do they really let you use expired fastpasses?

[swilshire]

I didn't read through this whole thread, but apparently it is fine to use the pass after the time slot. My DS11 was fretting over missing his time for a ride and a Disney Management type overheard him. He went out of his way to come over and explain to my son that you could go anytime after the time on the pass, you just couldn't go before it. My son was very relieved.

Sheila

 

[HayGan]

Exactly right Geek...those who are working themselves up into a fine frenzy seem to be losing sight of the context here. I have yet to see anyone on this thread advocating using FPs from a different day as being ok and part of the normal course of using FPs.

Hmmm, that's funny I recall someone posting here that they had used fastpasses from a PREVIOUS trip.

I would like to think that the majority of people use the passes as intended - during the specified times. However, I can see being able to use them in a reasonable time period after. I can't for the life of me understand how anyone would think it would be ok to use a pass for another day during their trip or or another time in the future?!?!?!?!

 

[KayakDaddy]

We once jogged from the end of Festival of Lion King to Dinosaur to get there before the end of our fastpass window. It took a while to catch our breaths from that.

After that trip, I read on these boards that they don't really sweat the end time of the fastpass window. On our next trip we found that to be true. We had FP's for Splash Mountain when DS4 fell asleep in Country Bear Jamboree. On our way out of the park, I picked up additional FP's to Jungle Cruise. After a nap and a swim at WL, we came back and were able to redeem both of our FP's. I would not have been embarrassed if they didn't let me use it, I just figured it was worth a try. It's cool that they let you do that to accommodate sleeping children and such.

Whether you choose to do this or not, this practice does seem to be endorsed by the majority of WDW cast members, so I see no reason to hate on the people who use them. If I was going to pick a crusade to change the world, I would pick one with greater social value.

 

[SeattleMark]

We tried to use some that were about an hour past the time on our trip last year and were turned away. The CM was nice about it, but sort of scolded us for trying it, implying we were trying to pull a fast one. He said it would defeat the purpose if they let people do that.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[rmontgo892]

Hmmm, that's funny I recall someone posting here that they had used fastpasses from a PREVIOUS trip.

I would like to think that the majority of people use the passes as intended - during the specified times. However, I can see being able to use them in a reasonable time period after. I can't for the life of me understand how anyone would think it would be ok to use a pass for another day during their trip or or another time in the future?!?!?!?!

Exactly!!! And if Lawshark and anyone else bothered to *read* the entire thread including my overwrought post I said I wasn't referring to exceptions to the rule for example like a child being upset if he missed the time frame. I posted that's an example of the Disney Magic like when a CM reassures a child/family and they still used FP! Duh! That was my attempt anyway when I posted I wasn't talking about the exceptions.

I never said it was the end of the world or whatever else someone tried to turn this into by justifying beating the system.

If ya didn't KNOW it was incorrect or were assured by CM's then this isn't about you. It's about the typical inconsistencies with WDW and their policies and one CM not doing the same as the next CM.

If you ever had to *ask* a CM if this was "ok" to use the FASTPASS after it had expired and you got the answer you wanted...good for you! Justify it however you wish. Again, if ya didn't know and you really thought it was fine, then I am not talking about that scenario.

I said I have been 30+ times and my family never thought of using the FASTPASS system any different and maybe I was wrong. Don't seem to be getting THAT by a *select few* here to admit their possibly just possibly incorrect in their usage of expired FP's.

My sincere question is why aren't any of you who are so opposed to me brining up the "beating the system scenario" addressing the posts that said they were told no and turned away by CM's? Were their CM's responses incorrect or were yours?? Or the poster that used "dated" FP's?? Seems rather *suspect* that you ignore posters that were told no by a CM.

Mea Culpa, mea culpa! Really, it must be my fault that I am posting my personal response on a WDW board under Theme park strategies directly addressing the OP's question does anybody else use *expired* FP's. Yep, must be wrong cause the select few seem to think they are right!

I didn't realise this "board" was only for discussing and debating important world issues like famine, floods, and peace! You may want to check the heading!

And yea, I admit it that I still learn something new everyday, have been wrong and it irks me that my family apparently are the *only* ones in the entire history of visiting WDW and used the FP's incorrectly.

For those that *are* misquoting me or implying that this has in anyway ruined my trips to the World, don't! *Most* that read or post to these type of DISNEY boards are a little over the top in a good way about WDW, imho, and if you all ready HAVE ALL the answers and know EVERYTHING about WDW than why bother posting here at all or engaging in this type of debate.

Here's an example of a debateable issue on a Disney board. Buzz words like *expired* used by OP, asking if anyone else has done this when it's cleary implied that it is in fact NOT typical or else why ask. It's a Disney board about strategies with differing experiences and views...

I sincerely apologise to those of you that felt attacked by me or felt I was passing judgement on you when you didn't know or felt it was an acceptable practice due to CM's advice! I am sorry!

For the other select *few*...

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

Just to add another 2 cents here, we just got back, and a few times used the fastpass when it was past the time, but still within an hour or so, and nothing was said about it, however, also, we found a lot of attractions were having technical problems, for example when we first arrived for Soarin, it was not working, but we were allowed to get a fastpass. When we got back at the designated time, it still wasn't operating, but even later, we did finally get on.

Guess it all depends....

 

[gw_lit]

What if you get a Fastpass for your favorite ride, and then head over to the Polynesian to do a little pool hopping, but not before refilling your Pop Century refillable mug at Captain Cooks at the Poly?

Can you then go back to the park and use your Fastpass after the expiration time?

 

[Lawshark]

What if you get a Fastpass for your favorite ride, and then head over to the Polynesian to do a little pool hopping, but not before refilling your Pop Century refillable mug at Captain Cooks at the Poly?

Can you then go back to the park and use your Fastpass after the expiration time?

I'd say you might be in for some overwrought scolding by somebody!

 

[Mandabella]

What if you get a Fastpass for your favorite ride, and then head over to the Polynesian to do a little pool hopping, but not before refilling your Pop Century refillable mug at Captain Cooks at the Poly?

Can you then go back to the park and use your Fastpass after the expiration time?

Only if you promise to use your fastpasses a few days after they expire.

 

[pigtail]

You can enter the ride any time at all til closing time as long as its AFTER the start time on the Fastpass.

 

[SoCalKDG]

This is what is listed on the FP:

PLEASE ENTER THE FASTPASS ENTRANCE AT THE ATTRACTION BETWEEN THE TIMES NOTED ON THE OTHER SIDE.

CANNOT ACCEPT EARLY ARRIVALS. VALID ONLY ON DATE PRINTED.

OPERATING HOURS OF THE ATTRACTION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

ATTRACTION MAY CLOSE TEMPORARILY WITHOUT NOTICE.

NOT VALID FOR ADMISSION TO ANY THEME PARK.

ALL POSTED HEIGHT RESTRICITONS APPLY FOR EACH ATTRACTION.

NONTRANSFERABLE. NOT FOR SALE.

So ignoring what CM's do our don't do, the FP wants me to use the times
listed. Can't show up early, hmm, why mention that. Guess they want to reiterate that you can't get there early. Can I show up late, doesn't say. Valid on date printed, ok, can't use another day.

Now if they didn't want you to show up late, they could have stated "No early or late arrivals" but they didn't, they stated "no early arrivals". So I'll try and use between the stated time, but if I'm late, I'm still going to use it. If I'm leaving, I won't try and use it the next day.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Darn. I can't sell them!?
I have heard that they are good for any time AfTER the time of the FP. But I haven't tried using any after the printed timeframe.

 

[rmontgo892]

I'd say you might be in for some overwrought scolding by somebody!

Nice name Lawshark...fitting! I guess justifying and condoning goes along with your type and or line of work (assuming your screen name means that). Your family must be very proud.

If your not able to debate or discuss anything logically or ethically then by all means...debase yourself and continue with the scolding and overwrought remarks directed toward me. Gotta get that last nasty dig in, huh? Feel better?

Really lends itself for a productive discussion/debate based on the Original question, "do they really let you use expired fastpasses?"

Regardless of your nasty retort, I won't respond anymore. Ta ta

 

[cruisnfamily]

The FP you receive acts as your "stand in" who gets in the line at the attraction and starts waiting in line for you. You then get to head off and do something different while your FP doppleganger "waits in line" for you. The number of FPs are limited, so there are only so many virtual placeholders in line during the day.

Now...if your window expires and you come back later...it's really no different than if you really were standing in line...arrive at the front and said to the people behind you, "Please, go ahead of me...you too...you too..." etc. The FP has already saved your place in line for the day...and will only save so many spots. You're not "taking" away anyone's spot in line.

I just wanted to say this is the absolute best description of a FP I have ever seen! I particularly like the part I have highlighted in blue. Very, very well said!

 

[fac]

Lawshark,

thanks for the clear explanation of FP.

Nice name Lawshark...fitting! I guess justifying and condoning goes along with your type and or line of work (assuming your screen name means that). Your family must be very proud.

The above comment is getting personal.

 

[momtoce&j]

Hi, we are down here right now. The other day at MGM, the girls and I got Fast Passes for the Rockin Rollercoaster. We went w/ DH and DS, got seats for Fantasmic, left them there (So we knew where to find them) and went to use our fastpasses. Well, the younger DD (7) was just shy of making the height, so older DD (13) went on by herself. After Fantasmic, we all went back to the ride (now the fastpass was an hour past it's time.) I explained to the castmember what had happened, that we were there before, but the one DD was too small, could we still use the fastpasses. He said sure no problem.

Then yesterday at Animal Kingdom, we had some for the Safari, (10:15 - 11:15 am), other family members (cousins) had fastpasses (11:35 - 12:35 am), we waited so we could all go on together. Again, we had no problem. The only thing I noticed this whole week was the castmembers making sure you didn't enter before the first time on your fastpass. Later than the last time didn't really make a difference. (That's we saw anyway.)

Hope this helps.

 

[UKDEB]

What if you get a Fastpass for your favorite ride, and then head over to the Polynesian to do a little pool hopping, but not before refilling your Pop Century refillable mug at Captain Cooks at the Poly?

If I was going to pick a crusade to change the world, I would pick one with greater social value

Thanks, both, for putting this whole thing into context!

 

[Lawshark]

Lawshark,

thanks for the clear explanation of FP.



The above comment is getting personal.

Thanks...I really did not think that I was stating anything that was especially controversial or even warranted a good spanking (or a good talking to)!

As for Roxie...sheesh...pot, meet kettle...kettle, meet pot...really...you're gonna throw a clot there! I really don't want you to get too upset or personal...which was my original point about the whole "overwrought" thing. Correct me if I'm wrong...but you seem to be quite offended by thought that others are using FPs "inappropriately"...your original post was chock full o' snide. Plus...it didn't help that you were both snide and wrong.

As has been noted numerous times...there is simply zero language on the FP itself prohibiting a tardy return time. Additionally...I've explained to you how a FP works...using it late does not take away anyone's space in line. It is not a rationalizaiton...it's a fact. Plus...the only stories that appear to have surfaced here that are not of the variety of..."my brother's sister's girlfriend saw..."...that recount dastardly FP violators being turned away in shame are those recounting folks using FP's days after the original issuance. I agree with you (yep...you're right! )..that is taking an extra place in line.

See...isn't it simple when it's explained really s-l-o-w-l-y (isn't that what you asked for?)

As for my profession...yep...a lawyer. Proud of it. We tend to be a more analytical lot. Except my litigation brethren...they're sharks!

 

[rmontgo892]

I promised I would post to this thread when I heard...

...and although we are in the process of phone tag...I'll post the response.

I sent an e-mail to guest communications a while back and of course received the immediate canned response but this morning I got an e-mail saying "they" (won't post name) want to discuss the FASTPASS issue and have had a problem getting a hold of me.

OK...weird...as I was writing this I got the call back!

It appears that it's just another Disney policy that can go back and forth! The official tag line is Disney prefers guests to use the FASTPASS system with the time and date stamp. In other words, 11am-12noon. That's when they want guests to use the FP. The incorrect date, is a no no.

However, I was told that if your late arriving after time stamp(12noon) "most" CM's "should" let you on. The analogy given to me was this...if a FP was say time stamped between 3-4 and your family is watching the parade then "most" CM's understand and would wave you through. But, with 50,000 CM's (executive's words) everyone can have an off day and may NOT permit late arrivals. It was explained to me that it is understood that "some" people may not make it back exactly as stamped due to extenuating circumstances.

As far as FP's NOT affecting the queue...I was told yes it does. It affects the standby line (never thought of that one) and can back it up hence Disney "prefers" guests to use the FP as time stamped. That's why they "prefer" guests to use the time stamped FP as given. I then asked if CM's make allowances won't that affect standby by lines. I was told only if every guest does not follow the time stamped FP.

A tad contradictory, no?

My bottom line is this...if we are a bit late, I know now that I can ask a CM to allow us the privilege of entering LATE but just like a request...it is subject to availability. I will continue using the FP system as intended and not abuse it but will maybe ask once in a while for an exception.

So, this subject may potentially help my family in the future. The problem I see as always, is those that abuse it and care less about anyone else are those that can potentially ruin it for everyone else. If your purposefully NOT using the FP time stamp then, yea, your causing a back up for other guests. If you once in a while cannot make it back then that is fine but be warned that some CM's may NOT allow you entry.

A CM is supposed to enforce the time stamp but can make allowances. If every FP user abuses the system then it breaks down, so to speak. The reason for the time stamp is so that the standby line isn't backed up by FP users all arriving at certain times instead of the spaced out intervals required to keep the stand by line moving.

My communication was from someone in the Executive Offices.

Nice that they cared enough to write and call, huh? I was even thanked. That's the magic I am talking about although contradictory...


PS~As far as the rumors about a new FP system going on in the BIG thread(I think it's called paying for a FP???...something like that)...I was told "they" have heard NOTHING about any change to the current FP system.




~Roxanne

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

All the time.....when the CM's recycle old FP and use them for the baby swaps. So THEY made me do it.

Otherwise, I have not tried it.

Regarding ride break down--if the ride breaks down....we have seen castmembers announce to people to return later even if their fastpass is past time. If a CM refused them upon return---I'm guessing there'd be a riot. I assume they would all be on the same page for that.

We are still holding onto a fastpass for Splash Mountain that DH and DD got when the ride broke down and they had to escort everyone off of the ride. It is good FOREVER! We haven't encountered a line yet to warrant "wasting" our golden ticket. (no it isn't really gold ).