Do FastPasses Expire?

[jfink12]

HI All,

If I get a FastPass for Space Mountain for the period of time 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. but I am back at the resort at that time swimming/napping. Can I still use that FastPass when I return to the park at say, 6:00 p.m. that same day??

Jeff

 

[GarrettJD]

I've heard from a lot of people that most of the CMs will still let you use a Fastpass after the alloted time runs out-- you just can't use them BEFORE your time. I've never tried this so I have no personal experience, but I've read of MANY people who were allowed to use their FPs after they "expired." I wouldn't rely on being able to use them, but chances are you could.

 

[TSR6]

As long as they are the same day, it shouldn't be a problem.

Thats the word on the street anyways...

 

[#1 TITANS FAN]

Just got back and used old fast passes multiple times, some from previous days; I was very upfront about it, telling the CM at the ride entrance that it was an old pass from yesterday, this morning, etc. I got the same response each time; that as long as it wasn't early it didn't matter.

 

[bizeemom4]

I've got some old ones from January lying around here somewhere. Maybe I'll throw those in just for fun.

 

[valeriekc]

Just got back and used old fast passes multiple times, some from previous days; I was very upfront about it, telling the CM at the ride entrance that it was an old pass from yesterday, this morning, etc. I got the same response each time; that as long as it wasn't early it didn't matter.

Well think about it, they print fastpasses with a starting time, and an ending time, and wow a DATE!!
There is a reason for printing them in this fashion, even the most obtuse could imagine what might happen in eveyone paid no attention to these time limits.
It would be better to do away with fastpass altogether.
You are given a break by the CM if they "ignore" the time or date printed.
I would try to be as close to the ending time as you could because they are "supposed" to be heeding these time limits, and the occasion that they might enforce it might be your family. And that would be an unfortunate planning mishap and embarassing as well.

 

[TXBelle]

We have never had a problem using Fast Passes later the same day.

 

[MKCP5]

You aren't serious are you? Please tell me no, you aren't . A time a date a RESERVATION for you to get on the ride. You wouldn't show up at one of your coveted PS spots 2 or three hours later and expect them to seat you would you? Have a little common courtesy, whether the CM's will let you slide or NOT is not the issue.

 

[tjmw2727]

As one who has been turned away with an expired fast pass I will say "don't count on it!" Due to a ps snaffu we were about 15 minutes after our ride window at Star Tours - CM would not let us use the 'expired fastpass".

My personal feeling is that if you happen to miss the window then it dosen't hurt to be honest and ask, the CM may honor the FP. Otherwise, if you really want to experince the attraction and have a FP - just go during your window.

The exception is if a ride breaks down during your ride window. I have been able to use the FP for the non-running ride "anytime during my stay".

TJ

 

[ralfrick]

You are given a break by the CM if they "ignore" the time or date printed.
I would try to be as close to the ending time as you could because they are "supposed" to be heeding these time limits, and the occasion that they might enforce it might be your family. And that would be an unfortunate planning mishap and embarassing as well.

No, you are not being given a break, they are insructed to let people use them late, just not early.

Cheers.

 

[f16]

Due to a ps snaffu we were about 15 minutes after our ride window at Star Tours - CM would not let us use the 'expired fastpass".

Do you recall when this happened? I visited WDW four times last year, and was never turned away with an expired FP (on the same day). I would usually ask the CM, "Is it still OK to use this?" and they let me in with no problem at all.

 

[tjmw2727]

Do you recall when this happened? I visited WDW four times last year, and was never turned away with an expired FP (on the same day). I would usually ask the CM, "Is it still OK to use this?" and they let me in with no problem at all.

You bet I do - it was at MGM on February 18, 2005, a Friday, I can be sure as it was a short trip and this was the only chance we had to visit MGM. We had a PS at sci fi and that was a "nightmare" otherwise we would have had no problem returning for the FP.

We also witnessed first hand others being denied access with expired FP's at Test Track during our December 04 trip. We were in line with them and I do know the details. I don't remember the exact day but we were at a theme park every day from the 26th to the 31st of December 04.

My feeling based on my personal experience is still if you want to ride it then return during the window - otherwise you can't know for sure if the CM will honor the fp. FWIW the CM did take the fp's from us so we were not able to try again - don't think I would have anyway.

TJ

 

[mantaz]

You can still use expired FP and we even got to use ours a few minutes early. It all depends on the person at the entrance. When mission space broke down we were given FP to use on our next visit as a consolation. They were from different days and months. It was a manager who gave them to us. The person told us that they sometimes recycle them. Just ask if you have any questions. They are usually happy to help.

Angela

 

[ralfrick]

This was posted on www.wdwmagic.com concering this same topic. The person claims to be a CM, and a search of his previous posts indicate to me that he likely is reliable.

Yep, they are date sensitive. And, if you get one of those strict rule-enforcing CMs, such as myself, the date on the bottom of the FASTPASS will be checked! As for the time expiration, that is actually a policy that has been in place for a long time. (Just wanted to clarify that the CMs aren't slacking when checking those FASTPASSES for times.

Cheers.

 

[FanofG00fy]

I have a fast pass for Test Track that the CM told me would never expire. Situation, Second attempt to ride TT, and again it broke down. I was right there at the car. The CM said that it was good for up to 6 people. I told her it was my last night and there was no sense in me having it. She asked if I was planning on coming back to WDW and told her that I would be coming back later this year. She then said "Well, this is perfect for you. It doesn't expire."

Well, after looking at the FP, it expired at the end of January, and I got the FP in Feb.

I figure I'll explain to the CM standing there with crossed fingers. The last two trips I've tried to ride TT and it has broken down every time I go near it. Okay, so heads up, I'm going down end of Oct to Nov, so try not to ride it when I do, or it will break down!!

Wish me luck, and I'll let you know what happens!!

Chris

 

[Miller1412]

Wow FanofGoofy...That happened to me too. I was starting to wonder if Test Track was worth it! (it was )I know there has been a lot of debate about the "morality" of going late to your FP...and I'm not getting into all of that...

But we used ours continually late over our Spring break trip, and never had a problem. Seems that most CM's are in agreement about that with a few rare exceptions. We cruised right in every time.

 

[rmontgo892]

This was posted on www.wdwmagic.com concering this same topic. The person claims to be a CM, and a search of his previous posts indicate to me that he likely is reliable.

Yep, they are date sensitive. And, if you get one of those strict rule-enforcing CMs, such as myself, the date on the bottom of the FASTPASS will be checked! As for the time expiration, that is actually a policy that has been in place for a long time. (Just wanted to clarify that the CMs aren't slacking when checking those FASTPASSES for times.

Cheers.

Finally, a voice of reason on this debate! Thanks for taking the time to post the quote!

 

[disney1990]

I have a fast pass for Test Track that the CM told me would never expire. Situation, Second attempt to ride TT, and again it broke down. I was right there at the car. The CM said that it was good for up to 6 people. I told her it was my last night and there was no sense in me having it. She asked if I was planning on coming back to WDW and told her that I would be coming back later this year. She then said "Well, this is perfect for you. It doesn't expire."

Well, after looking at the FP, it expired at the end of January, and I got the FP in Feb.

I figure I'll explain to the CM standing there with crossed fingers. The last two trips I've tried to ride TT and it has broken down every time I go near it. Okay, so heads up, I'm going down end of Oct to Nov, so try not to ride it when I do, or it will break down!!

Wish me luck, and I'll let you know what happens!!

Chris

Oh my goodness, a CM said that it "would never expire" -- sounds just like a refillable mug, "it is good forever". ROFL

 

[Lives4Disney]

Just beware of this rule for the Soarin' ride at EPCOT. They are very strict about people returning within the time frame printed on the fastpass. We found out the hard way. Maybe it depends on who is checking them - but they stated very clearly to us "That is the way it is at Soarin'".

We have usually been able to use "late" passes on the same day. Actually never been turned away.....

Soarin is a cool ride - don't miss out because of a late fastpass!!

Lives4Disney

 

[Synonymous]

You aren't serious are you? Please tell me no, you aren't . A time a date a RESERVATION for you to get on the ride. You wouldn't show up at one of your coveted PS spots 2 or three hours later and expect them to seat you would you? Have a little common courtesy, whether the CM's will let you slide or NOT is not the issue.

Why should we worry about this supposed "rule" if Disney doesn't? Isn't it their job to worry about whether the system's working properly? If it causes problems, Disney will stop taking late FPs.