FP Return Window

[PurpleKomodo]

I was reading an old post on maximizing FP at DL because return windows are not enforced. The post was from 2005. Since it is 11 years later, is this still the case, or are the return windows enforced now? We are going during the summer peak season so any tips I can get on maximizing FPs the better.

 

[mom2rtk]

The window has been enforced for several years now.

 

[DLRExpert]

I was reading an old post on maximizing FP at DL because return windows are not enforced. The post was from 2005. Since it is 11 years later, is this still the case, or are the return windows enforced now? We are going during the summer peak season so any tips I can get on maximizing FPs the better.

It is being enforced, but I have always been accepted if I was late 15 minutes or less.

Best tip I can give is to get your next FP as soon as you are allowed to. The ride the attraction you currently have FP for. For example, you get an Indy FP for 10am-11am. If I am allowed to get FP at 10am, I will be at the Space Mountain FP at 10am then use the Indy FP before the 11am return time.

For being able to get your next FP, look at the small print underneath the return times on the ticket.

For being able to use your FP, look at the bold text with the time listed. Focus on the end time, don't rush to experience the attraction when the FP starts.

ME

 

[WonkaKid]

As posters above have mentioned, you're allowed some leeway. However, if you return at your scheduled time and the ride is down, the FP will be honored -- I was told by CMs yesterday -- for any later time that day. Also, say your return time for Ghost Galaxy is 2:50 and you're late because of a breakdown/slowdown on another ride -- say, POTC -- they'll usually let you slide, if it's within a reasonable time, of course. If it's, say, three hours later, you'll probably be out of luck.

 

[Geemo]

I was reading an old post on maximizing FP at DL because return windows are not enforced. The post was from 2005. Since it is 11 years later, is this still the case, or are the return windows enforced now? We are going during the summer peak season so any tips I can get on maximizing FPs the better.

Oooo.... The Good Ole Days.......
Not enforcing FP return times is a thing of the past. Just like slow days in the parks..... Oh well....

Now it's join the crowd and use those FP's!

Our way to tour the parks is changing due to the volume in the parks.
Before we never really took a break in the middle of the day. Now we do.
We always try to start right at park opening and go until the lines are approaching 45 - 60 minutes.

We are fortunate to be able to visit the parks most every year. So DOING everything isn't as important to us.
A few weeks before our trip I begin to watch the Disneyland app line info, along with also calling "ASK OTTO" for trends during the day.
It helps me decide if I've made my ADR's at the best times.

DLRExpert has outlined nicely how to pull/use FP's. The only thing I'd add is to know if/or which FP attractions are "disconnected".

Disconnected is when the FP for a certain attraction isn't tied into the overall FP system.
I believe BuzzLightYearAstroBlasters is one that is Disconnected. As for any other rides, I'm not sure.
The Shows are generally Disconnected, these would be Frozen, WOC and Fantasmic! when it was showing.

The other piece of advice you'll receive is start at park opening every day.

Enjoy your trip

Geemo

 

[MacMama0930]

I don't understand how fast pass return times were ever not enforced. Doesn't that essentially make the fast pass useless? Although I never experienced the not enforcing, and I'm sure in many respects it was nice, but I'm glad they enforce it now. Seems like not enforcing it would make return lines potentially much longer.

Like PP mentioned, take careful note of when you can pull your next fast pass. I did what PP did. If my return time window opened up at 10am, I'd go pull another fast pass before returning, and then that window opens sooner, ya know? People assume you can only have ONE fast pass at a time, yet there are two loopholes to that rule (either two hours after you pull your first FP or once your return time opens...also Buzz is currently disconnected. AND if you have a runner, the FP between the parks are disconnected!). There's a little bit of science to it, but once you get the hang of it, it's SOOO nice! We went last week and experienced freakishly high crowds, and we still managed to do every ride, multiple times, with never waiting longer than 20 minutes. The fast pass system is AMAZING when you use it correctly.

 

[Geemo]

I don't understand how fast pass return times were ever not enforced. Doesn't that essentially make the fast pass useless? Although I never experienced the not enforcing, and I'm sure in many respects it was nice, but I'm glad they enforce it now. Seems like not enforcing it would make return lines potentially much longer.

The Not Enforcing of Return Times, was the way it was. Only Disney didn't broadcast it.
Yes, there were times when the FP line would be longer than the stand-by line.

 

[DLRExpert]

I don't understand how fast pass return times were ever not enforced. Doesn't that essentially make the fast pass useless? Although I never experienced the not enforcing, and I'm sure in many respects it was nice, but I'm glad they enforce it now. Seems like not enforcing it would make return lines potentially much longer.

FP Return lines were short during the early part of the day. Guests started to abuse the system and waited to use their FP as the standby lines usually get longer as the day goes on. Which in turn made FP a bit longer in some instances, but really affected the standby line.