State of Fast Pass Return (or replacement)

[Miffy]

We don’t yet know that it removes the planning process. To me, it sounds similar to Touring Plans. You tell it what park, what date and hours you plan to be in the parks and what you want to accomplish (attractions, entertainment, dining) and then it recommends an optimized plan. I’d wager you can also go back in and say “No. I wanted to do A first, then B” and it will reoptomize. Totally guesswork on my part, but they’d essentially be “copying” a successful business model.

That still sounds like something I have no interest in. For the same reason I'd never go on a tour.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

That still sounds like something I have no interest in. For the same reason I'd never go on a tour.

Well touring plans aren’t “tours”, they are simply a framework for how you go about your day in the parks. The reality is that it’s not that different from a planning perspective than selecting three FastPass+ selections, your dining and other attractions. Are you going to be guaranteed three FastPasses? That’s less likely. But you’ll still be picking a park (or parks), entertainment and dining options and then going about your day.

Plus, I’m quite sure that using Genie won’t be a requirement. Simply a tool. Some guests will love it, others won’t.

 

[B1GxFOOT]

I am supposed to be going in mid-August but am considering canceling daily. I emailed guest services to voice my concerns. They called me...basically to listen, but this cast member did say that while the lines are long, because they "move" due to no FP, they don't feel as long. But, they did also say they completely understand why I might not want to come this summer. That's it. Wasn't very encouraging.

We're headed down in late August as well. I keep trying to remind the family that posted wait times today don't equal wait times in late August. Remember that right now is one of the busier times of year and while it sucks that people there in June/July didn't have a FP or had to wait in longer lines, late August is historically not as busy and may not be as critical. I actually don't like all the extra planning using FP+ requires. When I'm on vacation, I want to be able to "wing it" a bit more. I don't know what my son is going to be interested in until we get there, or who's ready for a snack/meal and at what time, or who would rather head back to a pool instead of doing 1 more ride. I also don't particularly want to be glued to my phone all day. I can stay at work and do that. I also know that being in Disney is primarily about waiting in lines. Waiting for a ride, waiting for food, waiting for a bus, waiting for a character, waiting for fireworks, waiting to leave the park, it's all waiting. I accept that going in and then it's not so bothersome. I'm sometimes confused by the myriad of posts saying "I (or someone I'm with) can't wait in long lines because of x, y, z" What did you think Disney was? It's like saying I'm deathly afraid of clowns but I'm going to force a trip to the circus anyway. You're not required to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

 

[Miffy]

Well touring plans aren’t “tours”, they are simply a framework for how you go about your day in the parks. The reality is that it’s not that different from a planning perspective than selecting three FastPass+ selections, your dining and other attractions. Are you going to be guaranteed three FastPasses? That’s less likely. But you’ll still be picking a park (or parks), entertainment and dining options and then going about your day.

Plus, I’m quite sure that using Genie won’t be a requirement. Simply a tool. Some guests will love it, others won’t.

I understand. This just isn't the way I like to do things. Really, I don't like the park reservation system either. Even when I made intricate FP+ plans I would sometimes ditch them and do something else. I want to go with my own flow, not with something that a supposed genie is telling me about. It's just how I am. I understand that many other people may like this.

But I have to add here that with the prices at the deluxe resorts--I mean, wow--they should be giving people staying there a huge something extra, a la the Express Pass situation at Universal.

 

[emonade8]

I also know that being in Disney is primarily about waiting in lines. Waiting for a ride, waiting for food, waiting for a bus, waiting for a character, waiting for fireworks, waiting to leave the park, it's all waiting.

I've been going to WDW at least once a year since 2008 (with the exception of 2020-21) and none of my trips so far has been "primarily about waiting in lines." If it had been, I wouldn't have gone back.

 

[Mac30188]

I've been going to WDW at least once a year since 2008 (with the exception of 2020-21) and none of my trips so far has been "primarily about waiting in lines." If it had been, I wouldn't have gone back.

I agree. There have certainly been some standing in line, but that I generally have been able to utilize systems to avoid standing in a constant set of long lines. I honestly don't believe I have ever waited for longer then an hour for any ride during any trip I have made to Disney. Most of the time a typical line is 10-20 minutes. I typically will end up waiting in maybe one 35-50 minute ride per day.

 

[tinkerhon]

At MK right now - absolutely atrocious! The line for HM literally goes on for miles - same with Peter Pan - you can’t even tell where the lines begin !!

 

[TennHokies]

Man, this thread had veered way off topic. Anyone head any rumors about fastpass returning?

This is far from interesting news but it is at least on topic. I sent a please bring back FP email to guest services under the topic Non-Reservation Questions. I got back the following response within a couple of days:

"We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us about a return to the FastPass+ process. It is always our goal to create magical memories and exceed the expectations of our Guests! While we're hoping to see the return of FastPass+ [though an actual date has not yet been established nor announced] we have shared this information with our leadership team, as we do take this feedback very seriously."

 

[tinkerhon]

Mobile order line for Pinocchio Village Haus

 

[mercuryvenus]

OK, this sounds terrible to me. I don't want a supposed genie or anyone else other than me planning my day. If WDW is interested in wishes, please bring back the Wishes fireworks.

I’m sure it won’t be something you’ll be required to use.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Mobile order line for Pinocchio Village Haus View attachment 590785

Yikes! Did you just take that when you posted, or was that at lunchtime?

 

[Karin1984]

"We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us about a return to the FastPass+ process. It is always our goal to create magical memories and exceed the expectations of our Guests! While we're hoping to see the return of FastPass+ [though an actual date has not yet been established nor announced] we have shared this information with our leadership team, as we do take this feedback very seriously."

Is it me or is that a strange phrase from a Customer Service center? It sounds more like a personal preference than something a company would say about its own products.
I mean, this phrase about hope was used in airlines when it was about travel bans etc. About things that were absent or limited due to covid. It feels weird in this context.

 

[cakebaker]

At MK right now - absolutely atrocious! The line for HM literally goes on for miles - same with Peter Pan - you can’t even tell where the lines begin !!

Someone will have to explain to me how "making the best of it" works under these conditions and how just having a postive outlook will make everything just fine. I'm sorry you're dealing with the mess and I'm sorry that I will be in a week.

 

[cakebaker]

This is far from interesting news but it is at least on topic. I sent a please bring back FP email to guest services under the topic Non-Reservation Questions. I got back the following response within a couple of days:

"We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us about a return to the FastPass+ process. It is always our goal to create magical memories and exceed the expectations of our Guests! While we're hoping to see the return of FastPass+ [though an actual date has not yet been established nor announced] we have shared this information with our leadership team, as we do take this feedback very seriously."

This is the auto - response I got the day after sending an email regarding the garbage and long lines. Normally you get one of these, and then a few days later, you'll hear from a real person. I doubt seriously it will do a bit of good, but I sure hope they're getting flooded with emails and phone calls.

"Thank you for writing to us. We sincerely appreciate your loyalty to Disney and value the time you took to share your thoughts.

We do have Cast Members available to assist urgent matters during this time, however, you may experience a longer than normal wait time for a response.

Thank you so much for your understanding.

We look forward to assisting you."

 

[preemiemama]

This is the auto - response I got the day after sending an email regarding the garbage and long lines. Normally you get one of these, and then a few days later, you'll hear from a real person. I doubt seriously it will do a bit of good, but I sure hope they're getting flooded with emails and phone calls.

"Thank you for writing to us. We sincerely appreciate your loyalty to Disney and value the time you took to share your thoughts.

We do have Cast Members available to assist urgent matters during this time, however, you may experience a longer than normal wait time for a response.

Thank you so much for your understanding.

We look forward to assisting you."

I have tweeted Guest Services and used the in-app chat feature, as well as spoken to people in person at Guest Relations every time I’ve had a complaint while we were there. Which one i did depended on what issue we had (crowds, missing bus, etc). I’m also following up with a long email in the next few days. They had ways to prevent this and didn’t do it. Capping attendance/increasing it slowly as they are able to increase capacity with new employees snd adding FP would have gone a long way in stopping many of the issues we had. I agree- they need to hear it from as many people as possible!

 

[vincep]

OK, this sounds terrible to me. I don't want a supposed genie or anyone else other than me planning my day. If WDW is interested in wishes, please bring back the Wishes fireworks.

Yes I love the planning and snagging fast passes on the first day you're allowed to and favorite restaurant reservations. If planning far in advance means no waiting for SM and HM I'm all for it. Does anybody remember that it seems not that long ago that POTC and HM were walk ons?
And I thought I was the only one who preferred Wishes! Yes bring it back!

 

[Marionnette]

Yes I love the planning and snagging fast passes on the first day you're allowed to and favorite restaurant reservations. If planning far in advance means no waiting for SM and HM I'm all for it. Does anybody remember that it seems not that long ago that POTC and HM were walk ons?
And I thought I was the only one who preferred Wishes! Yes bring it back!

Oh heck! If we're bringing back Wishes, then can we tow those ugly, eyesore barges out of the WorldShowcase lake and bring back Illuminations while we're at it?

 

[cakebaker]

From what I’ve read, Genie will do a couple things:

1. Give you proposed itineraries based on preferences that you give it. So you’ll say, “I want to go on these rides and eat at these restaurants.” The app will say, “you should do it in this order.”

2. Allocate “wishes” to you. Those wishes can be essentially FP+, prioritized dining reservations, priority fireworks/parade viewing, etc. According to the various Disney blogs, off-site guests will get maybe 1 wish per day. On-site guests will get more, with deluxe resort guests probably getting more than moderate and value resort guests. Then you can purchase additional wishes.

Genie may be able to take your wishes into account; I’m not sure how that will work. Certainly once you redeem your wishes, I imagine it’ll update your proposed itinerary.

Sounds like they're catering to first timers and one time only visitors- they aren't too awfully concerned with return business so not surprising that they are trying to simplify it for those who are clueless as to what they can or want to do. Anyone who has a decent amount of experience going to WDW has little use for that.

 

[Pookie9922]

Yes I love the planning and snagging fast passes on the first day you're allowed to and favorite restaurant reservations. If planning far in advance means no waiting for SM and HM I'm all for it. Does anybody remember that it seems not that long ago that POTC and HM were walk ons?
And I thought I was the only one who preferred Wishes! Yes bring it back!

Me too! For those of us who are only coming once or twice in a lifetime, being able to plan out a day ensures I can figure out what's doable and what's not and I'm minimizing time wasted walking back and forth from ride to ride. At Disneyland, the day of FP system worked fine because the park just isn't that big. And as a regular attender, if I didn't get to do a ride, oh well. I'd done it 100 times before. But I'm only coming to WDW once or twice. I want to do it all!

 

[preemiemama]

Yes I love the planning and snagging fast passes on the first day you're allowed to and favorite restaurant reservations. If planning far in advance means no waiting for SM and HM I'm all for it. Does anybody remember that it seems not that long ago that POTC and HM were walk ons?
And I thought I was the only one who preferred Wishes! Yes bring it back!

We found POTC was very manageable this trip- one of the high points in terms of waits. For example, last night was posted 60 minutes and took us under 15. (The group of guys ahead of us set a countdown timer! )
This is one ride that needs to stay without FP IMHO. It is a great people eater when it runs consistently!