Miscellaneous from a new annual pass holder

[smmcgarry]

Between me and my wife, we have been on Disney trips over 50 times. We moved to Florida in August and bought annual passes on Sunday. I was apprehensive about doing so because Disney has always been "special" to me, and I felt like it would lose its charm if we were free to go "whenever."

Our first trip was on Monday and I was absolutely miserable. I did not enjoy the experience because I thought it was going to become just another Six Flags to me. Watching people take the monorail and shuttle buses to resorts did not help the situation, as I knew that when the day was over for us, it was back to regular life.

We went back to MK on Tuesday and had a pretty bad experience with a cast member trying to run us off the road on World Drive. She was wearing a Tomorrowland uniform. We went to guest services and complained about her, giving them a description of her, her vehicle and he license plate. We were given 2 FPs and told that when it was discovered who she was, it would not be a training issue... she would not be welcome back.

We were in line toward the end of the day at the minetrain using one of the FP's when I got an alert on my phone from my security cameras. We were in the process of being robbed! Soon, race out of the park and an hour drive back home to find my dogs had scared them off.

We went back on Friday and spent the day at Hollywood Studios which was OK, but man, did that place go downhill since we were there last. Then, we headed back to MK around 5PM. It was POURING. We went back to guest services and told them how we lost one of the FP's given to us because of the break-in. They were kind enough to give us 3 more. FINALLY, we were able to ride the minetrain which was OK, but certainly not worth a 2 hour wait if we had to.

I'm getting used to having annual passes, but I'm still apprehensive that this is going to turn into just another thing to do.

Some observations:

1) Has anyone ever noticed the two women sitting on a bench about 20 feet from the chain at the end of one of the loops of the queue at Tower of Terror? I won't say anymore than that.

2) Are people getting very obvious about trying to use fast passes outside of the time window? We routinely saw people try to use them 1-3 hours too early. One guy left the line swearing at the top of his lungs when they wouldn't let him on.

3) Has HS gotten as bad as me and my wife think?

4) Has there been somewhat of a breakdown in the Fastness system? We used one of our FP's on Space Mountain last night and the standby line was FLYING by us. We waited longer than they did... the line was almost under the people mover tracks.

 

[mesaboy2]

I hope things improve for you in the future.

 

[gap2368]

B

4) Has there been somewhat of a breakdown in the Fastness system? We used one of our FP's on Space Mountain last night and the standby line was FLYING by us. We waited longer than they did... the line was almost under the people mover tracks.

often time outside looks a lot longer since people are trying to use an FP that they do not have. but once inside it really does move.

I think you would do a lot better with a satycation and staying for a few might during the cheaper times of year.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Gosh, what a series of unfortunate events. Good for you for stopping by to report the CM driving like that! I really DO hope they hold her accountable.

We are fairly new FL residents and passholders, too. One of the things we decided early on was to watch the weather reports. Looking back, the frustrating days we had at Disney while on vacation were those days that were super hot/humid or pouring rain. Sure, we just rolled with it while on vacation but if I live close enough to come back? I'll skip it. This weekend we decided to not go bc it's rainy and humid. What a luxury that is now!

I also do think staying on site occasionally will bring back some of the magic you may find yourself missing. We stayed at the Swan for just 1 night back in August and loved playing tourist and getting to just take a boat to our hotel at the end of the day.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

I am an annual passholder.. not a Florida resident, but I think I understand where you are coming from. As others have mentioned, I think you would benefit from a "staycation" at one of the Disney resorts, even if it is just a short trip. Ienjoy getting to leave the real world behind and would really miss the "Magic" of the Disney hotels.. sounds like that's the part that is missing for you.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Interesting perspective. Glad your house was ok!

 

[hiroMYhero]

Has there been somewhat of a breakdown in the Fastness system? We used one of our FP's on Space Mountain last night and the standby line was FLYING by us. We waited longer than they did... the line was almost under the people mover tracks.

If that ever happens again, you two can always move to the Standby line. The only time I’ve seen Standby and FP guests who’ve entered at the Line entrances at the same time and were then seated on the same ride vehicle was on Expedition Everest a few minutes prior to the park closing.

I know you’re quite young, 18, but your AP does provide you with discounted rates for onsite resorts. A short staycation, without an hour back and forth of driving, might be a way to enjoy your AP.

 

[Disneylover99]

Between me and my wife, we have been on Disney trips over 50 times. We moved to Florida in August and bought annual passes on Sunday. I was apprehensive about doing so because Disney has always been "special" to me, and I felt like it would lose its charm if we were free to go "whenever."

Our first trip was on Monday and I was absolutely miserable. I did not enjoy the experience because I thought it was going to become just another Six Flags to me. Watching people take the monorail and shuttle buses to resorts did not help the situation, as I knew that when the day was over for us, it was back to regular life.

We went back to MK on Tuesday and had a pretty bad experience with a cast member trying to run us off the road on World Drive. She was wearing a Tomorrowland uniform. We went to guest services and complained about her, giving them a description of her, her vehicle and he license plate. We were given 2 FPs and told that when it was discovered who she was, it would not be a training issue... she would not be welcome back.

We were in line toward the end of the day at the minetrain using one of the FP's when I got an alert on my phone from my security cameras. We were in the process of being robbed! Soon, race out of the park and an hour drive back home to find my dogs had scared them off.

We went back on Friday and spent the day at Hollywood Studios which was OK, but man, did that place go downhill since we were there last. Then, we headed back to MK around 5PM. It was POURING. We went back to guest services and told them how we lost one of the FP's given to us because of the break-in. They were kind enough to give us 3 more. FINALLY, we were able to ride the minetrain which was OK, but certainly not worth a 2 hour wait if we had to.

I'm getting used to having annual passes, but I'm still apprehensive that this is going to turn into just another thing to do.

Some observations:

1) Has anyone ever noticed the two women sitting on a bench about 20 feet from the chain at the end of one of the loops of the queue at Tower of Terror? I won't say anymore than that.

2) Are people getting very obvious about trying to use fast passes outside of the time window? We routinely saw people try to use them 1-3 hours too early. One guy left the line swearing at the top of his lungs when they wouldn't let him on.

3) Has HS gotten as bad as me and my wife think?

4) Has there been somewhat of a breakdown in the Fastness system? We used one of our FP's on Space Mountain last night and the standby line was FLYING by us. We waited longer than they did... the line was almost under the people mover tracks.

I'm not sure I'm understanding.....what's bad about HS?

 

[CAS239]

1) statues or real people? And bench visible from outside the line, standby, or FP line?

2) not that I've ever seen. The usual is people trying to use it 15 or so minutes early and having to wait, or people in the FP line that don't know how FP's work and usually don't have any FP's

3) HS hasn't changed much in the last 3-5 years, so I'm on the side where it's not as bad as you think it is

4) FP line will usually be backed up at the entrance compared to the standby line, but it's rare. Standby line they just pile in, FP line everyone has to scan.. Sometimes someone's early, sometimes too late, sometimes don't have a FP at all, sometimes the system is down and CM's are handheld scanning. But once you pass through the main entrance, FP line is 9 times out of 10 faster than standby

 

[AngiTN]

I am not sure where any of your specific issues are, aside from a problem with the FP line in one example. That is not something I've ever seen myself. The FP lines have always moved faster on every ride, even when they looked even.

Rude guests are a growing problem and sadly there isn't anything Disney can do about them

 

[DisneyFive]

Not sure what to make of this thread. Perhaps one of the most obscure I have seen. Best of luck to you.

I hope that, in the end, your move to Florida and your annual passes become a great enjoyment.

Dan

 

[only hope]

The great thing about annual passes is you don't feel you have to do everything every time. It's more relaxing. We take time to look at the small details that most people walk past- posters/artwork, hidden mickeys, street entertainment when the weather is decent, etc. Many tourists don't understand the fp system or think the return time window is a suggestion. It's a little annoying. I've never experienced a longer wait in the fp line, though on the rare occasion when we've made a poor selection there was no standby line and the only advantage was a shorter walk.

 

[IrishNYC]

Huh. That's really something!

 

[JerseyJanice]

I wonder what's to notice about the two women at the Tower of Terror queue. Ghosts?

 

[mamamelody2]

Hmmm. This post is confusing to me.

 

[mamapenguin]

Tres bizarre....I have family that lives 4 miles from the parks and has a fabulous time at least once a week (I get all of the pictures and videos). I say try again with an open mind. We were there last month and had an excellent time as well.

 

[OhhBother]

A series of unfortunate events, for sure. I do have to say we had a similar experience with a cast member driving in an aggressive manner when we were there last week -- occurred on the road that goes to the Contemporary. I wish I'd thought about getting the license tag number. It was a real magic-killer -- and easily could have resulted in a traffic accident if I hadn't been on my toes.

 

[bumbershoot]

1) Has anyone ever noticed the two women sitting on a bench about 20 feet from the chain at the end of one of the loops of the queue at Tower of Terror? I won't say anymore than that.

No. Why won't you say more?

I think you would do a lot better with a satycation and staying for a few might during the cheaper times of year.

Agreed.

 

[pitpat]

You're 18, been to Disney 50 times between the two of you and never rode Mine Train before? How often were you going there?

So many questions, but I don't think you'll be around to answer.

 

[smmcgarry]

If that ever happens again, you two can always move to the Standby line. The only time I’ve seen Standby and FP guests who’ve entered at the Line entrances at the same time and were then seated on the same ride vehicle was on Expedition Everest a few minutes prior to the park closing.

I know you’re quite young, 18, but your AP does provide you with discounted rates for onsite resorts. A short staycation, without an hour back and forth of driving, might be a way to enjoy your AP.

I'm actually 39 and my wife is 31. DOn't believe everything you read on a profile