Anyone there now that can comment on FP enforcement

[Jennasis]

I find it just crazy that someone with hundreds and hundreds of posts on the Dis would NOT have known about the ability to use FP late. Especially if they frequent this board. I found out about it after a couple of days. Almost any thread talking about maximizing your time in the parks mentioned it. And almost every week there has been a thread dedicated to whether or not they had started enforcing the window. So I guess if you diligently avoided all threads mentioning fastpass or touring plans, it's possible you wouldn't have known. But then I think it's safe to say that such a person wasn't as interested in using FP efficiently as they were in other aspects of their vacation. so why would that person care at all?

I didn't know that the shops stayed open after closing until I read about it on the Dis. Too bad, I guess I missed out on those trips. But then, I wasn't interested enough in maximizing shopping time to find out.

Coincidentally, I never stay past closing to shop...I feel too guilty for causing the CM's to have to stay later. and I'm usually too tired by then.

 

[Sammie]

I still don't understand how it was such a secret. All you had to do was ask any CM what would happen if you were late to your FP time, and they would have told you that FP are good until the end of the day.

I just don't understand how you could not be curious? If you had been to WDW multiple times, why wouldn't you have asked that question? It seems like a pretty logical question to ask.

most people would have simply returned when they were suppose to. If something major had come up, ride down, child sick, that prevented it, we might have asked then, if we could still use it.

But never would we have asked before hand.

 

[magicbob]

Why is a logical question to ask? The rules were clearly posted, it leaves no questions. Only if you had a situation where you really needed to be a little late would you even bring yourself to ask a CM about how lenient they are. Then, and only then, would you discover that they tell you that you can actually come as late as you want.

I've never had a reason to suspect that the FP return sign, and the ticket, and the web site, and the TV channel were actually wrong and that I should ask what the "real" rules were.

But then again, I've never had any reason to believe I should ask about other things that may not be enforced as they are published. Should I ask the front desk if check out is really at 6pm and not what's posted on the reservation and the back of the door? Should I ask what the real price is of stuff marked with a price tag? I suppose anything is possible, but what reason would most people have to ask about any of those things?

Intentionally or not, the way you frame the question exhibits bias. You imply (again, maybe unintentionally) that those who were "in the know" got that way by testing the limits of the rules (perhaps a reasonable assumption, considering what rule breakers we are!). The fact is that we either found out by accident or we read about it (either here or our touring plan subscription told us about it and even recommended it). We didn't set out to subvert the rules because we think we're better than everyone else and the rules don't apply to us. In fact, we didn't try to keep it a secret, so that only WE could benefit from this. We graciously shared this information freely in order to help others out.

Again, this is why it is just like the park opening scenario. If you don't know that you can get in earlier than the published opening time, you wouldn't think to ask, "if I show up before opening, will you let me in early?" But if you read about it here or happened to be early and discovered this, then you would not be in the wrong just because others did not know it was allowed.

Every time this comes up I'm reminded of a thread entitiled "Things Disney offers but doesn't advertise" or something like that. I guess everyone who takes advantage of these unadvertised perks must think the rules don't apply to them.

By the way, when is Check-IN time at the resorts? 3 pm? Funny. I've shown up at 11 am and gotten a room. I guess I was just testing the limits to see how much I could get away with rather than just following the published rules.

 

[CandleontheWater]

most people would have simply returned when they were suppose to. If something major had come up, ride down, child sick, that prevented it, we might have asked then, if we could still use it.

But never would we have asked before hand.

I guess I'm just a curious person, I mean, it wasn't printed on the fastpass exactly what happens if you miss your window, only that the window exists. It was only just in the past few days that they added the bit about no late arrivals admitted.

I just thought that if you had been to Disney many, many, times and handled many, many fastpasses, you might begin to wonder, even hypothetically, what would happen if you didn't make it across the park on time.

I could completely see the casual guest not understanding, but those are the people that don't understand even the most basic things about WDW, so I'm not surprised. I'm just surprised that many people who obviously are so invested in Disney that they spend their time here, could possibly not have known, or ever thought to ask.

All through this debate I've been trying to remember when I found out about FP usage, and I just can't, I think I've probably known for years, and I'm certainly not the most on top of insider knowledge. It just really surprises me that there are people around here that didn't know, since everyone seems so on top of all the ins and outs of Disney.

 

[homeschoolmomof4]

Before participating on DisBoards, I asked a CM what would happen if we were late with our fastpasses. We had 4 kids, one in diapers and one barely potty trained. As a planner, which with 4 kids you need to be in order to function, I wanted to know what would happen if we had potty issues and were late. It was the planner in me that needed to know. Was it worth it to haul 4 small children back over to another part of the park if we were a few minutes late because of a potty emergency? That's when I learned that I could use the fastpasses later. I wasn't asking to "cheat" the system. I just needed to know for sanity's sake. I would have hated to make it over to Space Mountain from Pirates only to find that we couldn't use our fastpasses. I don't think that was subverting the system in any way to ask a simple question. And I can't imagine that, being that a good chunk of the people who visit WDW have children, I would be the only one who was curious and would ask the question.

 

[kaytieeldr]

most people would have simply returned when they were suppose to. If something major had come up, ride down, child sick, that prevented it, we might have asked then, if we could still use it.

But never would we have asked before hand.

Before participating on DisBoards, I asked a CM what would happen if we were late with our fastpasses. We had 4 kids, one in diapers and one barely potty trained. As a planner, which with 4 kids you need to be in order to function, I wanted to know what would happen if we had potty issues and were late. It was the planner in me that needed to know. Was it worth it to haul 4 small children back over to another part of the park if we were a few minutes late because of a potty emergency? That's when I learned that I could use the fastpasses later. I wasn't asking to "cheat" the system. I just needed to know for sanity's sake. I would have hated to make it over to Space Mountain from Pirates only to find that we couldn't use our fastpasses. I don't think that was subverting the system in any way to ask a simple question. And I can't imagine that, being that a good chunk of the people who visit WDW have children, I would be the only one who was curious and would ask the question.

So, different people discovered this different ways? I think we can all agree? I most likely went up to an attraction, mentioned I had a FastPass from earlier in the day, and asked if I could still use it.

 

[Arnir]

When I was there 2 years ago and I didn't know about late arrival so didn't use the FP outside of its window. I found out about using late FP from these boards before I went last year. That changed how I viewed the FP. However, I did ask two CMs at the Safari at Animal Kingdom. I was not expecting the answer they gave me: Late arrival was NOT really allowed and it was up to the discretion of the CM if you would be admitted or not. They also were visibly uncomfortable with the question.

Imagine my surprise when I was told that. It sounds like I was the only one in the history of WDW to be told that from reading these boards. Needless to say I was a bit confused. I'm not arguing pro or con FP late arrival (my opinion is irrelevant) but I do get a chuckle when people say to ask. The answers aren't as uniform as people think they are. Only time will tell how the new system works.

 

[magicbob]

However, I did ask two CMs at the Safari at Animal Kingdom. I was not expecting the answer they gave me: Late arrival was NOT really allowed and it was up to the discretion of the CM if you would be admitted or not. They also were visibly uncomfortable with the question.

Poorly trained CMs with an ax to grind. They were uncomfortable because they knew they were lying to you.

 

[vacationclub]

Intentionally or not, the way you frame the question exhibits bias. You imply (again, maybe unintentionally) that those who were "in the know" got that way by testing the limits of the rules (perhaps a reasonable assumption, considering what rule breakers we are!). The fact is that we either found out by accident or we read about it (either here or our touring plan subscription told us about it and even recommended it).

I didn't imply that because I've specifically said in my last two posts that people most likely got this knowledge by stumbling upon it somehow, and not specifically from some intention to test the waters, although some could have found out with that method. What you quoted above was simply a response to a question about why people don't ask, and the absence of discussion about other methods of discovery in no way shows some bias I have towards something.

Please read my posts before you assume that I have a bias. I've repeatedly said, even in my last few posts here that I don't think that people doing something that Disney allowed them to do, were doing something wrong. And, I said I wish I had known myself. I don't know how to make that any more clear.

I
By the way, when is Check-IN time at the resorts? 3 pm? Funny. I've shown up at 11 am and gotten a room. I guess I was just testing the limits to see how much I could get away with rather than just following the published rules.

You're responding to an accusation I didn't make. And with a bad example. Testing the waters would not be showing up early to see if a room was available. Many people have no where to go or want to leave their luggage bell services so they check in early anyway, not specifically to test any waters, but just to check in a drop off luggage. But staying late, after when you are supposed to leave....would be testing waters.

 

[mesaboy2]

You're responding to an accusation I didn't make. And with a bad example. Testing the waters would not be showing up early to see if a room was available. Many people have no where to go or want to leave their luggage bell services so they check in early anyway, not specifically to test any waters, but just to check in a drop off luggage. But staying late, after when you are supposed to leave....would be testing waters.

Like shopping after park close?

 

[Anal Annie]

Just checking in to see if there's been any more reports from actual park guests who were there this weekend. This is frustrating me to not see any reports on the lines or how this affected touring.

 

[dmband]

Why is a logical question to ask? The rules were clearly posted, it leaves no questions. Only if you had a situation where you really needed to be a little late would you even bring yourself to ask a CM about how lenient they are. Then, and only then, would you discover that they tell you that you can actually come as late as you want.

I've never had a reason to suspect that the FP return sign, and the ticket, and the web site, and the TV channel were actually wrong and that I should ask what the "real" rules were.

But then again, I've never had any reason to believe I should ask about other things that may not be enforced as they are published. Should I ask the front desk if check out is really at 6pm and not what's posted on the reservation and the back of the door? Should I ask what the real price is of stuff marked with a price tag? I suppose anything is possible, but what reason would most people have to ask about any of those things?

well said

 

[Jennasis]

I learned about "late" FP usage some time late last year. I'm an avid DIS'er (clearly), have been to WDW many many times since 1977 (every year from '77-'94, and then 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and will be there this September) . I do research. It never occurred to me to ask about showing up after the window, probably because I never needed to come back later. I assumed the window was printed there because that's when they wanted me to come back. I planned my touring with that in mind and have never had a single issue AND now I have the added bonus of not being up in arms or disappointed over the change. It doesn't affect my touring at all.

It's really unfortunate that some people will have to retool their strategy. I know I WOULD be panicking if I were one of you...but as one who has been successfully using FP the way they want you to use it now I can tell you YOU WILL ALL BE FINE. I promise.

 

[ftballfan7]

Intentionally or not, the way you frame the question exhibits bias. You imply (again, maybe unintentionally) that those who were "in the know" got that way by testing the limits of the rules (perhaps a reasonable assumption, considering what rule breakers we are!). The fact is that we either found out by accident or we read about it (either here or our touring plan subscription told us about it and even recommended it). We didn't set out to subvert the rules because we think we're better than everyone else and the rules don't apply to us. In fact, we didn't try to keep it a secret, so that only WE could benefit from this. We graciously shared this information freely in order to help others out.

Again, this is why it is just like the park opening scenario. If you don't know that you can get in earlier than the published opening time, you wouldn't think to ask, "if I show up before opening, will you let me in early?" But if you read about it here or happened to be early and discovered this, then you would not be in the wrong just because others did not know it was allowed.

Every time this comes up I'm reminded of a thread entitiled "Things Disney offers but doesn't advertise" or something like that. I guess everyone who takes advantage of these unadvertised perks must think the rules don't apply to them.

By the way, when is Check-IN time at the resorts? 3 pm? Funny. I've shown up at 11 am and gotten a room. I guess I was just testing the limits to see how much I could get away with rather than just following the published rules.

Bingo!

 

[vacationclub]

I guess I'm just a curious person, I mean, it wasn't printed on the fastpass exactly what happens if you miss your window, only that the window exists. It was only just in the past few days that they added the bit about no late arrivals admitted.

It doesn't say on speed limit signs what happens if you exceed that speed, I but I think it's safe to assume there is something that happens. While, I assumed there is some margin for forgiveness, I've never thought to ask a trooper if you can just drive as fast as I want.

I just thought that if you had been to Disney many, many, times and handled many, many fastpasses, you might begin to wonder, even hypothetically, what would happen if you didn't make it across the park on time.

I've never wondered it because I've never created a situation where I need to wonder. It's a one hour window. They give you plenty of time to plan around it. You're assuming that people with a fast pass all have to walk across a park to use it.

I could completely see the casual guest not understanding, but those are the people that don't understand even the most basic things about WDW, so I'm not surprised. I'm just surprised that many people who obviously are so invested in Disney that they spend their time here, could possibly not have known, or ever thought to ask.

As I said before, unless you stumble across that info, or, have a situation where a potential scheduling conflict causes you to ask, you would have no reason to ask, and thus no way to know.

All through this debate I've been trying to remember when I found out about FP usage, and I just can't, I think I've probably known for years, and I'm certainly not the most on top of insider knowledge. It just really surprises me that there are people around here that didn't know, since everyone seems so on top of all the ins and outs of Disney.

Apparently not. Before you knew.....you didn't know. You're assuming that people who have gone to Disney for years also read various web boards. I know many people who go to Disney annually who've never heard of Disboards. Disboards, and the other sites, represents a mere tiny fraction of Disney guests, and repeat guests.

Perhaps you could list all of posted rules that I might not have thought of, and thus didn't ask a CM about. I just want to make sure I know about all of the posted rules, regulations and policies that are completely wrong. Are there any others?

 

[Pjimmeyer]

Just checking in to see if there's been any more reports from actual park guests who were there this weekend. This is frustrating me to not see any reports on the lines or how this affected touring.

This please

 

[magicbob]

I didn't imply that because I've specifically said in my last two posts that people most likely got this knowledge by stumbling upon it somehow, and not specifically from some intention to test the waters, although some could have found out with that method. What you quoted above was simply a response to a question about why people don't ask, and the absence of discussion about other methods of discovery in no way shows some bias I have towards something.

Please read my posts before you assume that I have a bias. I've repeatedly said, even in my last few posts here that I don't think that people doing something that Disney allowed them to do, were doing something wrong. And, I said I wish I had known myself. I don't know how to make that any more clear.

I didn't mean to accuse you of anything. I merely stated that what you WROTE conveyed a certain bias (and even added the caveat that it could be unintentional). That doesn't mean that YOU are biased. My comments were not aimed at you personally. I mistakenly focused on a few words/phrases in your post and made general comments about broader related discussions. I apologize if I offended. Not my intent.

 

[Love Tink]

I learned about "late" FP usage some time late last year. I'm an avid DIS'er (clearly), have been to WDW many many times since 1977 (every year from '77-'94, and then 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and will be there this September) . I do research. It never occurred to me to ask about showing up after the window, probably because I never needed to come back later. I assumed the window was printed there because that's when they wanted me to come back. I planned my touring with that in mind and have never had a single issue AND now I have the added bonus of not being up in arms or disappointed over the change. It doesn't affect my touring at all.

It's really unfortunate that some people will have to retool their strategy. I know I WOULD be panicking if I were one of you...but as one who has been successfully using FP the way they want you to use it now I can tell you YOU WILL ALL BE FINE. I promise.

Posts like this are the absolute worst. The people who say, "I don't do it the way you do it, and never have...but that doesn't mean I don't know more than you do about how it will affect your trip."

You have no idea if I "will be fine" and your condescending attitude is obnoxious. Having to choose between disappointing my children - by telling them we can't ride the things they want to ride - or putting my disabled husband in constant pain - by making him criss cross the park repeatedly to make our expiring FP windows - is an actual problem for us. I'm so happy to hear it isn't one for you.

 

[DMGeurts]

I am here now... and NO - they are not letting us in past the FP time at all.

I actually had a FP for ToT on the day we were at DHS, I had returned to the FP line as soon as my window opened, got to the end of the actual FP line - realizing that I wouldn't make it to my ADR on time if I chose to ride - nor would I make it back in time for my window, I asked the CM what to do - and she said I had to get another set of FP, because they wouldn't honor my FPs at all. I was quite annoyed and upset, because the FP landed at a time that it would be acceptable, normally, to get in the FP line and ride, but the FP lines have been so huge this week.

I will also say, because there is no leway in the return times, it is very difficult to plan your day. It would be better, if Disney was going to enforce this, to make the window a bit longer (like 2 hours) - then you could actually leave the area and come back - plus a 2 hour time window would at least allow someone with a valid reason for being late, an opportunity to make it back to the ride on time.

Then, because of the return times, these areas where people normally get a FP and leave - can't leave, they must stay in that area - so top attractions are way more congested than normal. IMO.

D~ <--- who has not read a single thing on this thread except the very last page, so please forgive me if I am repeating.

 

[vacationclub]

I didn't mean to accuse you of anything. I merely stated that what you WROTE conveyed a certain bias (and even added the caveat that it could be unintentional). That doesn't mean that YOU are biased. My comments were not aimed at you personally. I mistakenly focused on a few words/phrases in your post and made general comments about broader related discussions. I apologize if I offended. Not my intent.

No problem. Yes, any bias was unintentional.

I just wanted to make it clear that I'm not in the crowd that says others were bad for using FP late. As far as I'm concerned, good for them, but I have no sympathy for them either. They got a nice deal for a long time, but now the sale is over; back to full price.