Should we bother with FP during slow season?

[Rhonna]

Hi -

First, I did read Hydroguys tips and FP links. Also, I know how FP works, we've been to the parks before. But we don't want to be running all over the parks back and forth constantly - getting too old for that.

My question is - will we even need to bother with FP's on the Tues - Thurs, second week of Sept?

I know some rides won't even have the FP machines working during that time frame. But is it necessary to get them for the more popular rides?

Thanks

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I would, but I always think it's a good idea to utilize FP when you can. Honestly I don't think there is ever a "slow' season at DL. At least the way it USED to be. In other words I think there are always enough people to at least make use of FP.

By no means, if it seems like too much trouble and lines are low don't rush around getting them. But I always think it's a good idea, espeically when it comes to rides like Space and Splash. We usually pick up FP when were in the area doing other things. Like if we go on HM, it won't hurt to grab a Splash FP. Same with going on Buzz and grabbing a Space FP. I'm not big on running all over the place just for FP!

 

[HydroGuy]

During low season several FP machines are turned off, I understand. BTMRR is among them. At minimim I would get FPs for the big three at DL (SM/IJA/Splash) and Soarin and CS at DCA.

 

[DangerMouse]

Hi -

First, I did read Hydroguys tips and FP links. Also, I know how FP works, we've been to the parks before. But we don't want to be running all over the parks back and forth constantly - getting too old for that.

My question is - will we even need to bother with FP's on the Tues - Thurs, second week of Sept?

I know some rides won't even have the FP machines working during that time frame. But is it necessary to get them for the more popular rides?

Thanks

If the standby que is over 15 minutes long and they are offering fp, I normally grab a fp. However, I have had some CM's tell me that even though I have a FP, the line doesn't warrant using it and insist I use the standby line (had this happen on Autopia and Splash).

 

[lulubelle]

Agreed, you are going during one of the most slow times - weekdays in Sept. However, I would get a FP for Space, Splash (if it is hot, cause this ride always has a long que if it is) and Indy. Also, Soarin' in DCA. Don't go all the way across the park to get them, do it at your leisure. True, it might only save you 15 minutes or so, but what the heck, 15 minutes is 15 minutes! Have a wonderful trip.

 

[victorandbellasmom]

We tend to get as many fastpasses that we can in the morning. We usually like to take a break in the middle of the day to head back to the hotel, so those fastpasses come in handy when we get back from swimming. Sometimes it's not neceassry other times it is. But we'd rather get the fastpasses just in case we need it.

 

[Albort]

During low season several FP machines are turned off, I understand. BTMRR is among them. At minimim I would get FPs for the big three at DL (SM/IJA/Splash) and Soarin and CS at DCA.

one correction, SM's fastpass are turned off as well.

I dont recall CS having fastpasses either...

 

[Rhonna]

Thanks for all the replies.

So, putting together Hydroguy and Albort - and other info. I've read... the big attractions that probably will have FP operating would be: Splash, Soarin' and maybe Indiana (thought I read somewhere they shut down Indiana FP during slow season?)

Will ToT be FP? We will definitely want to do this several times - we love the one at WDW.

Thanks!

 

[DLR29]

Thanks for all the replies.

So, putting together Hydroguy and Albort - and other info. I've read... the big attractions that probably will have FP operating would be: Splash, Soarin' and maybe Indiana (thought I read somewhere they shut down Indiana FP during slow season?)

Will ToT be FP? We will definitely want to do this several times - we love the one at WDW.

Thanks!

You may have read that the Indy FP was down this past spring, but that was due to line construction. ToT will not be FP eligible, but I guarantee that you will not need it. ToT is tucked in the corner and rarely has long lines even during busy seasons.

 

[Rhonna]

Good to know, just one more question about two "lesser" rides. Will Autopia and Roger Rabbit be easy to get on?

Thanks a lot!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for all the replies.



So, putting together Hydroguy and Albort - and other info. I've read... the big attractions that probably will have FP operating would be: Splash, Soarin' and maybe Indiana (thought I read somewhere they shut down Indiana FP during slow season?)



Will ToT be FP? We will definitely want to do this several times - we love the one at WDW.



Thanks!

FWIW, Darkbeer just updated his Fastpass thread over on MiceChat:

www.micechat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5720

Note, Off-season weekday closures start this week.

Expect to find ONLY Screamin' and Soarin' offering FP's Monday thru Thursdays, and don't forget, Screamin's doesn't open until around 1 PM on weekdays.

And expect to find Autopia and Big Thunder Mountain machines turn off Monday thru Thursday.

 

[Albort]

Good to know, just one more question about two "lesser" rides. Will Autopia and Roger Rabbit be easy to get on?

Thanks a lot!

all rides are easy to get on...

lets just say, I Fastpassed splash and i was like, i didnt even need to fastpass this ride to the Cast member, and he was like yup, its pretty pointless

 

[Tigger girl]

You will most likely not need a FP for TOT. I went this past Saturday and walked on the ride twice! It was still peak season and a Saturday!

Autopia is a horribly HOT wait, I don't know why but we are always sweating by the time we get on the ride--I would suggest a FP for that one.

We always check the wait time board when we first get to the park and get the first FP for the busiest ride at that time and then just go on other rides in that area. Just a suggestion-

Have a great trip!

 

[Rhonna]

Okay, so now, according to "darkbeer" over at MiceChat, all I will need to remember is FP Soarin' and Screamin' (if need to) but all the other FP will be shut down. That means no FP's in DL park at all.

Did I read it all correctly? Thanks for all the input!

Rhonna

 

[bumbershoot]

We're going around the same time, and plan on getting FPs for whatever we can.

But we went two years ago in the third week of Sept, and the FP for Autopia was a JOKE. The FP line met up with the regular line sooooo early, and we had to wait in most of the line anyway. And we had waited something like 2 hours for that FP, too.

And by then DS was so tired and cranky he wouldn't sit on the seat, so he and I were made to leave, b/c they couldn't have a 1+ year old sitting on my lap.

 

[RatBoy]

Regarding California Screaming timing...

Although California Screaming officially opens at 1, it seems to be open earlier than that on some days. Last Monday we were there and it was open a little after 11:00am (definitely before noon).

I only have this one "data point" - any others with similar experience?

-Bret

 

[HydroGuy]

Okay, so now, according to "darkbeer" over at MiceChat, all I will need to remember is FP Soarin' and Screamin' (if need to) but all the other FP will be shut down. That means no FP's in DL park at all.

Did I read it all correctly? Thanks for all the input!

Rhonna

No, you did not read it correctly. Darkbeer said that BTMRR and Autopia would not have FP on Mon-Thurs. Hence everything else will. I am not sure if this is correct, this it is what he says. He is the biggest FP expert and is an AP holder who visits DLR frequently, and I trust his postings.

 

[The Maughan's]

Hi -

First, I did read Hydroguys tips and FP links. Also, I know how FP works, we've been to the parks before. But we don't want to be running all over the parks back and forth constantly - getting too old for that.

My question is - will we even need to bother with FP's on the Tues - Thurs, second week of Sept?

I know some rides won't even have the FP machines working during that time frame. But is it necessary to get them for the more popular rides?

Thanks

We went that same time last year and we walked on everything tues-thurs and only saw lines at all on Friday. By that time we had done everything we really wanted to anyway and pretty much just people watched. The only thing we really got and used fast passes for was Soarin and I'm glad we did...because that was the only line we ran into.

We just went this last weekend and grabbed a few fast passes....but really they didn't really save much time over the normal lines. We grabbed several that we didn't even end up using. So they are definately something that I wouldn't run around trying to get.....but if you're in the area....go ahead and pick them up.....they might just come in handy later.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

We went late September last year, and no matter what day of the week, had horrific waits for Indy and Autopia. Most times we just passed by because the lines were too long, but even on the times when they looked 'not too bad' the line moved so slowly.

Through perseverence we wound up riding Autopia. We spent one hot, muggy evening standing in line for at least 45 minutes, and then just as we were on the stairs to the loading deck the ride broke down. We tried again the next day, standing in line I think even longer that time and in full sun, but it was worth it to see the boys' faces as they got to 'drive'. We told them once was it though, I didn't want to do that line again! (We didn't realize it had a FP.)

So I would definitely get a FP for those no matter what. Even if you don't need one for the first time you ride, you may want to ride it again later in the day, and then you'll appreciate that FP.

 

[Rhonna]

Arggggh! I'm not a dense person but I'm having brain block on this...dang it.

HYDROGUY - help! Which ones will have FP available? (whether we need it or not will be seen at the parks)

FP - Soarin' / Screamin' / Indiana / Splash

NO FP working for: Space Mt. / Big Thunder / Autopia

What about: Roger Rabbit?

I have WDW planning down pretty good but figured Disneyland in off season would be a breeze. Now that it's getting closer, I feel the need to have a little bit of relevant info. under my belt.

Thanks!