March changes (Re: FASTPASS)

[Kenny1113]

I just wanted to find out how the fast pass changes are working out. I want to clarify that I am not asking how anyone feels about the changes. I just want to know if it is going smoothly in the parks. We are there in a couple of weeks and I want to know what to expect.
Thank you.

[MickeysBestPal]

I just wanted to find out how the fast pass changes are working out. I want to clarify that I am not asking how anyone feels about the changes. I just want to know if it is going smoothly in the parks. We are there in a couple of weeks and I want to know what to expect.
Thank you.

The FP time-enforcement changes don't begin until March 7.

[Kenny1113]

Oh! Thank you. Maybe I'll bump this a couple of days after the 7th.

[mgmnut]

We have always abided by the FP return times. I had no idea it was common to use passes that are hours beyond the return time, I always thought we would be denied. Doesn't that just defeat the purpose? I guess we will not notice the difference then.

[WDWdriver]

Today, in my area at least, there was a "soft" enforcement of the return time window. No guests were actually turned away. But those with expired FPs were delayed briefly while the CMs explained that in the future all guests would be expected to return during the window printed on their ticket. Also, all FP distribution machines have new signs attached which clearly state that guests must return during their window.

Tomorrow will likely be another "soft" enforcement day, but after that guests with expired FPs will not be admitted to the attractions.

[Bay Lake]

Hey Ron,
What area are you in? Would love to come by this week and say Hi. Leaving tomorrow for 8 great days.

[disneynarula]

I would love more information as the rule is enforced. Are there signs by the FP pick up?

[WDWdriver]

Hey Ron,
What area are you in? Would love to come by this week and say Hi. Leaving tomorrow for 8 great days.

I sent you a PM. Hope you can stop by and say hello.

[goofysbabe]

Just saw on the local news this morning that WDW will be cracking down on fastpasses - they say they will no longer let you use a fastpass past the time of return printed on the pass. This will effect me as I am guilty of using them past the return time.

Those of you who have just returned did you experienced this????

[RBrooksC]

This really shouldn't be a problem for anybody. It's pretty simple, actually. Look at the return time and decide if you want to do it.

Actually, it might work out better in the long run for the rides that are out of FB early. Instead of people just getting a FB and using it whenever, they have to decide it they can make it back during the current window. If they cannot, it leave that FB for use by another guest.

I think once it works itself out over the next few weeks, one is going to difference in the flow of guest in the rides and how quickly the FB are distributed.

[Pally]

I have used a pass once knowly after the expired time, TSM. Sometimes the line up times can be off for another ride. I have never gotten over turning around a corner in lineup and then seeing 200+ people in front of you. What a let down it can be. But, I have been at rides on other occasions with fass passes at the appropriate time and was blocked by so many people who came wayyy too early for their passes and blocked the entrance.

[thrillme]

I'm a bit guilty of returning late. Sometimes it's next to impossible depending on the time to return perfectly within that window. Especially if you're standing in another 2 hour line...If you get your pass at 10:00 and it says return 11:00-1:00 and you go get in a line are you supposed to stand around for an hour and wait...ugh...

Between Fast Pass return enforcements, Dining reservations, and 2 hour waits...it just doesn't seem like much of a vacation anymore. I DO agree with Fast Passes expiring on the day you receive them.

My son's going this week. I'm going to let him know that they're getting sticky with it now.

[Scar]

Make sure to read the last sentence.

Disney cracks down on FastPass enforcement


Published March 08, 2012

FoxNews.com

Disney says it's going to boost enforcement of its popular FASTPASS reservation service.

Disney's free FASTPASS reservation system allows guests to come back to a ride at a specified time within a one-hour window if they don't want to wait.

Walt Disney World and Disneyland have been letting visitors come back any time after that window and still be admitted to the FastPass line. Now Disney says it is putting an end to any wiggle room.

The Inside the Magic blog reports that Walt Disney World is now enforcing both the beginning and end times, allowing guests holding a FastPass to only return during the one-hour window stated on the slip.

"Walt Disney World is now enforcing both the beginning and end times, allowing guests holding a (FastPass) to only return during the one-hour window stated on the slip. And though it will affect regulars who know how to use the leniency to their advantage, most Walt Disney World guests already do return during the designated time window and likely won't notice much of a difference," writes Ricky Brigante of Inside the Magic.

Some say this is the first step in making way for Disney World's yet-to-be-revealed ride reservation system called XPass, where resort guests can reserve their ride times weeks and months in advance. And it is expected to allow for bookings for character meet and greets and key viewing spots for parades and fireworks.

"Given the tremendous popularity of FastPass with our guests, in fairness to all we want to ensure we provide the same opportunity to everyone," said Disney spokesman Rick Sylvain. But, he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "if a guest experiences extenuating circumstances that affect their ability to return, we will deal with that on a case-by-case basis."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[ChipNDale79]

This really shouldn't be a problem for anybody. It's pretty simple, actually. Look at the return time and decide if you want to do it.

There's a whole thread down in the news section discussing why this is in place and how people were using it.

This thread is to see how the enforcement is going.

This topic will get pretty passionate once people start preaching to others how they should use a fast pass. Can we please avoid this?

[Goofy4TheWorld]

There's a whole thread down in the news section discussing why this is in place and how people were using it.

This thread is to see how the enforcement is going.

This topic will get pretty passionate once people start preaching to others how they should use a fast pass. Can we please avoid this?

Ditto. I am interested in how it is now working in reality, not how those of us in virtual reality think it should.

[MrPeetrie]

I, too, am interested in finding out how the new system is working.

I would like to wish all the CMs well as I fear they may receive some verbal abuse during its "break-in" period. Good luck!

[LilHooligan74]

I would like to wish all the CMs well as I fear they may receive some verbal abuse during its "break-in" period. Good luck!

I agree with you on that. They are just trying to do a job. I will be there next month so I am curious to see how it will play out compared to past visits.

[ronandjulie]

I read a lot of posts saying "What happens if you cannot make it back in that window for things out of your control?" We have been using FP for years now and never had an issue with returning within that window. If something came up, or we just changed our minds and did something else, we just didn't use the FP. This is something so small that has grown into a big deal for no reason. People seem to make Dinner reservations, Show times, Parades, fireworks, etc. with no problems, but FP windows are too difficult?

[Melanie]

Agreed that we keep this thread about how the changes are being implemented and accepted!

Many, many folks weighed in on their feelings regarding the change, and that thread was retired. In reality, the change is happening and hopefully we'll have some concrete reports on how it's going reported here. I'll be there early next week and will be sure to report back.

[Kenny1113]

Thanks for all the feedback thus far regarding the expirences with the changes! I look forward to hearing more.