Not impressed with the current fastpass system

[kaytieeldr]

With all this talk about ride capacity, can the capacity on the popular rides be increased? Are they all running currently at their maximum capacity? For instance, can more ride vehicles be added to TSMM?

Does anyone know?

The Unofficial Guide knows .

And they share that information with readers. Not that they know on any given day whether an attraction is operating at capacity, but I'm relatively certain they advise readers what the maximum hourly capacity is with all vehicles, etc., operating.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

It seems like as fast as they can load them at TSM they send them out so I believe they are running at maximum capacity.

I forgot to mention that we did run into what seemed like two very long FP lines. One at Buzz Lightyear where it was almost to the entrance and the other at the Jungle Cruise. Both times the waits were not very long but I had not seen FP lines like that before. It could just have been the timing.

 

[WillAustin]

My family is a good example of one that wouldn't be in the long standby line, but would definitely be using any FPs we can, advance or in-park.

You couldn't count on us being numbers that moved from standby to fastpass with a zero sum. We would increase the load on the FP side without reducing it on the standby side. I'm pretty sure we aren't the only ones like that.

The length of the standby line is not necessarily related to daily ride capacity.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~I can't wait for xPASS, it is going to be fabulous! WDW has sustained substantial growth in both park attendance and attractions, the current system needs an update, IMO. Fastpass+, is going to be free and available to, "at least", all guests who purchase park tickets directly from Disney. That's my guess!

~It's funny, how there is a lot of mention regarding the increase in Fastpasses. I easily drew this conclusion from Chesire Figment's memo, where it was spelled out in plain English, lol. Way back then.

~Anyway, xPASS will more than double the amount of FP attractions available for MK alone, in addition to the increase of available FP's!!! Courtesy of ~Jim Hill~ ...

The Magic Kingdom currently has the following rides, shows and attractions available for advance booking through that theme park's FastPASS system:

• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Mickey's Philharmagic
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
• Peter Pan's Flight
• Jungle Cruise
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Stitch's Great Escape

Once xPASS is up & running, WDW visitors will also have the chance to book in advance:

• it's a small world
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Haunted Mansion
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Great Goofini junior roller coaster
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Not to mention exclusive meet & greets with the Disney characters as well as primo viewing spots for such Magic Kingdom favorites as:

• Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade
• Main Street Electrical Parade
• Wishes Nighttime Spectacular

Meanwhile, over at EPCOT, Guests can currently use that theme park's FastPASS system to enter the virtual queue for:

• Soarin'
• Test Track
• Mission: SPACE
• Maelstrom
• Living with the Land
• Captain EO

Once xPASS comes online, WDW visitors will be able to book advance reservations for:

• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Spaceship Earth
• Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

These Guests will also have the opportunity to experience exclusive meet & greets with the Disney characters as well as claim a spot for the nightly presentation of:

• IlllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Meanwhile, over at Disney's Hollywood Studios ... Nowadays, Guests can use FastPASS to book advance ride times on:

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
• Toy Story Mania!
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

But in the not-so-distant future ... Thanks to xPASS, visitors to this studio theme park will also be able to take advantage of Disney's virtual queuing system to cut the line / their wait time for:

• The Great Movie Ride
• MuppetVision 3-D
• Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage!
• The American Idol Experience
• Studio Backlot Tour

Plus those exclusive meet & greets with the Disney characters. Not to mention special reserved-in-advance viewing areas for:

• Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!
• Fantasmic!

Meanwhile over at Disney's Animal Kingdom ... Where once WDW Guests were only able to use their FastPASSes for:

• Expedition Everest
• Kilmanjaro Safaris
• Kali River Rapids
• It's Tough to be a Bug!
• DINOSAUR
• Primeval Whirl

Once xPASS officially comes online next year, these same Disney World visitors will be able to use this virtual queuing system to book seats for:

• Finding Nemo - The Musical
• Festival of the Lion King

Not to mention those exclusive meet & greet opportunities with the Disney characters as well as primo viewing spot for:

• Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade

​

 

[mom2rtk]

I think adding FP to attractions that don't really need it is really just smoke and mirrors. I do think they are pinning their hopes on getting their extra capacity that way, but let's face it. None of us s hoping to use FP for Philharmagic. We're interested in TSMM, Soarin, TT, Space, etc..... the currente FP rides. They are already Fp because they have the highest demand in the parks and have the longest SB lines.

I'm going to have to reserve judgment on the parades and shows with regard to FP. We used FP for FOTLK in December and honestly didn't need to. It was more of a novelty, and we only took the FP after confirming that as a test, it was not hooked up to the rest of the FP system.

But to first time visitors, I'm sure the smoke and mirrors will look very impressive.

 

[mesaboy2]

Then why not eliminate FastPass altogether? Put everyone back on the 100% even playing field that worked for the first 40+ years Disneyland operated without it? Ditto for Magic Kingdom's 27 or so FastPass-free years, Epcot's 17 or so...?

Both before and after FPs began, you still had to show up at the attraction before choosing your ride options. I consider both FCFS.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

I just can't wait until I'm able to go online and get my FP's for Philharmagic, Laugh Floor, Haunted Mansion, Journey into the Imagination, Muppetvision 3D, Festival of the Lion King & Finding Nemo the Musical. Why walk on when you can fastpass it?

 

[KellyNY]

My family is a good example of one that wouldn't be in the long standby line, but would definitely be using any FPs we can, advance or in-park.

You couldn't count on us being numbers that moved from standby to fastpass with a zero sum. We would increase the load on the FP side without reducing it on the standby side. I'm pretty sure we aren't the only ones like that.

The length of the standby line is not necessarily related to daily ride capacity.

Wait, when did you stand in SB? Could not resist!

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

My family is a good example of one that wouldn't be in the long standby line, but would definitely be using any FPs we can, advance or in-park.

You couldn't count on us being numbers that moved from standby to fastpass with a zero sum. We would increase the load on the FP side without reducing it on the standby side. I'm pretty sure we aren't the only ones like that.

The length of the standby line is not necessarily related to daily ride capacity.

We also use FP to get an additional ride in on our favorite attractions. Last week we rode Soarin' first thing in the AM, then got a FP for later.

 

[WillAustin]

Wait, when did you stand in SB? Could not resist!

I know. That's my point.

 

[KellyNY]

I know. That's my point.

So, if you are happy maximizing your experience and I am happy to get out of few SBs, and we are from different sides of argument, you think new system may have a chance? Unless of course us being happy at the same time is not a sign of The End Of The World...

 

[WillAustin]

So, if you are happy maximizing your experience and I am happy to get out of few SBs, and we are from different sides of argument, you think new system may have a chance? Unless of course us being happy at the same time is not a sign of The End Of The World...

I just hope the new system is really worth using.

And that it's not the end of the world.

 

[MurphyJoe]

But to first time visitors, I'm sure the smoke and mirrors will look very impressive.

I think that's the plan. To spread people throughout the program, Disney needs more FP+ attractions to choose from. Ultimately, I feel that those in the know will have a greater advantage under the new program than when we knew it was possible to (and did) use FP late. Doubly so if regular FP is available too.

 

[pequele]

How do you come to the conclusion that there will be fewer ("limiting") FPs? Most educated guesses are the new system will increase the total number of FPs (of any variety) distributed. If that is the case, the standby wait times should increase.

Not sure where the education comes in the guessing is what I am saying and I never came to the conclusion that there WILL be fewer FPs (and my direct quote in case you want to dispute was "To me, more people in FP line means more people in standby which is due to slower movement b/c of letting all the FP people on and fewer people in FP means the standby line moves faster and would translate to a shorter line more than likely if it kept moving. PLEASE help me understand how limiting FPs will translate into longer standby lines when it is the standby line who will actually be able to finally GET on a ride??") but I'm seeing people say everything from fewer FPs because only resort guests will get them (I NEVER said I agree or disagree that this is true, please see my quote from above), to the same number of FPs, to more FPs being issued! I am agreeing (again SEE MY QUOTE) with your point that IF FPs increase the wait times in SB will as well. BUT it doesn't seem like people are ONLY associating an increase in FPs will increase SB wait times, THAT is why I am confused. I want to know their "educated guess" as to why they are speculating what they say they think is going to happen. OTHER POSTERS are thinking FPs will be limited...NOT ME! I don't have a clue what is on Disney's mind, all I am simply asking is WHY people are throwing out their theories and what are their reasons behind their theories. I mean you call them educated guess but where's the education behind that statement? Just because someone has been to WDW 492835701 times? Sorry but as a scientist I like to see a hypothesis supported with info/data! That's all!

 

[KellyNY]

I just hope the new system is really worth using.

And that it's not the end of the world.

Considering that they invested so much and, I would assume, hope to get back and more in whatever form, more onsite guests, more deluxe guests or just paid Xpass, it shoud be worth it, logically speaking.

 

[MurphyJoe]

Came across this while searching for some numbers on FP:

Est. numbers on FP+ with the expanded attraction offering over FP in MK:

"The addition of the other attractions and premium entertainment viewing can potentially bring the daily Fastpass+ availability to 237,450 per day. This would include all of the Fantasyland expansion being open as well as premium viewing for a daytime parade, a nighttime parade and a fireworks show.

With 46,499 guests in the park, and each guest entitled to 4 Fastpass+ attractions, 185,995 of the 237,450 available Fastpasses can be distributed via Fastpass+.

This would mean that 78.3% of Fastpasses could potentially be booked prior to guests entering the park. If each guest can book 3 Fastpass+ attractions the percentage drops to 58.73% and if each guest can reserve 2 attractions the percentage drops to 39.15%."

From http://www.wdwfanboys.com/

 

[goofyernmost]

Except they are not in the park getting them. Your assumption might be valid if all resort guests entered the parks at open. This is not the case. They get to sleep in knowing they already have them, where they didn't before. Again, there are fewer FPs available in the park to non-resort guests.

I know I'm not expressing myself well here so I am about to give it up, but one last try. The people that will be "sleeping in" because they already hold FP's were and are, at the present time, the ones that are there at opening and taking FP's at that time. The number of guests at WDW are not going to magically expand by huge amounts. Many of the rides will be walk on because those folks are staying in bed longer leaving the park for others. I don't see it as being an end all. Other advantages will show up.

Those people were taking FP's anyway...they will have them earlier now, leaving the kiosks less crowded and available for others. Disney would have to be out of their everlovin minds to reserve all FP's just for Resort Guests. The times may not be always ideal, but since the load capacity cannot change, they cannot expand the numbers of FP's available. Also, many will, in all likelihood bypass the preset FP simply because it is way to damn hard to figure out when you want to ride a ride that far out.

I guess, that I just feel that since we have so little information about what is going to happen, panicking about it now is just a waste of time. We will know when, and if, it becomes a reality. Until then...nothing has changed except the enforcement of the Window times.

 

[mesaboy2]

Not sure where the education comes in the guessing is what I am saying and I never came to the conclusion that there WILL be fewer FPs (and my direct quote in case you want to dispute was "To me, more people in FP line means more people in standby which is due to slower movement b/c of letting all the FP people on and fewer people in FP means the standby line moves faster and would translate to a shorter line more than likely if it kept moving. PLEASE help me understand how limiting FPs will translate into longer standby lines when it is the standby line who will actually be able to finally GET on a ride??") but I'm seeing people say everything from fewer FPs because only resort guests will get them (I NEVER said I agree or disagree that this is true, please see my quote from above), to the same number of FPs, to more FPs being issued! I am agreeing (again SEE MY QUOTE) with your point that IF FPs increase the wait times in SB will as well. BUT it doesn't seem like people are ONLY associating an increase in FPs will increase SB wait times, THAT is why I am confused. I want to know their "educated guess" as to why they are speculating what they say they think is going to happen. OTHER POSTERS are thinking FPs will be limited...NOT ME! I don't have a clue what is on Disney's mind, all I am simply asking is WHY people are throwing out their theories and what are their reasons behind their theories. I mean you call them educated guess but where's the education behind that statement? Just because someone has been to WDW 492835701 times? Sorry but as a scientist I like to see a hypothesis supported with info/data! That's all!

Let me start by saying you seem to have taken my usage of the term "educated guesses" far further than I ever intended. It was my way of trying to limit my generalization to those of us who have put some thought into FP theory. This includes you, me, and quite a few others posting here--including those I don't necessarily agree with. It was my attempt to remove the casual drive-by poster's theory from the equation. Please do not take it as any kind of superiority kick on my part--that was most definitely not my intent.

Now that said, I'll try to answer your question in green for me since I cannot answer for others. I share my theory and read others because the topic is an interesting math problem. I think the most likely characteristic of the new system will be that resort guests will have some ability to reserve ride times in advance. (I don't necessarily like this based on what little I know, but I also don't think it is "wrong.") Since there are so many resort guests, this implies to me the current total supply of FPs must increase. I don't think the system would be workable otherwise. Since the total number of FPs would increase, that directly translates into fewer opportunities for guests to ride standby since maximum capacity is constant. Summed up, that to me changes the existing first-come first-serve FP system into one that favors the resort guest over the early-riser. Does that answer your question I hope? Maybe we are agreeing and I'm having trouble seeing it?

I know I'm not expressing myself well here so I am about to give it up, but one last try. The people that will be "sleeping in" because they already hold FP's were and are, at the present time, the ones that are there at opening and taking FP's at that time. The number of guests at WDW are not going to magically expand by huge amounts. Many of the rides will be walk on because those folks are staying in bed longer leaving the park for others. I don't see it as being an end all. Other advantages will show up.

Those people were taking FP's anyway...they will have them earlier now, leaving the kiosks less crowded and available for others. Disney would have to be out of their everlovin minds to reserve all FP's just for Resort Guests. The times may not be always ideal, but since the load capacity cannot change, they cannot expand the numbers of FP's available. Also, many will, in all likelihood bypass the preset FP simply because it is way to damn hard to figure out when you want to ride a ride that far out.

I guess, that I just feel that since we have so little information about what is going to happen, panicking about it now is just a waste of time. We will know when, and if, it becomes a reality. Until then...nothing has changed except the enforcement of the Window times.

Okay. I'm not apparently expressing myself very well either. Oh well, maybe in another thread on another day I can do better. We're all just in one big speculative debate anyway.

 

[smidgy]

I know I'm not expressing myself well here so I am about to give it up, but one last try. The people that will be "sleeping in" because they already hold FP's were and are, at the present time, the ones that are there at opening and taking FP's at that time. The number of guests at WDW are not going to magically expand by huge amounts. Many of the rides will be walk on because those folks are staying in bed longer leaving the park for others. I don't see it as being an end all. Other advantages will show up.

Those people were taking FP's anyway...they will have them earlier now, leaving the kiosks less crowded and available for others. Disney would have to be out of their everlovin minds to reserve all FP's just for Resort Guests. The times may not be always ideal, but since the load capacity cannot change, they cannot expand the numbers of FP's available. Also, many will, in all likelihood bypass the preset FP simply because it is way to damn hard to figure out when you want to ride a ride that far out.

I guess, that I just feel that since we have so little information about what is going to happen, panicking about it now is just a waste of time. We will know when, and if, it becomes a reality. Until then...nothing has changed except the enforcement of the Window times.

grabbing fastpasses is not the only reason for getting to the parks at rope drop.

even if we have fastpasses "reserved", we will still be going for rope drop... the lines are still shorter in the morning.

I am assuming you are only allowed to "reserve" X amount of fastpasses. I would hope that you are still allowed to get fastpasses the "regular" way... ie, (you math majors, help me out here) you now are allowed to get another fast pass after a certain time.

how many fast passes can you get in a single day? (I always hated story problems) I'll bet, if you are there from rope drop to close, it's .. a whole bunch!! 6? 7? 8?

now, if I reserve my 3 alloted fastpasses from home 180 days out, and they are all for the evening (say, for darker rides, so those who have vision problems can see inside the ride) or whatever reason, will we not be be to obtain fastpasses at all during the day?

or maybe you can "reserve" 3 fastpasses, but the ones you get during the day won't be able to fall within a certain time frame fo those previously reserved?

makes your head spin.(I know thumper man's wife has a miley for that!!!)

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~I just love the idea of being able to tour an entire "land" efficiently, without having to wait until I pull the FP to know how much time I have before I can actually use it and then criss cross the parks to pull another FP. I hope FP+ eliminates this issue and I look forward to making my arrangements in advance. I know this isn't for everyone, but I think this will work out better for our park touring style. I'm very excited about it!