Booking unnecessary fastpasses

[DCWarrior]

I was thinking as our groups 30 day window approaches for booking fast passes about how I am going to do this for 9 people in competition with all the people that can book for our dates 60 days out and/or have smaller groups to deal with. It seems the advice given on these boards, understandably so, are to tell people to book all the fast passes you can for the best things you can/highest wait times, even if you don't think you are going to use them. Better to have them than not, is the motto. And I get that philosophy.

But, selfishly, I'm thinking of me and my group, which I guess is understandable. But, yeah, it seems like anyone and everyone can scoop up the limited amount of fast passes whether they plan on using them or not. I can go on MDE and pick a date 30 days from now and book some and I won't even be there then, but those fast passes are gone anyway. I don't know what the fix is to this. I just know I am going to be behind the curve being an offsite guest with a large party to plan for. I wonder how many fast passes go unused by people that want to book, book, book just to have them "in case" and then how many people are left out because of them being unavailable from this???

 

[ArwenMarie]

Yes, offsite is at a disadvantage with the booking window.

On the bright side, it seems like other than a few attractions, people are getting what they want at 30 days or less.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

I do think, though, that most people have every intention of using their FPs. Yes, sometimes something happens and you can't get to where you thought by a certain time or the standby is short enough you don't need a FP. But with only 3 allowed each day, I don't think there's a ton of FPs booked with no intention of using them. It's not like someone is scooping up 20 FPs with no intention of using them all, but want to be able to pick and choose.

 

[sb682]

I just hate that you have to get 3, no matter what. Two weeks ago at Epcot, our family only needed FPs for Soarin'. At HS, we only needed FPs for TSM and Star Tours. I asked a CM about canceling our unneeded FPs so someone else could have them, but they said it couldn't be done (don't know how true that is) and told me not to worry about it.

 

[Shrimp332]

I just hate that you have to get 3, no matter what. Two weeks ago at Epcot, our family only needed FPs for Soarin'. At HS, we only needed FPs for TSM and Star Tours. I asked a CM about canceling our unneeded FPs so someone else could have them, but they said it couldn't be done (don't know how true that is) and told me not to worry about it.

I know on their website you can go on can cancel fast passes you don't want/need..

 

[juliebug1997]

If they would stop tiering things at DHS or let you double book one there (hello, TSMM), then I would be a happy camper.

 

[Disney Frenhines]

I just hate that you have to get 3, no matter what. Two weeks ago at Epcot, our family only needed FPs for Soarin'. At HS, we only needed FPs for TSM and Star Tours. I asked a CM about canceling our unneeded FPs so someone else could have them, but they said it couldn't be done (don't know how true that is) and told me not to worry about it.

Not true, you can cancel them and if someone somewhere is trying to get a FP+ for the ride you cancelled then they could get it, the CM may have misunderstood what you meant. I agree with the having to book 3 FP+ rule, however, what I ended up doing and will do if it happens again on my next trip is book the one I want to do first then cancel the other two immediately.

 

[sb682]

Not true, you can cancel them and if someone somewhere is trying to get a FP+ for the ride you cancelled then they could get it, the CM may have misunderstood what you meant. I agree with the having to book 3 FP+ rule, however, what I ended up doing and will do if it happens again on my next trip is book the one I want to do first then cancel the other two immediately.

I was pretty sure it wasn't true, but I kept getting error messages on my phone when I tried to cancel them myself, so I left it. I very specifically told the CM that I wanted to cancel our remaining FPs (July 4th) so other people could have them and she said it couldn't be done. I was told by more than one CM that once you use your first FP, you can't cancel the others yourself. I was also told by a different FP+ CM that she couldn't cancel them at a kiosk; I had to go see someone with an iPad, which made no sense whatsoever. It was so silly to waste FP+ the week of July 4th, even if they were for things like Maelstrom, Nemo and Disney Junior Live, because someone would've surely used them when we rode SB or left the parks before using them ourselves.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I've been waiting for this subject to pop up....

Be careful what you complain about!

The short jump from here is a request to penalize all those FP abusers. I see where this subject is headed.

Ah, don't worry... it'll likely happen within a few years, when Disney starts charging for being a FP "no show". Maybe that's the real advantage of FP+ for WDW, Disney can track who shows up for FP's and who doesn't.

So what do you think the no-show fee should be?

 

[sethschroeder]

If they would stop tiering things at DHS or let you double book one there (hello, TSMM), then I would be a happy camper.

Hmmmmmm...... So basically what will make you happy is getting 2 FP+ when some people can't even get 1, got ya

 

[sethschroeder]

To the OP:
What should Disney do about off-site stays? At least with the 60+ being onsite only WITH valid ticket attached to your account its pretty much limited to those who are likely for sure going to be at the park.

If anything YOUR group is less likely to use passes than my group who has a down payment (full payment actually for renting DVC) and full payment of 10 day tickets.

On the other hand your group that is staying offsite with just tickets could not even have anything booked (hotel) right now to Disney's knowledge. I think the 60+ for onsite and 30 for off-site is a really good balance to give at least a little benefit to those who stay onsite (ala Universal).

I think its completely unfair for those just with a ticket to get to book prior to those who can show FOR SURE they are locked in with Disney. The only change I could see is 60=Onsite, 45=AP (max of 10 days), 30=Offsite. That would be to give at least the annual pass holders a chance to book out some of the hard to get rides if they are planning a weekend getaway.

 

[Traveliz]

To the OP. I just returned and was in charge of a party of 9. I was there the week of July 4th so a busy time. I booked FP 30!days out at midnight and got everything I wanted without the tricks of overlapping or copying. This includes A&E, mine train and the biggies at the other parks.

Liz

 

[DCWarrior]

To the OP. I just returned and was in charge of a party of 9. I was there the week of July 4th so a busy time. I booked FP 30!days out at midnight and got everything I wanted without the tricks of overlapping or copying. This includes A&E, mine train and the biggies at the other parks. Liz

Awesome!!!! That is very encouraging to hear and glad you had your successes!!!! Thanks for sharing! I'm just being over nervous, plus we are going in September with crowds much less.

Everyone else, thanks for your comments!! I have to agree with you that it makes sense for on site people to have first dibs. I can't argue with that at all. I will be diligent with the info I have learned on these boards!

 

[luvmy2boyzz]

I just booked my Disney stay on Thursday for July 26th. I got all my fastpass picks for all the biggies including Toy Story and all the big coasters at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. I had a variety of times to choose from for everything except Toy Story.

 

[Goofyuk]

I don't understand the issue, if someone has a FP they don't use it's not like the ride is then empty, it just means that those in standby move a bit quicker.