Rumor: List of Attractions linked to XPass

[Faldred]

I have been very hesitant to post everything the person has told me, but I'll let you know most of it.

The new system will be a free service, Not replacing the current FP system. Only an addition.

(75% sure on this part) This new system will be only for resort guests, and they will reserve 1 maybe 2 max per day of their vacation, during their booking of the hotel.

These new fastpasses will have times just like the current ones.

Almost every attraction at Magic Kingdom will receive fastpasses with this update, both current system and new system. Only a few shows such as CoP and Country Bear will not. This means The Haunted Mansion is getting them back, as rumored for months now.

"Xpass" as a lot call it, is a lot of different concepts brought together.
- Wristbands will work as room keys, park tickets, credit cards, and a way to get fastpasses.
- This means new FP machines will be introduced, with RFID readers for the wristbands. These machines will print out tickets just like the current ones. The FP Return CM will not have RFID readers or scanners like barcode scanners the Universal Team Members use.
- This means if a Guest does take part in the wristbands, they do not have to take part in the new fastpass system, and will still have the option of in park fastpasses either way.

In other words, almost exactly what I suggested (feeling rather vindicated here). The major difference being that there is apparently going to be an attempt to expand the entire FastPass system to most attractions, which I admittedly was not expecting.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Hey...if it is a replacement to the fastpass system (that's more efficient and not overly complicated)...and not a paid con game...i'm ALL for it.

But that is not within the character of how the operations have gone since CMB has taken over...or really the last 8-10 years of evil Dr. Eisnerstein...

So we'll all have to just see what rolls out...i of course have my doubts.

And the "a cast member who knows" line makes me hesitant.

Cast Members know nothing until TWDC wants them too...which is sometimes after the paying customer.

So the only people who probably know what exactly is going on are the system designers (who are probably outsourced) and the upper management in parks or at WDW...

no name taggers, nondescript entry level managers or even park mid levels would know anything of value...bet on it.

 

[nytimez]

Hey...if it is a replacement to the fastpass system (that's more efficient and not overly complicated)...and not a paid con game...i'm ALL for it.

But that is not within the character of how the operations have gone since CMB has taken over...or really the last 8-10 years of evil Dr. Eisnerstein...

So we'll all have to just see what rolls out...i of course have my doubts.

And the "a cast member who knows" line makes me hesitant.

Cast Members know nothing until TWDC wants them too...which is sometimes after the paying customer.

So the only people who probably know what exactly is going on are the system designers (who are probably outsourced) and the upper management in parks or at WDW...

no name taggers, nondescript entry level managers or even park mid levels would know anything of value...bet on it.

This.

And remember, even if they roll it out tomorrow and it's free, that doesn't mean the intention is to keep it free. It could just mean it's free during the guinea pig phase.

I still think it'll eventually become a tiered system, with some very basic elements of it available for free... and then moving on from there based on either room accommodations or outright cash payments.

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

Hey...if it is a replacement to the fastpass system (that's more efficient and not overly complicated)...and not a paid con game...i'm ALL for it.

But that is not within the character of how the operations have gone since CMB has taken over...or really the last 8-10 years of evil Dr. Eisnerstein...

So we'll all have to just see what rolls out...i of course have my doubts.

And the "a cast member who knows" line makes me hesitant.

Cast Members know nothing until TWDC wants them too...which is sometimes after the paying customer.

So the only people who probably know what exactly is going on are the system designers (who are probably outsourced) and the upper management in parks or at WDW...

no name taggers, nondescript entry level managers or even park mid levels would know anything of value...bet on it.

It is being done in house. These CM's that are researching and implementing changes are going around to each attraction for about a week at a time and figuring out how each attraction is going to implement the changes. Also most nextgen CM's are located out of DHS, but you'll never find them on stage.

 

[ASteelersMidget]

Hey...if it is a replacement to the fastpass system (that's more efficient and not overly complicated)...and not a paid con game...i'm ALL for it.

But that is not within the character of how the operations have gone since CMB has taken over...or really the last 8-10 years of evil Dr. Eisnerstein...

So we'll all have to just see what rolls out...i of course have my doubts.

And the "a cast member who knows" line makes me hesitant.

Cast Members know nothing until TWDC wants them too...which is sometimes after the paying customer.

So the only people who probably know what exactly is going on are the system designers (who are probably outsourced) and the upper management in parks or at WDW...

no name taggers, nondescript entry level managers or even park mid levels would know anything of value...bet on it.

This sums up my feelings 100%

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It is being done in house. These CM's that are researching and implementing changes are going around to each attraction for about a week at a time and figuring out how each attraction is going to implement the changes. Also most nextgen CM's are located out of DHS, but you'll never find them on stage.

again - i'm not doubted what you're saying

i'm doubting who you're talking to and exactly what the corporate hive has or hasn't told them.

Nobody outside of Team Disney in Burbank...or perhaps TD in Orlando really knows the story. That doesn't mean that it won't be a free replacement system...and it doesn't mean that they haven't given out the correct story. But there is also no way to definitively trust those on the ground.

They have always operated that way. leave their options open and keep it hush hush for the purpose of flexibility. Only give out tidbits to your staff and intentionally don't quash rumors...it provides good coverage in the world of the internet.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

This.

And remember, even if they roll it out tomorrow and it's free, that doesn't mean the intention is to keep it free. It could just mean it's free during the guinea pig phase.

I still think it'll eventually become a tiered system, with some very basic elements of it available for free... and then moving on from there based on either room accommodations or outright cash payments.

I actually have no qualms about a tiered system.

Look...their hotels are SEVERELY overpriced (hey disney, look into these things called "wifi" and "24 hour workout rooms" and "concierge with connections") and if they start including a little park perk with their exhorbinant fees...that's a step in the right direction in my opinion.

And if they want to have a charge to increase your benefit...i'm not adamantly opposed to that either.

what i don't want is them trying to sell the "way cool walt disney cryofreeze combo ticket"...where it's 40 bucks a day extra on your 110 a day ticket to be allowed to bypass some of the wait to get on 45 year old flat rides like Peter Pan and Small World. Or a 40 year old space mountain.

That's where the shenanigans gets outta hand.

 

[Mick@Tink]

Thanks for the insider info buzzCMlightyear! I hope your source is accurate. If so, this sounds great to me.

 

[racefanof88]

I actually have no qualms about a tiered system.

Look...their hotels are SEVERELY overpriced (hey disney, look into these things called "wifi" and "24 hour workout rooms" and "concierge with connections") and if they start including a little park perk with their exhorbinant fees...that's a step in the right direction in my opinion.

And if they want to have a charge to increase your benefit...i'm not adamantly opposed to that either.

what i don't want is them trying to sell the "way cool walt disney cryofreeze combo ticket"...where it's 40 bucks a day extra on your 110 a day ticket to be allowed to bypass some of the wait to get on 45 year old flat rides like Peter Pan and Small World. Or a 40 year old space mountain.

That's where the shenanigans gets outta hand.

 

[luvndizny]

It makes sense if they add it as a perk for having reserved on one of their hotels.... I am one of those who love the difference of staying on property.. (and I never thought I would care). However, now that both of my kiddos are, ahem, "adults" according to Disney, we may have to re-think that in the very near future and instead rent a whole house for a fraction of the cost and just drive into the parks... I am wondering, with the cost of everything else going up, if other families have been thinking the same things. So Disney may have had to come up with another perk to staying on property...

So i disagree with you on this one. The elimination of fastpass may be the intent...as the near elimination of the front desk at the resorts is the longterm goal with their "smart keys" that have been on the planning board since the 90's.

I have read about this as well (possible elimination of front desk help). I have to say- I hope that isn't so- I like seeing a friendly face after a long drive or a day of flying, etc. When I was bringing some family with us who had never been, I kept trying to explain the "Disney difference"... The second we began to check in and the friendly and cheerful desk help were there to help- I turned to my sis-in-law and I could tell- she already knew what I was talking about. Hubby and I are fans of the big coasters, but we go to Disney because we feel their service both in and outside the parks (in their hotels) just can't be beat. I hope Disney is careful about their future decisions and is aware of how much that personal service means to people...

 

[DOPEY44]

WDW should stop the fast pass program. I understand guests with different financial backgrounds can stay at the Grand Floridian vs the All Stars, but the parks are different. Everyone should have equal access. One line for everybody. Attractions run at a certain rate at capacity. If it's an hour wait, so be it. My time is just as important as the next guest standing next to me in line, regaurdless of economic background.
It is the bean counters!

 

[ASteelersMidget]

WDW should stop the fast pass program. I understand guests with different financial backgrounds can stay at the Grand Floridian vs the All Stars, but the parks are different. Everyone should have equal access. One line for everybody. Attractions run at a certain rate at capacity. If it's an hour wait, so be it. My time is just as important as the next guest standing next to me in line, regaurdless of economic background.
It is the bean counters!

You do know EVERYONE can use fastpass right? Which makes it equal in the parks.

 

[thegib95]

You do know EVERYONE can use fastpass right? Which makes it equal in the parks.

That is exactly what i was thinking, its a service that everyone in the park, deluxe, value, DVC, AP Holder, or day guest can use, equally and make better use of their time in the park.

 

[Jedi]

It has been free for anyone with a ticket since it started...

 

[Faldred]

You do know EVERYONE can use fastpass right? Which makes it equal in the parks.

And to reiterate the point, that means EVERYONE. Not just resort guests, but anyone with a park ticket.

 

[Tinker mommy]

Now that WDW is reportedly enforcing the end time on fast pass returns (which takes away the flexibility of being able to use your fast passes after they have technically expired as long as it is the same day) something like an X Pass will be much more attractive...

 

[ASteelersMidget]

Now that WDW is reportedly enforcing the end time on fast pass returns (which takes away the flexibility of being able to use your fast passes after they have technically expired as long as it is the same day) something like an X Pass will be much more attractive...

Yup and in Disneys eyes that means $$$

 

[germ539]

WDW should stop the fast pass program. I understand guests with different financial backgrounds can stay at the Grand Floridian vs the All Stars, but the parks are different. Everyone should have equal access. One line for everybody. Attractions run at a certain rate at capacity. If it's an hour wait, so be it. My time is just as important as the next guest standing next to me in line, regaurdless of economic background.
It is the bean counters!

Ah back to the times of no fast passes and everyone just had to "wait in line". Seems that no one can remember that time. Anymore, that is just what we do, we've never used the fast pass .

 

[skier_pete]

Ah back to the times of no fast passes and everyone just had to "wait in line". Seems that no one can remember that time. Anymore, that is just what we do, we've never used the fast pass .

I remember that time. It sucked. The lines were NOT shorter. They were longer. (Even the standby lines.)

 

[ASteelersMidget]

I remember that time. It sucked. The lines were NOT shorter. They were longer. (Even the standby lines.)

Agreed. I've stood in line at many parks for multiple hours for 1 ride. I waited 4 hours in the 105 degree weather to get on Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn. There was no shade.

Oh and just so It's clear I'M NOT EVEN 20 >.>