Not impressed with the current fastpass system

[seashoreCM]

Lastly, while we have no out-and-out proof of it, I also think that as of March 7 the number of FPs distributed in each window was increased, and that perhaps even the FP/standby admittance ratio has changed slightly in favor of the FP queue. .

It would certainly be useful to find out how many fast passes could be issued with the time window enforcement in place, before backups in the queues became significant.

This would take into account no-shows, which can be expected to be greater when the time between fast pass issuance and maturation is greater.

 

[WillAustin]

Is this what we discussing here? Or you just refuse to admit that you have zero information?

The information I have is that they started enforcing the window on March 7th, but only at WDW, and not at DLR. CMs have reported increased numbers of FPs being distributed at some rides, and they began testing X-Pass advance attraction reservations after a short adjustment period. Certainly more than zero information.

Logically, there's almost no chance that those are unrelated coincidences and they were really only just trying to make things fair for everyone. Most likely, they are trying to find out how many advance spots they can offer without significantly degrading the FP experience.

 

[Cafeen]

I'm sorry that everyone is struggling with the enforcement of rules, for some. Very good reasons so it appears. I'm one of the ones who didnt know that the return time used to be optional so unwittingly I always played by the rules and therefore won't notice any real difference on my next trip. On the plus side at least FP are free and available to everyone but I can understand people's frustration when the now the return time is the return time and people are used to planning their day in a different way. We got around the waiting times by hitting the parks early or very very late.......

... /sigh...

I'm too tired this morning. Someone else can get this one.

 

[goofyernmost]

I'm sorry that everyone is struggling with the enforcement of rules, for some. Very good reasons so it appears. I'm one of the ones who didnt know that the return time used to be optional so unwittingly I always played by the rules and therefore won't notice any real difference on my next trip. On the plus side at least FP are free and available to everyone but I can understand people's frustration when the now the return time is the return time and people are used to planning their day in a different way. We got around the waiting times by hitting the parks early or very very late.......

... /sigh...

I'm too tired this morning. Someone else can get this one.

I would but I, for the life of me, cannot see anything wrong with that post. Opinion was stated, didn't put anyone down, other than a descriptive use of the word "rules" used merely to show that they didn't know anything else was allowed, so didn't take advantage of the unknown...I'm at a loss to know how this can be commented on other then to say. Thanks for sharing! We all have our plans of how to get the most out of a day in a Disney Park. There is more than one answer.

 

[jebobak]

I can't believe how long this debate has been going on...

OK, here is the deal as I see it, and you can take it or leave it.

A FastPass system without enforcement is just another Standby line...you get a ticket, but show up whenever you want...just like the Standby line.

By enforcing the return times, Disney is actually controlling the number of people in the FastPass queue at any given time. Without enforcement, you theoretically could have excessive numbers of FastPass holders decide to enter a ride at the same time, negating the whole purpose of having a FastPass (as it sounds like used to happen under the 'old' system, where lots of FP holders would show up late in the day).

While my family and I never experienced any waits longer than 15 minutes during our trip a couple of weeks ago, the complaints about larger queues with the 'new' rules probably have some merit. However, you have to remember the FP system is most efficient when the park is most crowded...so when the park is not so crowded, the difference in wait times will probably not be as great.

Also, I get the feeling that the shorter lines under the 'old' system may also have been influenced by those who did not know they could return outside the 'official' return window...I'm guessing that the large majority of people who missed their return window just threw the pass away, and those relative few who knew that return times weren't enforced took advantage of this situation.

Ultimately, the FP enforcement may mean slightly longer waits for those people who knew how to play the game under the 'old' rules, but will benefit more people (the majority of casual Disney visitors) overall in the long run.

 

[Cafeen]

I would but I, for the life of me, cannot see anything wrong with that post. Opinion was stated, didn't put anyone down, other than a descriptive use of the word "rules" used merely to show that they didn't know anything else was allowed, so didn't take advantage of the unknown...I'm at a loss to know how this can be commented on other then to say. Thanks for sharing! We all have our plans of how to get the most out of a day in a Disney Park. There is more than one answer.

Maybe I read with a different tone.. anytime I see someone typing something like the above (erm.. the way above, not goofyer's stuff) I read in with a condescending tone. Perhaps it's just the difficulty of conveying tone over text?

Essentially, I read it as "Since WE followed the rules and YOU didn't..." (obviously, not exactly, since that's not what she typed, but that shows the tone that I read it in better). Maybe I'm just jaded from the former FP debates where people would get real self-righteous and have a true condescending attitude that it automatically creeps in to similar posts unless specifically negated? /shrug. If that's the case, apologies to the original quotee. I did, at least, mention I was tired this morning right?

That was my long-winded way of saying... crap, I may be reading too much into things and need to wake up a little.

 

[ilovemk76]

Well, given that Disney announced multiple times prior to changing their policy that they were, um, changing their policy, I'd say that was proof enough.

I know there are those of you that like to think otherwise, but years of action on Disney's part pretty much proves you wrong. And yes, someone once posted an image of a page from a handbook given to CMs at the time that showed that they were officially instructed to allow people to use their FPs any time after the initial time on the same date. You can do an advanced search for it if it will make you feel better.

You can say all you want but that IS NOT PROOF.

Incorrect, the policy changed. I really can't believe we are still having this discussion.

No, it is correct. Enforcement changed. Policy remained the same. If Disney wanted EVERY guest that got an FP to use it late, then they would have promoted it and not put a return time on the FP.

One wonders why it is often referred to as "common" sense.

Keep wondering or find out. It is up to you.

Again, your opinion. Late FP usage did have an effect. Some have argued that it was a positive effect while others maintain it was negative.

It is conjecture on your part as to why Disney started enforcing return times. Though i would agree that it seems to point to the new system but who knows for sure.

 

[palmettostatemom]

I can't believe how long this debate has been going on...

OK, here is the deal as I see it, and you can take it or leave it.

A FastPass system without enforcement is just another Standby line...you get a ticket, but show up whenever you want...just like the Standby line.

By enforcing the return times, Disney is actually controlling the number of people in the FastPass queue at any given time. Without enforcement, you theoretically could have excessive numbers of FastPass holders decide to enter a ride at the same time, negating the whole purpose of having a FastPass (as it sounds like used to happen under the 'old' system, where lots of FP holders would show up late in the day).

While my family and I never experienced any waits longer than 15 minutes during our trip a couple of weeks ago, the complaints about larger queues with the 'new' rules probably have some merit. However, you have to remember the FP system is most efficient when the park is most crowded...so when the park is not so crowded, the difference in wait times will probably not be as great.

Also, I get the feeling that the shorter lines under the 'old' system may also have been influenced by those who did not know they could return outside the 'official' return window...I'm guessing that the large majority of people who missed their return window just threw the pass away, and those relative few who knew that return times weren't enforced took advantage of this situation.

Ultimately, the FP enforcement may mean slightly longer waits for those people who knew how to play the game under the 'old' rules, but will benefit more people (the majority of casual Disney visitors) overall in the long run.

very well said & I think you are correct on the part in red - it's important to remember that the vast majority of visitors to Disney are not Disers or otherwise 'in the know' on tips, etc., so most of them most like, imo, did not take advantage of the non-enforcement of the policy. Also IMO, Disney is trying to get those people who did know they could return late used to doing FP the way it was set up initially so they will be used to it before Xpass or whatever, since it is my understanding with the next gen system you must return at a certain pre-arranged time.

 

[UNCFanatik]

Maybe I read with a different tone.. anytime I see someone typing something like the above (erm.. the way above, not goofyer's stuff) I read in with a condescending tone. Perhaps it's just the difficulty of conveying tone over text?

Essentially, I read it as "Since WE followed the rules and YOU didn't..." (obviously, not exactly, since that's not what she typed, but that shows the tone that I read it in better). Maybe I'm just jaded from the former FP debates where people would get real self-righteous and have a true condescending attitude that it automatically creeps in to similar posts unless specifically negated? /shrug. If that's the case, apologies to the original quotee. I did, at least, mention I was tired this morning right?

That was my long-winded way of saying... crap, I may be reading too much into things and need to wake up a little.

Lets not pretend the condescending attitudes only came from one side of the debate. Your very posts can be read as being patronizing. Not to mention that gem of a post by Senator Tressel.

You're not getting it. They've changed it from a system of freedom and relaxation to a much less convenient and more stressful system. You'd have to be incredibly obtuse to not get that. The change does not improve the system for anyone. It only makes people who crave black and white in their lives feel comfort that everyone else has to experience the same rigidity that they have always imposed upon themselves voluntarily.

For every self righteous post you see, you see an equal one calling someone a sheep or jealous that they didnt take advantage of the non-enforcement.

 

[KellyNY]

The information I have is that they started enforcing the window on March 7th, but only at WDW, and not at DLR. CMs have reported increased numbers of FPs being distributed at some rides, and they began testing X-Pass advance attraction reservations after a short adjustment period. Certainly more than zero information.

Logically, there's almost no chance that those are unrelated coincidences and they were really only just trying to make things fair for everyone. Most likely, they are trying to find out how many advance spots they can offer without significantly degrading the FP experience.

And? What makes you think that old system was not broken based on what you have at hands? And what makes you think Xpass is not a solution to old, broken system? Do yo have any data at all or it is still equal to zero?

BTW, what CM reports you are talking about? You mean someone who we never saw or know nothing about provides some info and all of the sudden it is reliable? I can create another username now, hang around for a month, keeping it low and then start all kind of BS pretending to be CM. Lets not reference other users as reliable sources.

 

[stashbin]

I would but I, for the life of me, cannot see anything wrong with that post. Opinion was stated, didn't put anyone down, other than a descriptive use of the word "rules" used merely to show that they didn't know anything else was allowed, so didn't take advantage of the unknown...I'm at a loss to know how this can be commented on other then to say. Thanks for sharing! We all have our plans of how to get the most out of a day in a Disney Park. There is more than one answer.

Agreed.

My opinion is this:If Disney made an exception for everyone who had a need to show up whenever was convenient for him or her, then there really would be no FP system. If you get a FP, use it when you are supposed to or wait in stand-by.

 

[KELLY]

IMO I think a lot of people with Adr's will run into this...THIS is the reason for us to stick with the QSDP. We have 2 adr's for a 11 day trip and one is for arrival day. Just make touring for us a bit easier. I never have a watch on me and fact I don't own one. But I will be getting one for the trip.

 

[pigby]

If they don't let me use my fastpass after the stated time I'm going to ram the castmember with my stroller. Then I'll probably be thirsty and need to take a sip of soda out of my 1996 Pop Century free refill cup. Then I'll demand a towel animal or my trip will be ruined.

If you have a 1996 Pop Century cup, I would seriously interested in buying that - a collectors item to be sure as resort wasnt open then (or maybe that's the joke)

Seriously will soon get my first experience of the new fastpass system in just over a couple of weeks - confession - we used to be fastpass hoarders (collecting them in the morning until later in the day) - should be interesting.

 

[disneyfanlincoln]

Maybe I read with a different tone.. anytime I see someone typing something like the above (erm.. the way above, not goofyer's stuff) I read in with a condescending tone. Perhaps it's just the difficulty of conveying tone over text?

Essentially, I read it as "Since WE followed the rules and YOU didn't..." (obviously, not exactly, since that's not what she typed, but that shows the tone that I read it in better). Maybe I'm just jaded from the former FP debates where people would get real self-righteous and have a true condescending attitude that it automatically creeps in to similar posts unless specifically negated? /shrug. If that's the case, apologies to the original quotee. I did, at least, mention I was tired this morning right?

That was my long-winded way of saying... crap, I may be reading too much into things and need to wake up a little.

Wasn't meant to be condescending, I genuinely didn't know (more fool me) and that's all that I was trying to convey, I don't deliberately try to upset anyone on these boards. I'll go back to lurking and not posting......

 

[nadiakim]

I was there the first week of May. What worked for me was kind of grouping the areas together.

For instance, I got a Peter Pan fp right away, rode Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, and the Carosuel and then my PP FP was nearly ripe so I walked over to Buzz and got my FP for that because at that point my PP FP was ripe. Then I went back to PP and rode that, went back to Tomorrowland and rode TTA and did CP. Then I did some shopping, got a snack, watched Push and a kid who didn't believe he was being bothered by a trash can and relaxed a bit until my FP was ready for Buzz.
Then I rode Buzz. I then crossed over to Adventureland, got an FP for Jungle Cruise.

I rode Pirates, watched the Jack Sparrow show, walked over to HM and rode that. Then I had lunch at Columbia Harbour House. At that point my Jungle Cruise FP was ripe so I checked my phone for Splash return times but they were only 2 1/2 hours out. Since I was planning on an afternoon break, I went back to Jungle Cruise rode it and then headed out to catch the bus for my afternoon break.

I didn't ride Space Mountain (I don't like it) and when I returned to the park, I decided to save Splash for my 1/2 day at MK later in the trip but I did get another FP for Buzz, ate supper at Plaza since I'd made that ADR, rode Buzz when the FP was ready, rode It's a small World, saw Mickey's Philharmagic, rode Pirates and HM again that evening.

I did some shopping and then it was time to find a spot for the Fireworks. After the fireworks I joined the hoards of people in the Emporium but held off on buying anything since the checkout lines were long and I knew I'd be back to MK that trip. After about 45 minutes of window shopping, I left MK.

So that was my full MK day and it wasn't too bad. I still don't like having to make sure I'm back within my timeframe because I had to clock watch alot more but I managed.

I don't know how well my plan would work on a really crowded day though.

Wow thanks for posting how you worked this out. Seems like a great productive day. And I can learn from this because I think what we didnt do last time was plan a head in knowing the next ride we wanted that had FP when our FP were ripe for one and that meant we ended up waiting around and not drifting too far. Definitely need to plan better next time.

 

[KellyNY]

Wasn't meant to be condescending, I genuinely didn't know (more fool me) and that's all that I was trying to convey, I don't deliberately try to upset anyone on these boards. I'll go back to lurking and not posting......

There was nothing wrong with your post. Sometimes people like to and even more often people like to redirect attention from point to poster, blaming him for everything, to destroy his point, you know like back in 1st grade.

 

[gator girl]

This will be my one & only post regarding fastpass "rule" "changes"...

Great googly moogly am I glad I'm not in a relationship with some of you people, who will not be wrong even if you have to repeat your opinion hundreds of times.

In the words of the illustrious Carrie Underwood... "Jesus, take the wheel."

You know what? I don't care if people used/planned to use/wanted to use/never used/think it's evil to use their fastpasses early/late/the following day/prior to park open/only under a full moon. Especially if these people are strangers in a teeming theme park. Idk. Maybe I'm the weird one here. Wouldn't be the first time...

 

[TLSnell1981]

IMO I think a lot of people with Adr's will run into this...THIS is the reason for us to stick with the QSDP. We have 2 adr's for a 11 day trip and one is for arrival day.

I hate counter service, but the recent FP change, caused me to change our dining plans. Too much hassle and worry..would ADRs interfere with FP, or visa versa? We'll eat breakfast and dinner in the Villa..wing it for lunch. We're not happy, but " it is, what it is".

 

[goofyernmost]

I hate counter service, but the recent FP change, caused me to change our dining plans. Too much hassle and worry..would ADRs interfere with FP, or visa versa? We'll eat breakfast and dinner in the Villa..wing it for lunch. We're not happy, but " it is, what it is".

It is beyond my ability to comprehend how anyone would consider that saving 20 minutes on a theme park ride can possibly be more important than dining in worthwhile places. How can that be more important? You're going to have a difficult time getting in without an ADR for dining, but the worst case scenario concerning the ride, is that you might have to use Standby. Gasp!!!!

I did it easily in two ways...In one case I just waited to get a FP for a time that didn't interfere with an ADR and in the second, I just swapped out my FP with another person that had a later FP, so I could go to the ADR and still have a FP for the ride. It wasn't rocket scientist type stuff and it only took a few minutes.

Perspective people...Please!

 

[TLSnell1981]

It is beyond my ability to comprehend how anyone would consider that saving 20 minutes on a theme park ride can possibly be more important than dining in worthwhile places. How can that be more important? .

Perspective people...Please!

Where do you get "saving 20 minutes"?