Not impressed with the current fastpass system

[Experiment_626]

Where was the system of "freedom and relaxation" when you had to wait in long lines in the evening hours because of the hoarders that were all flocking in before you in your own time window?

Here's the thing I've seen people ask repeatedly, with no actual answer provided: How do you know how many, if any, of the people returning late in the evening were using their FastPasses past the printed return window?

I don't know why I ask as if this will be answered now, as it never has been previously.

I realize that most people used FastPasses within the window even when they didn't have to, and therefore having the return times enforced doesn't affect them in their perception. But for those who don't understand why it bothers anyone that things have changed (because it never bothered them), it's really pretty simple: When people have been extended a benefit/perk, and then that benefit/perk is later withdrawn, some people resent it because they really enjoyed the way things were. It wouldn't bother people to anywhere close to this degree had it never been possible to do things a different way. You can argue whether said benefit should have been available, but surely you can understand the concept that people, in general, don't like having a perk withdrawn once it has been available — especially for a long time, and was such that some people made it a major component of their touring plans.

SSB

 

[larryz]

"I'm sorry but your attraction has been oversold As compensation we will offer a fastpass to Philharmagic and Pirates of the Caribbean plus a box of popcorn to those who voluntarily take a "bump"".

I'm going to hold out until they offer a night in the Castle Suite!

 

[Robo]

Never in my life did I wait 15-20 minutes in the FP line and most of my trips have been during peak season.

Ditto.

 

[kaligal]

Never in my life did I wait 15-20 minutes in the FP line and most of my trips have been during peak season.

I did. Once. For KS. And I remember it well...which goes to show how rare that was.

 

[pigletto]

I have neither the time nor the inclination to analyze the fast pass system or debate it.
I will only report what we noticed on our trip during the first week of May.
It was no big deal.
Honest.
Now that could be due to so many factors it makes my head spin to think of it, but the bottom line is we still rode everything we wanted to ride. We didn't do a ton of crisscrossing either.
There were a few times we would say "Let's not pull a fast pass for x ride, because I would rather go do Y ride" so there was some compromise involved.

And I will add the caveat that it wasn't anywhere near the busiest time of the year, though it was busiest of any trip we've taken.
Overall, I didn't leave feeling one way or another about it. YMMV.

 

[TLSnell1981]

For every one Disser who used an after-window FP, there are at least a half-dozen who respond that they never did use a FP after-window.

And, since most guests were not aware of the allowed/encouraged after-window usage because they were not informed "insiders..."

Seems like the extra-long lines might have been due to something other than
insiders using late FP's.

I'm really hoping, the new system rolls out, before our next visit. We didnt use one FP. We opted for very late EMH and the VIP passes (think, that's what they are called) at US.

 

[origin62]

Here's the thing I've seen people ask repeatedly, with no actual answer provided: How do you know how many, if any, of the people returning late in the evening were using their FastPasses past the printed return window?

I don't know why I ask as if this will be answered now, as it never has been previously.

I realize that most people used FastPasses within the window even when they didn't have to, and therefore having the return times enforced doesn't affect them in their perception. But for those who don't understand why it bothers anyone that things have changed (because it never bothered them), it's really pretty simple: When people have been extended a benefit/perk, and then that benefit/perk is later withdrawn, some people resent it because they really enjoyed the way things were. It wouldn't bother people to anywhere close to this degree had it never been possible to do things a different way. You can argue whether said benefit should have been available, but surely you can understand the concept that people, in general, don't like having a perk withdrawn once it has been available — especially for a long time, and was such that some people made it a major component of their touring plans.

SSB

You wouldn't know, unless of course you polled the people ahead and behind you. I don't think the poster you're responding to is sharing personal experience. They are referring to late FP use being one of the reasons behind the new "enforcement."

 

[origin62]

I was going to pass on this one, but since Robo bumped it....

I am bewildered every time someone makes this assumption. Therefore, I am bewildered a lot. How can any of us know this?

True. So many factors affect the length of the queues. Who knows what happened at the attraction ten minutes before you arrived.

 

[bigdisz]

well im leaving in 19 days and this vacation will be my first time going with the strict FP system. should i be scared? hahaha

 

[arcurioa]

After reading most of this thread and now that it has been analyzed and beaten to death, I thought I would add my opinion as well. We only go to Disney once a year in July or August, so not the most crowded, but close. We have utilized FP after the printed time, after having read somewhere that it was allowed, our use was about 75% allotted time 25% past time. I can honestly say I have never been told at the kiosk that I was told I could use them anytime I wanted. In the last few years, I have notices many additional sources stating that this practice was allowed. I think as more people became aware of the exception, more people took advantage of the system. Though I cannot specifically say what prompted the change I can say I personally have made a couple of observations. Last year, when my family was waiting for our FP time for Soarin' to start, we had 2 minutes; in that two minutes a very large group of people 50-60 came to the FP return line with a time that was several hours prior. I can say that this event greatly effected my experience. When we were allowed to enter the queue, we definitely experienced a longer line than we would have under the conceived system.

With that being said, I am sure there were a number of factors contributing to Disney's decision to start enforcing return times. I hope the new X-pass system helps make things more convenient. I for one am not looking forward to having to schedule my day that far in advance, but I will if it becomes necessary; however, if the new system pay for use; I will not use it. I am not a fan of paying for the additional privileges.

 

[TLSnell1981]

well im leaving in 19 days and this vacation will be my first time going with the strict FP system. should i be scared? hahaha

Maybe, if you're at rope drop, it will be okay? We normally arrive, late morning or early afternoon. Many FPs are gone by this time or don't coordinate with our schedule. It didn't work out well for us.

 

[fallen_angel727]

We just got back and never had a single problem . We usually had at least 2 FP's at any given time and were able to ride most major rides without any hassle. Any rides that were out of FP's I knew in advance it was a possibility and we planned them for EMH nights. We never had a wait longer than about 10 minutes and that includes all rides at DHS on SWW

 

[Momtomouselover]

I really am looking forward to hearing about the new Xpass system but am also reserving judgement on whether or not I will like it. I do like the idea of being able to reserve time slots for headliner rides and not being concerned with having to make RD or stand in the 120 minute wait. However, I'm not totally sold on the having it tied to the resort part (although it may be the carrot that makes me continue to stay on property or even deluxe again). I believe it will be tied to the resort and actually heard a management staff at YC talking to another CM on the CL foor. All I heard was "well, yes it will be tied to the room key card but this time it is not. This is a special family and they are getting to try it out so use this card. But yes, soon it will be on each individuals card"

I can say that in our case we had a family member that would have been able to make certain rides if we knew we could go and get on the ride with a short/FP length wait. This member could not walk to the park pick up a FP and then wait for the window time and then again wait in the FP line (much less go and just wait standby). Too much time in the heat, and on their feet, etc. In the past I would collect enough during the day and then we would all ride together at a later time (yes, after the return time but we had been told it was ok to do this).

Did anyone get to partake in the testing phase of X-Pass Fastpass? I am curious how many entries into a ride you were able to get per FP. I hope or assume it is the number in your party or maybe the number in your room? I also hope these are 'extra' FP's and not the only way to FP a ride. Has anyone found any recent reports or blogs about this?