Next round of Fastpass testing 9/18

[flatzkids]

I know this is a testing phase but, is this something that is going to be mandatory? The way everyone is talking sounds like we will have no choice but to schedule our entire visit.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Frankly, I am a bit perturbed. I live here. I go to the parks about 300 days a year, I have an annual pass that I have renewed the past 4 years and I don't get picked for a fast pass survey? Really?

 

[blueiis99]

I know this is a testing phase but, is this something that is going to be mandatory? The way everyone is talking sounds like we will have no choice but to schedule our entire visit.

I don't believe that nayone knows the answert to that for certain as of yet, as this is all about the testing that is going on.
Who knows when and how long it will take Disney to figure out just what bugs they need to work out of this.

I know other's have mentioned that it only seemed to be for those using the magical express.....I guess this demographic is in this portion of their testing phase. I don;t think anyone should fill angry or put out as yet....there are no definite answers here as to really who the targets are in their research.

 

[Bearwater]

Looking forward to hearing how this worked out for everyone and most importantly WHEN it may go into effect as we will be there this coming March!

 

[diamondpixienc]

Ok its been 2 days into testing so what's the scoop so far? Just thought i'd check in.

 

[JimmyV]

So this madness is not going to stop until we are all required to figure out, 180 days in advance:

• Which park we want to go to;
• Where we want to eat;
• Which rides we want to ride, and at what time;
• Which car we want to sit in on Expedition Everest;
• Which hitch-hiking ghost we want to accompany us home from the HM;
• Which row we want to choose on Soarin';
• and which spot along the parade route we would like to reserve for all the parades.

Sometimes, a new technology is implemented simply because is it possible, and not because it is truly needed. Me thinks this one fits that bill.

 

[granmanh603]

So this madness is not going to stop until we are all required to figure out, 180 days in advance:

• Which park we want to go to;
• Where we want to eat;
• Which rides we want to ride, and at what time;
• Which car we want to sit in on Expedition Everest;
• Which hitch-hiking ghost we want to accompany us home from the HM;
• Which row we want to choose on Soarin';
• and which spot along the parade route we would like to reserve for all the parades.

Sometimes, a new technology is implemented simply because is it possible, and not because it is truly needed. Me thinks this one fits that bill.

yeah that is the way I feel lately the joy has been taken out of Disney and everything is planned and scheduled.. i do not go on vacation for that...but guess I am in the minority AGAIN

 

[blueiis99]

yeah that is the way I feel lately the joy has been taken out of Disney and everything is planned and scheduled.. i do not go on vacation for that...but guess I am in the minority AGAIN

Nope. Your not alone!! Something's I like to plan just to maximize our stay. Like ADR and which park we'll be in. But the rides .... No way
It nice actually having a dinner conversation about what we liked most and what we really want to do or see the next day

 

[Bearwater]

While I DO enjoy the planning portion of our Disney trips, everyone loves a little spontaneity.

Unfortunately I don't think even Disney envisioned how extremely popular their parks would be someday. I am sure that the systems they are implementing are an attempt to be accomodating to the guests and not have them disappointed when 2-3 hours of their time is spent waiting to get on one attractioin/ride.

The development and implementation I am sure was not a low cost project.

 

[malibuconlee]

Gee, I'm a rule follower! Am I the only one who used the Fast Pass the way it was intended and would go back during my time window on the FP?

 

[macraven]

Frankly, I am a bit perturbed. I live here. I go to the parks about 300 days a year, I have an annual pass that I have renewed the past 4 years and I don't get picked for a fast pass survey? Really?

for september, the guests that are chosen are the ones using the ME on the trip.

i received an email from disney destinations 2 weeks prior to my vacation.
it informed me of the test survey, included the test then the assignment of 4 rides/attractions i could have.

i had the option of changing the rides and times but not the dates.

i received the fast pass plus card in the mail 4 days after i completed the survey.

epcot's testing of fast pass plus was in the spring.
the present testing is for the MK.

last date of this round of testing is for the 24th.

 

[tjkraz]

In my humble opinion, this isn't worth the tiniest little bit of aggravation until all details are revealed.

It's very much a work in progress but everything I have read suggests the FASTPASS+ will be an add-on to the current FP system. In all likelihood, FP+ will only be available to a limited audience. (Could be just Disney resort guests, maybe Passholders too, could even be an extra charge for it. All of those details are still being decided.)

Unless the current FP is completely eliminated--which seems HIGHLY doubtful--just ignore the FP+ system and go on about your merry way.

Or, if the system allows, you could try to get FP+ reservation times while on vacation--the day before you visit a park.

It's just not worth getting worked-up about until more is known. Then decide how to proceed.

 

[blueiis99]

In my humble opinion, this isn't worth the tiniest little bit of aggravation until all details are revealed.

It's very much a work in progress but everything I have read suggests the FASTPASS+ will be an add-on to the current FP system. In all likelihood, FP+ will only be available to a limited audience. (Could be just Disney resort guests, maybe Passholders too, could even be an extra charge for it. All of those details are still being decided.)

Unless the current FP is completely eliminated--which seems HIGHLY doubtful--just ignore the FP+ system and go on about your merry way.

Or, if the system allows, you could try to get FP+ reservation times while on vacation--the day before you visit a park.

It's just not worth getting worked-up about until more is known. Then decide how to proceed.

true, but the way it is designed so far for the test, seems unfriendly. Just hoping that those that tested are very honest in their opinions.

 

[tjkraz]

true, but the way it is designed so far for the test, seems unfriendly.

So don't use it. Problem solved.

 

[blueiis99]

So don't use it. Problem solved.

Really? You need to be snarky? I didn't think anything I said merited your attitude.
I guess your one of those that doesn't allow others to have an opinion other than your own

 

[tjkraz]

Really? You need to be snarky? I didn't think anything I said merited your attitude.
I guess your one of those that doesn't slope others to have an opinion other than your own

It wasn't intended to be snarky. I just don't see why folks are getting so bent out of shape about something that will clearly be optional. Disney would never mandate such a system but I'm sure it will be embraced by people who don't mind the advance planning. Personally if I know I'll be in a park for a dinner reservation, I have no problems signing up for fireworks viewing and perhaps one other random attraction.

Am I going to plan every minute detail of my trip 6 months in advance? Of course not.

Would I pre-plan parks and attractions for every day of my trip? Again, no. But the ability to pre-schedule a few select experiences strikes me as being a plus. If nothing else, it may save me a few dollars on overpriced character meals if I schedule free meet-and-greets instead.

If pre-planning attractions days or weeks in advance isn't your thing...then simply don't use it. No snark intended. Your vacation experience will continue to be about the same as it always has been.

 

[rainynight]

I agree that Fastpass Plus seems like excessive planning. Of course we don't know what the final version of it will be after all testing is done.

I would much rather Disney do a major price increase to manage crowds. Double the price and cut down on the number of visitors. I would be willing to pay a lot more to visit Disney with less crowds than to pay less and be packed in like sardines.

And before anyone whines about how unfair that would be...that's life. Some people can afford nicer homes, cars, and vacation than others.

 

[blueiis99]

It wasn't intended to be snarky. I just don't see why folks are getting so bent out of shape about something that will clearly be optional. Disney would never mandate such a system but I'm sure it will be embraced by people who don't mind the advance planning. Personally if I know I'll be in a park for a dinner reservation, I have no problems signing up for fireworks viewing and perhaps one other random attraction.

Am I going to plan every minute detail of my trip 6 months in advance? Of course not.

Would I pre-plan parks and attractions for every day of my trip? Again, no. But the ability to pre-schedule a few select experiences strikes me as being a plus. If nothing else, it may save me a few dollars on overpriced character meals if I schedule free meet-and-greets instead.

If pre-planning attractions days or weeks in advance isn't your thing...then simply don't use it. No snark intended. Your vacation experience will continue to be about the same as it always has been.

Well if you had read any of my other posts, I sais that this was something that was still in testing, and we have no way of know what the outcome will be.
Rumor has it that this is going to be the main fast pass system, as they are spending lots and lots to put in the new readers.

Your telling me to not use it was snarky. All I hinted at was they way it sounded to me so far was unfriendly (for a vacation). Planning things on the vacation is a must but to plan the rides too, sound like there's not much room for being spontanious.
I am hoping that they keep the vacation in vacation. thats all.
I'm wondering if you read the whole thread at all?

 

[blueiis99]

I agree that Fastpass Plus seems like excessive planning. Of course we don't know what the final version of it will be after all testing is done.

I would much rather Disney do a major price increase to manage crowds. Double the price and cut down on the number of visitors. I would be willing to pay a lot more to visit Disney with less crowds than to pay less and be packed in like sardines.

And before anyone whines about how unfair that would be...that's life. Some people can afford nicer homes, cars, and vacation than others.

I don't think that is an option from a financial point of view. That would be less people in the parks buying "stuff".

but, you are welcome to your opinion though

 

[tjkraz]

Rumor has it that this is going to be the main fast pass system, as they are spending lots and lots to put in the new readers.

I have no idea what you mean by "main" Fastpass system but the ability to schedule ride times after entering the park is not going anywhere. It WILL change and evolve in the near future. A paperless option is in the works which would allow guests to secure FP windows (just as they do now) without having to physically cross the park and insert their ticket in a kiosk.

Yes, Disney is spending a lot on this. They see paperless FP as an advantage to ALL guests (again, not having to retrieve paper tickets.) The PLUS part of it will most likely be offered only to Disney resort guests or will require an additional purchase.

Disney has no intention of making all guests schedule their park touring weeks in advance. This is about providing more options to the millions of guests who are obsessive planners and have been asking for more functionality.

Your telling me to not use it was snarky.

You are reading too much into my comments. The intent was to be matter-of-fact. My response was no different than the "tone" I would use if someone said they didn't like to shop at Target ("then don't go there--go to WalMart instead") or told me they didn't like Ford vehicles ("then don't buy one--buy a Dodge.")

If you don't want to schedule ride times in advance....just don't do it.