Fast Pass Plus wasn't THAT bad…. a lot of hype for how awful it was

[Cormoran]

Last night was a good example of why I like certain aspects of FP. After 1/2 price appetizers and drink specials at Bahama Breeze on 192, we went back to the condo to change and headed to HS at 5:45.

Condo to HS gate took all of 8 minutes. Parked at Music 55, boarded tram, walked thru gates and got in SB line at TGMR at 6:07, just 22 minutes after leaving the condo.

Had FP's for Star Tours from 6:30 to 7:30, then ToT from 7:30 to 8:30, then RnRC from 8:30 to 9:30. Left park after riding RnRC at 8:30 and got back to condo at 9:10.


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Sounds like you had an excellent evening. Glad to hear it. I also think it's interesting that you are finding your commutes between parks ( WDW and U) and between your condo and the WDW resort aren't any longer than traveling between some on-property venues.
Sounds like another urban myth has been dispelled.

 

[amandals2007]

If you look at my summary, you will see that we did all of those things and more in the 4 days we were there without having any FPs in advance, except for maybe the Little Mermaid (I don't remember if we did it that trip) which doesn't usually have lines that long anyway. We took advantage of AM EMH on 3 of the 4 days and single rider lines at TT and EE.

If anything, early September should be less busy than that weekend in November. With more than a full week at the resort you shouldn't have any trouble doing everything you want, including a lot of your favorites multiple times. We didn't do it on that trip because my wife is not a big fan of most of the coaster rides, but usually in 4 full days we can do even more rides by combining rope drop with late afternoon and early evening FPs and sometimes a midday break thrown in. On that trip we generally did other things in the evenings (Food and Wine, Osborne Lights, Boardwalk, Cirque de Soleil), so we really didn't make optimum use of FP. You should be able to make better use of FPs even if you pick them the night before or in the morning before you leave for the park instead of getting them at the park like we had to.

so you are saying there might still be FP+ available to choose the night before or morning? like i could get up on a day were were scheduled to go to AK and have our 3 FP+ made for that park and we could decide that we wanna go to HS and we could actually get a FP for ToT, RnR or TSM for the same day???

 

[wisblue]

so you are saying there might still be FP+ available to choose the night before or morning? like i could get up on a day were were scheduled to go to AK and have our 3 FP+ made for that park and we could decide that we wanna go to HS and we could actually get a FP for ToT, RnR or TSM for the same day???

We didn't try to get those things at DHS, but MIGHT is the key word. Our approach to DHS was to get there early to do the major things and use the FPs that we got same day for other things. There are other threads which have focused on the issue of what FPs have been available same day or night before and the reports on those seem to be mixed. You are visiting at a relatively low crowd time so FPs may be more available and standby lines will probably not get as long as fast as on some busier days.

At MK we had good luck getting things same day (including mountains) but, of course, not something like 7DMT. The availability at DAK was also pretty good.

 

[amandals2007]

We didn't try to get those things at DHS, but MIGHT is the key word. Our approach to DHS was to get there early to do the major things and use the FPs that we got same day for other things. There are other threads which have focused on the issue of what FPs have been available same day or night before and the reports on those seem to be mixed. You are visiting at a relatively low crowd time so FPs may be more available and standby lines will probably not get as long as fast as on some busier days.

At MK we had good luck getting things same day (including mountains) but, of course, not something like 7DMT. The availability at DAK was also pretty good.

im not so worried about it now. maybe after we hit epcot and do all the things we want to do we will hop over there one morning and see what FP+ we can get or see the stand by times. Thanks i kinda feel better about this now!!

 

[patr1ckL]

Coming from out of state, I think Fastpass+ is amazing. We have had nothing but great experiences with it during our visits around Christmas 2013 and summer 2014. Can't wait until we can start making our selections in 9 days for our next visit!

 

[Cormoran]

im not so worried about it now. maybe after we hit epcot and do all the things we want to do we will hop over there one morning and see what FP+ we can get or see the stand by times. Thanks i kinda feel better about this now!!

On our last trip we hopped to DHS and there was no availability for TOT, TGMR, TSMM, or RNR. I really don't think I'm being pessimistic when I say it is highly unlikely that FP+ will be available via kiosk. Additionally, I think the SB lines will be long ( 45- 60 minutes). This is what we experienced on our trip, but I think other people have reported the same thing in the tiered parks.

 

[mom2rtk]

On our last trip we hopped to DHS and there was no availability for TOT, TGMR, TSMM, or RNR. I really don't think I'm being pessimistic when I say it is highly unlikely that FP+ will be available via kiosk. Additionally, I think the SB lines will be long ( 45- 60 minutes). This is what we experienced on our trip, but I think other people have reported the same thing in the tiered parks.

I agree that the experience would likely be different in a tiered park. Limited capacity is why they are tiered in the first place.

 

[MrInfinity]

On our last trip we hopped to DHS and there was no availability for TOT, TGMR, TSMM, or RNR. I really don't think I'm being pessimistic when I say it is highly unlikely that FP+ will be available via kiosk. Additionally, I think the SB lines will be long ( 45- 60 minutes). This is what we experienced on our trip, but I think other people have reported the same thing in the tiered parks.

Yeah, I agree. FastPass (old and new) never worked well for an afternoon park hop to DHS... if you tried to hop to here and show up midday, TSMM and RNR would be done w distribution for the day, and they still will under FP+... they'll be gone sooner if anything. It certainly does nothing to fix that. The benefit comes in if you know ahead of time that you will be hopping, you can now plan that into your trip and have a really amazing hop set up. It seems to me that showing up at DHS in the afternoon without a plan is not a great idea. This is almost exactly the scenario we try to avoid by doing some planning and using some touring strategies. Just my 2c.

 

[wisblue]

im not so worried about it now. maybe after we hit epcot and do all the things we want to do we will hop over there one morning and see what FP+ we can get or see the stand by times. Thanks i kinda feel better about this now!!

I would not count on getting FPs same day for TSMM or RNRC unless you are there first thing in the morning, and even then it might be dicey. TOT may have a better chance.

As I said in my report, in November we arrived at DHS after 3 PM and got a FP for TGMR with a return time less than a half hour away. I think there might also have been something available for TOT at a later time but, because we were going to be leaving the park after seeing the Osborne Lights, we couldn't use that. We also rode Star Tours with a minimal wait before going to see the Osborne Lights.

As you look at other posters' reports about their experiences, it's a good idea to keep in mind what time of year they were visiting (if they reveal that). You are going in mid September which is traditionally one of the slower times of the year with crowd levels mostly in the 1-3 range. Your experience is likely to be different (with more FP availability and shorter standby lines) than people who visit at more crowded times with crowd levels of 6 and 7 or higher.

 

[jade1]

Last night was a good example of why I like certain aspects of FP. After 1/2 price appetizers and drink specials at Bahama Breeze on 192, we went back to the condo to change and headed to HS at 5:45.

Condo to HS gate took all of 8 minutes. Parked at Music 55, boarded tram, walked thru gates and got in SB line at TGMR at 6:07, just 22 minutes after leaving the condo.

Had FP's for Star Tours from 6:30 to 7:30, then ToT from 7:30 to 8:30, then RnRC from 8:30 to 9:30. Left park after riding RnRC at 8:30 and got back to condo at 9:10.


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See I told you it (FP+) was awesome-and we reserved that XMAS Eve for XMAS Day eve-same thing, just incredible improvement for the way we tour. Although we did stay much later for Fantasmic and stroll the Boardwalk late as well.

Take it a step further-did you feel that the morning and afternoon could be "spontaneous" since you had the evening nailed down in advance? It was for us-anything we wanted to do, from RD at AK, to UNI, Clearwater Beach, golf, fishing, Citrus Bowl, sleep, SAB, water park whatever.

 

[jade1]

Disney certainly made a lot of money off of YOU last night!

Yep, shows how far off people were when they said WDW implemented FP+ "just" to get your wallet, unlike down the road.

 

[Cormoran]

im not so worried about it now. maybe after we hit epcot and do all the things we want to do we will hop over there one morning and see what FP+ we can get or see the stand by times. Thanks i kinda feel better about this now!!

As I said check out what other people report regarding FP+ availability in the tiered parks. I would be very disappointed if I went over to DHS in the afternoon, based on the assumption that there was still availability for the top tier rides. Based on what I have seen on these boards, there is no FP+ availability at DHS for TOT, RNR, and TSMM via the park kiosks. Regardless of the time of year.

 

[jade1]

i will be reading your thread! thank you! and when i say good rides, i mean the headliners, like at MK we wanna to the mountains, pirates and the little mermaid. Epcot we wanna do soarin, test track, spaceship earth. animal kingdom we wanna do everest, finding nemo, and lion king show. and hollywood studios we wanna do rock n roller coaster, tower of terror, great movie ride and mermaid show. we are going sept 10-21, think we can do those things on the fly if we change our mind?

100% yes, we went the the first week of March (2 weeks ago) and FP+ for EVERY HEADLINER AT EVERY PARK was available "inside" the park at the kiosk, much less the night before. It was perfect weather every day so the crowds were not staying away for that reason either. September (I think that is when you are going?) has to be the same or less busy IMO.

Now I'm not recommending you do not reserve what you want/can asap-you should. But changing plans should be very easy.

We still prefer our afternoons off so for us-we would still reserve headliners for late afternoon/early evening, then be "spontaneous" every morning and afternoon.

You could easily RD Soarin and TT and be done in 30 minutes if your towards the front at Soarin, then do the rest of EPCOT (or go on Soarin or TT twice) attractions throughout the morning. I would not use FP+ for that. Same with AK-RD that and you will get through Safari, EE, Dino, TTBAB and Lion King by noon without FP+, can add Nemo in after that if you want, or ealier. Prob EE over and over if you want. Then have FP+ for that evening at DHS or MK.

 

[jade1]

Another thing we noticed with a larger group.

There were a few in the group that are night owls, and a few that are in to bed and up early. To expect everyone to be the same/conform is crazy, and it's a "vacation" for everyone.

When we had our evenings locked down with FP+ (even the night before), the night owls knew they would be with the entire group for the "cherry on top highlight" part of the day no matter how late they stayed up/out. Like wise-the early birds knew the same thing-but did not feel obligated to stay up with the group or "miss out" on the late night as much, "knowing" they could get up and do whatever they wanted and not insult the rest by rope dropping a different park, or golfing, or fishing or whatever. Not everyone wanted to do all the same things.

But in the past it was recognized that "everyone" needed to get to bed asap and get going asap if the wanted any part of the "cherry on top highlight" part of the day-not nearly the vacation some wanted. And as usual-some would just take forever to get going while early birds chomped at the bit-not the vacation they wanted.

Now there is some give and take on the late night vs early birds, but everyone is doing what they want with no worries-and everyone is experiencing the "cherry on top highlight" of the day together, happy and properly rested.

 

[Laketravis]

I'd be very careful implying that FP's for all attractions would be available in the mornings at the kiosks. That certainly has not been our experience at all. In fact, depending on the day you could find that several attractions in the park have been totally distributed the night before, a relatively new situation with the advent of being able to make reservations before the actual day of your visit.

Jade - Yes, being able to do other things in the mornings and afternoons is exactly why I see FP as a benefit. Let's face it, there is no shortage of things to do in Orlando and if you have a vehicle available I'm finding that those things can take less time to get to than changing parks at WDW. And many of those options benefit from lower crowd levels in the mornings just like rope drop at WDW, so doing them first and then using FP for WDW later in the day is starting to make a lot more sense.

If you don't have a vehicle then some of the economical transport options like Uber (now fully sanctioned by the city of Orlando) will move you around just as quickly and relatively inexpensively. Visiting both HP attractions earlier in the day, having a lunch or dinner at many of the great places on International Drive, and closing out the evening with three FP's, fireworks and a parade at MK regardless of how crowded it is and how long the waits are makes for a pretty good day - with nothing more than a 15 minute commute between park, restaurant, and park.


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[North of Mouse]

Wait... so the posted time in front of the ride was different than the posted time on the app? That's what this seems to say, but I want to make sure I'm reading it right

Yep, sure was!

 

[North of Mouse]

100% yes, we went the the first week of March (2 weeks ago) and FP+ for EVERY HEADLINER AT EVERY PARK was available "inside" the park at the kiosk, much less the night before. It was perfect weather every day so the crowds were not staying away for that reason either. September (I think that is when you are going?) has to be the same or less busy IMO.

Now I'm not recommending you do not reserve what you want/can asap-you should. But changing plans should be very easy.

We still prefer our afternoons off so for us-we would still reserve headliners for late afternoon/early evening, then be "spontaneous" every morning and afternoon.

You could easily RD Soarin and TT and be done in 30 minutes if your towards the front at Soarin, then do the rest of EPCOT (or go on Soarin or TT twice) attractions throughout the morning. I would not use FP+ for that. Same with AK-RD that and you will get through Safari, EE, Dino, TTBAB and Lion King by noon without FP+, can add Nemo in after that if you want, or ealier. Prob EE over and over if you want. Then have FP+ for that evening at DHS or MK.

I declare we were at different places, but no, we were also there the last week of Feb. and the first week of March - 'relatively' slow times - before Spring Breakers.

We sure never found Fp's for Soarin' throughout the morning! One morning - out of about 7 being in Epcot were we able to snag a Soarin' FP about 11 am. The other parks were similar - not sure how you can say they were all readily available!

 

[luvsJack]

We were there the week of the 9th and no headliners were not available in the a.m. at the kiosks. I did our group's fp well before we left but some of the kids in the other groups didn't understand how it worked and didn't ask so they thought they would just wait until they got there. Not one park had any headliners left when they arrived. They all tried every morning but couldn't get the bigger rides. They still used fp but just not on the thrill rides, etc. So while there was availability, it just wasn't for the big rides.

 

[jade1]

I'd be very careful implying that FP's for all attractions would be available in the mornings at the kiosks.

It was a fact, and definitely a disclaimer of when it was.

we went the the first week of March (2 weeks ago) and FP+ for EVERY HEADLINER AT EVERY PARK was available "inside" the park at the kiosk, much less the night before.

That certainly has not been our experience at all. In fact, depending on the day you could find that several attractions in the park have been totally distributed the night before, a relatively new situation with the advent of being able to make reservations before the actual day of your visit.

Imagine that-spring break and "several" headliners were not available THE NIGHT BEFORE.

The old 60 days at midnight or scraps argument as morphed a long way (not saying you).

Jade - Yes, being able to do other things in the mornings and afternoons is exactly why I see FP as a benefit. Let's face it, there is no shortage of things to do in Orlando and if you have a vehicle available I'm finding that those things can take less time to get to than changing parks at WDW. And many of those options benefit from lower crowd levels in the mornings just like rope drop at WDW, so doing them first and then using FP for WDW later in the day is starting to make a lot more sense.

Exactly-and now it just comes down to choices (spontaneity) of the guest.

If they are all about WDW parks-open those in the morning. If they missed an am emh-hit a different one, if they can make emh-hit that one. If TT was rained out earlier-go do that. If they missed TSM earlier in the week-go do that. If they need to beat a high score at TSM-go do it.

If it's cloudy in the AM and the sun breaks out-go hit the pool if you want.

If you want to do HP-do it. If it's raining when you wake-stay in bed if you want, or get brunch, or open your best rain park.

The app is always available for checking changes as well-may be successful, may not be, but at least you can check and for the entire group.

If the forecast changes and it's 85 and sunny-head to a FL beach for the day, back for FP+ at night.

Fish, golf, shop, water park.

All Spontaneous.

If you don't have a vehicle then some of the economical transport options like Uber (now fully sanctioned by the city of Orlando) will move you around just as quickly and relatively inexpensively. Visiting both HP attractions earlier in the day, having a lunch or dinner at many of the great places on International Drive, and closing out the evening with three FP's, fireworks and a parade at MK regardless of how crowded it is and how long the waits are makes for a pretty good day - with nothing more than a 15 minute commute between park, restaurant, and park.

Great advice, but keep in mind some of us have done that-and have zero desire to select some of that as our vacations. Price for sure is not everything to certain vacations-leads to a lot of loss of immersion for some of, esp driving, parking, dining and WDW hotels esp deluxe..

and closing out the evening with three FP's, fireworks and a parade at MK regardless of how crowded it is and how long the waits are makes for a pretty good day

This portion is spot on though.

Just up to the guest to "choose" what they want to do, eat and stay at.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Let's face it, there is no shortage of things to do in Orlando and if you have a vehicle available I'm finding that those things can take less time to get to than changing parks at WDW.

I'm glad some things are going well, and that you are having a good trip.

That said, the auditor in me makes me have to ask questions. I get the Rosen Shingle Creek to Uni in 8 minutes thing. It's only 4 miles, and without traffic 8 minutes makes sense (if you aren't counting time to get to, and out of, parking lots).

I do have to inquire as to what you are saying in your statement above. I suppose it could be quicker to go between non-Disney destinations (say Uni to SeaWorld) than it is to go between Disney parks (say MK to AK).

However, are you trying to say you found it quicker to go from a Disney park to a non Disney park than it was to get between any of the Disney parks?