Paying for fastpass in 2006?????

[bicker]

Yes, I believe that's exactly what Disney should consider doing, but that's nothing like Universal's FOTL system.

 

[tchrrx]

Thank you for the explanation! At Six Flags this past summer, the Fast Pass cost extra money per person & I just didn't see the point of it. I didn't realize that WDW has it available to all. Now to see if I can figure out how to implement it so that it is beneficial to me!

 

[raidermatt]

Sticky situation.

 

[Lord Fantasius]

Eventually I wouldn't be surprised if Disney went to a total "lineless" pass system. Since Disney knows, within a pretty tight margin of error, how many riders a certain ride can accomodate in a given hour (even accounting for the oocasional breakdown), it wouldn't be that hard to write a program that allows people to create a ride agenda whereby the computer just keeps track of how many people have signed up for a certain 15-minute segment so when somebody requests that time slot it responds that the ride is currently fully reserved or not; somewhere in complexity between a restaurant and an airline reservation system. The system would key off your park admission ticket so you could access it and make changes throughout the day at various terminals throughout the park, or at a given ride.

The benefit for WDW resort guests is that they could set up there ride agenda from resort terminals a day, or days, ahead of time (or eventually either online or through their TV) before non-WDW guests. Maybe even prioritize so that deluxe resort guests can make their agendas a week in advance, moderate 5 days in advance, and value 2 days.

There would always be a small standby line for people to fill in when others don't show up for their reservations, or for those that still want to be sociable, but hey, at least I know if I pay for it, I don't have to stand by anybody I don't want for more than 15 minutes!

Next they'll be selling seating rights to people wanting to watch the fireworks from stadium seats set up in front of the castle.

Not sure whether I like the direction this is heading, but strange that after returning from WDW last February and making a slight comment about the same thing everybody, almost unanimously, stated it'll never happen or it would destroy the atmosphere of Disney, while a couple even suggested that the Fastpass system was just an experiment and they had knowledge that Disney was going to abandon it...umm, what a difference a year makes!

-R

 

[Kevie]

I think I liked the parks better pre-FASTPASS.

 

[disneyphanatic1911]

that's interesting!

 

[Luv2Roam]

IF they went to something like this, my guess is Disney would include it in a package. That way the package buying guests get a little more bang for their buck, and it costs Disney nothing, and promotes packages more.
I could see where they would give out X number of FP's per guest in a package, or allot X number per package guest per day.
And they could go into tier packages.
Silver or Platinum package buyers receive more FPs than those in a basic package.

 

[Lord Fantasius]

IF they went to something like this, my guess is Disney would include it in a package. That way the package buying guests get a little more bang for their buck, and it costs Disney nothing, and promotes packages more.
I could see where they would give out X number of FP's per guest in a package, or allot X number per package guest per day.
And they could go into tier packages.
Silver or Platinum package buyers receive more FPs than those in a basic package.

Then you would have to figure AP-holders allotment and any tie-in with the Dining Plan...not to mention whether the FP's could be transferred or sold on ebay.

And people thought MYW tickets were confusing...

-R

 

[jade1]

Then you would have to figure AP-holders allotment and any tie-in with the Dining Plan...not to mention whether the FP's could be transferred or sold on ebay.

And people thought MYW tickets were confusing...

-R

Why would AP holders receive this when its a perk to stay onsite (unless they are staying onsite)? AP holders at US dont receive FOTL unless they stay on site do they? Not sure what the dining plan has to do with it (not sure what the dining plan is actually). They could limit planning to the day before to avoid ebay, I dont see transferring a big deal as it happens all day long currently anyway.

 

[bicker]

I also don't see a need for an AP tie-in. AP holders cannot take advantage of EMH, or any of a host of other benefits. APs are considered to be pretty substantial discounts, in themselves, and I doubt they need to enhance the value of APs very often, since doing so often causes a consequent decrease in revenues for park hoppers. It's a pretty well-buffered system.

I do, however, see a logical tie-in to the Dining Plan, or at least to packages in general. Generally, packages are perceived as being "better financial deals" than buying things separately. That has not been the case with WDW vacation packages, many times in the past. I could see adding extra FastPass privileges as a way of masking the differential -- you cannot put a price on it, so even if the package costs more than its separable parts (which, again, has been the case in the past at WDW), it still could be perceived as a significant value due to the FastPass privileges.

That worries me, though. Although, once it is introduced, I would surely consider the Dining Plan as a DVC member, and of course I wouldn't have a problem with buying tickets and dining together as a DVC member, if the package-connection with regard to FastPasses isn't offered except with full hotel/tickets/dining packages, then DVC members might be left out in the cold. I surely hope that wouldn't happen.

Yeah! 9400 messages!

 

[jade1]

Thanks Bicker, I still dont get the dining thing, mayebe you could clarify. If you reserve a Deluxe hotel you would get 4 FP (mod 3 etc) selections no matter what package you come in on-how would it matter?

Also as far as ebay, you could make your selctions weeks or months ahead but could not pick up the tickets until you check in-meaning nothing could be sold on ebay.

 

[bicker]

I don't think anyone, not even Disney, knows how the numbers would work out yet, jade1.

 

[Lord Fantasius]

If you couldn't tell, my post was partly in jest to show the absurdity of the logical ultimate extension to the program once Disney moves away from the current system (which I'm still not comfortable with).

I have very little desire to program my days at Disney to such a degree of detail that I have to worry about missing a ride appt. because my daughter wants to enjoy her ice cream cone or see Cindy for 5 extra minutes. It's bad enough that people here seem to think you can't enjoy Disney unless you have an hourly itinerary for every day you're on property. Maybe because I'm older now, but WDW seemed much simpler and more relaxing when there were only two parks, three hotels, and the campground (with no TV's blaring either). Yeah, mom baking apple pie and family's holding hands where nice touches as well (did I get the music cue right?)

-R

 

[jade1]

For us its a simliar situation that this would help with, what is worse than rushing through an ice cream cone at B&C to make a FP at Test Track, is slowly eating an ice cream cone then walking over to Test Track to see a 2 hour wait and all the FP's gone for the day. This way you can plan to sleep in (if thats your desire like my teens) and totally take your time (spend 3 hours eating your cone) all day to finally arrive between 6 an 7PM for TOT for example.

Talk about rushing, we have gone to EPCOT at opening and stood in line at spring break to get a Test Track FP for noon. This way you simply select a 1PM to 2PM Test Track (if thats what you want) the night before and enjoy the entire moring.

Besides, these are FP's, if your having a great time swimming or something-you dont have to use them. You just have a slot if you want it.

 

[raidermatt]

Besides, these are FP's, if your having a great time swimming or something-you dont have to use them. You just have a slot if you want it.

Which actually adds another logistical issue... the further in advance guests are allowed to get FP's, the less likely they are to actually use them, and therefore the harder it becomes for Disney to manage the process.

It seems to me that not showing up for your FP time would have a similar effect to not showing up for an ADR, though on a somewhat smaller scale. The issuance of that FP meant somebody else didn't get a FP who wanted one, and then had to wait in a standby line if they wanted to get on the ride. Just as the ADR kept somebody else from getting the ADR and going standby.

All that said, though, the implication from the guide is only that the process will remain free for Deluxe guests. That very well could mean the program would remain unchanged for Deluxe guests. Their park tickets would be coded to use the FP system just as its used today. Others, including those in Mods and Values, might be able to use the system also, but only by paying.

All of these other things, like issuing FPs a day or more in advance, would significantly increase the difficulty in managing and programming the system, and also don't necessarily fit in with what the guide said.

I always thought the easiest way to give certain guests an advantage (whatever subset that might be) would be to allow them to use the system without the 2 hour minimum wait. That would seem to be easier to manage and program, and would still be a fairly significant advantage.

Of course, whatever is done, if any extra advantages are given to Deluxe guests, then there is a corresponding disadvantage to others, in this case off-site guests, as well as Value and Moderate guests. If you increase the value of the Deluxe resorts in this way, you are decreasing the value of the Values, Mods, as well as the value of the park for off-site guests.

The point being, its not an automatic win/win.

Further, whenever you begin charging for something that has been free, especially something touted as free for so long, you run certain obvious risks.

All of this is what I mean by a sticky situation.


Sort of a tangent here, but its interesting that Disney feels there maybe a need to revise the way FP is marketed/sold/used. The financial justification behind it was that it would take people out of lines and put them into stores/restaurants, as well as decrease guest complaints about long lines.

It would seem that if it were successful in achieving those goals, then changing it in the ways described would seriously jeopardize that success.

But as we know, not everything works out as planned...

 

[Lord Fantasius]

Clearly and well-said, raidermatt...

-R

 

[jade1]

Those are some good points and you can be sure Disney will look at all these issue as well.

Many folks already do not use FP they obtained earlier in the day, we are still talking about the exact same number of FP's given as there is now so how is it any different? Also it simply increases the standby line speed when someone doesn't show up. Do you honestly think so many people would not show up that the rides would sit empty? I am pretty sure more FP's would be used this way than the old way. Countless times we get a FP for an attraction for say...4PM and sure enough since we have been there all day, everyone is tired and wants to back and swim or rest so we can come back for a night show (this is an example) and we toss them out. This way we dont waste the whole day walking around earlier than we wanted and can plan when to go to the park after swimming or whatever.

Take this example for tomorrow since its XMAS week. I guarantee there are guests going to bed tonight after another long day at a park and everyone is shot. They all want to do EPCOT tomorrow and they also want to stay for Illuminations. Guess what, they also want to do TT and Soarin.

A) Good thing we grabbed a 3PM Soarin and a 4PM TT, lets just sleep in, swim, grab some lunch and head over at 2:30 totally refreshed, go on these rides (maybe a few standby) grab a bite to eat and watch Illuminations.

B) Lets do our best to get going again (please Dad let me sleep) if we get in between 9AM and 10AM, we should be able to get a FP for TT around 3, then eventually drag ourselves over to Soarin and get a FP for around, oh there all gone already? Well what should we do until 3 that wont make us too tired? Then really kill ourselves waiting for Illuminations. Then get up again Saturday because its MGM day. Oh Joy.

Also why would Disney charge any onsite guests for this privelage? It sounded like Deluxe would get more FP's (maybe 4), then Moderate (maybe 3), then Value (maybe 2). That is win-win unless you stay offsite. No cost at all to anyone except maybe offsite guests that want to pay for it-just like US.

 

[Lord Fantasius]

Admittedly, I like the idea of being able to control when I can return instead of just receiving the next available opening at the FP machine...really, I don't want to return at 2:30pm just so I can ride one ride. So in that sense it would/should control the crowds a little more. However, I'm not sure how that would effect the standby line time wait any. Does anyone know what percentage of a ride's capacity is alloted for FP's?

And this could give rise to a new business opportunity for Disney setting up an FP exchange table at the entrance for people to swap unwanted/unused FP's.

Unfortunately, there's no way to stop all possible abuses, but thank goodness; would hate to have an eye-scan at every corner just to enjoy the most magical place on earth!

-R

 

[jade1]

Admittedly, I like the idea of being able to control when I can return instead of just receiving the next available opening at the FP machine...really, I don't want to return at 2:30pm just so I can ride one ride. So in that sense it would/should control the crowds a little more. However, I'm not sure how that would effect the standby line time wait any. Does anyone know what percentage of a ride's capacity is alloted for FP's?

And this could give rise to a new business opportunity for Disney setting up an FP exchange table at the entrance for people to swap unwanted/unused FP's.

Unfortunately, there's no way to stop all possible abuses, but thank goodness; would hate to have an eye-scan at every corner just to enjoy the most magical place on earth!

-R

I agree, I just hope it has a chance, and only if its tested thoroughly. See thats a great idea, exchange area if you want something earlier or later of unused FP's. Also if someone set up an vacation and cancelled, the computer could simply put all of those times back in for the regular system live.

 

[Steamboat Bill]

Remember that FastPasses only work on a few rides unlike Universal where a room key gets you to the front line for almost every ride.