Expired Fastpasses Refused

[huey578]

I was always under the impression that you were to use the times for the fastpass as on the ticket. I can see if you are a few minutes late, but how can anyone think it is okay to use it the next day? I don't get it.

Personally I don't think it is fair for the folks who have fastpass for the current day and time. Fastpasses need to be used on the day and time listed on them. If you snooze,you loose.

 

[Sandi]

I totally understand that if a ride or attraction is down during the time period for your return, then you should be able to use the FP at a different time. But, as far as getting FPs during an ADR or something else, we always look to see what the return time is and, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. I guess I'm disappointed that CMs are letting people in any old time after the issuance of the FP (without some extenuating circumstance beyond the ticket holder's control). The control for lines disappears as more people try to beat the system.

 

[Lewisc]

The general policy regarding accepting late FPs is to accommodate guests who had a delay with a meal, long line at a gift shop or even at another attraction.

The OP went a day later and was told no. I'm not sure how being persistent, continuing to beg and/or ask, can be considered anything but rude?

You can ask once politely, maybe even twice but being persistent in asking for an exception sounds rude to me, even if you ask nicely.

 

[crzy4mk]

They are for crowd control and to generate revenue.

Most people don't understand that the true reason for fastpasses (like elastigirl said) is to generate revenue. "How?" you ask. Well, Disney would much rather have you walking in and out of stores and restaurants than standing in line for 2 hours. That is one of the main reasons fastpass came about (in WDW and other parks that implement such programs). So in actuality, WDW doesn't really care when you use the fastpass, or if you use it at all. The bottom line is you weren't standing in a line when you could have been spending money.

P.S. I frequently use fastpasses after their window expires. As long as it is allowed by CMs, I will continue to do so. When they stop allowing it, I will not fuss and fight and raise cain, I will go back during my allotted time. I have no problem with this . . . I hope you don't either.

 

[bicker]

The control for lines disappears as more people try to beat the system.

That's the case with anything, really, whether it be FastPasses, the Dining Plan, room discount codes, "waking Tink", etc. The more people try to work the system (I think "beat" is too harsh of a word), the more the system has to be reconstituted in a more restrictive and less customer-friendly way. The folks who really get hurt are the folks who, as Lewis suggests, are polite, and aren't "persistent" about asking for an exception.

 

[mickman1962]

Try doing it next time with your airline ticket and see how far you get.

 

[undertheradar]

Wow, very tough concept here! What if you showed up at the airport a day later, does the airline have to honor your request, I think not! FP is a very workable system and now people are trying to undermine it. There is very clear notice of the ride time window before getting the FP, if it does not fit your schedule, don't get the FP! Too many people trying to use expired FPs could cause Disney to consider charging for service, as other entertainment companies do. Use your FP within the window and you will be fine.

 

[robinb]

I think trying to use an expired FP from a previous day is pushing it. However, I have had very few problems using an expired FP later on for the same day. In fact, we plan our touring around using expired FPs.

 

[kelleigh1]

During our first ever trip to WDW, we were at MK and getting ready to leave, but our Peter Pan FP was for 5 minutes later. I actually asked the CM on duty at the FP line if we could get in line even though our time window didn't start for another 5 minutes. He looked at me all serious and said "What do you think this is, Disney World?" Then he chuckled and told us to go ahead. Had he said no, we would have gone to sit down for a few minutes, but he was nice enough to let us on a little early.

I've never tried to use them outside the window any other time, and can't imagine trying to use them the next day. I actually still have my Test Track fastpass from that trip. It was only 5 years ago. Think they'd let me use it now? :rofl:

 

[bicker]

I actually asked the CM on duty at the FP line if we could get in line even though our time window didn't start for another 5 minutes. He looked at me all serious and said "What do you think this is, Disney World?" Then he chuckled and told us to go ahead.

Actually, I've seen the CMs be a lot more strict about adhering to the beginning of the time window rather than the end of the time window. Kelleigh definitely got some nice pixie dust there!

 

[sjreed]

As far as FP coinciding with ADR's, that shouldn't be a problem. If you know you have an ADR for 12:00 the FP return times are clearly marked at the booths before you get your FP. You shouldn't get a FP with a return time of 12:00-1:00.

 

[88Keys]

Most people don't understand that the true reason for fastpasses (like elastigirl said) is to generate revenue. "How?" you ask. Well, Disney would much rather have you walking in and out of stores and restaurants than standing in line for 2 hours. That is one of the main reasons fastpass came about (in WDW and other parks that implement such programs). So in actuality, WDW doesn't really care when you use the fastpass, or if you use it at all. The bottom line is you weren't standing in a line when you could have been spending money.

Interestingly enough, this is true -- the goal was to increase sales --- however, according to Jim Hill, this has actually not happened according to statistics. The FP system has actually caused no bump in sales according to him, and that is why there is talk (rumours, mind you) of eventually having FPs only for resort guests and/or charging for them. Disney has spent millions on this technology, and there, so far, has been no return on the investment.

 

[ReggieB]

Actually, I've seen the CMs be a lot more strict about adhering to the beginning of the time window rather than the end of the time window. Kelleigh definitely got some nice pixie dust there!

We went to go to It's a Bug's Life at what we thought was the right time, but the CM said we still had 5 mins to wait until our FP time opened. I was amazed, actually more to the fact that my DH's watch was 5 mins fast, I had convinced myself it was 5 mins slow, as that could be the only reason he was always late!!!! So we stood there for a couple of minutes talking amongst ourselves, and the CM turned to us and was "oh I guess a couple of minutes is okay" So even for shows they can/will make you wait.

 

[dwaters]

Most people don't understand that the true reason for fastpasses (like elastigirl said) is to generate revenue. "How?" you ask. Well, Disney would much rather have you walking in and out of stores and restaurants than standing in line for 2 hours. That is one of the main reasons fastpass came about (in WDW and other parks that implement such programs). So in actuality, WDW doesn't really care when you use the fastpass, or if you use it at all. The bottom line is you weren't standing in a line when you could have been spending money.

P.S. I frequently use fastpasses after their window expires. As long as it is allowed by CMs, I will continue to do so. When they stop allowing it, I will not fuss and fight and raise cain, I will go back during my allotted time. I have no problem with this . . . I hope you don't either.

I've heard about this before. It seems there were rumors of Disney getting rid of Fastpass because they were disappointed that people were using all the time they saved to (GASP) go on other rides instead of spending time and money in the shops and restaurants.

I love Fastpass and have the same outlook as crzyfrmk --I'll use the expired passes if it is allowed, if they say something, I'll happily comply. I'm the type that will walk back into stores if given too much change, but I don't feel this (using FPs after stated time) is cheating.
Time is valuable inside the parks --especially for those who can only get there once every several years. Any advantage or edge in dealing with huge crowds is welcome.

 

[kelleigh1]

Actually, I've seen the CMs be a lot more strict about adhering to the beginning of the time window rather than the end of the time window. Kelleigh definitely got some nice pixie dust there!

Definitely! And that's one of those things that I remember because I wasn't expecting it, but figured it couldn't hurt to ask. And the little joking is the kind of thing that I like. Just made me smile.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Accepting fastpasses late is at Disney's discretion.

Most of the time, they are accepted. This is simply because at most rides, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference because the few that do not show up on time, don't all show up at once and the rides aren't beyond busy. But I have indeed seen late fastpasses refused. And on this occasion, the fastpass line itself was about 15 minutes and the standard queue about an hour and a half.

Guide books that say don't worry about coming late in their touring plans without dosclosing that yes indeed you might not be accepted, are doing a disservice.

 

[lillygator]

we've used expired FP's from previous trips before - both my sister and I (meaning we weren't there at the same time together)...

 

[bicker]

Interestingly enough, this is true -- the goal was to increase sales --- however, according to Jim Hill, this has actually not happened according to statistics. The FP system has actually caused no bump in sales according to him, and that is why there is talk (rumours, mind you) of eventually having FPs only for resort guests and/or charging for them. Disney has spent millions on this technology, and there, so far, has been no return on the investment.

This is critical. It was indeed made clear, from the beginning of the FastPass program, that the intention was to relieve guests of having to wait in queue, and instead they could browse shops or have a bite to eat while waiting for their reserved FastPass return time. I cannot honesty say that I, myself, use it in that manner. As such, FastPass has unquestionably failed to live up to its expectations, and as such, is ripe for consideration of changes to help it better satisfy its original objectives.

Guide books that say don't worry about coming late in their touring plans without dosclosing that yes indeed you might not be accepted, are doing a disservice.

As we would be here, if we were not consistently addressing that misconception!

 

[Mo-Yo]

We were in Epcot in December and we stopped at MS to check out the line before and to get a FP before moving on to use our FP for Soarin', which was almost expired.

"Don't walk all the way oevr there and come back," the CM at MS said, "The line is just 5 mins. here (at MS)."

I told her I didn't want to miss our FP window for Soarin', but she said it didn't matter if you went late for a FP...as long as you were past the start time.

I am a rule follower by nature, so I sort of felt like I was getting away with something by following the CM's advice, but I did.

That said, FP's do give a distinct window so I guess it is at Disney's discretion to enforce it.

Still, what is the big deal, really? I am happy for people who weren't inconvenienced and who were able to get in to an attraction after the printed expiration time.

Sometimes it seems like people are over the top with wanting to be THE ENFORCERS of all things Disney. Geeze!

To the first poster...sorry you weren't able to get into the attractions with the day-old passes. I hope you were still able to ride without too long of a wait.

 

[lillygator]

not knowing much about Jim Hill - is he accurate in the sales aspect? Does anyone know just how much Disney spent on FP's?