And the torch is passed...I'm the Fastpass runner!

[Virtucomp]

I have this problem solved. I am the FP runner. I go to the attraction and get the FP like Space Mountain while the family walks from Country Bears to Splash Mountain.

When I get to Splash Mountain I wait for them to catch up before entering the queue line. My family gets distracted by shinny things easily so it is usually not a problem to get there first.

Truthfully, the reason I am the runner is not to save time as much as energy. It's easier for me to go get FP alone than the four or five of us to go. The amount of time they would save by starting in the queue and me line jumping is not worthy of the aggrivation.

We usually plan for FP runs at the same time as bathroom breaks so it works out. (why do women take soooo long?)

 

[raidermatt]

From your experience, do you feel as though you are breaking in line when you return to meet your family? I just don't look forward to working my way through the crowded lines. I have visions of expressing profuse apologies, scaling railings, and stepping on toes! Any bad experiences with this? Or, am I worrying for nothing? How do YOU handle this situation?

I'm usually the runner for our group. I consider what you describe line jumping so I will meet them at the line entrance and then we all enter at once. I do most of the running at meals. I tend to eat faster than most of the group so I can eat, get the FP's and either get back before they are done or meet them somewhere.

Now, while I do consider it line jumping to go through the line because I was getting FP's, I don't assume anything about anyone else going through a line to join a group. Meaning I don't give anyone else any grief, I assume they had to go to the bathroom or something, which I see as a legitimate reason to get out of line and then re-enter.

 

[ExBellhop]

I am our designated FP runner. Usually, I end up sprinting ahead and then hurry off to the "meeting place". By that time my DW, who was one bus behind me coming from All-Star Music (she had to fill up the Mugs we got 3 years ago from Port Orleans), has gotten in line so I can meet up with her. The kids and Grandma join us a bit later (they had to get an early morning swim in at Stormalong Bay), but typically only have to squeeze by a few dozen other guests. I usually don't light up my cigarette until every one is there in line - vacation doesn't start until we're all together!



ExBellhop

 

[bwilcox]

There's been many a thread like this before. The consensus is that your family should wait for you before entering the line. Otherwise it is line jumping.

 

[Wadecool]

I am our designated FP runner. Usually, I end up sprinting ahead and then hurry off to the "meeting place". By that time my DW, who was one bus behind me coming from All-Star Music (she had to fill up the Mugs we got 3 years ago from Port Orleans), has gotten in line so I can meet up with her. The kids and Grandma join us a bit later (they had to get an early morning swim in at Stormalong Bay), but typically only have to squeeze by a few dozen other guests. I usually don't light up my cigarette until every one is there in line - vacation doesn't start until we're all together!



ExBellhop

How dare you, i mean really, to come here and flaunt your rulebreaking... Those had better be filters in your cigarettes mister!

 

[rabyoga]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Fastpass Running. I try not to line jump-to catch up with my family... BUT I did have an interesting incident at DCA's Screaming. I went to get Fastpasses-not realizing that my family got in line for the attraction-without me. I get the FPs and look around for my family. My hubby is in line yelling for me. Everyone in line started saying my name as well. The whole line allowed me to catch up with my family.. Here's the funny part- I had to climb over the rails to catch up. Not so bad, but I had a skirt on... I gave all the nice people a little show. Thankfullly, I had Mickey panties on.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

There's been many a thread like this before. The consensus is that your family should wait for you before entering the line. Otherwise it is line jumping.

This. It's really not fair to the people who didn't get FPs and choose to get in line instead. And it's annoying to watch people push their way ahead because they want to catch up to their families. I'm almost always alone too, so the "it's just one person" excuse doesn't really make me feel any better when people are going ahead of me. I am okay with a parent taking a small child out of line for a bathroom break, especially since they were already ahead of me, I see that quite differently then someone who wasn't already in line who chose to get something like FPs.

 

[mom2rtk]

This. It's really not fair to the people who didn't get FPs and choose to get in line instead. And it's annoying to watch people push their way ahead because they want to catch up to their families. I'm almost always alone too, so the "it's just one person" excuse doesn't really make me feel any better when people are going ahead of me. I am okay with a parent taking a small child out of line for a bathroom break, especially since they were already ahead of me, I see that quite differently then someone who wasn't already in line who chose to get something like FPs.

CUE the "WHAT IF" portion of the line jumping thread...............

 

[Lullabee]

Do you guys really run or just walk quickly? I'm envisioning collisions in a crowded park!

 

[Wadecool]

Do you guys really run or just walk quickly? I'm envisioning collisions in a crowded park!

Imagine the absolute fastest a human being can walk without running, and then add a little more speed, and you're there. I haven't collided with anyone, but have had a few close calls. The only rules at rope drop are 1) no running, although sometimes people still do run, and 2) stay behind the CM's leading the charge. Beyond that, it's pretty much every man, woman, and child for themselves.

 

[Max Rebo]

Another point that's been mentioned, but should be emphasized.

The scenario mentioned in the OP really doesn't have to happen that often. Many times, FP runners can do their job during down times — while the rest of the party is ordering food, finishing a meal, using the restroom, having a snack, resting on a bench, etc. In my experience, there weren't too many times when the main party was headed directly to an attraction while the FP runner was running — usually this only happened right after rope drop.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Imagine the absolute fastest a human being can walk without running, and then add a little more speed, and you're there. I haven't collided with anyone, but have had a few close calls. The only rules at rope drop are 1) no running, although sometimes people still do run, and 2) stay behind the CM's leading the charge. Beyond that, it's pretty much every man, woman, and child for themselves.

So true. Even though I'm almost always at the front of the crowd, I always get behind somehow, even though I'm walking as fast as the CMs. People just push between me and the CMs, and I'm not one to push back. This is especially true for TSM, but it happens at every park, just not as crazy.

 

[jpeka65844]

I love being the FP runner! I swerve, duck, and weave through the parks at my own speed without worrying about someone keeping up or pushing a stroller!

It's the thrill of the hunt.

That being said, I'd never assume to cut line to get back to my family. When en route to an attraction, I'll typically go for FP's and can still be at the attraction to meet my party when they finally show up.

 

[Mama Who]

I am our designated FP runner. Usually, I end up sprinting ahead and then hurry off to the "meeting place". By that time my DW, who was one bus behind me coming from All-Star Music (she had to fill up the Mugs we got 3 years ago from Port Orleans), has gotten in line so I can meet up with her. The kids and Grandma join us a bit later (they had to get an early morning swim in at Stormalong Bay), but typically only have to squeeze by a few dozen other guests. I usually don't light up my cigarette until every one is there in line - vacation doesn't start until we're all together!



ExBellhop

I believe it was the philosopher Shrek who said, "You're going the right way for a smacked bottom!"