Are they still "relaxed" on Fast Pass return times?

[Pedler]

This is clearly a loophole type of situation and people should use it at thier own risk. There is a chance that you could show up and be denied. It all depends upon how risk adverse you are. I know that I for one would not want to show up with kids in tow only to be turned away from a ride they really wanted to go on. (With them that would be any ride!).

 

[°O°Joe]

Well said. That's really the situation in a nutshell. If FastPass doesn't fit with a specific guest's needs, then they don't have to use it.

I agree with that... But there are some (not you specifically) that are saying that people shouldn't take advantage of it or abuse it or whatever. But to me (and this is my opinion) if a CM tells me personally that it is a rule (and not the exception) that they're not supposed to turn the late fastpassers down... then I don't see how it could be taking advantage or abusing...

I would be curious to know how people like me showing up after the "window" affects the fast pass lines if any. I know that on all the instances that I showed up late, there were not any longer lines in the FP queue than normal.

And to my knowledge they've been allowing this for some time now, and apparently it hasn't created any problems. They would stop it if it were I would think... Just my thoughts.

--Joe

 

[#1 TITANS FAN]

I used 'expired' FPs throughout my 3/23 - 4/1 spring break trip; being upfront about it every time , telling the cm this is an old FP. Each and every time (including twice on Soarin') was told the same thing, no problem they really don't ever expire. While, it may not be an official policy, there sure seem to be an awful lot of ride cms practicing it. Now if you want to get into a defacto policy vs. 'official' policy debate ...

 

[bicker]

But to me (and this is my opinion) if a CM tells me personally that it is a rule (and not the exception) that they're not supposed to turn the late fastpassers down... then I don't see how it could be taking advantage or abusing...

I think it is the difference between (1) if every so often a guest here and there is a little late, so Disney generously accommodates them late, and (2) many guests systematically taking advantage of that flexibility, planning on it, making it part of their standard behavior. Like many other aspects of flexibility, it could readily vanish if so many people systematically take advantage of it, so much so that it undermines the effectiveness of FastPass itself.

 

[taximomfor4]

I am one of those people that, if it were not for bad luck I would not have any luck at all. But I will repeat here what I have replied on most of these threads...

We were turned away 2 times for late FP returns (both one hour or less late). Get this...WE ONLY CAME TWICE late for FP return! How is THAT for luck.

Anyway, the Jungle Cruise, wel lucked out and were there when CMs were changing. The second CM had witnessed it, so we tried her a couple minutes later. She let us in.

By the way, after the hassles, we never attempted it again. Sounds like maybe they are getting MORE tolerant (our story was last year). But I won't plan on it. My dh was completely embarassed and thought I didn't know what I was talking about (actually, he thought the DISboard members didn't know what they were talking about, lol).

Beth

 

[eeyore45]

I'm with you taximom - I've posted my experiences, and many on the Dis do not believe that it happened - or how embarrassing it can be!!

I do know the exceptions tend to be on the FP of a ride that was "down" for instance Space Mountain, and Test Track - when I have a late pass - and I tell the CM's its late, the ride was "down" then its no problem...

 

[DebIreland]

But to me (and this is my opinion) if a CM tells me personally that it is a rule (and not the exception) that they're not supposed to turn the late fastpassers down... then I don't see how it could be taking advantage or abusing...

I agree and I don't see it as an abuse either - the CMs are allowed by their superiors to accept the late FPs so it's not like you're trying to cajole them into letting you in.

Also off-topic but I absolutely love that photo in your sig. My late Dad loved Song of the South and my now 12 yo loved it too as a small child (actually he still gets a kick out of it) - such a special movie, we had it on video once, I really must see if it's available on DVD. Anyway, GREAT photo!!

 

[Stacy_C]

If you'll notice on the back of the FP, it states that the FP will not be accepted prior to the time on the front. However, it says nothing about accepting the FP after the time on the front. I would think if they really wanted to prevent late FP usage, they'd address it on the back of the FP just like they addressed not coming early. That's enough of a rule for me.....written or unwritten.....in this case, it seems to be written. Therefore, I will continue to use the FP after the timeframe without any guilt. I will only use the FP on the issue date, though and if for some reason we are turned away, I will not make a fuss, I will continue on with my wonderful day at WDW.

 

[Brier Rose]

Don't want to get into a debate about the right/wrong of it, but just wanted to say that we've been told for YEARS that FP's cannot be used before they are supposed to, but they can be used anytime after.

This is the way we've always done it, and it never occured to me that we were doing anything wrong, as we were told be countless CM's that this was fine.

We also did not ask..BTW, they are the ones that told us!

We have also never tried to use one on a different day, just a later time.

now...WOO HOO!!!....I'm leaving in a few hours for trip number 43!!!!!

 

[°O°Joe]

I agree and I don't see it as an abuse either - the CMs are allowed by their superiors to accept the late FPs so it's not like you're trying to cajole them into letting you in.

Also off-topic but I absolutely love that photo in your sig. My late Dad loved Song of the South and my now 12 yo loved it too as a small child (actually he still gets a kick out of it) - such a special movie, we had it on video once, I really must see if it's available on DVD. Anyway, GREAT photo!!

If you'll notice on the back of the FP, it states that the FP will not be accepted prior to the time on the front. However, it says nothing about accepting the FP after the time on the front. I would think if they really wanted to prevent late FP usage, they'd address it on the back of the FP just like they addressed not coming early. That's enough of a rule for me.....written or unwritten.....in this case, it seems to be written. Therefore, I will continue to use the FP after the timeframe without any guilt. I will only use the FP on the issue date, though and if for some reason we are turned away, I will not make a fuss, I will continue on with my wonderful day at WDW.

Don't want to get into a debate about the right/wrong of it, but just wanted to say that we've been told for YEARS that FP's cannot be used before they are supposed to, but they can be used anytime after.

This is the way we've always done it, and it never occured to me that we were doing anything wrong, as we were told be countless CM's that this was fine.

We also did not ask..BTW, they are the ones that told us!

We have also never tried to use one on a different day, just a later time.

Thanks guys, good points and I'm glad to see I'm not alone on this one.

And thanks DebIreland for the compliments on my sig...

--Joe

 

[rejobako]

I've been on these boards long enough to know there are a lot of people with an almost militant allegiance to the old maxim: "A rule is a rule". Not only will they never knowingly break a rule (or maybe it's more accurate to say they'll never admit to it ), they go into fits of hysteria at the thought that someone else is getting away with something.

Of course, I am speaking from the perspective of someone who is significantly rule-challenged. Back in law school, I was trained to take the black letter of the law and create as many shades of gray as possible. Even now, when I am asked a simple yes or no question I break out in hives and say "it depends". So I confess that I can easily rationalize trying to use an expired fastpass if I believe I have a reasonable excuse for not showing up on time.

Even I would probably feel guilty about collecting a bunch of fastpasses and just using them whenever I felt like it for the rest of the day. But in certain circumstances, I could justify showing up late if say, we were stranded on another ride which broke down, or my two-year old had a particularly messy BM and needed a diaper change, etc., or maybe lunch took a bit longer than I expected. I suspect Disney is not particularly stringent about enforcing this policy because it understands that sometimes visiting a theme park involves unexpected delays and detours, even for planning freaks. I also suspect that Disney figures that most people are going to try their best to return during the designated Fastpass window, and that those who show up late are probably not doing so to "try to get away with something".

So they have a choice: they can just tell everyone who shows up with an expired pass to hoof it, or they can let them in the FP line on good faith, knowing that there's necessarily a small percentage of people who probably don't deserve the privilege. When you look at the situation from that perspective, I don't think there's really even a question. Disney's bottom line isn't being affected in any measurable way because some of us are standing in a longer FP line, and I don't know too many people who will decide to not go to Disney because they don't enforce the FP rule strictly . . . so I doubt they're going to antagonize a sustantial number of guests who believe they have legitimate reasons for not arriving during their original FP window.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have a Fastpass we didn't use, so I got it out and copied what it says.
It actually says:
On the front:
Enter Any Time Between ___ and _____

On the back:
Disney's FASTPASS
GET A TIME, WHY WAIT IN LINE?

Please enter the FASTPASS entrance at the attraction between the time noted on the other side.

Cannot accept early arrivals. Valid only on date printed.

Operating hours of the attraction are subject to change without notice.

Attraction may close temporarily without notice.

Not valid for admission to any theme park.

All posted height restrictions apply for each attraction.

Nontransferable NOT FOR SALE

So, it looks to me like they have made it clear that they want you to enter at the designated time, since they say Enter at any time Between _____ and ____ on the front and Please enter the FASTPASS entrance at the attraction between the times noted on the other side.

They don't forbid you to come later because probably there are many more people who try to come early than show up late. But, if it gets to a point where it bogs the system, I agree with the others who wrote it could easily change.
And, some of the situations I've seen people use expired Fastpasses have been when the Standby line was very short, so that might have something to do with it too - if the Standby line is 15 minutes or less (which does sometimes happen at the quieter times of the day), the CM is not going to turn someone away, because if they get in the Standby line, they would wait the same amount of time.
Another time I've seen them accept late Fastpasses were for shows like Indiana Jones where the amphitheater is huge and may not fill up.

Places I've seen them turned away include The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Soarin' and Mickey's Philharmagic (things with high demand and a limited number of seats).

 

[Spaceship Earthfan]

As said above, if it was fine to use them after they expire, why do the Fastpasses say "Valid for entry between..." then? If it really was policy that fastpasses are acceptable anytime after the start time, then I don't understand why a fastpass would give an expire time printed right on the front. Is this just so the guests who don't know about this little trick lose out when they think they missed their end time?

Before you get a Fastpass, you know what times the Fastpass is valid for (seeing as how it is posted right above the Fastpass machines). If you know you might not be able to return during the designated time, then why even get the Fastpass. The front needs to say (e.g.) "Valid anytime after 3:30pm" instead of "Valid between 3:30pm and 4:30pm" in order to be fair, I think. Otherwise it seems like an abuse of the system. Regardless of what anyone's been told...it's right there in black and white (sort of).

 

[tjmw2727]

With regard to my prior posts, I was just answering a question. Just because mine is a minority experience dosen't make it wrong or me a "militant". I really don't care when anyone else uses a FP espeically if your not turned away. If you are and you know the possibility exists I just hope youdon't give the CM a mouthfull because I have seen this as well . (FWIW you is collective I am not addressing anyone specific)

However, I can't in all good consience recommend using expired FP's as a strategy when I have been turned away and personally witnessed others being turned away.

There are many good reasons why people miss the window, I have and was allowed once and not allowed twice on my April trip. There are also many excuses as to why you shouldn't be expected to return during the window.

So what are you going to do if the CM's start to more routinetly enforce the ride time? My guess is that you will find a way to either make the window or skip that FP in favor of another. If a ride time conflicts with nap time or lunch time we will have to make a decision.

TJ

 

[Contrariwise]

LOL @ "it would say something about it on the back if they want to enforce it." It's right on the front! Sorry- just made me giggle. (And I think it only says not to come before your time because MANY people try to do this and complain- you see them standing at the entrance sighing and rolling their eyes for 5 min. after being turned down entry).

Anyway, if you do this you're accepting the risk. That's all there is to it. Fact is YES some CM's will turn you down- could happen at any time. I've personally seen it happen and lots of others here have too.

Has anyone else noticed that fastpass lines get longer toward the end of the day? They seem to run like clockwork before noon, but then get backed up later on. Maybe this leniency has something to do with that? I've also notice the fastpass lines are great (walk right on) on Soarin' and Everest at anytime- also where CM's are unlikely to accept late Fastpasses. Hmmm.

 

[DrTomorrow]

[...]So they have a choice: they can just tell everyone who shows up with an expired pass to hoof it, or they can let them in the FP line on good faith, knowing that there's necessarily a small percentage of people who probably don't deserve the privilege.

Only two options? That's pretty black and white for a law school grad.

When you look at the situation from that perspective, I don't think there's really even a question. Disney's bottom line isn't being affected in any measurable way because some of us are standing in a longer FP line, and I don't know too many people who will decide to not go to Disney because they don't enforce the FP rule strictly . . . so I doubt they're going to antagonize a sustantial number of guests who believe they have legitimate reasons for not arriving during their original FP window.

What you omit, however, is what Disney will do when the percentage of those who don't deserve the privilege grows to a level where it does affect the average guest experience; as evidenced by the number of "Didn't know you could do that - I'll try it next trip - thanx!" comments, that number will indeed grow.

IMHO - YMMV - Be well!

 

[bicker]

With regard to my prior posts, I was just answering a question. Just because mine is a minority experience dosen't make it wrong or me a "militant".

Indeed, to the contrary: Saying rules don't matter is just a rationalization for rule-breaking, making folks feel better about ignoring the aspects of our society that help manage conflict. It's actually a Straw Man: Consider why do folks seek to label honesty and integrity in a negative tone, rather than defending the practice they're avocating on its own merits?

So what are you going to do if the CM's start to more routinetly enforce the ride time?

And here's my biggest concern: The DIS is a significant source of information for many prospective guests. Many of them take what they read here and foster expectations within themselves for what they'll experience. Every time we foster an expectation that isn't met we're helping ruin someone else's vacation just a little bit. I see our role, as a community, to help people enjoy WDW more, not push them towards dissatisfaction.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

And here's my biggest concern: The DIS is a significant source of information for many prospective guests. Many of them take what they read here and foster expectations within themselves for what they'll experience. Every time we foster an expectation that isn't met we're helping ruin someone else's vacation just a little bit. I see our role, as a community, to help people enjoy WDW more, not push them towards dissatisfaction.

Very true! How many times have we read "I didn't get an upgrade, they didn't put anything special in our room for our anniversary, they didn't bring little Johnny a bouquet of balloons for his birthday, we never got to ride in the front of the monorail, we didn't get to wake up Tink, they didn't let me use the expired FP's, and so on and so on and so on"

 

[DaisyD]

We never make our fastpass window! We are always late. We have never had a problem with using FPs past their time limit. Every CM we've ever encountered has told us that they are good anytime after the start. After numerous trips it is still working for us. We don't bother to get there at the window. I get the FPs and then we go to another section of the park and do stuff there. By the time we finish we mosey on back to the ride and get on. I am in no hurry so we take our time. It is bad enough to fight the crowds with my mom in an ECV that there is no way we are rushing back for some obsolete rule.

 

[disneygal55]

We always try to make the fastpass window but have missed it several times due to longer lines at a ride, misjudging time for a show, a longer than expected wait for a meal, etc. We have never been turned away but have not used a late pass on Everest or Soarin so not sure about those. I'm just happy that WDW still offers them to their visitors! Universal offers
"fastpasses" but now charges a hefty amount for them after years of giving them for free. Thank you Disney!