Fast Pass Expiration at Soarin'

[Buzz Litebeer]

Folks,

I have just now been informed by The Powers That Be that Fastpasses may not be honored after the one hour window at Soarin' in Epcot. This one attraction is the exception to the rule.

When I asked why I was told it was due to Soarin's amazing popularity, as well as the dynamics of the attraction's queue.

For the record, I don't like this. I feel Disney's policy should be consistant; if we accept late FPs for most attractions, then we should accept them on all. However, I have been informed this is not the case with Soarin'.

It's possible a Soarin' CM might accept your late FPs... But they might not, and if that's the case, they are acting in accordance with policy.

I apologize profusely for any misinformation I may have inadvertantly misspread. However, I would also like to stress that this is only the case with Soarin'; all other attractions must accept FPs after the return time on the same day they're issued.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I encountered this on a recent trip.

After reading the recent thread on this topic, I thank you for your useful info. It's great to have sources such as yourself on this website.....Most folks on this site do try to give good info, and I won't mention any names, but sometimes people who have no idea what they are talking about will try to argue a point...

The funniest are the several folks who will post around 100 postings, clearly arguing about some WDW aspect (or aspects) in the process, then start asking for info to help them on their "first trip to WDW!"

I've seen it more than once here!

 

[rihard2000]

Acording to my latest RideMax update, construction is happening in the Soarin queue area and Disney is temporarily diverting all FASTPASS holders into just one theater. RideMax also states that there has has been a reduced number of FASTPASSes being issued as a result. So what BuzzLitebeer says about FASTPASS windows being enforced seems like a likely, yet temporary situation.

The construction is expected to continue through the end of March. Hopefully once things return to normal (queue and theater wise), FASTPASS will again be honored as usual.

 

[leanan]

I have witnessed times (offseason) when the fast pass line was as long or longer than the regular line for Soarin. So this seems like a good idea for now untill the dust settles so to say.

 

[Vemnox]

Construction is happening in the Soarin queue area and Disney is temporarily diverting all FASTPASS holders into just one theater. I've also heard that there has has been a reduced number of FASTPASSes being issued as a result. So what BuzzLitebeer says about FASTPASS windows being enforced seems like a likely, yet temporary situation.

The construction is expected to continue through the end of March. Hopefully once things return to normal (queue and theater wise), FASTPASS will again be honored as usual.

Please be aware this is EXACTLY the reason for the strict policy. Please don't blame the CM's and please don't blame management. The concourse areas of both sides are having their floors re-done because they were peeling up. "A" side is completed and "B" side is currently under construction. Less FP's are being distributed, FP rules are being strictly followed, and management/guest relations are not allowed to use FP's at Soarin' as a form of guest recovery. If you're upset at all by this - think of the alternative: shutting down the entire attraction for refurb which would cause even more of a ruckus.

 

[rihard2000]

So if I show up late because while purchasing $700 worth of merchandise the cash register breaks and my credit card charge is in limbo, I'm just going to be told sorry your late!!??? Got stuck in a 101 at Spaceship Earth? Tough!

I feel sorry for the cast members who have to enforce this. It hardly is good guest service. The better option would be to shut down FASTPASS for the attraction all together.

* I'm just playing devils advocate here, so please don't flame me. I understand the reason for the enforcement, but lateness does happen for many legitimate reasons.

 

[rihard2000]

Oh, and thanks to Buzz Litebeer for the heads-up.

 

[MaeDaisy]

Leanan, sometimes it will LOOK like the Fastpass line is just as long, but it's really not. Once inside the waiting area, FP lines have nowhere near as many twists and turn-backs as the regular line. So while they might look equal on the outside, they really aren't. The FP line will be almost a straight shot as opposed to winding around a couple dozen times.

And Rihard, they give you a one hour window. Plan to show up towards the beginning of the window and you won't have to worry about it. I'm in the camp that thinks FPs should be used within the window, and I wish Disney would enforce it all the time.

 

[carmiedog]

Hope you'll update us if this changes.

It has occurred to me that I'm trusting you and putting faith in what you tell us, but honestly, for all I know you're just a bored pig farmer in Alaska. (uh, they have pigs in Alaska, don't they?)

I think it would be much funner to play find Buzz Litebeer than looking for hidden Mickeys on my upcoming trip.

 

[Evil Princess]

I have witnessed times (offseason) when the fast pass line was as long or longer than the regular line for Soarin. So this seems like a good idea for now untill the dust settles so to say.

It doesn't matter if the line is longer, equal fastpassers and stand by guests are NOT taken.

Depending on the attraction, and the attendance, the number can vary, but CM's take more people from the fast pass line, then take a smaller percentage from the standby line. Then they jump to the fast pass line, and again take a smaller percentage from the standby line.

At least, that's the way I understood it worked in Fantasyland, if any other CM's want to correct me please do.

 

[Sarahboo]

Thanks for the heads up! It would have been a real bummer to miss our window by a few minutes not realizing the policy!

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

It has occurred to me that I'm trusting you and putting faith in what you tell us, but honestly, for all I know you're just a bored pig farmer in Alaska. (uh, they have pigs in Alaska, don't they?)

That's right; I could well be... well that, or just someone who enjoys impersonating a CM for my own evil, nefarious purposes.

Maybe I'm a disgruntled former CM.

Or maybe I'm a current CM in one of the parks who posts when she (or he) has something important to tell you.

Why am I being vague? Well, I have friends who have been terminated for things they've posted online... and I happen to really like my job (overall; there are days when I wonder if it's worth the aggravation... and days where I think I have the hands-down most awesome job in the known universe).

Perhaps if I'm still working for the mouse the next time you visit, and if I happen to recognize you, I may "out" myself. Or perhaps not. I like anonymity; it lets me tell you what's really going on whereas sometimes I can't onstage in my role as a helpful CM.

But I will give you all this pledge and promise: I will not intentionally give you misinformation.

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

I feel sorry for the cast members who have to enforce this. It hardly is good guest service. The better option would be to shut down FASTPASS for the attraction all together.

Oh, I quite agree. As I said in the OP, Disney needs to be consistant in enforcing policy, and saying "We'll take late FPs for all attractions EXCEPT this one" isn't consistant.

 

[Robo]

I'm in the camp that thinks FPs should be used within the window, and I wish Disney would enforce it all the time.

Of all the things to worry about...
why would you worry about THIS?

The number of people who use a "late" FP is so small it usually doesn't matter to those in line.

MOST guests use a FP within the first 20 minutes of the return time, many who are left use a FP within the next 30 minutes (inside the window), and some NEVER use the FP they took for that attraction.

That leaves only a very small percentage of those who chose use their FP's "late."

AND, of those...
they don't "all" tend show up at the same time, anyway.
They arrive at variuous times that are spread throughout the day and evening.

So, at any given time... its just not a big deal, one way or the other.

 

[BroganMc]

I just wish they had put the FastPass distribution machines on the top floor of the Land Pavilion instead of down where it is. It is a distinct disadvantage to those of us using wheelchairs. All that waiting for one tiny elevator and the long line of wheelchairs and scooters just to get a FastPass while everyone else is racing down the escalator. (Not to mention how tiny the loading queue area is on the 1st floor for the elevator. Why it has to be tucked behind the wall in a corner is beyond me.)

But I do love the Seasons restaurant. It just about makes up for the trek.

 

[CanadianGuy]

I agree that the FP line for Soarin' is mis-leading by times.

On Feb 28th of this year we got in the FP line for Soarin which was accomplished by following some tape on the floor through the exit area... (we were on time for that one FP !).. and it seemed REALLY long at first.

We were like.. wow.. if this is the FP line.. what's the real line look like. But it moved WICKED fast. They had designated one whole theatre for FP holders I think. (Well our theatre was anyway) We were on the attraction in no time. I think we waited maybe 7 to 10 minutes max. Most of that time was sorting out the 'numbers' prior to entering the theatre.

I stopped and thought about it.. and Soarin accepting 60+ people in a theatre (what is the exact number?) it swallows large chunks of FP line holders quickly.

Knox

 

[Vemnox]

I stopped and thought about it.. and Soarin accepting 60+ people in a theatre (what is the exact number?)

87

 

[kaytieeldr]

87? I thought it was 90. Which row is a seat short?

 

[igk]

Perhaps if I'm still working for the mouse the next time you visit, and if I happen to recognize you, I may "out" myself. Or perhaps not. I like anonymity; it lets me tell you what's really going on whereas sometimes I can't onstage in my role as a helpful CM.

But I will give you all this pledge and promise: I will not intentionally give you misinformation.

Well if I happen to bump into you on my upcoming trip I'd like to shake your hand. Keep up the good work. It's indispensable to get reliable information from people who actually know what they're talking about.

As for the FP issue: it's good to know the actual facts, and I for one agree it's a shame that the official policy is both inconsistent and strict. But forewarned is forearmed.

 

[Helene]

So, if I'm reading this correctly, with the exception of Soarin, fastpasses can be used anytime after your "return" time??

I never knew that. We always rushed back for our designated times and I didn't realize there was more flexibility with them.

In theory, I could obtain a new fastpass once my old time is up, repeat the process throughtout the day, and go on all the attractions near days end??

No flames please, not trying to abuse the system. Just trying to maximize our times in the parks.

Thanks.