Extra-Cost Fastpasses (effectively) at HKDL

[steve76]

This is completely off-topic, but I thought this was interesting as it may be a sign of the way things might be going.

Hong Kong Disneyland, as part of it's latest promotion (http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/html/StarGuest/en_US/index.html) is offering (for a limited three-month period), an extra-cost 'Star Pass', effectively a fast-pass book.

The Pass costs 80-120 HKD (10-15 USD) depending on the day (around a third of the price of a park ticket). It provides one entry to Buzz Lightyear, Winnie-the-Pooh and Space Mountain (effectively a fast pass with no designated time), and priority entrance (and your choice of seat) for Philharmagic, the Festival of the Lion King and the Golden Mickeys stage show. (Note that these are the only Fastpass attractions in the park).

It doesn't sound like a great deal to me, as you don't get that much for your money (after all, you don't get to see the shows any quicker), plus it sounds like the crowds are light most of the time and they still have the regular Fastpass system. Personally I don't like the idea - I like the fact that everyone has equal access to all of the rides via the regular queues and the current Fast Pass system.

However, I thought this was interesting. Maybe this is Disney testing the concept of additional extra-cost 'Dream Fastpasses' like the ones they gave out at Disney World during Year of a Million Dreams? Maybe now that many people are familiar with the concept of the Dream Fastpasses and this year's Birthday Fastpasses, they may start selling them next year? And the HKDL promotion ('Star Guest Programme') sounds strangely similar to the 'What Will You Celebrate' promotion - maybe this is beta testing of an extension to the current promotion? Or maybe I'm looking far too much into this and should stop being so cynical!?!

Details of the Star Pass can be found at http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/ticketsAndReservations/overview?name=StarPassPage

 

[carol1231]

That does sound interesting and is possibly being tested for a bigger market. My husband was at HKDL a couple of months ago, and pretty much had the place to himself on a Friday. So, I agree, not sure that it is really needed at that particular park. But it does sound like a Disney experiment.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

dont they sell these at Universal already?? I dont like it but it goes on in other theme parks.

 

[alice99]

In Universal Studios they charge 25$/pp for front of the line priveledges . They have also completely done away with "regular fastpass" for everyone. It's shameful, unless you are willing to shell out big$, you'll be standing on long lines. This is pure greed.

If Disney does this I would be very disappointed. I hope that's not where Disney is going with this.

 

[carol1231]

I agree, I don't want to pay extra for fastpass. I know it has been this way at U/S and I hope it doesn't make it's way to disney.

 

[Whipperwhirl]

I would pay - time is money in the bank

 

[SamSam]

I really hope WDW doesn't start charging for fastpass privileges. I feel just fine using fastpass now, even when passing people who either don't know about fastpass or chose not to use it for some reason. However, I would feel terrible to pay for fastpass and walk by people who simply did not have the funds to pay for a fastpass.

 

[robind]

I agree, I hope WDW doesn't start charging for fast passes. I noticed the last time I was at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, that they are offering a front of the line pass you can purchase, which I did not do. If people refuse to buy them, maybe they will go away.

 

[jsoren11]

Id pay in a heartbeat. Sounds great. It would be awesome if they gave them with a stay at a deluxe resort like Universal or if you could purchase a higher cost hopper with FP built in.

 

[dpuck1998]

They had a pay-system at Great America in Illinois. It was AWESOME! They gave you a key fob that let you pick the ride and stand in the "virtual" que. Then when your time is up you get to the front of the line. It was the greatest. You still "waited" in line the same as everyone else without waiting in ilne. If the line was an hour then you waited an hour to get on the ride. We had a great day in the park with those, but they sold out quickly.

A Regular The Flash Pass allows you to enjoy your day at Six Flags by avoiding long lines at your favorite rides. With a Regular The Flash Pass, you wait as long as everyone else is waiting, but not in line—you can enjoy your free time elsewhere in the park.

They also offer a gold one for extra money and you cut the wait by 75 percent.

http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/tickets/flashpass.aspx