Paying for fastpass in 2006?????

[Servants of Evan]

I'd like to see it that FPs are for resort guests only. But I guess I'm just being selfish...

 

[ely3857]

I really hope Disney dont go down this route, especially if it was decided onsiters were free & offr siters werent.

It bugs me that USF hotel guests get FOTL access & Next available table at restaurants and I have always cheered Disney for not segregating (sp?) their park guests in this way.



Jodie

 

[Kitty-chan]

Hello

I was just on a few websites that were discussing the same issue of the Paying for FP. So far it is just in discussions on making this a pay feature. and it was in discussions when the birnbaum book was published in October and so far it lloks like there will be NO change as of yet.

My understanding (which may be incorrect) is that the Birmbaum's book said that FastPass might be charged for in 2006, but that since then Birmbaum has issued a correction, saying that this is not the case, and that in fact it's Magical Express which there might be a charge for in the future (some future after 2006, apparently).

Of course one can argue that it wasn't a misprint, and that Disney's simply backpedalling. But in either case it doesn't appear that there's a high likelihood of FastPass being charged for in the near future.

 

[raidermatt]

I'd like to see it that FPs are for resort guests only. But I guess I'm just being selfish...

That's actually a good distinction to make. I stay on-site as well (DVC), so as long as I'm included, it would certainly be a bonus for me.

But that's different than my opinion about what might be best for the resort as a whole. Of course, we don't yet know for sure what they will change, if anything.

I dont see that. How would anyone in the parks know that a FP was obtained "that day" or the day before, or a month ago, other than "they sure seem a lot more happy and refreshed than the rest of us?"

Again, Birnbaum said there maybe a charge for all but deluxe guests. I'm pretty sure that anyone who got FP for free yesterday but has to pay for it tomorrow will notice that.

If its only a case where some guests can get access to FP's in advance, then, no, it would not be nearly as obvious to other guests. It would be very similar to EMH, with one key difference, which would be that EMH is for all resort guests, while the free FP might only be for Deluxe guests. With EMH, its all on-site guests.

My understanding (which may be incorrect) is that the Birmbaum's book said that FastPass might be charged for in 2006, but that since then Birmbaum has issued a correction, saying that this is not the case, and that in fact it's Magical Express which there might be a charge for in the future (some future after 2006, apparently).

The guide does also say that there maybe a charge for Magical Express beginning sometime in 2006. Hadn't heard about a correction to the FP info, but I'm sure somebody will pass it on if its anywhere out there.

 

[mydisneykids]

My husband and I were just talking about this. We usually add a day on to our WDW stay and stay at the Hard rock, so we can have the universal access. It is great, you show your room key and walk in your own special entrance. We have never waited more that 5 minutes by doing this. We were saying we wish Disney could do something simialar, but with the number of on-site hotels disney has, it may not be as beneficial. We usually stay at BC so I guess it would not apply, but with 3 kids that all have different "must do lists" unless it was a major cost, I would pay for FP's.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

I will be staying at Deluxe this June. Does that mean that the Fast Pass will be automatic for me? I was not planning on getting one, I just thought I'd wait in lines. Should I get a FP, even if it's not included in my Deluxe accomodations? Will you please explain to me how the FP works, as I am hopelessly confused? Thanks!

Currently everyone with a park admission ticket can obtain a Fast Pass. The machines are located near the entrance to the ride. The return time is posted above so you can figure out if it's a good idea to get them. For example, if you go to Soarin' and the FP return time is four hours away you have to decide if you will still be in Epcot in four hours.
FP have nothing to do with staying at a Disney resort, or the level of the resort....at this time anyway.
You simply insert your park ticket into the FP machine and it will give you a FP and your park ticket back.
For more information check out allearsnet.com.

 

[disneyfan61]

I recieved my mousesavers newsletter today, and it was talking about the new ride expedition everest at AK. I caught this little mention on the FP.

Expedition Everest will feature Disney's FASTPASS, which is offered at no charge to park guests and designed to reduce wait times at popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks.

I wonder if they are changing it to be available to just the resort guests then??!! I think universal studios has something similar for their resort guests. I can't say for sure, I haven't been there. Anyway, I just wanted to pass this on.

It says "park" guests not resort guests-meaning it is for anyone in the park whether it be MK, Epcot, AK or MGM. NOT RESORTS!!!

 

[Future_Imagineer]

Interesting. I had not heard or read about this yet.

 

[EeyoreFan1]

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"

Ok that is weird ! I use fastpasses all the time ! THis is not fair ! i will look for the birnbaums book! wow! i hope I stay on Disney Property next time !

 

[Lesley]

The books' information is just wrong though....FastPass isn't "usually free to WDW deluxe resort guests"...its always free to everyone. As far as I know there is no way at the current time to purchase a fastpass (unless there are fastpass scalpers roaming the parks now...."hey buddy, Space Mountain for 3pm...5 bucks" )

 

[exDS vet]

...I would be willing to bet that if Disney started charging for Fastpass this summer, everyone out there who uses it and is complaining about the possibility today would not hesitate to pay for it on their next visit. Disney has a hold on all of us and this is just another way they can make a buck. I have no doubt that paying for Fastpass will become a reality. I also have no doubt that it won't reduce the amount of money everyone spends on food, merchandise, etc. while at WDW, expecially for those who stay on the property.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Nah, Disney won't charge for FP because it would be a PR nightmare...They probably will offer a special FP for sale or available to Deluxe guests or Concierge guests (at an additional cost) soon, IMO.

 

[Colmenares3]

I read (where . . . oh where?) that Len Testa was quoted on some podcast or other quoting B. Sehlinger who had talked to both the Birnbaum folks as well as Disney. His info was that both companies said this information was wrong, a misprint, etc. Hope that's right!

 

[macraven]

sehlinger made a statement maybe 2 weeks ago that what was printed in his book was an error.

he then retracted it.

so if you have the current birnbaum book, don't let that one statement concern you.

 

[waltfan1957]

When did they cut this???? Gee, a guy doesn't visit WDW for 15 years and then they take away this benefit...I'm stunned!

O.k., seriously, when did they do this? I've been out of the loop for too long obviously!

-R

we were there in january 06 it was still available then

 

[JoiseyMom]

Show of hands.........who, as begrudgingly as you might do it, would pay for fastpass if that is what comes to be?

I suppose I would. If I'm dropping five grand on a WDW vacation, I can't see myself letting another couple hundred dollars come between me and maximum enjoyment of my trip. For Disney trips, fastpass has become a drug of choice for many. I can't see going cold turkey. Sure, that may be giving in to Disney and their tactics, but so be it. It's a personal thing, but I don't want to sacrifice my enjoyment to take the moral high ground. I'd do that with many things, but fastpass (which if used wisely is a wonderful thing) just wouldn't be one of them.

Six Flags has a fastpass like system that you have to pay for, done electronically via handhelds. In a heartbeat I'd use it on a trip there, when rides like Kinda Ka can frequently have lines up to 3 hours long.

I live 15 minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure. I wouldn't pay a dime extra for anything in that park. It is such a dive. When my older kids were younger we went for the kiddie rides, then stopped getting season passes. Now my little kids like the kiddie rides and we get the season passes, but we actually don't go that often. The staff there stinks, most of the time the rides are closed (yes even the kiddie rides), because they are way understaffed, and to be perfectly honest, the people they attract to the park make me nervous.

As much as I adore disney, I wouldn't pay more for Fass Pass there.

 

[Hugpug]

There is no way I pay for it. I don't use it ever. To me I waste more time running back and forth then waiting in line not to mention I be dead tired. Flame me if you like but you ask so that's how I feel.

 

[jade1]

There is no way I pay for it. I don't use it ever. To me I waste more time running back and forth then waiting in line not to mention I be dead tired. Flame me if you like but you ask so that's how I feel.

Its a fine opinion, just the point of the new system would ELIMINATE the exact reason you say you dont use it. You reserve "ahead" of time, so you can simply stroll up to the attraction and avoid the lines.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

The greatest thing about staying at Universal is the front of the line privledge. I wish there were some way for Disney to implement this. Perhaps alternating days......Monday= Deluxe FOTL day, Tuesday=Moderates, Wednesday=Value, etc. That way all resort guest could enjoy it. Oh well, just wishful thinking on my part.

 

[AlmostApril]

I think that Fastpass should be free but only available to guests staying on Disney property. It shouldn't even be made available to others, even if they paid for it.

It's bad enough that the extra magic hours are only for resort guests, and i still see people walking around without wristbands all the time. that makes me mad.