Fastpass needs an Update bad.

[doconeill]

How about no time limits, use the ticket whenever you want. Just during the day you get it. No big deal, who would really care.

There has to be some minimum "backoff" time...otherwise you'd just pull a ticket, then go ride immediately. There would be no purpose to it because everyone would be in the same line anyways.

To be generally effective, the backoff time has to be longer than the standby wait time.

 

[Monorail Fan:)]

The FastPass from home worries me as a WDW veteran as we don't really do touring plans anymore. We play it be ear.

If they wanted to improve FastPass, they could offer FastPass Plus similar to Universal Express Plus.

 

[jade1]

The FastPass from home worries me as a WDW veteran as we don't really do touring plans anymore. We play it be ear.
.

Then don't reserve, my hope is it will actually improve chances for someone like yourself. With 1/2 or so reserved ahead-that will reduce he AM rush and the other 1/2 of the FP's will disperse at a reduced rate. Any reserved FP's not used will move the standby line that much faster as well.

 

[ASteelersMidget]

Then don't reserve, my hope is it will actually improve chances for someone like yourself. With 1/2 or so reserved ahead-that will reduce he AM rush and the other 1/2 of the FP's will disperse at a reduced rate. Any reserved FP's not used will move the standby line that much faster as well.

the problem with that is that there is a REAL POSSIBILITY that it will turn out like ADR's. If you don't reserve, and reserve for multiple at the same time, then you won't get one. I am well aware that people say something along the lines of "Well, if they only let half of them be reserved, and let the other half be gotten like they are now....." But if Disney is spending money on this new system, then i think they would want to use it as much as possible.

Before you comment on this post, please note i said Possibility. As in, i have no inside information and this is just my opinion. I am not saying that they won't split up how to get the FP's, but I highly doubt it.

 

[jade1]

the problem with that is that there is a REAL POSSIBILITY that it will turn out like ADR's. If you don't reserve, and reserve for multiple at the same time, then you won't get one. I am well aware that people say something along the lines of "Well, if they only let half of them be reserved, and let the other half be gotten like they are now....." But if Disney is spending money on this new system, then i think they would want to use it as much as possible.

Before you comment on this post, please note i said Possibility. As in, i have no inside information and this is just my opinion. I am not saying that they won't split up how to get the FP's, but I highly doubt it.

Not following the adr comparison, do you mean (just for example) I pre-select an 11:15 to 12:15 TSM and a 1:40 to 2:40 RNR for thursday on my ressie-then what happens again for it not to work?

 

[jade1]

But if Disney is spending money on this new system, then i think they would want to use it as much as possible..

They spent money of the current FP as well-its just software to enhance distribution of exactly whats in place. I think its less likely they have done as much as they have already and just scrap the idea. The best case is to make it as appealing to all guests as possible IMO.

Before you comment on this post, please note i said Possibility. As in, i have no inside information and this is just my opinion. I am not saying that they won't split up how to get the FP's, but I highly doubt it.

Agreed that everything is just a "possibility", and I have no inside info either, just trying to discuss some ideas that may be beneficial to all guests, I'm just the opposite I guess-just because they can pull the plug on the current system, and leave nonplanners and offsiters shut out of FP, doesn't mean they well, I actually highly doubt that even more.

 

[ASteelersMidget]

Not following the adr comparison, do you mean (just for example) I pre-select an 11:15 to 12:15 TSM and a 1:40 to 2:40 RNR for thursday on my ressie-then what happens again for it not to work?

What i mean is that people will get ADR's for multiple places on the same date at the same time so they have options. This leaves no times to book for the people who don't do that as the majority of the extremely popular restaurants are booked. especially in peak season. The comparison is that people will book multiple FP's and you won't be able to get them for the most popular rides.

 

[jade1]

What i mean is that people will get ADR's for multiple places on the same date at the same time so they have options. This leaves no times to book for the people who don't do that as the majority of the extremely popular restaurants are booked. especially in peak season. The comparison is that people will book multiple FP's and you won't be able to get them for the most popular rides.

I see, I hadn't heard that. Seems a little different though-since you will get (in my example) 2 FP per day if you want. You cant say I want these 2 at this park, oh and also give me 2 more at this other park in case I want to go there-it would say you already reserved 2 FP's under your ressie.

 

[cmwade77]

I think that FP works fairly well as it is; however, I would like to see them stop accepting them late, unless an event that can be confirmed has occurred.

For example:
You have a FP for Star Tours and go to ride the Matterhorn, the Matterhorn breaks down and you are stuck on it. You have an ADR at 5:00, you FP ended at 4:20, you would have had enough time to go, but now you have to go to dinner first. They should have a list of all attractions that have broken down that day at each FP return lane and if the story checks out (you explain the above situation), then the FP is accepted late, if not, then it would not be.

The exception to this should be for those with GAC cards/wheelchairs/canes/walkers, FPs should be accepted anytime after the start time. There are a lot of things that can happen that can make it difficult for those with special needs to return within the specified time frame. I think they should also be able to get FPs for all attractions that they are planning to do at once at a special machine (spaced out throughout the day according to projected crowds), but that is another story.

Out here we don't have FPs for any shows (except WOC, which noone can use the viewing area without one).

 

[sjaakie]

I think that FP works fairly well as it is; however, I would like to see them stop accepting them late, unless an event that can be confirmed has occurred.

For example:
You have a FP for Star Tours and go to ride the Matterhorn, the Matterhorn breaks down and you are stuck on it. You have an ADR at 5:00, you FP ended at 4:20, you would have had enough time to go, but now you have to go to dinner first. They should have a list of all attractions that have broken down that day at each FP return lane and if the story checks out (you explain the above situation), then the FP is accepted late, if not, then it would not be.

The exception to this should be for those with GAC cards/wheelchairs/canes/walkers, FPs should be accepted anytime after the start time. There are a lot of things that can happen that can make it difficult for those with special needs to return within the specified time frame. I think they should also be able to get FPs for all attractions that they are planning to do at once at a special machine (spaced out throughout the day according to projected crowds), but that is another story.

Out here we don't have FPs for any shows (except WOC, which noone can use the viewing area without one).

They have a GAC and get fOTL aces already isn't that enough?

 

[Faldred]

They have a GAC and get fOTL aces already isn't that enough?

A GAC does not get you front-of-the line access. All it does is inform the ride CMs what accommodations should be made to assist the guest, if appropriate. (E.g., allow a stroller in line because it functions as a wheelchair.)

 

[Faldred]

I think that FP works fairly well as it is; however, I would like to see them stop accepting them late, unless an event that can be confirmed has occurred.

For example:
You have a FP for Star Tours and go to ride the Matterhorn, the Matterhorn breaks down and you are stuck on it. You have an ADR at 5:00, you FP ended at 4:20, you would have had enough time to go, but now you have to go to dinner first. They should have a list of all attractions that have broken down that day at each FP return lane and if the story checks out (you explain the above situation), then the FP is accepted late, if not, then it would not be.

That's an awful lot of complexity to add for not much benefit in return. The system works fine as it is.

 

[tfc3rid]

The Standby lines need to not be stopped to allow the FP line folks to enter... They key to keep movning people through is to keep that Standby line moving as if there were no FP...

If you have a number limit for a pre show or something, don't use the FP folks as the Priority, they already have the priority... Keep the Standby moving... That is the key... Always has been...

 

[doconeill]

The Standby lines need to not be stopped to allow the FP line folks to enter... They key to keep movning people through is to keep that Standby line moving as if there were no FP...

If you have a number limit for a pre show or something, don't use the FP folks as the Priority, they already have the priority... Keep the Standby moving... That is the key... Always has been...

Umm...how do they have priority already if you aren't giving it to them? That IS their priority - to have preference over the entrance. If you make the standby line have preference, then the Fastpass line no longer works.

I DO agree that it is important to keep the standby line moving. Idleness increases the illusion that it is taking longer that expected.

 

[sjaakie]

A GAC does not get you front-of-the line access. All it does is inform the ride CMs what accommodations should be made to assist the guest, if appropriate. (E.g., allow a stroller in line because it functions as a wheelchair.)

Yes it does. I saw it with my own eyes. While we get to wait for one turn in the hot sun I saw the same people whit a GAC do that ride twice.
No matter how they try to hide it. A GAC is good for FOTL acces.
The truth is hard but I believe only what I see whit my own eyes.

 

[seashoreCM]

...TSM fast passes were usually gone for the entire day within 1-2 hours of park opening. That means people were getting passes for the afternoon and evening at 7 or 8am. How many of these passes are wasted? .

For each fastpass for later in the day that is wasted, somebody else who used his much later than he was supposed to will get through unnoticed, or another standby rider can be accommodated.

Alternatively Disney could issue more fastpasses for later in the day expecting that some will never be redeemed.

 

[seashoreCM]

(copied from another forum)
How about this? If you reserve one fastpass from home or from your phone or from your resort then you may not get more fastpasses until 2 hours after you entered the park. If you reserved two fastpasses in advance then you could not get more fastpasses until 4 hours after you entered the park. Etc. (Based on the 2 hour delay between fastpasses.)

 

[doconeill]

Yes it does. I saw it with my own eyes. While we get to wait for one turn in the hot sun I saw the same people whit a GAC do that ride twice.
No matter how they try to hide it. A GAC is good for fOTL acces.

It varies by attraction and CM. We had a GAC on our last trip. Although it wasn't technically FOTL access, in a number of cases the handicapped entrance is also the Fastpass entrance. And also depending on the attraction, there may only be a couple vehicles capable of handling people who who need special access, and they have priority over those - but have to wait for them to come around as well.

At TSM we had gotten FPs, but that was a waste, as we had to go in through the FP entrance anyways, and then over to the accessible loading area - and had to wait quite a while as there was only one wheelchair accessible vehicle, there were two wheelchairs ahead of us, and even though we didn't need the wheelchair vehicle that seemed to be the only one they brought over to that platform, so we waited three whole ride cycles plus slow loading times to get the other people in place. Although I don't believe the FP line is all that fast at TSM (it merges quite early), I'm pretty sure FP holders beat us through easily - and WE had FPs!

We certainly still got through faster than the standby wait at the time, but not by a whole lot.

 

[Faldred]

Yes it does. I saw it with my own eyes. While we get to wait for one turn in the hot sun I saw the same people whit a GAC do that ride twice.
No matter how they try to hide it. A GAC is good for FOTL acces.
The truth is hard but I believe only what I see whit my own eyes.

Then take issue with the DIS' FAQ on the subject:

If i have a GAC does that mean I go to the front of all the lines?

No.

The only people who go to the front of lines are children with serious, life-threatening conditions who are on WISH trips.

The GAC is not meant to be a pass that gives immediate access. In fact, in around 2000, they renamed it to Card because when it was called a Pass, people thought it mean front of the line access. It says right on the card that it will not provide immediate access (won't shorten or eliminate waits in line).

You may have observed someone who fits the other criteria who was also using a GAC. You may also have seen someone who was waiting in a designated area away from the main lines until it was their own turn.

 

[cmwade77]

They have a GAC and get fOTL aces already isn't that enough?

The GAC is NOT a FOTL pass. It is true that it ends up working that way at certain attractions (relatively few though). What you don't realize is that on many attractions, they are waiting in other areas, are given return times to come back at, etc.

In some cases a CM may allow them to repeat an attraction, i.e. on Splash someone that wasn't a member of their party decided to do something rude in the photo and they really wanted the photo (that is at the CM's discretion, just as it is with any guest).

Overall, balancing out all attractions, shows (any shows we have to be the first ones there to be accomodated), etc., those with GACs wait about 30% longer than those without GACs. How do I know this? I unfortunately need one and have done the comparisons with posted wait times, as well as talking with people getting off, comparing wait times. They also get to do about 40% fewer attractions in the same amount of time as a guest without any special needs. I know what you are thinking, 30% longer wait, but 40% fewer attractions, that doesn't make sense. But thing to remember is those that need the GACs often have a more difficult time manuvering through the parks.

Now, there are certain cases where FOTL passes are given, such as Make a Wish foundation trips and other similar cases (as they should be), but in general, they are not a FOTL pass.