So, what do you think? Do we get included?

[rutgers1]

Reading the unofficial guide to Disney, they mention that Disney has applied for a bunch of patents for changes to the FastPass system. One that has yet to come to fruition is a tiered system whereby the guests of the deluxe resorts get more FastPass options. I believe it would be more FastPasses, the ability to have more at a time, and some front-of-line options (where you can just go to the front. Anyway, I was wondering if you all think that we as DVC owners would be included in this?

 

[dwelty]

I woud think that DVC members would be included. Something like this would be a major talking point for DVC guides selling to new members. Afterall, the point is to sell Memberships. I see no upside for Disney not to include DVC members (If this FP thing ever happens)

 

[Chuck S]

I doubt Disney will implement these changes, at least not in the foreseeable future, unless they simply allowed more fast passes to onsite guests through the use of the room key instead of the park tickets...since onsite guests have a variety of ticket media, including annual passes that currently are not encoded onto room keys. The problem with that would be onsite guests possibly selling their fastpasses to offsite guests...there would still need to be some sort of limits.

This type of patent has been discussed often on other DIS boards, the consensus being that Disney needs to patent all the possible functions to avoid competing parkss from developing a similar system. If Disney hold the patents, Disney has the potential to market the fastpass system to other parks and tourist attractions.

But to answer your question about DVC...since DVC resorts also are available to cash Disney guests, I really think any resort specific changes to the fastpass system would give DVC resort guests the same rights as other Deluxe guests.

 

[Lynne M]

This type of patent has been discussed often on other DIS boards, the consensus being that Disney needs to patent all the possible functions to avoid competing park from developing a similar system. If Disney hold the patents, Disney has the potential to market the fastpass system to other parks and tourist attractions.

I agree with this. I don't think the UG realizes that businesses patent all kinds of stuff that they have no intention of ever doing themselves, for the reasons described above: either preventing their competitors from doing it, or making their competitors pay through the nose for licensing the technology. My company does this all the time - employees are encouraged, even required, to come up with patentable ideas, even if they're nothing we'd ever actually create.

 

[rlduvall]

Len Testa - who is a co-editor of the Unofficial Guide to WDW mentioned this before a long time ago [over a year] on the Podcast wdwtoday. Doesn't appear anything more has really happened since that time.

 

[Mississippian]

Reading the unofficial guide to Disney, they mention that Disney has applied for a bunch of patents for changes to the FastPass system. One that has yet to come to fruition is a tiered system whereby the guests of the deluxe resorts get more FastPass options. I believe it would be more FastPasses, the ability to have more at a time, and some front-of-line options (where you can just go to the front. Anyway, I was wondering if you all think that we as DVC owners would be included in this?

I've read about Disney seeking a patent on this, but since I suggested this system on this board about seven years ago, I'm not sure the patent would be valid. Does anyone know how we can access the old posts?

 

[dis-happy]

I was at DL several years ago with my CM cousin and they actually had something like this in place at the time. Besides the regular FP, guests staying at the DL Hotel rec'd a few (3 or so IIRC) "extra" FP with no limits. Of course you had to give them up when you went through the line, just like regular FP. But it was a little extra perk for those staying onsite.

 

[dwelty]

IF the economy continues to remain in the dumps, and Disney resort attendance suffers, you may see something like this happen. It would be a great incentive for staying on site. I don't believe anything is off the table during these economic times.

 

[CarolA]

I think this is an old topic that just likes to rear it's ugly head so folks can get all worked up. These patents were obtained several years ago and NOTHING has changed....

One of my BIG issues with UG and the reason I no longer buy it.... guidebooks are suppose to be FACTS, this one has way to much FICTION in it anymore. I am not paying that much for "fictional" thing or "Rumors Jim Hill made up to get in print"

 

[starbox]

I would not be surprised if it happens. While the parks were closing due to being at capacity last week - the resorts were not at 100%. Free birthday admission gets locals out to the park, and the free military tickets gets people to the parks, and 4/3 is keeping the resort's heads above water - but if they gave FP to deluxe resort guests (like Universal does) I think it would go a long way towards helping people justify spending 300-500$ per night for a deluxe in this economy. I actually think they would do better financially offering FOTL access to deluxe guests than they do giving away dining or discounting the rooms. Right now, many people are simply unwilling to pay rack rate so they're having to put resorts "on sale". I think if guests got FOTL access, they'd be willing to pay full price to stay deluxe.

Honestly, if deluxe guests got FOTL and DVC members did not - I would even pay the extra $$ to stay deluxe over holidays - and I bet a lot of other people would too.