FastPass Times Enforced coming?? About This Page:

[NurseLesley]

Phew, glad I am going right before the is implemented ! I almost always show up later than the window & have only been turned away once...

[mdobereiner]

Originally Posted by kingfamily1129

It doesn't really matter anyway....people are going to do what people want to do regardless of the rules and until there is a system where FP's can be somehow calculated to know what your exact time to come back is and ensure that you can only come back during that time, these problems will not occur anymore.

Again, I am NOT saying anything about the wait of the lines WHEN or IF i could come back...I am saying it bothers me that I have to get a much later time to come back because people get all the "morning time" FP's yet use them later on in the evening, so instead of getting a FP for 2pm, I am getting one for 10pm because all of the passes for the morning or afternoon have been taken...and when you travel with small children, at least in my home, staying out until 10 or 11pm for the sake of a ride is unacceptable. If it was just me, I wouldn't be as bothered...but it ruins my day and my plans when I can't get to a certain ride my son likes and I won't cancel dinner or sacrifice my night time routine with my son so that someone can get a FP for noon and come back whenever...We all pay the same amount to get in and to enjoy the parks so no one person or group should get to make up their own rules because the current ones don't meet their needs. If Disney allowed that to happen with all of their rules, even simple ones like FP times, Disney wouldn't be as safe and enjoyable as it is now. Rules and regulations aren't meant to be a hindrance, they are meant to ensure order and fairness...

And I know your not arguing, you are just asking questions to understand what I'm trying to say...

I'm going to jump in and add my perspective, kind of branching from what Eileen has said.

Let's use the TSMM example that Eileen gave. 10 minutes after the park has opened, the return window for these FP's are typically much later in the day and even totally gone not much after that. People rush to get them because they go so fast, regardless of the return time. It's a high demand ride with long wait times so if any park guest wants to get a FP, you almost have to get there at rope drop and head straight back to get them, regardless of the printed return time. Are there guests who get ealry return windows and don't use them until later in the day...yep. But that is not what's causing you to then get FP's with a late return window. There are only so many FP's that will be handed out and if it's a high demand ride, they will go fast, regardless of any guest's intentions in terms of when they will return to us to FP.

The reason I use this example is because in our experience, there are very few rides that we find where FP's go very quickly, like TSMM. In the instances were that does happen, they go fast because of how many people want them. Even if/when they change it so that you can only use a FP during your given window of time, that's not going to change anything in terms of you getting a late window to return, KWIM? For those rides, they are still going to go fast.

I also just want to add in a few things about us so-called "abusers." I'll pre-face this by saying that we have never traveled during the high peak times, we try to travel during the low peak when possible, and medium peaks when we can't find a way to make it during the low peak times. In our past trips, I've never waited in a FP line for any extended amount of time....ever. Do we always "walk on", no, but the longest I think we've ever waited in a FP line would be for TSMM and I'd say that was maybe 15 minutes at most. It's not our intention to "game the system" in anyway by using the FP's and then returning outside of the window. Generally the rides that we get FP's for are the ones that we want to make sure we ride and we do our best to adjust our touring around that (we linger in areas waiting for them to become ripe so we can use them and move on.) But, I'll give you an example from our last trip of how this didn't work out and we did return after the given window of time. On our 2nd day, we went to MK for early AM magic hours. DS's priority that day was to ride Space Mountain. As such, Space Mountain was our first stop to grab FP's. Our return window was 9:35am (I beleive) and it was 8am at that point- since they don't open the FP windows until after the park opens. We decided to head towards Fantasyland and get some rides done in there while the crowds were low. We did everything in Fantasyland and it wasn't quite 9am. We decided to wait at the rope drop near HM at 9am and ride that, again no wait. DH checked wait times on his phone and saw the BTMRR was posting at 10 minutes so we headed there next because we knew it was going to be closed for refurbishment later in our trip. That took about 25 minutes because we did the rider swap so we could each ride with DS while the other waited with DD. After that Splash Mountain was posted at a 5 minute wait so we decided to ride that since MIL had arrived and could wait with DD while we rode with DS. We made our way through Adventurland and stopped at POTC and to meet Goofy because we were there and wanted to do it. We also watched the Tiki Room and then I saw Jasmine and wanted to meet her with DD. After that, we headed back to Tomorrowland and used our FP's (DS and I rode once, then DS rode once by himself with our 3rd pass since DH doesn't like that ride.) We did return after our window had closed. We waited about 5 minutes to ride in the line. The return time that the FP's were printing when we rode was about an hour later (I only remember that because we contemplated getting them again for DS to ride before we left MK for the day.) Do I think my "abusing" of those FP's negatively impacted another guest either because of the wait time in the FP line or a later return window- .

I realize that we don't travel at the busiest times so clearly there are times where this could have slowed someone else down...but I think it's a stretch to think that this would have affected anyone too severely. Perhaps though it's my view of FP's, which is that they are nice to have's to avoid some waits. I don't think it's all that serious or that people abuse it because they are "making up their own rules". No one is entitled to any FP and if you really want to ride/see an attraction, there's always the stand-by line. I surely hope that a FP wouldn't be the deciding factor for an attraction on someone's vacation. We use there where it works, we've had plenty of times where we have given them away because we can't use them too. I think the bigger picture here is that if/when Disney goes to the Nextgen FP system, there won't be an option to return outside of the given window so it's in their best interest to "condition" guests to sticking to that window now (because there is a good group of guests who are aware that there is flexibility given by the CM's on using them after the printed time.)

Oh boy, that was a long response! Kudos to anyone who got through the whole thing!
Mel

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by mdobereiner

There are only so many FP's that will be handed out and if it's a high demand ride, they will go fast, regardless of any guest's intentions in terms of when they will return to us to FP.

Yes! That's how I see it too.

The new procedures won't change how people *get* FastPasses, but it will affect those who plan on *using* them after the return time window "closes."

It's a shame the poster we were responding to has deleted her posts. It was an interesting thread for others to read...

[benjiboo25]

Originally Posted by Wolfhunt

Here's a thought, as Disney rolls out the Nextgen fastpass system, it might include the option to choose your own return window. That would make it easier for CM's to enforce the return time rule. Just speculating here, I haven't heard anything concrete about the new system.

I LOVE that idea!!!! I

[QUOTE=ShellingConnie;3874485]It will change how I tour and get FP's since I'm one of the folks who would get them in the morning but not use them until after my afternoon break since lines would be shorter in the morning.
QUOTE]

Exactly what we do...

Originally Posted by NurseLesley

Phew, glad I am going right before the is implemented ! I almost always show up later than the window & have only been turned away once...

Curious about when you were turned away? The only time I could ever imagine this happeening is if the park is on EMH evening. That happened to us wheen we tried to use an "expired" FP during EMH. I was surprised to find that FP lanes do not operate after regular park closing. But--that makes total sense. After that, we were sure to use any FP before park close!


[QUOTE=mdobereiner;3874612]
I also just want to add in a few things about us so-called "abusers." I'll pre-face this by saying that we have never traveled during the high peak times, we try to travel during the low peak when possible, and medium peaks when we can't find a way to make it during the low peak times. In our past trips, I've never waited in a FP line for any extended amount of time....ever. Do we always "walk on", no, but the longest I think we've ever waited in a FP line would be for TSMM and I'd say that was maybe 15 minutes at most. It's not our intention to "game the system" in anyway by using the FP's and then returning outside of the window. Generally the rides that we get FP's for are the ones that we want to make sure we ride and we do our best to adjust our touring around that (we linger in areas waiting for them to become ripe so we can use them and move on.) Do I think my "abusing" of those FP's negatively impacted another guest either because of the wait time in the FP line or a later return window- .

[QUOTE]

Well stated! and I agree!

[mdobereiner]

Originally Posted by Caldercup

It's a shame the poster we were responding to has deleted her posts. It was an interesting thread for others to read...

Agreed. For as many guests who travel to WDW, everyone has unique experiences and points of view and it's very interesting to see those.

[apqsmom]

This "change" makes sense to me. I never thought about going after my time! I guess I'm a stickler for rules. If a lot of people don't adhere to the times....what's the point of issuing the passes? This won't change our routine at all.

[DsnyDiva]

I have always returned at the time my fast pass "window" I think it is about time Disney enforces the rule, it isn't a change to the fast pass it is only going to be enforced..I like the idea of it being changed

[HollyH]

Originally Posted by mdobereiner

I think the bigger picture here is that if/when Disney goes to the Nextgen FP system, there won't be an option to return outside of the given window so it's in their best interest to "condition" guests to sticking to that window now (because there is a good group of guests who are aware that there is flexibility given by the CM's on using them after the printed time.)

Mel

THIS is what most people are missing. I agree, this change is most likely about conditioning guests to stay within their window. Disney has been issuing FPs for many years and for years they have allowed people to return after their window has "expired". Knowing that Disney loves their data, I'm guessing that they ran the numbers and discovered that allowing people to do this would not negatively impact the overall FP system or it would not have been policy to permit late arrivals. And it appears they were correct. Have you heard many reports of people waiting in long FP queues, clogged with late returners? My experience has been that the FP queue has almost always been a walk on.

[MustangDrivingDisneyLover]

Have a friend that has a child that currently works at Epcot.....said that there was special training tonight regarding FP and the new enforcement of the times.

The enforcement is going to be done. And for those of us that always felt that the time printed on our FP tickets was the time we needed to be there - it will be no problem.

[lanejudy]

Just a quick note about how quickly the FP doles them out...everyone seems to be under the impression that the FPs (particularly for very popular rides like TSMM) will be snatched up just as quickly. That may not be true. Take the earlier example of TSMM since we all know those FP go very quickly and by mid-morning return times are in the evening. Assuming people are currently picking up FP in the morning with no intention to ride at the assigned window of time but returning much later in the day...will those people still grab a FP first thing in the morning if they have to return within the assigned time? Maybe not. If the return window is during naptime or an ADR, people won't take the FP if it can't be used. Therefore, potentially fewer FPs would go as quickly which then results in what would "appear" to be more FPs available. Sticking with the example, if the FPs have typically all been given out by noon, it might be now 2pm or 3pm before they run out of FP because those people who used to snag one early and use it late may not take one at all since the return time doesn't work for them. I guess only time will tell how this all plays out...

[Belle*]

Here is the official word from Disney:

"In order to provide the best experience possible for everyone at our theme parks, all Walt Disney World Guests will be expected to return within their FASTPASS return time window, effective March 7.

Disney’s FASTPASS Service plays an important role in our Guests’ ability to enjoy their visit to one of our Walt Disney World theme parks, and our ability to provide this great service is dependent upon Guests returning during the designated window. The vast majority of our Guests are aware of their return times and arrive in the window printed on the FASTPASS ticket.

As more Guests choose to take advantage of this favorite feature, we want to provide the same opportunity to everyone. By asking all Guests to return within the window printed on their FASTPASS, more Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy this great service.

This is not a change, but simply a reminder of our existing policy. Exceptions can be granted for situations such as an attraction downtime, a delay in meal service or personal emergency."

[Tabitha34]

Originally Posted by benjiboo25

Curious about when you were turned away? The only time I could ever imagine this happeening is if the park is on EMH evening. That happened to us wheen we tried to use an "expired" FP during EMH. I was surprised to find that FP lanes do not operate after regular park closing. But--that makes total sense. After that, we were sure to use any FP before park close!

I didn't know you couldn't use FP's during EMH. We were just there last week and used them twice for TSMM during EMH with no problems.

[jlhill4444]

Originally Posted by lanejudy

Just a quick note about how quickly the FP doles them out...everyone seems to be under the impression that the FPs (particularly for very popular rides like TSMM) will be snatched up just as quickly. That may not be true. Take the earlier example of TSMM since we all know those FP go very quickly and by mid-morning return times are in the evening. Assuming people are currently picking up FP in the morning with no intention to ride at the assigned window of time but returning much later in the day...will those people still grab a FP first thing in the morning if they have to return within the assigned time? Maybe not. If the return window is during naptime or an ADR, people won't take the FP if it can't be used. Therefore, potentially fewer FPs would go as quickly which then results in what would "appear" to be more FPs available. Sticking with the example, if the FPs have typically all been given out by noon, it might be now 2pm or 3pm before they run out of FP because those people who used to snag one early and use it late may not take one at all since the return time doesn't work for them. I guess only time will tell how this all plays out...

This is what I was thinking. Some people may not take one at all if they cannot work the return time into their touring plans. This will make is easier for the rest of us to get one. I have never returned outside of my return time, I am a stickler for rules. It just seems to be the fair thing to make all follow the rules. That way, it make a more enjoyable experience for all involved.

[mdobereiner]

Originally Posted by lanejudy

Just a quick note about how quickly the FP doles them out...everyone seems to be under the impression that the FPs (particularly for very popular rides like TSMM) will be snatched up just as quickly. That may not be true. Take the earlier example of TSMM since we all know those FP go very quickly and by mid-morning return times are in the evening. Assuming people are currently picking up FP in the morning with no intention to ride at the assigned window of time but returning much later in the day...will those people still grab a FP first thing in the morning if they have to return within the assigned time? Maybe not. If the return window is during naptime or an ADR, people won't take the FP if it can't be used. Therefore, potentially fewer FPs would go as quickly which then results in what would "appear" to be more FPs available. Sticking with the example, if the FPs have typically all been given out by noon, it might be now 2pm or 3pm before they run out of FP because those people who used to snag one early and use it late may not take one at all since the return time doesn't work for them. I guess only time will tell how this all plays out...

I can only speak from my family's experience but with high demand FP's like TSMM, we will work our day around when our FP's are (the only exception to that would be dinning ressies for us.) But you are right, by enforcing the return times, that could mean people are more thoughtful about taking them in the first place (if they don't work with their schedule that day.) Based on Disney's official statement, it sounds like the those of us who have returned outside of the designated window are in the minority though so it will be interesting to see how much of an impact it will have on the FP's going quickly for some of these hot ticket rides, KWIM?

I don't know about you all but I'm super curious about the Nextgen FP system- sounds fascinating!

Mel

[disneywithoutkids]

The other possibility is that now with Disney having more control over when people will return to use their FP's, they my be able to issue more FP's for each return window. BTW, my take on the official Disney announcement is that their statement about the few number of people abusing the system is just them being politically correct.