Paying for fastpass in 2006?????

[disney-itch]

I just picked up Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids by Kids! for my 8yr old DD. (I never read Birnbaum's myself, just the Unoffical Guide and of course these boards to get all the info I ever need ) I thought she'd enjoy the photos and Disney explained in Kids Speak.

Well, I look at the second page and there is an explanation of fastpass,then this got my attention..."Fastpass is usually free for guests staying at deluxe Walt Disney World hotels. Other guests may have to pay for it in 2006"

Have I missed any past theads about this?...I know that there was a thead on the rumors board but it is from this past summer. I'm not sure when this 2006 guide came out, the copywrite is 2005. The fact that it is in writing really makes me nervous.

 

[Horizons16]

Hmm thats interesting. Maybe try jumping on down to the rumors board and see if anyone knows there....

 

[cleo]

We certainly haven't heard anything about that but we're looking into it right now!

I'd be much less concerned if it were in any guidebook other than Birnbaums, who may just have the 'inside scoop' on things Disney won't tell anyone else.

Stay tuned....waiting for confirmation....!

 

[mommykds]

What??? Anyone have the official word?

 

[mtdevine615]

I don't know, but if true that would PO me. I hope Mickey is listening.

 

[mtdevine615]

Deleted

 

[chipscinderelly]

I believe WDW tested a system recently where there were premium fast passes available depending on where you were staying (on property, Deluxe etc). I know I read about it in a Disney news article - I believe written by Jim Hill Media.

 

[boomhauer]

Interesting. I wonder how they would handle this.

Honestly, if I could get an unlimited fastpass, I might consider paying for it. I can't imagine that working though, as they would have a tough time knowing which attractions runs out.

 

[shawnzgirl]

I'd like to know what you find out...this could change everything!

 

[In a hurry]

Phooey! Searching high and low for our copy of the book! A lot of folks would be disapointed if they made these changes. I am glad we are going early, and glad we are staying on-site!

 

[disney-itch]

Before I posted here, I did search the Rumors Board and found a 5 page thread about Fastpass. The thread did stem from a Jim Hill article but it mostly talked about the patent that is on file for Fastpass. The tread did explain that many different "options" are built into the Fastpass patent... deluxe hotel could have priority, bigger spenders could have priority and so on. The thead never said it was going to change anytime soon. BUT... seeing it in print, in a Birbaum publication, takes the rumor to another level

PS..In A Hurry: I found the quote on page 5, in a light green circle, in the middle of the page. Does yours say the same thing?

 

[chipscinderelly]

Here's a link to the JHM article I recall reading http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/articles/showarticle.php?ID=1449

This will be interesting to see how it pans out!

 

[beattyfamily]

I remember reading this in a thread a few months ago. It was pages of pages of people upset and debating it even though it was only a rumor.

Interesting. Can't wait to see what happens.

 

[chamonix]

All I want to know is, will my AP also "tell them" that I am staying at the Polynesian? LOL
Meaning: I love my AP and don't want to give it up, but if there are fastpass perks for Disney hotel guests only, I want to make sure my AP will still get me access to them when I am staying onsite. Hmmm. Maybe they will issue a special length of stay pass for use in fastpass machines........

 

[Kay1]

Years ago, when AK first opened, Disney paid me $25 to sit down with a CM and take part in a survey. Most of the questions were related to the AK but not all, and one was: Would you be willing to pay extra for a pass that would allow to go to the head of lines?

 

[salmoneous]

Pretty much every claims to hate the idea. I *really* hate the idea. And yet, Universal has it today, and nobody cares. I wonder why...

 

[peter11435]

Pretty much every claims to hate the idea. I *really* hate the idea. And yet, Universal has it today, and nobody cares. I wonder why...

…because people are use to being cheated and ripped off at Universal.

 

[beattyfamily]

I forgot to say that if it is true, I'd be kind of bummed. Not because I don't stay in deluxes, because I do, but because I think it will actually make Fastpass lines longer...if you use Universal as an example. When I was there the end of Nov, beginning of December, I thought their Express pass lines were so long compared to Disney's Fastpass lines. Hopefully, it won't be the case, but that's my fear.

Maybe it will make no change to the length of the lines whether you pay or not. Time will tell if this is true. I guess I just don't like change!!

 

[disneynutt1225]

I wonder if it would affect us DVCers at all... Interesting. Couldn't it get really complicated though? Unless instead of putting in your park admission, you would put in your room key. But, that would mean that you couldn't get a fastpass without a room key. I'm definitely interested to see how it would work if this pans out.

 

[phamton]

…because people are use to being cheated and ripped off at Universal.

You know, it gets rather tiresome that everytime the name "Universal" comes up, you use it as an excuse to bash Universal parks. There are several team members from Universal who post on these boards and I have yet to hear one of them bash Disney. And, as you know, many of your fellow castmembers from Disney also work at Universal.

Both Disney and Universal are great parks. I have yet to be cheated or ripped off at Universal. To make such a blanket statement about Universal Studios only makes you seem as if you have a hidden agenda.