Fast Pass Improvement Idea

[reallybadeggs]

Disney should update the FP machines so that I can get a FP for any FP ride (within a park) from any FP machine. That way, I could hit the RD and head to RNR but stop at the RNR FP machine and get a FP for TSM.

The way it is currently set up, if I'm at the RD for MK and head straight to Splash Mountain and BTM, I can get those rides out of the way before there is much of a line. But then, I need to walk all the way to Fantasyland or Tomorrowland (or JC) to get a FP.

What I am suggesting is that I be able to go to SplM/BTM and be able to get a FP for Space Mountain or PPF. Sure, I can get a FP for Splash or BTM but wouldn't it make more sense to be able to get a Buzz Lightyear FP that will have a window starting 45 minutes from the time I am getting on BTM???

This would easily allow people to better plan their way around the park (rather than doubling back to use FPs) and would likely provide a better opportunity for people to acutally use their FPs within the actual window.

I think this is a great idea, thoughts? I apologize if this has already been suggested.

 

[jade1]

Disney should update the FP machines so that I can get a FP for any FP ride (within a park) from any FP machine. That way, I could hit the RD and head to RNR but stop at the RNR FP machine and get a FP for TSM.

The way it is currently set up, if I'm at the RD for MK and head straight to Splash Mountain and BTM, I can get those rides out of the way before there is much of a line. But then, I need to walk all the way to Fantasyland or Tomorrowland (or JC) to get a FP.

What I am suggesting is that I be able to go to SplM/BTM and be able to get a FP for Space Mountain or PPF. Sure, I can get a FP for Splash or BTM but wouldn't it make more sense to be able to get a Buzz Lightyear FP that will have a window starting 45 minutes from the time I am getting on BTM???

This would easily allow people to better plan their way around the park (rather than doubling back to use FPs) and would likely provide a better opportunity for people to acutally use their FPs within the actual window.

I think this is a great idea, thoughts? I apologize if this has already been suggested.

Just you? Or anyone? Not a bad idea-just make in the hotel or your iphone, or the day before.

 

[Robo]

They actually experimented with a "Central FP Distribution" a couple of years ago at DAK.

It didn't pan out.



My humble thought is to leave the FP system, the heck, alone!

 

[reallybadeggs]

They actually experimented with a "Central FP Distribution" a couple of years ago at DAK.

It didn't pan out.

Why didn't it work??? What were the issues?

 

[Robo]

Why didn't it work??? What were the issues?

Sorry to say that I won't be able to tell you here.

 

[reallybadeggs]

Just you? Or anyone? Not a bad idea-just make in the hotel or your iphone, or the day before.

Great advice, so witty.

 

[Alsobrook]

By having to walk to the locale for the FP, Disney is doing what it ultimately does best.... move people. (See Universal Harry Potter nonsense for an idea of how NOT to move people). When you don't have to move... you create a logjam at the closest places to obtain said FP. They want you spread out all over the park and moving, constantly.

 

[reallybadeggs]

Sorry to say that I won't be able to tell you here.

Why not? I mean, I'm not looking for anything proprietary, just a general reason? Could the system not handle it?

 

[Reddog1134]

One potential problem I see with this idea, which was also a problem with the centralized FP experiment, is the lack of an easily viewable return time.

If I'm leaving the park at 4 and I see the Space Mountain FP machine is currently issuing FPs for 5-6pm, I can keep on walking.

 

[reallybadeggs]

When you don't have to move... you create a logjam at the closest places to obtain said FP.

Yeah, I get that. But where is there a bigger morning logjam than right in front of TSM immediately after RD. If people knew they could get a TSM FP at Star Tours, I think you would eliminate a huge logjam.

Also, if I was getting my PPF FP at BTM, I would be moving toward Fantasyland upon exiting the ride.

 

[Reddog1134]

Yeah, I get that. But where is there a bigger morning logjam than right in front of TSM immediately after RD. If people knew they could get a TSM FP at Star Tours, I think you would eliminate a huge logjam.

Also, if I was getting my PPF FP at BTM, I would be moving toward Fantasyland upon exiting the ride.

This might only apply to TSM but then you would have people running in every direction trying to get to any given FP machine.

 

[reallybadeggs]

This might only apply to TSM but then you would have people running in every direction trying to get to any given FP machine.

Just guessing....you don't like change much.

 

[Reddog1134]

Just guessing....you don't like change much.

I like change. You asked for thoughts. I gave you some.

Right now a CM has to escort guests across the park to the TSM Fastpass machines so that they don't stampede. Can you imagine them trying to escort guests to each FP machine in the park? Or worse, not escorting them at all?

But as I said, that would be for TSM only...and maybe Soarin and Test Track.

 

[rachellm]

Interesting idea.

I can think of a few reasons off the top of my head why it may not work.

1. I think the majority of Disney visitors don't understand the FP system. And as it is, it's pretty simple. A system like you're suggesting would probably confuse the heck out of people

2. The machines now seem pretty basic. In order to do what you're suggesting, they'd need to have machines that have a large number of options. So a totally new system.

3. A central system with all the FP machines in one spot would create a huge logjam, as others have already said.

Bottom line - what incentive would there be for Disney to make such a big, likely expensive change? There's really no benefit for them!

 

[scrapquitler]

I like the way the system works now. We will sometimes split up and DH will get the FP that we want and I will ride something that has virtually no line with the kids while he does that. Then we ride together for a while until it is our return time.

I think that if there were a central location, there would be a huge mess of people at whatever machines were closest to the front of the park at the beginning of the day and it would turn into a big mess. I also think they'd need bigger more complicated machines (imagine how long people would take looking at the options to choose which FP would be the 'best' one to get....the line would be a PITA like the line for people trying to rent RedBox movies in on a Friday night and it would ultimately take longer than walking halfway across the park to get the FP right over at Space Mountain).

 

[reallybadeggs]

I like change. You asked for thoughts. I gave you some.
.

You're right. I apologize. I didn't mean it as an insult, some people truly do not like change. I appreciate your opinion.

 

[Reddog1134]

You're right. I apologize. I didn't mean it as an insult, some people truly do not like change. I appreciate your opinion.

No problem. I admit, I'm "wary" of change but have no problem with it when it results in an improvement.

Actually, it doesn't necessarily have to be an improvement. I just don't like it when it results in things like "Under New Management".

 

[reallybadeggs]

3. A central system with all the FP machines in one spot would create a huge logjam, as others have already said.

Bottom line - what incentive would there be for Disney to make such a big, likely expensive change? There's really no benefit for them!

Let me just take a step back. I am not suggesting a "central system" I do not want to have to walk to the Tree of Life to get my FP for each ride. I am suggesting that you have an option to get any FP for any FP ride from any current FP machine.

I don't know that it would be that expensive as they are all running off a central computer system already, no?

And Disney should want to change anything for the better if it will make it a better experience for their guests, which I believe this absolutely would.

 

[Reddog1134]

Let me just take a step back. I am not suggesting a "central system" I do not want to have to walk to the Tree of Life to get my FP for each ride. I am suggesting that you have an option to get any FP for any FP ride from any current FP machine.

I don't know that it would be that expensive as they are all running off a central computer system already, no?

And Disney should want to change anything for the better if it will make it a better experience for their guests, which I believe this absolutely would.

But it would require new machines so that you could select which FP you wanted.

(Sorry, I'm honestly NOT trying to be a dark cloud following you around. I just enjoy a good discussion.)

 

[disnut8]

What I am suggesting is that I be able to go to SplM/BTM and be able to get a FP for Space Mountain or PPF. Sure, I can get a FP for Splash or BTM but wouldn't it make more sense to be able to get a Buzz Lightyear FP that will have a window starting 45 minutes from the time I am getting on BTM???

So your thought would still have you getting one FastPass according to the existing rules/limitations. Why would you go to that particular location to get your first FastPass? Maybe you thought you wanted to do Splash Mountain or Big Thunder but got there and decided the return time was too late so you wanted something else and wanted alternatives. That's fair. But that means Disney would have to have all FastPass machines dialed into something central to know just how many FastPasses were already gone from every single other location in the park. That might be doable. But can you imagine people on this board trying to figure out the best distance to the first available location for FastPasses? I shudder to thing about it.

FastPasses at Disney work. They really do. Are they perfect? No. Do people want more? Yes. But the system works. Enough said. Why the heck would Disney want to do anything more? It's a fair and equal system for anyone who has a valid park admission. There are no prima donnas, no elitists, just the same folk with any Disney park admission can do the same thing as the person next to them.