Collecting Fastpasses?

[drinkoj]

I honestly cannot recall which ride it was, as I wasn't the one turned away, it was the two people infront of me. Think it was in MK, but not sure. I was too busy having fun with the family to pay much attention at the time.

 

[MichelleVW]

I honestly cannot recall which ride it was, as I wasn't the one turned away, it was the two people infront of me. Think it was in MK, but not sure. I was too busy having fun with the family to pay much attention at the time.

I still find that really odd. I was there during our spring break a few weeks ago and Space Mountain had a stand by wait time of over 90 minutes and we were let on twice in a row by 2 different CM's with FP's that were at expired at least 8 hours.

I even asked different CM's while I was there and they all said the same thing, you can be as late as you want on the same day as long as you are not early. They will never never never let you in early.

It's so rare to be turned away that I would surely remember which one it was if it was me, but if it was me and I was turned away I would have went back an hour later when a different CM was manning the attraction.

 

[drinkoj]

I still find that really odd. I was there during our spring break a few weeks ago and Space Mountain had a stand by wait time of over 90 minutes and we were let on twice in a row by 2 different CM's with FP's that were at expired at least 8 hours.

I even asked different CM's while I was there and they all said the same thing, you can be as late as you want on the same day as long as you are not early. They will never never never let you in early.

It's so rare to be turned away that I would surely remember which one it was if it was me, but if it was me and I was turned away I would have went back an hour later when a different CM was manning the attraction.

I understand the disbelief, but again I can only report what happened. And btw, on Wednesday April 7th, Space Mt. had over a 150 minute wait, while on April 8th "The Tower of Terror" was much worse as they blanked out the wait time and cast memebers came out and told everyone, one of the elevators were down and expect over a 2.5 hour wait. Guess who didn't ride the ToT this year?

 

[MelanieC]

Yep - not a problem to use them after the time.

 

[dolphindan1]

We got a FP for Soarin at RD and immediately rode standby then used the FP with a return time of 9:45 AM, I think, at 7:45 that night...the lady checking the FP's said WOW thats the latest one today...LOL..She smiled and said enjoy your flight

 

[goofy4tink]

www.merriam-webster.com



It is Disney policy to accept "late, same-day" FP.

It is also Disney policy to allow anyone already in the queue at park closing time to remain in the queue and ride the attraction, even though it is after the "closing time."

I just got back from Disney World, April 4th - April 8th, and they are ABSOLUTELY checking times on the Fast Passes on ALL rides. We were turned away, told too late, and told to wait 15 minutes until our FPs were eligible. You had to show up for the printed times on the FPs or you were just out of luck.

I won't speak for the rest of the year, but they did it to more than just me, as I watched it happen to lots of other groups also.

No, it's not. WDW's FP policy is in various CM training manuals. From what I've read, those manuals are available online if you search hard enough. The verbiage printed on the FP's is intentionally "loose"/vague to allow for enforcement when necessary.

The policy is not on the FP. The policy would be in Disney's training manuals, etc.

The usage rules- for lack of a better term is printed on the FP.

Nowhere does it say on the Fast Pass that you cannot use it after the return window- only that you cannot use it before.

It says “Please enter the Fastpass entrance at the attraction between the times noted on the other side.”
It does not say you MUST enter between those times.
Nor does it say you may ONLY enter between those times.

It says “Cannot accept early arrivals”
It does not say CANNOT accept late arrivals.

It says - "Valid only on date printed" which implies the FP is good til park closes that day.
If it was meant to expire at end of return window it would say “Valid only between times noted”

There is a reason for that very specific lanaguage.
Those that read that language as FP only being good during the return window are reading something more into it that is simply not there.

This whole discussion simply beating a dead horse.

You know, I sometimes get heartily sick and tired of these discussions. So.....if someone goes up to Soarin', about an hour past their printed return time, and the CM tells them that they aren't going to be allowed to use the FP, because it has gone past the return time, the guest now says...'Well, your training book tells you I can return anytime I want!!'?? Sorry. Disney has their return policy on the FP itself....it has even been stated here, above....Please enter the FP entrance at the attraction between the times stated noted on the other side. A binding 'rule' or 'policy'? No, it's not.
But....it does give Disney CMs the right to prohibit someone from returning past their stated return time.
This discussion is really a question of semantics...what does Disney really mean when they say 'return between the times noted on the other side'?? I think they are trying to keep as many guests returning at the stated time as possible, while allowing others to return whenever they darn well want to.
It is no different than the whole refill mug issue. There is a stated rule, written right there, for everyone to see. But we all know that Disney does nothing to prevent abuse..if one wants to call it that.
Me? I couldn't care less what people do with their past return time FPs...use them at anytime....couldn't be bothered any less. But...to say that Disney policy is what is written in the CM training books and that is the final word...well, that's a stretch. What is does is give the CM leeway in how they want to handle returns...and 99.99% of the time, you can return whenever you want..just as long as your window has opened up.
But, as we have seen, at the busiest times of year, the CM may very well stick to what is actually printed on the FP itself...and that makes that the 'policy'.
Man...I have never seen so many people get in a twist over something so nebulous. Bottom line? You can pretty much return whenever you want, after the window opens. But...the CM does have final say.

 

[dolphindan1]

You know, I sometimes get heartily sick and tired of these discussions. So.....if someone goes up to Soarin', about an hour past their printed return time, and the CM tells them that they aren't going to be allowed to use the FP, because it has gone past the return time, the guest now says...'Well, your training book tells you I can return anytime I want!!'?? Sorry. Disney has their return policy on the FP itself....it has even been stated here, above....Please enter the FP entrance at the attraction between the times stated noted on the other side. A binding 'rule' or 'policy'? No, it's not.
But....it does give Disney CMs the right to prohibit someone from returning past their stated return time.
This discussion is really a question of semantics...what does Disney really mean when they say 'return between the times noted on the other side'?? I think they are trying to keep as many guests returning at the stated time as possible, while allowing others to return whenever they darn well want to.
It is no different than the whole refill mug issue. There is a stated rule, written right there, for everyone to see. But we all know that Disney does nothing to prevent abuse..if one wants to call it that.
Me? I couldn't care less what people do with their past return time FPs...use them at anytime....couldn't be bothered any less. But...to say that Disney policy is what is written in the CM training books and that is the final word...well, that's a stretch. What is does is give the CM leeway in how they want to handle returns...and 99.99% of the time, you can return whenever you want..just as long as your window has opened up.
But, as we have seen, at the busiest times of year, the CM may very well stick to what is actually printed on the FP itself...and that makes that the 'policy'.
Man...I have never seen so many people get in a twist over something so nebulous. Bottom line? You can pretty much return whenever you want, after the window opens. But...the CM does have final say.

oops...wrong thread sorry

 

[Robo]

Bottom line? You can pretty much return whenever you want, after the window opens.

But...the CM does have final say.

Or... the next CM coming on the shift.

 

[dogodisney]

You know, I sometimes get heartily sick and tired of these discussions. So.....if someone goes up to Soarin', about an hour past their printed return time, and the CM tells them that they aren't going to be allowed to use the FP, because it has gone past the return time, the guest now says...'Well, your training book tells you I can return anytime I want!!'?? Sorry. Disney has their return policy on the FP itself....it has even been stated here, above....Please enter the FP entrance at the attraction between the times stated noted on the other side. A binding 'rule' or 'policy'? No, it's not.
But....it does give Disney CMs the right to prohibit someone from returning past their stated return time.
This discussion is really a question of semantics...what does Disney really mean when they say 'return between the times noted on the other side'?? I think they are trying to keep as many guests returning at the stated time as possible, while allowing others to return whenever they darn well want to.
It is no different than the whole refill mug issue. There is a stated rule, written right there, for everyone to see. But we all know that Disney does nothing to prevent abuse..if one wants to call it that.
Me? I couldn't care less what people do with their past return time FPs...use them at anytime....couldn't be bothered any less. But...to say that Disney policy is what is written in the CM training books and that is the final word...well, that's a stretch. What is does is give the CM leeway in how they want to handle returns...and 99.99% of the time, you can return whenever you want..just as long as your window has opened up.
But, as we have seen, at the busiest times of year, the CM may very well stick to what is actually printed on the FP itself...and that makes that the 'policy'.
Man...I have never seen so many people get in a twist over something so nebulous. Bottom line? You can pretty much return whenever you want, after the window opens. But...the CM does have final say.

Very well said! Best explanation yet!

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

You know, I sometimes get heartily sick and tired of these discussions.

Nobody is forcing you to read/participate in the discussion.

So.....if someone goes up to Soarin', about an hour past their printed return time, and the CM tells them that they aren't going to be allowed to use the FP, because it has gone past the return time, the guest now says...'Well, your training book tells you I can return anytime I want!!'??

No. You ask to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor should either correct the CM who rejected your FP or advise you that at the present time, the return times are being enforced.

Sorry. Disney has their return policy on the FP itself

You're mistaken. FP policy is not printed on the FP.

....it has even been stated here, above....Please enter the FP entrance at the attraction between the times stated noted on the other side. A binding 'rule' or 'policy'? No, it's not.
But....it does give Disney CMs the right to prohibit someone from returning past their stated return time.

Correct, CM's are trained to accept them late, except when there is a need to enfore the return times.

This discussion is really a question of semantics

It's not a "matter of semantics." WDW policy is to accept "late" FP's when conditions allow for it (which is most of the time.

...what does Disney really mean when they say 'return between the times noted on the other side'?? I think they are trying to keep as many guests returning at the stated time as possible, while allowing others to return whenever they darn well want to.

Read up on how the FP system serves as a "virtual queue" and you'll understand that this statement is incorrect.

But...to say that Disney policy is what is written in the CM training books and that is the final word...well, that's a stretch.

You're either misinformed or just being argumentative. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and go with misinformed.

 

[thorphin]

You know, I sometimes get heartily sick and tired of these discussions. So.....if someone goes up to Soarin', about an hour past their printed return time, and the CM tells them that they aren't going to be allowed to use the FP, because it has gone past the return time, the guest now says...'Well, your training book tells you I can return anytime I want!!'?? Sorry. Disney has their return policy on the FP itself....it has even been stated here, above....Please enter the FP entrance at the attraction between the times stated noted on the other side. A binding 'rule' or 'policy'? No, it's not.
But....it does give Disney CMs the right to prohibit someone from returning past their stated return time.
This discussion is really a question of semantics...what does Disney really mean when they say 'return between the times noted on the other side'?? I think they are trying to keep as many guests returning at the stated time as possible, while allowing others to return whenever they darn well want to.
It is no different than the whole refill mug issue. There is a stated rule, written right there, for everyone to see. But we all know that Disney does nothing to prevent abuse..if one wants to call it that.
Me? I couldn't care less what people do with their past return time FPs...use them at anytime....couldn't be bothered any less. But...to say that Disney policy is what is written in the CM training books and that is the final word...well, that's a stretch. What is does is give the CM leeway in how they want to handle returns...and 99.99% of the time, you can return whenever you want..just as long as your window has opened up.
But, as we have seen, at the busiest times of year, the CM may very well stick to what is actually printed on the FP itself...and that makes that the 'policy'.
Man...I have never seen so many people get in a twist over something so nebulous. Bottom line? You can pretty much return whenever you want, after the window opens. But...the CM does have final say.

Nice summary. Ok people, do what you personally feel is right/allowed and we can all move on.

 

[goofy4tink]

Nobody is forcing you to read/participate in the discussion.



No. You ask to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor should either correct the CM who rejected your FP or advise you that at the present time, the return times are being enforced.



You're mistaken. FP policy is not printed on the FP.



Correct, CM's are trained to accept them late, except when there is a need to enfore the return times.



It's not a "matter of semantics." WDW policy is to accept "late" FP's when conditions allow for it (which is most of the time.



Read up on how the FP system serves as a "virtual queue" and you'll understand that this statement is incorrect.



You're either misinformed or just being argumentative. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and go with misinformed.

I swore I was done with this...but here goes. Does it not say, right on the front of each FP, when to return??? I believe it still says something to the effect of 'please return between xyz and xyz'..to me, that would pretty much dictate what time I should return.
Let's take a different scenario....we all realize (those of us on the DIS boards) that Disney allows you to pretty much return anytime you want to, after that 'window' opens up. BUT...what about all those 'other' guests, who have no idea we exist (perish the thought), and they 'believe' what is written on that FP..that they are to return between xyz and xyz. The vast majority of WDW guests are going to fall into that catagory...those that believe the return times are when you return. They know nothing about any CM training manuals or booklets..they just see the return time window and return within that window. Am I correct so far in my assumptions?
If Disney 'policy' truly is you can return anytime you want, just as long as that window has opened, then why do they give you that window? Why not just say 'return anytime after xyz'??
Again, I don't care, and no, I'm not being argumentative. I understand completely what Disney allows us to do. I'm just curious why they don't word those FPs differently if they truly don't care when guests return. Some of you say that CMs are trained to allow guests to use their FPs when they return late....if it's accepted 'policy' to allow anyone to return at anytime, then I guess there is no time that is considered 'late'.
So....now I am done with this particular thread. No amount of smilies or winking smilies will induce me to come back and try to make myself understood.....
You either 'get' what I'm saying or just don't care to give it any thought. Doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I am not misinformed, I am not argumentative. What Disney seems to have in their CM handbooks is not the same as what is written on the FP...and that is my point. Why bother having a return time window if you can, in all actuality, return at any time you wish??? That is my question..that is my point.

 

[doconeill]

I think this thread no longer has any useful course.

Disney policy is whatever Disney decides the policy to be. They do not need to print it on a Fastpass, or in a guidebook, or on a sign, unless it directly limits the guests (like no heelys, etc.). In fact, it doesn't need to be printed anywhere - it is the enforcement that decides the policy.

Policies are subject to change without notice and do not require our input or acceptance.

Yes, you can be denied late entrance to the Fastpass line. This is a known fact.

The fact that 99.99% of the time you will not be denied is also a fact.

It is your choice to use a Fastpass late or not. Don't want to risk being denied? Don't use it late. Simple 'nuff. No one here is requiring you to.

 

[PrincessBetsy]

Ok, I'm confused. I've always thought you had to use your fastpass in the hour printed on it- but it seems that you can use it anytime after that hour as well? Is this true and has anyone had any problems with it?

Yes, you can use your fastpass even if the hour on it has passed. They have never turned us away, but they might if it gets extremely busy. We usually get our fastpasses in the morning or afternoon, then use them later that evening. If you ever get a fastpass and decide not to use, you can always give them to another family. It is so wonderful to see their faces light up when you give them a fastpass!!!

 

[Robo]

but it seems that you can use it anytime after that hour as well?

Yes. True.

That is Disney policy.

If the attraction lines get extremely backed up, there is a possibility that you would be turned away at that time.
But, the chances would be very LOW that you would be refused.

 

[theweave]

Not only have I used FP's that were welllll past their window, on 3 occasions my last visit, my FP was never taken when I got up to the ride. I was able to re-use the FP later on.

Once I went on RRRC twice in a row with the same FP! SWEET DEAL as both the standby and single rider lines were unbelievable!