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

[KellyNY]

Sure it's correct. At least in as much as it was causing far fewer problems than enforcing the window causes. That's why they went years without making any attempt to enforce the window. They made a mistake in thinking enforcing a 1-hour window was the right thing to do, so they corrected the mistake. Their original intent is irrelevant because they clearly made some bad assumptions. It happens.

Nothing has changed in that regard. What has changed is the new product they want to sell, and THAT is the only reason for the enforcement change. And of course none of us know how it will all work out since we have very little info on how the new system will work.

The only thing we should keep in mind is that this is clearly a fluid situation. As Xpass goes live and ramps up Disney is likely going to make changes as they go. After all, they had to do it with FP, and Xpass certainly appers to be a more complicated system. So I wouldn't assume that anything is set in stone, even including the new FP enforcement. If once they get XPass up and running they find the enforcement still causes more problems than it solves, they will backtrack again. I wouldn't count on it, but you never know, and that's the point as far as the future goes.







Under the current system, not enforcing the window was causing fewer problems than enforcing it. So Disney stopped enforcing the end time. Once they make that choice, their original intent becomes irrelevant. They made a mistake in thinking enforcing a one hour window was the best way to go, so they corrected that mistake.

So any problems it may have been causing have nothing to do with the change. The reason is the new xpass system, period.

You forgetting one tiny detail, majority used FPs on time and it did not cause any problems. It is not like change affects everyone, nothing changed for majority and because there were no problems before, it is safe to say Disney made no mistake. Many people just do not want to even try, well their problem, not Disney.

 

[magicbob]

I have no idea what span of time that it is set up for from issue to ride

If I understand your post correctly, then I think we're in agreement that there IS a mechanism for automatically advancing the window based on the clock (or sooner if the number of FPs alloted for that window have already been distributed). But I was asking if there was anyone "in the know" who could give us details on precisely what the time buffer is. At what point (how far ahead of time) does the computer advance the return time window, even if the max number of FPs were not distributed?

 

[raidermatt]

The point of a thread like this is not to get an "official list of exceptions". If that existed, we could just get it off of Disney's site.

The point of a thread like this, and really, the main point of using a board like this is to get practical information you can use, regardless of whether Disney officially posts it or not.

As for the idea that every exception would be different, that's just not true. Some will be, sure. If the reason for the request is related only to your group, for example.

But if the reason for wanting a late return is a ride breakdown, that is going to be handled the same way every time (or at least it should be). It happens too often and it involves too many people to simply tell CMs "Do what you think is best", or send everyone to Guest Relations.

Do you really think they won't have a solid policy in place for when Space Mountain breaks down for 2 hours? Of course they will. So why is it a problem to want to know what that policy is, or will be?

 

[Jennasis]

The point of a thread like this is not to get an "official list of exceptions". If that existed, we could just get it off of Disney's site.

The point of a thread like this, and really, the main point of using a board like this is to get practical information you can use, regardless of whether Disney officially posts it or not.

As for the idea that every exception would be different, that's just not true. Some will be, sure. If the reason for the request is related only to your group, for example.

But if the reason for wanting a late return is a ride breakdown, that is going to be handled the same way every time (or at least it should be). It happens too often and it involves too many people to simply tell CMs "Do what you think is best", or send everyone to Guest Relations.

Do you really think they won't have a solid policy in place for when Space Mountain breaks down for 2 hours? Of course they will. So why is it a problem to want to know what that policy is, or will be?

If you were addressing my post, I had made a suggestion for how to handle stuff that was Disney's fault (ride breakdowns, long running ADR's etc). Have someone there at the ride or restaurant with a stamp to validate.

As for the official list...Disney never officially released that FP could be used late, so why would we expect them to release to the public an official list of exceptions? Not gonna happen. I was referring to the list that would be given to CM's.

Some enterprising person could try and email Guest relations and ask what is to be done for FP that are missed due to ride breakdowns or ADRs. That person isn't me though.

 

[raidermatt]

If BTMR breaks down and you are holding a FP for that time, the ride operators know what time it was inoperative and can easily make that exception. Let's not read more into this then is necessary. There are probably a number of legitimate reasons that the time might be extended. The ones that this prevents are those that just wanted to ride later, so they show up later and for no other reason. Taking time out to dine, in my mind is not a reasonable argument. That is something the the individual can plan around, not an unavoidable delay. It will remain Disney's choice what is avoidable and what isn't. It's their playground and they make the rules. A cruel fact of life.

With all the shift changes, breaks, lunches, etc., I wouldn't think having the CMs at the FP line know the time range on the breakdown, and then have to look at all the late FPs for their time, would be the best way to go. As others have said, a stamp would seem to be a better idea.

But that's exactly the kind of question some would like to have answered. Why? Partly just to know, but partly because you will know if you have to have your whole party come up to the front of a line for a stamp, or if you can just leave when you find out the ride is down.

Whether you, I, or anyone else thinks "taking time out to dine" is a valid reason for an exception or not is completely irrelevant. As you said, all that matters is what Disney thinks, and their choice will be based on what works best for them, both operationally and in terms of revenue. Until we get examples of how this is handled and under what circumstances, we don't know what they will do. That's the reason for threads like this. If you are going to write off your FP in these cases even if Disney is willing to make an exception, that's your right. But it doesn't mean everyone else has to do the same.

 

[KellyNY]

The point of a thread like this is not to get an "official list of exceptions". If that existed, we could just get it off of Disney's site.

The point of a thread like this, and really, the main point of using a board like this is to get practical information you can use, regardless of whether Disney officially posts it or not.

As for the idea that every exception would be different, that's just not true. Some will be, sure. If the reason for the request is related only to your group, for example.

But if the reason for wanting a late return is a ride breakdown, that is going to be handled the same way every time (or at least it should be). It happens too often and it involves too many people to simply tell CMs "Do what you think is best", or send everyone to Guest Relations.

Do you really think they won't have a solid policy in place for when Space Mountain breaks down for 2 hours? Of course they will. So why is it a problem to want to know what that policy is, or will be?

When "what if" happens you will learn everything you need to know. You will call manager and ask right away if they will not handle it themselves.
Otherwise you do not need this info, unless somehow you want to recreate it.

 

[KellyNY]

With all the shift changes, breaks, lunches, etc., I wouldn't think having the CMs at the FP line know the time range on the breakdown, and then have to look at all the late FPs for their time, would be the best way to go. As others have said, a stamp would seem to be a better idea.

But that's exactly the kind of question some would like to have answered. Why? Partly just to know, but partly because you will know if you have to have your whole party come up to the front of a line for a stamp, or if you can just leave when you find out the ride is down.

Whether you, I, or anyone else thinks "taking time out to dine" is a valid reason for an exception or not is completely irrelevant. As you said, all that matters is what Disney thinks, and their choice will be based on what works best for them, both operationally and in terms of revenue. Until we get examples of how this is handled and under what circumstances, we don't know what they will do. That's the reason for threads like this. If you are going to write off your FP in these cases even if Disney is willing to make an exception, that's your right. But it doesn't mean everyone else has to do the same.

And again, what stopping you from calling manager or asking for a stamp? Even if you do not know you can try.

 

[raidermatt]

You forgetting one tiny detail, majority used FPs on time and it did not cause any problems. It is not like change affects everyone, nothing changed for majority and because there were no problems before, it is safe to say Disney made no mistake. Many people just do not want to even try, well their problem, not Disney.

Not forgetting anything. The point is that ENFORCING the end time was a mistake, that's why they stopped so many years ago. What you are addressing is the printed window on the ticket. Disney left that alone for the reason you pointed out, that most people at least made an effort to return in or close to the window. That balance is what worked best.

Some didn't like that Disney made this choice, but as you said, their problem, not Disney's.

Things have changed now due to a new system and people want to understand the ins and outs of the system, hence a thread like this. If all you want are the official rules and what's printed on the ticket, there's no need to even come to this site, let alone open a thread like this. That info is available on the FP itself and I'm sure will be in the next Birnbaum Official Guidebook. Most here are looking for more than that though.

 

[DavidNYC]

I figured that they would have to advance the clock regardless of distribution to prevent the current time from "catching up" with the return time. The question is: how far in advance does the clock move? In other words, could you theoretically get a 10-11 am FP at 9:55 am? 9:59 am? Or does the clock move ahead earlier than that (i.e., maintaining at least a 45 minute buffer... or some other length of time, for that matter)?

I don't recall ever seeing less than 30 minutes from the time it was then. Although I've seeing 45 minutes - 1 hour later on many times. The weird thing is how many times I saw a FP return time of say 1 hour later when the standby line was posted at 45-50 minutes.

 

[raidermatt]

When "what if" happens you will learn everything you need to know. You will call manager and ask right away if they will not handle it themselves.
Otherwise you do not need this info, unless somehow you want to recreate it.

Fortunately, you are not in charge of deciding what everyone else needs to know.

 

[KellyNY]

Things have changed now due to a new system and people want to understand the ins and outs of the system, hence a thread like this.

Exactly, people want ins and outs, how to get around rules that are very clearly stated now.

 

[maxiesmom]

Not forgetting anything. The point is that ENFORCING the end time was a mistake, that's why they stopped so many years ago. What you are addressing is the printed window on the ticket. Disney left that alone for the reason you pointed out, that most people at least made an effort to return in or close to the window. That balance is what worked best.

I don't agree at all. I think letting people use any excuse for missing their fastpass window was a mistake. A balance would be best, but as is shown time and time again, give people an inch and they take a mile. Instead of CMs letting people who honestly missed their window into the line late we had people missing their window on purpose. I'm sure that is not what was intended when the fastpasses were started, guest going on the ride whenever they felt like it. True balance could only be achieved by guests using their tickets during the listed time window, not by showing up whenever they pleased.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

I don't recall ever seeing less than 30 minutes from the time it was then. Although I've seeing 45 minutes - 1 hour later on many times. The weird thing is how many times I saw a FP return time of say 1 hour later when the standby line was posted at 45-50 minutes.

The shortest I have ever seen was 45 minutes from the current time. It was at KS and the standby line was 45 minutes. I could not understand why anyone would get in the standby line when they could grab a fastpass and do something more productive without a significant change in the time they would ride.

Not forgetting anything. The point is that ENFORCING the end time was a mistake, that's why they stopped so many years ago. What you are addressing is the printed window on the ticket. Disney left that alone for the reason you pointed out, that most people at least made an effort to return in or close to the window. That balance is what worked best.

I think it may be a stretch to say it was a mistake to enforce the return return window. I imagine that they found several people with the same complaints you are seeing now, breakdowns, late ADR's slow lines at other attractions, and they decided it would be easier to allow late use then to handle these on a case-by-case basis. In the end much less stress for everyone involved without significant impact on the system.

 

[maxiesmom]

Exactly, people want ins and outs, how to get around rules that are very clearly stated now.

Very true. It is kinda funny how the thread currently above this one is someone wanting to know what would happen if they got YES tickets and didn't show up for the class. People will look for any loophole they can, or any way to scam that they can. Pretty sad.

 

[KellyNY]

Fortunately, you are not in charge of deciding what everyone else needs to know.

True, but Disboard is in charge. It is against the rules to discuss ways to break Disney rules.

 

[KellyNY]

Very true. It is kinda funny how the thread currently above this one is someone wanting to know what would happen if they got YES tickets and didn't show up for the class. People will look for any loophole they can, or any way to scam that they can. Pretty sad.

Very sad indeed.

 

[magicbob]

The weird thing is how many times I saw a FP return time of say 1 hour later when the standby line was posted at 45-50 minutes.

I've seen this too and never understood it. Granted, SOME of those people are possibly already holding FPs and aren't eligible for another one yet. But the large number of people entering those lines could not ALL be in that situation. Why would you wait in a line for 45-60 minutes when you can grab a FP and do something else during that time? To me, it just shows that MANY guests do not understand FP at ALL. Look at how many people are even confused about whether it's FREE or not.

 

[mmay60046]

I don't visit this board much. Every now and then I come back just to see if there's anything new. Then I read threads like this and I'm reminded why I stay away for so long.

 

[magicbob]

I don't visit this board much. Every now and then I come back just to see if there's anything new. Then I read threads like this and I'm reminded why I stay away for so long.

Thanks for your post. See you next year.

 

[larryz]

You know, none of this will matter come December 21 anyhow. Only 9 months and 7 days left to beat this dead horse.

That's what we said prior to March 7th, yet the horse is still taking a licking...