Video from Space Mtn. fastpass line

[lugnut33]

Just thought this video would help some people know what to expect now when using FP+. This line will be longer once the whole system is in place and paper fastpasses are gone.

This video was taken on Sunday, Dec. 1 in the afternoon. The standby line was 50 minutes at this point, so I'd say it was a medium busy day. A couple of things to note from the video:

1. A long line now forms outside in order to get into the FP line. I even saw some rides that had CMs at the end of the line with a sign indicating where people should get in line for fastpass

2. The gentleman in the grey jacket didn't understand the FP concept and was there 2 hours ahead of his FP time.

3. You can clearly see that the paper FP is much quicker than the bands.

4. If you are using the new disability program you don't have to wait in the FP line, you can just go to the front.

http://youtu.be/gnutHcc8tbk

 

[Momtomouselover]

ack!

"You have 2 hrs, no 2 hrs...I don't recommend waiting around here."

 

[wisblue]

The question I would ask is how the line to get on the ride was inside the building. If there is a backup outside, but no longer wait at the loading area, the total wait time would still be the same. It's just that you spend more time outside that you would have otherwise spent inside.

One obvious thing about this that will hopefully improve with time is getting people to use both scanners instead of clumping up behind one. The cast members may have to be more vocal about saying "please use both sides".

 

[OtherScott]

Anyone who has been to the parks knows the MBs take longer to process than do the paper FPs. Disney knows this as well.

Logic dictates that Disney believes the value (to Disney) of guests wearing these bands will offset the added cost (to Disney, passed on to guests) of the system. And given the huge cost, the value has to be huge(r).

 

[AmyB2006]

Very interesting. I can see why the FP+ line is long. The same things were happening when we were there in October, but it wasn't crowded so we never had to deal with long FP lines. :/

 

[FlightlessDuck]

People said FP lines were going to be long when they started enforcing the one hour window of the paper passes, too. They had a few examples of what in reality were just freak occurrences. Turns out it mostly wasn't true.

I would say this is part of the growing pains.

 

[pigletto]

Just..
So that's what we get in return for being forced to schedule park days and ride time 2 months in advance? Fabulous Disney.. really.. you've outdone yourselves with this one.

 

[ktlm]

That actually looks like it is going a whole lot smoother than when we were there in October. The CMs don't look as stressed out either. Didn't look like anyone was really having issues with their bands either, which I don't think we ever were in a FP+ line in October were there weren't bands scanning blue instead of green and people trying to sort it out holding up the line.

 

[ajfd]

You understand that the length of that line has little bearing on your total wait when using FP, right? It just shifts some of the wait time from inside the attraction to outside.

That is, even if there was NO line at the first FP, you wouldn't be getting on the ride any sooner.

 

[AmyB2006]

The question I would ask is how the line to get on the ride was inside the building. If there is a backup outside, but no longer wait at the loading area, the total wait time would still be the same. It's just that you spend more time outside that you would have otherwise spent inside.

One obvious thing about this that will hopefully improve with time is getting people to use both scanners instead of clumping up behind one. The cast members may have to be more vocal about saying "please use both sides".

Ugh... when I was there in October I got so sick of hearing them yell that. LOL Every 5 seconds. "PLEASE USE BOTH SIDES!!!!" They need more scanners I think at FP entries. One FP line feeding to several scanners. But that requires more CMs at the lines checking the scans.

 

[OtherScott]

The question I would ask is how the line to get on the ride was inside the building. If there is a backup outside, but no longer wait at the loading area, the total wait time would still be the same. It's just that you spend more time outside that you would have otherwise spent inside.

One obvious thing about this that will hopefully improve with time is getting people to use both scanners instead of clumping up behind one. The cast members may have to be more vocal about saying "please use both sides".

Yep. Right now they need a narrow access point because they have to physically inspect paper FPs too. Once paper FPs are eliminated, they can broaden the access point using broader scanning RFID to funnel FP holders.

 

[Missyrose]

Anyone else notice that the Mickey heads are still swirling while they wave people through? If it checks it that quickly on the CMs' iPads, then have the green show up that quickly.

And for the record, if you're using a DAS for a disability accommodation, you get a return time for the current standby time (minus 10 minutes) and then you return to the FP line when it's time to ride.

 

[pigletto]

You understand that the length of that line has little bearing on your total wait when using FP, right? It just shifts some of the wait time from inside the attraction to outside.

That is, even if there was NO line at the first FP, you wouldn't be getting on the ride any sooner.

Frankly I'd rather wait inside, out of the weather, with a clearly defined line and themed line up areas with things to look at. But then that's stand by isn't it? Regardless.. one would think if I have to pick my rides two months in advance of my trip now, and give up what I perceived to be the benefit of not planning everything out about my whole darn trip before I get there, that the system in place forcing me to do so would be a marked improvement over the one being replaced. And it isn't.

 

[BrianL]

ow i't sbeing managed inside matters. When I was there they were sending FPs to the left side track and standby to the right side track, but it was super slow that day. Do they use both tracks for standby when it is busier? If so, then the FP line might be funnelled right to the front once through the tunnel.

Now, if that FP+ line filled all of the switchbacks inside the Mountain (one side), then that would be a problem!

 

[RhinoIsAwesome]

I noticed early in the clip that a family was turned away because they were 30 minutes early. I wonder how many people in that line were early or late. That clogs up the line and the process.

 

[AmyB2006]

I noticed early in the clip that a family was turned away because they were 30 minutes early. I wonder how many people in that line were early or late. That clogs up the line and the process.

This for sure.

 

[ajfd]

I rode SM many times over the last few days (standby during slow times, FP-, and FP+).

In some cases, FP riders were on one track and SB on the other.
In others, FP riders were mixed in with SB after the second checkpoint and the CMs were sending the combined line to both tracks.

 

[LilyWDW]

People said FP lines were going to be long when they started enforcing the one hour window of the paper passes, too. They had a few examples of what in reality were just freak occurrences. Turns out it mostly wasn't true.

I would say this is part of the growing pains.

I agree 100%.

While we do have reports of longer FP lines (based on looks only most of the time), it does not seem to be a huge increase. We had the same reports when return times started being enforced, but those quickly faded as time went on and people adjusted. It will be the same thing here.

You have to take into account that there are currently TWO systems being dealt with atm plus a lot of people who don't read what the heck the rules are (like the guy who was 2 hours early or those who STILL show up late). Those will both have an impact on overall wait times but are both variables that will most likely end up clearing for the most part.

I honestly do not think we can make a valid statement about how FP+ will impact wait times until we minimize all variables and have enough data.

 

[SoarinSC]

Meh...the lines seem to be loading through pretty quickly so I don't see any issues. Once people adjust to the new normal all will be well. Just glad the gentleman in gray finally understood he had 2 hours to wait.

 

[OtherScott]

I honestly do not think we can make a valid statement about how FP+ will impact wait times until we minimize all variables and have enough data.

^