Question about waiting in the FP line

[phillymummer]

Hello DISers!

I have a question about line wait times when you return for your FP. I have mentioned before that on my last trip we only used FP for one ride- TSM. I didn't time it exactly but it seemed like we still waited a long time, even in the FP line. I think it may have been at least 30 minutes. So my question is, is this common for ALL FP lines? I'm concerned bc what if we pull a FP that is close to an ADR? How do we know if we get done the attraction in time?

Example- We have an ADR at Sc-fi at 5:35. Let's say we want to pull a FP for RNRC but the FP return time is 5pm-6pm, if we returned at 5pm would we be able to ride the attraction and get to dinner on time? If not, what is the amount of time I should leave between a FP return time and the ADR?

 

[serene56]

we were there last week and used fp a lot never waited and was walk on each time.

if you have an adr for 5:30 and pull a fp to use at 5-6 you can get on that ride at exactly 5pm and not a minute sooner you ride then make your way to you reservation

 

[KellyNY]

The longest we were in FP line was something between 5 and 10 min and line was well outside building(Buzz) but moved constantly. However, sometimes rides break, things happen, I would not cut that close, give yourself a bit of time so you would not have to rush to ADR or other FPs.

 

[Mr. Pig]

Hello DISers!

I have a question about line wait times when you return for your FP. I have mentioned before that on my last trip we only used FP for one ride- TSM. I didn't time it exactly but it seemed like we still waited a long time, even in the FP line. I think it may have been at least 30 minutes. So my question is, is this common for ALL FP lines? I'm concerned bc what if we pull a FP that is close to an ADR? How do we know if we get done the attraction in time?

Example- We have an ADR at Sc-fi at 5:35. Let's say we want to pull a FP for RNRC but the FP return time is 5pm-6pm, if we returned at 5pm would we be able to ride the attraction and get to dinner on time? If not, what is the amount of time I should leave between a FP return time and the ADR?

FP for TSM merges with the regular line earlier than most FP attractions. At TSM, after you have merged you still have to go up the stairs and around the corner. At RNRC the FP goes right up to where the pre-show starts. Other than that, I have not been to WDW since they have started enforcing the time window so this may have made the FP line longer earlier in the day.

 

[phillymummer]

Okay... so usually the wait times with a FP are not as long as I experienced? DHS was crowded the day we were there. I have no idea what the standby time was, but the FP line was definitely NOT walk-on. No where close!

 

[mesaboy2]

FP for TSM merges with the regular line earlier than most FP attractions. At TSM, after you have merged you still have to go up the stairs and around the corner. At RNRC the FP goes right up to where the pre-show starts. Other than that, I have not been to WDW since they have started enforcing the time window so this may have made the FP line longer earlier in the day.

Agree. Soarin's merge point also often leaves you with a bit of a wait also.

Okay... so usually the wait times with a FP are not as long as I experienced? DHS was crowded the day we were there. I have no idea what the standby time was, but the FP line was definitely NOT walk-on. No where close!

Your estimated 30-minute wait in FP was unusual. I've waited 20 minutes max, earlier this year.

 

[Figment43]

I wouldn't cut it that close. When we went in May, we got hosed on most of the few times we actually used FP.

The FP we got for Soarin' was the only one with a really short wait. We got one for RNRC, and when we returned the stand by line could walk right on while the FP wait was 30 minutes. We also had one for Space Mountain that ended up being a 30 minute wait, but the stand by line was MUCH longer.

The Space Mountain was actually kind of funny because the FP line was much longer than the stand by line in the tunnel. We thought we got totally hosed, but looks were deceiving. Once we got past the tunnel, the FP line did maybe one or two zig zags before boarding, while the stand by line zig zagged a bunch on one side before going by the back wall to zig zag a bunch more times on the other side!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~The wait was less than 10 minutes, but we were there during the end of August, plus there was the threat of Hurricane Isaac.

~With that being said, I would probably just go for it. We have never been turned away for a late ADR, they know how things run in the theme parks, people get lost or held up all the time. Good Luck!

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

TSM is the exception I would think for FP lines anyway.

We did TSM FP's twice in May 2012 and did not wait 30 minutes, but maybe close to it... but I did not think it was odd because it was probably one of the Busiest times of the year.

Regarding ADR's... During our May 2012 visit... I found that our ADR's were very flexible AS LONG AS I tried to notify our restaurant hostesses in person and as soon as possible.

For example: We got in to Yak & Yeti EARLY with our ADR so that we could return to EE with FP's on time.

We got in to Sci Fi Dine In EARLY with our ADR (and were seated prior to walk ups) so that we could make our TSM FP time.

Just be sure to notify your restaurant as soon as possible either in person or by phone and ASK if it is okay to nudge your ADR time forward or backward a bit.

I'm sure they appreciate the notification.

Have a magical visit !

Mary

 

[mattsdragon]

and you shouldn't be surprised by your return time when you pull your FP. The times being issued are posted on the signs above the FP kiosk. If you see a time that might be cutting it close, gauge the crowds at the park that day. If they are light, then you won't be steering around a mass of humanity to get to your ADR, if they are heave, consider that into the equation.

 

[cmpeter]

We were there in August and fp lines were all pretty much walk on quick...none were 30 minutes. Some are longer because the queue is more interactive and has more to see/do. But, TSM was practically walk on both times we rode it (with fp around noon and standby around 8:50.)

 

[phillymummer]

Thanks DISers! You guys rock!

The only day this is going to be an issue is at DHS. That is the only day we have an ADR that could interfere with FP (the one I mentioned earlier at Sci-fi). I expect it to be very crowded (It's a level 8 day and DHS is NOT recommended) so I will leave some room for wait times.

 

[seashoreCM]

If the fastpass return line (queue) itself is long, you may optionally leave it and seek out a CM (preferably somewhat supervisory) nearby to have your fastpass revalidated to come back later. (Don't just disappear and show up later.)