Another Line Cutting Experiment

[larworth]

In case some of you don't wander over to the Universal board there was confirmation that Universal is piloting a pay for fastpass type program.

For somewhere in the range of $20-25 you can get a booklet that has one express pass for every attraction (good for that day only). Since I know we have speculated/debated this possibility for Disney, just thought this step by one of their close neighbors will be interesting to follow.


Another FYI on this topic:

A SF annualpassholder filed suit against SFWOA for their introduction of a pay for ride coupon system. Claims it devalues her annual pass. Part of the issue is that the system was announced after passes were bought. Isn't publically asking for any compensation, only that they get rid of the program.

 

[YoHo]

That lawsuit explains why Disney isn't charging yet. It will be interesting to watch the Universal system. I still have a bad feeling about so blatantly charging. Hide it so that the average guest doesn't realize they're paying more and it might work (Its also sneaky and underhanded, but that's a different thread )

 

[fklhou]

I do not like the Unversal system either. We went seven or eight years ago and they were selling cut in line passes then. We were issued a cut in line pass because we complained about being stucked on the Kong ride when it broke down while we were on it.

 

[HBK]

That lawsuit explains why Disney isn't charging yet. It will be interesting to watch the Universal system. I still have a bad feeling about so blatantly charging. Hide it so that the average guest doesn't realize they're paying more and it might work (Its also sneaky and underhanded, but that's a different thread

Yoho, they still may end up finding themselves in court if they keep playing with hours....people pre-pay for passes, days don't expire, and unless the rides are closed due to refurbishment a lawyer could make the same type of arguement stating that the pre-purchased passes are devalued with whole areas being closed during operating hours.

And don't get me started about DCA if it closes as AV states it might. Season pass holders could make the same arguement there.....

 

[OnWithTheShow]

Passes have the following written on them:
Parks or Attractions may change operating hours; close temporarily due to refurbishing, capacity, inclement weather or special events; and may otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of Walt Disney World Resort.

 

[JeffH]

I think they might have a problem with the new Millionaire hotseat restriction (can only be in the hotseat once per month). It's one thing for a (free) radio station to have a restriction like this, but you PAY to get in. Just because I may be good at the fast finger question is no reason to not allow me to play. They have no right and this would be considered bias. What if you were only allowed to only experience any attraction only once per month? What will they do if/when someone refuses to leave? On what grounds will they support kicking someone out of the hot-seat.
BYW, I've never played the game, its just the principle.
as far as fastpass goes, if they start charging for them (selling them), then we are basically back to the good ol days of ticket books, where you bought admission and tickets to ride except the admission now includes the right to ride rides without tickets, but you have to use the standby line.
Oh, and the disclaimer on the ticket is pretty much worthless otherwise they could write on the ticket that not liable for any injuries in the parks and have avoided many expensive lawsuits.

 

[Peter Pirate]

I understand your point about Millionaire JeffH, but they have a huge problem with local contestants monopolizing the hotseat. It may not be fair, but I can tell you from experience it's prety frustrating to go tho the show two or three tims and see the same person in the hotseat. It doesn't make for a very magical feeling for the vacationer...

 

[AKemel]

larworth, thanks for a real rumor/news, and not predictions of gloom.

 

[HBK]

My Six Flags season pass has the same wording on it. It didn't stop the lawsuit from being filed.

I'd be watching this one VERY carefully....

 

[hopemax]

With stuff like this, I wonder what it will lead to. Perhaps anyone who plans to order an appetizer, entree, dessert and drinks will be seated first at a restaurant. Maybe anyone spending $150 on merchandise at a store will get the next available cashier. Maybe anyone who buys a Princess costume for their child, with all the accesories can jump to the front of the character autograph line. If "pay more gets more", why stop with just attraction lines?

 

[Another Voice]

Disneyland is already offering “preferred” seating to performances of both Fantasmic! and the Main Street Electrical Parade if you purchase a $43+ “desert” package (not even close to a full meal). Guests at the Grand Californian & Paradise Pier Hotels have private entrances to DCA, and for a while guests at the DL Hotels had a special line for the monorail.

 

[Bob O]

I think the SixFlags lawsuit is a loser. Any park has the right to set hours of operation and they are subject to change or closure for a private event. The issuing of a pay fast lane system doesnt diminish their season pass as they arent denied entry into the park and you alreadyv have to pay for other attractions such as a climbing wall/sky coaster etc. I dont like the pay system but cant see them winning a lawsuit. The lady who is suing has a lawyer for a husband and typical of lawyers they are trying to sue a big company in a attempt to make money when they are probably hoping for a out-of-ocurt settlement.

 

[Testtrack321]

I was in Cleveland when the news broke and they explaned everything. The reason why they are suing is because that Season Pass Holders can't buy Express Lane (or whatever they call it). Only day guests can.

As for Millionare, the rule is that you can't be in the hot seat for 30 days if you WON over 1,000. So, if your like me, you can go back and try. We had 4 guys who kept comming (Jeff from Tampa, I'm going to get you...) up and kept getting prises. Not just that cap, no. More like 32,000 +. One guy got in the hot seat twice in two shows! The first time he got to a million but missed on purpose because he "couldn't imagine not being able to go into the hotseat for a year." (Million Winners aren't allowed in for a year.) There is this one lady I heard about that got on 37 times!

 

[Bob O]

Anybody can buy a fastlane pass at six flags, they sued because they felt the system diminished their season pass because people could go ahead of them in line. Another useless lawsuit but since her husband is the one who filed the suit im not surprised.

 

[Testtrack321]

According to my friends (who have season passes) only day guests can. It might be different else where, but thats the rule at SFWOA.

 

[YoHo]

JeffH, as I said in the other thread. I think Disney is trying to make the expireance the best possible one for ALL guests. the current policy I think isn't right, but they will get it right in the near future I'm sure.

As for Six Flags. My understanding Was that Season Ticket holders were NOT allowed to purchase Fastlane passes.

 

[Bugeye]

Uh-oh. If Universal's paid express pass takes hold, we'll probably see it introduced at WDW as another 'standard industry practice'.

 

[deerh]

As for Six Flags. My understanding Was that Season Ticket holders were NOT allowed to purchase Fastlane passes

I was reading this post, and I think that women has a great Lawsuit, that would be
discrimination!!!! THE BIG D WORD, and that will win in ANY court of law nowdays!
Just my opininon!
deerh

 

[Laurajean1014]

This belongs on the debate boards.........

Anyway, I'm glad Universal started this stupid idea! Everyone loves to knock Disney and for a change everyone is seeing US show its true colors.

Money has always paid for "firsts." But I think this idea is another way to take the change from your pockets. I see no way on how this is amicable or can be successful.

How about US just builds a new park that allows you to bid (like in ebay) for the seat and the highest bidder gives up his cash to ride the rides..............

It's that stupid.

 

[Testtrack321]

Here is my new system...

1.) Shows will get Fastpasses, like Hunchback.

2.) Everyone will get one IMEDIATE Fastpass per day. So if you want to ride Test Track now, you can choose an imediate Fastpass.

3.) Their will be touch screen monitors to select you options (like regular and imediate) and to tell you more about the system.

4.) Nitetime shows will have Fastpass. The Fastpass machines will open 4 hours before showing and once you get one, you cannot get another Fastpass. The Fastpass people will get prefiered seating. Like Fantasmic!, Fastpass people will get the Mickey section, Illuminations, they will get the much wanted Future World location.

5.) Multipul times. You can choose if you want to go at 3:10-4:10 or 6:10-7:10.

6.) More durable Fastpass. Less flimsy when it is raining.

7.) Bar code that can be scaned so that you can't use another day's Fastpass today. Only the ones with the correct barcode will be let in.