Charging for FASTPASS in 2006?!?!?!?!?

[michellelovesthemous]

I was reading in a guidebook that Disney "may" start charging for the use of the FASTPASS system or tierring it to the guests who spend more or stay at the deluxe resorts as compared to the value resorts. Does anybody have ANY info on this as to if it's the truth or just a speculation???? I'm hoping for just speculation but this really scared me when I read it. Thanks for any response!

 

[FSUGrad97]

This has been mentioned on the boards before - I think it was in Birnbaum's guidebook.

I would not have a problem with it, whether as a perk to those staying in deluxes, possibly open to all visitiors with an additional fee, or annual passholders.

 

[pixieprincessmom]

I'm not sure where I saw this, but from what I read they are thinking about "tiers". The way it is now could be used by anyone. Disney guests would get extras, depending on the hotel they are staying in. For example, you could get fastpasses quicker or even have more than one at a time.

 

[Allison]

Do a search and you will find several posts about this.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

I think it stinks. You can really save a lot of money by staying off site. Many people choose to pay more and stay on Disney property because of the perks you get. I think it would be foolish of Disney to start stipping guests of these perks. I''l be sad to see this happen.

 

[ducklite]

I think it stinks. You can really save a lot of money by staying off site. Many people choose to pay more and stay on Disney property because of the perks you get. I think it would be foolish of Disney to start stipping guests of these perks. I''l be sad to see this happen.

The way I see it, they aren't stripping anyone of any perks. They are simply ADDING perks for onsite guests by offering additional Fast Past usage.

WDW is a business, not a charity, they are responsible for driving profits for their shareholders benefit. Enticing guests to stay onsite with offering perks which cost nothing to implement is simply one more way to generate additional revenue.

Anne

 

[FSUGrad97]

WDW is a business, not a charity, they are responsible for driving profits for their shareholders benefit. Enticing guests to stay onsite with offering perks which cost nothing to implement is simply one more way to generate additional revenue.

Anne

I agree.

 

[MidgeD79]

Ducklite, please explain how this wouldn't be stripping guests of perks.

 

[ducklite]

Ducklite, please explain how this wouldn't be stripping guests of perks.

If they start charging, then yes, they will be stripping guests of perks. But I don't see that happening. Rather I see a system where onsite guests are able to hold more than one Fast pass at a time, or perhaps be able to use the Fast Pass system exclusively for a couple hours a day. So all guests will still have access to Fast Pass, but certain classes of guests will be able to utilize an "upgraded version".

And BTW--I live local, and anymore only stay at WDW a couple nights a year, so it could have an impact on me as well. But I still feel that it's Disney's responsibility to it's shareholders to generate as much revenue as possible, and that means keeping hotel rooms full onsite.

Anne

 

[Cynt]

I like the idea of fastpath for on-site guest. I do however think it should be for moderates and deluxe. I believe in paying for convenience. I think Universal's Front of the Line for on site guest is wonderful. As soon as I figured out this was a perk I made up my mind to stay on site. Yes, it's expensive but I'll be there on a Friday and Saturday and I need FOTL for convenience because I know it will be crowded.

When I was a teenager/early 20's I didn't mind standing in line people watching and eating a snack. But now that I'm mid 30's "Get me to the front ASAP!"

 

[Cynt]

O, one more thing. I do think it's a bummer for those Floridian's who are season pass holders if this does take place. I guess Disney may think since your season pass holders you can come as often as you like at different times of the year so they assume you come at non-peak times.

 

[mbb]

.....Rather I see a system where onsite guests are able to hold more than one Fast pass at a time, or perhaps be able to use the Fast Pass system exclusively for a couple hours a day. So all guests will still have access to Fast Pass, but certain classes of guests will be able to utilize an "upgraded version".....

ITA
Just like US/IOA Front of the Line priveleges. People don't seem to have a problem booking the HRH, PBR, or RPH to get this as an "onsite perk"..

..we'd like to see DVC members included, though!

 

[Chuck S]

I don't see why if they are considering a charge for fast pass it would be a bad thing from a business standpoint. They could have it free for 1)onsite guests 2)AP holders and 3)Season Pass holders. The only folks, in effect, they would charge would be off-site. There is nothong that says they can't make it free for season pass and AP holders. This would 1)encourage those off-site folks to stay onsite and raise revenue. 2) Generate additional revenue from those that do decide to remain off-site.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

I think if they add it on, we won't even realize it. If you stay onsite I think it should be a perk, just like at Universal. How many people on these boards will stay 1 or 2 nights BECAUSE they offer that front of the line thing.

I think it would be very beneficial and come on how much more could they possible raise the rates. I don't think it would a huge raise in the cost.

Alot of people also complain that they don't get enough "perks" when staying onsite well be carefule what you wish for if this does happen.

 

[pointandshoot]

When did Disney have to "be like Universial"? Disney is suppose to be the leader in theme park entertainment and customer loyalty. Disney can generate revenue but cannot seem to be able to control expenses. They need to work on that first for the shareholders.

As for charging or perking the fastpass system, I think that could backfire. You may get more people into your resorts, but impact the "magic" for others who choose not to stay in the park or excluded for whatever criteria. One day in MK with your family and not getting to see many of the attractions will not build customer loyalty or repeat visits. Disney needs to find a way to address their overbuilt hotel room issue without impacting their customers.

 

[Allison]

As soon as I figured out this was a perk I made up my mind to stay on site.

That says it all.