and I hope you like it too

Whoa, wait a minute. Fast Pass is not simply a free perk. Disney is actively marketing the benefits of Fast Pass Plus in all of their current Print, Television and Social Media advertising. This "new and improved" edition of the Fast Pass is being marketed at the very same time they raised ticket prices. I would almost agree with your position where several years ago Fast Pass was available, but not a point of advertising, but now it is the center of advertising (to sell tickets) and thus is in no way a "free perk". When you tell me that my trip includes Fast Pass Plus, then it is now understood to be included in the purchase of my ticket...nothing free there. Disney is pushing it so Disney now owns it when it does not work as advertised and we (the consumer) have every right to complain. The fact is, to make the most of the system you most jump through many "preplanning hoops". It is not quite as simple as advertised, especially of you are a single day visitor. Disney is not giving "everyone a fast pass", we are paying for every single one of them via the most expensive tickets of any amusement park in existence.

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

Actually ride capacity has dropped at Epcot. Sad but true.

This is interesting. Thanks for the report.

FP has never effected ride capacity.

 

[oddman]

No amusement park would ever do this! Oh wait!!! Universal already does this. Same with Sea world!

I see so you are from the school that says it is OK because others have done it too. ....

 

[Planogirl]

FP has never effected ride capacity.

I didn't say that FP had anything to do with it.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

How is FP+ going to affect SB rides of the B team rides is what I'm wondering?

Take Spaceship Earth for example, we love it but know to wait until late in the afternoon to ride it, after the crowds have moved into the park. Even busy days SE is a walk on after 7PM when most of FW closes.

Is FP+ going to redistribute the SB line to later in the afternoon? Would people that would never have waited the 60 minutes now ride because you have to take three FP+'s so you might as

I've been to the parks enough times that no ride is worth a 60 minute wait anymore and I wonder if now even rides that were walk on's certain times of day will now have longer lines.

My worry is that we will be in the parks with our three FP+'s and look around and find nothing that we are willing to wait 60 minutes to ride.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Actually ride capacity has dropped at Epcot. Sad but true.

This is interesting. Thanks for the report.

Could you please explain how ride capacity dropped?

 

[Planogirl]

Could you please explain how ride capacity dropped?

The attractions at the Wonders of Life disappeared for one thing. You could argue that some other attractions aren't worth seeing any more and therefore don't really help disperse the crowds but that is of course subjective.

 

[redrosesix]

Great report. I agree you have to be a veteran to use this system properly. With FP- people could find a ride and if they thought the wait was too long they could pull a FP right there. No need to find a kiosk, no need to know which ones to ask for.

This is what we experienced Pres Wknd too. The crowds were no higher than previous years but the wait times for even stupid things were ridiculous -- esp the queue to get into the FP return queue. Throughout our trip that queue was rarely long enough for all of the people in it at BTMRR and some others.

The amount of people in line fortune rides is a result of park attendance and not FP+. FP or per-FP, the ride capacity is still the same.

The actual ride capacity may be the same, but the line capacity is not -- many rides that didn't have FP before had their queues split. It slows down the process of loading the ride and since FP+ holders have priority no matter how many people are waiting in SB, the SB lines back up pretty fast.

How is FP+ going to affect SB rides of the B team rides is what I'm wondering?

Take Spaceship Earth for example, we love it but know to wait until late in the afternoon to ride it, after the crowds have moved into the park. Even busy days SE is a walk on after 7PM when most of FW closes.

Is FP+ going to redistribute the SB line to later in the afternoon? Would people that would never have waited the 60 minutes now ride because you have to take three FP+'s so you might as

I've been to the parks enough times that no ride is worth a 60 minute wait anymore and I wonder if now even rides that were walk on's certain times of day will now have longer lines.

My worry is that we will be in the parks with our three FP+'s and look around and find nothing that we are willing to wait 60 minutes to ride.

In my experience the SB line started backing up at park opening, since people had FP+ for even the 9-10 window on pretty much every ride I saw. But the FP+ lines got much longer after a while too, since the bands don't work as well as they're supposed to. While it's only a few seconds more for each person (sometimes a minute or more if it isn't working well at all) that adds up after a while.

With all of that said, I can't believe the number of people on these boards that still insist that everything about FP+ is great and is great for everybody. Yes, it's a great concept but they are having real issues now that it is in all of the parks and FP- is gone. It's not the low crowd season of January anymore. There were a couple of times during our trip that the entire system went down and nobody could book anything, even by phone. And let's not even get started on the wifi -- don't plan to make changes on your phone while in the parks unless you have a data plan. Lots of people will have to work with what they have booked or just skip their FP.

 

[mvk]

Whoa, wait a minute. Fast Pass is not simply a free perk. Disney is actively marketing the benefits of Fast Pass Plus in all of their current Print, Television and Social Media advertising. This "new and improved" edition of the Fast Pass is being marketed at the very same time they raised ticket prices. I would almost agree with your position where several years ago Fast Pass was available, but not a point of advertising, but now it is the center of advertising (to sell tickets) and thus is in no way a "free perk". When you tell me that my trip includes Fast Pass Plus, then it is now understood to be included in the purchase of my ticket...nothing free there. Disney is pushing it so Disney now owns it when it does not work as advertised and we (the consumer) have every right to complain. The fact is, to make the most of the system you most jump through many "preplanning hoops". It is not quite as simple as advertised, especially of you are a single day visitor. Disney is not giving "everyone a fast pass", we are paying for every single one of them via the most expensive tickets of any amusement park in existence.

Prices go up every year, FP+ or not. Universal is the same price to get on and you don't get front of line passes unless you pay more.

On a side note, easywdw just tweeted about a half hour ago that he just booked a fp for test track for 20 minutes out from his home cpmputer. Then cancelled it and booked for space mountain, big thunder mountain, & peter pan for tonight.

 

[redrosesix]

Yes. You can choose to set up FP+ on your smart phone or computer through my Disney experience well before you even arrive at WDW. Everything is supposed to be linked together on your magic band same as dinner reservations and park tickets.

My advice to anyone who can is to utilize this feature and avoid the kiosks at all costs... I know I intend to.

The poster was asking about using a band from a previous resort stay to set up advance FP's later. You can't actually do this unless you have another stay booked.

And to answer their question, having a band isn't what allows you to book in advance. International guests don't even get theirs until check-in. You need an MDE account, a resort reservation and tickets linked to your account. AP holders are just now getting the option to book some FP's in advance.

Nothing is actually on your MB -- it's just a way to access the information in your MDE account.

 

[mvk]

Whoa, wait a minute. Fast Pass is not simply a free perk. Disney is actively marketing the benefits of Fast Pass Plus in all of their current Print, Television and Social Media advertising. This "new and improved" edition of the Fast Pass is being marketed at the very same time they raised ticket prices. I would almost agree with your position where several years ago Fast Pass was available, but not a point of advertising, but now it is the center of advertising (to sell tickets) and thus is in no way a "free perk". When you tell me that my trip includes Fast Pass Plus, then it is now understood to be included in the purchase of my ticket...nothing free there. Disney is pushing it so Disney now owns it when it does not work as advertised and we (the consumer) have every right to complain. The fact is, to make the most of the system you most jump through many "preplanning hoops". It is not quite as simple as advertised, especially of you are a single day visitor. Disney is not giving "everyone a fast pass", we are paying for every single one of them via the most expensive tickets of any amusement park in existence.

Prices go up every year? FP+ or not. Universal is the same price to get on and you don't get front of line passes unless you pay more.

On a side note, easywdw just tweeted about a half hour ago that he just booked a fp for test track for 20 minutes out from his home cpmputer. Then cancelled it and booked for space mountain, big thunder mountain, & peter pan for tonight.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

The poster was asking about using a band from a previous resort stay to set up advance FP's later. You can't actually do this unless you have another stay booked.

Not entirely true. Those with MBs with APs attached can book up to 10 days of FP+ at any given time.

 

[artesian]

Prices go up every year? FP+ or not. Universal is the same price to get on and you don't get front of line passes unless you pay more.

On a side note, easywdw just tweeted about a half hour ago that he just booked a fp for test track for 20 minutes out from his home cpmputer. Then cancelled it and booked for space mountain, big thunder mountain, & peter pan for tonight.

And? It's dead time of the year. Like to see them do the same 1st week of July.

 

[mvk]

And? It's dead time of the year. Like to see them do the same 1st week of July.

He did something similar MLK weekend. That Saturday he did it was one of the 25 busiest days of the year.

 

[tjkraz]

And? It's dead time of the year. Like to see them do the same 1st week of July.

Specifics will vary throughout the year as crowd levels change. However, the limit of 3 FP+ per day and the tiering at DHS and Epcot will help maintain flexibility the vast majority of the time.

Magic Kingdom has the largest crowds but also the greatest variety of rides. Families with younger kids may want Peter Pan, Dumbo and Ariel. Teens want to ride the mountains. More traditional theme park guests want POTC, HM and something else.

We are visiting MK twice on an upcoming trip so we have the mountains booked one day and the second visit attractions like Buzz, Jungle Cruise and a character meet.

Epcot uses the tiering to force guests to choose between Soarin, Test Track and Illuminations viewing. Same with Hollywood Studios and Toy Story Mania, RnR and Fantasmic.

Lastly Animal Kingdom has massive capacity in Kilimanjaro Safari and Everest, plus its collection of other rides and shows.

If Disney had allowed all guests to pre-book 4, 5 or 6 attractions per day--even worse, with no tiering--then we would definitely be running into issues with slots filled days or weeks in advance. Instead the daily cap and the tiering is preventing that from happening, preserving spontaneity.

Lines at the in-park kiosks are another matter entirely. Disney will have to figure out how to deal with that. Opening up the MDE site / app to all guests would help, but they'll still have thousands of guests every day who do no planning whatsoever.

 

[artesian]

Specifics will vary throughout the year as crowd levels change. However, the limit of 3 FP+ per day and the tiering at DHS and Epcot will help maintain flexibility the vast majority of the time.

Magic Kingdom has the largest crowds but also the greatest variety of rides. Families with younger kids may want Peter Pan, Dumbo and Ariel. Teens want to ride the mountains. More traditional theme park guests want POTC, HM and something else.

We are visiting MK twice on an upcoming trip so we have the mountains booked one day and the second visit attractions like Buzz, Jungle Cruise and a character meet.

Epcot uses the tiering to force guests to choose between Soarin, Test Track and Illuminations viewing. Same with Hollywood Studios and Toy Story Mania, RnR and Fantasmic.

Lastly Animal Kingdom has massive capacity in Kilimanjaro Safari and Everest, plus its collection of other rides and shows.

If Disney had allowed all guests to pre-book 4, 5 or 6 attractions per day--even worse, with no tiering--then we would definitely be running into issues with slots filled days or weeks in advance. Instead the daily cap and the tiering is preventing that from happening, preserving spontaneity.

Lines at the in-park kiosks are another matter entirely. Disney will have to figure out how to deal with that. Opening up the MDE site / app to all guests would help, but they'll still have thousands of guests every day who do no planning whatsoever.

Point taken.
I keep forgetting with 3 as the limit there would be more possibly floating around. I'm holding out hope this is all figured out before my trip in August to allow me to park hop and more than 3FP if there is available left in the pool

 

[DISNEYNV]

We just got our date to choose our Fast Passes and let me say that my husband and I are not happy with the new system already!!! This changes the way we do disney parks, and it's not for the better. We park hop and going to different parks to ride the popular rides using paper fast passes was not ever a problem. At first I thought...ok...this wont be too bad, but having to schedule not only meals, but now fast passes for rides is not something that we find will make our experience any better while at Disney. HAving only THREE a day is just crazy. And they have to be in the same park? No. No. No. Why is Disney saying that I have to choose between certain rides (tears) and only get one of those rides per day? We were not gun ho fast pass getters, but did like the option to get to the park at opening and grab fast passes for Toy Story, Tower of Terror, etc, then get on the ride right away and use the fast pass to ride again later. CAnt do that anymore unless you schedule it early if that time is even available. What if you do not get to the park on time for your fast pass (you loose it basically). There is only a few minute window now!!! This does not bode well. Not at all! We will find out for sure in May, but im not impressed, and find my time and money will be a bit wasted not saved! This sounds like they tried to do a Disney for Dummies, but even the ones that need the extra hand will be losing in the long run.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

We just got our date to choose our Fast Passes and let me say that my husband and I are not happy with the new system already!!! This changes the way we do disney parks, and it's not for the better. We park hop and going to different parks to ride the popular rides using paper fast passes was not ever a problem. At first I thought...ok...this wont be too bad, but having to schedule not only meals, but now fast passes for rides is not something that we find will make our experience any better while at Disney. HAving only THREE a day is just crazy. And they have to be in the same park? No. No. No. Why is Disney saying that I have to choose between certain rides (tears) and only get one of those rides per day? We were not gun ho fast pass getters, but did like the option to get to the park at opening and grab fast passes for Toy Story, Tower of Terror, etc, then get on the ride right away and use the fast pass to ride again later. CAnt do that anymore unless you schedule it early if that time is even available. What if you do not get to the park on time for your fast pass (you loose it basically). There is only a few minute window now!!! This does not bode well. Not at all! We will find out for sure in May, but im not impressed, and find my time and money will be a bit wasted not saved! This sounds like they tried to do a Disney for Dummies, but even the ones that need the extra hand will be losing in the long run.

I hear everything you're saying...

But unfortunately...YES...the booking policy with the new my magic system is in fact meant to kill how you were accustomed to doing it.

It could be that they want to even it out...semi-noble I suppose...for equal access. But my hunch is that the continued jacking up of ticket media makes it absolutely necessary to quell complaints (I was there last week, got home, and sure enough...tickets were given another shot of price adrenaline on the 25th)

Or...to line up for pay per fastpass. Which is so likely Vegas won't take betting odds on it.

 

[2Tiggies]

Let's not forget that you don't HAVE to use the fast pass system. Some people simply choose to go through the parks at their own pace and don't worry about fast passes. So, first time visitors who won't catch on can still manage to have a great visit and just not worry about FP. If you're gonna stand in line an hour to schedule fast passes you could be standing in line at a popular ride. Just sayin'

Reports of the knock on effects of FP+ / the new system on the standy lines does not encouragingly support this statement, particularly in busier times. Unless of course you're going just to be there.

And? It's dead time of the year. Like to see them do the same 1st week of July.

And with us being there over that week, perhaps I am letting myself get overly concerned, but working on the reports now while the parks are not at Independence Day week capacity and considering that FP+ is not presently pre-bookable for all guests, I am going to have to watch Easter week as a guide of what to possibly expect.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I have had two experiences...


One during a dead week in November...one in an average trending towards busy week last week ending march 2...

I honestly haven't had any problems...but last week makes me wonder exactly what it is they were or were not thinking when they went ahead with this...

Both the "fastpass" lines and standbys were not very good in a busier park...which this time where magic and ironically animal kingdom...
The wait times where in the 30-60 minute range for not just the main rides...but alot of the older ancillary rides that really should not run wait times of that magnitude at that point on the calendar.

Listen...I don't go for the rides...so it doesn't much bother me...but the ride process appears trending towards completely inflexible...as dining had five years ago.

And they went ahead and started to mess with that again as well...when it had finally become tolerable again.