Fast Pass lines? A question again!

obnurse2003

<font color=green>I'm going to wear my ball gown a
Joined
Jul 21, 2003
Messages
218
Okay, I KNOW to get Fast Pass. But my question is......

How long do you stand in line to get a Fast Pass???? Does the line go pretty quick?

You have to forgive me, my last trip there was pre-FP and I understand the concept, just don't understand if there is a line just to GET the Fast Pass.

Also, if they are all gone for the day, does a CM cover up the machine or put a sign on it?

Stupid questions, but I am still just a newbie!
 
There usually isn't a line for fast pass, they usually have 4 machines open. When they are gone for the day the machines are covered. We love using fast pass.
 
There is usually a bank of machines that distribute FPs. There aren't usually lines. You may have 1-3 folks in front of you to get FPs. Yes, they do cover the machines or rope the area off.
 
In my experience as far as the line to get the fast pass, it depends on 1.the time of day and 2. the attraction. If the attraction has a really long line then there usually seems to be a mad dash to get the fast passes.
I remember one time it was a really hot day and I went to get a FP for Kali River Rapids and it was a MAD HOUSE! The fast passes were for something like 5 hours in the future and the line for the ride was about 90-120 minutes long! The poor ride greeter who was handing out FP looked like she was about to cry! But this was busy season in august and it was about 100º out!
 

Keep in mind only one person in your family/group has to get the Fast Passes. He/She just has to take everyone's ticket and feed themthrough the machines.
 
What percentage of people use the Fast Pass system??

I would think that everyone would use them.
 
Originally posted by obnurse2003
What percentage of people use the Fast Pass system??

I would think that everyone would use them.

I don't know that anyone could really make an educated guess at this. I'm sure there is a large percentage of WDW guests who aren't familiar with FastPass for whatever reason. Heck, I spent 8 days in the World on my honeymoon and came back having no idea what "Priority Seating" was. :)

Anyway, aside from a lack of understanding, there are a number of reasons why people use the standby line:

1. Could be holding a FastPass for another attraction.
2. FastPass return time may not be convenient.
3. Attraction may be out of FastPasses for the day.

Look at it this way...if everyone used FastPass, there would be nobody in the standby line. But, if there was no standby line, there would be no need to get a FastPass. There's always going to be some sort of balance between standby and FastPass.

Those who use FastPass to its fullest will probably get more out of their trip. But, I think it's unfair to assume that anyone who chooses to wait in a 45 min line are completely ignorant of how the system works.
 
/
tjkraz: I hope I didn't sound like I thought that the people in line were ignorant. I'm sure that I would stand in line for a ride I LOVED even if I had a FP for later that day.

I just wondered how many people know about FP. Especially people from outside of these boards and guide books. I guess too that maybe some people think you have to pay for that.

FP is an excellent idea! It just gives me one more line to be nervous about and one more place to RACE to when the park opens.

:bounce:

I am just OC sometimes. :Pinkbounc
 
I think the people on these boards would be surprised at how low the percentage may actually be. You will often hear people at the parks complaining about people being able to cut in line (using FP).

I've heard a number of people wondering what Disney charges for FP.

I think FP usage is limited by several factors:

1) People think it costs money to use.

2) People think it is only for onsite guests or multiday pass holders.

3) People don't understand the concept. If the FP return time is 2 1/2 hours away, and the standby line is only 45 minutes, many people think they are better off waiting in the standby line. They don't understand they could be waiting in ANOTHER line during that time.

4) People don't use FP as efficiently as they can--they don't get a second FP before using their first one.

Of course, I'm not inclined to tell too many people about this. The less people that know how to use it, the better for the rest of us.;)

Oops, if anyone reading this post learned anything new, please immediately forget it.--It's wrong information. FP costs lots of money, is only for onsite guests, and doesn't really work. There is no way to avoid the lines so just stand there and be quiet;) ;)
 
That's what I was thinking....shhhhhhh. It's a secret that is better left untold! I completely agree with you there!!

Can you get another FP BEFORE you use the first? What do you do? Wait until your return time and get the FP right away before you miss your turn in line???
 
Originally posted by obnurse2003
tjkraz: I hope I didn't sound like I thought that the people in line were ignorant. I'm sure that I would stand in line for a ride I LOVED even if I had a FP for later that day.

No misunderstanding at all. I see where you're coming from. Often times the fastpass ride queue takes you right past the standby lines, and I can't help shaking my head at those waiting in the excessive lines, even though I know that some percentage of them are there with full knowledge of FP.

I think Disney has done an almost perfect job of providing info on FastPass. The ticket machines are clearly labeled. It's been in the Vacation Planning Videos for years. Tour books have details on the system. Nevertheless, they really don't beat you over the head from the time you walk through the gates. I think it's like a lot of other things at the World...if you want to do a little digging for yourself, you're bound to be rewarded by the things you unearth.
 
Originally posted by obnurse2003
Can you get another FP BEFORE you use the first? What do you do? Wait until your return time and get the FP right away before you miss your turn in line???

When we were there in 2001, you were able to get a second FP as soon as your return time opened for the first FP. For example, I had FP for the Pooh ride with return time of 8:30-9:30. At 8:31 I was able to get a FP for Peter Pan with a return time of 9:00-10:00. I was able to get a 3rd FP at 9:01. I didn't know about this before my trip. A CM in MGM taught me how to "work the system".

I understand that the system has changed a little. The time that you can get another FP is now printed on your FP ticket. I'm not sure, but I think you should still be able to hold more than one FP at a time.
 
In one of the posts, I don't remember which one, it was said, "if you want to get the most out of your trip, use Fastpass" or something to that effect. All things being relative, I feel that if you want to get the most out of your trip you won't use Fastpass.
Especially, first timers!

If your only object is to "ride" the attractions then by all means get the pass. If you would like to obsorb the Disney experience than spend a few extra minutes in the Q and pay attention to the detail and thought that went into a lot of the themeing. Talk to the people in line, find out where they came from, relax, slow down and enjoy!

When I first went to WDW there was no such thing as Fastpass. We all were equal and experienced the same thing. My theory is that to the first timer, fastpass is the reason why return visits are on the decline. It becomes no more than a six flags to them. It has been stated that Fastpass was installed so that people waiting for their time would spend more money on gifts and snacks. I can't prove that but I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. What else are you going to do with that "extra" time. Not all other attractions are timed that well that you won't have considerable downtime somewhere along the way. I doubt if much time is really saved. You just aren't standing in line for the attraction but you are at the snack bar, etc.

Anyway, everyone is free to do as they please but for me, I have so many fond memories of the "old days" that I still enjoy the, so called, standby line more. The making of new friends, the anticipation of the ride, all of it make up my memories and experiences.

By the way, whomever looks at us and shakes their head in pity that we are so uninformed as to wait in line, well, the feeling is mutual. As stated by someone else, if it weren't for those of us that still enjoy the regular line there would be no fastpass, we just would all stand in a different line. They don't take on riders any faster because of it. Just remember, not all things that make you move faster are necessarily better, it's just faster, relatively.
 
Originally posted by goofyernmost
In one of the posts, I don't remember which one, it was said, "if you want to get the most out of your trip, use Fastpass" or something to that effect. All things being relative, I feel that if you want to get the most out of your trip you won't use Fastpass.
Especially, first timers!

If your only object is to "ride" the attractions then by all means get the pass. If you would like to obsorb the Disney experience than spend a few extra minutes in the Q and pay attention to the detail and thought that went into a lot of the themeing. Talk to the people in line, find out where they came from, relax, slow down and enjoy!

When I first went to WDW there was no such thing as Fastpass. We all were equal and experienced the same thing. My theory is that to the first timer, fastpass is the reason why return visits are on the decline. It becomes no more than a six flags to them. It has been stated that Fastpass was installed so that people waiting for their time would spend more money on gifts and snacks. I can't prove that but I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. What else are you going to do with that "extra" time. Not all other attractions are timed that well that you won't have considerable downtime somewhere along the way. I doubt if much time is really saved. You just aren't standing in line for the attraction but you are at the snack bar, etc.

Anyway, everyone is free to do as they please but for me, I have so many fond memories of the "old days" that I still enjoy the, so called, standby line more. The making of new friends, the anticipation of the ride, all of it make up my memories and experiences.

By the way, whomever looks at us and shakes their head in pity that we are so uninformed as to wait in line, well, the feeling is mutual. As stated by someone else, if it weren't for those of us that still enjoy the regular line there would be no fastpass, we just would all stand in a different line. They don't take on riders any faster because of it. Just remember, not all things that make you move faster are necessarily better, it's just faster, relatively.

I've only been to disney once and that was during the summer. Everyone that I talked to before the trip said it would be a waste of money. You'll spend all of your time standing in line.....

By taking advantage of FP we were able to avoid many of the lines. We were also able to do some of our favorites many times. We used standby lines, single rider, and FP. During our week there we waited in one long line, Kali River Rapids 75 minutes. If we had to do that for the whole week, there's no way I'd have wanted to return.

Since the disney experince is still very new to my son and I, our focus is on the rides therefore, FP works well for us. Once we get several trips under our belt, I'm sure we'll slow down a little.
 
I, too, was stunned at the number of people using Standby i/o FastPass.

I think some think it is better to wait standby for 45 minutes i/o of coming back in an hour and walking on. That way they've "saved" 15 minutes. I disagree with this, though. During that hour we go get snacks, character autographs, or shop for pins and stuff. Or just look around.

One reason we're going back so soon (since last Oct) is because I felt we rushed to do the big stuff and I completely missed all of the "little" stuff. I can't even recall seeing many places, and this year I'm gettin' a turkey leg, baby!
 
Originally posted by goofyernmost
In one of the posts, I don't remember which one, it was said, "if you want to get the most out of your trip, use Fastpass" or something to that effect. All things being relative, I feel that if you want to get the most out of your trip you won't use Fastpass.
Especially, first timers!

I made that statement, and thought long and hard about it before hitting the 'ole SUBMIT button. But as stated, I stand by my comment.

If you're comparing a 5 minute FastPass wait against a 30 minute (or longer in the busy seasons) standby wait, I'll save those 25 minutes and spend them elsewhere. When you project those waits against all of the "E" ticket rides (Splash Mtn, Space Mtn, BTMR, Buzz Lightyear, etc.), it really adds up over the course of a day.

There is a lot of park theming more interesting than the standby queues for the rides. During our last off-season visit, our longest wait was about 15-20 minutes for the Great Movie Ride. I gotta tell you, there's not much that's exciting about standing in the theater watching the movie loop 5 or 6 times.

Don't mean to sound catty, but in the end, if you want to use standby exclusively, then that means more FastPass tickets for the rest of us. :)
 
Originally posted by goofyernmost
In one of the posts, I don't remember which one, it was said, "if you want to get the most out of your trip, use Fastpass" or something to that effect. All things being relative, I feel that if you want to get the most out of your trip you won't use Fastpass.
Especially, first timers!

If your only object is to "ride" the attractions then by all means get the pass. If you would like to obsorb the Disney experience than spend a few extra minutes in the Q and pay attention to the detail and thought that went into a lot of the themeing. Talk to the people in line, find out where they came from, relax, slow down and enjoy!

When I first went to WDW there was no such thing as Fastpass. We all were equal and experienced the same thing. My theory is that to the first timer, fastpass is the reason why return visits are on the decline. It becomes no more than a six flags to them. It has been stated that Fastpass was installed so that people waiting for their time would spend more money on gifts and snacks. I can't prove that but I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. What else are you going to do with that "extra" time. Not all other attractions are timed that well that you won't have considerable downtime somewhere along the way. I doubt if much time is really saved. You just aren't standing in line for the attraction but you are at the snack bar, etc.

Anyway, everyone is free to do as they please but for me, I have so many fond memories of the "old days" that I still enjoy the, so called, standby line more. The making of new friends, the anticipation of the ride, all of it make up my memories and experiences.

By the way, whomever looks at us and shakes their head in pity that we are so uninformed as to wait in line, well, the feeling is mutual. As stated by someone else, if it weren't for those of us that still enjoy the regular line there would be no fastpass, we just would all stand in a different line. They don't take on riders any faster because of it. Just remember, not all things that make you move faster are necessarily better, it's just faster, relatively.

All due respect Goofy, but I have to disagree with your premise. When using FP there are many opportunities to stand in line at non FP attractions and meet new people. I'm usually standing in one of those lines while holding a FP for another ride. Plus, there are many opportunities to meet people in other place: sitting on a bench while resting, in a restaurant, in a shop, on a bus/boat/monorail, etc. I've had no problem meeting fun and interesting people while using FP.

As for paying attention to the details and theming, this is also not a problem. Most FP lines enter at or very near the regular line's entrance. You usually walk up to the ride entrance next to everyone standing in the regular line. DW and I don't run up to the entrance. We take our time walking and enjoying the theming.

I agree that Commando Touring is not for everyone and people should SLOW DOWN and enjoy themselves. That can still be done using FP. It simply lets you experience more of the magic.
 
I must apologize! Apparently, I came across as judgemental about those that use Fastpass. I really wasn't. I was merely expressing my preference not what I think everyone else has to do. However, most of you that replied wanted to make me seem like an idiot for enjoying a slower pace.

I stated before just do what you want to. Just don't look at me with pity because I'm not suffering. I chose to experience WDW this way and I tried to explain why I feel that way. I, of course, stand the possibility of being absolutely wrong, however, I think that life will go on regardless of how I do it.

Be that as it may, I still believe that the whole thing is a manifestation of a problem that is nation wide. Everything must move at the speed of light. We must not stop and smell the roses just glance at them as we pass by. Just the new American way of life.

Last word from me on the subject...Thanks for listening. Sorry if I upset anyone with my personal observations.
 
I don't think you came across as judgmental. And I apologize you felt my response was intended to make you feel like an idiot. I certainly didn't intend it.

I also agree people should slow down and take the time to appreciate things. Too many people at Disney rush through to go on all the rides without ever noticing what makes Disney so much better than an amusement park like Six Flags.
 
Disnee Dad Says.................................We have been four times now. Trip one was all commando all the time. Over the years the plan has changed, but I would still say hit it hard that first time, you don't know if you will catch the fever, and make several return visits, or if it is a one time shot.

We still get there early, hit it hard in the morning and use FP's.
By lunchtime we can be in slow mode, smell the roses, take pictures of the roses, eat the roses when no one is looking!

It may sound harsh, but if you do a "whole days worth" by 1:00pm, the rest is easy. More shopping, listening to entertainment, betting on which bird will grab the french fry, and planting a few roses when no one is looking!!!
 

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