Will the new FastPass rules change your touring strategy?

[Babe the Blue Ox]

It sounds like it time to make a change to the standard touring plans. For years, I've preferred to play FastPass Poker and accumulate a deck of 40 or so passes (8 sets of 5) before playing them throughout the afternoon and early evening when it gets really hot and really crowded.

I learned about this while reading the 2001 "Unofficial Guide" and have now been following the same strategy for over 10 years. Looks like the times, they are a-changin'.

[brad192]

I've always played by the rules & returned during my window. If I miss it, oh well.

I'm really glad they've decided to enforce the "window rule" as it was developed. I'm certain that, once the initial adjustment period is done (I feel for the FastPass CM's), things will become much more efficient regarding the FastPass lines. :thumbsup:

[K8screen]

It sounds like it time to make a change to the standard touring plans. For years, I've preferred to play FastPass Poker and accumulate a deck of 40 or so passes (8 sets of 5) before playing them throughout the afternoon and early evening when it gets really hot and really crowded.

I learned about this while reading the 2001 "Unofficial Guide" and have now been following the same strategy for over 10 years. Looks like the times, they are a-changin'.

How do you accumulate 5 FPs? I thought you could only get one every 2 hours, so even if you got every one asap, and entered park at 9am it would take you till 5pm. If however I am missing something, and it IS possible (very likely, I do miss A LOT these days :blush: ) I would think you could still accumulate them, you would just have to use them sooner, and the fastpass lines would be shorter as there wouldnt be people still there from earlier slots

[Pirate Granny]

We too would accumulate and use towards the end of the day...now, we'll use the I phone to check what times the FP return is and decide if we'll get one. Hummmmm... We only used for TSM, Soaring and Peter Pan...sometimes TM.

[mgmnut]

No change, we always have abided by the return window times.

Hopefully with new the change you will see shorter fastpass return lines.

[CajunDisneyDad]

I like most people obeyed the window. It is because of people who played...fastpass holdem that the evening EMH were almost a waste of time. Some people cry about oh what if I have a meal reservation at that time...well they have this little clock above the fast pass dispensors that says return time...if that return time is too close to your meal time...guess what...COME BACK LATER!!!! lol. I mean come on, they almost make it too easy. I think the people that are crying the loudest about it are the people who were abusing the system. Its about time Disney started enforcing its own rules. If you cannot abide by it, dont use it! Its that simple :) The only ride I can see the come back later not working is TSM, but that is a Disney problem :) Have a nice day!

[Butters]

Looks like this thread is going to turn into another "I follow the rules"...."It's not the rules if they allow me to do it"..."I'm a good person" thread that seems to happen every time this subject is brought up.

Ok, off my soap box, I think this will change touring strategy for a lot of people, we may now pass on getting a fast pass because of ADR's or may realize we won't want to zig zag across the park in 2 hours to catch that window... This is all fine, but just more to consider before grabbing a set of FP's

[ChipNDale79]

Regarding the "I follow the rules" comments.

:beat:

It's been discussed at length and a thread has been closed regarding it. So why keep up with the comments?

As far as touring plans, there's no question it'll change touring plans, you've got to plan around windows and ADRs, so yes it will.

[thrillme]

I know it's made Disney a LOT difficult. :(

You either get fast passes in a 2 hour window or AFTER your return time...so yes you can collect them all! I'm really growing tired of having to strategize so much on vacation. First it was reservations for dining, then they took away the CHARGE on the evening extra magic hour (now it's packed) and now Fast Passes. I really didn't see it was that HUGE of a problem before.

It made it easier if you had reservations, if ride "A" broke down then you could ride "B". Fast passes have no specific time you can request so you could be at one part of the park then have to dash back to the other side then back to the first side...remember you could get a fast pass at 10:00 in the morning and get a 6:00 return time.

[Scar]

The question is:
Will the new FastPass rules change your touring strategy? ... not "who followes the rules?"

It will not change my touring stategy as I never really have one.

[Jared]

How about this? Let's just eliminate Fastpass altogether! Shorter lines for everyone and then we can stop having this ridiculous argument.

[Gregandmel]

We will simply be more tuned in to what time it is. We are the people who get there first thing in the morning, obtain a fast pass for a ride, go ride our favorites, obtain another fast pass as soon as we can, etc... We follow this until around lunchtime and then relax. We typically have another FP sometime early afternoon and we leave anyways around 3pm for the day.

That said - our very first trip was in 1997 and they did NOT have the FP system in place. We went in the summertime and waited in line for 45minutes to 1 hour for nearly EVERY ride. Because of that memory - it took us 11 years to come back, and it was largely due to the fact that the FP system was in place so we knew we at least had a better shot of a shorter wait time if we understood what we were doing and might enjoy our time better.

We have used our FP within the "return window" only to find a 25 minute wait because of the number of people in line. I always wondered how that was possible, but now maybe it's because of this very issue. Once rules start to bend, why even have them in the first place? It might create a bit more anxiety at times though due to constantly looking at your watch. We just plan on following our normal strategy for part of the day, and then the rest of the day can be more spontaneous! :thumbsup:

[thrillme]

I just read an article that said they're doing this to make way for the Xpass system for property guests so they can make their ride reservations MONTHS ahead of time.

I'm soooooo tired of "reservations"...:(

I guess this will be "nice" in one way (will require MORE stratigizing, everybody will have to walk around with a schedule or iPhone app).

I HATE the dining reservations alas I found out the hard way if you don't do it...you're hosed. Pretty much stuck with counter service.

I didn't see when they were planning the Xpass system to start.

[AgentC]

I don't think it is really going to make a difference to me. We are local and visit frequently. I gave up on formal touring plans years ago. I do visit some of the crowd calendars and take into consideration "best parks" for the day, but that is about it.

[PopPhan]

To the original topic....

No, this will NOT affect our touring 'plans' in the slightest. We tend to visit during 'slack' times and rarely use FastPass at all. On those rare occasions that we DO get a FastPass, we make sure to arrive within our allotted time frame. When we didn't think we were going to make it to the designated attraction in time - for whatever reason: meals, fatigue, etc - we would find someone to give them to so they would not be wasted.

Never gave a single thought to NOT returning during the window printed on the ticket, so whether or not the window is enforced would not make a difference to me.

[faline]

The vast majority of the time, when we have used fast pass, we have returned within the window identified. The times that we have not done so would be when our dining reservation fell right into the fast pass window and, on a couple of occasions (though rarely) when we left the park before our window and returned to the park later in the day.

The only change I would make would be to not get a fast pass if I found that the return time would fall into our scheduled dining time.

[c&d]

Won't change our plans. We always returned during the assigned time. If something came up so that we couldn't make the time, one of us would go to the ride and give our fastpass to someone in the line.

[SBETigg]

This won't change anything for us. We always use passes close to the time. We're usually right there ready to ride as soon as our time window approaches. We have been a little late for the window a few times, but it's rare for us. We don't stay in one park all day, so accumulating passes is a strategy that never really worked for us.

[floridamom]

We will simply be more tuned in to what time it is. We are the people who get there first thing in the morning, obtain a fast pass for a ride, go ride our favorites, obtain another fast pass as soon as we can, etc... We follow this until around lunchtime and then relax. We typically have another FP sometime early afternoon and we leave anyways around 3pm for the day.


This also pretty much describes us in MK. If you go early, it's amazing how many rides you can do without fast passes. There have been times when we were 15-20 minutes late for our return window, usually because we tried to finish up in one area to avoid criss-crossing the park multiple times with young children in tow. So we will either have to do a little more walking (they are older now so no big deal), or plan differently to ensure we make it on time.

On those occasions when we head to MK in the afternoon and plan to stay late to see Wishes, etc. we don't really count on doing too many rides. We might get a FP for Splash or Thunder Mountain, but other than that, we stick to attractions like Pirates, Small World and Philharmagic that accommodate large numbers pretty easily. In my mind it's all about the expectations. Even our DDs know that when we go to MK in the am, it's all about the rides, but in the afternoon, we just do what we can, explore and enjoy.

At Epcot, I don't anticipate much change in our strategy. We usually arrive early, grab FP's for Soarin' first, head to Sum of All Thrills and then maybe Mission Space if there is time before our Soarin' FP window. Once our window opens we grab a FP for Test Track, and then ride Soarin'. While we wait for TT FP window we ride Spaceship Earth, Nemo, and check out the marine life in the Seas. Once we ride TT, we head over to World Showcase- it's usually lunch time by then. No FP's necessary there-- we just take our time going through the countries. DDs love the Donald Duck ride in Mexico (no FP), and there is usually very little wait. There is also Maelstrom, which offers FP's, but if you need one there you know you're visiting on a crazy busy day!!

At DHS, we go early and either ride standby or grab Toy Story Mania FP's like thousands of others. When we're eligible for another FP, we get them for Rock N Roller Coaster, then see a show, go to the Animation Academy, One Man's Dream, etc. We usually do Star Tours standby. Again, the FP changes aren't likely to affect us in this park.

AK- Hmm, haven't been here in a while, but don't remember doing much with FP's. I think DH and I split up, with one speed-walking solo to get Everest FP's while the other makes a slower trek to Kilmanjaro Safari with the kids. We meet up there, ride the safari and then stop and see the sights as we make our way back to Everest. When we are able we grab Kali River FP's (I like to wait until it's a bit warmer in the day to get wet anyway) and that's about it for FP's. So the changes won't be a big deal there either.


I was a little apprehensive about the FP enforcement, not because I am against abiding by a window, but more because I would feel more bound to a tight schedule while on vacation. But having detailed everything above, I can see that it will only impact us a bit at MK. The availability of smart phone apps that provide FP return time info before we shlep over to the ride should be a big help.

[#1donaldfan]

Yes, it'll change my way of thinking a bit. We have known for years that CM's would accept "expired" same day FP's. If we had a FP and for some reason and couldn't return in time we knew it was ok and to not stress and have to run to that particular ride to use up the pass. I suppose I'll just have to use 'em as I get 'em....it's not a big deal in the large scheme of things !!!:thumbsup:

[g0189a]

If time is enforced, how do those large tour groups affect the FastPass system on busy days? Do they acount for X number of large group tours using the fastpass queue without a pass getting printed? Some slack has to be given when you are near the window and the FP line is not 0.

Granted these groups may only get to ride like 6 rides in the day, but boy it's a bit annoying when you're in the regular line and trying to time one more ride in a regular line before your FP time some place else. Blammo! One of those tour groups heads to the fast pass line. Big sigh! Will you be too late for your fast pass?

[WDWdriver]

If time is enforced, how do those large tour groups affect the FastPass system on busy days? Do they acount for X number of large group tours using the fastpass queue without a pass getting printed?

I'm not aware of this happening anywhere. Large tour groups (like the Brazilians, for example) must have a FastPass to use the FP queue just like anyone else. Usually their tour guide ties up one of the FP distribution machines for several minutes getting everyone's FastPass.

We do occasionally see a small group of guests who are being escorted by a Guest Relations CM. These guests are admitted to the FP queue under escort. The system does not account for these small groups, but it doesn't happen often enough to have much of an impact.

[Reedy Creek Buccaneer]

I agree with Jared. I told Disney this was ridiculous when they announced Fastpass in the first place. They even called me to get my opinion. Just get rid of it. That way every guest is considered equal. They could eliminate jobs, which I am sure they would be happy to do.

I can see where this is heading. We will eventually be paying for Fastpass in our reservation, which will only be available to Disney hotel guests.

[joonyer]

The new enforcement of the window times won't change our touring plans, we rarely used our FP's outside the time window anyway. We are park commandos and use the FastPass system to ride as may attractions as possible as quickly as possible, which is why I think it was implemented in the first place. If used effectively, it reduces the time you spend standing in queues so that you can ride two attractions (one less popular and one of the more popular rides)(or eat, shop, or use the restrooms, etc.) in the same amount of time you would have normally spent in the standby line of the more popular ride.

I have visited WDW in the old days when there was no FastPass and it was not fun spending so much time in lines60-90minutes on all the "E-tickets". FastPass, even if we end up having to pay for it, is much better.

And I can't get too hung up on the argument that it's not fair to everyone if it becomes a pay system. WDW is not free, and those of us who can afford to visit are among the privileged few already. The vast majority of Americans, not to mention the rest of the world, will never be able to afford a vacation to Disney World at all. Let's not forget that.

[micky95]

My dw & i are usually good about using the FP at the alotted time.there are only a couple of rides that we get FP for anyways. we've got our own system for FP that works for us so i dont see a problem but only good that will come from the change.:mickey:

[Aurora]

Nope, won't change our touring plans at all, because for as many years as I've been on these boards and visiting WDW, I never even KNEW you could use them after the allotted time. Or if I heard, I probably didn't believe it.

So NOW I find out and I can't even take advantage of it. (Fake outrage.) :mickey:

[Gregandmel]

The new enforcement of the window times won't change our touring plans, we rarely used our FP's outside the time window anyway. We are park commandos and use the FastPass system to ride as may attractions as possible as quickly as possible, which is why I think it was implemented in the first place. If used effectively, it reduces the time you spend standing in queues so that you can ride two attractions (one less popular and one of the more popular rides)(or eat, shop, or use the restrooms, etc.) in the same amount of time you would have normally spent in the standby line of the more popular ride.

I have visited WDW in the old days when there was no FastPass and it was not fun spending so much time in lines60-90minutes on all the "E-tickets". FastPass, even if we end up having to pay for it, is much better.

And I can't get too hung up on the argument that it's not fair to everyone if it becomes a pay system. WDW is not free, and those of us who can afford to visit are among the privileged few already. The vast majority of Americans, not to mention the rest of the world, will never be able to afford a vacation to Disney World at all. Let's not forget that.

You are SO RIGHT about this!! When I have mentioned our 2 trips to WDW and how those 2 trips weren't enough for me, I have been met with the rolling of the eyes and the "We will never be able to afford to go to WDW in our lifetime" sentence. I'm so grateful for everything we are able to experience while we are there!!

[Gator]

Without a doubt. With little kids in tow, it's easy to grab a fastpass, head off in a different direction, and then hit the attraction when we have time to get back to it. I really hate the new policy enforcement. I get it, but I hate it. It's gonna mess us up pretty good, and we won't take advantage of the fastpass nearly as often. Big bummer.

[Plex]

I don't think it will change our strategy too much. We are generally folks that are comping at the bit to use the passes, so we rarely would use them after the window.

[texas211]

No. I've always used the times on the fast passes for planning an area attack, ah hem, visit. So, I have my sliding schedule spreadsheets to plan accordingly.

Beside, the ticket has a time on it, plan right its not an issue.

[disneynarula]

In general it will not change my touring plans. I have, in the past, grabbed a FP for Soarin knowing that my window was during our ADR time. I may have done it for Malestrom as well. We seem to gravitate towards Epcot for dinner almost every night. We would usually grab a FP for one of these rides, have dinner, and then enjoy a ride on our way out of the park. That is the only thing that will change for me.

[TheVBs]

Nope, it won't change our plans. We go during slower times and usually only use FP for one or two rides a day at most. We also never knew about returning past the printed time, and never ran into an issue with getting back in time. So we'll just stick to the usual! :mickey:

[mom2morgan]

I don't know that I'm a "rule follower" so much ... it just never occurred to me that they'd let you in past that window! LOL - so I guess that means it won't change my plans. I've actually discarded FP's I didn't make it back "in time" for.

[BhamWriter]

I can see where this is heading. We will eventually be paying for Fastpass in our reservation, which will only be available to Disney hotel guests.

I hope this isn't the case: one reason I don't go to Universal is because I don't want to pay extra for "front of the line" priveleges. The current FastPass system is fair and free, so I like it.

As for how this will impact how I tour, it won't: I wasn't aware you could use FastPasses after the expiration time, so never tried it.

[KatrinaJ91]

No, it won't really change our touring plans at all. We always get a FP when we get to the park for whatever ride we think will be the longest wait or for the one that everyone really wants to ride. We see what time it says to come back and then we plan accordingly...maybe riding something else nearby if the FP time isn't too far away or heading to the other side of the park if the FP time is several hours away. It's never been a big deal...no big strategy sessions needed to figure out what to do. We have returned a few minutes late before a couple of times and have asked if we can still use them and have always been told yes. So now, we will just have to make sure we are back in time. It's really not a big deal and it amazes me how many people are creating such a fuss over it.

[Jared]

For the record, I'd be fine if Disney started charging for front-of-the-line access the way Universal does. I probably wouldn't partake in it, but I think it's a completely reasonable business practice. I'm sure it would be a popular option the way it is at Universal.

[LudwigVonDrake]

No because I always followed the "rules" for return times. Just more of the same for me :mickey:

[DizneyFreak2002]

I hope this isn't the case: one reason I don't go to Universal is because I don't want to pay extra for "front of the line" priveleges. The current FastPass system is fair and free, so I like it.

As for how this will impact how I tour, it won't: I wasn't aware you could use FastPasses after the expiration time, so never tried it.

To be fair, that is a terrible reason to ot visit Universal... you don't need to use their Express Pass most of the time... I've done everything in both parks (Uni and IOA) without an Express Pass...

As for my touring plans, nope, won't change a thing... If I use FastPass, I always show up in my window...

[CuteAsMinnie]

It sounds like it time to make a change to the standard touring plans. For years, I've preferred to play FastPass Poker and accumulate a deck of 40 or so passes (8 sets of 5) before playing them throughout the afternoon and early evening when it gets really hot and really crowded.

I learned about this while reading the 2001 "Unofficial Guide" and have now been following the same strategy for over 10 years. Looks like the times, they are a-changin'.

Why does it continue to amaze me that doing this had never crossed the minds of my family? And I'm from Chicago!! Probably cuz it would take the FUN out of our day.

...looking forward to the changes.

[Babe the Blue Ox]

Right now it looks like 21 responses say that this change will not affect their touring plans while 6 say it will.

I was surprised at the number of responders that stated that they were unaware that FastPasses have been accepted after the end of the return window for the past several years.

[PirateLover]

I was surprised at the number of responders that stated that they were unaware that FastPasses have been accepted after the end of the return window for the past several years.

Kinda throws water on the theory that the "abusers" were so rampant that they were causing backups in the return queue, eh? I mean, if the majority of people on a message board for fanatics didn't even know it was permissible, how much of the general public did?:cool:

[mariak]

On several occasions, we have hit the parks early, rode while crowds were low, accumulated 3 or 4 fast passes, and headed back to the room for a nap to return later and use the passes. Those have been our most productive days!....even close to Christmas!! I must say that, many of the times that we returned, we didn’t even need to use our fast passes. I have NEVER noticed a problem with fast pass lines being too crowded. But we’ve never been there during PEAK season either. (The closest we’ve come to that is Dec. 18-23…and still no problems.) I’ve checked with some friends of ours who also frequent the parks. They have never experienced any problems with overly crowded fast pass lines either. In fact, I think it helped to even things out. I’m hopeful that this is just a blip on the road to a better system…which I thought was fine to begin with!

We already have to plan WAY ahead for dining and run around like chickens with our heads cut off in order to make those reservations. Now we’re going to have to rush to get the most accommodating return time for fast passes, then rush to return to use them within that window or we don’t get to ride attractions that we’ve paid out the wazooo for!??! This will make park-hopping next to impossible! I just don’t see how this will work without some major conflict and confrontations. I’d rather see them do away with the Fast Passes altogether than to make us run more than we already do on “vacation”! Hopefully, the new system will make things better and NOT take what very little spontaneity there is in left in a WDW trip. If so, I can definitely see us becoming “Universal” people. I’d rather pay for an all-day fast pass than stress out about catching times on “VACATION”!!!

P.S. We didn’t feel that we were abusing the system either. Before the first time (Dec.2010) that we ever did this (on advice from friends), a cast member confirmed for us that it was their policy to let guests return any time AFTER the return time indicated on the passes. We did ask before we did it so I (and from the sound of things, many others as well) resent anyone saying that we were abusing or trying to cheat the system! We love WDW and it is the “happiest place on earth”…when you’re not stressed and rushing around!
:(

[WDWdriver]

Now we’re going to have to rush to get the most accommodating return time for fast passes, then rush to return to use them within that window or we don’t get to ride attractions that we’ve paid out the wazooo for!??! This will make park-hopping next to impossible! I just don’t see how this will work without some major conflict and confrontations. I’d rather see them do away with the Fast Passes altogether than to make us run more than we already do on “vacation”! Hopefully, the new system will make things better and NOT take what very little spontaneity there is in left in a WDW trip.
:(

I completely understand your concern about the need for more planning and "running" while you are on vacation. All I can say at this point is that the enforcement of the FP time window seems to be working just fine for most people. I worked FP positions at a major AK attraction yesterday and, yes, we turned some guests away with expired FastPasses. But a very high percentage of FP guests returned within their windows and without complaints. Also, despite huge crowds, we were able to manage the FP queue so the FP guests waited a very short time, as it should be.

As expected, a few guests argued mildly with us and offered excuses, some of which were quite entertaining. The winner for the day was a family that arrived 90 minutes past their window, but they had a reason. It seems that a white rhino had stood in the roadway on the safari ride, which forced their safari truck to stop and wait. Really? Yes, we know it happens, but for an hour and a half?

[LoveofEVERYTHINGDisney]

Don't want to sound dumb (and please don't judge) but here goes...Been vising WDW for 25+ years and I was unaware that you could hold more than one FP at a time. The impression I have gotten throughout this thread is that some people hold 5 or more FP's at one time. I honestly thought that once you got a FP for one ride, for example 'soaring', you had to use that before you could get another for like 'test track'. I can't believe how 'uninformed' I was! If it's true that you can possess multiple FP's -that will definitely change the way we do the parks! Let me say how embarrassed I am at my own ignorance!:blush: I am a blond - can I use that as an excuse?! lol!

[ChipNDale79]

Don't want to sound dumb (and please don't judge) but here goes...Been vising WDW for 25+ years and I was unaware that you could hold more than one FP at a time. The impression I have gotten throughout this thread is that some people hold 5 or more FP's at one time. I honestly thought that once you got a FP for one ride, for example 'soaring', you had to use that before you could get another for like 'test track'. I can't believe how 'uninformed' I was! If it's true that you can possess multiple FP's -that will definitely change the way we do the parks! Let me say how embarrassed I am at my own ignorance!:blush: I am a blond - can I use that as an excuse?! lol!


The next time you get a fastpass look under the return window time frame and it'll tell you that your next fast pass is available at a certain time.

Yes sometimes its not available until you use your current FP, however if you get a FP that is usually 2 hours or more from your current time, then you'll be able to get another FP 2 hours after you received your first one. So yes, you can hold multiple at a time and still not be what some on here call "cheating"

[Aurora]

All I can say at this point is that the enforcement of the FP time window seems to be working just fine for most people. I worked FP positions at a major AK attraction yesterday and, yes, we turned some guests away with expired FastPasses. But a very high percentage of FP guests returned within their windows and without complaints. Also, despite huge crowds, we were able to manage the FP queue so the FP guests waited a very short time, as it should be.

As expected, a few guests argued mildly with us and offered excuses, some of which were quite entertaining. The winner for the day was a family that arrived 90 minutes past their window, but they had a reason. It seems that a white rhino had stood in the roadway on the safari ride, which forced their safari truck to stop and wait. Really? Yes, we know it happens, but for an hour and a half?

Thanks for the report! Sorry you're put in the position of having to disappoint people. Except for the entertaining stories, that can't be very fun.

[TinkerbellT421]

No definitely won't change our strategy at all. We go at a very slow time of the year anyways so typically the only rides that have unmanageable waits are Soarin', TSM, so we usually don't use too many fast passes anyway.

[joonyer]

Don't want to sound dumb (and please don't judge) but here goes...Been vising WDW for 25+ years and I was unaware that you could hold more than one FP at a time. The impression I have gotten throughout this thread is that some people hold 5 or more FP's at one time. I honestly thought that once you got a FP for one ride, for example 'soaring', you had to use that before you could get another for like 'test track'. I can't believe how 'uninformed' I was! If it's true that you can possess multiple FP's -that will definitely change the way we do the parks! Let me say how embarrassed I am at my own ignorance!:blush: I am a blond - can I use that as an excuse?! lol!

If you don't use them, you could collect dozens or even hundreds of them! We have a few in our scrapbook. The way the system is designed now, Disney has no way of knowing whether you have used a particular FP or not. Only that you obtained one. They are not scanned or anything when they are used for admission. If they ever start charging for FP's, I'll bet they will be scanned for entry, otherwise I'd expect counterfeiting to become a problem.

[LoveofEVERYTHINGDisney]

Thanks for the enlightenment!:)

[MrPeetrie]

The new rules will not affect us much on our next trip. We will follow the guidelines and plan accordingly.

We have, on past trips, returned to the FastPass return line after the return window had passed, but not because we had planned to. Usually, it was because one of the kids had fallen asleep and we didn't want to wake them. We didn't know it was common practice to allow guests to return AFTER their window had closed so we always asked if our FPs were still valid. We were always allowed in the return line. Now, we know they won't be valid and so we won't try to use them.

[MNNHFLTX]

To answer the OP's question--yes, a little, at least with Toy Story Mania. If you don't like the return time (if it conflicts with an ADR, for example) and you come back later to get one, they might be all gone. :(

[Fastpasssteve]

Whether I honor my Soarin' FastPass or my dinner reservation at Le Cellier will depend on how hungry I am.

I am willing to give up Soarin' for that mushroom risotto. The scene over the citrus orchards may smell of oranges, but I'd rather smell the filet of beef on my plate.

On a serious note, I have always honored the FastPass window of opportunity. Nothing will change for me, except shorter (I hope) FastPass lines.

[MrPeetrie]

On a serious note, I have always honored the FastPass window of opportunity. Nothing will change for me, except shorter (I hope) FastPass lines.

Well said.

[wiltsan]

I think this will take away some of the spontaneity of touring a park. Having to rush to an "appointment" or strategize while on vacation (as one other poster said) takes away some of the magic.

I get it and I will abide but it will change my touring plans because I will probably not use FP's as much.

I feel lucky that I have been to WDW enough times that if I have to miss a ride, it will be okay.

[CuteAsMinnie]

We always park hop, multiple times during any given day. We have never, ever felt rushed. Not even once. Ever. Nor have we ever had to rush to ride within or FP window or rush to an ADR. Nor have we ever felt stressed while touring any of the parks. And we always see all we want to see each day we are lucky enough to be in WDW. I think I will consider us very blessed. (We're also looking forward to shorter FP lines so it'll work exactly the way it was designed to.)


:cool:

[MaresHappy]

We've always used the window. If we had any leftover passes and had to or decided to leave the park, we would look for a similar party size, and give our passes to another guest. We were lucky enough a couple of times to be the recipients of a FP, and it really, REALLY made us feel lucky, so we give ours away if we can't use them.

[MushuGrl]

We should be good. The only time I use a Fastpass is for TSM and Soarin' - I'll get a Fastpass, hop in line, then come back for my second ride with my FP during the correct time window. We don't do so many TS reservations anymore so food time is flexible and doesn't interfer.

We also go at slower times, and take advantage of single rider lines for shorter waits.

[LVT]

Not much change for us. Disney gets more crowded each year, so I expect longer lines. The Fastpass system was a nice way to wait in a more pleasant way. I think the problems now are more related to too many people for the system.

I hope the next generation pass will allow more people to experience the best rides. It is currently a matter of knowledge and strategy. I do feel that a lot of the fun has been drained away by the work involved. I would like to see something more akin to 1 ticket giving you 1 fast pass to each main attraction without the constant competition. No one should be locked out of Toy Story Mania due to ingnorance. That is nuts.

[mariak]

To answer the OP's question--yes, a little, at least with Toy Story Mania. If you don't like the return time (if it conflicts with an ADR, for example) and you come back later to get one, they might be all gone. :(

Another reason we will be trying Universal (and pay for their fast pass or stay on property) if WDW FP policy remains "enforced". WDW is not a cheap trip. So we're not going to continue pay that much when the only option to ride some attractions could be to wait an hour or more. Again, I have NEVER experienced any problems with Fast Pass lines being too long. I just don't get why they're trying to fix something that was never broken.:confused:

[MOJoe]

Will the new revised FP policy change my touring plan? Without a doubt. But how, i'm not so sure.

Before the change, i would run to get everyone a FP for whatever attraction in whatever park. Then we would do whatever we liked, knowing we were good for the day on that attraction. We love to park hop, so sometimes we would do that. Sometimes my wife, who is rather intolerant of the heat, would need to go back to the resort in the middle of the day. It was never a problem. We could always come back. ADR's? No problem. We could also get in the standby line for another attraction and not worry about missing our return time. In short, i loved the freedom, used and appreciated it.

Now? Well it's gonna make park hopping more difficult. Gonna have to check those ADR times. Gonna need to hang a little closer to the attraction to keep from having to rush back. Gonna need to ask the CMs at other attractions, "Is the standby time accurate? We have to be at XYZ within the hour." I could go on....

At first blush, i can see this preventing us from experiencing the attractions as we normally would. As WDW veterans, we skip many things but repeat our favorites again and again. Not sure this will be possible anymore. Until we tour under the new rule, i am not completely certain how we will adapt. But there is no doubt we will be forced to make changes.

[kohlby]

We never worried about return time in the pasts. We don't accumulate a handful, but with three kids, not having to make it in that exact hour was VERY helpful for flexibility. A two hour window would be easy, but one hour means we'll likely have several go unused. However, our FP's were mainly to do rides multiple times. They were rides with higher wait times which means we did them first thing in the morning anyway. Or, they were rides that the kids weren't big enough for or were too intense and then hubby and I would take turns going off while the other parent stayed with the kids, which had to be properly timed and was best in afternoon.

[AmandaChan]

my 2 cents

i was always too dumb to realize that you could return after the time, we are usually lucky to go during a time where lines are not that bad anywhere. i'll hardly notice the difference.

[Sylvia]

Not for me. I rarely use fast passes, since I don't "do" most of the attractions for which they are available (roller coasters, scary attractions (Tower of Terror, etc.)).

Since my use of them was so limited, I was always able to return during the window on my fast pass.

[ImagiAsh]

Our family typically only has one or two rides in each park we make a point to snag fastpasses for, so we start each morning off by acquiring them and spend the rest of the day hopping around the park. Usually we consider fastpasses to be like an ADR -- we show up at the scheduled time. If we can't make it, oh well. In that sense, it does not affect our touring strategy.

[magicman]

My strategy will be impacted.

In the past, I got fast passes based on the rides that I considered the greatest bottleneck without regard to creating "tight situations".

Now I will have to crunch the numbers to determine whether or not I can make it to lunch, bathrooms, other rides, etc. prior to "wasting a fast pass due to expiration".

It should be no problem as I generally carry an abacus, protractor, compass, slide rule, calculator, maps, and ADR plans with me anyway.

[Goes4FastPass]

The changes will change my touring strategy these ways:


We simply won’t go to WDW as often. Really, we won’t.

I’ve never been a FastPass ‘hoarder’ but if pre-scheduling every minute of every day, where we stand to watch what parade and when etc. etc. etc., we simply won’t go as often as we have.

We’re going to stop using table service dining at WDW. I mean really folks, I can’t think of a single bite of anything I can get at Walt Disney World that I can’t get within walking distance of where I am sitting right now – with the exception of Dole Whip, maybe that’s why whenever it’s mentioned people put :cloud9:s all over their replies.

By not booking TS dining at WDW we will be able to retain, I hope, an ounce of zip-a-dee-do-dah spontaneous magic while slogging through the xpass attraction reservations we made days (weeks? months?) ago.

[Disney Doll]

Honestly I don't understand the frustration. There is a full hour on the return window so it's not like you have to be there at some exact point in time. A window of an hour is more than enough time to accommodate unexpected delays. Also, I'm certain that if you ask nicely and have a legitimate delay they will let you go ahead.

We tend to hit up some of the more congested rides first thing in the morning before you need a fastpass so maybe we're just not using fastpass as much as others, but I can't see this new enforcement changing anything for us.

I hate to be scheduled just as much as anyone so I understand that angle, but I don't think the fast pass return times are too much to ask. We almost always plan for a TS lunch so we don't have to worry about showing up for a reservation in the middle of our park time so no worries about a fastpass return time conflicting with an ADR for us.

[ChipNDale79]

Honestly I don't understand the frustration. There is a full hour on the return window so it's not like you have to be there at some exact point in time. A window of an hour is more than enough time to accommodate unexpected delays. Also, I'm certain that if you ask nicely and have a legitimate delay they will let you go ahead.

We tend to hit up some of the more congested rides first thing in the morning before you need a fastpass so maybe we're just not using fastpass as much as others, but I can't see this new enforcement changing anything for us.

I hate to be scheduled just as much as anyone so I understand that angle, but I don't think the fast pass return times are too much to ask. We almost always plan for a TS lunch so we don't have to worry about showing up for a reservation in the middle of our park time so no worries about a fastpass return time conflicting with an ADR for us.

For me the heartburn for this is that i see that this is directly being done for the xpass system that will be on boarded soon. I think the frustration a lot of people have is that in the very near future you will be required to reserve passes for certain rides before you arrive at the park.

If that time frame is 24 hours or less, then I can get on board, but if that time frame stretches out to months ahead of your visit, then count me in the group that will curb my visits to Disney World. I'll spend my vacation money elsewhere.

[SurferStitch]

We always park hop, multiple times during any given day. We have never, ever felt rushed. Not even once. Ever. Nor have we ever had to rush to ride within or FP window or rush to an ADR. Nor have we ever felt stressed while touring any of the parks. And we always see all we want to see each day we are lucky enough to be in WDW. I think I will consider us very blessed. (We're also looking forward to shorter FP lines so it'll work exactly the way it was designed to.) :cool:

Perfectly stated.

How is there any rushing when you know exactly what time to return for your FP? I don't get it.

DH and I park hop a lot. We go at slightly slower times of the year, but still need FP's for the more popular attractions. If the FP works into our schedule that day, great. If not, we either don't get them, or give them away. We've never had to rush to use a FP, and we've somehow always managed to show up in the allotted time window. Go figure.

[MNNHFLTX]

How is there any rushing when you know exactly what time to return for your FP? I don't get it.Here's a what-if:
You have a fastpass for Toy Story Mania for 12:30-1:30 p.m. You also have an ADR at Brown Derby at 12:30 p.m. but they can't seat you for 15 minutes. The meal takes over an hour, especially with paying the bill. Then you still need to rush back over to TSM to make the 1:30 p.m. Fastpass deadline. If you're lucky you make it back within the 15-minute "grace period". Yes, if you don't like the original Fastpass return time for TSM you can always come back later and get another one--if there are any left.

I can actually foresee quite a few situations where delays could make a person rush to make a Fastpass deadline. As my son says--at Disney World, everything is "hurry up and wait".

But I'm sure we'll all adjust. What choice do we have? :shrug:

[ChipNDale79]

But I'm sure we'll all adjust. What choice do we have?

Sure we can do something, we can stop going.

[MNNHFLTX]

Sure we can do something, we can stop going.True, but this isn't critical enough for me to do that. Yet.

[tjstrike]

Our strategy will stay the same as we have always stuck by the times on the FP. So I guess I'm happy that everyone has to go by the rules now. :blush:

[SurferStitch]

Here's a what-if:
You have a fastpass for Toy Story Mania for 12:30-1:30 p.m. You also have an ADR at Brown Derby at 12:30 p.m. but they can't seat you for 15 minutes. The meal takes over an hour, especially with paying the bill. Then you still need to rush back over to TSM to make the 1:30 p.m. Fastpass deadline. If you're lucky you make it back within the 15-minute "grace period". Yes, if you don't like the original Fastpass return time for TSM you can always come back later and get another one--if there are any left.

Actually, I'll probably forego the ride...

We could do the ride another day, or another trip (in our case).

While there are certain rides we want to do each trip, it doesn't make or break the trip for us if we don't get to experience it.

You know your ADR time, and you know your FP return time before you get the FP. If it's that tight, decide which is more important. Simple.

And I know there's the "but it's the only day in our entire lives that we'll EVER get to ride this, and now we can't" argument, but if the ride is that critical, get in the standby line. The FP line isn't the only one that gets to ride. Just sayin'.

[Goes4FastPass]

Actually, I'll probably forego the ride...

I guess that's just what I was saying earlier - in reverse because We'll just forego the Table Service Meal.

Golly, I love food more than I should but here's a list, you tell me which of these I can't get in Charlotte, North Carolina:

Pizza
Expedition Everest
Lobster
Toy Story Mania
Steak
Wishes
Tossed Salad
In recent years table service restaurants across all of Walt Disney Word have gotten worse while prices have gone up.

I am absolutely DONE trying to work around what's a snack and what's a entree and when is it better pay OOP even while on the DDP.

[MNNHFLTX]

You know your ADR time, and you know your FP return time before you get the FP. If it's that tight, decide which is more important. Simple.
We'll just have to agree to disagree on this. As I said, I can imagine quite a few situations where delays, conflicts and time constraints could be a problem, most of them not necessarily within the control of the guest. But as I also said, now that the have stated they will be enforcing the return times, folks will have to make those choices. If it decreases their satisfaction with the overall experience, Disney's bottom line will eventually start to reflect it.

[ChipNDale79]

I guess that's just what I was saying earlier - in reverse because We'll just forego the Table Service Meal.

Golly, I love food more than I should but here's a list, you tell me which of these I can't get in Charlotte, North Carolina:

Pizza
Expedition Everest
Lobster
Toy Story Mania
Steak
Wishes
Tossed Salad
In recent years table service restaurants across all of Walt Disney Word have gotten worse while prices have gone up.

I am absolutely DONE trying to work around what's a snack and what's a entree and when is it better pay OOP even while on the DDP.


You can get Wishes in Charlotte, sometimes we see the fireworks from Carowinds or Knights Stadium and I'll just play the music in my head. Sorry I had to:mickey:

But I do agree with you, we love the food and its part of our vacation, but the price for food is getting way out of hand. This is why our trips in the past few years have only been during free dining.

[SurferStitch]

We'll just have to agree to disagree on this.

Yep, we do definitely disagree. ;)

You could run to get the FP in the morning, then fret all morning that it's so close to your ADR, and it better not be a problem, then run to your ADR, fretting the entire meal that you won't make the FP return window, rushing through what could be a very relaxing and enjoyable meal, then run to the FP return, spend the 2 minutes on the ride, then finally enjoy your day (if you're not too worked up from your morning)....

Or do what we've done in the past....

Stand around liesurely for 10-15 minutes at the FP kiosks for the return time to change to a more appropriate time (because at TSM and Soarin' it changes very quickly), chat with my DH while enjoying a snack, walk up casually to the kiosk when the right time rolls along, get our FP's, enjoy our morning and look forward to a wonderful lunch with atmosphere I CAN'T get at home, stroll over to our FP, enjoy the ride, and continue enjoying the rest of our relaxing day in the park.

I choose the latter. :cloud9:

And if we don't get to do the ride, the sun will still come up tomorrow on another magical day in WDW.

Such first world problems we have.

[Aurora]

Yep, we do definitely disagree. ;)

You could run to get the FP in the morning, then fret all morning that it's so close to your ADR, and it better not be a problem, then run to your ADR, fretting the entire meal that you won't make the FP return window, rushing through what could be a very relaxing and enjoyable meal, then run to the FP return, spend the 2 minutes on the ride, then finally enjoy your day (if you're not too worked up from your morning)....

Or do what we've done in the past....

Stand around liesurely for 10-15 minutes at the FP kiosks for the return time to change to a more appropriate time (because at TSM and Soarin' it changes very quickly), chat with my DH while enjoying a snack, walk up casually to the kiosk when the right time rolls along, get our FP's, enjoy our morning and look forward to a wonderful lunch with atmosphere I CAN'T get at home, stroll over to our FP, enjoy the ride, and continue enjoying the rest of our relaxing day in the park.

I choose the latter. :cloud9:

And if we don't get to do the ride, the sun will still come up tomorrow on another magical day in WDW.

Such first world problems we have.

I like you. :mickey:

[MNNHFLTX]

Moving on--don't want to :beat:

:mickey:

[DizneyFreak2002]

Here's a what-if:
You have a fastpass for Toy Story Mania for 12:30-1:30 p.m. You also have an ADR at Brown Derby at 12:30 p.m. but they can't seat you for 15 minutes. The meal takes over an hour, especially with paying the bill. Then you still need to rush back over to TSM to make the 1:30 p.m. Fastpass deadline. If you're lucky you make it back within the 15-minute "grace period". Yes, if you don't like the original Fastpass return time for TSM you can always come back later and get another one--if there are any left.

I can actually foresee quite a few situations where delays could make a person rush to make a Fastpass deadline. As my son says--at Disney World, everything is "hurry up and wait".

But I'm sure we'll all adjust. What choice do we have? :shrug:

Beth, if there is a delay that is out of you control, such as an ADR taking longer than expected, CMs can let you on through FP as long as you are back in a reasonable time, not 2 hours later, like people were doing... ADRs running late is one of the exceptions... I mean, that is not in your control...

This is meant to stop the people who got a FP at 9:30 AM for a return time of 10:30 to 11:30 and returned at 8:00PM at night...

But SurferStich is right... You now know that they are enforcing return time.. Why get a FP for a time you know you have an ADR for??? It really doesn't make sense and yes, it is poor planning by guests... Make your ADRs and then use FP accordingly... it isn't rocket science.. Sorry, I have to say that because these excuses I am reading from people are truly silly...

And as for Goes4FastPass, I think some of the counter service places are better than the bland table service!!!!! So your plan actually makes more sense to me... :)

[MNNHFLTX]

You now know that they are enforcing return time.. Why get a FP for a time you know you have an ADR for??? It really doesn't make sense and yes, it is poor planning by guests... Make your ADRs and then use FP accordingly... it isn't rocket science.. Sorry, I have to say that because these excuses I am reading from people are truly silly...
Maybe it wasn't the best example, but I do think that things sometimes happen that are out of people's control, it's not always so black-and-white.

But no matter. As I said, people will adjust. Personally, I don't look at it as something that would stop me from going to Disney World.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Maybe it wasn't the best example, but I do think that things sometimes happen that are out of people's control, it's not always so black-and-white.

But no matter. As I said, people will adjust. Personally, I don't look at it as something that would stop me from going to Disney World.

Right, your last sentence makes perfect sense... There are many other reasons why we shouldn't be going to WDW anymore... Enforcing the fast pass return window is not one of those reasons...

[mommy2maddi]

I just read an article that said they're doing this to make way for the Xpass system for property guests so they can make their ride reservations MONTHS ahead of time.

Is this a joke?? Make ride reservations months ahead? I really hope this is a joke! I love Disney and planning my trip down to the last detail is part of the fun...but making a reservation for each ride????? :noway:
That is RIDICULOUS!!!!!! I like the Fastpass. It's convenient and free. I'm in shock!

[DizneyFreak2002]

Is this a joke?? Make ride reservations months ahead? I really hope this is a joke! I love Disney and planning my trip down to the last detail is part of the fun...but making a reservation for each ride????? :noway:
That is RIDICULOUS!!!!!! I like the Fastpass. It's convenient and free. I'm in shock!

Don't be in shock because it is coming... Maybe not this year or next, but it is coming... May be quicker than we think, or slower than we think, but you'll soon be able to book ride times for attractions when planning your vacation...

Now, whether it will be 180 days out or a day before, no one really knows... All reports and rumors have been 180 days out... And just wait until you could order your lunch from a counter service via a smart phone... NextGen program in full force...

[ChipNDale79]

Don't be in shock because it is coming... Maybe not this year or next, but it is coming... May be quicker than we think, or slower than we think, but you'll soon be able to book ride times for attractions when planning your vacation...

Now, whether it will be 180 days out or a day before, no one really knows... All reports and rumors have been 180 days out... And just wait until you could order your lunch from a counter service via a smart phone... NextGen program in full force...

I can't believe Disney is letting this X-pass get such bad reviews and not doing anything about it. I think because Disney had not come forward and try to squash the rumors of 180 Fast Pass reservation, then it must be true.

Disney hasn't done any damage control when it comes to the Xpass.