Fast Pass return

[Altymark]

I've read in the Unoffical Guide and on various web sites that, although you cannot join the fast pass line before your time slot is reached, CM's will usually let you in after the time slot has expired.
One of our possible plans was to fast pass a ride before leaving the park for the hotel in the afternoon and then, assuming the time slot had passed, walk straight into the fast pass line when we return later in the evening.
Has anyone tried this and if so how did you get on? Has anyone been refused into the fast pass line after a fast pass has expired?

 

[wayneg]

Only done it a couple of times and only by 15-20mins but was let on ride no problem.
I have also heard they let you on anytime after the start time.

 

[Cochise]

Doesn't this defeat the whole object of Fastpassing?

No problem i suppose if there are circumstances that mean you have to go late but imagine how rubbish it will work if a high percentage of people do this!

 

[wickesy]

I have read reports that some cast members are cracking down on this now and refusing to let people in on an expired fastpass.

 

[paulh]

when FP first came out we used to worry about return times,untill we were on SM at MK it broke down and we were at the gate before the the last bit.We asked a CM when it was due to reopen as we had FP for thunder mountin and they were due to expire should we leave the que.Her responce was that disney only look upon the FP as a way to stop you going on early and you might want to stop off and eat ect and as long as you retun after the first time stated on it,they will honner it.
Since then when we get to the parks we get as many FP as we can in mornning,Then when we return in the evening after swim and shower we have a plesant evening using them.Never had a problem doing it.The one hour time slot is there prefered time but you are alowed to use it from first time up to park closeing
Paulh

 

[brer rabbit 28]

same here,i did this on our last trip and had no problem using them until the end of the day.

 

[DebIreland]

We regularly used 'late' fastpasses and never had a problem. Their policy is never to accept them early but anytime after is fine (on the same day). I believe the exception to this is Soarin' where they sometimes refuse entry after that stated time slot.

 

[TinkTatoo]

Doesn't this defeat the whole object of Fastpassing?....!

It seemed to at Christmas when even the fastpass lines had waits of over 30 minutes

 

[UKDEB]

Yes, we often do this, too and it can really take the stress out of touring - no more criss-crossing the park at a pace, or planning meals around FASTPASS return times.

Whilst I agree that, in principle, if everyone did it, it would defeat the object, the reality is, hardly anyone does and that's why Disney's policy is to allow it. Most people have no idea they can do this and if they're not able to make it within their return time, just assume they've missed their opportunity.

At busy times llike Christmas, the FASTPASS lines get longer because they have to let more people through from the horrendously long standby lines.

 

[igk]

There was a big long thread related to this on the Attractions forum about Soarin'.
The upshot is that because of it's extreme popularity and/or some maintenance meaning part of it was closed, CMs are refusing late Fastpasses fopr Soarin', but only Soarin'.
There was a lot of discussion as to the rights and wrongs, but it appears that the unwritten Disney policy is to not refuse late arrivals on the SAME DAY, except at Soarin'.
Hope that helps.

 

[DebIreland]

Whilst I agree that, in principle, if everyone did it, it would defeat the object, the reality is, hardly anyone does

Exactly. As a matter of fact there's still a high proportion of guests who don't use Fastpass at all, never mind using it late!

 

[stephensmum]

Thanks for sharing this, I would never have thought of it. I will certainly use this for our trip in May.
Sharon

 

[Neoshoegal]

we once managed to get in early (about 5 minutes) on a fast pass at the tower of terrror. It was very early in the morning though and there was nobody in front of us.