So, let's assume FP+ doesn't come back in its old form

[Lumpy1106]

I appreciate FP because it allows my and my kids to ride rides my DW has no interest in without taking up a big chunk of her day just...waiting. That said, FP lines extend the standby lines WAY more than you think they do. Lines would get longer as the park capacity increases, sure, but not like you think they will. Besides, there is a point at which people will not come at all...unless they can use fastpass. That makes the standby lines even longer, as those people would not be in the park at all if not for FP.

 

[skuttle]

We loved Max pass when we went to Disneyland a couple of years ago. I also liked that we didn’t have to get it for every day. When we we went back to our resort for a swim, I was able to keep booking FP so when we returned to the park that evening we had a bunch lined up. It was great! I would prefer Max pass to what WDW had pre-covid.

 

[MoeJ]

I think Universal's model is the best, just imo.

Stay at a deluxe? Unlimited Express pass, plus transportation perk.

Stay at a lower tier resort? You still get the transportation perk, but have to pay for Express pass.

I've done both at Universal, and the experience is like night and day compared to Disney.

I already save for ages to afford these trips, and Fastpass+ just stresses me out. Really, 3 rides per day that you have to book months in advance? I understand that you can book more after the first three, but that's somewhat of a lottery as well.

Honestly, Express passes are the biggest reason I've been going to Universal instead of Disney for the last 10 years. It was only Galaxy's Edge that lured me back.

I'm on vacation. I'll pay more to stress less. If that means eating BOGO tv dinners for lunch for months on end, I'll do it.

 

[JakeAZ]

I appreciate FP because it allows my and my kids to ride rides my DW has no interest in without taking up a big chunk of her day just...waiting. That said, FP lines extend the standby lines WAY more than you think they do. Lines would get longer as the park capacity increases, sure, but not like you think they will. Besides, there is a point at which people will not come at all...unless they can use fastpass. That makes the standby lines even longer, as those people would not be in the park at all if not for FP.

I agree with you.

IMO the FP system was ultimately a failure. Everyone had it. Everyone expected it. It killed the standby lines. It took up a big chunk of your time trying to search for more.

It needs to be revamped.

Some version of it is coming back, that's for sure.

 

[JakeAZ]

I think Universal's model is the best, just imo.

100% true, but it's just 3 hotels there with far less capacity. It's just not feasible to offer that kind of perk to all those staying deluxe at WDW.

 

[JakeAZ]

We loved Max pass when we went to Disneyland a couple of years ago. I also liked that we didn’t have to get it for every day. When we we went back to our resort for a swim, I was able to keep booking FP so when we returned to the park that evening we had a bunch lined up. It was great! I would prefer Max pass to what WDW had pre-covid.

I'd be game, IF they let you book without having to tap in. Open it up to everyone starting at X time, regardless of if they are in the park. As long as they have a park reservation. Getting to the parks at the crack of dawn each day isn't my idea of vacation.

But here's the other thing, something like Max Pass will just seem like a required add-on and everyone will end up getting it. You're already paying insane prices to visit DW. What's another $15-$20 pp per day?

The main idea behind a paid system is, hopefully, it will thin out the crowd using it. If it's priced right.

 

[skuttle]

I'd be game, IF they let you book without having to tap in. Open it up to everyone starting at X time, regardless of if they are in the park. As long as they have a park reservation. Getting to the parks at the crack of dawn each day isn't my idea of vacation.

Yeah with park reservations that would be a good compromise. We were so excited to finally be at Disneyland we didn’t mind at the time! Ha!

 

[Olaf Myfrenzargay]

Zero doubt it will come back on a pay to play basis, they were moving toward that anyway, offering additional FPS for $ at one point. Question is, what will they charge. Probably have various packages.

 

[tigertides]

Agree

 

[What-r-ya Goofy?]

Any type of a class system is just going to create more bad feelings amongst park guests. You see it now already with people mumbling rude comments under their breath as someone that paid a obscene amount of money to basically cut the line walks by. I don't think Walt would approve. I realize that some folks just want to feel superior to others, but again I don't think that's what Walt had in mind for his parks. Maybe a perk for guest that are staying on-site, but that's as far a I would go with that.

 

[Grasshopper2016]

I realize that some folks just want to feel superior to others, but again I don't think that's what Walt had in mind for his parks.

I can't afford a VIP tour. But if I could (I mean, if I had so much money that it really wasn't much of an imposition at all), I would probably do it. Not because I would want to feel superior; the stares from everyone else would be the worst part for me. But rather because I love going on rides and I hate standing in lines.

But I agree with the basic sentiment that there is something off-putting about obvious class divisions at Disney. Disney is already so expensive that a large percentage of Americans are priced out altogether. To make it so that the very few are having the time of their lives while everyone else is standing around hot and frustrated is just not very magical. I also don't think it's a wise business move.

Still, increasing wealth inequality is one of the defining characteristics of our time. Sadly, it's hard to imagine that Disney will buck the trend.

 

[FCDub]

Any type of a class system is just going to create more bad feelings amongst park guests. You see it now already with people mumbling rude comments under their breath as someone that paid a obscene amount of money to basically cut the line walks by. I don't think Walt would approve. I realize that some folks just want to feel superior to others, but again I don't think that's what Walt had in mind for his parks. Maybe a perk for guest that are staying on-site, but that's as far a I would go with that.

Disney parks have never been egalitarian, so this "What would Walt want?" handwringing is not for me. The parks opened with ticket books. Want to ride better rides? Pay for more tickets.

 

[Pixie Dusted Snow]

I think Universal's model is the best, just imo.

Stay at a deluxe? Unlimited Express pass, plus transportation perk.

Stay at a lower tier resort? You still get the transportation perk, but have to pay for Express pass.

I've done both at Universal, and the experience is like night and day compared to Disney.

I already save for ages to afford these trips, and Fastpass+ just stresses me out. Really, 3 rides per day that you have to book months in advance? I understand that you can book more after the first three, but that's somewhat of a lottery as well.

Honestly, Express passes are the biggest reason I've been going to Universal instead of Disney for the last 10 years. It was only Galaxy's Edge that lured me back.

I'm on vacation. I'll pay more to stress less. If that means eating BOGO tv dinners for lunch for months on end, I'll do it.

I'm not a fan of Universal's.
I think one reason is because its advertised as a skip the line pass but so many people end up getting it that its not that at all.
I've seen some pretty angry guests that have paid for it and then are waiting just as long as the SB and then SB just keeps waiting because those angry guests are making their voices heard and staff wants to get rid of them ASAP.
I've seen fights in the Express Pass line. Universal is definitely a different animal.

 

[Upatnoon]

Maybe they should try a ticket system for attractions. Everyone gets a digital "booklet" with some free tickets with admission, but you would have to buy more if you want to go on more rides.

The more popular the attraction, the more expensive the additional ticket. You could call the tickets A, B, C, D and E or something like that.

With thousands of guests and limited spots on rides, a system like this might work.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I hope it doesn’t come back. Everyone on the same playing field no stressing with the app to get a fast pass for the family.

 

[Delirium]

Limit 3 per park per day. But, offer 3 more for a second park if you're willing up to pay for the Park Hopper.

• Helps Disney because it makes the Park hopper a more attractive upcharge. I think there would be a significant increase in hopper sales with this format.
• Helps keep standby lines a bit shorter because hoards of people aren't getting 10+ FPs
• Helps those that are used to getting more than 3 FPs a day as long as they are willing to pony up for the Hopper charge.

 

[JakeAZ]

Limit 3 per park per day. But, offer 3 more for a second park if you're willing up to pay for the Park Hopper.

• Helps Disney because it makes the Park hopper a more attractive upcharge. I think there would be a significant increase in hopper sales with this format.
• Helps keep standby lines a bit shorter because hoards of people aren't getting 10+ FPs
• Helps those that are used to getting more than 3 FPs a day as long as they are willing to pony up for the Hopper charge.

I don’t know if that gives things a big enough “up charge”. I would imagine hoppers are already fairly popular.

I think it’s going to launch with a similar program to what it was like with club level offerings.
If you’re willing to pay for the expensive rooms, Disney will then allow you to purchase some type of fast pass offering.
I don’t see it being launched / offered to everyone.

Let’s be honest. Disney doesn’t care if they anger people with changes. They know guests will still come. If they find a way to get more money out of the ones who are already willing to splurge, they will do it. Especially when it doesn’t cost them anything.
They are a business first. An amusement park second.
It’s just the reality of things.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Those who can afford it can already book a VIP tour.

I mean, there's also the "not wanting to have a tour guide on your vacation" thing though. I read and post on disboards, I don't need a guide, and I'd find it awkward having to make small talk when I'd rather just be paying attention to my kids and wife. I'm sure I'm not alone.

 

[JakeAZ]

I mean, there's also the "not wanting to have a tour guide on your vacation" thing though. I read and post on disboards, I don't need a guide, and I'd find it awkward having to make small talk when I'd rather just be paying attention to my kids and wife. I'm sure I'm not alone.

Couldn’t agree more! Way too much to pay for the awkwardness of having a human fastpass!

I'm sure they are nice and personable, but still.

 

[MrsPete]

To be honest if I have to pay for fast passes, that will be the straw on the camel's back. We like to stay one site at values because we'd rather spend more time in the parks and don't need a lot for a room. If they make it a "class system" pay to play, I think that would really turn a lot of people off from WDW

Agree. When a day's ticket already hovers around $100, paying more-more-more seems too much.

But having to wait over an hour for every headliner while those who can afford it hop from ride to ride, would adversely effect the enjoyment of the parks.

Yes, consider beyond plain enjoyment -- waiting in lines hurts everyone:
- The people waiting are not enjoying themselves.
- People who aren't enjoying themselves leave the park.
- People who are waiting aren't eating in restaurants or buying in the shops.

A paid system doesn't mean there can't also be a "free" system in tandem.

But a paid version is coming.

I hope you're wrong because a paid system would create a great deal of ill will towards the park AND towards the people who would be seen as "line jumpers".