Fast Pass return times

[KellyNY]

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.

Have I ever told you, you are my hero!!!

 

[ccgirl]

This was our first trip to the world since they began enforcing fast pass return times.
I am wondering how others feel about it.
Please leave any comments as to why you feel the way you do.

We had quite a few FP's go unused due to one thing or another and woud like to know how others are planning within the 1 hr time period to return. For us, it really wasn't enough time to do much else (family of 4 kids 6 & 8). At least nothing productive.

I stuck to the FP times before so, for me, it is no change. Before getting the FP I would always look at the FP time and make sure it did not conflict with anything else. ADR's for example. If it did not, I got the FP. If it did, I would make the decision to wait in the line or pass on the attraction for now.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

IDC either way. I always go when the window is ready, if not before it's ready.

 

[DougEMG]

I hate it. We'd always accumulate FP to use later in the evening.

Now if that NextGen FP goes on line that lets you book rides in advance while still using the existing FP system I could go for that.

 

[Pally*Wally]

We just returned from our spring break trip, and I hated the new fast pass enforcement. The fast passes we did get, we waited in much longer lines than we have ever had to wait for. We still had fun though

 

[fizbobunny]

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.

I find this hard to believe. Speed limit is not some arbitrary number. It is determined by the line of sight, distance between turn offs, number of lanes, traffic control devices (traffic lights, stop signs), traffic count, proximity of object (trees, fences, etc.) to the side of the road, etc. There is a formula which takes all of these elements into account and produces a maximum speed at which drivers may use the road safely.

 

[minnie mum]

I stuck to the FP times before so, for me, it is no change. Before getting the FP I would always look at the FP time and make sure it did not conflict with anything else. ADR's for example. If it did not, I got the FP. If it did, I would make the decision to wait in the line or pass on the attraction for now.

Completely agree with you. We did the same. But it seems like a lot of folks don't want to go to all that effort to use the little grey cells while on vacation.

 

[DisneyFive]

Completely agree with you. We did the same. But it seems like a lot of folks don't want to go to all that effort to use the little grey cells while on vacation.

Wow, please do not insinuate that only those using a fastpass during the "allotted" time were making an intelligent decision (using those little grey cells; your words).

Plain and simple, Disney allowed fastpass usage after the 1 hour time window for years, and even promoted it in some cases (do a youtube search).

Dan

 

[goofyernmost]

Wow, please do not insinuate that only those using a fastpass during the "allotted" time were making an intelligent decision (using those little grey cells; your words).

Plain and simple, Disney allowed fastpass usage after the 1 hour time window for years, and even promoted it in some cases (do a youtube search).

Dan

If this is true (that they promoted it officially) which I doubt, then all I can say is that they changed their mind. They can do that. Get over it!

 

[UNCFanatik]

Wow, please do not insinuate that only those using a fastpass during the "allotted" time were making an intelligent decision (using those little grey cells; your words).

Plain and simple, Disney allowed fastpass usage after the 1 hour time window for years, and even promoted it in some cases (do a youtube search).

Dan

Can you provide a link? What is the name of the video?

 

[DisneyFive]

If this is true (that they promoted it officially) which I doubt, then all I can say is that they changed their mind. They can do that. Get over it!

Kindly take a look at the link provided below which very clearly has Disney Cast Members promoting late fastpass usage. Yes, they can change their mind. I agree 100%. However, I don't need to "get over" anything. Please don't talk down to me like I'm a five year old.

Can you provide a link? What is the name of the video?

Here you go, from the mouths of Cast Members themselves (amplified no less ):

(Note the times that Victoria3 lists for each youtube video to keep from wasting your time watching the whole video.)

Courtesy of Victoria3:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43968736&postcount=562

Dan

 

[DeaverTex]

I find this hard to believe. Speed limit is not some arbitrary number. It is determined by the line of sight, distance between turn offs, number of lanes, traffic control devices (traffic lights, stop signs), traffic count, proximity of object (trees, fences, etc.) to the side of the road, etc. There is a formula which takes all of these elements into account and produces a maximum speed at which drivers may use the road safely.

What you may be talking about sounds like the design speed of a roadway. It's not the result of calculations, but rather the starting point for calculating things like curve radius, superelevation, crown height, vertical curves, sight distance, intersection spacing, etc. And very few roads have speed limits matching their design speed. Some are lower, many are higher. In Texas, I'm pretty certain that speed limits are required to be set based on the actual speed of traffic on the roadway. The speed limit is adjusted so that 80% of the traffic will be at or below the posted limit.

This really has nothing to do with the subject of the thread, but I hate to see folks misinforming themselves.

 

[bonitag]

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.

Yea kind of like the people who would rather use SB than FP and then glare at you like they would like to shop your head off when you are getting on a ride and they are still waiting!!! They have the same opportunity as you to get a FP and use it. It does seem like jealousy..

 

[maxiesmom]

I find this hard to believe. Speed limit is not some arbitrary number. It is determined by the line of sight, distance between turn offs, number of lanes, traffic control devices (traffic lights, stop signs), traffic count, proximity of object (trees, fences, etc.) to the side of the road, etc. There is a formula which takes all of these elements into account and produces a maximum speed at which drivers may use the road safely.

I wouldn't have believed it until it happened either. What I really hate is that when it snows, I now have to drive faster unless I want to get run over by the people who have 4 wheel drive cars and trucks.

 

[mjp12831]

Can those of you with the Pom poms out supporting this change please provide some reasons why the change improves the park goers experience?

Keep in mind that under the old system you could go on a 9 crowd day and never wait in a line more than 30 minutes.

 

[CandleontheWater]

We were there April 10-14 (the week after Easter), and we found that FP enforcement really negatively effected our vacation. We were not able to accomplish nearly what we previously had done, and I have to say, waiting around for a FP window to open just sucks.

The net effect was that we used less FPs because we found it to be really inconvenient. The only saving grace was that the MK was open everyday at 7am for EMH, and we took advantage of the two hours before the park filled.

To give you an example of having to wait around- We arrived at the MK at 7 am, we did everything in Circusland and Fantasyland to our hearts content, and around 9:00 we moved into Tomorrowland. We picked up FPs for Space Mountain for around 10:30. We figured we'd do some rides in Tomorrowland and then use our FP, but remember that the crowds were building. We did Buzz with a 5 minute wait (it was 25 when we got off), and then went over to the laugh floor, and took a spin on the TTA.

By the time we were off we still had a half hour to kill, and really no where to go. So, we stood around and waited, which was boring, and a waste of vacation time. Previously I would have just moved on to something else, maybe the Haunted Mansion, and then lunch at CHH, and then wander over to SM after lunch, when DS was napping in his stroller, and then ride.

This time we really needed to get on right as our window opened, because I wanted to get DS lunch before he fell asleep, and now we have no flexibility with our FP window.

Add in the crowds and the lines, even if I didn't have a nap aged kid, I really couldn't trust getting anywhere, riding something and being back within our window.

I know this is my problem, and the naysayers will just say something like "you should have planned better" or "we all have to make choices", but I find that a little smug. The truth is that our last trips all ran more smoothly and were more enjoyable. I don't understand the glee over this trip being so different. Why are some people on this board relishing others running into vacation snags?

 

[mesaboy2]

We were there April 10-14 (the week after Easter), and we found that FP enforcement really negatively effected our vacation. We were not able to accomplish nearly what we previously had done, and I have to say, waiting around for a FP window to open just sucks.

The net effect was that we used less FPs because we found it to be really inconvenient. The only saving grace was that the MK was open everyday at 7am for EMH, and we took advantage of the two hours before the park filled.

To give you an example of having to wait around- We arrived at the MK at 7 am, we did everything in Circusland and Fantasyland to our hearts content, and around 9:00 we moved into Tomorrowland. We picked up FPs for Space Mountain for around 10:30. We figured we'd do some rides in Tomorrowland and then use our FP, but remember that the crowds were building. We did Buzz with a 5 minute wait (it was 25 when we got off), and then went over to the laugh floor, and took a spin on the TTA.

By the time we were off we still had a half hour to kill, and really no where to go. So, we stood around and waited, which was boring, and a waste of vacation time. Previously I would have just moved on to something else, maybe the Haunted Mansion, and then lunch at CHH, and then wander over to SM after lunch, when DS was napping in his stroller, and then ride.

This time we really needed to get on right as our window opened, because I wanted to get DS lunch before he fell asleep, and now we have no flexibility with our FP window.

Add in the crowds and the lines, even if I didn't have a nap aged kid, I really couldn't trust getting anywhere, riding something and being back within our window.

I know this is my problem, and the naysayers will just say something like "you should have planned better" or "we all have to make choices", but I find that a little smug. The truth is that our last trips all ran more smoothly and were more enjoyable. I don't understand the glee over this trip being so different. Why are some people on this board relishing others running into vacation snags?

 

[blondietink]

We were there the same week as you in addition to the 3rd week of April. The only FAstpass we could not use that we got was Soarin'. I agree that the lines at MK were horrible as the day wore on, but when we did have a Fastpass at MK, that line went really fast because of the enforcement. I could not believe the horrible line for Small World ....... have never ever seen it that long. We got in to HM , SM, Buzz, Jungle Cruise, POTC, Aladdin's Carpets, TikiRoom, Peter Pan, Snow White, PeopleMover and the Speedway without any problems but all early in the day before the crowds built. We went to Stitch's Great Escape one day after the fireworks. When we got a FP to Buzz, we got a "bonus" FP to Carousel of Progress. Even that line was huge.

 

[Klassifyed]

Wow---this thread is really all over the place. And I find that some of the responses are unnecessarily catty and RUDE.

Anyway....I havent been to WDW in 2 years for a middle school choir trip. Now I'm doing it again with my younger DD. Quite frankly, I am a bit alarmed, given the info in this thread.

Touring with a school group is quite different from DIY. There are check-in's and other factors that have to be legally met from the local school board that governs such trips. I see that I might develop quite the headache trying to reconcile the two.

The way it worked for me last time? I have a group of 5-9 students with me, and another chaperone. I would go get our FP's for....say ToT.....while they stood in line for RnR. We all know the SB line for that one is ALWAYS long. Under this new system, it doesnt sound like we would be able to do that?? Then, what is the point of the FP now, if we get it and then have to stand around and wait? Unless I am missing something.....

Of course, my "angst" is compounded by the fact that one of my charges is a first timer, and I really wanted to get in as much as possible for her.

I further predict that, if WDW continues to get more stressful and costly (all the pre-planning that goes into such trips far outweighs the level of research I do for other trips---and this is coming from someone that has a slight OCD about planning!! lol), then I will probably not go as much anymore, and NEVER at peak times (well, I'm already THERE).

Any advice, o' knowledgeable Disney mavens?

 

[UNCFanatik]

Kindly take a look at the link provided below which very clearly has Disney Cast Members promoting late fastpass usage. Yes, they can change their mind. I agree 100%. However, I don't need to "get over" anything. Please don't talk down to me like I'm a five year old.



Here you go, from the mouths of Cast Members themselves (amplified no less ):

(Note the times that Victoria3 lists for each youtube video to keep from wasting your time watching the whole video.)

Courtesy of Victoria3:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43968736&postcount=562

Dan

Thank you for providing those.

Do you have an opinion why Disney just didnt widely promote the non-FP enforcement? As in notify guests in their literature and on their signage.

If Disney really wanted everyone to take advantage of this, why did they still print beginning and ending times on the FP tickets?