Is Multiple Fastpass Really Worth It?

[Chumpson]

Right now I am looking at booking a package through AAA travel and I am trying to figure out if staying Onsite(Disneyland Hotel) is really worth the 5-7 hundred dollar difference I am hearing.

I understand the "environment" thing, but from my research I have "heard" that while the pool is themed, my 4 and 6 year old won't be able to use the main slide, the walk is just as far as other hotels off sight and you are really just paying the extra for the name of "Disneyland Hotel". I am not all that concerned with the Disney trinkets on the walls and such, the rooms don't appear to be all that spiffy.

So, I think at this point I would be mostly buying the package on site for the MulitFastPass and I am wondering if it is that necessary with my kids and the rides we will spend most our time on during the week of May 9.

Let me know if I am WAY off or right ON. Thanks

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I've only used mulitple fastpass once, and it did make it easier for standing in line. However, I've been to Disneyland many many times with out-of-town guests and we've had a great time at the Disneyland Resort, just using regular fastpasses.

I really enjoy staying at the Disneyland and Grand Californian Hotels, however, if I had to choose between theming or the money to spend on restaurants, souvenirs, etc., I would choose one of the hotels across the street. You can still visit the grounds of the hotels and Downtown Disney, etc - it's all within walking distance.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

What time of the year are you going and which of the Fast Pass rides do you really think your kids will go on?

For me, it's not worth the extra 500.00 dollars because my girls only ride a few fast pass rides anyway.

We get to the park early in the day and pick up a FP for Pooh and POC then head to Fantasyland for the rides there, then to toon Town for some fun. After that we grab additional FP for Pooh and Pirates, have lunch than naps. After nap we ride Pooh and Pirates, Jungle Cruise, check out the tree house then ride Pooh and Pirates again before the parade. Then it's bed time.

My girls can't ride Indy, refuse to ride the Haunted Mansion (because of it's name ), can't ride Star Tours, I hate Autopia, and Roger Rabbit is enough once a day,oooh they are also too short for Splash. So while fast pass helps make our afternoons nice, it's not a deal breaker for us.

Weight the time of year you are going (busy season) and what rides the kids will ride and then you have to make the choice if the package is right for you.

Good luck,

 

[Chumpson]

Sonya we are going in May the week of the 9th and I have a 4 and 6 year old heights of 46 and 38, so we won't be doing a lot of those rides, much like yourself.

I forgot to add that stuff in my first post like I did on another message board.
Seems like HOJO or Best Western PP is right for us. Now I have to pick which one of those.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I like the HoJo because of the interior halls plus they just renovated the pool and have a kiddie pool which looks nice. Next to that is the Fairfield Inn, a little closer and within easy walking distance.

The Best Western Park Place Inn is nice because it's the closest to the walkway to Disneyland Resort, and after a long day it's nice to have less of a walk. Next to that is the Carousel Inn & they offer continental breakfast, so that might be a good choice if you want a bite to eat before hitting the parks.

Close to all of those hotels is a McDonalds, Denny's, Mimi's Cafe for a bite to eat.

 

[Judy from Boise]

At that time of the year I wouldn't think crowds would be an issue. Just try to get to the parks early to do FL.

 

[Chumpson]

To do FL? Still trying to figure out some of these acronymns.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

FL = Fantasyland

I have stayed at the HoJo's and it was very nice. If you are purchasing a package try to have the travel agent request a corner room in building two for extra room. If you are doing the reservations yourself, email me and I will give you an email address for Willie and he can often times give you a discount and a room upgrade. It's a special for web board members. You have to book a room first, then he will look at avalibility for the dates you are staying and see what he can do.

We really liked the HoJo's, the walk if further than the Park Place Inn, but I'm sure you will have a clean and safe room. They also have a great pool area and play area for the kids. Plus Mimi's is next door and they have wonderful food for a nice out of the park meal.

With the dates you are going, you will want to get to the park as early as possible. If the kids are early risers, try to be there 30 minutes before the gates open and head straight to the lands you enjoy.

Fantasyland rides do not have fast passes, so those lines are crazy later in the day. Also know that if you pick up fast passes for rides you can use them later than the time on them, they just have to be used that same day. So if your fastpass for Pooh says 1030-1130, you should have no problems useing them at 130.

Read up on fastpass so you can maximize it for the rides the kids will ride, if you have a question about it just start another thread and we will chime in with our two cents. hehe

Have fun,

 

[IandGsmom]

Last time we went (JUNE) it was busy and crowded and hot. Multiple fastpass was SOOOOOO cool. Basically I went around whatever land I was in and collected fastpasses for all the rides and we went fastpass to fastpass line. Hardly any waiting ever.

 

[JenniferW]

I'm confused. You don't have to stay on site to get multiple fastpasses, just buy the special tickets from AAA. I can't remember (maybe Passport plus) what they are called but you have to order them and they were $122 last year and was for 5 days with unlimited fastpasses, we don't stay on site at DL. Search threads for more info.

Jenn

 

[Sonya in Boise]

Beginning 2004 you DO have to stay on site AND buy your tickets from AAA to get the multiple FastPass tickets. This is something that has changed, Jan 2004

 

[HaleyB]

You shouldn't need it at that time of year and I do not think it is worth the extra money. I am an onsite fanatic in florida, but not in California. You can get a great hotel deal on priceline and make sure to check www.mousesavers.com out for tons of info and advice.
Do you know about the child swap? It is nice when you have little ones. They let one parent ride while the other waits with the kids and then you trade places so the other one can ride (no waiting) and if your older daughter can ride she can go twice, one time with each of you! Do not miss Indian Jones. It is a height restriction ride, but it is really fun.

 

[Mich Mouse]

How much more are the multiple fast passes? We are AAA members, are staying onsite and were quoted a rate of 387.00 for three adult 5 day park hoppers, through Disney. That works out to be 129.00 per peron for 5 days. How much more is the multiple fast pass 5 day ticket??

Must I book the whole room/tickets package from AAA?

Also, We are going the Tuesday after Presidents day for 5 days. What may the crowd level be that week?

 

[Chumpson]

You HAVE to stay AT either Paradise Pier, Disneyland Hotel, or Grand California to get the Unlimited Fastpass through AAA. Hopefully you had already planned to stay at one of them so this is a moot point. If you weren't going to then you weren't going to get the multiple option on your package.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Disney doesn't offer the multiple fastpass OTHER than through AAA? Isn't that odd?

 

[DW mouser]

Peter Pirate, I think it is totally discusting!! We are staying on site 6 days, have 5 day hoppers and still don't get the MulitFast Pass!! Maybe if enough people complain, Disney will change it to their packages at least!!!

 

[Mich Mouse]

Why not just change your ressies to "room only" and purchase your tickets from AAA? That is exactly what I intend to do !
I'm calling AAA tomorrow for the details.

Multiple fast passes means that I can get as many as I like in the course of a day? How does that work exactly? Is the ticket coded diferently?

 

[DW mouser]

I bought a package deal from Disney Travel. Airfare, transportation, even tickets and transportation to KBF. I think it would cost to change it. I will calll and ask though.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

Again, as a few of us have stated, you have to stay at a Disneyland property and book your vacation thru AAA to get the unlimited fastpass tickets. You can no longer just buy the tickets thru AAA.

Unlimited fast pass allows you to hold ONE VALID fast pass for EACH fast pass ride at one time. So you can not insert your ticket 3 time in a row to get 3 Splash tickets. Very handy during the summer season, not so needed during the off season.