Not a fan of fastpass return times

[letsgoreds]

I think DLR shouldn't have started enforcing the times until they were ready to move over to FP+. It really felt like it was Disney's way of babystepping us into FP+. For the record, we had a very positive experience last Dec. at WDW with MDE and FP+. It was fabulous being able to take advantage of short wait times in the morning (no need for FP), and then have the FPs scheduled for the evening...especially because we like to park hop! I don't know the parks well enough in CA, but given the larger # of rides/park, I think it would work really well, especially with the recent implementation of the 4th+ pass.

So...I'm right there with you : ) It is what it is...I remember adhering to the times (years ago), because I, like many, didn't know that the window was fluid.

 

[disneychrista]

I think DLR shouldn't have started enforcing the times until they were ready to move over to FP+.

I have the opposite opinion, Disneyland should have never allowed the use OUTSIDE of the return time.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

I have the opposite opinion, Disneyland should have never allowed the use OUTSIDE of the return time.

I agree what is the point of having a return time that's not enforced. I don't see what's so hard about making it back within your window. I'm sure people make it to their dinner and lunch reservations on time.

 

[HydroGuy]

I think DLR shouldn't have started enforcing the times until they were ready to move over to FP+. It really felt like it was Disney's way of babystepping us into FP+. For the record, we had a very positive experience last Dec. at WDW with MDE and FP+. It was fabulous being able to take advantage of short wait times in the morning (no need for FP), and then have the FPs scheduled for the evening...especially because we like to park hop! I don't know the parks well enough in CA, but given the larger # of rides/park, I think it would work really well, especially with the recent implementation of the 4th+ pass.

There was long thread on this a month or two ago and most would disagree with you. Strongly. DLR is not like WDW in many ways.

 

[peterpanandwendy]

I always used my fast pass in the window, and never know I could use it at any time! So enforcing it doesn't bother me at all... In fact, I LIKE it because it means shorter fast pass lines, which is kind of the point.

 

[mom2rtk]

I always used my fast pass in the window, and never know I could use it at any time! So enforcing it doesn't bother me at all... In fact, I LIKE it because it means shorter fast pass lines, which is kind of the point.

Well, the lines can't ALL be shorter than they used to be. If people were holding them for later in the day, then fewer people were using them earlier. Which means MORE people are using them earlier (during the printed window) than they used to.

 

[Malcon10t]

Well, the lines can't ALL be shorter than they used to be. If people were holding them for later in the day, then fewer people were using them earlier. Which means MORE people are using them earlier (during the printed window) than they used to.

Yes, they are being used more evenly. Lines are acceptable in the FP queue now. Lines used to get horrendous in the evenings. I had previously seen Soarin' and Space Mountain FP lines be 30-40 mins long at night.

 

[LizzyS]

I am of the opinion that they should have enforced the return time a long time ago. It's only common sense that this would keep the evening FP lines from becoming too long (for a FP line!).

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Like others have said it is what it is
And I like fastpass and glad it's offered instead of waiting in line like the old days

 

[goooof1]

 

[HydroGuy]

I am of the opinion that they should have enforced the return time a long time ago. It's only common sense that this would keep the evening FP lines from becoming too long (for a FP line!).

There are many things that Disney let's slide so be careful what you wish for. Have you ever brought food or drinks into a Disney park? Not allowed! See https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/dining/outside-food-in-park. But also not enforced.

 

[LizzyS]

Actually, I haven't ever brought food or drink in!

The thing about fastpasses is that enforcing the times should actually stagger the people coming back to get in the lines, so that would mean that the FP line doesn't end up almost as long as the standby line. Makes sense to me, that's what I'm saying.

 

[LizzyS]

We never even used a FP until our last trip, honestly.

We hit the "e-ticket" type rides early in the morning, so it isn't always necessary, in our opinion. I'm not averse to waiting a little while for something if it's worth it, either.

I'm most excited for BTMRR & IASW in December; never have ridden either!

 

[Amommy21]

There are many things that Disney let's slide so be careful what you wish for. Have you ever brought food or drinks into a Disney park? Not allowed! See https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/dining/outside-food-in-park. But also not enforced.

DH and DS took a school trip to 6 parks in California studying physics and statistics. They went to Disney and other big name parks. Because DH was in charge of all these kids from 6th grand through 10th.... some of them away from home and learning to manage money for the first time, he and the other teachers brought some snacks with them each day. Granola bars, etc. Simple small things in case a child really needed a little something. At multiple parks they had ALL their food taken away.

 

[HydroGuy]

DH and DS took a school trip to 6 parks in California studying physics and statistics. They went to Disney and other big name parks. Because DH was in charge of all these kids from 6th grand through 10th.... some of them away from home and learning to manage money for the first time, he and the other teachers brought some snacks with them each day. Granola bars, etc. Simple small things in case a child really needed a little something. At multiple parks they had ALL their food taken away.

I assume you mean at other parks but not Disney parks? Because in my experience Disney let's you bring this kind of thing in - just as long as you do not overdo it.

 

[HydroGuy]

Actually, I haven't ever brought food or drink in!

The thing about fastpasses is that enforcing the times should actually stagger the people coming back to get in the lines, so that would mean that the FP line doesn't end up almost as long as the standby line. Makes sense to me, that's what I'm saying.

Since late FP usage is a thing of the past I have decided it is no longer something I will debate. So I am not debating here just giving a line of thought to you here as food for thought. I am not saying this is a perfect line of thinking but it is worth considering IMO. I am not going to debate this with others who might feel like they want to do so.

When someone uses a FP late what they are doing is letting other standby riders go earlier than they otherwise might have. For example, let's say I have a FP for 2-3PM. If I come back and use it at 4PM, then everyone from 3 to 4PM got to go ahead of me - which they would not have been able to do if I came back by 3PM. So it benefited them.

Those standby rider going after 4PM would have been pushed back in line one spot whether I went at 2-3PM, or late at 4PM. So there is no impact on them.

So the idea of "staggering" FP users - or not staggering them as much when a FP is used late - is a bit misleading because the late FP users allowed so many people earlier to go ahead of them that otherwise would not have.

If that helps, good. If not then just forget I said anything at all.

And on the topic of food, you have never even brought in a granola bar or anything for snacking?

 

[superlarz]

I am glad they are enforcing the windows. If you want your spot held in the virtual line, you should plan around that. If you dont want to plan around that, wait in the standby queue.

Electronic FPs, whether it work like the current system or is more similar to FP+ at WDW is going to come West, whether anyone here likes it or not. Its probably a few years away, but there is too much invested. It probably wont work exactly like it does in Florida, but I'd bet it wouldnt be too different.