xPass or Premium FASTPASS? Yes, I'm Starting ANOTHER FP Forum

[eliza61]

I could hear ominous music in my head when I was reading the leaked document!

I have a sinking feeling that pay for play FP is coming, I'm sure this is not the final working, but I'm now expecting something akin to this in the future.

We're DVC, and I'm pretty sure that they're not going to be handing these "enhanced" FPs out to DVC members. They already have our money, they won't have the need to entice us with extra perks.

I can really see this hurting my resale value if deluxe folks get it for free, but DVC members have to pony up the cash. Why would anyone buy DVC if they could spend the same money for Wilderness lodge, and get special FP access?

LOL
that got me reminiscing, when I purchased my dvc membership over 10 years ago, you got free park tickets for every one in your party for the length of your first stay and a really huge denim and leather back pack which I still use.

****sighs***

 

[dvcdisney]

After doing extensive research over the weekend, I have come to believe "xPass" (or what may be "FASTPASS Plus") will be the road Disney travels on not the Premium FASTPASS. I found this "leaked" document on a small blog about Disney rumors. It was a PDF download so I converted it to a .jpg picture so it could be posted here.

After examining it, it appears to somewhat legitimate, but I've got my doubts. I don't think Disney would let something like this slip. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Wow, it looks like what I mentioned on post 36. I'm all for that!

I am assuming it's for the whole stay. So I guess I can see why they don't include anyone staying offsite. But I do hope for those not staying onsite that they will set up an offer with an AP or FL discount. For example, a pass for a week would cost $xx and there would be a 10-20% discount for AP members and FL residents.

 

[crazycatlady]

We've gone to Disney World the last 3 years, and are planning an October trip for this year. We love Disney, but the major reason that we have chosen it exclusively these last years is because we have been able to use discounts to make it a more affordable option than some other destinations. If Disney takes that aspect away, we will find other places to vacation. Not saying that we would never again go to Disney, but certainly not as often as we have been.
If this would be another option added to tickets like Park Hoppers for a reasonable flat fee as another poster mentioned, that would not be as bad, but if this is a per day charge, I would find that excessive money grubbing from Disney and that would strongly disappoint me.

 

[iwish81792]

After doing extensive research over the weekend, I have come to believe "xPass" (or what may be "FASTPASS Plus") will be the road Disney travels on not the Premium FASTPASS. I found this "leaked" document on a small blog about Disney rumors. It was a PDF download so I converted it to a .jpg picture so it could be posted here.

After examining it, it appears to somewhat legitimate, but I've got my doubts. I don't think Disney would let something like this slip. Take a look and let me know what you think.

"In Advanced" ??? I mean, anyone can open up Photoshop and slap something like this together.

 

[WillAustin]

"In Advanced" ??? I mean, anyone can open up Photoshop and slap something like this together.

No chance that it's real.

Even if you ignore the grammar, spelling, and ridiculous font mismatching, the fact they put a price on it without mentioning how many reservations you would get for that price destroys any possible credibility. Even a pre-production internal document would have that basic info from the start.

 

[doconeill]

[conspiracy mode on]

Perhaps Disney intentionally leaked this document - judge from the buzz what about it works, what doesn't, what people might be willing to pay, what they are complaining about, etc.

Errors introduced intentionally for "plausible deniability".

I'm on to you, Mickey...

[conspiracy mode off]

 

[PrincessV]

I just hop ethat whatever they do, locals are not forgotten in the equation. As annual passholders we spend a lot at Disney between our passes, meals, etc. If it was something only open to those staying in hotels, we would strongly consider dropping our annual passes. Perhaps an additional purchase available to people who are annual passholders and Florida residents who may be there once a week or every other week pumping money in, but not staying at a hotel?

I haven't seen much discussion about the potential impact on local passholders yet and that's what I really want to know - would we have to make an additional purchase for every day trip at WDW just to utilize FP?! Lots of luck getting Floridians to add that kind of expense in this economy. I would hope APs would receive some (free) benefit out of an xPass type of program.

 

[LoveToDisney]

I've worked in graphic design for over 30 years and happen to also have a Journalism degree. Most graphic designers are TERRIBLE with the grammar and text aspect when they first put out a prelim design. (That's one reason I have such a great business because I not only can design but I can write and edit with precision so very little proofing needed.) This looks just like what you would normally get for a prelim proof to get feedback from other corporate heads involved in the planning. It's a quick "throw it all in and see what others think" starting place probably after an initial document stating the basics of what information to put into the design (i.e. disclaimers, etc.) The fact that the length of time that this is good (whether a day or week) is additional proof that this is probably a working prelim. Novice designers rather think that "deep" when they are prepping a design for review.

 

[Colleen27]

How would your experiences be diminished by what some one else can afford?

While much of this conversation is speculative, reports have been consistent on a few things. There will be rigid enforcement of the existing FP system, which takes away flexibility that guests have enjoyed for years in order to push them towards the paid system. There will be more reserved viewing areas for evening shows, which takes premium viewing space away from the general public. And there will either be fewer FPs available to the general public/day guests in order to accommodate the new system or more FP being distributed overall at the expense of standby guests, with either change slowing down touring for people without the passes to accommodate those with them.

For a concrete example look back at some of the threads about Illuminations in Nov & Dec - the expansion of reserved viewing sections for guests who booked the Candlelight Processional dinner package caused many complaints about needing to stake out Illuminations viewing spots much further in advance and/or having to settle for obstructed views because so many of the ideal areas were set aside for those paying for the privilege. And that's just a few thousand guests per night, not the 15K+ that would be represented by all deluxe/DVC (cash) guests getting the same perk.

To me, club level or casino comps aren't a good comparison because those things don't detract from the experience given to the general public. This system is based around deliberately and significantly reducing the "free with admission" experience in order to create a new revenue stream.

 

[camandjacksmom]

I guess Im in the minority but I would gladly pay for this premium fastpass. I already do in a way. Every trip we pay for the wishes dessert reception, we charter the boat for the illumination cruise, we do the fantasmic package for advanced seating, we pay for the photopass CD, and we do private tours. I really dont see that as any different than what they are offering. They found a market in people like me willing to pay and I would say there is a pretty big market for them to even consider it. All of the above things have been offered for years without affecting anyone who chooses not to pay for it. All talk has been that they will continue to offer the regular fastpass system so I really dont get why people are all up in arms. Okay I just put my flame suit on......

 

[DisneyTraveler18]

I dont really see what the fuss is about with all this. If you want to use it, pay for it. If you don't then just vacation as usual.

For what its worth, the Cedar Fair parks tried this out last year and it was really popular.

 

[WillAustin]

I guess Im in the minority but I would gladly pay for this premium fastpass. I already do in a way. Every trip we pay for the wishes dessert reception, we charter the boat for the illumination cruise, we do the fantasmic package for advanced seating, we pay for the photopass CD, and we do private tours. I really dont see that as any different than what they are offering. They found a market in people like me willing to pay and I would say there is a pretty big market for them to even consider it. All of the above things have been offered for years without affecting anyone who chooses not to pay for it. All talk has been that they will continue to offer the regular fastpass system so I really dont get why people are all up in arms. Okay I just put my flame suit on......

I won't flame you. I'll agree with you. I don't mind paying extra for a better experience. If I can reserve my fastpasses from home and not have to be a FP runner anymore, I will willingly pay extra. I know we are not alone.

 

[doconeill]

I dont really see what the fuss is about with all this. If you want to use it, pay for it. If you don't then just vacation as usual.

I think there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered that could affect the ability to "vacation as usual". Will it be tougher to get FPs because the premium service is taking them away before I had a chance? Will I be able to get FPs at all? Or will the FP line get more crowded because they added people to it, and the standby line get slower?

So I think people might be worried as to how it affects them, whether they get it or not.

 

[DisneyTraveler18]

I think there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered that could affect the ability to "vacation as usual". Will it be tougher to get FPs because the premium service is taking them away before I had a chance? Will I be able to get FPs at all? Or will the FP line get more crowded because they added people to it, and the standby line get slower?

So I think people might be worried as to how it affects them, whether they get it or not.

I persoanlly think they will set aside FP's just for this. And from experiencing Cedar Fairs "Fast Lane" it didnt really effect the line really. No more then FP does today. Idk if this will be different but I dont imagine it would.

 

[doconeill]

I persoanlly think they will set aside FP's just for this. And from experiencing Cedar Fairs "Fast Lane" it didnt really effect the line really. No more then FP does today. Idk if this will be different but I dont imagine it would.

If they did set them aside (which reduces the number of FPs available at the kiosks), and it is a one-for-one relationship - a person who gets the advanced FP would have gotten a regular FP - then it's a wash. But if they wouldn't normally have gotten a FP, then it means that availability shifted from everybody to a select group, and it could affect how people tour the parks.

I see this as a no-win for those who aren't eligible or can't/won't pay for the X-Pass, but again, this depends on how it's implemented. The exact degree of effect remains to be seen.

 

[jjsdad]

After doing extensive research over the weekend, I have come to believe "xPass" (or what may be "FASTPASS Plus") will be the road Disney travels on not the Premium FASTPASS. I found this "leaked" document on a small blog about Disney rumors. It was a PDF download so I converted it to a .jpg picture so it could be posted here.

After examining it, it appears to somewhat legitimate, but I've got my doubts. I don't think Disney would let something like this slip. Take a look and let me know what you think.

I can't even believe people are falling for this. THis thing is so fake it's not even funny. Just out of curiousity andy, what small disney blog did your extensive research take you to?

 

[estherhead]

I dont really see what the fuss is about with all this. If you want to use it, pay for it. If you don't then just vacation as usual.

For what its worth, the Cedar Fair parks tried this out last year and it was really popular.

But the problem is money.

King's Island is in our area. Let's take a Friday as our example: Online you can buy a ticket for $35.00. You can add $30.00 for a "Fast Lane" ticket. That still makes it $65.00. And you can enjoy the entire park in one day, especially if you don't have to wait in any lines. And you can drive there, tour, and drive back to my house in one day.

My dh & I have 3 kids. That makes a day at King's Island for the five of us $325.00. I can justify that. If we go to the movies (& let kids get popcorn) & dinner at a nice(ish) place it would cost us $150.00 (we rarely do this, but from time to time) and so to have an entire day of fun (with a packed lunch, CS dinner and a few snacks) it would cost $400.00. Once a year, I can do that. Plus, I can get a deal and get it cheaper. Or I can go midweek and get it WAY cheaper.

But if you are really saying that this is going to cost over & above the daily WDW price? Let's just say comparing park to park you buy a non-hopping ticket to MK: It's $90.53. There are no "bring a Pepsi can and get a deal" deals here. Kids are adults at 9. That makes my price for my family $446.65. If a comparable pass to skip the lines is $49.99 (Universals Islands of Adventure Friday Express Pass Price) then my total day cost for one day at MK to enjoy it the way I am currently enjoying it costs $696.60.

Now. I just want to point out that you can take a 7 day cruise, a really fun, food included, 7 day cruise for $369.99 per person.

So I think my problem with WDW doing it is it's already too expensive. I already have to decide if I really can handle my WDW addiction. I'm constantly on the line. But Disney is worth it to me because I've never been treated to such delightful customer service and wonderful entertainment. Though cruises come very close.

So if they make it a worse experience for me. Or a more expensive experience for me. Then I'm going to take my same dollars and take a cruise. Or go to Williamsburg. Or NYC. Or all the infinite places I could go and enjoy.

And Disney SURELY knows that's true. Surely.

 

[DisneyTraveler18]

But the problem is money.

King's Island is in our area. Let's take a Friday as our example: Online you can buy a ticket for $35.00. You can add $30.00 for a "Fast Lane" ticket. That still makes it $65.00. And you can enjoy the entire park in one day, especially if you don't have to wait in any lines. And you can drive there, tour, and drive back to my house in one day.

My dh & I have 3 kids. That makes a day at King's Island for the five of us $325.00. I can justify that. If we go to the movies (& let kids get popcorn) & dinner at a nice(ish) place it would cost us $150.00 (we rarely do this, but from time to time) and so to have an entire day of fun (with a packed lunch, CS dinner and a few snacks) it would cost $400.00. Once a year, I can do that. Plus, I can get a deal and get it cheaper. Or I can go midweek and get it WAY cheaper.

But if you are really saying that this is going to cost over & above the daily WDW price? Let's just say comparing park to park you buy a non-hopping ticket to MK: It's $90.53. There are no "bring a Pepsi can and get a deal" deals here. Kids are adults at 9. That makes my price for my family $446.65. If a comparable pass to skip the lines is $49.99 (Universals Islands of Adventure Friday Express Pass Price) then my total day cost for one day at MK to enjoy it the way I am currently enjoying it costs $696.60.

Now. I just want to point out that you can take a 7 day cruise, a really fun, food included, 7 day cruise for $369.99 per person.

So I think my problem with WDW doing it is it's already too expensive. I already have to decide if I really can handle my WDW addiction. I'm constantly on the line. But Disney is worth it to me because I've never been treated to such delightful customer service and wonderful entertainment. Though cruises come very close.

So if they make it a worse experience for me. Or a more expensive experience for me. Then I'm going to take my same dollars and take a cruise. Or go to Williamsburg. Or NYC. Or all the infinite places I could go and enjoy.

And Disney SURELY knows that's true. Surely.

Well first, Fast Lane now a days is about $65 a day on average last I heard. And its $35 for days no one is there. Just depends on the day.

I see your numbers. But at the end of the day, I think it's as simple as this. XPass is designed for the people who will pay for it. If you want to pay for it, go ahead. This service is for you. I doubt it will affect waiting in line or getting fastpass the day you go the park much.

Ive seen people crunch numbers for ride capacity like mad wondering how they are going to make it work. Honestly, I doubt Disney would be implementing this kind of system if they hadn't tested this and did the math themselves. If they are going to bring this to the public, then they must feel confident its going to work.

 

[Colleen27]

Well first, Fast Lane now a days is about $65 a day on average last I heard. And its $35 for days no one is there. Just depends on the day.

I see your numbers. But at the end of the day, I think it's as simple as this. XPass is designed for the people who will pay for it. If you want to pay for it, go ahead. This service is for you. I doubt it will affect waiting in line or getting fastpass the day you go the park much.

I'm not really sure about that. It will depend on how many they sell, because either those are additional FOTL passes being distributed (reducing standby capacity) or they are fewer passes made available through the existing FP system (making getting passes to popular rides even more competitive). And frankly, having seen what's happened with the hard-ticket events over the years, I don't give Disney a lot of credit for limiting the number sold in order to preserve the current FP system or maintain reasonable wait times for their b-list guests.

 

[DisneyTraveler18]

I'm not really sure about that. It will depend on how many they sell, because either those are additional FOTL passes being distributed (reducing standby capacity) or they are fewer passes made available through the existing FP system (making getting passes to popular rides even more competitive). And frankly, having seen what's happened with the hard-ticket events over the years, I don't give Disney a lot of credit for limiting the number sold in order to preserve the current FP system or maintain reasonable wait times for their b-list guests.

It's all probably connected to a computer. The same number of FP's as usual, only now certain people can book in advance. Personally, I still don't see what's wrong with it. If you buy the XPass and book a FP in advance, then you were planning on getting a FP on the day you were in the park anyway. So what's the difference?