Fast passes - can use after allotted time?

[batphobic]

We've had CMs let us on rides using fast passes after the time indicated on the fast pass ticket. We've even had CMs tell us it's no big deal. But we've also had CMs tell us "Be sure you're back by the time on your fast pass ticket"

Does everyone try to get back by the time on the fast pass ticket? Or is it really no big deal and CMs will always let you on after the allotted time?

 

[batphobic]

my bad everyone - someone just asked this exact same question. I even did a search to see if it had been discussed recently. I must have done the search wrong or I just didn't see the one earlier.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the DIS, Bat.

And the answer is yes, Fastpasses can be used, same day, after the printed return time.

 

[batphobic]

Thanks Dan. I'm no pro, but looking forward to contributing to this great resource. We have our third trip within an 18-month timeframe coming up in Sep.

 

[Wild4Walt]

Yes, FPs can be used any time after the assigned return time, but I always try to get back to the ride by that time.

A certain number are assigned so that wait times are truly reduced. If you show up after the designated time you risk longer waits and causing others in that time period to wait longer too.

Most rides this might not be a big issue, but I could see TSM being a problem since the wait times even when you come back on time are long.

 

[Lou Holtz]

A certain number are assigned so that wait times are truly reduced. If you show up after the designated time you risk longer waits and causing others in that time period to wait longer too.

Studies have shown this to be false. Late fastpasses do not cause a backup in the standby line.

 

[tndisneyfan]

We usually try to get back in time to use our FP in the time frame that we are supposed to. A few times we've been late (never more than 30 minutes) and we were able to use them without a problem.

 

[larryz]

We usually try to get back in time to use our FP in the time frame that we are supposed to. A few times we've been late (never more than 30 minutes) and we were able to use them without a problem.

There are stories, however, of CMs strictly enforcing FP windows during busy seasons... so plan accordingly.

 

[Nole95]

We were there last week and had no issues using FPs late. We used some 6-7 hours after the stated time and were never questioned at all. This was the case at all four parks.

 

[Lou Holtz]

VERY FEW stories. I completely disagree with that line of thinking. MILLIONS of people have used fastpass and you can point to two or three stories out of all of those where an isolated CM who didn't know the policy refused to let someone in. Plan to be able to use them whenever you want after the window starts. Don't plan to not be able to. There's a .0000001% chance you won't be able to use it the entire rest of the day.

 

[marius97]

Studies have shown this to be false. Late fastpasses do not cause a backup in the standby line.

Someone awhile back had an excellent description of why late returns will and will not effect the amount of time you have to wait. Basically it amounted to if there was ALWAYS a line of people, then it wouldn't effect the wait time for you. For you, it doesn't matter if the person rode three hours ago or ten minutes in front of you. The end of the line would still be in the same place. But, if there is ever a time when it is truely a walk on, then that is when it would effect your wait time. Walk ons are so rare and even then, would effect you minimally, that I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[disney4me2001]

Someone awhile back had an excellent description of why late returns will and will not effect the amount of time you have to wait. Basically it amounted to if there was ALWAYS a line of people, then it wouldn't effect the wait time for you. For you, it doesn't matter if the person rode three hours ago or ten minutes in front of you. The end of the line would still be in the same place. But, if there is ever a time when it is truely a walk on, then that is when it would effect your wait time. Walk ons are so rare and even then, would effect you minimally, that I wouldn't worry about it.

Oh wow, I did not know that...very interesting! Makes sense though.

 

[dpuck1998]

There are stories, however, of CMs strictly enforcing FP windows during busy seasons... so plan accordingly.

I would not plan this way. You will not have a problem getting in after the time on the fastpass. If you do (slim slim chance) ask to speak to a manager!!

 

[larryz]

I would not plan this way. You will not have a problem getting in after the time on the fastpass. If you do (slim slim chance) ask to speak to a manager!!

I would (and do) plan to try and make it back during the FP window. That's just the kind of person I am.

The stories I've read were related to the most popular attractions (Snorin' and TSM) during the busiest times (Christmas, Thanksgiving and Spring Break).

By "plan accordingly," I mean don't be too surprised if the Oberfuhrer is working the FP lane when you're trying to use a FP after the FP window printed on the FP.

 

[3smithboys]

We have gone during Christmas week for the past 3 years and hardly ever use FP's during the correct time. We tend to collect them in the am and then use them in the pm.... we have never been turned away by a CM. In fact, many of they have told us that our strategy was great. We have collected so many sometimes that we don't have time to use, and we have given them away to people and made them happy too!

 

[dpuck1998]

I would (and do) plan to try and make it back during the FP window. That's just the kind of person I am.

The stories I've read were related to the most popular attractions (Snorin' and TSM) during the busiest times (Christmas, Thanksgiving and Spring Break).

By "plan accordingly," I mean don't be too surprised if the Oberfuhrer is working the FP lane when you're trying to use a FP after the FP window printed on the FP.

I've been at the busiest times including spring break and Christmas almost every year. I seldom use them during the return window and have never been questions, nor have I heard a story from someone I actually know that has ever had a problem. Disney has made it a policy that they choose to strictly enforce the time you can get in, but they do not enforce the end time. I would plan accordingly in my touring.

 

[doconeill]

Someone awhile back had an excellent description of why late returns will and will not effect the amount of time you have to wait. Basically it amounted to if there was ALWAYS a line of people, then it wouldn't effect the wait time for you. For you, it doesn't matter if the person rode three hours ago or ten minutes in front of you. The end of the line would still be in the same place. But, if there is ever a time when it is truely a walk on, then that is when it would effect your wait time. Walk ons are so rare and even then, would effect you minimally, that I wouldn't worry about it.

That's probably mine: Why using a late FASTPASS doesn't matter!

Several years ago, it was somewhat common to hear about guests being refused late FPs at Soarin'. Didn't mean it was common, but it was far more common that now, which is exceedingly rare.

When TSM first opened, there were some reports but even with the popularity of the ride, reports are not more common there than anywhere else.

 

[YodaGirl]

I'm not saying that there aren't *numerous* people who use expired fastpasses as long as it is from the same day, I'm just asking this...

Why would Disney put an expiration time on the FP if they didn't plan on using it?

Regardless of what actually happens and what CMs do and do not accept, it seems as though Disney actually intends for you to use your FP in the allotted time. Otherwise, it would be silly to have an expiration time.

 

[bwilcox]

I'm not saying that there aren't *numerous* people who use expired fastpasses as long as it is from the same day, I'm just asking this...

Why would Disney put an expiration time on the FP if they didn't plan on using it?

Regardless of what actually happens and what CMs do and do not accept, it seems as though Disney actually intends for you to use your FP in the allotted time. Otherwise, it would be silly to have an expiration time.

If WDW really cared, then they wouldn't allow you to use it late. They are EXTREMELY strict on the start time-you can't use a FP even a minute early-but 99.99% of the time the CMs don'e even blink an eye if you use it late. I've even had CMs tell me that they are instructed to accept late FPs during their training.

 

[d1gitman]

...Why would Disney put an expiration time on the FP if they didn't plan on using it?

Regardless of what actually happens and what CMs do and do not accept, it seems as though Disney actually intends for you to use your FP in the allotted time. Otherwise, it would be silly to have an expiration time.

I'm gonna guess that they know if they put a return timeframe, some will return within that window and others will return after that window, anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after. Thus it is still spreading out the people coming back for the FP line.