Fastpass Enforcement coming?

[waffles77]

Has anyone considered that Disney could increase the return time window?

Right now FP users are only provided an hour to return. Is it possible that they might extend that return time to 2 or 3 hours? That could appease some of the proponents of having to return during the set times.

I didn't see anything to the contrary. Do you know if they will be keeping the hour return time?

Would that be a compromise?

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

Maybe we should just be really grateful that we are living a life where we can 'worry' about how our fastpass transactions will play out at Disney World. Sometimes easy to lose perspective that if we are visiting Disney in any way, shape or form we are pretty blessed.

Not that being grateful means that you have to accept anything that comes down the pike if you don't think it is fair, but I think I am going to wait to see what comes to fruition, then decide if I think it is something I have the desire (or ability) to participate in.

If not, what is everyone's Plan B vaca???

Yes, I believe this is what is commonly called a "First World Problem".

Personally, I don't much care either way; whatever happens, my family and I will adjust and get on with our extremely blessed lives!

 

[Metro West]

Universal pass is not even close to FP or Xpass. You do not have to book a thing, you do not have return time because you have access all the time. Whatever we call it, it is FOTL(stand by line) access, you still wait a bit because of people with the same access infront of you but it is not FP. Universal pass is about convenience, no planing needed, esp. in advance. Just pay and enjoy relaxing vacation. In case with Xpass, not only it will cost extra, it will be a pain for me at least to plan my day to such degree.

I'm not talking about XPass since that doesn't even exist as this point and Express is not front of the line. You do not get to walk to the front of every line...you still have to wait in the Express line if it's busy. If you want to truely go to the front of the line, book a private VIP tour and you will skip to the front of the line...each and every line.

 

[jkstewart1800]

But I'm pretty sure back then you didn't have to pay $90 to walk though the gates.

You're right. in 1982 it was 15.00 - which in today's money is only about 35.00.

My point was just that this is not 'new' in the Disney playbook.

 

[Mister Skellington]

I think most people feel that it creates a "class system" in the parks. If I'm staying at deluxe resort, then I'm staying with other deluxe resort guests. Imagine if they had all 3 resort levels in one location and they implemented policies based on how much you paid for your room. "Excuse me, you're Value level? You'll have to wait for the Deluxe level guests to board the elevator first."

(Post #500 on this thread? It's my most "popular" thread ever!!!)

Exactly, the cruise example was this exactly. You can pay for a balcony or inside cabin or a suite. You dont get front of buffet access....

 

[Liandro]

I think most people feel that it creates a "class system" in the parks. If I'm staying at deluxe resort, then I'm staying with other deluxe resort guests. Imagine if they had all 3 resort levels in one location and they implemented policies based on how much you paid for your room. "Excuse me, you're Value level? You'll have to wait for the Deluxe level guests to board the elevator first."

(Post #500 on this thread? It's my most "popular" thread ever!!!)

Yep "hot topic".
As said before we have used the system in Paris and nobody even knew we had different FP.
And yes we paid a lof for them but they are worth every penny.

 

[KellyNY]

I'm not talking about XPass since that doesn't even exist as this point and Express is not front of the line. You do not get to walk to the front of every line...you still have to wait in the Express line if it's busy. If you want to truely go to the front of the line, book a private VIP tour and you will skip to the front of the line...each and every line.

Yes you wait in line with people who has same access and even with VIP tour unless you only one touring you will wait for others VIP if they happen to be infront of you, but you do go in front of stand by line which is FOTL access. And you missing my point, you do not plan a thing unlike with FP or Xpasses, you go when you pleased, which makes Universal pass completely different animal.

 

[KellyNY]

Yep "hot topic".
As said before we have used the system in Paris and nobody even knew we had different FP.
And yes we paid a lof for them but they are worth every penny.

I heard about DL Paris passes but know no details, how does it work? Do you have to reserve time frame from for particular ride or it is FOTL access any time?

 

[TLSnell1981]

If you think letting the guest do whatever they want, without any consequences is magic, then you are right.
Nope, don't believe that and didn't say it

All Disney is doing is trying to reign the guest in a bit. Make an ADR? You should have some honest intention of using it, and not making 4 a day because you don't know what park you will be in. Want Deluxe dining? You better really want to stay at a Deluxe resort, and not just book one night to get two days of awesome dining. Want free pop refils? You had better have received that mug this trip, and not 4 trips ago, or get it with your Big Gulp cup.
I don't make multiple ADRs. Honestly, that gem came about due to "free dining". IMO Also, we stay in a deluxe and don't use old mugs.
The ways guests take advantage (or in truth, scam a bit) Disney are numerous. And not one of them reeks with Magic. There is a big difference between giving awesome customer service and letting the customer cheat and take advantage of you. Most of what people are complaing about is Disney closing loopholes they were using to take advantage. Had nothing to do with taking magic away.

Losing the Magic:

The quality of service i.e. overflowing trash cans, dead flowers, chipped paint, broken rides, multiple closures (tarp city), loss in customer service (in general), undertrained CMs.

The dining and merchandise has been dumbed down. Generic food and merchandise, are firmly in place...no longer unique to particular restaurants or shops.

I find it to be the exception..not the norm to hear " have a Magical Day".

The above are just a couple areas, where the decline is noticeable, but definitely not a complete list. These things are Disney's fault NOT the "cheaters and scammers", otherwise known customers...

Oh, wait! Jim Hill said it? Then it must be true.


.

 

[eliza61]

I think most people feel that it creates a "class system" in the parks. If I'm staying at deluxe resort, then I'm staying with other deluxe resort guests. Imagine if they had all 3 resort levels in one location and they implemented policies based on how much you paid for your room. "Excuse me, you're Value level? You'll have to wait for the Deluxe level guests to board the elevator first."

(Post #500 on this thread? It's my most "popular" thread ever!!!)

But you already have a "class" system. You just have to determine if that what level you feel is worth your money.

You stay at a deluxe and most deluxes give you the perk of being direct access to one of the parks. The consumer makes that decision. Some deluxes do have levels. Why do you think they have "Concierge" level. Those people pay more and rightly so get more. and yes, in the AK if you are not a conceierge guest some one will say "Excuse me" if you try to access the lounge.

Here is a description of concierge rooms from allears:

The concierge can make priority seatings, obtain tickets for dinner shows and answer your vacation questions. Concierge rooms are usually located on a private floor or wing of the hotel and generally have keyed access. In other words, you wouldn't be able to just wander in on your own. Each concierge club at WDW offers a special lounge for guests. Coffee and continental breakfast is available in the mornings, snacks around the lunch hour, hors d'oeuvres and wine before dinner and dessert and cordials for early evening
Some concierge clubs offer a special treat. For instance, at the Polynesian, the lounge has floor to ceiling windows facing the Magic Kingdom's Castle. You can watch the fireworks in the comfort of big soft chairs, sipping coffee or your favorite after-dinner cordial. At the Boardwalk, the balcony provides a view of IllumiNations at Epcot. The Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge offers a special Sunrise Safari into Animal Kingdom and Sunset Safari at the Lodge itself (both are additional cost).
The Wildlife Discovery Excursion is available for booking by all Disney concierge guests. It's a special 90 minute ride in the Kilimanjaro Safari with an animal guide.

All these things are the perks you enjoying for coughing up that extra dough.

Your park tickets and resort fees pay for your access. If some one has the ability to pay more for faster access and as long as you have equal opportunity to get that same faster access, then it's all good. If you can't afford it or don't think it's worth it, is not the fault of Disney.

And yes, some hotels do have special elevators for their primo guest. as long as the non primo guest have an elevator that allows them equal access to their floor, I really don't have any problems.

If disney wants to offer fp for their on site guest only, than offsite guest will have to decide whether the fp is worth the cost of moving onsite.

This is all hypothetical of course.

 

[Liandro]

Exactly, the cruise example was this exactly. You can pay for a balcony or inside cabin or a suite. You dont get front of buffet access....

A cruise is a whole different world than WDW.
Following youre line everybody in WDW had to pay the exact same amount of money for a counter service meal or Narcoossees.

Sorry but this bird does not fly.
But we shall see. Perhaps the uproar is for nothing.

 

[Liandro]

I heard about DL Paris passes but know no details, how does it work? Do you have to reserve time frame from for particular ride or it is FOTL access any time?

Nothing to reserve. You get FP stating the days that you are in the parks. They are little gray pieces of paper,same shape as the other FP.

You go into the FP line and just show them to the CM. You can use all FP attractions as much as you like.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Yes you wait in line with people who has same access and even with VIP tour unless you only one touring you will wait for others VIP if they happen to be infront of you, but you do go in front of stand by line which is FOTL access. And you missing my point, you do not plan a thing unlike with FP or Xpasses, you go when you pleased, which makes Universal pass completely different animal.

We visited Universal Studio, Christmas 2010. I wasn't going to purchase the FOTL passes..and DH almost had a stroke. Since, I didn't want him to become ill, I bought them. Let's say, next time, there will be no discussion. We LOVED this feature and will definitely do it again.

 

[KellyNY]

Nothing to reserve. You get FP stating the days that you are in the parks. They are little gray pieces of paper,same shape as the other FP.

You go into the FP line and just show them to the CM. You can use all FP attractions as much as you like.

Thanks, wow, that is what I call vacation!

 

[Mary T in PA]

As of now, I still take this as a rumor.

Until Disney makes an announcement, I am not going to worry about it. Did we sometimes hold our FPs way past our return window? Sure..but usually it was because we wanted to digest a meal before going on ToT or RnRC. However, our kids were usually so excited to get on the ride, we used those FPs as soon as our return time was available.

As another person said, the return window may be a bit wider now, instead of an hour, maybe it will be 2 hrs.

 

[Liandro]

And yes, some hotels do have special elevators for their primo guest. as long as the non primo guest have an elevator that allows them equal access to their floor, I really don't have any problems.

Actual the Disney Hotel in Paris has a special elevator that is only for the third floor. (Suites ans concierge)
If you step outside you are only a few feet from the MK entrance. The best part is coming back from the parks in the winter. We usually go on Christmas.
The elevator is heated,smells like cinnamon and plays Christmas carols.
I always tell my self on a bad working day that is is one of the things we have to own money.

 

[Liandro]

Thanks, wow, that is what I call vacation!

One of the best things is that everyone can get them You can just buy them. So no class system. Everyone has the same chance of using them.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

Exactly, the cruise example was this exactly. You can pay for a balcony or inside cabin or a suite. You dont get front of buffet access....

On Royal Caribbean guest willing to pony up the $$ for a suite definitely get special treatment. There is as area reserved for them in the shows, they have their own reserved areas near (but not upfront) at the pools, they have a concierge lounge with cocktails before dinner, etc. I really do not have a problem with that there are limited suites on the ship and it does not impact my experience on the ship in a negative manner.

I also don't necessarily have a problem with Disney offering a "premium" experience for for pay as long as they still offer a reasonable amount of FP's to the general admission crowd.

Obviously I'm a fan of the status quo. I do collect fastpasses for use later in the day. I'm not taking advantage of the system, I'm using it within the rules set up by Disney. Don't be a hater because I get me a$$ out of bed early get through a bunch of attractions by noon and use my fastpasses later to ride (or re-ride) the big attractions. This is not something to which I have exclusive access, anyone can do it.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

It is probably coming and if it does it will be the last time I go....I remember when universal used the Disney style FP machines and it was great. When they went to the "class" system" (those who can afford it, get it) It ruined it. We can afford to stay on Property at both Disney and universal but we can stay longer by staying off property. We choose more time...
If Disney goes to Universals FOL method, I will be spending my time WAY off property on the island of Maui. It could be worse....lol

MORE ROOM FOR THE REST OF US!!! I'm not bothered by a class system we live in one everyday. I wish that FP were only for onsite guest. I'd take that over EMH.

 

[KellyNY]

We visited Universal Studio, Christmas 2010. I wasn't going to purchase the FOTL passes..and DH almost had a stroke. Since, I didn't want him to become ill, I bought them. Let's say, next time, there will be no discussion. We LOVED this feature and will definitely do it again.

Yep, you would not make it over Christmas without FOTL passes. I want to do Universal next trip, just for few days, combined with Disney or the whole week without Disney, not sure yet. Anyway, I want to stay on Universal property to have FOTL access(for three of us it is cheaper to stay on propety reather then buying them). I can only imagine not crisscrossing, not waiting for FPs, not running to get them and riding MIB over and over again!