March 7th Fast Pass Experiences

[magicbob]

I have absolutely no issue with returning within the stated window. If you don't think you can make it back to that attraction before the window closes, don't take a FP. FP were not put out there in order to allow guests to get a FP and then head off and eat or ride 15 other rides. They were given in order to let guests do something other than stand in the standby line...doing nothing. Now, with FP, you can head to a gift shop, or maybe ride another ride. But seriously?? You want the ability to take a FP, with a return window of 11:45-12:45, and then head off to a table service restaurant??? And then, when you can't make it back before 12:45, you want to still be able to use the FP??

I really wish Disney hadn't allowed us to use the FP past the return time. If they had held us to the stated times, this wouldn't be happening. People get used to taking advantage of something, and then when it's changed back to what it was 'supposed' to be, they get all in a dither and say they can no longer plan accordingly and they will miss things.

Take a FP if you can return within the times...if you want to head to BTMRR or SpMt, then you may not want to take a Space Mt FP with a return time of 11:45-12:45, at 10:00...you may very well not make it back. Especially if you want to grab something to eat in there.

I'm surprised that so many (and a moderator to boot) are still harping on late FP use. It's history. For the most part, every post I've seen from people who used to use FPs late have expressed that, while it is disappointing that the convenience of using a FP late has gone away, we will just adapt to the new expectation. But those who disagreed with the practice are still preaching and assuming that we are now up in arms over our rights being taken away. That's just not the case. Will it make planning and touring strategies more complicated? Yes. Will we comply with the new expectation and still enjoy ourselves? Yes.

But seriously?? You want the ability to take a FP, with a return window of 11:45-12:45, and then head off to a table service restaurant??? And then, when you can't make it back before 12:45, you want to still be able to use the FP??

This part bears repeating. We did not WANT or EXPECT the ability to do that. Disney designed the system so that we (and you and anyone else) HAD the ability to do it. Now we don't. So we will adapt.

 

[Mister Skellington]

I am interested to know what will happen when rides are down for an extended period of time.

As far as late FP usage changing wait times, it most certainly could. The disagreement may be over what each it thinking. Use of late FP's will not change the total number of riders in a day. The ride has a constant that will not change unless there are problems with the ride. But if a large tour group, say from Brazil, would come with 150 late FP's, the standby line that was suppose to be 45 minutes when you got in line will suddenly jump to 60 minutes. Now this is likely a short term change as those coming up to ride standby would then likely not get in line if this were a longer than normal wait. After a short amount of time, the standby would then drop back down to the normal wait time for that particular day.

In short, if a large number of FP's were used in a short amount of time, then those waiting in standby will have to wait longer than what was stated when they first got into line.

The point here has been made before. The other side to it is that when 150 people use it later than they should, they also DIDNT use it earlier. This actually reduces wait times earlier in the day. Over the course of the whole day its a wash.

Personally, I am pretty sure this horse has been flogged enough. lol

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

As far as late FP usage changing wait times, it most certainly could. ...

In short, if a large number of FP's were used in a short amount of time, then those waiting in standby will have to wait longer than what was stated when they first got into line.

This was always the case, regardless of late FP usage. Certainly there can be a run on the FP line of valid FP's at any given time. Of course if late FP usage was that bad then earlier standby times could go up but later standby times will go down. I suspect that standby times wills stay pretty constant for two reasons:

First, so many DISers seem to feel that the allowance of late FP usage was not known to most people. This means the percentage of FP usage that was outside the return window was probably not very large.

Second, If wait times were to go up in the morning people may choose to postpone the ride at that time for another attraction, thus lowering the wait times.

 

[Wadecool]

Personally, I am pretty sure this horse has been flogged enough. lol

I would agree with you. Unfortunately, I don't think they're done with the old girl.

 

[mom2rtk]

^^^LOL!

So where will they channel their energy now? Maybe they can start berating people who don't show up in the first 10 minutes of their fastpass window.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

I would agree with you. Unfortunately, I don't think they're done with the old girl.

There is something about storm troopers with baseball bats that I find amusing.

 

[mom2rtk]

This was always the case, regardless of late FP usage. Certainly there can be a run on the FP line of valid FP's at any given time. Of course if late FP usage was that bad then earlier standby times could go up but later standby times will go down. I suspect that standby times wills stay pretty constant for two reasons:

First, so many DISers seem to feel that the allowance of late FP usage was not known to most people. This means the percentage of FP usage that was outside the return window was probably not very large.

Second, If wait times were to go up in the morning people may choose to postpone the ride at that time for another attraction, thus lowering the wait times.

Stop spoiling all their fun!

They want to contend 1) that it wasn't fair that so FEW people know about it and 2) that so MANY people knew about it that it messed up wait times later in the day.

 

[Mister Skellington]

I would agree with you. Unfortunately, I don't think they're done with the old girl.

CLASSIC!!!

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

There will always be a difference of opinion on how the "old" FP system was designed.

A) Some will maintain it was designed to allow late use.

B) Some will maintain it was not designed to allow late use, but there was a method for dealing with late use, and that method was to allow the park-goer access.

The issue will never be resolved becasue NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE!

But really who cares. The issue is pretty clear now.

 

[k^2]

There will always be a difference of opinion on how the "old" FP system was designed.

A) Some will maintain it was designed to allow late use.

B) Some will maintain it was not designed to allow late use, but there was a method for dealing with late use, and that method was to allow the park-goer access.

The issue will never be resolved becasue NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE!

But really who cares. The issue is pretty clear now.

What about the one guy who posted a really long letter about his talk with someone who originally designed FP and stated that the end time was only so people wouldn't get confused? Unfortunately, I don't remember his username, and the only thing I can tell you about the thread was that it was a FP debate

ETA: Not trying to fan the flames (though I probably did) - just making the comment that at some point, someone claimed to know that answer. Regardless, times have changed, we will adapt, blah blah.

 

[magicbob]

the only thing I can tell you about the thread was that it was a FP debate

That doesn't narrow it down too much!

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

What about the one guy who posted a really long letter about his talk with someone who originally designed FP and stated that the end time was only so people wouldn't get confused? Unfortunately, I don't remember his username, and the only thing I can tell you about the thread was that it was a FP debate

ETA: Not trying to fan the flames (though I probably did) - just making the comment that at some point, someone claimed to know that answer. Regardless, times have changed, we will adapt, blah blah.

too funny!

I actually remember that post (or those posts) as well! It was a consultant of some sort that worked on the design of the system I think.

And then we have the infamous friend of the poster Princess Tiffany.

whatever...I really just don't care anymore!

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

What about the one guy who posted a really long letter about his talk with someone who originally designed FP and stated that the end time was only so people wouldn't get confused?

Objection your honor, heresay.

I'm curious as to how enforcement is being handled today. Yesterday late FP returners were admitted with the warning that in the future they must return within the designated timeframe. Has anyone seen a report from today? I assume that this type of "enforcement" will go on for some time as Disney attempts to ween guest off the old standards, though probably not long enough for my May trip.

 

[Beaniesmg]

I was fortunate enough to take my grandchildren to the world the last two years. The first time I didn't understand nor use to our advantage the FP system. The second time we used it well and it made such a difference in our touring!

I have airline tickets and the WL reserved for June. I haven't purchased park tickets yet,i get those at AAA. I'm going to look into Universal and other Orlando options instead. Universal has a front of the line option and I don't mind paying extra for it.

To not enforce the FP was the same as allowing it. After a time period when rules aren't enforced it becomes acceptable and in most legal venues it becomes the new 'law' or rule.

To begin enforcement is equal to changing the rules. it is taking away an advantage we used to maximize our enjoyment while spending our hard earned money.

Adapt? We shouldn't have to. I think this is all a set up for a new system which will cost extra if we chose. Why make us suffer till then, well..it's so we aren't getting something free for which they are planning to start charging.

So I've never taken the kids to all the other Orlando attractions, I think it's time I do!

 

[Balt ravens fan]

So I've never taken the kids to all the other Orlando attractions, I think it's time I do!

Cool the lines will be even shorter... j/k

Seriously though, I am all for seeing the other things in Orlando - I have been to Universal, SeaWorld, and this year we are going to try Legoland (in addition to Disney.) BUT just remember sacrificing QUALITY for QUANTITY is not always that great. (Not saying US, SW and LL are not Quality, but I think WDW is just much higher Quality.)

 

[scion5220]

Ah, but then there were 100 more slots in an earlier time frame for standby guests. Now, this DOES affect how long you wait in the line (compared to what was advertised before you entered). But you end up getting on the attraction at the same time of day you would have in either case.

Why does everyone act like the ride lines are always continuously flowing streams of people? If I walk up to a standby line at a particular point in time and there is ONE person ahead of me which prevents me from immediately boarding...and at the same moment 100 people with fastpasses walk in and begin boarding then I don't give a rat's [butt] about how many people went before me in the standby line that day I now have to wait longer simply because we all arrived at the same moment in time. Would be the same if they all got in the standby line right ahead of me as well (which is all FP is really doing.)

Please accept that it is not a zero sum game to every individual rider.

 

[MikeRx]

There is something about storm troopers with baseball bats that I find amusing.

At least they could hit something with the bat....from their cinematic record they aren't so good with their blasters.
Maybe the FP police/CMs could be there in storm trooper attire to enforce FP times, that may be cool and an extra photopass opportunity!

Mike DW DS (4) DMIL
First visit 1976, last visit WDW 2/2010 BC CL and DL GC 12/2010, future WDW 7/2012 (off site meeting), 4/2013 Poly with cruise!

 

[KellyNY]

Factual inaccuracy of my lone "guilt" aside, I was not calling anyone names on the previous thread either. Any "names" used were referring to people like myself and done so only to illustrate how we felt we were being labeled based on the attitudes of others, who questioned the integrity of late FP users in countless posts from numerous threads spanning years. I'll let the record of past posts speak for themselves. The evidence is there for anyone who wishes to do a search and read it.

If you, personally, posted nothing that supported that position then you need not be defensive about posts referring to those who DID take that position.

I am sorry but I cannot care less what people were calling you over the years on Dis for using late FP, or what you think they actually meant. It has nothing to do with me and nobody called you anything on previous thread as well, yet you continue to reply to my posts with you baggage.

Thing is, it is entirely possible to disagree on late FPs and not to be "morales" or look at someone like he is low life, guess you do not understand that it is not black and white. Continue play victim if you want, who cares. It seems to me with all your snarky comments to my posts over different threads that you just looking for a fight and you are actually the one who cannot let it go.

 

[Mister Skellington]

Cool the lines will be even shorter... j/k

Seriously though, I am all for seeing the other things in Orlando - I have been to Universal, SeaWorld, and this year we are going to try Legoland (in addition to Disney.) BUT just remember sacrificing QUALITY for QUANTITY is not always that great. (Not saying US, SW and LL are not Quality, but I think WDW is just much higher Quality.)

I have not been to Legoland but have been to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and both Universal Parks.
I think Busch is actually better than its counterpart AK.
SeaWorld is one of the nicest things to do in Orlando. What a nice relaxing day compared to all the other parks in the area!
Universal (IOA in particular) has amazing rides. Spiderman in particular is probably my favorite ride at any theme park.

What these parks lack in "magic" they make up for in other ways. I love Disney but there is a TON of fun things to do in the area that dont have a mouse attached.

 

[doconeill]

Cool the lines will be even shorter... j/k

Seriously though, I am all for seeing the other things in Orlando - I have been to Universal, SeaWorld, and this year we are going to try Legoland (in addition to Disney.) BUT just remember sacrificing QUALITY for QUANTITY is not always that great. (Not saying US, SW and LL are not Quality, but I think WDW is just much higher Quality.)

There are lots of different things to do. My problem is that Disney has very skillfully made it difficult to justify going off-site for one or two days by making their tickets cheaper for longer, while other attraction have also raised their prices making a one-day visit expensive which ALSO drives me to stay at Disney. Universal gets a day out of my family next trip just because of Harry Potter, and probably won't get it again for a while. SeaWorld, which we were going to go to a few years ago, got nothing from us instead because it would have been nearly $300 for that one day. We'd check out Legoland but it's a bit out of the way.

We'd do these things on a shorter, "room-only"-type trip, but with flights going up in price again, I can't justify going for just a weekend any more.

Here's a challenge to other attractions: Throw a bone to Disney guests. Offer a discount to guests that hold a Disney ticket (not sure how they'd validate it though)