Fast Passes shut down

[maxiesmom]

Anyone else notice how it is the same posters who have one bad experience after another? I can't help but think that a lot that is "wrong" has more to do with someone's attitude than anything else.

If you are looking for flaws, it is easy to find them. I could go to WDW and nit pick if that is what I wanted to do. But I have found that I am more apt to enjoy my vacation when I don't.

Heck, I have had things go wrong on my trips. The trick is not to obsess over them and let that bad mood infect every aspect of the trip.

Honestly, it sounds like the OP needs to refocus and stop looking for the negative. Nothing huge has gone wrong. I can't imagine letting things like no fast passes or having to walk thru the parking lot cast such a pall over my vacation.

Time to look for the positive if you want to enjoy your vacation.

Btw, I have been at WDW when they have decided not to run the trams. Know what I did? Walked. Why is it such a hardship to walk thru the parking lot if you are going to be walking thru the parks all day?

 

[dqpowell]

Brief summary of the thread so far:

OP: We wanted to use fastpass at Kali, but it wasn't in operation. The standby wait time was too long to be practical with our young child. The CMs lied to me when I asked them about it.

Disers: Fastpasses are a free perk. Disney has disclaimers covering this. Disney needs to cut costs, and running those fastpass machines costs money. The CMs didn't really lie, it was 'truthiness,' or maybe they were merely clueless. You're crazy to think the standby wait time was long. All you are guaranteed is admission to the park, you should be grateful that Disney allows you to use fastpasses in the first place. Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.

OP: After paying my $14 parking fee at Epcot, and parking where they directed me to a long way from the entrance, I found out the trams weren't running. It was a very hot day and it was a long way to walk. The CMs were unsympathetic. When asked why the parking fee attendants weren't informed about this, the CM answered that it wasn't his job to tell them.

Disers: Disney needs to cut costs, and those trams cost money. It might not have been that hot. Disney has disclaimers covering this. You can walk faster than the trams would get you there anyway. You probably are never happy about anything. Isn't it great how honest the CM was? Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.

OP: I was hungry, so I bought a hamburger (at Disney prices). It was cold. Not just lukewarm -- it was actually cold.

Disers: What are you, some kind of serial complainer? Hamburgers that have been sitting a while cost Disney just as much to make as hot hamburgers. What are they supposed to do, throw it away? Disney has disclaimers covering this. I heard that cold hamburgers are healthier for you than hot hamburgers anyway. Ketchup is a free perk, you should be grateful they don't charge for it. Those CMs might burn their hands if they try handling hot food. You want those poor kids to suffer 3rd degree burns and have to go to the hospital? What kind of evil person are you? Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.



David

 

[goofy53073]

You still should have been able to use the GAD FPs. There should have been one machine left open for that purpose. However in some cases they do close all of them, and you have to ask. They may not give you an FP but might accommodate you in some other fashion (back door, etc.) if it is easier (and it wouldn't cost you your credit!). ON a few occasions there have been some CMs that apparently are clueless about the GAD Fastpasses (gee, they've only had them all year, and the identical Birthday Fastpasses before that...) and it requires talking to a manager to having a discussion with Guest Relations...

In some cases, yes the GAD FP machine was still open but in other cases it was not. We did ask about it and were told the wait is short enough so you can not get them

 

[flicx]

Are you guys kidding me.No fast passes not an issue,trams not running not an issue.The whole times are tight thing is a joke,didn't they just raise prices a few weeks back? So $14.00 to park and you should have along walk in florida heat so disney can save a few bucks? The 40 minute wait thing is a joke too.If you advertise fast passes live up to the promise.Why should a person be penalized in the offseason,don't they pay the same amount to get into the park.Hey OP I sympathize with you sorry these things are not up to par!!!

 

[phorsenuf]

Just a little service update to those that actually care where their Disney dollars go:

Went to Epcot this morning and of course paid $14 for parking. Walked over to get a tram, and was informed trams wouldn't be running today and that we would have to walk. I asked why they don't let you know that prior to paying to enter the lot, and was told 'they probably don't even know'. When I asked 'why don't they know?' I got a shoulder shrug and a 'it ain't my job to tell 'em'.
We spent 15 minutes walking with our 4 year old across some pretty hot tarmac, and it was another bummer.

At lunch I had a craving for a burger, so I ordered one and it was cold. Not warm, cold! I kept my mouth shut however, since I got what I paid for. Nowhere on the menu did it say 'hot'. Apparently that is something Disney throws in when they are having a high revenue day and they want to give a little extra. Hot food and trams are subject to availability after all. Low season service at high season prices.

Had a great time at the park though. The walk back to the car was tough.

I just got home from EPCOT and the place was dead!! Pretty much everything was a walk on or 10 minutes max. I too parked in the lot and I see why there were no trams. And from the look of things there's no way you had to walk 15 minutes across that lot. 5 tops, maybe.

As for the burger, I ate in Morocco. But it's funny because I was reading another thread that someone was mad that they had to wait 20 minutes for a veggie burger to cook. She said they are on the menu so they should be waiting and available. So either you get cold food fast or hot food slow. Can't win I guess.

 

[Stinkerbell1973]

Three things:

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've been reading these posts and cannot believe the amount of disrespect being shown for other people's opinions. It's borderline repulsive. However, I will say this, with reference to #3. Why is it that I am an "non-savvy mass" if I choose to stand in line in the middle of the day? Just because I am on VACATION and I choose not to treat that time like a day at work, slap full of meetings, that does not make me "non-savvy". I, too, read these boards religiously, use data such as the crowd calendar, touringplans, etc to make decisions on where to go, and I take a lot of time and effort planning which day to go and where. But I do not plan every minute of every day to an exact science and therefore do not set myself up for disappointment when the slightest thing goes wrong and I do not think that makes me NON SAVVY. You know what they say about the best laid plans...

And OP clearly stated that s/he purchased a BASE TICKET and thus must have planned to spend the entire day in the park. It isn't like they were basing their entire day planning to park hop and ONLY came to AK for that one ride. If the ride means that much to you, you wait in line and ride it! I have a 6 YO, who was 4 YO the first time we went, and she learned how to wait in line (45 mins to ride Dumbo) semi-patiently and be grateful for what she was getting. It's A Small World will be closed when I am there in 2 weeks. It's one of my daughter's favorite rides, and she is sad that it's going to be closed. Do I think I deserve a discount because she won't be able to ride it? No.

And is it possible, even remotely, that when the line started to fill up they temporarily opened the FP line, distributed a couple hundred, then closed it and were legitimately "sold out"? Maybe it isn't possible, I don't know. Please do not bash or disrespect me for asking this question.

 

[Jetta8300]

Brief summary of the thread so far:

OP: We wanted to use fastpass at Kali, but it wasn't in operation. The standby wait time was too long to be practical with our young child. The CMs lied to me when I asked them about it.

Disers: Fastpasses are a free perk. Disney has disclaimers covering this. Disney needs to cut costs, and running those fastpass machines costs money. The CMs didn't really lie, it was 'truthiness,' or maybe they were merely clueless. You're crazy to think the standby wait time was long. All you are guaranteed is admission to the park, you should be grateful that Disney allows you to use fastpasses in the first place. Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.

OP: After paying my $14 parking fee at Epcot, and parking where they directed me to a long way from the entrance, I found out the trams weren't running. It was a very hot day and it was a long way to walk. The CMs were unsympathetic. When asked why the parking fee attendants weren't informed about this, the CM answered that it wasn't his job to tell them.

Disers: Disney needs to cut costs, and those trams cost money. It might not have been that hot. Disney has disclaimers covering this. You can walk faster than the trams would get you there anyway. You probably are never happy about anything. Isn't it great how honest the CM was? Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.

OP: I was hungry, so I bought a hamburger (at Disney prices). It was cold. Not just lukewarm -- it was actually cold.

Disers: What are you, some kind of serial complainer? Hamburgers that have been sitting a while cost Disney just as much to make as hot hamburgers. What are they supposed to do, throw it away? Disney has disclaimers covering this. I heard that cold hamburgers are healthier for you than hot hamburgers anyway. Ketchup is a free perk, you should be grateful they don't charge for it. Those CMs might burn their hands if they try handling hot food. You want those poor kids to suffer 3rd degree burns and have to go to the hospital? What kind of evil person are you? Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.



David

boy I am learning a lot about Disney from reading these posts. At least I will now not be surprised if FP are not running when I go. I thought they were in operation no matter what. I was apparently wrong. It wouldn't have really upset me or anything but probably would have been a bit "ticked" for a few minutes.

 

[doconeill]

boy I am learning a lot about Disney from reading these posts. At least I will now not be surprised if FP are not running when I go. I thought they were in operation no matter what. I was apparently wrong. It wouldn't have really upset me or anything but probably would have been a bit "ticked" for a few minutes.

Fastpass as a whole has never been "not running". It comes and goes at various attractions, and at the E-ticket attraction, it is almost never not available. At the lesser attractions there is more likely a chance it won't be available, some more than others.

 

[dqpowell]

However, I will say this, with reference to #3. Why is it that I am an "non-savvy mass" if I choose to stand in line in the middle of the day?

You are reading this as "(non-savvy masses)" where 'masses' = plural of 'mass.' It was intended to be "(non-savvy) masses" where "masses" refers to a singular 'concept' describing a large group of people. So I wasn't calling you (as a person in line) a "mass." Just to (hopefully) clarify that little bit.

As for the "non-savvy" part... "non-savvy" is not an insult. It is a descriptive phrase which means that somebody or some group lacks certain specialized knowledge. A similar term is "layperson."

Obviously not everybody standing in long lines in the middle of the day lack that specialized information. But many people standing in those lines do lack that information. I am not insulting them. I'm just pointing out that most people, if they knew methods to avoid such lines and still ride those rides, would actually employ those methods and avoid such lines.

And is it possible, even remotely, that when the line started to fill up they temporarily opened the FP line, distributed a couple hundred, then closed it and were legitimately "sold out"? Maybe it isn't possible, I don't know. Please do not bash or disrespect me for asking this question.

No disrespect intended in answering. The answer is: almost certainly not. I wasn't there so I can't answer definitively, but the evidence is stacked against that being what happened.

David

 

[Stinkerbell1973]

Oh, I knew what you meant by "masses" - I singularized it to make my statement more grammatically correct.

And absolutely NO disrespect taken by your response....I just can't believe the lengths that people are going to to emphasize a point, enforce their position or opinion. You were actually very pleasant!

 

[bytheblood]

when did you leave? I am showing reports of FP available as late as 730 on multiple wait time applications I frequent and never show a wait above 20 minutes all day (peaking around 3pm).

These apps are not always a reliable source. My sister and I used several of them right there in the parks and what the apps said and what was factual did not match.

 

[ratmaster]

Brief summary of the thread so far:

OP: We wanted to use fastpass at Kali, but it wasn't in operation. The standby wait time was too long to be practical with our young child. The CMs lied to me when I asked them about it.

Disers: Fastpasses are a free perk. Disney has disclaimers covering this. Disney needs to cut costs, and running those fastpass machines costs money. The CMs didn't really lie, it was 'truthiness,' or maybe they were merely clueless. You're crazy to think the standby wait time was long. All you are guaranteed is admission to the park, you should be grateful that Disney allows you to use fastpasses in the first place. Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.

OP: After paying my $14 parking fee at Epcot, and parking where they directed me to a long way from the entrance, I found out the trams weren't running. It was a very hot day and it was a long way to walk. The CMs were unsympathetic. When asked why the parking fee attendants weren't informed about this, the CM answered that it wasn't his job to tell them.

Disers: Disney needs to cut costs, and those trams cost money. It might not have been that hot. Disney has disclaimers covering this. You can walk faster than the trams would get you there anyway. You probably are never happy about anything. Isn't it great how honest the CM was? Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.

OP: I was hungry, so I bought a hamburger (at Disney prices). It was cold. Not just lukewarm -- it was actually cold.

Disers: What are you, some kind of serial complainer? Hamburgers that have been sitting a while cost Disney just as much to make as hot hamburgers. What are they supposed to do, throw it away? Disney has disclaimers covering this. I heard that cold hamburgers are healthier for you than hot hamburgers anyway. Ketchup is a free perk, you should be grateful they don't charge for it. Those CMs might burn their hands if they try handling hot food. You want those poor kids to suffer 3rd degree burns and have to go to the hospital? What kind of evil person are you? Disney is awesome and you should never be upset about anything they do.



David

How dare you criticize Disers...they are awesome and you should never criticize anything they do. Great post. By some of these downright nasty responses, you would think that expressing one's opinion about Disney in a negative way was insulting people personally. One thing is obvious. There are certain expectations people have when spending their hard-earned money at Disney. And at this time, Disney is failing to meet those expectations on a more consistent basis. No need to take it personally. Maybe you should support those who have these negative experiences. Disney will only respond when enough people voice their displeasure. Ultimately, fewer happy guests means fewer return visitors means more cutbacks for all. While that's great for the wait times, no one will be happy when hours, services, shows and other entertainment are reduced. Surely even a Disney apologist can understand that.

 

[jonmar]

Anyone else notice how it is the same posters who have one bad experience after another? I can't help but think that a lot that is "wrong" has more to do with someone's attitude than anything else.

And you received your doctorate in psychology where? Please spare me the arm chair psych appraisal that I am self perpetuating because I have a bad attitude.

If you are looking for flaws, it is easy to find them. I could go to WDW and nit pick if that is what I wanted to do. But I have found that I am more apt to enjoy my vacation when I don't.

Are you saying I had to be looking to notice 40+ minutes in the hot sun on a ride that was advertised to be using FastPasses and wasn't? Yes, you sound correct, if I wasn't looking, I would have somehow teleported from the parking lot to EPCOT? That somehow noticing the tramless parking lot changed the laws of physics? Maybe the CM at Rock and Roller Coaster was really a great guy, and I snuck on the ride in the first place, never had a FastPass, and the ride never broke down.

Perhaps our definitions of 'flaws' are not the same. For example, lets say you were really upset that Disney did not have your favorite bon bon, that you love to hoard. They had it last time and they advertised that it was in stock in their shops. You arrive after walking through the parking lot, cause you can, and right at rope drop you stampede to the shop. Alas, they don't have your bon bon. You of course would say 'Boo Hoo'. I would say 'big deal, candy isn't good for you anyway'. See, we don't agree on flaws. We, and many others on this board also don't agree on this point:
While I don't think your flaw is really a flaw, I would argue till the cows came home that you have the right to voice your concerns about it. I understand that the right to complain and voice displeasure is available to everyone, not just those people that I happen to agree with.

Honestly, it sounds like the OP needs to refocus and stop looking for the negative. Nothing huge has gone wrong. I can't imagine letting things like no fast passes or having to walk thru the parking lot cast such a pall over my vacation. Time to look for the positive if you want to enjoy your vacation.

Thank you very much for the holiday enjoyment tips. I can assure you that I have traveled the world over (not just Disney's) and have experienced the entire spectrum of service, from top notch to horrific. We had a great visit to Disney last March and this one is not so great. I don't know why so many seem to take it personally when I point out what I perceive to be deficiencies in Disney service. I think if some of you 'got out more', you would understand that Disney is not perfect and that there exists room for improvement. Could I 'suck it up' and move on? Of course I could. Why should I though? I'd like Disney to get it right for next time, just like they had it the first time. Maybe I'm spoiled given the outstanding holidays and service I have had elsewhere. If you and others want to get slapped in the head, and say thank you, go ahead. I however, hope the lineup that day is pretty long and Fast Passes have all been handed out.

Btw, I have been at WDW when they have decided not to run the trams. Know what I did? Walked. Why is it such a hardship to walk thru the parking lot if you are going to be walking thru the parks all day?

Why not take a long hard think about this question and the answer might come to you. It's kinda the same reason you shouldn't ask childless people 'when ya havin' kids?'

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

I'm pretty sure it's time for this thread to be locked. No one's getting anywhere, the two sides are starting to get pretty insulting and it's just going around in circles. There doesn't seem to be any agree to disagree here. It seems to be either "Disney is justified" or "Disney sucks right now".

 

[dqpowell]

How dare you criticize Disers...

Not criticizing anybody. Just poking some lighthearted fun at the overall tone of the thread.



David

 

[jonmar]

I'm pretty sure it's time for this thread to be locked. No one's getting anywhere, the two sides are starting to get pretty insulting and it's just going around in circles. There doesn't seem to be any agree to disagree here. It seems to be either "Disney is justified" or "Disney sucks right now".

I wouldn't say Disney Sucks at all. We have had a pretty good week. It was great in March. They aren't perfect and I complained about those imperfections. I don't recall insulting anyone.

 

[ShatteredByLoss]

*passes around the popcorn as the trolls come out*

Anyone else want some?

 

[Planogirl]

I hope that they always have trams operating in the MK parking lots. We always seem to have to park on the back 40 somewhere and I admit that I look forward to sitting in a tram for a bit before we open the doors to the furnace...errrr, car. I guess that I would leave MK if they did that and go elsewhere.

 

[snowy76]

I hope that they always have trams operating in the MK parking lots. We always seem to have to park on the back 40 somewhere and I admit that I look forward to sitting in a tram for a bit before we open the doors to the furnace...errrr, car. I guess that I would leave MK if they did that and go elsewhere.

Agreed. Makes me glad those parking passes are good for the whole day at all the parks... we'd just buckle ourselves in and head elsewhere.

 

[Disneyadore]

How dare you criticize Disers...they are awesome and you should never criticize anything they do. Great post. By some of these downright nasty responses, you would think that expressing one's opinion about Disney in a negative way was insulting people personally. One thing is obvious. There are certain expectations people have when spending their hard-earned money at Disney. And at this time, Disney is failing to meet those expectations on a more consistent basis. No need to take it personally. Maybe you should support those who have these negative experiences. Disney will only respond when enough people voice their displeasure. Ultimately, fewer happy guests means fewer return visitors means more cutbacks for all. While that's great for the wait times, no one will be happy when hours, services, shows and other entertainment are reduced. Surely even a Disney apologist can understand that.

I think some people think they own Disney after buying a ticket.
They expect to be treaded like a royal family and every cm should bow his head in deep respect for them and should scatter red rose leaves on there path through the park. Com on be serious. If the things happened you describe in ANY other park people just would accept it but when the same people are at Disney they get unrealizable desires.