mini-rant

[goofy4prez]

I'm not going to stand up on my soap box and give my self-righteous speal of shame on you for breaking the rules. Disney allowed FP's to be used beyond the window and did not enforce it. As a result, I did it to a limit. Not to the point where I had a pocket full of FP's, but I almost always had a couple to use later in the evening. It's almost like going 5 mph over the speed limit on the highway. Most do it, the police overlook it, and that's just the way it is.

With that said, I will not lose any sleep over WDW's commitment to enforcing the window. I will do what is allowed by using the FP within the time frame allowed by WDW. I will still go, have fun, and not be upset over the new commitment to enforce an existing rule.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~Oh...super! Another xPass thread! This is so exciting, I cannot wait for xPass, it's going to be fabulous!

 

[MelissathePooh]

So sorry for the stress it causes you to learn to follow the rules - not - Hoarders of fast passes till the end of the day people will get no sympathy from me. As a pp said, I didn't even realize that was going on, as I try to be a rule follower, instead of breaker. I will say , as we just got back, that the lines in the evening are much shorter. We always wondered why they were long in the evening - now we know Thanks, Disney, for finally enforcing the rules

For starters - it was NOT against the rules to use your fastpass after the window UNTIL recently.

We've been down here since May 24 and the new policy stinks. For all those who are used to going back within the window - wait until you get back down here and EVERYONE else is now doing that too. You never had a problem because people spread them out. The fastpass lines have been consistently longer in all the parks.

We've had to let several go because we couldn't meet the windows or forego getting one all together because the return times available are way out of our ability to get back. We don't line zigzagging across the park, our kids don't like it.

Not everyone likes to micromanage every second of their vacation and currently you are at the mercy of the fast pass system. Attractions with FP have had CM's out with flags to mark the back of the fast pass line...

If you haven't been back to use the new system - you really shouldn't comment on how it will work because you've never experienced FP working in this manner. Just because you always went back in the printer window doesn't mean a thing because not everyone did and NOBODY was breaking any rules.

As always if you go at opening you will have less waits in general, but we have not seen any positive impact to the new system aside from the benefit it gives to the standby line.

 

[MelissathePooh]

And for that matter - what I really LOVE is that for how many years now the "tip" that you can use a fastpass later than the window was some kind of beloved secret and now suddenly its breaking the rules and people who did it are "hoarders". Good grief - people on the dis are a fickle bunch!

 

[kandb]

I agree with you 100%. Who wants to run from one side of the park to the other and if you get 2 fastpasses for 2 different rides in a certain area, they could be at 2 totally different return times. Such a waste of valuable time running back and forth or staying in an area you don't want to be in, just waiting for your fastpast time to come up. You are probably right about the new fastpast system coming and having something to do with it.

 

[GAN]

currently at WDW with 3 dd's and 2 dgps - know i will get all kinds of flack from those purists who believe in using fp's during the return window, but i have to say how much it has negatively impacted our touring strategy.

we had really become spoiled by being able to accumulate fp's throughout the day and using them as it was most convenient for us - usually saving several sets for later in the day/evening.

now there's a great deal of stress put on deciding what we can fit in before the next window is up and it has significantly detracted from our experience.

really feel like disney is setting the table for charging resort guests for the xpass that will allow guests, for a fee, to purchase fast passes at a set time for headline attractions 6 mos in advance. They have created the demand b/c of the inconvenience that they've caused those of us who can't "work the system" anymore by saving fp's for later use.

ok - take your shots.....

Why think of it negatively -consider it a challenge. Like a few others, we always returned within the window and never found it to be an issue. We usually arrive for rope drop and can get most fastpass rides done before 11AM without even needing the fastpass -we might grab them later just to ride again.

 

[MelissathePooh]

Oh - they've changed the fp queue at Kali River as well. It no longer goes outside only, but is brought into the buildings and about twice as long. I guess you can just be grateful Disney is now letting you get a chance to see all their "setwork"? I don't think my kids had ever seen the inside of the building before... Personally I'd rather walk around outside and get on the ride faster, but there isn't enough room anymore to hold all the fp guests without backing up down the path.

At 1015 TSM fp line was outside of the building. Buzz Lightyear FP line had a CM with a flag standing in the middle of path down to Monsters Laugh Floor to mark the end of the line. Thunder Mtn winds around a longer route now holding more people. PP hasn't changed, but its line was far outside the attraction with a CM to mark the end. Pooh was close the fp entrance.

None of these were on a weekend except TSM or at any crazy times of day. All before lunch. What this shows is a general number of FP's that are given out in a window as well...that impacted wth the new return time enforcement has a significant impact.

I'm certain that any given park on any given day at any given time can and will be a different experience, but we're not novice park guests. We felt the impact significantly.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm sorry you found the change negative, but when we were there right when they started this in March, I found it to be nothing but positive.

You didn't have to decide between running all over the parks to get fast passes, or waiting in long stand-by lines because the fp were all gone. We could get fast passes much later into the day than before. And the fp lines seemed to be moving much more quickly too.

I must admit thought that we have never had a problem pulling a fp and then staying in the general vicinity, if the return time was not very far off.

 

[tinkbyday]

For starters - it was NOT against the rules to use your fastpass after the window UNTIL recently.

We've been down here since May 24 and the new policy stinks. For all those who are used to going back within the window - wait until you get back down here and EVERYONE else is now doing that too. You never had a problem because people spread them out. The fastpass lines have been consistently longer in all the parks.

We've had to let several go because we couldn't meet the windows or forego getting one all together because the return times available are way out of our ability to get back. We don't line zigzagging across the park, our kids don't like it.

Not everyone likes to micromanage every second of their vacation and currently you are at the mercy of the fast pass system. Attractions with FP have had CM's out with flags to mark the back of the fast pass line...

If you haven't been back to use the new system - you really shouldn't comment on how it will work because you've never experienced FP working in this manner. Just because you always went back in the printer window doesn't mean a thing because not everyone did and NOBODY was breaking any rules.

As always if you go at opening you will have less waits in general, but we have not seen any positive impact to the new system aside from the benefit it gives to the standby line.

Um, sorry, disagree -- when a ticket has a start and end time, that is the window you are supposed to return in - not between this window OR whenever you feel like it. If it was meant to be used whenever you feel like it, it would have said anytime after x or do not return prior to x. Seriously, what in the world did you think those times were

It was nice that Disney didn't enforce for those that feel like they don't have to pay attention to this - believe it or not, there are many who knew this was being done, but still didn't do it because they actually believe that following the policies is the right thing to do.

As for your comment that the lines are longer, there are several who already posted that the lines are shorter since the enforcement - I believe this because the tickets had time stamps to allow for you to get on the ride FASTER - they only print so many with that window on it so that you don't have to wait long to get on.

So, if you want to believe that you weren't doing anything wrong because others were doing it and Disney wasn't enforcing it, be my guest, doesn't make it so.

 

[MelissathePooh]

I'm sorry you found the change negative, but when we were there right when they started this in March, I found it to be nothing but positive.

You didn't have to decide between running all over the parks to get fast passes, or waiting in long stand-by lines because the fp were all gone. We could get fast passes much later into the day than before. And the fp lines seemed to be moving much more quickly too.

I must admit thought that we have never had a problem pulling a fp and then staying in the general vicinity, if the return time was not very far off.

Depending on the time of year people travel and time of day - the impact is going to be very noticeable.

No one liked when a fp line would get slammed, but unless it was a tour group, it didn't happen that often and you could just come back later. Now the "later" is much more limited.

I can remember when the "secret" of using a fp late was really just that - a secret and for while people (myself included) tried to keep it under wraps on the boards for the simple reason that if everyone knows the same tip - it no longer has much value. And the secret got out and there you have it. While I still believe that most people who walk in the door don't really understand fp at all, the overall percentage of people who do reseach and have access to the unlimited free information/tips or paid services has increased greatly.

Disney marketing is constantly up to something, whther the dining plan or fp or what...its all designed for one purpose...maximizing profit. Fewer characters at character meals, added chairs to the end of a table to increase the number of people in the restaurant, increasing prices, decreasing options...they are absolutely trying to find the limit. We're going to Hawaii next summer...

 

[bcrook]

Why think of it negatively -consider it a challenge. Like a few others, we always returned within the window and never found it to be an issue. We usually arrive for rope drop and can get most fastpass rides done before 11AM without even needing the fastpass -we might grab them later just to ride again.

I agree with this, it is a new challenge. Not necessarily good or bad. What you should hope for is RAIN! and lots of it. That keeps the lines down! We sure had plenty.

 

[BemaniAK]

they are absolutely trying to find the limit.

They won't hit the limit until they abolish APs and charge for individual rides.
WDW is already better value than just about any traditional theme park, I think a lot of people need to count their blessings.
If another modern one-entry theme park is better value to you, go right ahead, go there instead, send a complaint to WDW's main email address or better yet hand one in on your way to universal.
If nobody directly complains nor leaves, WDW will continue to squeeze the pennies.

 

[maxiesmom]

Depending on the time of year people travel and time of day - the impact is going to be very noticeable.

My family's trip was during Spring Break, so if the new system worked then, I think it will most likely work during slower times of the year.

I'm going again this December, so it will be interesting to see if anything has changed sense my March trip.

 

[bcrook]

Until they charge you more to stand up close to a show and less to sit further away, they will never hit the limit.

Hoop de Doo?

 

[MelissathePooh]

Um, sorry, disagree -- when a ticket has a start and end time, that is the window you are supposed to return in - not between this window OR whenever you feel like it. If it was meant to be used whenever you feel like it, it would have said anytime after x or do not return prior to x. Seriously, what in the world did you think those times were

It was nice that Disney didn't enforce for those that feel like they don't have to pay attention to this - believe it or not, there are many who knew this was being done, but still didn't do it because they actually believe that following the policies is the right thing to do.

As for your comment that the lines are longer, there are several who already posted that the lines are shorter since the enforcement - I believe this because the tickets had time stamps to allow for you to get on the ride FASTER - they only print so many with that window on it so that you don't have to wait long to get on.

So, if you want to believe that you weren't doing anything wrong because others were doing it and Disney wasn't enforcing it, be my guest, doesn't make it so.

I have no doubt I wasn't doing anything wrong - for a host of reasons, but mostly because my close friend is a technical writer for Disney and wrote the FP policy for the CM training manuals. Thel policy (at least the old one) had guidelines regarding fp return times and lost fps (like if everyone in the group except 1 had a pass - all could enter). Nowhere did it say it was not allowed to return at a later time after the window. There were guidelines based on attraction capacity and late returns, but nothing saying the ticket was only valid during the return window. The ticket was valid anytime after the return window starts.

I'm not certain how one can be "wrong" and break a "rule" that didn't exist. Disney counted on most people using that window. The whole issue about being able to use it later leaked out from the CM's originally because they knew the policy and iniially it was a taboo topic on the boards because no one wanted the genie to get out of the bottle.

I'm glad that some people had a shorter return time when they were here. We did not have that experience at all. I doubt many will - particularly during busier times of the year. And they are absolutely monkeying with the number of fp's they give out and the queues for fp.

 

[MelissathePooh]

They won't hit the limit until they abolish APs and charge for individual rides.
WDW is already better value than just about any traditional theme park, I think a lot of people need to count their blessings.
If another modern one-entry theme park is better value to you, go right ahead, go there instead, send a complaint to WDW's main email address or better yet hand one in on your way to universal.
If nobody directly complains nor leaves, WDW will continue to squeeze the pennies.

You know - we did spend 3 nights at Universal earlier this week and it was a far better experience and value

We have submitted our complaints/concerns to WDW. Nothing will happen - most people are one time visitors and don't care enough. When you make 3-4 trips at various times of year every year - its a little more noticeable...

Allright - I'm off to Epcot.

 

[BemaniAK]

Allright - I'm off to Epcot.

And there's the attitude that gives Disney the power to do almost anything they want with their prices.

 

[MelissathePooh]

And there's the attitude that gives Disney the power to do almost anything they want with their prices.

Exactly Being critical of Disney these days doesn't mean I don't still appreciate them.

 

[BemaniAK]

Exactly Being critical of Disney these days doesn't mean I don't still appreciate them.

Well there's the thing.
This was mentioned in another thread, yes, Disney is hiking up prices, but it's still damn worth it, focus on the positive that even though your vacation may cost more, you're still going to an awesome place at, in the grand scheme of things, a good price.

 

[capegirl]

Okay it's official..... I really have been living under a rock all these years. I never knew about this so called FP tip. I suppose this is a good thing since now I'll have nothing to miss. Anyway...I can't wait to see how much Disney will charge for this new X Pass option.