Fastpass Enforcement coming?

[doconeill]

That makes sense to some degree... but wouldn't each extra person with a FP theoretically be one less person who needs to wait in the standby line in the first place -- especially if they've developed alternate ways to distribute those FPs so you don't have to be in the park early to get passes for the most popular rides? In other words... one possible iteration Xpass?

I'm still trying to logically resolve if there is a direct correlation to X-Pass user is now not a standby user, but I'm afraid this thread is truly burning me out today, and work is calling

And what if on some level they've decided that they don't care how long the standby lines get if they can squeeze more people in the FP queue -- for two reasons:

1) They're trying to sell people in the standby line on the benefits of FP or Xpass or whatever, especially if you have to pay cash or stay deluxe to get the new benefits.

2) People already wait 120, 150, 180 minutes and more for the most popular rides on busy days. They've proven they can wait -- so let them wait. Perhaps?

Obviously, there's a reason they will start enforcing FP return times and just as obviously it's not because late returners are screwing up wait times. So... what are the other reasons for enforcing FP wait times, if not the above?

And I mean that -- the above may or may not be the reason. I'd like to know what the other possible reasons are.

One that has been put forth from the CMs is that they are trying to acclimatize both the CMs and the guests to stricter enforcement that might likely be required on the X-Pass users. Which means this could also be temporary, although it doesn't sound like it.

One possibility I thought of is that instead of X-Pass and FP mixed together, if the X-Pass return times are issued in certain blocks and FPs in other blocks (X-Pass noon-1pm, FP 1pm-2pm, etc.), stricter enforcement might be necessary to not affect X-Pass users to any degree especially if they are advertising it to be a faster Fastpass or something like that. But I also don't see the "block" issuing to be that workable either.

All speculation, of course.

I've got this awful feeling that X-Pass might be rolled out without significant guest testing, and things are just going to go pear-shaped...

 

[bairdbeth]

I have to disagree and I am a stockholder.
Disney has a board and ceo, yep it's goal is to make profit but they introduce ideas based on a CONSUMER driven market. Do you honestly think any idea ever presented for disneyworld is not designed to bring in new CONSUMERS?

Sure there will be less discounts, because its based on another consumer driven process. supply and demand. When the economy is bad and the supply is great with no demand, you introduce incentives (discounts) to get people into your establishment. whether its disneyworld or starbucks or ed's bicycle shop. Now the economy is swinging up, demand is up, for whatever reason people feel more happy to give up the cash, so any smart operation whether it's 2 man or 200000 men will revamp to take advantage of a atmosphere where they can make more money.

Make no mistake about it, it is all consumer driven. Our entire economy is based on people spending money. now there are rumors and fears that this summer for whatever reason gas prices are going to skyrocketed. Do you think Disney does not have their eye on this? while it probably won't effect their summer crowd, believe me if they see a slow down those discounts will be flying fast and furious.

I've always been an advocate of vote with your dollars but please believe disney is paying a lot of attention on where those dollars are being spent and they are acting accordingly. Why do you think they are launching new cruise lines? You seriously don't think that is not consumer driven? someone in disney just said "hey let's build a bunch of ship"?

I did not say Disney is not consumer driven. I said that the consumer is not the boss. Disney does make the rules and enforces them as they see fit. The fastpass changes are being made with the profit margin in mind, but also in response to sugestions and or complaints to Disney. I would bet that there have been numerous complaints about Fastpass (and many probably made due to lack of understanding of the system) Disney does respond. They want you there to spend money. Notice next time at WDW that the Hess gas station on property will have gas prices that are several cents lower a gallon than those off property. Disney is no fool. Keep the guest on property so that all money spent is spent at WDW not off site. I have seen as much as a 10 cent a gallon difference from other gas stations on the way to WDW. As far as DCL, the new ships have allowed Disney to expand their departure points and cruise destinations. While they are still a small fleet, the are competing well in the market as they have asked there cruising consumers where they would like to see Disney sail to and would departures from different ports increase desire to sail with DCL. Disney charges premium rices for their cruises, but demand is high and the service provided and quality of experiences keep consumers coming back and paying the higher prices. DCL had flagging sales during the economic downturn so new routes, shows, ports of call and excursions were added to entice consumers to cruise. Consumers will always influence the changes made at Disney. Discounts will return if too many rooms remain vacant, but that does not make the consumer the boss. I highly doubt that as a consumer I could call and state that since the consumers are the boss I require 40% off of my room/package. Rather, I would think that as the boss Disney would decide that in order to increase revenue and decrease inventory, a room and or package deal would be offered for a limited time. Disney is Big Brother. They watch all and see all. They have more information on me in their system than my parents do.

 

[doconeill]

But it happens. On our last trip on actual Labor Day we were at DHS. Park was half empty except TSM. We took FP for TOT but when we returned there was no line. We went on RnR and it was 10 min wait, literally just walk on with still empty seats. My DD decided to ride it again right away and wait was 30 min. I am not going to speculate that some late FP triggered this time change but it is possible that they were late, just 10 min late and those empty seats on a first ride were their seats. I know it all makes sence at the end of the day but unless it is scheduled, rides will have periods of empty and full due to different reasons including late FPs.

TOT and RNRC don't see the early utilization they used to thanks to TSM. You are seeing the effects of a low park day in general. More than likely FPs for those attractions were not being taken at all, as they were all being taken for TSM.

What you could see is a sudden bump in FP use a bit later because everyone who took for TSM first have finally reached the point they can get another, and then they still have to come back still later to use them.

An increase from 10 to 30 minutes at RNRC doesn't actually take much...that's just a couple cycles of the pre-show. Whereas 10 minutes would generally reflect being able to walk right in to the pre-show or waiting for the current one to empty, you've now been pushed back one or two cycles as the post-pre-show queue may be filling up as well.

I actually had a CM refuse to give me a Rider Switch pass at RNRC early in the morning, because he said I didn't need it, it was a short wait - 10 minutes, like you saw. I said, "It's 10 minutes on the board NOW, but you know as well as I that was likely measured at least 10 minutes ago...what will it be AFTER my wife gets through?" He reluctantly gave me the Rider Switch pass. We waited nearby (no real reason to go elsewhere), and it was about 20-30 minutes by the time my wife got through. What was the wait time? I forget exactly, but it had risen dramatically very quickly - I want to say 45 minutes or so - but it was all because of people coming over from TSM and getting in the standby line. I flew through the Fastpass line.

 

[allforpooh]

Are you intentionally trying to make heads explode?

Awesome!!!

 

[KellyNY]

TOT and RNRC don't see the early utilization they used to thanks to TSM. You are seeing the effects of a low park day in general. More than likely FPs for those attractions were not being taken at all, as they were all being taken for TSM.

What you could see is a sudden bump in FP use a bit later because everyone who took for TSM first have finally reached the point they can get another, and then they still have to come back still later to use them.

An increase from 10 to 30 minutes at RNRC doesn't actually take much...that's just a couple cycles of the pre-show. Whereas 10 minutes would generally reflect being able to walk right in to the pre-show or waiting for the current one to empty, you've now been pushed back one or two cycles as the post-pre-show queue may be filling up as well.

I actually had a CM refuse to give me a Rider Switch pass at RNRC early in the morning, because he said I didn't need it, it was a short wait - 10 minutes, like you saw. I said, "It's 10 minutes on the board NOW, but you know as well as I that was likely measured at least 10 minutes ago...what will it be AFTER my wife gets through?" He reluctantly gave me the Rider Switch pass. We waited nearby (no real reason to go elsewhere), and it was about 20-30 minutes by the time my wife got through. What was the wait time? I forget exactly, but it had risen dramatically very quickly - I want to say 45 minutes or so - but it was all because of people coming over from TSM and getting in the standby line. I flew through the Fastpass line.

Yes this scenario makes perfect sence in a morning but we were there in afternoon. Actually I did rope drop to get to TSM for FP and single ride while my DD was still on a flight, I arrived few days before her. So when we were back to DHS it was around 3-4 PM and therefore everyone who got FP for TSM had a chance to grab few more FPs and this is also time when people come back from midday break. So it could infact be result of few late FP.
I saw it on other rides as well, Buzz for example, one moment nobody is there, next moment there is a line. It may not matter during slower times but it can be more visible during busy times.

 

[Jenngoofys]

The enforcement of fastpass times will make for very unhappy people, even if they happily follow the rules they will have extra walking,which equals less leasure time to shop, less people leaving the park midday to rest (causing them and the kids to be cranky and more tired), longer hours in the park to complete things they couldnt do earlier due to waiting on a fastpass time. After all is said and done they will be too cranky to stand in line at a store at the end of an extremely long day with a child crying because they are too tired from being in the park all day!! So what does Disney see happening that will make them more $$$?? The fact that people paying for the fastpass times are getting everything done and able to take a nap mid day, or relax some and shop, because they chose the times they wanted. While you stand in a line and watch them walk on by. Makes you think. I know I will think long and hard about buying my fastpass time. at least then im not at the mercy of the fastpass machine, and having to walk to each ride 2 times (once for the fastpass and another to ride) Sounds like a win for Disney people will either buy the reserved times or waste time with extra walking and waiting for the time to come up on the machine! How many of you will buy the new reserved fastpass? Thats the real question.

 

[Sammie]

What amazes me is how upset people become over the things Disney does and yet year after year they still continue to give them their money. Which says to Disney, we are doing what our guests want.

 

[doconeill]

Oy...this amazingly interesting message apparently went out to the CMs today (per buzzCMlightyear):

Disney's FASTPASS service return time reminder
02/08/2012

In order to provide the best experience possible for everyone at our theme parks, all Walt Disney World Guests will be expected to return within their Disney's FASTPASS return time window, effective March 7.

Disney's FASTPASS service plays an important role in our Guests' ability to enjoy their visit to one of our Walt Disney World theme parks, and our ability to provide this great service is dependent upon Guests returning during the designated window. The vast majority of our Guests are aware of their return times and arrive in the window printed on the Disney's FASTPASS ticket.

As more Guests choose to take advantage of this feature, we want to provide the same opportunity to everyone. By asking all Guests to return within the window printed on their pass, more Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy this great service.

This is not a change, but simply a reminder of our existing policy. All Cast Members are expected to adhere to this policy when visiting the parks as Guests.

The bolding is mine. The latter statement first: What is interesting about it is that it contradicts the actual operational document that was posted early in this thread, and the CMs themselves. Do any CMs have the connections to get clarification of this apparent contradiction?

The earlier statement: Looks like their intent is to turn up the ratio of FPs per time block highler, and here "FASTPASS" is likely to include those allocated to X-Pass, or they are in a common pool. They appear to be wanting to direct more people to use Fastpass - further attempt to monetize by keeping people out of lines?

What's missing? ANY mention of the previously reported latitude in the return times...

 

[nytimez]

I'm still trying to logically resolve if there is a direct correlation to X-Pass user is now not a standby user, but I'm afraid this thread is truly burning me out today, and work is calling

It's a possibility IF this means -- as I suggested earlier -- that more Fastpasses (or Xpasses) are given out than currently. Theoretically, a person who gets one of these "extra" passes is someone who would have waited in the standby line, but now doesn't have to.

 

[Liza111577]

I didn't find out about being able to use FP past its time, until I joined the DIS boards recently. Last year I tossed some FP that were past the time, thinking we couldn't use them anymore!!!
We're going back in a week and I intend to fully take advantage of it this trip, it will definitely be more relaxed, without having to run back and forth across the parks!
If the change comes in March, then so be it, we can complain, whine and moan all we want, there is such a small percentage of people who are aware of this rule, that Disney will never take it into consideration.
Who knows, maybe the new FP will have a 2 hour window instead of 1, maybe not. I just don't see what the point is in arguing on a DIS thread about who is right, who is wrong, who's making assumptions and who thinks they're right.
When March comes, whoever is there can report back and let us all know what the deal is.

 

[doconeill]

Oy...this amazingly interesting message apparently went out to the CMs today (per buzzCMlightyear):



The bolding is mine. The latter statement first: What is interesting about it is that it contradicts the actual operational document that was posted early in this thread, and the CMs themselves. Do any CMs have the connections to get clarification of this apparent contradiction?

The earlier statement: Looks like their intent is to turn up the ratio of FPs per time block highler, and here "FASTPASS" is likely to include those allocated to X-Pass, or they are in a common pool. They appear to be wanting to direct more people to use Fastpass - further attempt to monetize by keeping people out of lines?

What's missing? ANY mention of the previously reported latitude in the return times...

And a followup to myself - if it isn't a change in policy but a reminder of what it is, WHY the implementation date?

 

[nytimez]

The earlier statement: Looks like their intent is to turn up the ratio of FPs per time block highler, and here "FASTPASS" is likely to include those allocated to X-Pass, or they are in a common pool. They appear to be wanting to direct more people to use Fastpass - further attempt to monetize by keeping people out of lines?

This is what I was trying to get at earlier -- that this may be because they are trying to give out more FPs and crowd the FP lanes a little more, but make sure those crowds are in those lanes at more consistent and predictable times so that the FP wait is always within a certain time range.

 

[Alesia]

Oy...this amazingly interesting message apparently went out to the CMs today (per buzzCMlightyear):



The bolding is mine. The latter statement first: What is interesting about it is that it contradicts the actual operational document that was posted early in this thread, and the CMs themselves. Do any CMs have the connections to get clarification of this apparent contradiction?

The earlier statement: Looks like their intent is to turn up the ratio of FPs per time block highler, and here "FASTPASS" is likely to include those allocated to X-Pass, or they are in a common pool. They appear to be wanting to direct more people to use Fastpass - further attempt to monetize by keeping people out of lines?

What's missing? ANY mention of the previously reported latitude in the return times...

My guess is that this is how they want it presented to the park guests - not a policy change, but an enforcement of previously existing rules. This way, guests are much less likely to become confrontational with the CMs. It's just a little bit of customer service psychology.

 

[MELSMICE]

My guess is that this is how they want it presented to the park guests - not a policy change, but an enforcement of previously existing rules. This way, guests are much less likely to become confrontational with the CMs. It's just a little bit of customer service psychology.

Back on page 2 or 3 of this thread someone posted a "policy" that says something to the affect of "you can allow guests to ride that return after their FP window has expired".

Wouldn't this new "policy" be a contradiction. Is it a policy?

 

[Alesia]

Back on page 2 or 3 of this thread someone posted a "policy" that says something to the affect of "you can allow guests to ride that return after their FP window has expired".

Right, but that was an internal policy. As far as Disney is concerned, that is not the policy that was being given to guests. Yes - CMs were telling guests that, but it was never put forth by higher ups as "official policy."

It's just a matter of explaining it to guests in a way that mollifies them. People respond better to, "We've found it necessary to enforce this previously existing policy." than they do, "Sorry, that used to be the rule, now it isn't. The former makes them feel that they were lucky to get away with it before. The latter makes them feel as if something has been taken away from them.

When Disney informs their employees, they're going to phrase it in a more positive way, because that will subconsciously urge the CMs to phrase it that way to guests.

 

[Interpol]

Back on page 2 or 3 of this thread someone posted a "policy" that says something to the affect of "you can allow guests to ride that return after their FP window has expired".

Wouldn't this new "policy" be a contradiction. Is it a policy?

Actually that is a good point. If CMs are specifically instructed to let people in after their time window, doesn't that imply that the end time of that window is relatively meaningless? It's certainly not set in stone.

 

[Alesia]

Actually that is a good point. If CMs are specifically instructed to let people in after their time window, doesn't that imply that the end time of that window is relatively meaningless? It's certainly not set in stone.

Right, and is has been for the lat 13 years. But now something has changed (and despite all of the speculation here, no one knows for sure what that is) and they now feel that they do need to enforce the end time of that window. That's why they've left it there all this time - to give them the flexibility to enforce it if it became necessary without having to actually change the policy.

 

[doconeill]

Right, but that was an internal policy. As far as Disney is concerned, that is not the policy that was being given to guests. Yes - CMs were telling guests that, but it was never put forth by higher ups as "official policy."

It's just a matter of explaining it to guests in a way that mollifies them. People respond better to, "We've found it necessary to enforce this previously existing policy." than they do, "Sorry, that used to be the rule, now it isn't. The former makes them feel that they were lucky to get away with it before. The latter makes them feel as if something has been taken away from them.

When Disney informs their employees, they're going to phrase it in a more positive way, because that will subconsciously urge the CMs to phrase it that way to guests.

But that still leaves the contradiction in the other document(s), of which the CMs are already privy to, and already believe to be the policy. This tells them "everything we told you was wrong" in a way.

 

[Berlioz70]

I did a search for the word "Hub" in this thread.... nothing came up...

This was posted on the internal Cast Member website, The Hub, today. The new policy is being officially communicated.

 

[doconeill]

I did a search for the word "Hub" in this thread.... nothing came up...

This was posted on the internal Cast Member website, The Hub, today. The new policy is being officially communicated.

Right, I didn't mention the Hub, but that's where I assume it came from.

Have they removed the service recovery document yet?