Fast Pass return times

[minnie mum]

I really fail to see the reason for all of the angst over the new policy. I visited long before fastpass even existed. I used fastpasses at first always within the window. Only since discovering the Disboards did we collect them to use later (and even then frequently used them within the specified window). Now we're back to using them within the window again. I see no reason to stress. Or ruin your day. Or interfere with your plans.

Pull a fastpass if you can use it. Don't pull it if it's not convenient. Use the sense God gave you and figure out what else to do in the time available- between the time you pull the FP and the end of the window. This is frequently longer than 1 hr; especially later in the day. Ride standby at another ride if you have time (wait times are listed for every attraction). If you don't have time for that ride, pick another one. Why crisscross the park needlessly? Stay in the area and ride on the attractions close by if you don't have a lot of time available.

OK, maybe when crowds are at their peak it could be a bit inconvenient. We don't go to WDW at those times in order to avoid this in the first place. If you DO travel when you know the parks will be crowded, why would you be surprised at long lines and difficulties getting FPs??

It is what it is. Adapt and move on.

 

[UNCFanatik]

Ok, I'll take your bait.

On point one, there are a zillion things in everyday life that everyone doesn't know about - an uninformed consumer is not the problem of the educated consumer.

Yes, true. But that was not what you were saying. You were saying that Disney promoted the fact that it was accepted to return past window. I dont see how you say they promoted it when it wasnt on any of their official literature or signage. As I said previously, I would suspect that your tune would change if everyone took advantage of returning past their FP window and it most likely would have prompted the enforcement earlier.

Point two is 100% incorrect - # of WDW FP issued are based on ride capacity. Enforcing the window has zero effect on ride capacity. FP rides generally operate at capacity throughout the day. Therefore, window enforcement cannot possibly impact lines. If they issued more FP it would not be as a result of enforcement, and it would only serve to extend wait time in the SB line. Math should tell you that window enforcement will never impact wait times.

Not according from reports on other threads from CMs that have stated that the amount of FPs has increased. Critics of the FP enforcement even chimed in to say that they were increasing the number of FPs to test for NexGen system. I was not arguing the logistics of line capacity but merely pointing out that more FPs were being distributed contrary to your assertion that they were not.

On point three, you are clearly just trying to be inflamitory - When the company and it's employees openly acknowledge that late returns were accepted, it's a bit difficult to then argue that you are breaking the rules by following what the company says is accepted.

No more inflammatory than you were to sweepingly characterize all that like the new change as "jealous". technically, people were breaking a rule set forth by Disney just like people break a "rule" by going over a posted speed limit. Whether or not police allow an "unwritten overage" doesnt negate a posted speed limit (rule) was broken when someone speeds.

 

[Planogirl]

It's an awful change that has absolutely nothing to do with improving the park experience for us.

In addition, I fail to understand the self-rightous folks who seem to think that not adhering to the window was breaking the rules. Pre change, the window was a guideline - not a rule - Disney openly stated that they allowed late returns.

Finally, I REALLY fail to understand how anyone could think this is a good idea - it isn't going to mean more FP or shorter lines. It is not changing ride capacity. I've come to the conclusion that those who support the change are probalby those who are more jealous of people who put the work in and were able to really dominate the parks during the busy times. Enforcement levels the playing field for the more relaxed parkgoer.

I can only speak for myself but personally I don't care. Our touring style means that we normally stay in one area and tour at a relaxed pace. We don't really have a problem with criss crossing the park.

We are relaxed parkgoers but never really cared how others toured. Jealous? No, not in our case.

 

[mjp12831]

I really fail to see the reason for all of the angst over the new policy. ......

OK, maybe when crowds are at their peak it could be a bit inconvenient. We don't go to WDW at those times in order to avoid this in the first place. If you DO travel when you know the parks will be crowded, why would you be surprised at long lines and difficulties getting FPs??

It is what it is. Adapt and move on.

Here's the problem - some of us are limited to visiting during peak times (teacher).

With the prior policy allowing late returns, you could go on July 4 week and never wait in an attraction line longer than 30 minutes all week long, including when you hit the park headliners multiple times per day. You could dominate the parks and not need to be concerned about how crowded it was.

Now, because of enforcement we will ride less, and wait and walk and plan more. No one has been able to articulate (with math and facts) a positive result from the enforcement. Change from something that worked extremely well at no one's detriment to something that works less well at the detriment of some is not good change.

 

[mjp12831]

Yes, true. But that was not what you were saying. You were saying that Disney promoted the fact that it was accepted to return past window. I dont see how you say they promoted it when it wasnt on any of their official literature or signage. As I said previously, I would suspect that your tune would change if everyone took advantage of returning past their FP window and it most likely would have prompted the enforcement earlier.



Not according from reports on other threads from CMs that have stated that the amount of FPs has increased. Critics of the FP enforcement even chimed in to say that they were increasing the number of FPs to test for NexGen system. I was not arguing the logistics of line capacity but merely pointing out that more FPs were being distributed contrary to your assertion that they were not.



No more inflammatory than you were to sweepingly characterize all that like the new change as "jealous". technically, people were breaking a rule set forth by Disney just like people break a "rule" by going over a posted speed limit. Whether or not police allow an "unwritten overage" doesnt negate a posted speed limit (rule) was broken when someone speeds.

You're contridicting yourself - CM are not authorities of company policy in your first point (acknowledging/accepting late returns doesn't count as promoting company policy), but then CM are authorities on company strategy when you're relying on their statements that # of FP distributed are increased.

If they're increasing # of FP, then they're increasing the wait time of the SB line, so I don't see how that's great for the parkgoer. Even if it is true that # of FP issued are increased, you're touting it as a benefit of enforcement when that clearly wouldn't be the case and would have NOTHING to do with enforcement. Just because two things happen at once (it rains when I'm at work), it doesn't necessarily mean that they are cause and effect (it's not raining because I'm at work, and I'm not working because it's raining).


The speed limit analogy is faulty as well. The speed limit is a clear rule - you would not be able to get troopers (employees in charge of administering the rule) to acknowledge that any sort of speeding is "allowed". Late FP returns were openly acknoledged by all CM as company policy. Clear difference.

 

[maxiesmom]

The speed limit analogy is faulty as well. The speed limit is a clear rule - you would not be able to get troopers (employees in charge of administering the rule) to acknowledge that any sort of speeding is "allowed". Late FP returns were openly acknoledged by all CM as company policy. Clear difference.

If you live around here, it is just the same. We have some stupid law where if it is found the majority of cars are speeding, they must raise the speed limit to meet the flow of traffic. So the roads that were all 35mph are now 45mph. So they are in fact acknowledging the fact that people sped, and are now adjusting their limits accordingly.

That is what WDW was doing. Now they have decided to enforce their rule, instead of going along with it. It is as if they were letting people speed, and now are going to enforce the lower limit.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

You're contridicting yourself - CM are not authorities of company policy in your first point (acknowledging/accepting late returns doesn't count as promoting company policy), but then CM are authorities on company strategy when you're relying on their statements that # of FP distributed are increased.

If they're increasing # of FP, then they're increasing the wait time of the SB line, so I don't see how that's great for the parkgoer. Even if it is true that # of FP issued are increased, you're touting it as a benefit of enforcement when that clearly wouldn't be the case and would have NOTHING to do with enforcement.

The speed limit analogy is faulty as well. The speed limit is a clear rule - you would not be able to get troopers (employees in charge of administering the rule) to acknowledge that any sort of speeding is "allowed". Late FP returns were openly acknoledged by all CM as company policy. Clear difference.

Personally I would go out and find a nice brick wall and argue with it.

It seems very possible that they have increased the percentage of capacity dedicated to FP's. It also should not have a large affect on the standby line as the more people that FP are less that have to stand in the standby line. I also feel, with the exception of very crowded times, that standby lines kind of self-regulate. If someone walks up and sees a extraordinary wait they bypass it for later (or take a FP if available). I personally feel that Disney will be tweaking the percentage of FP's to find the "sweet spot" for when they roll out X-Pass.

 

[KellyNY]

Personally I would go out and find a nice brick wall and argue with it.

It seems very possible that they have increased the percentage of capacity dedicated to FP's. It also should not have a large affect on the standby line as the more people that FP are less that have to stand in the standby line. I also feel, with the exception of very crowded times, that standby lines kind of self-regulate. If someone walks up and sees a extraordinary wait they bypass it for later (or take a FP if available). I personally feel that Disney will be tweaking the percentage of FP's to find the "sweet spot" for when they roll out X-Pass.

Hm, I find it interesting how people on Dis can do the math and predict what will and will not work and those stupid Disney people has to look for perfect numbers in real life... They should hire Disers because Disers can do it without data or formulas...

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

Hm, I find it interesting how people on Dis can do the math and predict what will and will not work and those stupid Disney people has to look for perfect numbers in real life... They should hire Disers because Disers can do it without data or formulas...

I believe I started the sentence with "I personally feel" thus showing that there was no evidence that they they are doing this in fact. I am merely taking the report (from a CM let us not forget) that they have increased the percentage of capacity dedicated to FP and put forth a logical possibility.

 

[mesaboy2]

I believe I started the sentence with "I personally feel" thus showing that there was no evidence that they they are doing this in fact. I am merely taking the report (from a CM let us not forget) that they have increased the percentage of capacity dedicated to FP and put forth a logical possibility.

Follow your own advice upthread, WSF. I am.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

Follow your own advice upthread, WSF. I am.

The wall conceded the possibility.

 

[KellyNY]

Follow your own advice upthread, WSF. I am.

Oh, that is what you were doing all this time ?!!! Because it looks much more like

 

[UNCFanatik]

You're contridicting yourself - CM are not authorities of company policy in your first point (acknowledging/accepting late returns doesn't count as promoting company policy), but then CM are authorities on company strategy when you're relying on their statements that # of FP distributed are increased.

Not contradicting anything. Merely pointing out that a CM has reported that the number of FPs has increased at the attraction where they work. The people commenting on company strategy on that thread were other posters speculating that increased FP distribution was part of NexGen testing.

If they're increasing # of FP, then they're increasing the wait time of the SB line, so I don't see how that's great for the parkgoer. Even if it is true that # of FP issued are increased, you're touting it as a benefit of enforcement when that clearly wouldn't be the case and would have NOTHING to do with enforcement.

Clearly, it is a benefit to parkgoers who are able to get FPs later in the day.

The speed limit analogy is faulty as well. The speed limit is a clear rule - you would not be able to get troopers (employees in charge of administering the rule) to acknowledge that any sort of speeding is "allowed". Late FP returns were openly acknoledged by all CM as company policy. Clear difference.

Following written rules should not be dependent on whether the rule is enforced or not. And btw,i have had a friend who is a state trooper tell me he doesnt pull people over for exceeding the limit by under 5 minutes.

 

[KellyNY]

I believe I started the sentence with "I personally feel" thus showing that there was no evidence that they they are doing this in fact. I am merely taking the report (from a CM let us not forget) that they have increased the percentage of capacity dedicated to FP and put forth a logical possibility.

I am not talking about you in particular, just used your post as example. I am talking about all known Dis, who calculated and recalculated all the possibilities to fit their points without any real knowledge, like famous Zero Sum for example.
Sorry, do not want to offend anyone, really, but it is so funny to see all the calculations and predictions, logical or not so much, based on... nothing.

 

[missoverexcited]

I only found out you could use fastpasses late a few months ago, then I found out you couldn't anymore a few weeks later So for us, it won't make any difference. We don't make any ADRs - table service meals take too much precious ride time - so not worried about any conflicts with anything else we've scheduled.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

I am not talking about you in particular, just used your post as example. I am talking about all known Dis, who calculated and recalculated all the possibilities to fit their points without any real knowledge, like famous Zero Sum for example.
Sorry, do not want to offend anyone, really, but it is so funny to see all the calculations and predictions, logical or not so much, based on... nothing.

Well, you can understand my confusion since I my quote was emphasized.

I will be heading to the world in 24 days and will be glad to offer up my observations (for what that is worth) as to how the new system has altered our approach to touring.

 

[disneygal29]

I only voted not liking the policy based on my experience. We usually always used our FP in the time or very near. This year, my one day at Disney at all, I wanted to get as much in as possible(not sure when I will get back). We got stuck on the opposite side of the park because of the afternoon parade. Yes, I should have thought about that, but didn't....we got back and it was only 10 minutes after the time, and the CM said no and then was rude about it....so rude that the other CM kinda looked at him and raised her eyebrows. I'm not one to buck the system, but I think there needs to be some kind of leeway or expanding the time frame for busy times such as Spring Break when crowds are higher.

 

[goofyernmost]

I continue to be amazed by this thread. Why not just continue to beat a dead horse while we are at it. (No horses were harmed during the production of this post)

From what I can see absolutely none of us has any "inside" information that would tell us just exactly why this has happened. I do, however, know enough about human nature to take a guess that no one, at any level, would subject themselves to this much abuse if they didn't have a reason for it. We don't know what it is and, frankly, I fail to see how it is any of our business. It is their place, it is there rule and we can either chose to go along with it or not go at all. We do have a choice in this matter, but we do not have a say in the everyday operation of the Disney Co.

To use an overused expression of late..."it is what it is". Some have felt that it caused them great grief and delay others have stated that they didn't see any difference...who is correct? Probably both, but in order to know why all the information would have to be at our disposal. It is not!

It may be in preparation of the new GenX or whatever it is called, and logically it would seem that this is the case. We can whine about it, have heated discussions concerning the difference between promoting and allowing (and there is a big difference) and whether or not people that stayed within the window were just stupid, cattle like personalities or that those that went beyond it were opportunists and that eventually it would all come crashing down due to abuse. The point is that none of us knows the answer to that. Oh, we may think we do, but we do not.

These discussions should be about managing within the newly enforced rule and how to get the most out of what is now. Constantly lamenting and spewing anger over the change will not get anyone anywhere. It changed for a reason. That reason may be good or bad, I don't know. I do know that no one else does either or at least no one that is willing to say.

I have tried to let people know what I did in my last visit a couple of weeks ago, but it seems like no one wanted to hear that it worked and how it worked for me. We all just want to make a big stink, through ourselves on the floor, kick our feet and hold our breath until we turn blue or they give in to us. Whichever comes first.

 

[mjp12831]

I continue to be amazed by this thread. Why not just continue to beat a dead horse while we are at it. (No horses were harmed during the production of this post)

From what I can see absolutely none of us has any "inside" information that would tell us just exactly why this has happened. I do, however, know enough about human nature to take a guess that no one, at any level, would subject themselves to this much abuse if they didn't have a reason for it. We don't know what it is and, frankly, I fail to see how it is any of our business. It is their place, it is there rule and we can either chose to go along with it or not go at all. We do have a choice in this matter, but we do not have a say in the everyday operation of the Disney Co.

To use an overused expression of late..."it is what it is". Some have felt that it caused them great grief and delay others have stated that they didn't see any difference...who is correct? Probably both, but in order to know why all the information would have to be at our disposal. It is not!

It may be in preparation of the new GenX or whatever it is called, and logically it would seem that this is the case. We can whine about it, have heated discussions concerning the difference between promoting and allowing (and there is a big difference) and whether or not people that stayed within the window were just stupid, cattle like personalities or that those that went beyond it were opportunists and that eventually it would all come crashing down due to abuse. The point is that none of us knows the answer to that. Oh, we may think we do, but we do not.

These discussions should be about managing within the newly enforced rule and how to get the most out of what is now. Constantly lamenting and spewing anger over the change will not get anyone anywhere. It changed for a reason. That reason may be good or bad, I don't know. I do know that no one else does either or at least no one that is willing to say.

I have tried to let people know what I did in my last visit a couple of weeks ago, but it seems like no one wanted to hear that it worked and how it worked for me. We all just want to make a big stink, through ourselves on the floor, kick our feet and hold our breath until we turn blue or they give in to us. Whichever comes first.

Part of what makes an internet board interesting is debate on issues.

I'd agree with you that no one has all of the facts.

I believe strongly that the change was a bad one - others disagree. That's fine, but I why begrudge people the opportunity to discuss.

Sure it's been the topic of a lot of threads, but if the topic bothers you so much than you should stop viewing these type of threads. At least for me it's cathartic to be able to vent here on something that I think has a negative impact on the general parkgoer, and that I strongly believe will make my next WDW visit less enjoyable.

 

[TJDisneymama]

I haven't read anything past the OP so I'm sure this thread has moved on to other topics by now but having just come back, I will give my opinion: I have no problem whatsoever with them enforcing the return time, BUT, I don't think a 1 hour window is enough. As others have said, sometimes it's hard to get back in the allotted time. I think 2 hours would be perfect.