FASTPASS Return Times to Be Enforced Beginning March 7

[racefanof88]

They're both guesses. Doc's is an educated guess that's in line with what most people who are keeping an eye on the situation are expecting.

It's not exactly a stretch to say it's because of the "new system" since Disney is on record as stating that the new system is coming and that it's part of a billion-dollar investment.

So there is an article that I can read that states this new system is the reason for FP time enforcement? I would really like to read it if you could provide the link.

While there have been test runs of the RFID entry at EPCOT it was taken down not long after the tests began so obviously it isn't coming by March 7th.

 

[nytimez]

So there is an article that I can read that states this new system is the reason for FP time enforcement? I would really like to read it if you could provide the link.

While there have been test runs of the RFID entry at EPCOT it was taken down not long after the tests began so obviously it isn't coming by March 7th.

These things are tested for short periods, tweaked, sent out for more tests, tweaked -- something this big and far reaching won't be installed overnight. You're not going to wake up one day and find it all in place and up and running.

The timing, the amount of testing it'll take, who it will be first offered to -- that's all rumors and speculation. But it IS happening, that's beyond speculation... and it's fair to say that any change or tweak to Fastpass or admission media or gate entry you see in the coming months will all be related to that, even if it's not always obvious how.

 

[doconeill]

So there is an article that I can read that states this new system is the reason for FP time enforcement? I would really like to read it if you could provide the link.

While there have been test runs of the RFID entry at EPCOT it was taken down not long after the tests began so obviously it isn't coming by March 7th.

The RFID test at Epcot was a test of only one aspect of the NextGen initiative. X-Pass/Fastpass Plus/whatever it is called tomorrow is another aspect. A lot of it involves the use of RFID tags instead of regular tickets. Some parts of NextGen are not - like the new interactive queues (although in some cases they might take advantage of RFID for customer-unique experiences), the "queueless queue" system, etc.


I base my "guesses" on ALL the available information, which comes from a variety of sources, and take in to account the reliability of sources. No reliable source, or really even an unreliable one, is claiming this change has anything to do with a "problem" created by them not enforcing. Even the official memo doesn't say there is actually a problem, but does allude to providing a "consistent experience" that is anticipating more guests "taking advantage of Fastpass" (in whatever form that takes).

The idea that this is being done to provide a consistent customer experience among users of the existing system, and the upcoming system (the suits announced it last year that you'd be able to make ride reservations like you can with dining, so it IS coming), fits ALL available information, and is also consistent with what some CMs who will be dealing with this starting March 7th have been told so far.

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

Yeah, you've said that a few times. Too bad so many Dis'es ARE better informed then you.

Said what? That from my perspective I think that FP enforcement is good?

I said I was going to stay out of stupid arguments, so I will be ignoring your idiotic comments.

 

[racefanof88]

The RFID test at Epcot was a test of only one aspect of the NextGen initiative. X-Pass/Fastpass Plus/whatever it is called tomorrow is another aspect.

I base my "guesses" on ALL the available information, which comes from a variety of sources, and take in to account the reliability of sources. No reliable source, or really even an unreliable one, is claiming this change has anything to do with a "problem" created by them not enforcing. Even the official memo doesn't say there is actually a problem, but does allude to providing a "consistent experience" that is anticipating more guests "taking advantage of Fastpass" (in whatever form that takes).

The idea that this is being done to provide a consistent customer experience among users of the existing system, and the upcoming system (the suits announced it last year that you'd be able to make ride reservations like you can with dining, so it IS coming), fits ALL available information, and is also consistent with what some CMs who will be dealing with this starting March 7th have been told so far.

Yes a guess based on what you have read and your interpretation of that material. You interpret "consistent experience" in one way and I may interpret it in another. Consistent experience in my interpretation means that I can expect my stated FP time to be accurate within that one hour period and not pushed back by a rush of others using expired FPs. If they are expecting more people to be using the FP system then they will have to make sure it is run as intended, thus consistent.


Consistent

1.agreeing or accordant; compatible; not self-contradictory: His views and actions are consistent.
2. constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, etc.: a consistent opponent.
3. holding firmly together; cohering.

The only way to be consistent is to adhere to the rules i.e.........stated FP return times!

 

[Killer Fish]

hmmm sorry I have missed discussion so far....

I definitely do not see it as a good thing....however I completely understand it. I have used it to my advantage for years through the way it has been setup in the past.

Hopefully Disneyland (which I live near now) will not embrace it as quick....gonna do a back read now.

 

[Killer Fish]

I've always been one to get there at opening. Then ride the popular rides and collect fast passes through lunch time. Then use those while collecting more during the peak times at the park.

That optimizes the number of rides I can ride.

If this change is still in effect the next time I go (probably 2-4 years) I will be surprised an disappointed, but I do understand it.

agree with everything here

 

[Killer Fish]

Feel free to post another "new word" tomorrow so we can all enjoy your progress with the dictionary together.

This post brought the serious lolz



well done!

 

[racefanof88]

Feel free to post another "new word" tomorrow so we can all enjoy your progress with the dictionary together.

At least I post debate about an issue. I try to refrain from personal attacks when I run out of legitimate arguments. I was raised better than that!!

 

[tjkraz]

It's about as insightful as simply making a declaration and declaring it to be true, which is what you've attempted to do.

Welcome to the club, my friend.

Feel free to post another "new word" tomorrow so we can all enjoy your progress with the dictionary together.

Debate 101: Why bother attacking the argument when it's easier to attack the man.

 

[Killer Fish]

[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]And you do not know that reason. You are assuming there was a problem they are trying to fix. But all indications are that this is a preparatory move for the new system, not at attempt to fix anything that some people believe to be broken. If it really was a problem, why did they wait until the eve of a new system being rolled out?

ding ding ding

What year was fastpass rolled out?

Why all of the sudden is it being changed?

It is obvious this is moving towards something new.

However as stated before I will not complain about a loophole that has been open for a very long time.

 

[racefanof88]

Debate 101: Why bother attacking the argument when it's easier to attack the man.

 

[tjkraz]

I put that clause in because I cannot know what the guest's tipping point is. I can only speak to the math.

From a mathematical standpoint, I have absolutely no qualms with the statement that one guest takes up the same queue "space" whether he enters at 10am or 6pm.

But I believe it is disingenuous to limit the entire discussion to such statistics when the ripples emanating from this policy change are very likely to alter guest behavior throughout the park. Every single park guest is constantly tweaking and adjusting plans based upon attraction wait times. Shifting that guest from a 6pm arrival to a 10am arrival does not occur in a vacuum.

But since as you say, the wait times are impacted at any given time based on volume, why only aim at one particular reason which actually had a benefit earlier on? Why not moderate the flow of guests into the lines after a parade? That has a similar effect on the wait time.

You would have to pose that question to Disney.

I am not aware of any plans to restrict guest flow in that manner so it doesn't seem to add anything to this discussion.

 

[doconeill]

From a mathematical standpoint, I have absolutely no qualms with the statement that one guest takes up the same queue "space" whether he enters at 10am or 6pm.

But I believe it is disingenuous to limit the entire discussion to such statistics when the ripples emanating from this policy change are very likely to alter guest behavior throughout the park. Every single park guest is constantly tweaking and adjusting plans based upon attraction wait times. Shifting that guest from a 6pm arrival to a 10am arrival does not occur in a vacuum.

But the point was raised that a large number of people entering the FP line late (and in reality, on-time as well) will raise the standby wait time, which is true. But since that large group of people didn't enter the line earlier when they could, the standby wait time actually decreased. So, if people are going to skip a line because the wait time is longer, then there are just as likely more guests who will get in a line because it is shorter earlier. It doesn't need to be the same people. We can't address individual peeps, but the overall group dynamics should average out.

What really changes is the predictability of the wait time - but I have no information that Disney uses predictive values for the wait time indicators, only the timing cards. And given the other reasons that the wait times could change wildly, predicting based on averages doesn't really make sense.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

On a lighter note...

This thread gets my goat...and its a recurring pet peeve..because there are alot of implications that fast pass has been a failure by some measure.

I have never saw it as such...it seems to have been a solid success on all fronts from my perspective.

Sure...it works better in some places than others...the notable peter pan scenario...

but i think that the failures (other than the breakdown of equipment) can be attributed to operator error 99% of the time.

Its disney's "lowest common demoninator" hiring policies and staffing practices that cause trouble. If they have to idiot proof how the fast passes are collected...and common sense isn't on a high enough level to allow the system to be organic...then that is a problem that there is only a monetary solution too.

The fact that they have ironclad policies about not allowing standbys to board when there is ANYONE in the fastpast line is unacceptible. particulary on people movers like peter pan...that is just dumb.

on others...such as soarin...there may be no ideal solution.

But i know that it seems people complained far less about wait times after fastpass than before...i that is no coincidence.

it allows you to not have to "earn" every ride. to get a nice freebie or two a day. and based on the crowd levels...that is more than we can reasonably expect.

now i'm sure they'll eventually try to make a buck off it...but we can't really be surprised by that, can we?

 

[punch57]

We will just have to wait and see what happens !!! We will se what happens on March 7 !!!

 

[Faldred]

On a lighter note...

This thread gets my goat...and its a recurring pet peeve..because there are alot of implications that fast pass has been a failure by some measure.

From Disney's perspective, it has been. The point was to get people spending more time (and money) in shops and restaurants instead of wasting that potential revenue stream by having them stand in lines.

It never really worked out that way, though. Guests generally choose to just do more rides, or do other things that don't produce revenue.

It's been good for guests, especially those who know how to use the system well, but it's been a failure in the eyes of the suits. Hence, the "next-gen" queues, starting with Dumbo -- instead of FastPass, which lets you wander off and come back later, they'll give you a much shorter-term window that keeps you close to the area, without the chance to go off and do another ride or show, but with plenty of time to check out the nearby shop or snack stand.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Said what? That from my perspective I think that FP enforcement is good?

I said I was going to stay out of stupid arguments, so I will be ignoring your idiotic comments.

Yeah, holding your CM status above all others is a great tactic. Baseless and irrelevant but whatever floats your boat.

I reiterate this move is certainly just precursor to something than means much more to Disney than guest wait times. That is what really worries me.

 

[racefanof88]

On a lighter note...

This thread gets my goat...and its a recurring pet peeve..because there are alot of implications that fast pass has been a failure by some measure.

I have never saw it as such...it seems to have been a solid success on all fronts from my perspective.

Sure...it works better in some places than others...the notable peter pan scenario...

but i think that the failures (other than the breakdown of equipment) can be attributed to operator error 99% of the time.

Its disney's "lowest common demoninator" hiring policies and staffing practices that cause trouble. If they have to idiot proof how the fast passes are collected...and common sense isn't on a high enough level to allow the system to be organic...then that is a problem that there is only a monetary solution too.

The fact that they have ironclad policies about not allowing standbys to board when there is ANYONE in the fastpast line is unacceptible. particulary on people movers like peter pan...that is just dumb.

on others...such as soarin...there may be no ideal solution.

But i know that it seems people complained far less about wait times after fastpass than before...i that is no coincidence.

it allows you to not have to "earn" every ride. to get a nice freebie or two a day. and based on the crowd levels...that is more than we can reasonably expect.

now i'm sure they'll eventually try to make a buck off it...but we can't really be surprised by that, can we?

I have to agree with your assertion that it could be a CM problem. I can understand how it would be hard for a teen or young adult to tell a family "NO". It isn't easy to be the 'bad' guy if you don't have a strong personality.

I have been expecting Disney to adopt Universal's policy regarding FP for some time now.

From Disney's perspective, it has been. The point was to get people spending more time (and money) in shops and restaurants instead of wasting that potential revenue stream by having them stand in lines.

It never really worked out that way, though. Guests generally choose to just do more rides, or do other things that don't produce revenue.

It's been good for guests, especially those who know how to use the system well, but it's been a failure in the eyes of the suits. Hence, the "next-gen" queues, starting with Dumbo -- instead of FastPass, which lets you wander off and come back later, they'll give you a much shorter-term window that keeps you close to the area, without the chance to go off and do another ride or show, but with plenty of time to check out the nearby shop or snack stand.

That makes even more sense. If I have FPs for a ride I am more likely to stay in the park and eat so I can ride that ride, especially since FP is offered for the most popular rides.

This could also be a way to wean everyone off FPs since it seems that a lot of people were not using them as intended.

 

[nytimez]

I reiterate this move is certainly just precursor to something than means much more to Disney than guest wait times. That is what really worries me.

Indeed. You don't spend a billion bucks -- and brag about it -- unless you're expecting a big return on that investment.