FastPass Enforcement

[PeterPanic]

I , too, always follwed the rules. the rules let you use the fastpass anytime on the same day.

I'm not happy they changed the rules. but I'll adjust. and still use the fast pass.

Actually, they DID NOT change the rules they just enforced them again. When FP first started they strongly enforced the window, but over time they relaxed enforcement and allowed the all day usage. It was a "rule" by default. They never officially changed the rules, just looked the other way.

What that means is that both were right. If you followed the rules, as written, then it was OK. If you did what Disney was allowing that was also OK. It must be pointed out that Disney never officially told the public that it was OK to use it all day, they just let it happen. Neither way was wrong because Disney didn't care enough to enforce their own rules.

In fairness, most people that "followed the rules" did so because they didn't know that you didn't have too. Like I said, Disney never made that public. It was found out in places like these boards that spread the news that it was being overlooked and even were told by CM's to come back anytime. A CM, however, is not an official spokesman for the Disney Company. They are just an employee carrying out what they have been told they should.

In case I have rambled too much to be clear. Because Disney allowed it, operationally, both were doing just fine and not really breaking any enforced rules. Both were legitimate. It is harder now for those that took advantage of the all day ability, like myself, but I found it to just not be that big an issue after they went back to enforcing it.

 

[doconeill]

also, I just have a cheapo, pay as you go cell phone.. don't need anything more.

this new rule, (and the new next gen, etc.) makes it very hard for anyone without a "smart" phone.

OK, why does Fastpass return enforcement make it hard if you don't have a smartphone? This is the first I've heard of this...

(I'm NOT talking about FastPass+, only the current system)

 

[PeterPanic]

OK, why does Fastpass return enforcement make it hard if you don't have a smartphone? This is the first I've heard of this...

(I'm NOT talking about FastPass+, only the current system)

The current Fastpass doesn't really require a Smartphone. Rumor has it that when Fastpass + as part of the NextGen change over allegedly will require a Smartphone for ease of use.

 

[mesaboy2]

And by the way Happy 1st Anniversary, new FastPass Enforcement Policy! Where are you going to celebrate?!

 

[doconeill]

The current Fastpass doesn't really require a Smartphone. Rumor has it that when Fastpass + as part of the NextGen change over allegedly will require a Smartphone for ease of use.

Right, I know all that But I'm asking why smidgy thinks the current enforcement makes it hard without a smartphone.

FYI, today's the first anniversary of FP enforcement at WDW.

(Whoa, mesaboy2 beat me too it )

 

[DebbieB]

OK, why does Fastpass return enforcement make it hard if you don't have a smartphone? This is the first I've heard of this...

(I'm NOT talking about FastPass+, only the current system)

Instead of running across the park to see what the current fastpass return time is, you can use your phone. I used it frequently this week to time when I wanted to get a fastpass. As I mentioned earlier, I wanted a Soarin fastpass for when I returned in the evening. So I kept checking my phone, around 2:00-2:30, the return time was 6:45-7:45, which is when I planned to return.

 

[doconeill]

Instead of running across the park to see what the current fastpass return time is, you can use your phone. I used it frequently this week.

Hmmm...I guess. But you'd still not know when you could return at the earliest before, if your point is to ride sooner than later.

And it's no different than when none of us know we could return late, and before there were apps that could tell us...(the good ol' days, some would say... )

 

[DebbieB]

Hmmm...I guess. But you'd still not know when you could return at the earliest before, if your point is to ride sooner than later.

And it's no different than when none of us know we could return late, and before there were apps that could tell us...(the good ol' days, some would say... )

Before I would have just picked up the fastpass and planned to use it anytime the rest of the day (after the start time), didn't need as much strategy. I've used it (Touring Plans, MDE) several times this week to see when or if I want to get a fastpass. I've used it more planning to use it later, for example after lunch. Pick it up too soon and you may not be able to work around lunch.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Hmmm...I guess. But you'd still not know when you could return at the earliest before, if your point is to ride sooner than later.

And it's no different than when none of us know we could return late, and before there were apps that could tell us...(the good ol' days, some would say... )

It does make is harder if you walk all the way over to one ride, realise the FP return times are going to directly conflict with your reservation or other plans and then have to wait by the FP machine for 30 mins + to wait for a better time. Previously it didn't matter when you could return whenever. This is partially why we don't use FP that much anymore.

 

[mesaboy2]

Before I would have just picked up the fastpass and planned to use it anytime the rest of the day (after the start time), didn't need as much strategy. I've used it (Touring Plans, MDE) several times this week to see when or if I want to get a fastpass. I've used it more planning to use it later, for example after lunch. Pick it up too soon and you may not be able to work around lunch.

It does make is harder if you walk all the way over to one ride, realise the FP return times are going to directly conflict with your reservation or other plans and then have to wait by the FP machine for 30 mins + to wait for a better time. Previously it didn't matter when you could return whenever. This is partially why we don't use FP that much anymore.

Completely agree. An app helps to work with enforcement for these reasons.

 

[doconeill]

OK, point taken. That's what I wanted to understand.

Even with a smart phone, I didn't use it much for that myself, but last trip I actually used a Touring Plan (we had more limited time in the parks, and I was working for two families), and they were spot-on so the enforcement wasn't a problem anyways.

I think we're all agreed that FP+ will be easier with a smartphone...although I'll still check out the kiosks just to see them.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I think we're all agreed that FP+ will be easier with a smartphone...although I'll still check out the kiosks just to see them.

We will check out the kiosks too. I can only imagine in the middle of summer how long the kiosks lines will get with people trying to change their FP return times

 

[maxiesmom]

Actually, they DID NOT change the rules they just enforced them again. When FP first started they strongly enforced the window, but over time they relaxed enforcement and allowed the all day usage. It was a "rule" by default. They never officially changed the rules, just looked the other way.

What that means is that both were right. If you followed the rules, as written, then it was OK. If you did what Disney was allowing that was also OK. It must be pointed out that Disney never officially told the public that it was OK to use it all day, they just let it happen. Neither way was wrong because Disney didn't care enough to enforce their own rules.

In fairness, most people that "followed the rules" did so because they didn't know that you didn't have too. Like I said, Disney never made that public. It was found out in places like these boards that spread the news that it was being overlooked and even were told by CM's to come back anytime. A CM, however, is not an official spokesman for the Disney Company. They are just an employee carrying out what they have been told they should.

In case I have rambled too much to be clear. Because Disney allowed it, operationally, both were doing just fine and not really breaking any enforced rules. Both were legitimate. It is harder now for those that took advantage of the all day ability, like myself, but I found it to just not be that big an issue after they went back to enforcing it.

Out of all of the threads about FPs, this is the best explanation ever!

 

[larryz]

It must be pointed out

Or not...

 

[TLSnell1981]

Not a fan. I think it's having the opposite effect: both lines are now getting longer.

This was our experience.

I'd be careful drawing conclusions when there was one answer totally left off the list.

Wording and options definitely affect the outcome of a poll.

As did I.

my answer wasnt' available.. I don't like the new rule. it has affected me, and not in a good way.
.

I know, just how you feel.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

You left out "Yes, but we have reluctantly adapted, with all the changes in strategy that it required."

This. We adapted (no choice really), but had to change our usual touring plans and it does definitely adversely effect our day. Also, the fast pass lines were longer than usual almost across the board.

 

[CarolineB]

Before the enforcement, I used FPs late. After the enforcement, I gave away some FPs that I couldn't use and made some people very happy and we were given some fastpasses too. I voted "I seldom use them" because right now my son qualifies for a guest assistance card that doesn't require us to get fast passes but we can enter the fast pass line if it is available.

 

[smidgy]

Better get used to THAT, I'm afraid, if you intend to use FP's after the "new and improved" FP+ comes on-line.

And, get ready for thousands upon thousands of guests with their heads down looking at their
smart phones.
Ubiquitous near-misses and full-on crashing into other guests is in everyone's future.

even thought your post is funny, it's actually not.. I fear you are correct.. and it won't be a GOOD thing!!!

 

[smidgy]

Thousands and thousands of guests already do that with the touring apps that people currently use. And the teenagers will always have their phones out texting away these days.

I would rather be run into someone looking at their smart phone then plowed into by an unruly child because of no parenting which I had more problems with in June.

ah, but your reasoning is a red herring. on e thing has nothing to do with the other. unruly children combined with poor parenting (ok, the 2 together are rather obvious),has no correlation, let alone cause and effect with [people constantly glaring at their smart phone for the FP wait time Apps.

 

[smidgy]

HS was the hardest - calculating FP times around shows and ADR's is really complicated and frustrating.

.

and I would add AK as a 2nd to that. it is so hard to plan around the show times... throw in an ADR or 2, and now add FP return times.. sheesh, you need to have a spreadsheet. what fun...