Fastpass Enforcement coming?

[eliza61]

THANK YOU! Although I'm a DVC member... not everyone can afford or chooses to stay on property. Some people don't have the luxury of going to Disney for a week or so. Many people can't afford, especially currently, to stay in a Deluxe resort. It does sound like a 'class system' if they are given FP's or whatever over other guests. A family that stays at a Value Resort isn't as valuable? They may spend the same amount of money but just in a differnt way.

I can't imagine what the threads will be like if Disney goes to charging for a FP system. God help us!

Why? seriously? If you can't afford a mercedes should chrystler daminer (sp) offer discounts until you can?

Disney already does this. If you don't stay on site you are not supposed to use the resort pools. If I'm a guest staying at the Beach club, yeah I'm may be a bit peeved if off site guest can use the facilities I'm paying for.

In a free market system there are places I can't afford to go. If I'm staying at the Motel 6, I would never expect the perks that one gets at the Ritz carlton. If I'm flying coach, I never expect the perks that first class flyers get. They get those perks as a condition of spending that cash.

Remember the uproar when Disney built the BLT? One of the perks of being an owner was you got to view the fireworks from the special viewing lounge. Not sure what the outcome of that was but I had absolutely no problem with it.

doesn't Universal already do this and there seems to be no uproar over it. It's an incentive.

 

[jkstewart1800]

I tried reading most of this thread, but only made it to page 5.... So if this has been mentioned I'm sorry.

I understand everybodys frustration about the 'class system' that this Xpass would create but let's remember that when WDW first opened there was already a ticket class system in place. The ticket books that you had to purchase (after paying an entrance fee) had only so many E tickets in them. If you wanted to ride Space Mountain a lot, you had to pay for it.
You get my point .... This new ticket/FP/Xpass concept is pretty much the same type of thing.

 

[Metro West]

I wish WDW would use the FOTL like Universal, it is easy, no FPs to worry about.

There is no such thing as FOTL at Universal Orlando. There is only Express Plus passes...either unlimited access for onsite guests and VIP Express ticket buyers or once through the line which are available for purchase. FOTL is a DIS only term.

 

[eliza61]

There is no such thing as FOTL at Universal Orlando. There is only Express Plus passes...either unlimited access for onsite guests and VIP Express ticket buyers or once through the line which are available for purchase. FOTL is a DIS only term.

I've only been to Universal once or twice. How does the Express Plus pass work?

 

[d1gitman]

while i have to admit we are ones who like to stockpile FP's in the first part of our day in order to have them for the second part, i wouldn't be totally upset if they start enforcing FP's.

i believe the intent of the FP system is crowd "control", more specifically - crowd predictability. by controlling the return times, this would allow Disney to further alter the flow of crowds with regards to the FP system. i would think that the utlimate goal of Disney with FP is to have max capacity with minimum inconvenience to the guest and minimum cost to Disney. I do not believe there are alterior motives to Disney's policies or methodologies in FP or other areas.

I read many complaints about Disney not enforcing certain things - maybe it's just that Disney is looking at all the guests through a broader lense than we as individuals tend to do.

I expect a time when FP's are put into a kiosk upon entering an attraction. I see this as providing useful info to Disney on FP usage.

If Disney is going to reach a point of allowing guests to pre-book a FP prior to entering the park, i would imagine that plays hand in hand with flow of fast pass usage and percent of FP distributed vs. used. The more specific the data that Disney has on FP usage, the better they can devise ways to improve our experience.

I also think that if they collected the same data from all guests at each attraction that would also enable Disney to further refine the system to improve guest experience.

 

[Metro West]

I've only been to Universal once or twice. How does the Express Plus pass work?

It's basically like a FP except you don't have a return time...you can come back whenever you like. If you are staying onsite, you have unlimited access to the Express line but the EPs you buy at the park are for once through the line.

On a different subject...I don't use FP very often but all the people who clog up the attraction entrance really drive me crazy! I wish Disney would put in a queue for those people holding FPs to make the entrance easier to navigate for everyone.

 

[Bettie]

I understand everybodys frustration about the 'class system' that this Xpass would create but let's remember that when WDW first opened there was already a ticket class system in place. The ticket books that you had to purchase (after paying an entrance fee) had only so many E tickets in them.

Yes, I remember it quite clearly, and I hated it. I didn't even really enjoy Disney World that much when I went as a kid, and this was a major contributing factor. It was so complicated, always having the wrong combination of tickets for our family, having to run back and buy additional tickets to cover someone's ride. It's one of my few clear memories of my childhood trip.

Not sure I'd use it as a shining example considering Disney got rid of it a long time ago.

 

[doconeill]

I read many complaints about Disney not enforcing certain things - maybe it's just that Disney is looking at all the guests through a broader lense than we as individuals tend to do.

In a lot of cases, it's the perceived harm that people see because they take it is a personal affront to themselves when someone else does what it allowed.

I expect a time when FP's are put into a kiosk upon entering an attraction. I see this as providing useful info to Disney on FP usage.

X-Pass will reportedly use all-RFID systems - wave your wristband and go. The current FP system isn't likely to go away soon, but X-Pass could conceivably replace it completely. Until then I expect we'll still see the same old "show your FP, hand it in later" method.

 

[Colleen27]

Yep. Remember all the hoopla and the 100 page thread about the monorails' time changes? I haven't seen a peep about them in weeks.

This too, shall pass. Life goes on. I'm actually looking forward to seeing where they go with all of this. A few more dollars to better my vacation experience is fine with me, within reason. It's not like they weren't going to get it somewhere anyway!

Well, to be completely fair a lot of the reason the monorail hoopla died down is because Disney scaled back on its initial "one hour, no exceptions" statement. We were at Epcot last week and the monorail was running until 1am on an EMH night (I even took a pic to bring back to the DIS ) and on a night we had a post-closing dinner at a monorail resort the resort line was running until 10 after an 8pm MK close. If they'd stuck to the original statement I think the upset would have persisted longer, but as it stands it appears that they scaled back the hours to a sort of middle ground.

IMO, there is a right way and a wrong way for a business to make money. Disney could get me to part with hundreds more every trip by offering interesting merchandise of reasonable quality, but they won't get one extra dime by jacking up the price of paper-thin tee shirts to $30 or charging $50 for a toddler sized hoodie. To me, this falls far closer to the latter than the former - they're basically saying that they are deliberately diminishing the experience "regular" guests get in hopes that those guests will pay extra to have the same experience they've gotten all these years for just the price of admission.

 

[d1gitman]

...X-Pass will reportedly use all-RFID systems - wave your wristband and go. The current FP system isn't likely to go away soon, but X-Pass could conceivably replace it completely. Until then I expect we'll still see the same old "show your FP, hand it in later" method.

i'm waiting for the time we can get a chip implanted under our skin, like my dog has...lol

 

[Mister Skellington]

As for the person that said they stayed offsite because of money and couldn't or wouldn't pay more for a FP enhancement, and would vacation in Maui instead, I'll let that statement stand on its own.

I didnt say I couldnt afford it, I said I wouldnt. Yep, I spend alot of money when I go to Orlando, I spend alot of money when I go to Maui too. If Disney puts in an express pass plus system, I feel as though my money would be more valuable in Hawaii. Disney keeps stripping down the experience and while I do enjoy my trips there it does get to a point where other places become more attractive.

Nonsense. Disney Paris has this system and there is no "class system".
You will not even know who has this passes. BTW we love them and we would pay good money to obtain them or just get them whit the room.
Expensive room three FP per person per day and concierge unlimited access to the FP line.
For those who would like to buy them they can obtain them for a certain price.

I have no issue with paying for better rooms or nicer resorts. What I do have a problem with is when the perks for Disneys "valuable" customers, cross over into the parks. Go to Universal and stay off site.....watch the "valuable" customers pass by you in line all day. It is a class system but whether or not you see it depends on which side of the line your on.

There is no such thing as FOTL at Universal Orlando. There is only Express Plus passes...either unlimited access for onsite guests and VIP Express ticket buyers or once through the line which are available for purchase. FOTL is a DIS only term.

You say potato ......

 

[Nickarooney]

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???

 

[mom2rtk]

I tried reading most of this thread, but only made it to page 5.... So if this has been mentioned I'm sorry.

I understand everybodys frustration about the 'class system' that this Xpass would create but let's remember that when WDW first opened there was already a ticket class system in place. The ticket books that you had to purchase (after paying an entrance fee) had only so many E tickets in them. If you wanted to ride Space Mountain a lot, you had to pay for it.
You get my point .... This new ticket/FP/Xpass concept is pretty much the same type of thing.

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

 

[mom2rtk]

Well, to be completely fair a lot of the reason the monorail hoopla died down is because Disney scaled back on its initial "one hour, no exceptions" statement.

And my "hoopla" was about them not running it during hard ticketed parties, a point on which they completely caved after a miserable start for many unfortunate patrons.

 

[okeydokey]

Think of how the cruise lines operate. You pay for your room depending on what kind of room you want and can afford, but then the ship is there for you enjoy. There is not a separate dining room or pool for those staying in the suites with better food and warmer water. The waiters and bar tenders don't make you wait longer for your dinner or pool side drink because you are in an inside cabin instead of a suite.

 

[jillybgood]

Disney makes the rules. Consumers choose to go and follow those rules or they don't go.

I couldn't agree more.

The consumer does influence the decisions Disney makes as it is a business and profit is the goal.

Yup. True dat.

However, consumers can become accustomed to and spoiled by deep discounts when the economy is down.Today, Disney reported earnings are up for it's parks and resorts. Reading the boards there are many consumers who are acting like spoiled children and threatening to stop going to WDW because they cannot get the 40% discount or free dining or use their mug from 2006 or collect fastpasses early in the day to use later in the day (past the return time printed)

What what what? Hold on, didn't you just say we could choose to follow the rules or not go? Why are we called "spoiled children" if we choose not to go? My opinion is we are educated consumers making the right choice for us and our vacation budget.

Everyone does their own cost/benefit analysis on their own vacation. They weigh what kind of experience they want against the cost of that experience and decide if it good fit for them. We all have our own line in the sand where we would opt out of the WDW vacation.

Discounts put a WDW vacation in reach for many families. If the discounts aren't offered it may mean that they have to forgo a WDW vacation for something more affordable. I think this makes them responsible adults rather than spoiled children.

If the changes are not profitable for the company then Disney will revamp. So the statement that the consumer is the boss at WDW is incorrect. Disney is in control.

I see it as more of partnership between Disney and the consumer. WDW is in control of the product they offer and I am in control of my vacation dollars. If they offer a product that I want and can afford they get my dollars. If they don't, I spend my dollars elsewhere. If there are enough people who are making the decision to spend their dollars elswhere Disney will revamp the product to try to lure you back but must still ensure that they remain profitable.

They make the rules and enforce them as they may. They do want to keep the consumer happy, but within reason. Changes happen and our "me" society will just have to put on their big boy or big girl panties and deal with it.

I have my big girl panties on and decided against going to WDW on my next vacation while wearing them.

Disney is out to make money and they do that by providing a magical place and charging for that experience. I, for one, still find the magic and choose to go with the flow.

I hope you have a fantastic trip.

For those who don't like the changes, don't go. Spend your money elsewhere. That could influence Disney to make different changes or it may have you determine that you miss the magic and want to return. To each their own.

Well said.

 

[KellyNY]

It's basically like a FP except you don't have a return time...you can come back whenever you like. If you are staying onsite, you have unlimited access to the Express line but the EPs you buy at the park are for once through the line.

On a different subject...I don't use FP very often but all the people who clog up the attraction entrance really drive me crazy! I wish Disney would put in a queue for those people holding FPs to make the entrance easier to navigate for everyone.

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.

 

[Liandro]

I have no issue with paying for better rooms or nicer resorts. What I do have a problem with is when the perks for Disneys "valuable" customers, cross over into the parks. Go to Universal and stay off site.....watch the "valuable" customers pass by you in line all day. It is a class system but whether or not you see it depends on which side of the line your on.

I see no difference in paying more for a room than paying more for a FP.
It is just what someone likes to pay unless we all dress in gray Chinese MAO suits and become communist.

 

[brerrabbit]

After reading both articles and the discussion here it's beginning to make sense to me now. It's a perceived value issue. If a guest can hit rope drop ride a lot of rides and at the same time stockpile FP's for coming back later the same day outside of their window then they are to some extent getting the same thing for free that people are either paying for or staying in a deluxe to get. To have consumers perceive the additional value of the xpass and pay for it they have to be getting something that the average park goer cannot get. Hence CM's will now be forced to enforce the return windows to "lessen" the value of the free FP.

I think that the whole discussion around the fact that they will be enforcing FP time windows is to actually make the xpass worth what people will be forced to pay for it.

 

[Reddog1134]

I see no difference in paying more for a room than paying more for a FP.
It is just what someone likes to pay unless we all dress in gray Chinese MAO suits and become communist.

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!!!)