Not impressed with the current fastpass system

[KellyNY]

Where do you get "saving 20 minutes"?

Which number do you like?

 

[TLSnell1981]

Which number do you like?

If, standby lines were only 20 minutes, there would be no need for FPs IMO

 

[Cafeen]

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......

Naw, no need at all . Past issues with FP posts have slanted my views on people who post similar remarks*, it's my issue to deal with and certainly not yours. No reason to stop posting because one dumb poster (e.g. me ) takes it the wrong way. Much apologies for lumping you in with the other, no-so unknowing ones . If it happens again, feel free to smack me one .

*(Background: We previously, in similar discussions, had people stating explicitly that they were more moral/better/whatever because they used FPs within the window while others "broke the rules" and used them after. They would go so far as to report them to CMs and Guest Relations stating how "unfair" it is (these are the "extreme hall monitors" I spoke of earlier). After dealing with those people for several, heated, "discussions", it has become my gut reaction. Apologies again for lumping you in with those types and I'll be working on my early morning reading skills... or at least my early morning avoiding to post reactionary posts skills if I can't get the actual reading skills up to par . Especially since I've dove in on a couple of these threads lately with sub-par comprehension... and why is this whole thing in parenthesis?)

 

[Colleen27]

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".

That's my big worry about it. We're 3 days out from our first near-peak season trip and I honestly have no idea how it is going to work out. To me, eating only take out or cooking for myself isn't vacation so if we end up with a lot of FP/ADR conflicts that will make WDW a much less attractive destination... One of the things I love about it and that keeps us coming back is that it is one of very few places where we can enjoy a nice meal in a place like Flying Fish, Jiko, or Artist Point without feeling like I have to leave the kids with a sitter. I'm a "wait and see" sort of person so I'm reserving judgment until I see how it works out, but there is a part of me that is sort of glad that our next WDW trip won't be until well after the speculated roll-out of Xpass.

 

[LilyWDW]

I have never had an ADR and FP conflict...

Guess we just plan well for the time of year we are there.

 

[KellyNY]

If, standby lines were only 20 minutes, there would be no need for FPs IMO

But his point was not about particular number. I am surprised you missed his point.

 

[ModernArtist]

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...

. Totally agree!

 

[TLSnell1981]

That's my big worry about it. We're 3 days out from our first near-peak season trip and I honestly have no idea how it is going to work out. To me, eating only take out or cooking for myself isn't vacation .

My grocery list, looks something like...

Captain Crunch
2% milk
Bananas
Oatnut bread
Ham
Cheese
Pizza
Toll house ice cream cookies
Etc


I'm not cooking and we're cruising, the next week. (I'm repeating this to myself often )

I have never had an ADR and FP conflict...

Guess we just plan well for the time of year we are there.

has been good to you.

But his point was not about particular number. I am surprised you missed his point.

You know, I didn't...

 

[KellyNY]

You know, I didn't...

Really? Noooo way...

 

[fla4fun]

I try to avoid the parks during peak season. But even going during slower times, I still don't use FP much (I've maybe used it twice) and I don't book ADR's much either (maybe one or two in a ten day trip). Mostly because of what the OP went through as far as timing goes. In the past, I've spent more than my fair share of time just hanging out waiting for my reserved time (meal or ride) or worrying that I would be late for same. Now that there is more variety at the QS restaurants, I prefer to just grab a bite when I'm hungry, knowing that I don't have to be at a particular place at a particular time. I hit my favorite attractions early or late in the day when the lines are usually shorter (knowing that since I have an AP, it's OK to skip something with a long line). I know that type of touring doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me. I absolutely hate being tied to a schedule when I'm on vacation.

I do think that it's important to minimize the criss crossing of the parks and kind of group attractions together, like a previous poster mentioned, so that you aren't trying to swim upstream through the crowds of people before your FP window expires. Sometimes it can take a half hour just to get from one side of MK to the other if it's really busy.

 

[BobbidieBoo]

For better or worse, it is what it is.

For better:
FP still available for TSM at 2:00, when there was an hour plus standby from 8:15 on!
Getting a FP for star tours, watching muppets, coming back and riding star tours BEFORE those who waited in the standby line. (really, read the map, learn, you could do it too, but more for us)

For worse: the walk to rnr to get a pass for after diner.

 

[origin62]

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.

Where did you see these "announcements?' Because, everything I saw, both internally and externally, made no mention of a policy change. In fact, the exact word used was "enforcement." In internal communications, CMs were reminded specifically that this was not a change in policy, but rather enforcement of an existing one.

 

[origin62]

Not really trying to nitpick, but this is incorrect. It was Disney's stated policy to allow you to return after the posted return time. It's been posted on here on several occasions in written form from WDW, so no one was breaking any rules at that time. There were only very rare, isolated cases where CMs were instructed to actually turn anyone away after their printed return times.

It was never Disney's stated policy to allow users to return outside of their FP window. It is and always has been Disney's intent that FPs be used during the time shown on the ticket. However, to avoid ugly scenes at the FP entrances, CMs were told, that they could admit late arrivers (up until March 7, 2012.) That practice was discontinued for several reasons, but again, it was never Disney's policy or intent for visitors to access FP lines at any time other than what was shown on their ticket.

 

[larryz]

... /sigh...

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

I would, but I'm on double secret probation.

 

[origin62]

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.

Wow. What an offensive post. I'm sorry that you are no longer able to ride what you want, when you want, suiting yourself at the expense of others by disregarding the intended use of the FP system. Oh, wait, no I'm not. By asking you to ride only during your FP window, Disney can offer a more efficient FP experience to thousands of visitors every day. By the way, I'm in no way a black & white person, nor do I consider myself a Hall Monitor of others' behavior. I was an Art major, and still love to color outside of the lines.

 

[Colleen27]

My grocery list, looks something like...

Captain Crunch
2% milk
Bananas
Oatnut bread
Ham
Cheese
Pizza
Toll house ice cream cookies
Etc


I'm not cooking and we're cruising, the next week. (I'm repeating this to myself often )

Let us know how it works out for you!

I'm taking the opposite approach. This trip is primarily for the Girl Scout event on Sunday at Epcot and secondarily for my & my mother's birthdays, so we made our ADRs and if it means missing a ride or two so be it. My birthday dinner at California Grill, tea with my girls, a sushi fix at Kimonos or Tokyo dining... Those are my must-dos this trip. As far as attractions go, there are only three that are can't-miss: BTMRR when it reopens on Monday, Kali River now that DD3 is finally tall enough, and Festival of the Lion King while I've just got my girls because my boys have no interest in seeing it.

Our next WDW trip probably won't be until 2014 so hopefully by then we'll have the option of Xpass rather than the randomness and criss-crossing of FP.

 

[bear_mom]

I haven't read the entire thread, but thought I would give my prespective. We were at WDW from 4/27-5/5. It did take a little more planning to use the fast passes during the times listed, but with a little planning and the help of the Disney Mobil Magic app (iPhone) it wasn't all that hard. We could see what the stand by line times were and when the fast pass return times were.

We used fast passes frequently and effectively. We didn't notice that the fast pass lines were any longer than previous trips - sometimes we walked right on and other times we waited 10'ish minutes. We did notice that fast passes were available later than in the day that previous trips.

Emily

 

[goofyernmost]

I haven't read the entire thread, but thought I would give my prespective. We were at WDW from 4/27-5/5. It did take a little more planning to use the fast passes during the times listed, but with a little planning and the help of the Disney Mobil Magic app (iPhone) it wasn't all that hard. We could see what the stand by line times were and when the fast pass return times were.

We used fast passes frequently and effectively. We didn't notice that the fast pass lines were any longer than previous trips - sometimes we walked right on and other times we waited 10'ish minutes. We did notice that fast passes were available later than in the day that previous trips.

Emily

No, No, No, No...that is not what everyone wanted to hear. The correct response would have been that this new system takes all the fun out of going to Disney. The lines are hours longer and I have to go a whole day without food or drink because I have to spend all day crossing back and forth across the parks to get the chance to ride any attraction. It is the pits and there is no solution for it. That you hope that Disney will be willing to hand out big bucks when you pass out from starvation and lack of hydration. That Disney needs to go back to the old system of letting me get a Fastpass and using it any time I want or I will no longer be spending my money in the place. Talk about unfair!

 

[TLSnell1981]

. The lines are hours longer and I have to go a whole day without food or drink because I have to spend all day crossing back and forth across the parks to get the chance to ride any attraction. :

Well, I have a scooter to help conserve my energy. Hopefully, I won't become delirious and run anyone down. I may even lose a few pounds....

 

[larryz]

No, No, No, No...that is not what everyone wanted to hear. The correct response would have been that this new system takes all the fun out of going to Disney. The lines are hours longer and I have to go a whole day without food or drink because I have to spend all day crossing back and forth across the parks to get the chance to ride any attraction. It is the pits and there is no solution for it. That you hope that Disney will be willing to hand out big bucks when you pass out from starvation and lack of hydration. That Disney needs to go back to the old system of letting me get a Fastpass and using it any time I want or I will no longer be spending my money in the place. Talk about unfair!

Are you being sarcastic? I don't think that's allowed on the DISBoards...