Fastpass Enforcement

[krispin41]

Not to hijack the thread, but I do wish they had a different system rather than having to go to the attraction, then come back from who knows where in the park at the appointed time. Perhaps a central FP distribution spot, or ? I haven't been to WDW since FP+ so I don't have experience with that, I just know as I age it becomes less important to us to run to an attraction for a FP, then have to walk back again later etc. We try to plan our days walking so as not to tire out so early etc.

I guess I just don't see how hard it is to plan to be in the area when your fastpass time is up? If I know I have a return time of say 1:45 for Indiana Jones, and I am in Tomorrowland, I start making my way over there.

 

[DisneyBiskit]

I guess I just don't see how hard it is to plan to be in the area when your fastpass time is up? If I know I have a return time of say 1:45 for Indiana Jones, and I am in Tomorrowland, I start making my way over there.

^^^Totally agree!!!

 

[DoughR]

This is anecdotal and all, but at WDW, I had a Be Our Guest waitress tell me to show my receipt to the CM in front of Space Mountain if we didn't make our FP return time. This was when they were still handing out paper fastpasses. We made it on time so I don't know if it would have worked.

 

[rootbeer]

I guess I just don't see how hard it is to plan to be in the area when your fastpass time is up? If I know I have a return time of say 1:45 for Indiana Jones, and I am in Tomorrowland, I start making my way over there.

That part is not difficult. Maybe you misunderstood me. I meant that if they had a central FP distribution spot, let's say at the hub, it would help so you weren't running from one attraction to another to get a FP. Then no matter where you are in the park it would be easier. For instance; we like to do Fantasyland first thing in the morning since it seems to crowd up up quickly. But we also love Splash Mt. So while DW waits, I run to SM, get fast passes, then hoof it back to FL where she's waiting. Imagine if there was a place where we could stop on the way to FL to get FPs for SM? Then we could enjoy FL until the return time, and make our way to SM without me having to make the trip TWICE. Getting back to the attraction at the FP time is no big deal, I just thought if getting the FP in the first place was more convenient, it would save a lot of walking, which may not be a big deal to some, but it is to us. I love the FP system, but I think it could be improved on, and it looks like Disney agrees as evidenced by the FP+ system in FL.

 

[figment_jii]

I love the FP system, but I think it could be improved on, and it looks like Disney agrees as evidenced by the FP+ system in FL.

The FP+ systems isn't necessarily a huge improvement. It's having plenty of issues and there are a fair amount of complaints up on the WDW boards. While having a centralized FP might be good in some cases, it didn't seem to always work well. AK tried it at one point, but the test didn't last long. I think the issue is that there is no way to please everyone.

 

[mom2rtk]

The FP+ systems isn't necessarily a huge improvement. It's having plenty of issues and there are a fair amount of complaints up on the WDW boards. While having a centralized FP might be good in some cases, it didn't seem to always work well. AK tried it at one point, but the test didn't last long. I think the issue is that there is no way to please everyone.

Yep. Definitely a case of "be careful what you wish for".

 

[lk2500]

That part is not difficult. Maybe you misunderstood me. I meant that if they had a central FP distribution spot, let's say at the hub, it would help so you weren't running from one attraction to another to get a FP. Then no matter where you are in the park it would be easier. For instance; we like to do Fantasyland first thing in the morning since it seems to crowd up up quickly. But we also love Splash Mt. So while DW waits, I run to SM, get fast passes, then hoof it back to FL where she's waiting. Imagine if there was a place where we could stop on the way to FL to get FPs for SM? Then we could enjoy FL until the return time, and make our way to SM without me having to make the trip TWICE. Getting back to the attraction at the FP time is no big deal, I just thought if getting the FP in the first place was more convenient, it would save a lot of walking, which may not be a big deal to some, but it is to us. I love the FP system, but I think it could be improved on, and it looks like Disney agrees as evidenced by the FP+ system in FL.

I'm certainly no expert, but it seems to me that the Fast Pass system is as much about crowd distribution/control as it is about getting you into a shorter/more convenient line. A central location for Fast Passes would defeat the purpose. I.E. - it's got to be a bit inconvenient to spread out the crowds.

 

[FryingPansWhoKnew]

I guess I just don't see how hard it is to plan to be in the area when your fastpass time is up? If I know I have a return time of say 1:45 for Indiana Jones, and I am in Tomorrowland, I start making my way over there.

In a simple world, things are simple.

I tend to think people have a variety of reasons why making it through a thick crowd across the park to make a 1 hour time period may be difficult. We have more than a few reasons that I could illustrate.

 

[krispin41]

In a simple world, things are simple.

I tend to think people have a variety of reasons why making it through a thick crowd across the park to make a 1 hour time period may be difficult. We have more than a few reasons that I could illustrate.

It might be in the way I tour as well. I am not a commando type...I don't plan my trip to the minute. My FP experience is usually like this...walking by. SB line is off the hook, oh looks there's a fast pass, let's grab that. Come back later. I also seem to make it a point to stay in the area if the return time is relatively small. I am always down to explore some shops. LOL.

 

[MychaelP]

I was 2 minutes late for Indiana Jones fastpass return time. Mostly due to the crowds of Fantasmic. I asked the cast member if it was an issue and he said they give 15 minutes at the end of the fastpass to keep people from running if they got stuck somewhere. Nice idea I think, and I was glad I wasn't late. What wasn't so great was the line inside was backed up quite a bit and it was still 40 minutes of wait time. I'm guessing that day the ride may have broken down so they accepted lots of fastpasses at one time compared to normal. Great ride though and que. I wish Disney made more ques like it.

 

[rootbeer]

It might be in the way I tour as well. I am not a commando type...I don't plan my trip to the minute. My FP experience is usually like this...walking by. SB line is off the hook, oh looks there's a fast pass, let's grab that. Come back later. I also seem to make it a point to stay in the area if the return time is relatively small. I am always down to explore some shops. LOL.

We are very similar in this respect Kristan, that's pretty much the way we handle it right now.

 

[HydroGuy]

In a simple world, things are simple.

I tend to think people have a variety of reasons why making it through a thick crowd across the park to make a 1 hour time period may be difficult. We have more than a few reasons that I could illustrate.

I agree. Folks who say things like that usually have never toured with an elderly person with mobility issues or young children (I have done both many times). I have always thought Disney should make the FP window 2-3 hours and it would solve a lot if issues like this. I spent half an hour stuck on Test Track at Epcot last year after it broke down. It is hard to plan for things like that when talking about a one hour window.