FastPass Times Enforced coming?? About This Page:

[HollyH]

Originally Posted by kingfamily1129

Part of the Disney Magic is that if you explain to a CM what happened during your FP time and they CHOOSE to let you go through anyway, then you get that special privilege, But leave those decisions up to the people who work there, not yourself.

Excuse me if I am misunderstanding you, but this is EXACTLY what was happening with guests returning late. They weren't sneaking under ropes or jumping lines. They weren't altering their tickets or holding their thumbs over the return times. They presented their tickets at the FP entrance and the CMs working there accepted them. CMs all over WDW routinely told guests that FPs would be accepted until park closing on the same day. And to be clear, we are not talking about rogue CMs. My understanding was that it was official policy to accept late FPs and attraction CMs were trained to accept them.

I think it is a little extreme to state that people who return past their FP window are selfish rule breakers who feel that they are entitled to be the exception. There are all sorts of reasons people might have missed their FP window, and chances are that most of them were told by a CM not to worry about being late.

[Ashli]

Originally Posted by mdobereiner

ETA: We have used FP's outside of the return window and I just want to say that it's not because we think we are better than anyone else or that our time is more valuable than anyone else. We always get FP's with the intention of returning at the appointed time but sometimes it doesn't happen- for one reason or another. No big deal, if it happens in the future then we just won't be able to use the FP's but in the past we were told that it was acceptable by every CM we have encountered. I just wanted to throw this in because I want to be clear that at least for our family, we haven't done this because we are trying to rain on your "parade." And I can't recall a single time that we've returned outside our appointed window and had an excessive wait through the FP line. Not once.

(the bold emphasis is mine)

Originally Posted by HollyH

Excuse me if I am misunderstanding you, but this is EXACTLY what was happening with guests returning late. They weren't sneaking under ropes or jumping lines. They weren't altering their tickets or holding their thumbs over the return times. They presented their tickets at the FP entrance and the CMs working there accepted them. CMs all over WDW routinely told guests that FPs would be accepted until park closing on the same day. And to be clear, we are not talking about rogue CMs. My understanding was that it was official policy to accept late FPs and attraction CMs were trained to accept them.

I think it is a little extreme to state that people who return past their FP window are selfish rule breakers who feel that they are entitled to be the exception. There are all sorts of reasons people might have missed their FP window, and chances are that most of them were told by a CM not to worry about being late.

I will admit that we have several times gone later than an FP had stated and had been told EVERY SINGLE TIME that it was ok by the CM at the ride line. We had no intention of bothering others FP waits, and we've never had more than a 10 min wait in a FP line for any ride, no matter whether our FP was used at the stated time or not. I realize that it is not going to be allowed any longer, but previous to the new rule enforcement, it was perfectly acceptable by CMs to come later and those who did so were not being selfish or doing anything that wasn't explicitly allowed.

Saying that this was "rule-breaking" would be the same as saying the people who enter MNSSHP or MVMCP between 4:00 and 7:00 (since the actual ticket states that the party does not start until 7:00) are doing it just to go in there and make longer waits and lines for people who have day-tickets and not party tickets. Yet I highly doubt that is most of their intentions. They do it because it is ALLOWED by the CMs.

I am not going to argue w/ them about the new rule enforcement, but since it says it allows for things like "long meal waits" and such, I will be very interested to see how they determine the validity of such stories. Otherwise it will be the same as it's been.

[kingfamily1129]

This really all just boils down to opinions and part of being a member of this board is accepting that all people have differing opinions and what we have right here is that. Obviously everyone here has had different experiences with this matter so that would explain everyone's differing opinions and views. All I know is that I will continue to enjoy Disney like I always have and will continue to do. I love Disney and all things about Disney. Loving Disney is like being in a relationship...you just have to take the good with the bad and learn to choose your battles wisely, and honestly, FP return times just really are not on my high list of things to fret about.

Honestly it's been a pleasure and real eye opener to see everyone's different views on this subject and the WONDERFUL thing about passporter is that we can have our opinions and still be civil...

So with that being said... I Love Disney and I Love Passporter!!!

[daddyof2princessess]

I don't wish to upset anyone. That being said I have expressed my feelings on the matter. Of interesting note it is curious to me why a FP should be printed to read "between 3:05 and 4:05" unless of course they meant for us to return between those times. Otherwise why not print them to read "after 3:05"? I fully understand that things happen and people get caught up in the Magic and may be late. When you are at your resort between those times swimming what came up? Your touring plan has you at eating between those time what came up? I fully believe that most people probably have a somewhat valid reason that I would totally understand. I am totally open to a system that can separate the mistakes from the abusers. I have 2 preschoolers and no stroller it gets tough, but we do it and still have a magical time.

[toddjodybrent]

OK, I've read the 6 pages of responses and have been mulling this issue over since it first appeared earlier in the week.

If the purpose of the enforcement is to get guests "ready" to make the new technology work, then why not change the technology? Let's not make the "system" dumber by putting in technology, let's make it smarter.

I read about the suggestion to allow guest to pick their FP return times. Yep--that would be one way to make guests happier and the system smarter.

Another idea is stated just above about making the FP return times open ended. I can get behind that and this would again make the system smarter. The time limits to get the next FP could still exist.

We are heading to the World after this enforcement goes into place. We are some of the "abusers" mentioned above, as we collect FP during the day and then use them later, making our touring more efficient without criss-crossing parks--other than our FP gatherer. I'm taking a wait and see position.

[Wolfy6688]

Ughh...more things to have to try and schedule.

I would come after my window because, like everyone else and even in the post on the first page, the current system "allowed" you to return back until the end of park hours that day. Whether it was right or wrong, that's the way it had been done. It was a benefit, not a hindrance, to be able to say "We can come back and ride Soarin sometime later today" rather than have to rush around, criss-crossing the parks and make sure we arrive back during the time or risk not riding it at all.

I think this new system will cut back on people using FP. I'm not a fan of the proposed changes

[benjiboo25]

Originally Posted by HollyH

Excuse me if I am misunderstanding you, but this is EXACTLY what was happening with guests returning late. They weren't sneaking under ropes or jumping lines. They weren't altering their tickets or holding their thumbs over the return times. They presented their tickets at the FP entrance and the CMs working there accepted them. CMs all over WDW routinely told guests that FPs would be accepted until park closing on the same day. And to be clear, we are not talking about rogue CMs. My understanding was that it was official policy to accept late FPs and attraction CMs were trained to accept them.

I think it is a little extreme to state that people who return past their FP window are selfish rule breakers who feel that they are entitled to be the exception. There are all sorts of reasons people might have missed their FP window, and chances are that most of them were told by a CM not to worry about being late.

I completely agree with you. I am very much a rule follower--often the butt of jokes because of it! I would never re-use a resort mug and am appalled at anyone trying to skip around any stated rule. On my very first visit I was told by a CM that they could be used up until park close. Other CMs had confirmed that. I know this thread has raised some great points and strong emotions on both sides.

We have access to a GAC because of our ASD DD, but I prefer to collect and use FPs whenever possible. For me, I have tried not to feel so personally offended at the accussations and name calling hurled at us "abusers." If I were in the mind to abuse the system, why would I bother collecting and using FPs in the first place? We could get through many more attractions if we relied only on our GAC (which often sends us through a FP lane). It is precisely because I place a premium on having family experiences that are as "normal" as possible despite the challenges and not expecting special treatment that we have come to "abuse" the FP system. Ironic somehow...

[Sue M.]

Originally Posted by mdobereiner

But how do you know that those dozen people that showed up before you aren't returning in their window as well? I'm not sure you can presume that just because you wait longer than 5 minutes in the FP line it's because people are returning outside of their appointed return window (unless you were able to see the FP's for those people ahead of you.)

ETA: We have used FP's outside of the return window and I just want to say that it's not because we think we are better than anyone else or that our time is more valuable than anyone else. We always get FP's with the intention of returning at the appointed time but sometimes it doesn't happen- for one reason or another. No big deal, if it happens in the future then we just won't be able to use the FP's but in the past we were told that it was acceptable by every CM we have encountered. I just wanted to throw this in because I want to be clear that at least for our family, we haven't done this because we are trying to rain on your "parade." And I can't recall a single time that we've returned outside our appointed window and had an excessive wait through the FP line. Not once.

I agree, we've never had an excessively long FP wait unless it was a big tour group returning with their FPs. We usually try to avoid them, but one time we went into TSMM with our FPs, and too late found out a tour group was in there, and the FP wait was 30 min.
We too have sometimes been late returning because we were in the opposite side of the park, and so returned late. Stuff happens.

[Sue M.]

Originally Posted by HollyH

Excuse me if I am misunderstanding you, but this is EXACTLY what was happening with guests returning late. They weren't sneaking under ropes or jumping lines. They weren't altering their tickets or holding their thumbs over the return times. They presented their tickets at the FP entrance and the CMs working there accepted them. CMs all over WDW routinely told guests that FPs would be accepted until park closing on the same day. And to be clear, we are not talking about rogue CMs. My understanding was that it was official policy to accept late FPs and attraction CMs were trained to accept them.

I think it is a little extreme to state that people who return past their FP window are selfish rule breakers who feel that they are entitled to be the exception. There are all sorts of reasons people might have missed their FP window, and chances are that most of them were told by a CM not to worry about being late.

[Sue M.]

Not to put a fly in the ointment, but I just hope the next gen of FP isn't going to be a paid for option, like Universal & Bush Gardens have gone to

[Wolfy6688]

Originally Posted by Sue M.

We too have sometimes been late returning because we were in the opposite side of the park, and so returned late. Stuff happens.

Well that's exactly my point. What happens if you really try to get there in the window but something unexpected comes up and you miss it? If the CM accepts it out of kindness and "disney magic" that's not fair to the others who made it on time. But on the other hand if they don't honor it, you've wasted not just your time in stopping and getting the FP's in the first place, but also the time heading back to use them.

Whatever everyone's opinion is on the Fastpass procedures I'm sure we can all agree that Disney park time is very precious and should be maximized every way possible.

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by Sue M.

Not to put a fly in the ointment, but I just hope the next gen of FP isn't going to be a paid for option, like Universal & Bush Gardens have gone to

I, personally, think this is very unlikely. Walt Disney said that he wanted the parks to be a place where everyone -- regardless of wealth, position, or money -- would be treated equally. He wanted everyone to receive the same service, and that's why he didn't allow tips for Cast Members (except in positions like wait staff or housekeeping.)

[ilovedisney247]

I believe that Disney is preparing guests for being able to schedule their FP before they every leave for vacation--just like we now schedule our meals. The future is going to be that you will be able to sign up for FP times on the website or from your resort hotel room. This will make those of us who plan using a spreadsheet super happy and everyone else crazy!

[shnewell]

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

I believe that Disney is preparing guests for being able to schedule their FP before they every leave for vacation--just like we now schedule our meals. The future is going to be that you will be able to sign up for FP times on the website or from your resort hotel room. This will make those of us who plan using a spreadsheet super happy and everyone else crazy!

I'm obsessive about my spreadsheet, but this might even drive me crazy!

[mommadjones]

Originally Posted by Sue M.

Not to put a fly in the ointment, but I just hope the next gen of FP isn't going to be a paid for option, like Universal & Bush Gardens have gone to

I know that they had put that idea out there a few years ago and I was very disappointed with it. I must admit when I started reading this that was the exact thing that came to mind. I really hope we are wrong, time will tell.

My 2 cents on the issue -We always returned in our window until we had been told by a cm that is was perfectly acceptable to return at our choosing so if we couldn't make it back in time I NEVER thought that we were breaking the rules. I am a huge one for rules and have always followed them much to DH's dismay.
For those who disagree please remember this when your posting about how immoral we all are for "breaking the rules"!

ETA- We will happily adjust our plans to accommodate the exact FP return time. This really is a non-issue for us. This entire debate kinda reminds me of the Party times debate. Yes the rule is in place however Disney has been lax in enforcing this rule. Not really a fault of the guest but a fault of the enforcer.