FP - allowed returns later than 1, 2 or more hours??

[TLSnell1981]

I think some people were used to grabbing a fastpass, and being able to go back and ride that ride whenever they wanted to. Now that you have to ride in the time window listed on the ticket, it is freaking people out a bit. And for those people, they will have to adjust how they tour the parks. So I can see how it is a bit stressful.

For us, we never bothered to load up on fastpasses and use them later in the day. So nothing has changed, no adjustments necessary. I can tell you that as recent as last week we had no problems balancing our ADRs and our fastpass times. We never were at the parks at rope drop. And we definately took more than one potty break a day!

Guess what? We were NOT FP hoarders! Although, there were numerous times, we were **gasp** late returning, due to circumstances beyond our control. I would even say, at least a 2-3 times each trip. Yes, it was nice to know, my family could ride their favorites and not stress about unpredictable TS or unusually long wait times for other attractions or broken rides. I won't take into account health issues, that can also factor in..but oh well.

Disney has changed a lot... walk up ressies for TS are almost none existent, fewer shows, more hard ticket parties/events, less staff, more maintenance issues, etc.

 

[Robo]

what does FUD mean??

Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Rumors and speculation abound. Anyone who knows isn't talking.

Meanwhile, my SWAG is that guests at Deluxe resorts will have access to the NexGen system as part of their resort stay package (concierge level guests will prob have unlimited, while "ordinary" guests will probably have three per day or so -- to help them plan around meals and such).

Those staying at moderates will likely be able to purchase at a specific price point. Those staying in values will likely also be able to purchase, but at a slightly higher price point.

I don't care to speculate about non-resort guest availability, only to hazard a guess that if there's capacity available, they'll sell it (think MNSHP and MVMCP).

...

Where do DVCers fit into this scenario? Or, do we get completely booted out?

We'll be BEGGING to pay big $$$$ for a ride ressie, that was once free. Can't wait for the threads.

 

[magicbob]

Where do DVCers fit into this scenario? Or, do we get completely booted out?

We'll be BEGGING to pay big $$$$ for a ride ressie, that was once free. Can't wait for the threads.

They've already GOT your money. Why would they worry about keeping you happy?

 

[maxiesmom]

Guess what? We were NOT FP hoarders! Although, there were numerous times, we were **gasp** late returning, due to circumstances beyond our control. I would even say, at least a 2-3 times each trip. Yes, it was nice to know, my family could ride their favorites and not stress about unpredictable TS or unusually long wait times for other attractions or broken rides. I won't take into account health issues, that can also factor in..but oh well.

Disney has changed a lot... walk up ressies for TS are almost none existent, fewer shows, more hard ticket parties/events, less staff, more maintenance issues, etc.

Do you really think Disney won't find a way to make exceptions for people who are truly late due to circumstances beyond their control?

Also, your belief that you cannot get walk up ADRs anymore is not right. During our trip last week we were able to walk up and eat, as a family of 6 no less, at both Tepan Edo and Biergarten. I think the new ADR policy has much to do with that.

And as far as the maintenance issues go, well, Disney may have let some stuff slide, but they are now fixing things up like crazy. I do hold the public at large partially responsible if you are talking about things like trash all over the place. Every time I saw a bathroom that was less than perfect I also saw someone attempting to clean them. People are horrible in public restrooms, no matter where you go anymore. And then you have people like the gem leaving the Animal Kingdom who told his daughter to just throw their garbage on the ground because "They pay people to clean that stuff up". And they were less than 5 feet away from a trash can at the time.

 

[goofyernmost]

Yep, it's that simple. We are always seated promptly...with ADRs. Our service is never ridiculously slow. And really, we should anticipate every moment of down time or delay. I plan nothing, and wander aimlessly through the parks. Zigging and zagging..no concept of time..no schedule and don't even know.. where I'm going. I guess, wanting more, than one sit down meal and two rides (maybe a potty break and a snack) in an 8 hour day, really is expecting too much

In spite of the fact that this post is meant to be sarcasm, I will jump in here and say this. That has always been my method of touring since my first visit to WDW in 1983. Since Fastpass was enacted I will be willing to bet you that I haven't actually sought after more then 10 of them the entire time. I zig zag, I stop and watch the street shows, I walk casually to the attractions and stop in the ones that, at the time, look manageable and I have never left not thinking that I saw everything I wanted too. I will admit that I have used a couple of Fastpasses late, but not because I was unavoidably held up. It was because I decided to go later. I have taken FP's and gone on other rides while waiting for my window to open, did that math and knew how much time I had. (That is another point if you plan for the beginning of your window, it gives you an entire hour extra in the event of a delay)

If someone takes a FP for 3:30 PM and then decides that they want to watch the parade...well there is a good chance that you will miss one or the other. Other than that it's all just simple math. If you don't know when your ADR's are you're going to miss them anyway. If you do, you work around it. One can wave their arms and scream unfair until the cows come home, it doesn't change the fact that it is all very doable. Even if you are forced to miss ONE ride, I sincerely doubt that the world will come to an end.

Many of us went to WDW for years before Fastpass was ever heard of and guess what, we saw everything and enjoyed ourselves enough to keep coming back year after year. Heck, when you consider the time it takes to get to the FP machines and then leave to do something else and then come back I really don't think that overall one is saving all that much time anyway. You only think you do. One of Disney's sleight of hand tricks.

 

[TDC Nala]

During our trip last week we were able to walk up and eat, as a family of 6 no less, at both Tepan Edo and Biergarten. I think the new ADR policy has much to do with that.

Teppan Edo and Biergarten are not subject to that policy. But I have heard that after implementation of the ADR credit card hold policy, the no-show rate at Le Cellier has drastically declined, so it appears the policy is doing what Disney wanted it to do.

 

[goofyernmost]

Teppan Edo and Biergarten are not subject to that policy. But I have heard that after implementation of the ADR credit card hold policy, the no-show rate at Le Cellier has drastically declined, so it appears the policy is doing what Disney wanted it to do.

That they had to do something about. There were large numbers of people making duplicate ressies at multiple restaurants and then only showing up at one of them. That threw Disney's planning all completely off. Not only were they expecting and holding a place for someone the was going to be a no show but it also prevented someone that was going to use it from making an ADR to begin with. Very, very thoughtless and self-involved people.

If the trial places are actually having positive results from this change, I wouldn't be a bit surprised that it will be a food service wide policy before too long. It is only fair. All this talk about how Disney is being unfair with their policies pales in comparison to the types of thoughtless things that the guests are capable of doing with a smile on there faces.

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

Can we let this thread die now? It, and this topic, needs to be taken off life support.

 

[DebbieB]

They've already GOT your money. Why would they worry about keeping you happy?

They want you to add on. They want to sell new points, they have not stopped building.

 

[goofyernmost]

Can we let this thread die now? It, and this topic, needs to be taken off life support.

Sure we can...just don't post on it and it will die. Posting that you want it to die just gives it another breath. And it looks like the topic has change ever so slightly anyway.

With 14382 hits and 350 posts, who knows, it may live forever!

 

[maxiesmom]

Teppan Edo and Biergarten are not subject to that policy. But I have heard that after implementation of the ADR credit card hold policy, the no-show rate at Le Cellier has drastically declined, so it appears the policy is doing what Disney wanted it to do.

From what I have read though, a lot of people don't realize that. They are just assuming all restaurants are going to charge if you don't show up. I do know that in years past we couldn't walk up to Biergarten. I think the only World Showcase we were able to walk up to was Morocco. That day in Epcot we actually had a few restaurants to choose from, and it was nice indeed.

 

[jfulcer]

Here now. It's spring break really, so crowds are heavy but not crushing.

I've seen some fastpass lines look REALLY long, but most are normal length. There are lots of times where there is nobody in line - we think it's because those who have FP are there at the beginning and the line is not used towards the end.

I think if you plan to use them, use them more towards the end of your time period.

But don't be late - they are turning people away.

 

[mesaboy2]

Here now. It's spring break really, so crowds are heavy but not crushing.

I've seen some fastpass lines look REALLY long, but most are normal length. There are lots of times where there is nobody in line - we think it's because those who have FP are there at the beginning and the line is not used towards the end.

I think if you plan to use them, use them more towards the end of your time period.

But don't be late - they are turning people away.

Here now as well. Since FP windows are issued in 5-minute increments, I don't think it matters when you show up in your window. But I've had a similar experience with the length of FP queues the last few days. And those that look long, still move relatively quickly. I'd guess we waited an average of 15 minutes or so from queue entry to boarding in the three or four rides I encountered them.

 

[WillAustin]

I'd guess we waited an average of 15 minutes or so from queue entry to boarding in the three or four rides I encountered them.

Comparing that to our past trips, always in mid-July, I'd consider a 15 minute FP line to be long.

As I have posted before, I'll be very disappointed if the new enforcement results in an increase in average FP line time.

 

[mesaboy2]

Comparing that to our past trips, always in mid-July, I'd consider a 15 minute FP line to be long.

Agreed. That's why my initial impression is not good. I remain naively hopeful that somehow xPass will "make it better", but until then I'm unimpressed.

 

[goofyernmost]

Personally, I think that increase in FP line length is due to the fact that more are using them when they are supposed too. I haven't heard that they are giving out MORE FP's then usual, per hour, so the only explanation has to be that people are getting there during the window. The real test would be if the FP lines are longer later in the day, like after fireworks or the parade, when those that were holding on to them would use them. I'll bet they are a lot smaller later in the day now when the rides aren't as busy anyway. Just a guess here...don't hold me to it.

 

[Liza111577]

Here now as well. Since FP windows are issued in 5-minute increments, I don't think it matters when you show up in your window. But I've had a similar experience with the length of FP queues the last few days. And those that look long, still move relatively quickly. I'd guess we waited an average of 15 minutes or so from queue entry to boarding in the three or four rides I encountered them.

Comparing that to our past trips, always in mid-July, I'd consider a 15 minute FP line to be long.

As I have posted before, I'll be very disappointed if the new enforcement results in an increase in average FP line time.

Hopefully this won't be the norm. Or who knows, maybe if they realize this doesn't work it will go back to the way it was.
I only found out about the late FP use on our last trip, the few trips prior to that we stuck to our FP return time and in a few cases didn't make it and threw out the FP not knowing we could use them at a later time.
Our last trip was much more relaxed and we got a lot more done.
Wish I had found out about it sooner and been able to take advantage of it more than just one trip.
But it is what it is. We'll see what happens with Nexgen...

 

[CurlyJo224]

I've got a question. If the ability to use Fast Passes late was just the way everyone was supposed to do it, just not everyone knew, rather than Disney's considerate provision for when crap happens, then why did they even bother putting an end time on the Fast Pass window?

They obviously intended people to come back in the one hour window that was on the Fast Pass, but just chose not to fight that battle until now. The provision for being able to use it late was probably just intended for the times when unforeseen circumstances such as transportation problems or restaurant issues caused you to be late. But people got wind of it, and started taking advantage of it and it just became the norm for those in the know.

IMO, this is why other nice things (waking up Tink, etc) went away. They went from being unexpected touches, to "Why didn't I get my ____?"

 

[Twitter]

I'm a little timid asking this question. Please remember that I have NEVER been to Disney World - and only once to Disneyland as an adult so I might have NO idea what I'm talking about here...

Why is it that there are some folks who are acting as if without being able to ride Fast Pass ride X at any time they want to, it prevents them from doing ANYTHING? I mean, isn't this just ONE component of a very complicated system changed?

Is there anyone who can tell me why this little change is said to affect so much, and why everyone is so concerned about it? Does it just have to do with ADRs? Or is it more than that?

I wonder also. Been to WDW many times. We always have multiple ADRs per day and use PF. Never ever were to late for a FP window and I'm not the brightest bulb on the tree