Fastpass Enforcement coming?

[Sammie]

d@mn right I don't want to! Personally I think calculating wait times, ride times, ADR times, and whatever else is way too much math and a poor use of my vacation time.

I vacation to get away from rigid deadlines and clock watching, I guess other people don't feel the same.

Really no reason to use profanity which is against DIS policy or you would have spelled it correctly.

Disney World vacations are not really the type for non scheduling. I would suggest the mountains or the beach.

 

[KellifromCanada]

Disneyland has always had a different level of FP use...it seems the mentality over it seems to be different for some reason. And I remember one of the past heads of DLR despised it. Perhaps it just doesn't work as well there. So they are probably waiting to see how all the FP-related NextGen stuff works at WDW (more parks, attractions, on-site guests with longer stays) before considering how they'd implement at DLR.

@Doconeill - I am interested in hearing more about the FP use at DLR. Reason being, we are looking at Spring Break times for the fam in DLR this year - last week of March. I'd been trying to keep my overall "anxiety" about the crowds at bay knowing I will drag my teenager out of bed at rope drop on the weekend portions of our stay for sure - leave in the afternoon to chill/nap/shop/eat and go back for supper and the rest of the night. We have visited WDW more often than DLR over the years, so I suppose I have approached DLR in a WDW mindset. What IS different about DLR FP use, and how might I tour to benefit this? NB. Took dd for a one day unexpected DLR early November visit. I found the parks to be super CROWDED (wha?) and used FP on Screamin' and Soarin'. Dd road standby on Roger Rabbit ride and that was a mistake. I could NOT figure out why she was on that ride for forever. Nope - in line for forever! Had heard that TSM and Soarin' aren't as crazy popular in DRL but we couldn't get near TSM in CA and felt were lucky to get a FP for Soarin' in the afternoon. All that to ask: Assuming the return time rule does not come in to effect at DLR while we are there, how is the overall FP use at DLR different, and how would you suggest that may benefit me (or not). Thanks.

Kelli

 

[nytimez]

Really no reason to use profanity which is against DIS policy or you would have spelled it correctly.

Disney World vacations are not really the type for non scheduling. I would suggest the mountains or the beach.

WHOA nelly -- that's your point of view. I vehemently disagree.

Also, FWIW, I didn't post it, but "damn" isn't actually a bad word -- at least not according to the FCC. It's even allowed in "G" rated movies.

 

[vakamalua]

Has this policy--of only using FP in it's designated window--taken effect? If not, when will it?

Thanks

 

[doconeill]

@Doconeill - I am interested in hearing more about the FP use at DLR. Reason being, we are looking at Spring Break times for the fam in DLR this year - last week of March. I'd been trying to keep my overall "anxiety" about the crowds at bay knowing I will drag my teenager out of bed at rope drop on the weekend portions of our stay for sure - leave in the afternoon to chill/nap/shop/eat and go back for supper and the rest of the night. We have visited WDW more often than DLR over the years, so I suppose I have approached DLR in a WDW mindset. What IS different about DLR FP use, and how might I tour to benefit this? NB. Took dd for a one day unexpected DLR early November visit. I found the parks to be super CROWDED (wha?) and used FP on Screamin' and Soarin'. Dd road standby on Roger Rabbit ride and that was a mistake. I could NOT figure out why she was on that ride for forever. Nope - in line for forever! Had heard that TSM and Soarin' aren't as crazy popular in DRL but we couldn't get near TSM in CA and felt were lucky to get a FP for Soarin' in the afternoon. All that to ask: Assuming the return time rule does not come in to effect at DLR while we are there, how is the overall FP use at DLR different, and how would you suggest that may benefit me (or not). Thanks.

Kelli

I'm afraid I can't provide much info there. FP works about the same as it does at WDW (although I think they play with the 2-hour wait before the next FP quite a bit - I think it is often just an hour), but from what I understand the usage of it just seems to be different. The DLR forum would be able to help more.

WHOA nelly -- that's your point of view. I vehemently disagree.

I certainly think you can enjoy WDW without being a planaholic, as long as your expectations are set about it. My DBiL's family went at Thanksgiving a couple years ago, without any ADRs. We told them what to expect and they were fine with it.

But planning helps maximize what you can do. Especially if you are expecting to eat at a Table Service location.

Also, FWIW, I didn't post it, but "damn" isn't actually a bad word -- at least not according to the FCC. It's even allowed in "G" rated movies.

And it's not on the banned list, apparently Some people just don't want to type it for real...

Now, doing things like that to get around the filters, THAT will get you a speaking-to...

 

[doconeill]

Has this policy--of only using FP in it's designated window--taken effect? If not, when will it?

Thanks

Per the link in the first post in the thread, and subsequent reports from the CMs, March 7th.

 

[sjbond]

If this alleged change in fastpass enforcement occurs, it will greatly affect us. Unlike many of the people on the boards, who have the ability to go to WDW when they choose, we teachers only have the option of going during the busiest of times. If we could choose the less busy times, fastpass would be a non-factor. However, our holidays fall when crowd levels are hovering around a 10. We arrive at rope drop every day, but by early afternoon, most fastpasses are gone and standby lines are way beyond what we are willing to wait for. The present system has allowed us to go when it is busy and still be able to ride most things we want at least a couple times. Without being able to save fastpasses for the afternoon and evening, we would likely not ride much beyond lunch time. I also feel that if people don't do some research before going to Disney, then I do not feel the least bit guilty about taking advantage of a system that has been in place for many years. The present system also allows for flexibility and spontaneity. Moving towards a reservation system would make it far too regimented for our liking. We are against any changes.

 

[KellyNY]

If this alleged change in fastpass enforcement occurs, it will greatly affect us. Unlike many of the people on the boards, who have the ability to go to WDW when they choose, we teachers only have the option of going during the busiest of times. If we could choose the less busy times, fastpass would be a non-factor. However, our holidays fall when crowd levels are hovering around a 10. We arrive at rope drop every day, but by early afternoon, most fastpasses are gone and standby lines are way beyond what we are willing to wait for. The present system has allowed us to go when it is busy and still be able to ride most things we want at least a couple times. Without being able to save fastpasses for the afternoon and evening, we would likely not ride much beyond lunch time. I also feel that if people don't do some research before going to Disney, then I do not feel the least bit guilty about taking advantage of a system that has been in place for many years. The present system also allows for flexibility and spontaneity. Moving towards a reservation system would make it far too regimented for our liking. We are against any changes.

If everyone was doing research or those who knew used it the way you do they would close this loop years ago.
Present system does not allow spontanuity and flexibility, takeing advantage of the loop does.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

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.

 

[doconeill]

The following is the official internal announcement:


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

Yup...saw that a day or two ago...

I'm now starting to think that to make the reservation/X-Pass system work, they need to enforce the times for those users (otherwise, can't get the time you want? Just take any old earlier time!), and then to avoid having to distinguish between the two gropus (X-Pass vs. Fastpass), everything will be the same for everyone.

 

[CandleontheWater]

WHOA nelly -- that's your point of view. I vehemently disagree.

Also, FWIW, I didn't post it, but "damn" isn't actually a bad word -- at least not according to the FCC. It's even allowed in "G" rated movies.

Of course "damn" isn't a bad word- I wouldn't use a banned word and risk getting kicked off the boards, that's just stupid.

I "sanitized" it because some people have very delicate sensibilities. Apparently even a modified version of the most banal of oaths can still get people's kickers in a twist (to borrow a phrase used earlier on this thread).

As for what we did before FP, I have vivid memories of waiting two plus hours in line for 20K back in Easter '86. I also remember not being able to get on Body Wars on a summer trip back in '90 because the line was insanely long. Both of those instances sucked, and I'm not all that thrilled to entertain the thought of going back to a standby only world.

However, I guess we're headed towards choosing between waiting in long standby lines, or playing the FP return time lottery, that is until Xpass comes along (whatever it might entail).

 

[chmurf]

IMO It does not advertise the 5 / 15 minutes cushion because they don't want it to become standard

If you introduce a rule along with its tolerance margin, then the entire time is considered to be the norm.
If the announcement had read "time window plus an acceptable margin" then everyone, CM and guest alike, would consider that acceptable margin as part of the "regular" time window.
Then guest would begin to ask for "cushions" outside of this timeframe, and CM would begin to grant them

Think of a speed limit. If the speed limit is set to 65mph and you publish a memo stating that speed traps will allow a 5mph tolerance, how fast would people drive ? 65 or a consistent 70 ? And people getting caught at 71 would then say they were just 1mph too fast, that's too rigid and unfair
see the point ?

There are the rules, and then there are the guidelines on how to enforce them. The "cushion" will come later I guess

 

[scion5220]

Regarding the FP use at DLR I would assume that it's different because the crowd is a different makeup. The majority of the DLR crowd is passholders and passholders do not stress (usually) about which rides they get to ride on any given day as they can just come back and ride it next time. Passes also allow more flexibility in timing your visits to the parks for optimal riding. Or they came to ride a specific ride and they get the FP and then use it...they are not worried about dining reservations or seeing everything else...they just kill time til the FP window opens.

I'm telling you...DLR on a Friday or Saturday night is like a local teen hangout...verrry different than WDW.

 

[TriSeb°o°]

I collect some fast passes ahead of my group so that we can use them as we arrive. Yes, on occasion, I did not use them and returned later in the day to take advantage.

Yes, Plans change and the family interest changes during the day. i.e. time at the pool, arcade, etc. It simply happens.

I have always taken advantage of the known fact that I could use the FP anytime I wanted but I didn’t abuse it… it was simply a matter of unforeseen convenience and a great perk.

Will the new policy stop me from going? Nope, I have a Summer trip already booked and ready to go, we’ll just have to make slight adjustments.

The thing is… I have used FP and I have used GAD in the past so I have first hand experience of a true method of working the system. I have given away GADS and I have given away FPs.

That’s life. Some have, some have not. Some know to work the system other don’t.

Kudos to those that know how to work the current FP system.

Kudos to those who figured out how best to work it under the enforced restrictions.

Kudos to those that know the difference between right and wrong. I’m right there with you.

All others, well, get over it. Me and my family will continue to go to WDW and enjoy every minute of it.

I take trips so that that my family has a great time and great memories.

Sheez, lighten up.

 

[maxiesmom]

Sheez, lighten up.

The Disboards would be pretty boring without all the drama.

Which is more fun to read:

"Mickey didn't come and personally deliver a free cupcake to my birthday boy. I'm never going back to WDW!"

or

"I understand things happen and I will just go with the flow."

If everyone agreed and saw things the same way the Dis would be pretty darned boring. I like hearing other people's point of view. Sometimes a well reasoned argument even changes the way I view things. Pretty cool.

 

[mesaboy2]

I see your early 1990s Val Kilmer and raise you one current Val Kilmer:

They say the camera adds ten pounds. By that logic, I estimate there are about six or seven cameras on him.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

Makes you wonder how we all had a good time before FastPass existed, huh?

Not speaking to you personally, but it really seems that people are most upset because the advantage they had figured out over the run-of-the-mill guest is now being taken away. If EVERY person through the gate had figured this out these same people would also be mad about that for some reason.

Not true for me, I told everyone I knew about it. I would give FP's that we had left over and decided not to use to other guest and explain it too them. It wasn't exactly a secret for anyone who did even the tiniest bit of research on the internet. Several sites explained the policy.

When you look at the number of people using FP's versus the number in the standby line you have to realize that the percentage of capacity dedicated to FP's is not that large. Thus the reason that FP's for Soarin' can run out very early in the day. You then further reduce that percentage by the apparently small number of people who were aware of Disney's policy to accept late fast passes and the numbers are relatively insignificant. As stated several times in this thread, the reason for enforcement of returns times is due the expected increase in the percentage of ride capacity dedicated to FP & Xpass.

@Doconeill - I am interested in hearing more about the FP use at DLR. Reason being, we are looking at Spring Break times for the fam in DLR this year - last week of March. I'd been trying to keep my overall "anxiety" about the crowds at bay knowing I will drag my teenager out of bed at rope drop on the weekend portions of our stay for sure - leave in the afternoon to chill/nap/shop/eat and go back for supper and the rest of the night. We have visited WDW more often than DLR over the years, so I suppose I have approached DLR in a WDW mindset. What IS different about DLR FP use, and how might I tour to benefit this? NB. Took dd for a one day unexpected DLR early November visit. I found the parks to be super CROWDED (wha?) and used FP on Screamin' and Soarin'. Dd road standby on Roger Rabbit ride and that was a mistake. I could NOT figure out why she was on that ride for forever. Nope - in line for forever! Had heard that TSM and Soarin' aren't as crazy popular in DRL but we couldn't get near TSM in CA and felt were lucky to get a FP for Soarin' in the afternoon. All that to ask: Assuming the return time rule does not come in to effect at DLR while we are there, how is the overall FP use at DLR different, and how would you suggest that may benefit me (or not). Thanks.

Kelli

We did a one day pre-cruise trip to DLR and used FP the same way we did at WDW. We had early entry into the park on a Saturday morning in August. We hit Peter Pan, Pinocchio, the Carousal, Mad Hatter, Alice & Buzz before the park opened. Got a FP for SM, hit HM, Pirates and BTMM then got a FP for IJ before heading back to the hotel for a snack (9:15AM at this point). Then went to California Adventure for TSM, California Scremin', etc, etc, etc. We FP'd ToT & Soarin', only I used my FP's during their actual return window (I felt bad because I wasn't cheating the system or taking advantage of the poor folks that weren't in the know) After lunch and pool time we went back into California Adventure then back to DL to use our late fastpasses. Although the lines for SM & IJ were incredibly SLOOOOW (eeven in the FP lane), had I known how long it would take to do those two I would have skipped them. In all we hit 23 attractions including the Aladdin show. It was an epic day.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

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, it says NOTHING about "XPass"! Clearly, this is about late fastpass use having a negative impact in some way. This new rule has nothing to do with "XPass", at this point, to suggest otherwise is deceptive. We cannot blame the changes on "XPass"! I'll make sure that I have all the facts before I jump on the I hate "XPass" crazy train. Again, this not about Xpass, its about FASTPASS and returning within your time window -- that's all! Those who claim to know anything about "XPass" don't know a darn thing -- they don't know anymore than you or me or the sales clerk at Prada.

The following is the official internal announcement:


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

As always, thank you Chesire Figment, for your very informative and helpful posts. I'm so glad you pointed this out, because at this point I will plan for us to ride at the very beginning of our return window(s). And please continue to keep us informed with your very informative, balanced and accurate posts.

And thanks to Oglet, who promptly warned everyone that this change was coming as soon as he learned about it.

 

[bedogged]

This new policy is really tough for people doing Deluxe Dinning. It's hard enough to work out dinning reservations AND do park touring as it is. You add in this rigid fast pass policy and it makes it really hard to do both. I hope Disney gets the idea when people stop buying the Deluxe Dinning plan.

 

[doconeill]

Note, it says NOTHING about "XPass"! Clearly, this is about late fastpass use having a negative impact in some way. This new rule has nothing to do with "XPass", at this point, to suggest otherwise is deceptive. We cannot blame the changes on "XPass"! I'll make sure that I have all the facts before I jump on the I hate "XPass" crazy train. Again, this not about Xpass, its about FASTPASS and returning within your time window -- that's all! Those who claim to know anything about "XPass" don't know a darn thing -- they don't know anymore than you or me or the sales clerk at Prada.

Wow...just, wow.

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

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.