Pandora and fast passes

[dobtia]

If this has been discussed I am sorry. I did a search here and regular google style and could not find any topics. Have they said if Animal Kingdom will go to tiers like EPCOT and DHS? If so when do they plan on releasing the info.

We are in AK about 15 days after the opening day.

Thanks ahead and again sorry if this topic has been hit already.

 

[Robo]

Yes, discussed.

Nobody knows.

 

[dobtia]

Thanks Robo...figured as much....thought I would take a gamble.

 

[Tomh]

They have not said, no one knows, but it doesn't seem really feasible that they would NOT go to tiers. If they don't, then everyone will fast pass both rides in Pandora, and either EE or ROL. In order to spread things out a bit, they almost have to go to tiering, and put the two new rides, and ROL into tier one, thereby forcing people to take FP+ for some other attractions.

 

[BadBoyBill]

They have not said, no one knows, but it doesn't seem really feasible that they would NOT go to tiers. If they don't, then everyone will fast pass both rides in Pandora, and either EE or ROL. In order to spread things out a bit, they almost have to go to tiering, and put the two new rides, and ROL into tier one, thereby forcing people to take FP+ for some other attractions.

I would agree. There is almost no way they could manage capacity if they didn't do tiers. The good thing about ROL is you can book it in a dining package.

It will be interesting to see what they put in tier 1. Obviously you have the two new attractions and ROL that likely would initially go in tier 1 but you also have Kali River, Everest, Safari's and Dinosaur that have the longest waits (usually in that order). I don't see them with seven attractions in tier 1. EPCOT has Illuminations and three attractions that consistently have over an hour wait. EPCOT also only has 4 tier 1 attractions (HS only has 3).

Of course this is all speculation but I would guess there will be the two new Pandora attractions, ROL, Kali River and Everest in tier 1 and then the others in tier two. Again just speculation.

 

[WhoFramedRogerRabbit]

I would guess there will be the two new Pandora attractions, ROL, Kali River and Everest in tier 1 and then the others in tier two. Again just speculation.

My thoughts exactly. While it breaks my greedy little fast pass heart, these tierings would make the most sense. I'm just hoping you're right and Dinosaur doesn't make it's way into the first tier.

 

[dobtia]

I was throwing down some ideas on paper the other night. I really do agree with you guys on both Pandora rides. They have to go into Tier I for sure. The others that they put in Tier I will make this park a tricky job. Our last two trips we have used AM EMH at this park. I am thinking that this will be needed for this trip. Hit one section in that early hour and then fast pass and tour a different section later.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

If they do tiers, then clearly both Pandora rides will be in tier 1. I would guess RoL would be in 2 (see below). Everything else will be in 2 also. You can only pick one tier 1 in advance, and so there has to be enough tier 2s for everyone to get their 3 in advance. If they put too much in tier 1, everyone would get a tier 1, but tier 2 would run out.

If tier 1 runs out (which it most likely will), people could still pick three tier 2s.

So, what about RoL?

Both Pandora rides will run out pretty quickly, even with both in tier 1. Having RoL in tier 1 would then result in pushing people to take it once Pandora rides are gone (the psychological push of needing to take their tier 1). This would result in RoL being gone even sooner.

By leaving RoL in tier 2, it would result in more people picking other attractions and utilizing other means (dining package or stand by) for RoL. Remember, if people take a Pandora ride and RoL, then they are left with only one other FP for the entire day! Not an attractive option.

Now, having the tier 1s run out so quickly (as would be the case with only 2 rides in the category) would be bad optics.

So, I predict they won't call it tiers.

They will say, "Animal Kingdom is not moving to a tiered fast pass system. However, you will not be able to select both of the Pandora rides in your initial set of 3 fast passes."

 

[dobtia]

If they do tiers, then clearly both Pandora rides will be in tier 1. I would guess RoL would be in 2 (see below). Everything else will be in 2 also. You can only pick one tier 1 in advance, and so there has to be enough tier 2s for everyone to get their 3 in advance. If they put too much in tier 1, everyone would get a tier 1, but tier 2 would run out.

If tier 1 runs out (which it most likely will), people could still pick three tier 2s.

So, what about RoL?

Both Pandora rides will run out pretty quickly, even with both in tier 1. Having RoL in tier 1 would then result in pushing people to take it once Pandora rides are gone (the psychological push of needing to take their tier 1). This would result in RoL being gone even sooner.

By leaving RoL in tier 2, it would result in more people picking other attractions and utilizing other means (dining package or stand by) for RoL. Remember, if people take a Pandora ride and RoL, then they are left with only one other FP for the entire day! Not an attractive option.

Now, having the tier 1s run out so quickly (as would be the case with only 2 rides in the category) would be bad optics.

So, I predict they won't call it tiers.

They will say, "Animal Kingdom is not moving to a tiered fast pass system. However, you will not be able to select both of the Pandora rides in your initial set of 3 fast passes."

I would love to see your idea of no Tiers and just make it so you can't choose both Pandora attractions for FP. I would bet Disney is hoping that ROL will become a must have dining package choice. Using my idea for example I am all but writing off ROL for this trip. If we come back to AK at night it will be to look around Pandora with the night time feeling. Right now I have like 3 different ideas down on paper for AK.

 

[BadBoyBill]

My thoughts exactly. While it breaks my greedy little fast pass heart, these tierings would make the most sense. I'm just hoping you're right and Dinosaur doesn't make it's way into the first tier.

Dinosaur's average wait is only around 33 min. It would go up if there was a tiered FP system but they have to have enough tier 2 choices that people feel they are getting their monies worth. ROL is pretty much like Illuminations and Fantasmic in it's very desirable to see for first time guests so they would be willing to pay for a dining package to see it but it's doubtful they would give up the new Pandora attractions. More frequent visitors can take it or leave it once they have seen it a couple times and would want to get in more of their other tier 1 attractions. I still go for 7DMT even though I have experienced it many times (I just wish it was 10 times longer). The Safari's could end up in tier 1 but since they have added the nighttime (which I personally don't like) it has pretty good capacity. Another factor is Na'vi River Journey is a high capacity attraction. They should have enough capacity with the ones I listed for everyone to get a tier 1 at the 60 day mark and possibly up to 30. I don't think they mind some scarcity but they want resort guests to be able to get their top pick at 60. I would like to see them add a second tier 1 for resort guests in tiered parks. I don't think this is unreasonable and would help fill rooms.

 

[Tomh]

I can't imagine ROL being a tier 2 attraction. It is going to be wildly popular, and there is very limited availability with all of the seating that is devoted to Dining Packages. I expect ROL to be tier 1. It is possible that there would only be 3 attractions in tier one. I wouldn't be super surprised if EE was a tier 2 attraction, along with Cali, and Dinosaur, and I would expect to see the safari, and Festival of the Lion king as tier 2 as well.

 

[reeseman]

O.K. Let's assume they go to tiers. Somewhere in DIS a read a discussion on when FP's will be released for Pandora. A lot of DIS'ers think they might be released at the 30 day mark ( just like 7DMT) thus allowing everyone an equal chance of securing one. What about those who are staying on site. Their FP window opens at 60 days. How does one book their FP's for AK at the 60 day mark? Any thoughts?

 

[hiroMYhero]

O.K. Let's assume they go to tiers. Somewhere in DIS a read a discussion on when FP's will be released for Pandora. A lot of DIS'ers think they might be released at the 30 day mark ( just like 7DMT) thus allowing everyone an equal chance of securing one. What about those who are staying on site. Their FP window opens at 60 days. How does one book their FP's for AK at the 60 day mark? Any thoughts?

Book 2 FPs and leave #3 open and available to book.

 

[CAS239]

O.K. Let's assume they go to tiers. Somewhere in DIS a read a discussion on when FP's will be released for Pandora. A lot of DIS'ers think they might be released at the 30 day mark ( just like 7DMT) thus allowing everyone an equal chance of securing one. What about those who are staying on site. Their FP window opens at 60 days. How does one book their FP's for AK at the 60 day mark? Any thoughts?

Book 2 and leave one open like Hiro said
Book 3 then cancel one or all
Don't book any for your AK day

 

[reeseman]

Thanks. I think that giving non resort guests an equal chance at securing FP for Pandora is not fair to on-site guests. I have the Poly booked from 10/2 - 10/9. By then maybe they will be opening the FP window at 60 days.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Thanks. I think that giving non resort guests an equal chance at securing FP for Pandora is not fair to on-site guests. I have the Poly booked from 10/2 - 10/9. By then maybe they will be opening the FP window at 60 days.

Disney is also considering their AP guests. APs will benefit from the trial openings specifically for them but the 30-day window before the Grand Opening of Pandora allows all to have a chance for FPs.

60-days before your check-in date you'll be able to book for the Pandora ride(s). Once the Pandora FPs become available in the system, the regular booking availability applies.

 

[reeseman]

Thanks that makes sense. From your reply am I to assume that the 60 day window will be open when it my time comes?

 

[hiroMYhero]

Thanks that makes sense. From your reply am I to assume that the 60 day window will be open when it my time comes?

Yes. As soon as Pandora opens in the FP system, it remains open and available to anyone with an open booking window. So, as soon as your window opens, book your highest priority rides first - Pandora and FEA will be the highest priority rides for most guests.

 

[reeseman]

Thanks again. I will be spending at least 1 1/2 days at AK so I think I will be able FP both Pandoa rides even with tier's.

 

[CAS239]

For anyone only doing 1 day at AK on a trip and wanting to do both new Pandora rides, I strongly suggest FP'ing River Journey over Flight of Passage. River Journey doesn't have a height requirement so more families will be heading here if they have small ones. Flight of Passage seems like the more thrilling ride but with a height requirement of 44 inches, families with any kids under 3'6 will likely avoid this ride (unless they provide child swap).

So while both rides will have longggg waits, I can see River Journey having slightly longer ones