Paid FP options coming soon to WDW?

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

It doesn’t say SWGE will not have paid for Fastpass. It will definitely be done before SWGE IMO.

I thought it was previously officially announced (by Disney) that the SWGE ride will, initially, not offer FP.

 

[mom2rtk]

People already do abuse DAS and did when it was GAC.

I think he's right on this point. It could get a lot worse. If people are faced with hundreds of dollars of additional fees, they're going to be looking for ways around it.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

But still OPEN SWGE on 5/31 without FP as announced, have this paid option in place elsewhere, then add it to SWGE later? Or are you guessing open SWGE with paid and regular FP in place there as well, counter to the announcement?

I assume you meant 8/29?

That was my thought, that they would want to start the paid FP and put SW into the FP system at the same time. As a way to justify paid FP.

 

[mom2rtk]

Anyone else worry that this is the end of the line for the so-called 'FastPass+ strategists'? Gulp.

I think extra cash could be the only strategy left.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I think he's right on this point. It could get a lot worse. If people are faced with hundreds of dollars of additional fees, they're going to be looking for ways around it.

Then they'd eventually have to find a way to crack down if it got bad enough. If charging for FP in some form works for Disney on net, they'll just adjust elsewhere. This is obviously not enough of a reason not to try a version of something that most theme parks do at this point.

 

[Sarah1024]

I thought it was previously officially announced (by Disney) that the SWGE ride will, initially, not offer FP.

They said it would not have MaxPass or Fast Pass+. That leaves it open to paid FP's though, that's a whole different system.

My assumption is they would want this in place before SWGE.

I just cannot imagine changing this mid-year. It seems so unfair (and really crappy) to people who booked their packages a year ago. I understand announcing in May for next year, but it's really annoying to think they're going to announce in the next few months a change for this year.

 

[JaxDad]

I think extra cash could be the only strategy left.

For bribing the CMs running the lines...

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I assume you meant 8/29?

That was my thought, that they would want to start the paid FP and put SW into the FP system at the same time. As a way to justify paid FP.

Yes thx! Edited.

I think if they offer paid at open, they'd get a TON of... HEAT... if they didn't also offer free FP. So that would argue to go counter to their announcement then. Which wouldn't be the first time they change something that way...

 

[Disneylover99]

They already do. It's called EMM.

Right. But at the moment it’s an optional add on a few days a week with a limited amount of people and it includes breakfast.

 

[Gussie Granger 1969]

If this is Disney’s roundabout way to get more people onsite, they need to model after WBC or the likes of them. Price is a factor for us but more so the room to be more comfortable is the main factor. We cannot do the tiny rooms anymore. We all go to sleep at different times and wake at different times. We like a full kitchen and the ability to wash clothes in our room. Then factor in the price, you get more for half the price of what Disney offers. If they want people to stay onsite, their room offerings need to be bigger and better.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Right. But at the moment it’s an optional add on a few days a week with a limited amount of people and it includes breakfast.

Yes, but that is doing what you described. Taking the first hour (which used to be EMH) and charging people the privilege to use the ticket in that first hour. EMH used to be both every AM and every PM.

 

[mom2rtk]

no, it isn't. If you still get 3 "free" FP+ then nothing is being taken away.

The rumor is that you would get "less than" 3. And that they would be lower tier rides. That would be a huge takeaway.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

no, it isn't. If you still get 3 "free" FP+ then nothing is being taken away.

The rumor is that you would get "less than" 3. And that they would be lower tier rides. That would be a huge takeaway.

Not to mention the inability to get additional FP day of (4th, 5th...) unless you pay.

 

[maranara]

With a January 2020 trip in the works for our family, been reading this thread with GREAT interest. Even if paid FPs is a done deal, it would seem to me like there's a lower price point in play than some are speculating. Disney has to be careful - if I can buy FPs to ensure that I ride every ride in a park in one day, that would mean I would only need one day in the park. For a park that I usually spend 2 days in, that would mean 1 less night in their resort, 1 less day of dining for my family, 1 less day of random souvenirs because my daughter JUST HAS TO HAVE THIS ONE THING...you get the idea. They will know this and have to balance it. That being said, unless it's a situation where FPs are included for resort guests and available at an additional charge for offsite guests, it's going to be hard to swallow. Every bit of advertising showcases the FPs.

 

[Nancyg56]

Frankly, I think Disney should have just bitten the bullet and treated SWGE as a 5th gate, and charged an additional entry fee to pass through, much like a hard ticket event. As much as I hate the idea of additional fees I firmly believe that it beats the constant nickel and diming that I foresee as Disney tries to navigate the number of guests who want access to a very few attractions in a Land that will have a huge draw. I do not mind paid hard ticket events. I do not mind paid special access to areas that used to be free now that there are dessert parties, and I do not mind dining packages that grant access to some who are willing to pay. I am not at all happy that there may be a pay for play fee added to FP because Disney failed to plan in advance how to accommodate the guests vs the number of attractions available.

 

[mom2rtk]

Not to mention the inability to get additional FP day of (4th, 5th...) unless you pay.

Not convinced the 4th would necessarily cost, but the rumor is that additional FPs would be "limited" in some way.

 

[Disneylover99]

Yes, but that is doing what you described. Taking the first hour (which used to be EMH) and charging people the privilege to use the ticket in that first hour. EMH used to be both every AM and every PM.

You’re right. EMH has been significantly reduced over the years, but it still exists.
I’m talking about the possibility of them charging a premium every morning at every park with no extras.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Adding to my theory:

They make you pay for GE FPs when they become available. Then they implement the new paid FP system for 2020.

 

[Nancyg56]

With a January 2020 trip in the works for our family, been reading this thread with GREAT interest. Even if paid FPs is a done deal, it would seem to me like there's a lower price point in play than some are speculating. Disney has to be careful - if I can buy FPs to ensure that I ride every ride in a park in one day, that would mean I would only need one day in the park. For a park that I usually spend 2 days in, that would mean 1 less night in their resort, 1 less day of dining for my family, 1 less day of random souvenirs because my daughter JUST HAS TO HAVE THIS ONE THING...you get the idea. They will know this and have to balance it. That being said, unless it's a situation where FPs are included for resort guests and available at an additional charge for offsite guests, it's going to be hard to swallow. Every bit of advertising showcases the FPs.

Oh I rather doubt it will be for every attraction. Bet you it will mirror the CL FP perk that is in play now. 3 additional FP for a specific cost per person and a minimum number of days. If you have 2 or 3 folks in your group it may be manageable, however we generally travel with a crew and I cannot justify even $50 per person per day for 3 days for 7 people. I bet the new program will be a bit more expensive and will be very limited in how it can be used.

 

[mom2rtk]

I do think GE will open without FP at all. As much as they would LOVE to monetize those early crowds, new rides are also notoriously unreliable. It's going to be bad enough if the ride goes down with all those crowds. Can you imagine if they paid extra for their spot? An "any attraction" FP isn't going to cut it in that situation. They need to get some run time under their belt with the new ride(s) before they can start issuing FPs, either "free" or paid.