Not impressed with the current fastpass system

[Planogirl]

An overwhelming number of responses in these threads is the "we didn't ever know that we COULD use FP past the end time..."

Seems like so few guests knew they could return "after window"
I can't see how the few that DID return "late" could possibly have caused all of the FP lines to stagnate late in the day.

How would that have worked?

True. I wonder if it made much difference at all under the current fastpass system. This makes me wonder if enforcing the return times should really make much difference when it comes to lines too.

 

[smidgy]

I don't think the new "enforcement" has anything to do with fairness, improvement, etc.

I think it is the first step to introducing the new x gen (or next gen, ) system..

 

[goofyernmost]

An overwhelming number of responses in these threads is the "we didn't ever know that we COULD use FP past the end time..."

Seems like so few guests knew they could return "after window"
I can't see how the few that DID return "late" could possibly have caused all of the FP lines to stagnate late in the day.

How would that have worked?

I don't think it was a constant problem, if a problem at all, but I can understand that if since our culture is kinda habitual concerning meal times that FP's during that time would be held and then at the the end of that time cause a large rush of people, freshly dined, and ready to ride.

Even more significant would be afternoon parades (3 o'clock ones) and even evening parades fireworks and other street shows. Everyone with a FP during or before that time would show up after the event and intermingle with a group of other people that had FP's for the actual time causing a rush on the FP line. That might not necessarily have much affect on the FP line, but it could easily stop the standby line dead in it's tracks. They are paying customers (Guests) as well and since they are the majority it might be a good idea to keep them just a little bit happy.

However, that said, since each ride has a capacity and loading formula the original purpose, stated by Disney, was that they could more easily control the numbers of people at an attraction at time spaced intervals. If no controls were used to make that happen (i.e. staying within the window) that would cause more fluctuation in wait time throughout the day. Logically the new X system, could not be accurately controlled without a controlled environment.

 

[North of Mouse]

I don't think it was a constant problem, if a problem at all, but I can understand that if since our culture is kinda habitual concerning meal times that FP's during that time would be held and then at the the end of that time cause a large rush of people, freshly dined, and ready to ride.

Even more significant would be afternoon parades (3 o'clock ones) and even evening parades fireworks and other street shows. Everyone with a FP during that time would show up after the event and intermingle with a group of other people that had FP's for the actual time causing a rush on the FP line. That might not necessarily have much affect on the FP line, but it could easily stop the standby line dead in it's tracks. They are paying customers (Guests) as well and since they are the majority it might be a good idea to keep them just a little bit happy.

However, that said, since each ride has a capacity and loading formula the original purpose, stated by Disney, was that they could more easily control the numbers of people at an attraction at time spaced intervals. If no controls were used to make that happen (i.e. staying within the window) that would cause more fluctuation in wait time throughout the day. Logically the new X system, could not be accurately controlled without a controlled environment.

If it would have been the case of making all guests "happy" to go after their FP times, why don't they cut out "bag checks" or other rules they enforce that everyone doesn't like? I think it was a case of gradually letting it happen, and after awhile it became the norm. We go enough to see that it definitely had an impact on those that went within their "window", especially in the evening hours when most of the late comers begin to use theirs. Just like with any rules IMO, either enforce them, or take them away - one or the other, so the playing field will be equal Our trip in April was much more pleasant because of the shorter return FP lines. Also, from the ones we talked to, guests and CM's, it was deliberate, not just missing the window because of meal ressies or parades.

 

[goofyernmost]

If it would have been the case of making all guests "happy" to go after their FP times, why don't they cut out "bag checks" or other rules they enforce that everyone doesn't like? I think it was a case of gradually letting it happen, and after awhile it became the norm. We go enough to see that it definitely had an impact on those that went within their "window", especially in the evening hours when most of the late comers begin to use theirs. Just like with any rules IMO, either enforce them, or take them away - one or the other, so the playing field will be equal Our trip in April was much more pleasant because of the shorter return FP lines. Also, from the ones we talked to, guests and CM's, it was deliberate, not just missing the window because of meal ressies or parades.

In this day and age, I don't have any problems with any form of security checks. If all it amounted to was just the bag check, I'd say it was a waste of time, but I am pretty certain that is not all that happens during the check. It is an obvious bottleneck created to slow down traffic and do a little "profiling" in the process. Not by the poor folks looking in your bags but the "secret" army of watchers that you are not even aware of.

Either way it really isn't a comparison to place that and FP side by side as changeable options.

 

[Csaks]

Wow, that is 20 minutes I'll never get back. As for the topic, I wish I knew about the late return time thingy. We, as with another poster have had FastPasses in the past that were past their time window and we assumed we had lost out on our chance, so we ended up not using them.
So I guess they are now the way I always thought they were. No change for us. The only thing I'm upset about is not knowing this secret for previous trips.

 

[North of Mouse]

In this day and age, I don't have any problems with any form of security checks. If all it amounted to was just the bag check, I'd say it was a waste of time, but I am pretty certain that is not all that happens during the check. It is an obvious bottleneck created to slow down traffic and do a little "profiling" in the process. Not by the poor folks looking in your bags but the "secret" army of watchers that you are not even aware of.

Either way it really isn't a comparison to place that and FP side by side as changeable options.

I personally don't mind the bag checks at all, except in and of themselves they are useless to a large extent, but as you said there is probably more going on then we see

 

[Stoneham92]

I have had great success in using Fastpasses from one day on a future day as long as I am within the time window.

Also, I never use my fast pass at the exact time that the ride becomes available, usually 1/2 hour after the return time and fly right onto the ride.

I also had the fortune twice in a row that the CM at the ride did not take my fast pass so I was able to ride 3 times in a row. That was probably the Disney Magic at it's best.

 

[WillAustin]

Also, I never use my fast pass at the exact time that the ride becomes available, usually 1/2 hour after the return time and fly right onto the ride.

That shouldn't matter. Every five minutes a new window begins for a whole new group of Fastpasses, so the middle of your window is the beginning, middle or end for others.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

In this day and age, I don't have any problems with any form of security checks. If all it amounted to was just the bag check, I'd say it was a waste of time, but I am pretty certain that is not all that happens during the check. It is an obvious bottleneck created to slow down traffic and do a little "profiling" in the process. Not by the poor folks looking in your bags but the "secret" army of watchers that you are not even aware of.

Either way it really isn't a comparison to place that and FP side by side as changeable options.

Those would have to be some pretty dumb ne'er-do-wells not to realize that if they wore baggy shorts with pockets and a vest with pockets they could smuggle in just about anything. . .

Or is it women with big purses or families with strollers and picnic bags that we need to fear most?

The bag check makes people feel safer, not actual be safer.

 

[Love Tink]

An overwhelming number of responses in these threads is the "we didn't ever know that we COULD use FP past the end time..."

Seems like so few guests knew they could return "after window"
I can't see how the few that DID return "late" could possibly have caused all of the FP lines to stagnate late in the day.

How would that have worked?

But that's the great paradox of the complaints by the "enforcement" crowd.

Using FP late was WRONG because A) Only a few people knew about it. AND B) It caused giant back-ups in the FP return lines late in the day.

The fact that these two items are in complete opposition is to be ignored.

 

[maxiesmom]

Those would have to be some pretty dumb ne'er-do-wells not to realize that if they wore baggy shorts with pockets and a vest with pockets they could smuggle in just about anything. . .

Or is it women with big purses or families with strollers and picnic bags that we need to fear most?

The bag check makes people feel safer, not actual be safer.

What it does is hold people up so that the real security can take a look at them. Checking for any odd behavior.

 

[maxiesmom]

Using FP late was WRONG because A) Only a few people knew about it. AND B) It caused giant back-ups in the FP return lines late in the day.

The fact that these two items are in complete opposition is to be ignored.

Honestly, what difference does it make why Disney decided to enforce the time set on the fast pass? It is what it is. Arguing is not going to change a thing. I don't mean to pick on you, I just don't get it. I don't if either side was proven right that that would really make them happy.

 

[bdoyledimou]

Your point might have some validity if not for that recent thread where people talked about collecting FPs as souvenirs.

I collect FPs as souvenirs -- but i just grab a second one that says "This is NOT a Fast Pass" instead of a time stamp.

 

[goofyernmost]

Those would have to be some pretty dumb ne'er-do-wells not to realize that if they wore baggy shorts with pockets and a vest with pockets they could smuggle in just about anything. . .

Or is it women with big purses or families with strollers and picnic bags that we need to fear most?

The bag check makes people feel safer, not actual be safer.

Least we forget...there are security people standing by the NO BAGS entrance as well, and I have seen them stop some of the cargo pants looking like pillows people.

 

[larryz]

Is repeating Disboards rules again and again a part of secret double probation or you are just being sarcastic?!? Oh, no

We all have to remember that just as Disney is now enforcing the fast pass return time, so also are there moderators enforcing the DISboard rules -- rules against being off topic, conducting personal attacks, and being sarcastic.

 

[missesdisney]

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.

The better part is good to hear - that was something I'd been wondering. If the new way of doing it or enforcing it or whatever makes it easier to get one on the TSM or Soarin now. Sounds like maybe yes. Going in July not expecting too much due to busy time period so we skip what we skip, but only because we are back in November when the majority of our trip is empty parks

 

[luvthemouse71]

We were asked to do the new FP trial when we're there earlier this month. You have to pick times when you would like to use the FP.

I hated it. I have no problems using The usual FP system and returning within the window. But, I don't like having to plan where I'll be later in the day. I'm not that anal, lol.

 

[Robo]

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)

Have you considered that maybe many of those guests in the Standby line for Star Tours are already holding FP's counting down for another attraction... TSM, perhaps?

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Those would have to be some pretty dumb ne'er-do-wells not to realize that if they wore baggy shorts with pockets and a vest with pockets they could smuggle in just about anything. . .

Or is it women with big purses or families with strollers and picnic bags that we need to fear most?

The bag check makes people feel safer, not actual be safer.

What it does is hold people up so that the real security can take a look at them. Checking for any odd behavior.

Shhhh! That's a Disney secret.