The fast pass "rumor"

[DVC Jen]

If this turns out to be more than just a rumor how do you think DVC will be treated?

Will we get the same amout of fast passes as those staying at the Grand Floridian? Or be treated less enthusiastically like those staying at the value resorts?

Just curious what everyone thinks may happen with us.

 

[stingmom]

Oh, I hope it includes DVC. Do you think that would cause a large resale of membership if it doesn't?

 

[tjkraz]

Will we get the same amout of fast passes as those staying at the Grand Floridian? Or be treated less enthusiastically like those staying at the value resorts?

As long as DVC intends to continue selling points, DVC members will (IMHO) be treated the same as other guests of deluxe resorts. I doubt they want to lose any $20K+ sales over something as trivial as sub-par FastPass benefits.

Besides, you've also got the logistical issue of "are you a cash-paying guest staying at the Beach Club or a DVC member?" I'm sure that would all be handled via computer, but I hope you get the idea.

 

[DisFlan]

Silly question - on average, are DVCers heavy users of FPs? I know we're not. I think I got two during our last trip. And I didn't use one of them. It would be nice to have the option of oodles of FPs, but it sure isn't one of our priorities. Ordering FPs hours ahead of time wouldn't do us much good, either. We usually don't know where we'll be that far ahead. We're what you'd call "unscheduled free-floaters" as far as the parks are concerned. I'd hate to tie up the system with a bunch of FPs that weren't going to get used.

I'm not going to get bent out of shape about a new system, one way or the other.

DisFlan

 

[CarolMN]

Given that this is all speculation -

I think DVC members will be treated the same way a CRO/WDWTC cash guest staying at the same resort will be treated. To date, I cannot think of any perk for staying on site that was denied to DVC members staying at one of the DVC WDW Resorts.

Best wishes -

P.S. FWIW, I do not consider the ability to puchase a dining package to be a perk, LOL.

 

[kathleena]

Speaking only from my resort ownership and where I usually stay - BWV and BCV - they are deluxe resorts (BWI and BC) and I would expect the same level of access as anyone staying in those resorts - even to the extent of the deluxe resort suites (comparing the cost of a 2br to a suite).

As for use of FPs, I really don't think being a DVC member makes you any different than any other guest in that regard - depends on the season - we hardly had to use FPs at all in Dec, but used them more in March but even then it was only for the most popular rides - TT, SM, HM, BLSRS, Safari for example.

 

[Melrosgirl]

We are major Fast Pass users. I FP almost everythign I can and the minute I can get another FP, I get it, then ride the other FP one ,go back to use the second FP, and so on and so on. We have a system for FP!

 

[Granny]

Silly question - on average, are DVCers heavy users of FPs? I know we're not.

Not a silly question at all. We utilize FP extensively since we visit during heavy crowd times (summer).

As long as DVC intends to continue selling points, DVC members will (IMHO) be treated the same as other guests of deluxe resorts. I doubt they want to lose any $20K+ sales over something as trivial as sub-par FastPass benefits.

Agree with this. If SSR sells out and they quit selling new DVC resorts, I think DVC will quickly move down the "keep them happy" priority list. But for now and the next several years, we should be in good shape on the perks!

 

[DVC Jen]

Silly question - on average, are DVCers heavy users of FPs? I know we're not. I think I got two during our last trip. And I didn't use one of them. It would be nice to have the option of oodles of FPs, but it sure isn't one of our priorities. Ordering FPs hours ahead of time wouldn't do us much good, either. We usually don't know where we'll be that far ahead. We're what you'd call "unscheduled free-floaters" as far as the parks are concerned. I'd hate to tie up the system with a bunch of FPs that weren't going to get used.

I'm not going to get bent out of shape about a new system, one way or the other.

DisFlan

As a teacher I must remind you that the only "silly questions" are those that are left unasked.

And you may not use or have a need for fast passes, but my family does use them quite a bit while we are at WDW. We only go once a year and try to make the most of our time there... not going commando, but still taking advantage of time saving processes.

I don't think I am getting bent out of shape.. merely curious what everyone else thought about it.

 

[raidermatt]

I tend to agree that if its given to Deluxe guests, it will also go to DVC. If its only a "concierge level" thing, then its a different story.

Personally, I would get just a tad bent out of shape if they gave it to other deluxe guests and not us.

I really think they have to be careful with this one. FPs are currently equally available to all park guests, and everybody is paying the same price to get into the parks (the odd discount aside).

Doing something for ALL on-site guests might make sense, but if that results in it not being available to off-site guests, it could still cause more problems than it solves. If you do it differently depending on the on-site accomodations, again, it could be more of a negative than a positive.

One possibility however, is that they won't make anykind of widespread change to the number of FPs anyone can get, but will make obtaining them a lot easier for on-site guests through the DTV option.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

Doing something for ALL on-site guests might make sense, but if that results in it not being available to off-site guests, it could still cause more problems than it solves. If you do it differently depending on the on-site accomodations, again, it could be more of a negative than a positive.

I think Universal gets away with their FOTL perk b/c they have far fewer rooms than Disney. I can't image Disney doing this for all onsite guest. Really, would it really be a perk then if the FP line is almost as long as the stand by?

As long as they keep it to a relatively few % of the guests, then it is a perk. Concierge guests come to mind, because they're willing to spend boocoo's $$ for a lounge full of free coke and cookies or people who get married at WDW (and fill Disney's coffers from their guests) or special promotions, etc. Or add $200-250 to the cost of an AP or PAP for UNLIMITED FP's. In other words, those who want this extra level of service should pay for it.

Now that being said, I think they would alienate a lot of guests, both on-site and off if they did away with the FP program just b/c they didn't (or don't have the means) to pay for the unlimited level.

 

[bicker]

I think Universal gets away with their FOTL perk b/c they have far fewer rooms than Disney. I can't image Disney doing this for all onsite guest. Really, would it really be a perk then if the FP line is almost as long as the stand by?

I've read this a lot this week. Y'know, it's not necessarily true, depending on the implementation. Universal only has two parks, while Disney has four, so providing FOTL access to deluxe resort guests may not be all that much different.

 

[MrsToad]

... I can't image Disney doing this for all onsite guest. Really, would it really be a perk then if the FP line is almost as long as the stand by? ...//...

Now that being said, I think they would alienate a lot of guests, both on-site and off if they did away with the FP program just b/c they didn't (or don't have the means) to pay for the unlimited level.

Is it possible that Disney would reduce the number of freely available passes in the machines by the number of passes given to on-site guests, still leaving some available for off-site quests? Would that keep the fastpass lines in check, especially if the times are spaced out on the on-site passes? I'm not sure how many passes are given out per ride each day vs. how many on-site guests there are but would that be a way to keep everyone happy (or, at least, less unhappy)?

 

[lllovell]

I think you have hit on what many of us think is going to happen if Disney DOES implement this program. Leave the existing program in place, but if you are staying on-site, you will be able to access the FP system from special places (mostly your room I suspect) and make actual Fast Pass appointments. Those of us staying on site will no longer be subject to the "first come first served" rules that have applied in the past.

I don't have a problem with them giving another perk to people staying onsite. You dont have to stay onsite. None of us do to enjoy our trips to WDW (ok - well maybe SOME of us do ) but my point is that it will be about choice. I cannot imagine Disney not incuding the AP holders (perhaps just Florida resident holders) and several other groups like us DVCers. We spend sooooo much money at the parks and restaurants. Their goal is to fill the hotel rooms. The value level will certainly be no LOWER than the current "average" number of FP that a family can get, but wouldn't it be great to be able to schedule them in advance? OR make the choice to burn them all on one ride because its your favorite and it represents WDW to you?

Its Disney people. PR nightmares are quite rare for them. I am sure this has been well thought out.

 

[CharlesTD]

IMHO no we won't because Disney knows we come back year after year and those staying at the GF etc may only have this one trip ever. I really don't care if it is offered to us but only time will tell.

 

[lllovell]

But I think what you aren't considering Charles is that if they DON'T offer it to us, it would be a HUGE reason for people not to buy into DVC. DVC has to be a moneymaker for them or else they would not keep building new resorts and it would not be 90,000 strong. If I knew I could keep staying at values (which we sometimes still do...but mostly moderates - never a deluxe until DVC) and get this perk, it might have made me think twice about it. DVC will be jumping up and down to make sure Disney doesn't do something that would hurt sales, etc.

 

[CharlesTD]

We stay weekends at the values it prolongs our stays while we are there. I seriously doubt it will be offered or if it is it will be at the expense of the AP deal currently offered. Mind you we don't use that offer either as we go the same 2 weeks every year with the only difference being this coming trip so the AP is useless to us also especially when we only do 5-7 days at the parks the rest of our time is spent at shell key island and other areas.

 

[CHOPR]

lllovell I totally agree. There is no way I can see WDW not including fp for DVC. Why give a downside for joining DVC. We manipulate the fp system as much as possible,everyday- all day. We just joined DVC and would have thought twice about joining if it meant waiting in longer lines as a "perk".

 

[Dean]

When Disney opened AK, OKW still had the free passes. They did not offer that option to go to AK to those with the free passes even though many of them complained and DVC management had the direct choice whether to do so our not. I do doubt Disney will offer it to everyone or even everyone at the Deluxe resorts. I'd be more likely to believe they would do so are part of an all inclusive package, concierge or an add on option to your ticket or simply an additional purchased ticket just for FP.

 

[CharlesTD]

Dean I tend to think you are correct on this issue it would cause way to many headaches for them in any other form.