Fast Passes shut down

[disneydentist]

Anyhow, I don't recall Disney telling me when I purchased our tickets (which aren't cheap) that they reserve the right to charge full price whilst also reserving the right to save a few bucks artificially increasing wait times by revoking the fast pass option. Now, I'm sure Disney's right to hose the public is in the small print, and since some of you have already pointed out that they don't have to use fast pass, I assume they've read that fine print. So, while 40 minutes might be short compared to other times of the year, it is still about 30 more than it should have been had Disney stuck to their end of the deal. We should have been able to ride the attraction 2 or 3 times today, which was the plan, instead, we rode once, after waiting 40 minutes in sweltering heat. I'll gladly get hosed shelling out big bucks for amusement park tickets if it means my little cutie has a big smile. She should have had one today, but she didn't. When I asked why not, they just fed me a line of bull feces. Which by the way, we missed seeing on the safari.

Disney also increases wait times at rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad by running loess "trains." Do you want to compain about that too?

One reason why your child only rode KRR once, because you chose not to go on again. Even at 40 minutes per trip (unlikely) it would have cost you 2 hours. A small price to pays for your child's happiness, don't you think?

Accept the fact that almost everything is subject to change (and not only at Disney). If bad weather comes, rides close. The water parks even close completely (with no refund). Yes, the times guide said there would be fastpasses. It changed. Would you still be whining if the ride had broken down? It was supposed to be open in that scenario too.

Apparently you spouse has two four year olds, not one.

 

[Withacy]

So if they admit you to the park then close all the e-ticket rides because the revenue doesn’t justify the cost are you ok with that? Would you not complain?

And this has happened WHEN?

You're throwing out examples that have never happened, that we have no reason to believe would ever happen, because you're in a snit over having to wait 20 minutes for a ride. WDW doesn't close major attractions because of attendence (apart from doing maintanance on their attractions during the slow season).

Just because I'm not going into hysterics over them not offering Fastpass doesn't mean I've given them permission to close all their attractions and leave their guest standing around staring at the scenery. And there's no indication that they ever would.

What are you going to claim next - that if we're ok with them closing down Fastpass we're ok with them slaughtering all their guests?

It's just a Fastpass - get over it.

 

[TenderDonkey]

Of course I'd complain, but someone outside the situation would see a few things:

1. People come to the park to get on e-ticket rides (not to use fastpass)
2. Disney would be within their rights to tell me tough luck because they sell park admittance, not guarantee of ride up-time (the same reason I don't get a discount with ride renovations)
3. IF Disney told me tough luck while closing the majority of rides they'd have a hell of a PR time

Fastpass is not the same as an e-ticket ride, let alone ALL the e-ticket rides, in terms of 'revenue' or 'guest-draw'. You're giving a flawed example.

Fine. If it is a slow revenue day Disney due to their fine print can close the FP machines. They can also cancel the parade and character meet and greets. I’m just not ok with that, and other consumers should not be ok with that either.

 

[doconeill]

The correct analogy would be that you paid to go to an OSU game, and when you got there you found out the one free beer vendor that carried Guinness was closed that day because they cut back on one person that day and that particular booth got the least use. Plenty of other free beer available at other locations, just no free Guinness.

time for everyone to drink up and go home...

 

[TenderDonkey]

1. I think you pretty much guaranteed that no one is going to take anything you say seriously with this response.

2. Do you have any idea how impossible that scenerio is? And even if it wasn't, to compare that to having a Fastpass machine at WDW closed for the day is, well, silly.

BTW - I have a map from Epcot from my last trip, and under Guest Amenities, where it has what each of the icons on the map mean, next to FP it has "Disney FASTPASS(r) Subject to availability" - which pretty much covers them not choosing to offer them on any given day.

The only "silly" thing I see is that "team" you guys put together year after year. Sorry I couldn't help it. To tie OSU to Disney: OSU = Stitch's Escape.

 

[Withacy]

The only "silly" thing I see is that "team" you guys put together year after year. Sorry I couldn't help it. To tie OSU to Disney: OSU = Stitch's Escape.

So it must really upset you that we're ranked #2. I guess you can't catch a break today.

At the end of the day, no matter how many insults you throw out there, we're ranked #2 and there's nothing YOU can do about it.

Just like you can complain about not getting your Fastpass, and WDW will go right on doing business the way they choose to do business.

That's life.

 

[TenderDonkey]

And this has happened WHEN?

You're throwing out examples that have never happened, that we have no reason to believe would ever happen, because you're in a snit over having to wait 20 minutes for a ride. WDW doesn't close major attractions because of attendence (apart from doing maintanance on their attractions during the slow season).

Just because I'm not going into hysterics over them not offering Fastpass doesn't mean I've given them permission to close all their attractions and leave their guest standing around staring at the scenery. And there's no indication that they ever would.

What are you going to claim next - that if we're ok with them closing down Fastpass we're ok with them slaughtering all their guests?

It's just a Fastpass - get over it.

You seem like a pretty hostile person. I'm siding with the OP because they were essentially told that they would be cutting back on normal items because they did not hit a revenue number. Would it ruin my day? No. Does it kinda suck, yes. If you want to keep going send me a PM and I will be sure to give you a magical day!

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

The only "silly" thing I see is that "team" you guys put together year after year. Sorry I couldn't help it. To tie OSU to Disney: OSU = Stitch's Escape.

I'm sorry. What exactly does this have to do with the thread other than you trying DESPERATELY to stir the pot and get people upset. It really both kills your credibility and makes absolutely no one take you seriously.

On the fine print of everything Disney puts out (even on the maps and I believe the time guides and heck, even at the end of every single park planning DVD) it says that shows, attractions and perks can be changed or revoked at anytime without any notification. You agree to these terms when you purchase the tickets and enter the parks. Disney has put the disclaimer out there. It's not their fault that people have failed to read it.

If someone's touring plan is SO tight that you are unable to deviate for something like this (the OP said they missed the Safari?) then you need to rethink your touring schedule. Everyone should leave wiggle room, in case the unexpected happens. From fastpass machines being down, to getting stuck on a ride, to injuries and sickness, to rain delays... I could go on but I won't.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

Fine. If it is a slow revenue day Disney due to their fine print can close the FP machines. They can also cancel the parade and character meet and greets. I’m just not ok with that, and other consumers should not be ok with that either.

Yeah, you're right. Disney should fully and completely staff the park during slow seasons... no cost cutting here! And hey, to pay for all those cast members and extra utilities (electric, water, etc... cast members downstairs use utilites too!) let's increase ticket prices another 20 bucks! Or hey, let's cut cast member pay another dollar to $6.75 an hour starting wage. Who said they have to make a living wage? Consumers aren't okay that things are being canceled or closed!

 

[TenderDonkey]

I'm sorry. What exactly does this have to do with the thread other than you trying DESPERATELY to stir the pot and get people upset. It really both kills your credibility and makes absolutely no one take you seriously.

On the fine print of everything Disney puts out (even on the maps and I believe the time guides and heck, even at the end of every single park planning DVD) it says that shows, attractions and perks can be changed or revoked at anytime without any notification. You agree to these terms when you purchase the tickets and enter the parks. Disney has put the disclaimer out there. It's not their fault that people have failed to read it.

If someone's touring plan is SO tight that you are unable to deviate for something like this (the OP said they missed the Safari?) then you need to rethink your touring schedule. Everyone should leave wiggle room, in case the unexpected happens. From fastpass machines being down, to getting stuck on a ride, to injuries and sickness, to rain delays... I could go on but I won't.

I’m not “stirring the pot,” I’m a consumer who is shocked by how some people are just ok with everything Disney does. You can put a disclaimer on everything…This car may not work, Dr. may not actually be certified, cruise ship may not actually go in the ocean. The point is as a consumer paying full price I should be entitled to everything that was advertised to get me to make the purchase. If the ride breaks, fine things happen. If it rains so be it. But if I can’t use the FP machine because of AK not hitting a revenue target that simply is not fair. I equate it to buying a new car. Most dealerships wash the car and fill the gas tank. This is saying no one is out back so here is your new car, it’s pretty dirty from sitting outside and it needs gas. Thanks for your business though. Does it mean the car won’t run…No, is it the end of the world…no. It is just poor business.

 

[TenderDonkey]

Yeah, you're right. Disney should fully and completely staff the park during slow seasons... no cost cutting here! And hey, to pay for all those cast members and extra utilities (electric, water, etc... cast members downstairs use utilites too!) let's increase ticket prices another 20 bucks! Or hey, let's cut cast member pay another dollar to $6.75 an hour starting wage. Who said they have to make a living wage? Consumers aren't okay that things are being canceled or closed!

Let’s be honest if it happened to your family you would be upset. It is easy to sit behind a computer and blame everyone else. But if I pay the same exact price for a ticket as someone who is going during the busy season I should get the same exact level of service. If they feel they cannot make a profit during the slow times they should be all means cut back and reduce staff. But they should not charge the same price then.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

As I stated, we don't wait in long lines for anything, but we are also DVC members, who have BTDT, but the OP is not. She is brand new to Disney, and so perhaps her expecatations didn't match Disney's that day? They wanted to do Kali, it was busier than she had liked, so that is when the problems started. Lots to do @ AK, but if they were set on this, I think it probably spoiled the rest of the day for them. I will agree though with you, that this was not Disney's problem.

You make some interesting points, but they are made with a touch of arrogance.

What's "BTDT"?

Perhaps, but this was not op's first trip. It was her second, her first was in March. Much of what she says is simply problematic for me.

I understand that a new guest isn't going to understand all the ways to get about WDW, and there I am sympathetic. Even after many visits, we sometimes make mistakes. But her attitude, language and expectaions seem inappropriate to me; I have no sympathy for her sense of entitlement or her defensiveness. Simply put, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. She's more vinegar than honey.

She says, "It wasn't a 'dead' day at the park, in fact lines for most rides were over 20 minutes, some, like Kali in excess of 40." It's a popular theme park. Twenty and forty minute posted wait times ARE comparatively short waits for attractions. You don't have to be a WDW expert to know that. I honestly find it difficult to see that anyone is inexperienced enough to think that they won't have to wait in any lines over ten minutes. (her expectation - see post #33) In my life there are lines for everything: fast food, bathrooms, coffee counters. That's just how life is.

She adds in her second post, "Whether 40 minutes seems long or short to others isn't particularly the issue. We chose this week specifically to take advantage of smaller crowds and by extension, shorter lines. "


These two sentences together are just wrong on so many levels. The second sentence is irrelevant. Further why did she think THIS week was a very slow one?

If she had the second expectiaon, then she should've had enough info to know the 40 IS a comparatively short wait for a popular attraction queue at noon in the summer.

She only checked at TWO times: morning and around noon. There was an 11:30 showing of Birds of Wonder next door to Kali that finished up yesterday at 11:55. If she went at noon following the show, she was entering the queue at the same times as the FoW crowd.

She uses language like "crap" and "feces" to describe her frustration.

 

[Tiger926]

What's "BTDT"?

Perhaps, but this was not op's first trip. It was her second, her first was in March. Much of what she says is simply problematic for me.

I understand that a new guest isn't going to understand all the ways to get about WDW, and there I am sympathetic. Even after many visits, we sometimes make mistakes. But her attitude, language and expectaions seem inappropriate to me; I have no sympathy for her sense of entitlement or her defensiveness. Simply put, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. She's more vinegar than honey.

She says, "It wasn't a 'dead' day at the park, in fact lines for most rides were over 20 minutes, some, like Kali in excess of 40." It's a popular theme park. Twenty and forty minute posted wait times ARE comparatively short waits for attractions. You don't have to be a WDW expert to know that. I honestly find it difficult to see that anyone is inexperienced enough to think that they won't have to wait in any lines over ten minutes. (her expectation - see post #33) In my life there are lines for everything: fast food, bathrooms, coffee counters. That's just how life is.

She adds in her second post, "Whether 40 minutes seems long or short to others isn't particularly the issue. We chose this week specifically to take advantage of smaller crowds and by extension, shorter lines. "


These two sentences together are just wrong on so many levels. The second sentence is irrelevant. Further why did she think THIS week was a very slow one?

If she had the second expectiaon, then she should've had enough info to know the 40 IS a comparatively short wait for a popular attraction queue at noon in the summer.

She only checked at TWO times: morning and around noon. There was an 11:30 showing of Birds of Wonder next door to Kali that finished up yesterday at 11:55. If she went at noon following the show, she was entering the queue at the same times as the FoW crowd.

She uses language like "crap" and "feces" to describe her frustration.

BTDT - Been there, done that.

Sorry, I thought it was her 1st trip. Thanks for the clarification.

I agree with a lot of what you say, and I don't agree with her language, but again, if you've been there multiple times, then it's easier to understand how to do Disney.

The fact that she thinks waiting 20 or 40 mins is a long time, when it is not, especially during the summer, is a matter of expecatations. That is why I mentioned that. I think she had very high expectations of how slow the park would be. When it didn't fit that bill, she got upset. The fact that she has a young child in the heat, probably didn't help either. But again, you are right about checking the attractions throughout the day, but her point is that this wouldn't be necessary if FP was working, as she could get her FP, go and do something else, and then return to complete Kali. Instead, she got held up with waiting. I think it's impatience and high expectations at work here, and this has nothing to do with taking Disney's side at all. This has to do with what do guests do when they are hit with snags? How does a guest react when there is a line or a malfunction of some sort? It speaks to having alternate plans available. Some people are good at this, others, not so much...

I do agree with much of what you say, and I really believe a lot of the issue is her expectation of the parks this week. I am hoping that she had a better day today. We have been at the parks during the most insane busy times, only to find broken attractions, closed Fastpass machines and inoperable monorails. We just kept trucking along, but again, we are DVC members who go very often, and so we have a different outlook on how to vacation at Disney.

I've already commented on the Fastpasses as well - Disney doesn't have to operate them, as it's a perk that they utilize when they feel it's necessary. Nothing any of us can do about that, as that is how they run the show. I remember the days before FPs, as I'm sure many others do too, and doing Disney now, is vastly different with the addition of FPs. It is great to have them, but they are not a given at anytime.

Thanks for the discussion, Tiger

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

Let’s be honest if it happened to your family you would be upset. It is easy to sit behind a computer and blame everyone else. But if I pay the same exact price for a ticket as someone who is going during the busy season I should get the same exact level of service. If they feel they cannot make a profit during the slow times they should be all means cut back and reduce staff. But they should not charge the same price then.

I live very close to property and go quite often (in fact my husband works there) however my first trip as an adult was over New Years Eve. I never HAD to use Fastpass. And I hate to tell you, but Fastpass has been closed on me when I've wanted to get it. And I said "oh okay" and moved on with my day.

I don't get heated over things like that and I would venture a guess that most people do not. I have come to accept that ANY entertainment venues (Cedar Point, Universal, Sea World, Six Flags) will have times where things are not open. Not every restaurant will be open, heck sometimes whole rides won't be open. I move on with my day.

And we're not talking about half the park being closed. We're talking about ONE SET of fastpass machines. How much would you like cut off your ticket price for this day to day decision? Cause I'd say that's worth a quarter, and I'm being generous.

And BTW, they have cut staff. Dramatically. Going from 60 hours a week to 32 is absolutely a shock to the system. And that's full timers. Part timers are lucky to get hours right now, as they are only obligated to have 2 shifts every 2 weeks. If closing a fastpass machine for a day gets a part timer another 6 hours during September I am all for that.

 

[TenderDonkey]

I live very close to property and go quite often (in fact my husband works there) however my first trip as an adult was over New Years Eve. I never HAD to use Fastpass. And I hate to tell you, but Fastpass has been closed on me when I've wanted to get it. And I said "oh okay" and moved on with my day.

I don't get heated over things like that and I would venture a guess that most people do not. I have come to accept that ANY entertainment venues (Cedar Point, Universal, Sea World, Six Flags) will have times where things are not open. Not every restaurant will be open, heck sometimes whole rides won't be open. I move on with my day.

And we're not talking about half the park being closed. We're talking about ONE SET of fastpass machines. How much would you like cut off your ticket price for this day to day decision? Cause I'd say that's worth a quarter, and I'm being generous.

And BTW, they have cut staff. Dramatically. Going from 60 hours a week to 32 is absolutely a shock to the system. And that's full timers. Part timers are lucky to get hours right now, as they are only obligated to have 2 shifts every 2 weeks. If closing a fastpass machine for a day gets a part timer another 6 hours during September I am all for that.

I’m not following your logic. How does closing attractions/booths/shows/stores actually increase employee hours? I would think you would want full staff if your income depended on an hourly job.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

I’m not following your logic. How does closing attractions/booths/shows/stores actually increase employee hours? I would think you would want full staff if your income depended on an hourly job.

If revenue is not going toward something being open that's more revenue that can go towards more hours in another part of the park that may need it.

Hence someone else getting more hours.

It's not saying that the person that would be running the closed area would get more hours but someone else may get that option because the Labor Department was able to give another area more hours.

I however don't think you and I are going to agree on any of this, so I'm just agreeing to disagree with you.

 

[dqpowell]

Three things:

1. The Times Guide for that day specifically said fastpass would be in operation at Kali. I think people are dismissing this fact too casually -- you really are giving Disney a 'pass' on something they should not have done. Yes, the fine print gets them off the hook 'legally,' but it's still wrong.

2. The OP was lied to by two CMs. It doesn't matter if it was 'the standard answer' - it was still a lie. Saying "it's true, all zero of the fastpasses for that day were handed out" is really rationalizing a lie. If the particular CMs don't know the reason why, they shouldn't give a stock answer that amounts to a lie.

3. The idea that 40 minutes is a long wait is a valid one for those of us who almost never wait more than 15 or 20 minutes for any attraction in any season. Many of us here on the DIS discussion boards are here to learn better ways of touring the parks than the non-savvy masses that fill those long lines in the middle of the day. Many of us use touring plans from various sources (such as Tour Guide Mike or touringplans.com) to avoid those kind of waits and are quite successful at it.

I know nobody is going to cry for somebody who had to wait 40 minutes to ride Kali. And it's really not as big a deal as some make it out to be. But it still brings me back to points 1 and 2. The lack of fastpasses for Kali on a day the Times Guide doesn't list it as a fastpass attraction is no big deal. On a day it is listed, I think those expecting it are justified in being miffed that it's not available.

David

 

[wtccheermom]

Fine. If it is a slow revenue day Disney due to their fine print can close the FP machines. They can also cancel the parade and character meet and greets. I’m just not ok with that, and other consumers should not be ok with that either.

You know if you are unhappy about the way Disney chooses to run their business than do not go back. PROBLEM SOLVED!!!

 

[doconeill]

Three things:

1. The Times Guide for that day specifically said fastpass would be in operation at Kali. I think people are dismissing this fact too casually -- you really are giving Disney a 'pass' on something they should not have done. Yes, the fine print gets them off the hook 'legally,' but it's still wrong.

I've said this before - it is VERY strange that this happened, assuming it WAS on the Guide that Fastpass was supposed in use on that day, and that the OP interpreted it correctly (sometimes it is listed, but then there is a note that it is only on certain days). Not impossible, but very strange. But as I also said, there could have been technical problems and they were unable to get it working. Can't perform miracles, even at Disney.

2. The OP was lied to by two CMs. It doesn't matter if it was 'the standard answer' - it was still a lie. Saying "it's true, all zero of the fastpasses for that day were handed out" is really rationalizing a lie. If the particular CMs don't know the reason why, they shouldn't give a stock answer that amounts to a lie.

This is a concept known as a "vacuously true" statement. It is saying the same thing as "The beer served at the Magic Kingdom is great!" - There is no beer served at MK, but the statement isn't actually false.

But Joe Guest isn't going to understand that. Jill CM isn't either. I think the CMs assumed that FP WAS in use, and the fact that they were covered meant that they were out and said as much. I am NOT saying it was right.

3. The idea that 40 minutes is a long wait is a valid one for those of us who almost never wait more than 15 or 20 minutes for any attraction in any season. Many of us here on the DIS discussion boards are here to learn better ways of touring the parks than the non-savvy masses that fill those long lines in the middle of the day. Many of us use touring plans from various sources (such as Tour Guide Mike or touringplans.com) to avoid those kind of waits and are quite successful at it.

I'm curious as to how any touring plans deal with variables like Fastpass availability. It is a FACT that Fastpass is NOT always available at some attractions. Some they are almost never available. How do they deal with KRR specifically? My last several trips it has NOT been in use (although none of those were during the summer peak).

I know nobody is going to cry for somebody who had to wait 40 minutes to ride Kali. And it's really not as big a deal as some make it out to be. But it still brings me back to points 1 and 2. The lack of fastpasses for Kali on a day the Times Guide doesn't list it as a fastpass attraction is no big deal. On a day it is listed, I think those expecting it are justified in being miffed that it's not available.

I think there is a general "what's the big deal" attitude. How can having to wait 20-30 extra minutes for 1 ride you REALLY want to do ruin a whole vacation?

 

[TenderDonkey]

Three things:

1. The Times Guide for that day specifically said fastpass would be in operation at Kali. I think people are dismissing this fact too casually -- you really are giving Disney a 'pass' on something they should not have done. Yes, the fine print gets them off the hook 'legally,' but it's still wrong.

2. The OP was lied to by two CMs. It doesn't matter if it was 'the standard answer' - it was still a lie. Saying "it's true, all zero of the fastpasses for that day were handed out" is really rationalizing a lie. If the particular CMs don't know the reason why, they shouldn't give a stock answer that amounts to a lie.

3. The idea that 40 minutes is a long wait is a valid one for those of us who almost never wait more than 15 or 20 minutes for any attraction in any season. Many of us here on the DIS discussion boards are here to learn better ways of touring the parks than the non-savvy masses that fill those long lines in the middle of the day. Many of us use touring plans from various sources (such as Tour Guide Mike or touringplans.com) to avoid those kind of waits and are quite successful at it.

I know nobody is going to cry for somebody who had to wait 40 minutes to ride Kali. And it's really not as big a deal as some make it out to be. But it still brings me back to points 1 and 2. The lack of fastpasses for Kali on a day the Times Guide doesn't list it as a fastpass attraction is no big deal. On a day it is listed, I think those expecting it are justified in being miffed that it's not available.

David

True that! Having a basic plan and using FPs are the core of these boards.