Just got back!!!

[Kongfrontation_2001]

Just got back from 10 wonderful days in Orlando. The first four days we were at Universal, and we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. I was very impressed by it and would definatly stay there again. I think I caught Spidey fever after riding his ride, definatly the best ride I've been on. Hulk was great, Jurassic Park was cool, Dragons was cool, Kong was great (as usual), Jaws needs his skin changed (almost lime green color), and MiB was sweet (Got the Galixy Defender rating, why does he still flash you if you're a agent?). No line no wait is the best invention since sliced bread, it's the only way to go. The look of anger on peoples faces as you head up the express line is worth the extra money to stay at the Hard Rock. The rest of my vacation was crap compared to my days at Universal, I always knew Disney was inferior. hehe. I'll tell you one thing, Disney BADLY needs to get a no line program off the ground, fast pass just isn't working. Well, thats about it let me know if you got any ?'s. Later!!!

 

[Robinrs]

Kongfrontation, I couldn't agree with you MORE!!!

There is NOTHING like FOTL, FastPass is a joke after it!

Glad to have you back!

 

[Shannon D]

I just returned from HRH this weekend...we spent two days at the Universal parks and I really didn't see any difference between Fastpass and FOTL access.

When we flashed our HRH room key we were dumped into the Universal Express line...in the height of crowds midday, it was no different than using Fastpass.

don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just don't think FOTL is any different than having unlimited Universal Express passes (or unlimited Fastpass, however you want to look at it)

I think it's all good when you don't have to stand in a 60 minute line!

 

[Radar]

We just got back too, unlimited fast pass=no lines, it was the best vacation value ever, kids rode stuff like a million times, wouldn't go here if couldn't get FOTL, HR treated us like kings, would go there in a flash, let us check in at 9:30 am, got upgrade to concierge with card, I also gave her $10 when I knew we were on 7, she gave us an extra card for 6th person, room next door to lounge, if you guys are going to 7 then take a DVD with you for teens, Fantasia, doesn't hack it, but we had like Lethal Weapon, and they have a tv sound system that is sweeet, also a playstaion or videogame will work, the concierge dudes will hook it up.If you want an upgrade to concierge you have to buy pool view, because the Loews First card will only get you one class up....

 

[gschmerl]

Shannon D,
How can you even compare FOTL with Fastpass. YOu are only allowed one Fastpass at a time and if it's not until later in the afternoon--that's it for you. Also fastpasses and express passes run out by noon on crowded days. There is nothing like FOTL.

 

[Shannon D]

What do you mean how can I compare them? They are the same thing. It is not like you get personally escorted directly onto the ride while they hold back all others. I am saying FOTL access is exactly like having an unlimited/unexpiring Fastpass or Universal Express access.

You get to use the express line....period. If not many people are in front of you, great, you do get right on the ride. If there are lots of people using their Universal Express, then you get put into that line.
I mean, even Universal Orlando warns you that you might have to wait up to 15 minutes for a ride. Just because it is called "Front of the Line" doesn't mean it isn't like fastpass. They don't escort you right up to ride and hold everyone back while you board.

We waited 15 minutes for Dudley DoRight on Sunday at noon. We also waited about 8 minutes for Hanna Barbara ride on Saturday afternoon.
Now, Jaws had a posted 75 minute wait, and at the time we used our FOTL, there just so happened to be NO one else in the express line so we did get right on.

Like I said, I like it, it is a fabulous system and incredible perk; however, I do find it to be like an unlimited/unexpiring Fastpass/express pass system.

It's all good!

 

[gschmerl]

Problem is, there is no "unlimited/unexpiring" fastpass or express pass.

 

[Shannon D]

No, you're absolutely right, there is no unlimited or unexpiring Fastpass system.

However, the point I was making is that FOTL system does not equate to "a no line program" as was suggested by original poster. I was just pointing out that you do indeed have to wait in some lines at some times.

If you play the 'game' right, you can stay off-site, arrive early, walk on many of the rides, get the express pass for the rides you know will have long lines midday, and see and do as much as someone staying on-site.
However, it was very very nice to not have to think/work that hard!!

 

[h20jag]

Technically, FOTL with hotel key is the most unique perk available.
A 75 min. wait can be "bypassed" 3 times with that key-card (gold, as the incomparable Robinrs calls it!), while an Express / Fastpass only gets you on once.
And the beauty is, you don't ever have to look at any clocks or watches!
It really is an "unexpiring Fastpass".... till Royal Pacific is completed. Then we'll see what happens next.
Jim

 

[UrsulaFan]

I cannot imagine FOTL working at Disney for staying on property. How many hotel rooms do they have? There are almost 6000 at All Stars alone! Wishful thinking tho!

 

[Beckles]

Originally posted by Shannon D
No, you're absolutely right, there is no unlimited or unexpiring Fastpass system.

However, the point I was making is that FOTL system does not equate to "a no line program" as was suggested by original poster. I was just pointing out that you do indeed have to wait in some lines at some times.

I must sound like a broken record ...

I've stayed at the PBH and HRH five times since last summer. My first couple of times was under the FOTL system. That was truly Front of the Line, you went in the exit or handicapped entrance or such and got on the ride immediately. This system only lasted until noon however.

The current system is not FOTL as it originally existed, and FOTL is really not an accurate description as you point out. True FOTL is still available on the VIP tour, and that's it. Now hotel guests get unlimited access to Universal Express, which guarantees no more than a fifteen minute wait ... not quite the same as FOTL, but in my experience since it was implemented (three trips since then), it's almost as good, and now that it's available all day, that makes up for the slightly longer waits IMHO.

 

[ohisee]

IMO, i think dis will have to do something. most likley a FOTL for guests staying at the delux. resorts. dis makes their money on the hotel rooms and they want to keep them full. i would think that people splitting their time between unv. and dis gives eisner nightmares.

 

[Notatourist]

I have to agree with Beckles, the only true FOTL access is the VIP tour.

 

[gschmerl]

Disney doesn't seem to have any trouble keeping it's hotels full. I thinnk the opposite will happen.
Once Universal/IOA gets more hotels, their system will become more like Disney's fastpass.

 

[Radar]

All I can say is go while it's here, it's the way parks were meant to be enjoyed,the kids go forever, because they hate standing in hot lines, I know that line we passed at Jaws, in what is the hottest que in the world
made the price worthwhile alone. It had to an hour, I think the signs lie because they are working in the express people in when it says 45 minutes its really like over an hour.....

 

[Kongfrontation_2001]

I know what you mean about passing all those people on Jaws. They all looked like this I was doing all I could not to laugh.

 

[Radar]

Yes, I also think they lie on those posted times because they are constantly admitting the FOTL folks, figure its like 1 1/2 times posted times...