Big Changes for FASTPASS

[dbanzai]

The problem with your "opinion" is that it totally shuts out those guest who either cant afford to stay on site or just choose not to (I am in the latter group).
On site guests already receive perks for being onsite...access to the dining plan. extra magic hours, etc.
Everyone (depending on what ticket package you choose of course) is paying pretty much the same thing to enter the park and therefore everyone should have access to fast pass. Now im not opposed to the idea of onsite guests having more fast passes because they have paid more for the priviledge or whatever.
Lets get to the core of your issue...and that is that you have this idea in your head that YOU are paying to stay on site and all of those filthy offsite guests are using YOUR fast pass!
I know im fighting a losing battle here because most of you guys on disboards are onsite guests...but I dont know...this is probably the most selfish, non Disney idea Ive seen on here.

What about then having on-site guests have a smaller downtime to get new fastpasses?

I like the system the way it is...

 

[Twigs]

That sounds like the Guest Assistance Pass, or Handicapped Pass, as they used to be called. Used for medical reasons.

He claimed it was definitly not the Guest Assist. Pass, that it was something new.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Has anyone heard of something called an Executive Pass? This past weekend I was at FIL's B'day party and DH's cousin just returned from their first trip to WDW. They said that the lines and heat were bad and then a lady they met in a park told them about this pass. It is something new that they are trying out. He said he went to guest relations and told them someone in his party could not stand in the heat all day and they got the pass which let them go to the head of the line each time (he claims it wasn't the FP line). I'm not sure if he scammed to get something he shouldn't or if it really is something new, and was wondering if anyone here heard of it.

oh lord - I can just see the "scamming" that would go on to get this. I'm NOT saying that your DH's cousin "scammed" to get this...but I can just picture people saying "oh little johnny - 2 years old - can't wait in lines - I need this pass" etc...

WDW is really tweaking/testing a lot of things right now - eh? The way we eat, the way we buy tickets, the way we ride rides...sheesh!

 

[Twigs]

oh lord - I can just see the "scamming" that would go on to get this. I'm NOT saying that your DH's cousin "scammed" to get this...but I can just picture people saying "oh little johnny - 2 years old - can't wait in lines - I need this pass" etc...

That is exactly what I was thinking when he told us about this.


Edited to add: By the way Stinkerbell, I love your dog. The one in your sig. is my favorite, I'm glad you brought it back

 

[1000th happy haunt]

I've learned to take Jim Hill's comments with more than a grain of salt. In 2003 he stated definitively that the Haunted Mansion Holiday was coming to WDW. In 2004 he stated definitively that the Haunted Mansion Holiday was coming to WDW. I'm sure if I went through his old archives I could find other rumors that he helped spread that never came about. He seems to be unconfirmed rumor central, and takes great delight in stirring up people.

That said, just because Disney filed a patent doesn't mean they'll necessarily use it. Imagineers discuss hundreds of ideas that never come about. They're protecting their idea--just in case.

I know in general that Disney doesn't like guerilla guests (OK, it's 9:00 so we're here, at 9:30 we'll be there, and at 10:00 we'll be someplace else). We were told during the K2K tour that if a family looks like they have their day planned down to the minute, they won't approach that family and offer them the opportunity to open the park or be grand marshall for the parade. This proposed new FP system will do just that--guests will have to decide the night before exactly when and where they're going to be the following day.

I was at DLRP in April, and they do have a small hierarchy system in place. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel in the Castle Club (similar to concierge level). As part of our package we received a length of stay FastPass, to use as we wanted. It didn't bump us to the front of the line, but we could get into any FP line we wanted (very helpful for Peter Pan).

Just my two cents.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You know, it occurs to me that no matter what system Disney comes up with, SOMEONE will find a way to scam it. Just look at all the folks you see violating the handicapped access with wheelchairs when they have no need. I once saw folks pushing a wheelchair with all their "stuff" in it until they came to an attraction with a long line...Then someone woud hop in the chair and they would proceed to the handicapped entrance.

 

[minnie61650]

I'm not sure what I think, my feeling is leave it alone. We do very well with the system as it is.

Has anyone heard of something called an Executive Pass? ... He said he went to guest relations and told them someone in his party could not stand in the heat all day and they got the pass which let them go to the head of the line each time (he claims it wasn't the FP line). I'm not sure if he scammed to get something he shouldn't or if it really is something new, and was wondering if anyone here heard of it.

If he told them "someone in his party could not stand in the heat all day ",
then he did scam them. He got a pass for reasons of diabilities not an Exective Pass!
He never should have done that. It's like parking in a Hanicapped parking space when you are able bodied.
Linda
88 more days

 

[bicker]

I know in general that Disney doesn't like guerilla guests (OK, it's 9:00 so we're here, at 9:30 we'll be there, and at 10:00 we'll be someplace else).

This is a good point. It is in Disney's best interests to discourage folks from taking in major (read: expensive) attractions in a very expedient manner.

However, I can imagine several scenarios that would accomplish added-value without greater expediency.

 

[eeyore45]

oh lord - I can just see the "scamming" that would go on to get this. I'm NOT saying that your DH's cousin "scammed" to get this...but I can just picture people saying "oh little johnny - 2 years old - can't wait in lines - I need this pass" etc...

WDW is really tweaking/testing a lot of things right now - eh? The way we eat, the way we buy tickets, the way we ride rides...sheesh!

WOW - and in the disABILITIES board posters with serious handicaps were told they couldnt get a pass! They were to use FP that only Make a Wish Kids (Give Kids the World dot org) were getting the passes - truly sad! If you read the reports from the knowledgble posters in wheelchairs, disney lines are wheelchair accessable, and you dont get a card to move to the head of the line - and I know that Buzz is hard to navigate --

 

[swilshire]

The only change that I think would be beneficial would be to make Fast Pass a Resort Only perk. Many other theme parks charge a premium for similar things such as Fast Pass. I don't think it would be unfair to the offsite guests to allow only onsite guestst to use the Fast Passes.

Too many changes of this sort would be enough to discourage me from going back to WDW at all. Not everyone chooses to stay on-site for various reasons. There are NO affordable accomodations for a large family like mine. DVC is two to three times more costly than similar places a mile or two off-site. I've heard all the suggestions on how my large family could stay on-site, and none of them make sense to me comfort and cost-wise.

Those who love staying in the Disney Magic should certainly do so, but it is not customer friendly to remove the fast passes from the rest of us. Universal does that (unless you pay a fee) and that's one reason my family has not been to Universal in well over a decade.

I agree with the poster who mentioned the perks on-site guests get already. That seems like enough to keep their units pretty full in most seasons.

JMHO, of course.

Sheila

 

[bicker]

And free dining helps keep those resorts full, eh?

However, I think they're looking for a less expensive way of keeping the resorts full, especially in the context of perhaps finishing POP. Add a few thousand more hotel rooms -- how are you going to keep all of them filled year-round?

 

[meatballsmom]

Time to put on my flameproof suit.......

I like the idea of it given out by class of resort. I think that offsite shouldn't get the FP, values 3, moderates 5 and deluxes/DVCs 7. I think it would add an extra incentive for people wanting to stay at deluxe/DVC.

Just my opinion......

Don't flame me either, but I agree. I actually am staying at a moderate, but still think that there should be some sort of benefit to staying onsight and also staying at a deluxe, besides transportation.

 

[TeresaMc]

No sure if I agree with the level of hotel determining fastfass levels.......we are staying at a value resort with 2 connecting rooms for a family of four, so our per person lodging expense is significantly higher than a family of 5 staying in one moderate room. I know I have to be the devil's advocate......not sure what I think would work?????

 

[bicker]

Fastpasses distributed based on dollars spent on Disney resort rooms, I suppose.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Time to put on my flameproof suit.......

I like the idea of it given out by class of resort. I think that offsite shouldn't get the FP, values 3, moderates 5 and deluxes/DVCs 7. I think it would add an extra incentive for people wanting to stay at deluxe/DVC.

Just my opinion......

I honestly don't see what is wrong with fast pass as it is right now.

Imagine if WDW implemented what Universal does - all resort guests get "FOTL" access. Meaning - they enter the "fast pass" line whenever they want by showing their room key. That would CRIPPLE WDW - as they have SOOOO many resorts.

but, I tell ya, it's a NICE feature at US/IOA!

I don't think the FP should be distrubuted based on if you are staying in value/moderate/deluxe/dvc. if anything - i think it should be available to onsite guests exclusively. and if those staying off site want FP access - they should pay an extra fee. but that's JMO.

 

[bicker]

I honestly don't see what is wrong with fast pass as it is right now.

I doubt that's the issue. Rather, I suspect the issue is whether there aren't better approaches that yield better results for the owners of the parks.

 

[Danthesand]

As long as they treat DVC as deluxe, I'd be very happy with that arrangement.

(Seriously, I suspect that they'll continue to treat DVC as deluxe as long as they have DVC to sell.)

Add me to that list!!!! (proud Boardwalk owner since 2000).

 

[minnie61650]

You know, it occurs to me that no matter what system Disney comes up with, SOMEONE will find a way to scam it. Just look at all the folks you see violating the handicapped access with wheelchairs when they have no need. I once saw folks pushing a wheelchair with all their "stuff" in it until they came to an attraction with a long line...Then someone woud hop in the chair and they would proceed to the handicapped entrance.

You cannot go to front of line just by using a wheel chair or ECV.
The waiting areas may located in other area so the ride may be slowed or stopped for those needing extra time to get on or get off an attraction.
Most of ques are handicapped accessable now and most wheelchair and Evc users wait as long or longer as any other guest.


ACCESS

Methods of accessibility vary from attraction to attraction within our Parks. The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities and Park Guidemaps use symbols to indicate boarding procedures for each attraction. In addition, Guests should contact a host or hostess at each attraction before entering.

Certain attractions require Guests to transfer from their wheelchairs to ride a system either by themselves or with the assistance of a member of their party. Walt Disney World® Resort hosts and hostesses are not permitted to physically assist Guests in transferring from their wheelchairs.

Auxiliary Entrance Limitations

Some attractions have auxiliary entrances for Guests with disabilities. These are intended to offer Guests in wheelchairs or with service animals a more convenient entrance to the attraction. Auxiliary entrances are not intended to bypass waiting lines. Guests with disabilities and up to five members of their party may enter through these entrances. The rest of the party should use the main entrance.

Parade Route and Show Areas

Parade routes and some show areas have designated viewing areas for Guests with disabilities. These areas are provided for Guest comforts and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should plan to arrive early, as space is limited. Be advised that most areas along our parade routes are accessible to guests with disabilities. Due to Guest demand, viewing spaces cannot be reserved or guaranteed. Parties larger than six will be asked to separate and reunite afterwards. Guest Relations can provide information on show times and other special events on the day of each visit.



MAINSTREAM QUEUES

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The Walt Disney World® Resort strives to provide mainstream access whenever possible; that is, all Guests utilize the main entrance to the attraction. However, accessibility varies from attraction to attraction within our Parks. The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities and Park Guidemaps use symbols to indicate boarding procedures for each attraction. In addition, Guests should contact a host or hostess at each attraction before entering.

Attractions providing mainstream queue access include:

Magic Kingdom® Park


Ariel's Grotto
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Donald's Boat
Judge's Tent
Mickey's Country House
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Mike Fink Keelboats (seasonal)
Minnie's Country House
Pirates of the Caribbean
Space Mountain®
Splash Mountain®
Stitch's Great Escape!™
The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacres Farm
"The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management"
The Hall of Presidents
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Timekeeper (seasonal)
Tomorrowland® Indy Speedway
Toontown Hall of Fame
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress (seasonal) Epcot®

FUTURE WORLD
Imagination!: All Attractions
Innoventions East
Innoventions West
Mission: SPACE
Test Track
The Living Seas: All Attractions
The Land: All Attractions
Universe of Energy: "Ellen's Energy Adventure"
Wonders of Life: All Attractions (seasonal)

WORLD SHOWCASE
China: "Reflections of China"
France: "Impressions de France"
FriendShip Boats
Norway: Maelstrom
The American Adventure: "The American Adventure" Disney-MGM Studios


Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour
Fantasmic!
Lights, Motors, Action!™ Extreme Stunt Show
Muppet*Vision 3D
Playhouse Disney - Live On Stage!
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith
Sounds Dangerous - Starring Drew Carey
Star Tours
The Great Movie Ride
The Magic of Disney Animation
"The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™"
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park


Caravan Stage: "Flights of Wonder"
DINOSAUR
Grandmother Willow's Grove: "Pocahontas and Her forest friends"
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Lion King Theater: "Festival of the Lion King"
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Primeval Whirl
Theater in the Wild: "Tarzan Rocks!"
The Boneyard
TriceraTop Spin Magic Kingdom® Park

Guests may enter and enjoy these attractions in a wheelchair or ECV:


Ariel's Grotto
Castle Forecourt Stage: "Cinderellabration"
Country Bear Jamboree
Donald's Boat
Fairytale Garden
Frontierland® Shooting Arcade
Galaxy Palace Theater (seasonal)
Judge's Tent
Jungle Cruise
Liberty Square Riverboat
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Mickey's Country House
Minnie's Country House
Shrunken Ned's Jungle Boats
Toontown Hall of Fame
"The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management"
The Hall of Presidents
The Timekeeper (seasonal)
Tomorrowland Arcade
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress (seasonal) Guests in motorized vehicles, ECVs, must transfer into an available wheelchair at these attractions:


Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
"it's a small world"
Stitch's Great Escape!™
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tom Sawyer Island
Walt Disney World Railroad Attractions requiring Guests to transfer from their wheelchair to board the attraction include:


Astro Orbiter
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party
Main Street Vehicles
Mike Fink Keelboats (seasonal)
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Space Mountain®
Splash Mountain®
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm
The Haunted Mansion
Tomorrowland® Indy Speedway Epcot®

Guests may enter and enjoy these attractions in a wheelchair or ECV:


Mexico: Art of Mexico Gallery
Japan: Bijutsu-kan Gallery
Wonders of Life: Cranium Command (seasonal)
Wonders of Life: "Goofy about Health" (seasonal)
Wonders of Life: "The Making of Me" (seasonal)
China: "Dragon: Ruler of Wind and Waves" Gallery
China: "Reflections of China"
Imagination: "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience"
Imagination: Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment
France: "Impressions de France"
Innoventions East & West
Canada: O Canada!
Norway: Stave Church Gallery
The American Adventure: The America Gardens Theatre
The American Adventure: The American Adventure
The Land: The Circle of Life
The Living Seas: All Attractions
Morocco: "Treasure of Morocco" Guests in motorized vehicles, ECVs, must transfer into an available wheelchair at these attractions:


Universe of Energy: "Ellen's Energy Adventure"
Mexico: El Rio del Tiempo in Mexico
The Land: Living with the Land Attractions requiring Guests to transfer from their wheelchair to board the attraction include:


Wonders of Life: Body Wars (seasonal)
Norway: Maelstrom
Mission: SPACE
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
The Land: Soarin'™ Disney-MGM Studios

Guests may enter and enjoy these attractions in a wheelchair or ECV:


ABC Sound Studio
"Beauty and the Beast" at the Theater of the Stars
Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour
Fantasmic!
"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Muppet*Vision 3D
Lights, Motors, Action!™ Extreme Stunt Show
Playhouse Disney - Live On Stage!
The American Film Institute Showcase
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Guests in motorized vehicles, ECVs, must transfer into an available wheelchair at these attractions:


The Great Movie Ride
The Magic of Disney Animation Attractions requiring Guests to transfer from their wheelchair to board the attraction include:


Rock 'n' Roller Coaster® starring Aerosmith
Star Tours
"The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™" Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Guests may enter and enjoy these attractions in a wheelchair or ECV:


Caravan Stage: "Flights of Wonder"
Cretaceous Trail
Conservation Station
DINOSAUR
Discovery Island Trails
Fossil Fun Games
Grandmother Willow's Grove: "Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends"
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Lion King Theater: "Festival of the Lion King"
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Theater in the Wild: "Tarzan Rocks!"
The Boneyard
TriceraTop Spin
Wildlife Express Guests in motorized vehicles, ECVs, must transfer into an available wheelchair at this attraction:


Affection section in Rafiki's Planet Watch
Kilimanjaro Safaris
TriceraTop Spin Attractions requiring Guests to transfer from their wheelchair to board the attraction include:


DINOSAUR
Primeval Whirl
Kali River Rapids


Linda
88 more days

 

[dani0622]

I'll try to play devil's advocate here. I think if Fast Passes were originally for on-site guests than off-site guests would not think twice about it. But to take a benefit away from guests who are used to it....I think that's where people get up in arms. What about all those dear lucky Florida residents who live close enough to drive to the parks too? We're forgetting those guests as well. Disney will do what Disney wants because it's a business and if they think changing will help their business they'll do it, no matter what guests say

Also, to comment on another poster's comment that there should be another benefit besides transportation for on-site guests....(and I am sure others can chime in, in case I missed something)...EMH, dining plans, etc. There are obviously more perks to staying on-site than transportation (especially since everyone uses the transportation!

 

[Bete]

Your list is wonderful and I'm printing a copy, right now. We are three ECV riders for a trip in October and this is a perfect guide.

I like the way you layed it out, here. Thanks!