Fastpasses at DL compared to WDW

[december]

We weren't denied late FP Thanksgiving week, and it was packed. Even on Soarin' they didn't bat an eye. If you are denied, wait a little while and go back. Sometimes the cms just aren't properly trained and don't know any better. Get another one at the same station and you'll go right through!

 

[keishashadow]

The WDW forum spreads around a lot of rumors like this. I have posted polls on TGM and it is extremely rare for anyone to have problems at WDW with a late FP. The folks who post about FP problems on DIS are doing all of us a favor by making people too nervous to use this excellent tip. But it works the same at WDW as DLR.

CMs @ Space Mt, Mt. Everest, Splash Mt. & PeterPan always seem to check our FPs very carefully of course, we may just look shifty

We were turned away @ Soarin' when our ADR @ Coral Reef took way longer than anticipated (due to a seating issue ); 20 minutes late & we got the so sad too bad...it is NOT a myth perhaps if we had the restaurant mgr write us a note ?

years past we were able to use FPs from rides the prior trip, sometimes from a different year another of those tips i gleaned from this board. Again, from what i understand that doesn't fly anymore either.

btw can you successfuly attempt the same strategy @ DL as in the previous day's FP if we crash & burn & don't get to use them?

 

[Dizneydaz]

Thanks so much for al of the info....

HELP PLEASE anyone have any other suggestions???

Like PP have said, get there as early as possible and grab a FP for Space, Splash, or Indy. We were just there Sunday and did it a little different (for us anyway) I got a FP for Buzz and then we rode Space (10 min. wait) By the time we exited, we were able to get a FP for Space for later. Normally, we would do the reverse. Get there early-get FP for Space and also ride it. Then we get a FP for Buzz. We keep getting FP as soon as possible (the next one would probably be for BTRM) By this time, DCA is usually open. So, we cross over.

This is a good time to get a FP for Soarin' (you can also ride it). Then (if it's going to be hot ) grab one for Grizzly Rapids (independent of other DCA FP ) If you're in line for Soarin' have a member of your group hurry to GR to grab FPs. By then you should be able to get a FP for Screamin' (and ride it). After riding Soarin' you can head over towards Mulholland Madness, stopping at Maliboomer on the way. Use the single rider line to reduce wait time. Ride the Stinger. By then you should be able to grab a FP for MM. If the line is short, you can also ride it. Or use the single rider line-it usually moves prettry fast.

Then you cross back over to DL to do rides and get more FP. Since DL and DCA FP are on independent systems, you can have ones for both parks at the same time.

As far as GR goes, if it's going to be hot and you want to cool off, get FP as soon as your previous FP allows. Then you can ride it 2, or 3 times with a little wait. You'll be plenty cooled off by then.

Even when DLR is crowded, if you work the FP right, you'll still get alot of rides in.

Oh, and we too have never been denied the usage of FP that are past time. And that includes last Sunday at DCA when the line for GR was 90 min (it was 115 min. when we exited). Our FP window had passed about an hour before we rode. This also goes for WDW too. I'm sure some have been told no, but it that happens, I would check back later when they've changed CMs.

Hope this helps!

 

[HydroGuy]

Interesting........I had 2 friends go to WDW last year, 2 different families, 2 different times, and they both were denied the use of their FP's after the window was closed.

Hmmm. Not sure what happened in those cases. The poll I set up on TGM had about 100 responders and 97% had no problem using late FPs at WDW and 3% had at least some problem. But it is reasonable to assume that the 3% did not have a problem every time but only once on their trip. Maybe that would be in 5 or 10 times using a late FP during their trip they had a problem once. If so, the report of problems was such that it was far less than 1% of all late FPs used.

We personally used late FPs at WDW at least 20 times without a second look.

From what I understand, the people with problems using late FPs are usually with new CMs who do not know the policy. Because it is policy at WDW to accept them late. When the visitor asks the CM to check with a co-worker or manager they are usually allowed to use the FP late. It is extremely rare for visitors to be turned away completely.

Maybe your friends had bad luck?

 

[Bethann23]

That is good news....I am glad to hear that it is policy and not just something some CM's over look....thanks for the clarification.....and all of the information....

It is very comforting to know that you and so many others on this site have so much information, since I have so little time to research...if I didn't say it before, I usually start planning for our WDW trips at least a year in advance so I have plenty of time to figure everything out ( a little crazy I know ) but I seem to be in great company on these boards....it is just my family who thinks I am crazy

 

[crzy4mk]

Bethann,

Are you traveling solo? The reason I ask is that I go to DLR every summer for a few days as a solo, and there are a couple of things that will really help you.

~ in DL, Splash Mountain has a single rider line. Just see a CM, and they will give you a pass to walk up the exit and wait about 2 minutes to get on the first available spot for a single.

~ in DCA, Soarin' and Grizzly River Run both have this option as well.

I have used these each time I have gone to DLR, and have been able to ride each of these rides numerous times without having to get a fastpass for them.

 

[pixiewings71]

Maybe your friends had bad luck?

2 different groups on more than one occasion? Maybe but that would be really bad luck! LOL
Thanks for the info Hydro, I'll file that away for my WDW trip, if it ever happens. I'm so addicted to DL that I may never go to DW! LOL

 

[stagemomx3]

What I've noticed is that the posts saying late fast passes were denied are always second hand reports. As in my friend/coworker/brother just got back and said they weren't allowed to use a fp late. So clarifying information is usually impossible to receive.

All I know is we used late fast passes often, no cm ever even commented, and it was one of the busiest times of the year, the week before Easter.

 

[mikayla73]

I have never had an issue at DL using FP past the windows. DH was just sure that they weren't going to let us on the first time I did it, how dare he doubt me!!

Next month will be our first trip to WDW, so we'll see how it goes.

A great way to cool off at DCA if you don't want to get wet more than once on GRR, is go to Animation Studio. They have Turtle Talk with Crush, and some interesting stuff to do. You can stay there for as little or as much time as you want. It's also close to TOT

 

[keishashadow]

Hmmm. Not sure what happened in those cases. The poll I set up on TGM had about 100 responders and 97% had no problem using late FPs at WDW and 3% had at least some problem. But it is reasonable to assume that the 3% did not have a problem every time but only once on their trip. Maybe that would be in 5 or 10 times using a late FP during their trip they had a problem once. If so, the report of problems was such that it was far less than 1% of all late FPs used.

We personally used late FPs at WDW at least 20 times without a second look.

From what I understand, the people with problems using late FPs are usually with new CMs who do not know the policy. Because it is policy at WDW to accept them late. When the visitor asks the CM to check with a co-worker or manager they are usually allowed to use the FP late. It is extremely rare for visitors to be turned away completely.

Maybe your friends had bad luck?

i didn't question the CM (DH doesn't like to rock the boat ); just wasn't worth chancing a scene imo .

imo, way too many people in the parks who seem to expect special treatment = ugly meltdowns; just wish Disney would be consistent so we'd know what to expect...even with getting codes applied to resort rooms; seems the luck of the draw or law of averages as to how many times you call back & ask.

although, if it happens again during next WDW trip I may try the "...ask another CM later idea "

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

i didn't question the CM (DH doesn't like to rock the boat ); just wasn't worth chancing a scene imo .

imo, way too many people in the parks who seem to expect special treatment = ugly meltdowns; just wish Disney would be consistent so we'd know what to expect...even with getting codes applied to resort rooms; seems the luck of the draw or law of averages as to how many times you call back & ask.

although, if it happens again during next WDW trip I may try the "...ask another CM later idea "

I've read this thread with great interest, since we are heading back to the World this fall, and use FP religiously here at DLR. What surprises me most is that people get turned away. That doesn't seem like the "Disney magic" that your park experience is supposed to be all about, does it? Certainly people have problems that come up, such as little ones need a break, or a late seating at a restaurant, that prevent folks from using their Fastpasses on time. Never at DL has anyone batted an eye for us. In fact, when the FP machine has gotten stuck, CMs have given me an all-day return FP, no questions asked.

Where's that "the CMs are friendlier and there's more *magic* at WDW" that I keep hearing from WDW vets???

 

[crzy4mk]

I've read this thread with great interest, since we are heading back to the World this fall, and use FP religiously here at DLR. What surprises me most is that people get turned away. That doesn't seem like the "Disney magic" that your park experience is supposed to be all about, does it? Certainly people have problems that come up, such as little ones need a break, or a late seating at a restaurant, that prevent folks from using their Fastpasses on time. Never at DL has anyone batted an eye for us. In fact, when the FP machine has gotten stuck, CMs have given me an all-day return FP, no questions asked.

Where's that "the CMs are friendlier and there's more *magic* at WDW" that I keep hearing from WDW vets???

Well, I for one think the magic is still alive on both coasts! I travel more frequently to WDW, but am at DLR for a few days each summer. Have had wonderful CMs 99% of the time, but there are always a couple who don't get it. But they would probably be that way in whatever job they had. It's just people.

Pixie, take what you have read with a grain of salt. Just as I have only had about 1% bad CMs, that's about the percentage that might turn you away after your fastpass time is up. I have NEVER, I repeat NEVER been turned away at WDW or DL for showing up late. I'm not sure where all of this is coming from, but I am noticing alot of "my brother said" or "my friends just got back". And in my experience, sometimes details get changed when the story gets retold. Perhaps some of these were trying to use fastpasses from a different day. They would most definitely get turned away (although I'm sure some have gotten through). Not completely discounting the stories, I'm just saying that based on my many trips, this information does not match up.

Go with your regular DL plan, and I almost guarantee you won't have a problem.

 

[HydroGuy]

Well, I for one think the magic is still alive on both coasts! I travel more frequently to WDW, but am at DLR for a few days each summer. Have had wonderful CMs 99% of the time, but there are always a couple who don't get it. But they would probably be that way in whatever job they had. It's just people.

Pixie, take what you have read with a grain of salt. Just as I have only had about 1% bad CMs, that's about the percentage that might turn you away after your fastpass time is up. I have NEVER, I repeat NEVER been turned away at WDW or DL for showing up late. I'm not sure where all of this is coming from, but I am noticing alot of "my brother said" or "my friends just got back". And in my experience, sometimes details get changed when the story gets retold. Perhaps some of these were trying to use fastpasses from a different day. They would most definitely get turned away (although I'm sure some have gotten through). Not completely discounting the stories, I'm just saying that based on my many trips, this information does not match up.

Go with your regular DL plan, and I almost guarantee you won't have a problem.

I agree. And even some first person accounts turn out to be unfounded. I hate to tell people they are just wrong or what they claimed they experienced could not have happened, but I am tempted at times.

A few weeks ago here on DIS DLR and person said flat out that a FP tip I have used and advocate does not work anymore. The tip in question is that when you scan your entrance tickets at either DL or DCA, they are initialized for both parks at once for the purpose of FP collection. She said it did not work for her on a recent trip and she asked a CM who told her that it had been discontinued. I was surprised and disbelieving, but hers was a direct first person experience.

Right after that a number of people wrote on the thread that they had used the tip recently and it had not been discontinued at all. The original poster later contributed that she was mistaken and it had not happened like she first said it happened.

In any case, accepting late FPs is policy at both DLR and WDW and when there is a problem it is usually a new and/or uninformed CM.

 

[keishashadow]

I've read this thread with great interest, since we are heading back to the World this fall, and use FP religiously here at DLR. What surprises me most is that people get turned away. That doesn't seem like the "Disney magic" that your park experience is supposed to be all about, does it? Certainly people have problems that come up, such as little ones need a break, or a late seating at a restaurant, that prevent folks from using their Fastpasses on time. Never at DL has anyone batted an eye for us. In fact, when the FP machine has gotten stuck, CMs have given me an all-day return FP, no questions asked.

Where's that "the CMs are friendlier and there's more *magic* at WDW" that I keep hearing from WDW vets???

you certainly can't equate a lack of "Disney magic" with a CM enforcing a FP window Unless you assume that the return time is more of a guideline than an actual appointment to return...which it is @ WDW

while we were surprised & disappointed when we weren't able to use our Soarin' FPs (after the delay getting seated for dinner that i thought i had allowed plenty of time to accommodate); it didn't ruin my trip or my day

i guess if we had protested the outcome may have been different ; as indicated earlier; we're a laid back sort - imo, not worth the hassle to take it up the food chain...perhaps that is the key that achieves success?

regardless, for those who insist they are able to utilize their FPs @ WDW after their window has passed; congratulations...hope your luck holds. Whether it's by convincing a CM to let you slide or you're there during a non-peak time etc.; go for it. Just don't be so quick to discount others who have had the opposite happen.

FYI, the mouse owns me ; if i felt the magic @ WDW was lacking; i'd be outta there in a flash .

JHMO; the FP system is handled differently @ DL & WDW just due to sheer difference in number of guests in the parks each day. The key to keeping it working efficiently is X # of guests per time period to keep things running smoothly. I have seen the FP lines longer than the standby ones at times in WDW...although they probably then just adjust/increase the number of FP guests ushered through

 

[HydroGuy]

regardless, for those who insist they are able to utilize their FPs @ WDW after their window has passed; congratulations...hope your luck holds. Whether it's by convincing a CM to let you slide or you're there during a non-peak time etc.; go for it. Just don't be so quick to discount others who have had the opposite happen.

If it is policy to accept late FPs then there is no "sliding" involved. And there is no "convincing" anyone. It a matter of nicely and respectfully asking the CM to check on the policy with another CM or his/her lead.

On a related note, I am genuinely curious about the non-acceptance of the late FP at Epcot's Soarin. I heard about this more frequently in 2005 and before but it seemed to have gone away in 2006. Was your experience in the last couple years or before?

 

[Snookies]

JHMO; the FP system is handled differently @ DL & WDW just due to sheer difference in number of guests in the parks each day. The key to keeping it working efficiently is X # of guests per time period to keep things running smoothly. I have seen the FP lines longer than the standby ones at times in WDW...although they probably then just adjust/increase the number of FP guests ushered through

If there is a difference between DLR & WDW, I'm not sure it could be attributed to a difference in the number of guests in the parks each day since the 2007 attendance estimates were 17 million for MK @ WDW and 14.8 million for DL @ DLR. For what it's worth, my own experience at both places is consistent with what Hydroguy and Darkbeer consistently report for DL and with what Hydroguy & Robo consistent report for MK. In other words, I have used fastpasses after the return window many times in both Anaheim and Orlando. We have never been stopped or questioned.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

There's a recent thread on the WDW DISboard about using late FPs. The general consensus -- if you can use a term like that in regard to the WDW DISboard-- was that late FPs are almost always accepted at WDW.

A couple of moderators (one with more than 9,000 posts) stated that sometimes in the last hour or 90 minutes (before the park closes) a late FP could be refused if the CMs are trying to get everyone in the standby line through. They said that it can happen, but even then, it seems to happen rarely.

Any help anyone can give I would really appreciate it...I will only have 1 day at DL/DCA and I am trying to get maximum rides in....

Bethann23, since you only have one day, IMO you should check out RideMax.com. It's a software program that only costs $15 for three months. I think it will help you with your planning.

HTH

 

[Snookies]

Bethann23, since you only have one day, IMO you should check out RideMax.com. It's a software program that only costs $15 for three months. I think it will help you with your planning.

HTH

I want to second S. S. Columbia's recommendation to check out RideMax. I've used it for both DLR and WDW and recommend it for both places. We even used it for a New Year's Week holiday at DLR this past season, including planning for New Year's day and managed to avoid the insanity of the crowds. I also found their recommendations for the Nemo subs to be worth the price of subscription.

 

[keishashadow]

There's a recent thread on the WDW DISboard about using late FPs. The general consensus -- if you can use a term like that in regard to the WDW DISboard-- was that late FPs are almost always accepted at WDW.

A couple of moderators (one with more than 9,000 posts) stated that sometimes in the last hour or 90 minutes (before the park closes) a late FP could be refused if the CMs are trying to get everyone in the standby line through. They said that it can happen, but even then, it seems to happen rarely.


Bethann23, since you only have one day, IMO you should check out RideMax.com. It's a software program that only costs $15 for three months. I think it will help you with your planning.

HTH

this would be the time period we were refused entrance to Soarin, shortly before 8 pm

If it is policy to accept late FPs then there is no "sliding" involved. And there is no "convincing" anyone. It a matter of nicely and respectfully asking the CM to check on the policy with another CM or his/her lead.

On a related note, I am genuinely curious about the non-acceptance of the late FP at Epcot's Soarin. I heard about this more frequently in 2005 and before but it seemed to have gone away in 2006. Was your experience in the last couple years or before?[/quote]

yes, we are in WDW at least 3 times per AP ; i'd have to pull out my notes/TR; believe it was during June '07 trip

respectfully, we must agree to disagree in this matter of FPs @ WDW. For the more popular rides, during peak times; the CMs have looked @ our FPs whether they were just checking to see if they were for the correct ride or not I cannot say

Not a matter of semantics, we were refused entrance to Soarin, that would be a "no"...by asking for another opinion/supervisor that is akin to asking for a special accommodation imo; whether you ask nicely/respectfully or not.

it just goes back to disney-speak, although the time is plainly printed on the FPs evidently, they don't follow what is printed on them all the time; depending on the CMs mood, etc ...consistency please in all things, and a level playing field for all guests, not just those who are comfortable disregarding what is plainly stated on the FPs and are either "in the know" or comfortable negotiating with a CM.

ps i'm not complaining, heck we got YOMD FP twice during our last trip once @ MK, once @ Epcot; just trying to share my personal experience; whether it's in the majority or not.

typically, we just follow the same basic pattern of early entry (that even my youngest DS knows off by heart for all the parks) that the UG laid down years ago, works for us @ WDW. I plan on utilizing their suggestions @ DL and look forward to being able to use their FPs @ will since y'all say it's stand M.O.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Bethann23, since you only have one day, IMO you should check out RideMax.com. It's a software program that only costs $15 for three months. I think it will help you with your planning.

HTH

I second that!! I used Ridemax to bring newbies to DLR this year. One for a one day only park hopping visit, and the other for a 2 day trip. It was great. Still had plenty of on-our-own freestyle touring time as well, so it wasn't a totally scripted visit.

Plan on using Ridemax for our upcoming WDW trip!!!