Fastpass Enforcement coming?

[Epeyon]

Has anyone stopped to think how this change is going to affect me? And by me, I mean my family. As I have previously stated, we established our system before we knew about returning late, and it has always worked out great.

Now there is going to be a bunchmore bozos in front of us.

I am now advocating another option to this fanciful, mythical "xpass". I want an "I always came on time option" that allows me to go around everybody.

Because, in the end, it truly is about me, the entire universe. The Total Perspective Vortex proved that.

42

You're the Zaphod Beeblebrox?! President of the Galaxy?!


All this mean is walking more and maybe having to ride stand-by so you can make your ADRs. Sure it means you'll have to wait in line and maybe find a way to entertain your kids, but it also means you'll have that time to spend with each other. And relax on your vacation.

Also I think there will be a huge reduction in stand-by waits, especially later in the day. No huge influx of FPs after lunch/dinner times. Stopping the damming of the stand-by queue.

 

[maxiesmom]

That's precisely the point. Who wants to add MORE clock watching. It's a vacation, you shouldn't need to program your phone to remind you of all the time deadlines you have to meet.

Best still is that each and everyone one of those deadlines I mentioned are ones you don't have to have. You don't have to have a single one unless you want it! Don't set yourself to a schedule if you don't want to, or don't want to be tied down.

Now you are just being made to make a decison on which ones are really important, and to stick with them. Don't want to be stuck to an ADR? Don't plan them or be prepared to pay $10 a person when you don't show up. Don't want to be put in the position of having to decide on whether you get to your meal or get to use your FastPass? Don't have both in the same time frame.

Look at what is really important for your family to see or do, and then tour accordingly.

 

[angelmav]

Best still is that each and everyone one of those deadlines I mentioned are ones you don't have to have. You don't have to have a single one unless you want it! Don't set yourself to a schedule if you don't want to, or don't want to be tied down.

Now you are just being made to make a decison on which ones are really important, and to stick with them. Don't want to be stuck to an ADR? Don't plan them or be prepared to pay $10 a person when you don't show up. Don't want to be put in the position of having to decide on whether you get to your meal or get to use your FastPass? Don't have both in the same time frame.

Look at what is really important for your family to see or do, and then tour accordingly.

Or dont go at all. Which is really what you would prefer. Because in your mind you think this will all lead to you and yourse getting a more intimate experience when all the rabble decide it's not worth it and stay home.

 

[Epeyon]

Or dont go at all. Which is really what you would prefer. Because in your mind you think this will all lead to you and yourse getting a more intimate experience when all the rabble decide it's not worth it and stay home.

Yup, because that's what every guest and cast member wants. They'll all deny it, but everybody would be happier if about 20,000 fewer people were at the parks every day. But you don't have to be so mean about it and act like you don't want it too.

 

[angelmav]

Yup, because that's what every guest and cast member wants. They'll all deny it, but everybody would be happier if about 20,000 fewer people were at the parks every day. But you don't have to be so mean about it and act like you don't want it too.

Amazing how many new accounts have shown up on this thread.

I usually go during low season for a reason. I can't imagine going during the busy time of the year under these restrictions. Hang out at the FP machine until the time you want works for you! Never mind that it is a complete crap shoot what window you will get to begin with. Add to this the new pay for play aspect and there is alot going on here. The condescending tone of the morality police however is a bit much.

 

[Epeyon]

Amazing how many new accounts have shown up on this thread.

I usually go during low season for a reason. I can't imagine going during the busy time of the year under these restrictions. Hang out at the FP machine until the time you want works for you! Never mind that it is a complete crap shoot what window you will get to begin with. Add to this the new pay for play aspect and there is alot going on here. The condescending tone of the morality police however is a bit much.

But you do know what time you'll get it. It says so right up on the big sign. There's also the fact that it goes in order by 15-minute increments. All the way until park closing. And what pay for play? I haven't seen/heard anything about that.

 

[AR81]

I have read through most of the posts and I have a question. I know the late fp return is no longer an option after the March date that was mentioned previously. Our trip is in August so I know this will apply to me. However I have read other posts about getting ready for the new system (x-pass, nextgen or whatever we are calling it) and making adr type reservations for rides? This isn't anything official-is it? Do you think this type of system will be in place by August? I am curious on how all this is going to work or is it all pure speculation at this point and the only thing we know for sure is that late fp return times are no longer going to be offered. Thanks

 

[mom2rtk]

I have read through most of the posts and I have a question. I know the late fp return is no longer an option after the March date that was mentioned previously. Our trip is in August so I know this will apply to me. However I have read other posts about getting ready for the new system (x-pass, nextgen or whatever we are calling it) and making adr type reservations for rides? This isn't anything official-is it? Do you think this type of system will be in place by August? I am curious on how all this is going to work or is it all pure speculation at this point and the only thing we know for sure is that late fp return times are no longer going to be offered. Thanks

No. They have to take the free time flexibility away for a while before offering it back for a price.

 

[angelmav]

But you do know what time you'll get it. It says so right up on the big sign. There's also the fact that it goes in order by 15-minute increments. All the way until park closing. And what pay for play? I haven't seen/heard anything about that.

No, you have no idea what the return window will be until you get to the machine. To top that, your locked out from pulling another FP until your next window opens, you still have zero idea what those windows are going to be. Care to chance missing an ADR you planned six months ago for that?

NextGen. The entire reason this is being implemented. Attraction features only activate if you have this pass, special parade seating, timed FP features. All at an additional cost.

 

[Wadecool]

If you read my post several pages back, if this whole thing is true, this is really a bummer. The best topic to debate on this board is about to become moot. I'm sure I'll come up with something though. Howbout reserving a table in a very crowded counter service restaurant before you get your food, while people stand around with their food trays in their hands and no place to sit. That’s always a good one.

That is a good one, and one with which you can certainly pour your heart into. I do agree that it will be hard to top the FP issue...

 

[JudimouseNC]

I doubt very much that I would pay for a Fast Pass since I never really used the FP to begin with. Our family does Touring Plan Lite....and some days not even that. A few days during our vacation we even take the "get on whatever park bus comes first" approach. And yes, I do have kids (ages 7 & 9) but they have been brought up with the attiude that if we ge tot it we get to it and if we don't we will next time.

But, I do sympathize with ya'll who are used to the FP the way it is now.

 

[AR81]

No, you have no idea what the return window will be until you get to the machine. To top that, your locked out from pulling another FP until your next window opens, you still have zero idea what those windows are going to be. Care to chance missing an ADR you planned six months ago for that?

NextGen. The entire reason this is being implemented. Attraction features only activate if you have this pass, special parade seating, timed FP features. All at an additional cost.

Sorry didn't mean to double quote/reply. My question is about the statement you made "your locked out from pulling another FP until your next window opens". This will be my first visit in a long time and we didn't even really take advantage of the fast pass when we were there 9 years ago. So I am getting a little overwhelmed with all the changes since I have been looking/planning/ trying to get finances in order for 2 years now to take this trip. When you said next window opens, that is still 2 hours after you pulled it-right? Regardless of the actual return time? They haven't taken that away-have they? In other words, you pull TSM at 9:30 am with a return time 1-2pm. I can still pull another fp at 11:30 right? Thanks

 

[doconeill]

No. They have to take the free time flexibility away for a while before offering it back for a price.

Actually, I don't think they'll be offering the flexibility back, if it is a "book ahead" system. It wouldn't make much sense...you have to book your ride time...well, I want to ride in the afternoon, but I don't know what time exactly. But if XPass was flexible the way Fastpass used to be, then I'd just book one in the morning and be done with it. And then someone who WOULD ride in the morning can't make that reservation.

At least under the current system I at least have to get my butt out of bed and into the park to do that. XPass I can probably do that FROM bed, with my phone.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Wow...just, wow.

First, this isn't about hating X-Pass "just because".

What are the substantiated reasons for hating X-Pass if it isn't "just because"?

Second, they talk about "more guests taking advantage" - the only way more guests could take advantage of it is to increase the number of them. Whether that is through increasing the Fastpass pool, or adding in X-Pass in addition to (since it is a form of Fastpass - that IS known).

The official internal announcement states~

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

The internal memo is clear, nowhere does it state that "more guests could take advantage once we increase Fastpass or introduce XPass, within this context "could" lends itself to a future "possibilty".

As it stands, the official internal announcement extends itself to Fastpass usage in its current state. Disney is informing the CM's that more guests are currently choosing to use FP than before and they expect that number to increase. Guests cannot choose to use something that doesn't exist yet(XPass). The memo also states that they want to provide the same opportunity to everyone and "by asking all guests to return within their windows, more guests will have that opportunity". It does appear that Disney will increase the number of fastpasses, but no one knows for sure, yet.

This announcement doesn't say anything about X-Pass because X-Pass is not ready to roll out yet. This is a preparatory move. Several CMs have already reported being told this. Not ALL CMs, but those who are going to be dealing with these changes.

X-Pass is coming. Like it or not.

I agree that the late FP time enforcement is a preparatory move for the possible increase of fastpasses, not XPass and/or at the least they feel that Fastpass will be more efficient, somehow.

As you know, I am fully aware of XPass, its been at least three months since news broke (for me, at least). I know others have known about it much longer, so for many of us -- XPass is nothing new, and at this point after hearing all of the rumors, conspiracy theories and "conjecture" -- I no longer have an opinion -- as there is just too little information about Xpass.

Hardly clear to me. And to suggest otherwise isn't deception, it's honest conjecture.

Conjecture is an opinion without proof. Notice that I said "at this point" meaning after the official internal announcement was issued by Disney. I consider this memo to be factual and any suggestion that claims to be other than what is written in the official internal announcement (as it pertains solely to the implementation of the new late Fastpass return policy), I will most likely consider it to be false and misleading info which falls under "deception".

There are many posts and threads with posters panicking over the "XPass" rumors, it's kind of sad. No one here is an expert on XPass, most of the info floating around is unsubstantiated and has not been confirmed in any way by Disney.

The memo clearly states the reason for the late fastpass enforcement and unless there is any further credible info, I accept it, as is.

The following is the official internal announcement:

The following is the official internal announcement:

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 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 FASTPASS ticket.

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

This is not a change, but simply a reminder of our existing policy. Exceptions can be granted for situations such as an attraction downtime, a delay in meal service or personal emergency.

Why do you feel the need to do this?
As more Guests choose to take advantage of this favorite feature, we want to provide the same opportunity to everyone. By asking all Guests to return within the window printed on their FASTPASS, more Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy this great service.

Note that it says nothing about a five minute or fifteen minute grace period.

Thanks again, I agree. Unfortunately, I still see a lot of misinformation floating around about grace periods.

 

[goherdibg]

2. I sincerely do not want to waste your time, all this perception of wasted time is actually an illusion. As had been explained ad nauseam, If person A pulls a FP, it doesn't matter if that person uses the FP during the window, 5 mins, or 5 hours later. If you enter the standby line or pull a FP for anytime LATER than person A, you are in line behind them.

If you kick person A out of line (by denying them use of their FP) you will be able to ride one person earlier, otherwise you are still waiting behind the same number of people.

This logic only works for standby. This would only work for FP if the FP line never had an open gap.

If person A pulls a FP for 1pm - 2pm and I pull a FP for 5pm - 6pm, I will definitely be affected if person A + 100 more FP holders from earlier in the day all join me in the FP line at 5:05pm. On most of the rides where I am in the standby line, I typically see the FP line have gaps in it where no one is in the line.

For example, if I am in the standby line for SM at 1:30pm and I get to the FP merge point and the FP line is empty, that is time added to someone else's FP wait time later in the day.

 

[MELSMICE]

Our family does Touring Plan Lite....and some days not even that. A few days during our vacation we even take the "get on whatever park bus comes first" approach. And yes, I do have kids (ages 7 & 9) but they have been brought up with the attiude that if we ge tot it we get to it and if we don't we will next time.

This is pretty much what we've always done.

My DD's are adults now and still enjoy coming with us. I always say that the best part about missing something is that it gives you an excuse to come back again real soon!

 

[angelmav]

Sorry didn't mean to double quote/reply. My question is about the statement you made "your locked out from pulling another FP until your next window opens". This will be my first visit in a long time and we didn't even really take advantage of the fast pass when we were there 9 years ago. So I am getting a little overwhelmed with all the changes since I have been looking/planning/ trying to get finances in order for 2 years now to take this trip. When you said next window opens, that is still 2 hours after you pulled it-right? Regardless of the actual return time? They haven't taken that away-have they? In other words, you pull TSM at 9:30 am with a return time 1-2pm. I can still pull another fp at 11:30 right? Thanks

Thats correct. But it's the return time that is going to be the difficult work around. Your now locked into that return window no matter what if you want to use that FP. Now your 2 hours is up, but your still at the Mercy of whatever return window happens to be available for your next attraction. There is the potential that the next pass you pull is also going to be in the same return window, and you will be criss-crossing back across the park just to make that work. There is really no way to know ahead of time when you take that first FP how the rest of the day is going to play out or what windows will be open when you can pull that next FP.

 

[mom2rtk]

Actually, I don't think they'll be offering the flexibility back, if it is a "book ahead" system. It wouldn't make much sense...you have to book your ride time...well, I want to ride in the afternoon, but I don't know what time exactly. But if XPass was flexible the way Fastpass used to be, then I'd just book one in the morning and be done with it. And then someone who WOULD ride in the morning can't make that reservation.

At least under the current system I at least have to get my butt out of bed and into the park to do that. XPass I can probably do that FROM bed, with my phone.

I actually didnt' mean "time flexibility" in terms of getting an open ended fastpass under X-pass because nobody knows how that new system will be set up. I mean "time flexibility" becuase with the loss of late fastpass, you lose 1) the time flexibility to return at any time and 2) you don't have to baby sit the fp machine to get a time that works for you.

At least under the new system, if it's booked ahead of time, at least you know going in that you don't have to run all over the park just to get a fp at an acceptable time. I'll take half a giveback over no giveback. Even if I have to pay for it I guess.

And to the person who likes to get on whatever bus comes first...... that sort of flies out the window if you have fp's booked from home well in advance of your trip. Find out they're changing park hours at the last minute? Well, you can change parks, but you'll probably be doing it without the benefit of those nice pre-planned fp's. That's what I really find distasteful about where all of this is heading.

 

[angelmav]

This is pretty much what we've always done.

My DD's are adults now and still enjoy coming with us. I always say that the best part about missing something is that it gives you an excuse to come back again real soon!

For 'Most' people WDW is a once in a lifetime experience. You are not going to have a very happy clientel if they have no realistic way of experiencing what they think they paid for. This is what they are banking on IMO with the new enhanced system, a way to pay for a guarantee that you can do everything you want. This by necessity has to come at the cost of edging out someone else as the ride capacity hasnt changed.

 

[mjp12831]

This logic only works for standby. This would only work for FP if the FP line never had an open gap.

If person A pulls a FP for 1pm - 2pm and I pull a FP for 5pm - 6pm, I will definitely be affected if person A + 100 more FP holders from earlier in the day all join me in the FP line at 5:05pm. On most of the rides where I am in the standby line, I typically see the FP line have gaps in it where no one is in the line.

For example, if I am in the standby line for SM at 1:30pm and I get to the FP merge point and the FP line is empty, that is time added to someone else's FP wait time later in the day.

Realistically what's the longest FP line wait you've had? Probably 5 minutes. (You can only count wait to the merge point and not total line to ride time -consider that at some rides - ex is Sorin - the post merge point wait can be somewhat considerable). CM generally keep the FP line moving pretty consistently at the expense of the SB line. Anyone who gets in the SB line after your FP return time was already behind you (whether you ride in your window or late).

I still believe that people thinking that late FP accepatance affects them are looking at perception of waiting which is different from reality.