Touring without late return FP

[rentayenta]

Okay, I'll admit it, we were total late return FP users. We abused the system with permission or omission or whatever but now that I've confessed, I'm a total loss as to how to tour without late FP. We haven't been to WDW since 2009 as it is so I feel a little overwhelmed.


Any advice on how to tour the parks now? It seems MK will be the most difficult with DHS a close second? Our trip is this October.

 

[jeankeri]

The only change I am making is no ADRs for lunch. I think this is where people are getting stuck with not making the return times.

 

[rentayenta]

The only change I am making is no ADRs for lunch. I think this is where people are getting stuck with not making the return times.

Absolutely. That's exactly where I'm stuck. I don't make lunch ADRs but love my midday breaks.

 

[thelionqueen]

You are not alone..we were TOTAL late fastpass users as well. It worked for us but now we must conform to specific times...the nerve...

I think our plan will be close to the same as it was with a few exceptions..MK & DHS being the two pains. The mountains of MK are what I'm going to hit first I think. Get a FP for Splash mountain, go on BTMR or SM whichever line is shortest. After the ride get FP for whatever one we didn't go on. Go to Space mountain, get FP ride Aladdin & POTC on the way back. Ride the other Mtn..do HM, Philharmagic, get FP for Peter Pan hit carousel of progress and tjem use our FP for Space Mtn. Once that's all done we can get a FP @ Jungle Cruise, do lunch, Country bears and tour the rest of MK getting FP's as we go.

Now..DHS...we're not TOT folks so that's one less thing to worry about..lol. Obviously TSM is a must do at rope drop. We will grab fast passes, then go on. If it takes less than an hour, we can head over to RNR and get FP's. Go back, do TSM and Little Mermaid. Get FP's for Star Tours, Lunch then Beauty & the Beast. Head back to RNR do our FP's (TSM FP's will be gone by now for sure) shop, head to Star tours for FP. Then we'll do the great movie ride and other stuff and make our way around the park...picking up FP's as we can where we are.

It truly was nice to use the FP's later..especially with littler kids, but it'll still be doable.

 

[UNCFanatik]

Just curious. How much of a need is there in Oct for FPs?

Do FPs still run out for TSMM or Soarin in Oct?

 

[rentayenta]

You are not alone..we were TOTAL late fastpass users as well. It worked for us but now we must conform to specific times...the nerve...

I think our plan will be close to the same as it was with a few exceptions..MK & DHS being the two pains. The mountains of MK are what I'm going to hit first I think. Get a FP for Splash mountain, go on BTMR or SM whichever line is shortest. After the ride get FP for whatever one we didn't go on. Go to Space mountain, get FP ride Aladdin & POTC on the way back. Ride the other Mtn..do HM, Philharmagic, get FP for Peter Pan hit carousel of progress and tjem use our FP for Space Mtn. Once that's all done we can get a FP @ Jungle Cruise, do lunch, Country bears and tour the rest of MK getting FP's as we go.

Now..DHS...we're not TOT folks so that's one less thing to worry about..lol. Obviously TSM is a must do at rope drop. We will grab fast passes, then go on. If it takes less than an hour, we can head over to RNR and get FP's. Go back, do TSM and Little Mermaid. Get FP's for Star Tours, Lunch then Beauty & the Beast. Head back to RNR do our FP's (TSM FP's will be gone by now for sure) shop, head to Star tours for FP. Then we'll do the great movie ride and other stuff and make our way around the park...picking up FP's as we can where we are.

It truly was nice to use the FP's later..especially with littler kids, but it'll still be doable.

I'm glad I'm not alone in my admitting How dare they?

Thanks for the insights. I see the same parks as the pains. I'm not a ToT person but my family loves it so I can't leave it out. Yes, TSMM will be the very first thing. Always. This whole FP thing leads to a distinct possibility of doing our favorites a few less times per trip.

My family is growing up and are all about the thrill rides. To get them into a show is near impossible. I've got some work to do.

Just curious. How much of a need is there in Oct for FPs?

Do FPs still run out for TSMM or Soarin in Oct?

I haven't been in October so I don't really know.

 

[d-r]

Just curious. How much of a need is there in Oct for FPs?

Do FPs still run out for TSMM or Soarin in Oct?

Pretty much the same as any other time of year. Almost every southern school district has fall break, Columbus week, Food & Wine and a Marathon. Its not like July, but FP are just as necessary - TSMM has the same crowd anytime of year. Soarin does from what I've experience and read (we don't do Soarin that much - underwhelming, IMHO).

 

[mesaboy2]

Just curious. How much of a need is there in Oct for FPs?

Do FPs still run out for TSMM or Soarin in Oct?

They definitely still run out. Standby line may not be quite as long as other days, but not so much that FP to either still doesn't make sense.

 

[thelionqueen]

Just curious. How much of a need is there in Oct for FPs?

Do FPs still run out for TSMM or Soarin in Oct?

Definitely lower crowds in October vs more busy months, but FP's just as necessary. Definitely need FP's for the Big attractions TSM & Soarin definitely two of those. October is my favorite time to visit WDW

 

[rentayenta]

Pretty much the same as any other time of year. Almost every southern school district has fall break, Columbus week, Food & Wine and a Marathon. Its not like July, but FP are just as necessary - TSMM has the same crowd anytime of year. Soarin does from what I've experience and read (we don't do Soarin that much - underwhelming, IMHO).

Hmm....I think it's going to be crowded. We haven't been in October but I've heard it's one of the best times to go as far as weather and extras like F&W and MNSSHP.





Anyone been recently who used to use late FP as part of their touring plan? How did it work out? We've got 9 park days so I know we'll get a lot in but we're so used to minimal lines. Guess I should be asking for ways to have fun in line.

 

[mesaboy2]

Hmm....I think it's going to be crowded. We haven't been in October but I've heard it's one of the best times to go as far as weather and extras like F&W and MNSSHP.





Anyone been recently who used to use late FP as part of their touring plan? How did it work out? We've got 9 park days so I know we'll get a lot in but we're so used to minimal lines. Guess I should be asking for ways to have fun in line.

I've been twice now since March 7, including just last week. I think my past FP proclivities are fairly well known.

It honestly isn't that big a deal unless perhaps you take midday breaks, which we typically don't. It's only been a small adjustment to me so far. We had a 1:20p ADR at LTT on one of our MK days and for our plans it didn't interfere. The first FP I drew was for Pan, which was already at 5:00p by the time we arrived around 11:00a. I got FPs for Splash for late afternoon then BTMRR for early evening, but I drew those after our ADR.

The main thing of course is to just ensure the FP you're considering doesn't conflict with ADRs, shows, or other FPs. If you have access to Disney Mobile Magic and it is working, it is invaluable for this purpose since you don't have to trek to the ride to find out the current FP times.

 

[ZoZo]

Just curious. How much of a need is there in Oct for FPs?

Do FPs still run out for TSMM or Soarin in Oct?

I've been in October several times, and from my experience, it's still a good idea to do FPs. As you mention, the FPs for TSM and Soarin' do run out (usually around 1:00 or 2:00 -- and those have return times in the evening).

I'm always puzzled when I see posts from people that say they never need FPs in late September and into October - that rides are virtually walk-ons. Not in my experience! And I've been at WDW at different times throughout that timefrrame, and have never experienced walk-on rides, so it doesn't seem to matter what week in October that you go!

 

[jar]

Went a week and a half ago. Gotta admit I hated the new FP rules. DW wasn't with me on this trip (just DS for SWW) -- she has always hated how I'd go across the park to get FPs, so I can't imagine our next trip when I have to do that and tell her that we have to make it back to the ride within an hour long window. I think it won't happen.

In terms of strategies, I agree with prior poster that MM is invaluable. It tells you the FP return times for every attraction so you know what might fit in your window.

I used to rotate around a park like MK gathering FP's, riding on rides that don't have FPs and then do a 2nd swing around to use the FPs. On this trip, it required a lot of bouncing around (again, worked fine with DS, but will never work with DW). We took train to Frontierland after rope drop, got a FP for Splash (10:05am return), rode BTMRR with virtually no wait, went to Tomorrowland (stopping at HM on the way), got next FP at Space (return time around 11-ish), rode Buzz and TTA, then stopped at Small World on way back to Splash. We got to Splash a bit after the window, but I knew we'd have a little leeway because ride had been down for a while (which I was able to tell on MM, so I knew not to head over yet).

 

[rentayenta]

I've been twice now since March 7, including just last week. I think my past FP proclivities are fairly well known.

It honestly isn't that big a deal unless perhaps you take midday breaks, which we typically don't. It's only been a small adjustment to me so far. We had a 1:20p ADR at LTT on one of our MK days and for our plans it didn't interfere. The first FP I drew was for Pan, which was already at 5:00p by the time we arrived around 11:00a. I got FPs for Splash for late afternoon then BTMRR for early evening, but I drew those after our ADR.

The main thing of course is to just ensure the FP you're considering doesn't conflict with ADRs, shows, or other FPs. If you have access to Disney Mobile Magic and it is working, it is invaluable for this purpose since you don't have to trek to the ride to find out the current FP times.

I am not familiar with your thoughts pre rule enforcement. I have the Disney Magic app. I forgot Pan has a FP at WDW. We generally collect and hoard FPs in the morning, take a break, and then use most of them later. Clearly, that's not going to work. Maybe we'll get up earlier and try to get there early so we can still do our break? I feel totally green.

Went a week and a half ago. Gotta admit I hated the new FP rules. DW wasn't with me on this trip (just DS for SWW) -- she has always hated how I'd go across the park to get FPs, so I can't imagine our next trip when I have to do that and tell her that we have to make it back to the ride within an hour long window. I think it won't happen.

In terms of strategies, I agree with prior poster that MM is invaluable. It tells you the FP return times for every attraction so you know what might fit in your window.

I used to rotate around a park like MK gathering FP's, riding on rides that don't have FPs and then do a 2nd swing around to use the FPs. On this trip, it required a lot of bouncing around (again, worked fine with DS, but will never work with DW). We took train to Frontierland after rope drop, got a FP for Splash (10:05am return), rode BTMRR with virtually no wait, went to Tomorrowland (stopping at HM on the way), got next FP at Space (return time around 11-ish), rode Buzz and TTA, then stopped at Small World on way back to Splash. We got to Splash a bit after the window, but I knew we'd have a little leeway because ride had been down for a while (which I was able to tell on MM, so I knew not to head over yet).

We tour very similar. I don't think I'll be a big fan either. It will require a total shift in our game plan. Thank you for sharing your experience in detail. DH is/was our FP runner. He didn't mind and it worked perfectly. I don't mind walking, it is WDW after all, however, that doubling back is such a waste of time. And it really ties you to a certain area until the window opens up.

 

[rentayenta]

I've been in October several times, and from my experience, it's still a good idea to do FPs. As you mention, the FPs for TSM and Soarin' do run out (usually around 1:00 or 2:00 -- and those have return times in the evening).

I'm always puzzled when I see posts from people that say they never need FPs in late September and into October - that rides are virtually walk-ons. Not in my experience! And I've been at WDW at different times throughout that timefrrame, and have never experienced walk-on rides, so it doesn't seem to matter what week in October that you go!

We went in Sept 2007, our first trip, and we totally needed FPs. I hear octobernis busy especially during F&W and on weekends. The weather sounds perfect which would bring everyone out, I'd think. Plus there are a ton of school breaks.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

We won't be making lunch reservations anymore. We will wait to get FPs until a suitable times becomes available otherwise we will jus need to jump into standby.

 

[kaligal]

Honestly, we just gave up on FP.

Gotta keep checking the phone for the FP time you want...and planning your day/time around that...and then dropping everything to go get it. Also have to arrange your schedule around going back at that particular time. Some we just couldn't get...say for evening, because we'd be out of the park when they were available.

It was too much checking and planning and watching. Just too much.

Wasn't worth the headache.

 

[skeeter31]

I know I'm in the minority in this thread, but we never knew you could hoard FPs and use them after the time printed, so this change obviously wasn't a big deal for us.

I think it's more so just the change of the system that is the shock to most people, not the fact that they have to use FPs like they're supposed to be used. I have been to WDW over 50 times (with probably 35 of those trips being during the time FPs have been in use) and have never had a problem seeing all my favorite rides and using FPs to jump lines on some of the more popular rides.

It'll take people a little while to get accustomed to the new practice, but it's definitely doable. We always take mid-day breaks, and rarely arrive at parks for rope drop, yet have never had a trip where we failed to ride one of our "must-do" rides because of long waits or failure to get FPs.

 

[UNCFanatik]

I know I'm in the minority in this thread, but we never knew you could hoard FPs and use them after the time printed, so this change obviously wasn't a big deal for us.

I think it's more so just the change of the system that is the shock to most people, not the fact that they have to use FPs like they're supposed to be used. I have been to WDW over 50 times (with probably 35 of those trips being during the time FPs have been in use) and have never had a problem seeing all my favorite rides and using FPs to jump lines on some of the more popular rides.

It'll take people a little while to get accustomed to the new practice, but it's definitely doable. We always take mid-day breaks, and rarely arrive at parks for rope drop, yet have never had a trip where we failed to ride one of our "must-do" rides because of long waits or failure to get FPs.

In all those trips, a CM never once told you could use them past their printed return window? I find that hard to believe because it seems that every previous late FP user claims CMs were everywhere telling people they could use them late. How did you miss this?

 

[palmettostatemom]

Just curious. How much of a need is there in Oct for FPs?

Do FPs still run out for TSMM or Soarin in Oct?

We have been several times in Oct. & like others said, FPs do run out for rides like Soarin & TSMM. We mainly pull them in order to do a ride more than once.

We have never saved FPs - at first because we didn't know you could & the last couple of times just because we didn't need to. However, we don't to the parks 'commando' style either. I never had before with my parents and don't now with my family. I did that one day - one day - only a family trip with my in-laws...my SIL was in charge - she had done all the research, read the Unofficial Guide, made notecards (this was before smart phones, lol), etc. and had each day planned out with ride times, ADRs, etc. By late afternoon, everyone except her was pissed - and pooped. We told the family that night that they could stick to the plan if they wanted but we were on our own! We get to the parks at rope drop or pretty near usually - not as a TP, but we're early risers & we do it to beat the heat also. We also take a break during the afternoon and go back late afternoon/early evening. We ALWAYS ride every ride we want this way, usually more than once.
I realize this is not a normal way for a lot of families (especially DISers!) to tour the park, but it's not a big deal. I've been going to Disney since 1972, so I know how it was before FP & when they introduced FP it was the best thing ever. Not to be snarky, but when I see people complain about the enforcement of the return times, I always wonder how they would handle touring the parks before FP even existed Anyway, you CAN do the parks without saving FPs, but it will probably require a more go with the flow attitude.

In all those trips, a CM never once told you could use them past their printed return window? I find that hard to believe because it seems that every previous late FP user claims CMs were everywhere telling people they could use them late. How did you miss this?

We have NEVER, EVER been told this by any CM in all the multiple times we've used FP