Fastpass Enforcement coming?

[TLSnell1981]

Thanks for the article.

I strongly suspect, the number of FP distributed, will decrease significantly. I still won't be surprised, if they eventually disappear altogether. Although, they could keep a few "free" FP, so guests won't feel, they are catering to a particular class of guest.

 

[sweet angel]

In my opinion, if the FastPasses were used as they were probably intended, without people using them as they saw fit whever they felt coming back, perhaps this wouldn't be happening. Same thing with the dining deposits -- if people hadn't booked 4 & 5 reservations for the same timeframe and not cancelled them, maybe they wouldn't have had to institute the deposit policy.

All these "rules" come about from people taking advantage of a good thing.

Again, just MY opinion.

 

[maxiesmom]

In my opinion, if the FastPasses were used as they were probably intended, without people using them as they saw fit whever they felt coming back, perhaps this wouldn't be happening. Same thing with the dining deposits -- if people hadn't booked 4 & 5 reservations for the same timeframe and not cancelled them, maybe they wouldn't have had to institute the deposit policy.

All these "rules" come about from people taking advantage of a good thing.

Again, just MY opinion.

I agree with you.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I just realized that the Mayans were wrong.

March 7th 2012 is the end of the world.

Well...there goes my trip to WDW in May.

 

[Reddog1134]

In my opinion, if the FastPasses were used as they were probably intended, without people using them as they saw fit whever they felt coming back, perhaps this wouldn't be happening. Same thing with the dining deposits -- if people hadn't booked 4 & 5 reservations for the same timeframe and not cancelled them, maybe they wouldn't have had to institute the deposit policy.

All these "rules" come about from people taking advantage of a good thing.

Again, just MY opinion.

I agree with the dining reservations comment.

On FP, are you referring to the introduction of X-Pass or the enforcement of FP?

X-Pass was coming regardless.

 

[doconeill]

The ADR charges had a definite reason...to stop the high number of no-shows, which were likely due to the multi-bookers. They had already put limitation in the online system to prevent it in some cases.

No-shows cost the location and the CMs income. Although they might be able to fill in some with walk-ups, they wouldn't be able to make up all of it.

 

[sweet angel]

I agree with the dining reservations comment.

On FP, are you referring to the introduction of X-Pass or the enforcement of FP?

X-Pass was coming regardless.

The enforcement -- not even sure what X-Pass is? I assume a paid form of fast pass? Six Flags does a paid type of fast pass. People use it.

 

[TLSnell1981]

It's not that I mind the arguments (seeing as how I helped with the Animal House quote hijacking section) I just hate it when we start getting personal.

The bottom line is that Disney has decided to enforce the policy. Like it or not. Celebrate or Castigate. I am sure something equally celebratory/inflammatory will roll out in its place. Just my opinion.

The enforcement -- not even sure what X-Pass is? I assume a paid form of fast pass? Six Flags does a paid type of fast pass. People use it.

Late FP has ZERO affect on the program, as it exists. The enforcement is entirely in anticipation of Disney's new X-Pass. It most likely, will be available for an additional fee and/or a perk for Deluxe Resort guests.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I always thought that this was a big waste of resources also. This happens quite often on Soarin toward the end of the night. FP que will be empty.

I also am interested in hearing about this so called XPass. Seems to be a lot of rumors that it's coming yet no one has any concrete information of what it will entail or when it will be launched.

Here are a few snapshots of what Xpass could look like from Dizfanatic.com, they were granted exclusive access and were the first to break this story. Here is a link to the fabulous feature article they did on xPass with tons of info and pictures. Please check it out, it's worth a read and offers tremendous insight about xpass. --->HERE

There are so many different stories out there about XPass, and sadly most of the rumors I've heard are frightening and just plain scary. I don't believe there will be two systems, I think Xpass will either replace or enhance fastpass. I think basic access to Xpass for rides will remain free and available to everyone, while the bracelets will be optional and offered at a premium -- and the prime viewing areas for parades and shows will be offered at a premium to concierge guests only.

Also, the bracelets are supposed to act as our room keys, so Disney will have to change out all of the hotel room locks. This is just an educated guess on my part,but I still think we are a year or two away from seeing Xpass. Disney is probably aiming to have this ready for the Fantasyland unveiling. I think the technology is "too grand" to offer to a select few. If you follow trends, it appears that Disney is aiming for mass appeal, as with the One Disney concept, while offering a little extra for the niche and exclusive markets as we've already seen with free dining. But again, this is just an educated guess on my part we don't have anything official as yet. Hopefully, Doconeill can offer his input on what he thinks will happen as well.

I'm still not convinced that the late FP enforcement has anything to do with XPass.

I'm a bit confused, honestly. I thought the Fastpass queue was chock full of late FP users at the end of the day? I mean, isn't that what was discussed for about 120 of the pages in this thread?

How late would you issue Fastpasses for? They issue them up for up to the hour before close. To issue any later, you are reducing the return window for anyone to use. If the rate stays the same, then you are concentrating more people into a shorter amount of time, and you are causing the very problem that people have been complaining about - a lot of people getting in to the FP line at the end of the night. And then you are causing the standby line to still stagnate. Remember - if the FP users came out of that standby line, they'd still be virtually in that line - and it would still be a 60 minute wait. Plus, Disney would likely want to drain that standby line sooner than later so CMs can finish up and get off the clock.

As for EMH, as it is a separate beast only available to on-site resort guests, they do things a bit differently. Sometimes they use FP, but they will not issue FPs for an EMH window during regular park hours, so as to not confuse the guests not staying for EMH. They will start issuing them after EMH begins. Often they don't use it at all though. It requires additional CMs to manage the FP line, and there can only be so many issued in the 3 hours of EMH anyways.

I don't know, we go to Disney once a year at the end of August, so we have lower crowds but I am surprised that FP's already extend to park close because at night like after 7:30 PM, the FP lines are always empty. I thought people were mad because we would just walk right onto the ride at night, while the standby had to wait in line. That's what I thought all the fuss was about, lol.

 

[KellyNY]

Late FP has ZERO affect on the program, as it exists. The enforcement is entirely in anticipation of Disney's new X-Pass. It most likely, will be available for an additional fee and/or a perk for Deluxe Resort guests.

Sure, it all because Iger is such an evil person...

 

[sweet angel]

Late FP has ZERO affect on the program, as it exists. The enforcement is entirely in anticipation of Disney's new X-Pass. It most likely, will be available for an additional fee and/or a perk for Deluxe Resort guests.

It doesn't really matter WHY they are enforcing it. If the ticket has a timeframe for return, that's when the holder should plan to use it. Just because they haven't enforced it until now, doesn't mean they aren't entitled to.

 

[summermac]

Using Fastpasses later than scheduled return time was a great tip I learned here on our last trip. I will definitely be sad if/when they start to enforce. But I'll suck it up and be back at my return window then. Not that big of a deal, to me.

Having to pay a premium for xPass (assuming that to be the case without reading the link, which is currently loading) will make me very unhappy. It's already so much money!

That said, I would love a bracelet rather than a keycard for the room, etc. Great Wolf Lodge uses that and it's SO nice!

 

[TLSnell1981]

It doesn't really matter WHY they are enforcing it. If the ticket has a timeframe for return, that's when the holder should plan to use it. Just because they haven't enforced it until now, doesn't mean they aren't entitled to.

Who said, they AREN'T entitled? I'm saying, a late FP has no effect on the current system.

 

[sweet angel]

Who said, they AREN'T entitled? I'm saying, a late FP has no effect on the current system.

And I am saying that just because people think a late fastpass has no effect on the current system, doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't enforce it.

 

[summermac]

I also want to add one more thing:
Let's just hope they get this technology FULLY working before they try to introduce it in the parks. IMO, Disney leaves a lot to be desired on their website alone (cumbersome, takes forever to load, etc) and I have never ONCE not had a least a slight issue with their online ADR system whenever I try to use it. Most recently it's that they can't even display my ADRs at all. ANNOYING!!

 

[larryz]

Sure, it all because Iger is such an evil person...

I don't think Bob Iger is personally evil.

But, as the Good Book says, "the love of money is the root of all evil."

If I were a rich man, badda didda didda yadda didda didda didda dum,
All day long, I'd sell them all NexGen, if I were a wealthy man.
I wouldn't have to work hard -- yadda didda didda yadda yadda didda didda dum,
If I were a very, very rich, idle CEO-da didle man.

 

[doconeill]

Here are a few snapshots of what Xpass could look like from Dizfanatic.com, they were granted exclusive access and were the first to break this story. Here is a link to the fabulous feature article they did on xPass with tons of info and pictures. Please check it out, it's worth a read and offers tremendous insight about xpass. --->HERE

That was a very early prototype of things, from last summer. It could have changed radically since then...but it is the basis from which all rumors have spawned. And having prototyped and tested some aspects of it back then, I'd expect it earlier than JH's 2013, unless there has been some setbacks.

There are so many different stories out there about XPass, and sadly most of the rumors I've heard are frightening and just plain scary. I don't believe there will be two systems, I think Xpass will either replace or enhance fastpass. I think basic access to Xpass for rides will remain free and available to everyone, while the bracelets will be optional and offered at a premium -- and the prime viewing areas for parades and shows will be offered at a premium to concierge guests only.

I'm not sure how it would necessarily enhance FP, other than providing another way for those with wristbands to get FPs instead of using their tickets, but I think both systems are likely to co-exist for a while. A cold-turkey switch would be hard on many guests. "Basic Xpass" as you put it is basically Fastpass.

Also, the bracelets are supposed to act as our room keys, so Disney will have to change out all of the hotel room locks. This is just an educated guess on my part,but I still think we are a year or two away from seeing Xpass. Disney is probably aiming to have this ready for the Fantasyland unveiling. I think the technology is "too grand" to offer to a select few. If you follow trends, it appears that Disney is aiming for mass appeal, as with the One Disney concept, while offering a little extra for the niche and exclusive markets as we've already seen with free dining. But again, this is just an educated guess on my part we don't have anything official as yet. Hopefully, Doconeill can offer his input on what he thinks will happen as well.

I think we will start seeing aspects of it sooner than later, but perhaps more widespread use by 2013. They don't need to include every aspect of it right away - like room access - until they've swapped out all the necessary equipment, but they can begin offering the new features - and therefore getting money back on the investment - sooner, where they can concentrate the changes in to smaller focused areas. Then they can replace the KTTW cards, add more interactive features, etc. The latter things are stuff that can't be monetized as easily as they don't necessarily translate to more deluxe bookings or outright cash income.

I'm still not convinced that the late FP enforcement has anything to do with XPass.

I'm still convinced it is, even if it will be a while to see Phase 1. Rumors of enforcement started to heat up this past summer, and pretty much each time, it was accompanied by something on the order of "this is because of something bigger coming". A lot of us pooh-pooh'd the reports early on since we've heard it all before, but by Fall I was convinced it had a decent likelyhood it could happen so I wasn't really surprised.

 

[doconeill]

Something about the JHM article and the purported effect on wait times came to me as I was posting in one of the other threads...it would seem that xPASS will NOT be taking away from the Fastpass distribution as some predicted, at least not on a 1-for-1 basis, since if they took away the FPs and replaced them with xPASS, everything should remain the same.

And if xPASS is expected to roll out to a wide audience as we think, and they are predicting such low impact on the wait times even on the E-tickets, either the number of additional people using the FP line doesn't affect the wait times nearly as much as some believe (which gets back to the whole late FP impact argument), or the number of xPASSes available at any given attraction could be severely limited, and we could see people at their computers at 6am however many days out competing to get that coveted time on TSM and many being complaining about not being able to get anything good for the money....

 

[magicbob]

Also, the bracelets are supposed to act as our room keys, so Disney will have to change out all of the hotel room locks.

You mean we will all HAVE to wear a !@#$^!@#%@# bracelet all week to get in our rooms, on rides, etc.?!?!?!?!?

That will be incredibly annoying!!!!

 

[TLSnell1981]

And I am saying that just because people think a late fastpass has no effect on the current system, doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't enforce it.

Don't you think, that would be odd? Disney suddenly enforcing the FP window, after 13 years...for no reason? I think, Disney always has a motive, regarding changes or "enhancements" and ...it's always financial.