Paid FP options coming soon to WDW?

[Cinderumbrella]

December 18, 2013 for AK
January 14, 21 and 23, 2014 for MK, Epcot, HS

I'm pretty sure those are the official release dates

So that’s when paper ceased to exist? Anyone remember how much notice?

I beta tested in August 2013 & November 2013 but I honestly don’t remember not being able to get paper at the same time?

I just remember when FP return time started being strictly enforced prior to that.

 

[Sarah1024]

If they implement pay for FP this year, I hope there is a class action attorney paying attention.

I know the MDE TOS covers them, but people do buy their non-refundable tickets, based at least in part on the advertising of the included FP system, prior to agreeing to the TOS! This includes, for example, anyone purchasing the military tickets on base or from SOG.

Plus, this would be such a fundamental change, I'm not so sure that agreeing to the TOS, as currently written, would get Disney off the hook for false advertising.

Imagine if a judge puts an injunction on Disney from implementing pay for FP.....
Nightmare for Disney PR
Dream come true for the class action attorney

There is NO WAY that Disney lawyers haven't worked that wording to their advantage so they can change whatever they want, whenever they want. They are way too smart for that.

 

[rteetz]

Where are the terms that say anything about FP prior to purchasing tickets? When I went to purchase my military tickets, before paying, I was given a brochure on FP+ that specifically said "included."

Even with packages, these are the T&C regarding FP:
View attachment 387806

Note: it says FP "selections" can be changed or cancelled. Nothing about the ability to make FP, or the fact that their inclusion is at no additional charge, can be changed. Therefore, they are bound to honor their advertising.

It says services can also be changed I would think FP as a service is part of that. If Disney still offers a free level like they are supposed to I don’t see a lawsuit holding up in court. I don’t study law but I’ve followed enough guest lawsuits on Disney that I don’t think a guest would win such.

 

[crvetter]

So that’s when paper ceased to exist? Anyone remember how much notice?

I beta tested in August 2013 & November 2013 but I honestly don’t remember not being able to get paper at the same time?

I just remember when FP return time started being strictly enforced prior to that.

I’m fairly certain those dates where when paper ceased to exist.

Edit: Press Release announcing the coming of FastPass+ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...ampaign=Feed:+DisneyParks+(Disney+Parks+Blog)

 

[foodiddiedoo]

So that’s when paper ceased to exist? Anyone remember how much notice?

I beta tested in August 2013 & November 2013 but I honestly don’t remember not being able to get paper at the same time?

I just remember when FP return time started being strictly enforced prior to that.

There was a phase out of the paper FP because they required you to insert a card, people who adopted the Magic Bands couldn't do that, but people who were buying day tickets weren't using MDE yet. It wasn't instantaneous.

 

[Sarah1024]

Where are the terms that say anything about FP prior to purchasing tickets? When I went to purchase my military tickets, before paying, I was given a brochure on FP+ that specifically said "included."

Even with packages, these are the T&C regarding FP:
View attachment 387806

Note: it says FP "selections" can be changed or cancelled. Nothing about the ability to make FP, or the fact that their inclusion is at no additional charge, can be changed. Therefore, they are bound to honor their advertising.

According to the rumors you can still get a FP. Just perhaps not 3. And not the ones you really wanted.

 

[Marionnette]

Wasn't it linked to being provided Magic Bands as an early adopter? I Beta tested on a trip and remember being SUPER annoyed that after we used our 3 pre-booked fast passes (which we couldn't change ourselves and needed to have someone in the park with an ipad or go to a kiosk to change) we were not allowed to get any paper fast passes. So essentially we were capped at 3 each day and unable to do more. When surveyed I made sure to point that out as the biggest downfall. Next time we went, that cap was eliminated.

I was part of the early beta testing. We were issued MBs an$ room keys. The room keys worked at the Legacy FP kiosks. Not only that, but so did any old room key or ticket with a magnetic strip, whether it had admission left on it or not. It was FP heaven for us that week!

 

[Moliphino]

Wasn't it linked to being provided Magic Bands as an early adopter? I Beta tested on a trip and remember being SUPER annoyed that after we used our 3 pre-booked fast passes (which we couldn't change ourselves and needed to have someone in the park with an ipad or go to a kiosk to change) we were not allowed to get any paper fast passes. So essentially we were capped at 3 each day and unable to do more. When surveyed I made sure to point that out as the biggest downfall. Next time we went, that cap was eliminated.

When we tested it we were sent cards for FP+ and we were able to use the paper fastpasses as usual. This was December 2012, I think?

 

[crvetter]

I was part of the early beta testing. We were issued MBs an$ room keys. The room keys worked at the Legacy FP kiosks. Not only that, but so did any old room key or ticket with a magnetic strip, whether it had admission left on it or not. It was FP heaven for us that week!

Way back when FastPass was first added to the parks that’s the way it was too. When room keys and tickets were sperate but each would give a FastPass from the machine. Also expired tickets worked the same way. Interesting they some how reopened that flaw during the beta testing for FastPass+.

 

[Nancyg56]

See, this sounds completely reasonable, and, if capped, wouldn't upset the GP, and could still make $$$$ for Disney. It also wouldn't impact GP touring (yes, there would be less FP available overall, but not a significant percentage, so it wouldn't be felt).

But, this wouldn't be "toxic" as per Martin, and doesn't fit the details he did give.

I know, but I hope this is the case. I wonder if we get "trial balloons" rumored how much pushback Disney gets in advance of releasing a new charge, fee or price increase.

 

[amberpi]

I think a lot of people would feel that way ... especially with what Disney charges for their hotel rooms, to have these extras as fees on top of that is tough to take. Just up the price by 5% and people wouldn't know/wouldn't complain

Now when it is more discount hotels then it is easier to justify the extra charges and people can decide to pay them or not (and some people do like that, getting to choose whup enhancements they want and only paying for those) but when paying a premium you shoudln't get nickel and dimed above that

It could get more people onsite. I've very vocally and often expressed my disdain for WDW hotels and have now even forsaken the Swolphin. If we could get more FPs though, yeah, we'd probably go back onsite; we'd complain about the garbage hotels, but it'd be worth it. Our next trip we were already planning to get a throwaway tent place to get access to EMH as those evening hours are the amazing for our family, and then stay at a hotel offsite that meets our needs. If we could buy this service attached to camp we'd do that in a heartbeat. If we could buy it stand alone, even better. I think the $50 for 3 will never be rolled out to a larger population. It's too cheap and too many would take advantage of it.

Is there any speculation regarding re-rides on paid fps? The kids LOVE the HM and it can get some decent waits; being able to book the same ride multiple times would be a huge upgrade to the fp system in my mind. Any word?

*goes mumbling off about room service again*

 

[Marionnette]

This is my theory:

The 74-day FP window that some people recently had was not a glitch. It was a test. They wanted to make sure that the programming would work before rolling it out to everyone. The plan being to charge onsite guests a fee for early FP access, similar to the CL level package but without the extra 3 special FP. Guests who buy it will have that programming code added to their account. Guests who don’t purchase it will still get 60 days and offsite guests will still get 30.

That’s why they had to stop the rolling 60 for throwaway rooms and why they had to “break” the 60+ advantage for split stays.

Now, how many FPs each guest will continue to get is up for debate. But I think that this is the route they’re going.

 

[Disneypro1]

All I’m saying is I don’t care what Disney charges for what. We love Wdw or Dlr for our vacations. I’ll work all the over time I have to. No price increase will affect us. I won’t let it. Free fp or paid. Really doesn’t matter. I was simply saying. If I could pay for say 5 fp. That had times booked and all before I ever left. That would be golden. 3 is great. 5 is better. Lol. How much for 10 pre booked. I’ll pay

 

[1GoldenSun]

While I hate to think this might happen, it could actually work out best for my family.

We've always been AP holders, and while we live fairly local, we really love the "real" trips where we spend a night on property. We've stayed in all the resorts except for some of the DVC, and we each have our favorites. Disney was what we usually did instead of movies, bowling, or other normal weekend activities so it seemed well worth the annual cost. But paid resort parking REALLY rubbed us the wrong way. For us it's not an issue of whether to fly or drive, or whether to rent a car--we HAVE to drive our car. I refused to pay to park my car, so we let our passes expire last month.

We hadn't been to Universal in many years because we sure didn't want to cough up the money for both Uni and Disney APs, and we preferred Disney. And with APs to Disney, it just didn't make sense to buy day tickets to another park. This year we did the unthinkable and made the switch to Universal, and so far we're loving it! It has so much more than we'd realized, and it's really so much better themed than I remembered it. What we love about Disney is all the little touches, how fun it is just to stroll around and enjoy the ambience, even if you never get on a ride or take in a show. But Universal is MUCH better at that than I had realized, and we're really enjoying getting to know the "new to us" parks. I got a $275 Florida resident rate at the Hard Rock for one night next week, and we'll get the express pass for two days with that. We're looking forward to experiencing the Universal resorts.

But I understand why people prefer Disney to Universal overall; there is a lot more to see and do at Disney. Plus, we know we'll eventually miss that Disney feeling. Our plan is to take in the occasional Halloween or Christmas party just to get our Disney fix when we want it. Once the SWGE fervor dissipates a little, we'll want to see that, too. We would definitely be up for paying extra just for the ability to get into the park and out in one day, having done everything we want. As it stands, we could buy park passes, get to our fastpass date, and still not be able to get the fastpasses we want. With APs, this was fine for us with the new rides because we knew that eventually we'd get them. But now I would definitely pay double the ticket price just to get in, see and do everything in SWGE, and be done with it.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

It says services can also be changed I would think FP as a service is part of that. If Disney still offers a free level like they are supposed to I don’t see a lawsuit holding up in court. I don’t study law but I’ve followed enough guest lawsuits on Disney that I don’t think a guest would win such.

According to the rumors you can still get a FP. Just perhaps not 3. And not the ones you really wanted.

Per Martin, 3 free FP is not necessarily going to be part of the new system.

Further, while it says services can be changed, that vague language can not be used to justify a substantial change in the product offered. And, given the volume of advertising of FP+, Disney is, in essence, admitting that FP+ is a substantial part of the product sold. An example would be buying a timeshare. There's going to be language that the actual unit may not match the model. But, if there's a substantial change (2 bathrooms instead of 3, for instance), the vague language won't cover them.

And, again, you can buy non-refundable tickets without ever seeing any ToS, anyway. Therefore, it's the advertising the controls.

While FP for any given ride is not guaranteed (FP for a given ride could be gone for that day or the ride down for maintenance), not being able to select ANY headliners in ANY park with the 3/day would be a substantial change.

Further, it doesn't matter what the high priced Disney attorneys say. It matters whether a judge believes that the changes to the FP system are substantially different than what is advertised.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

It could get more people onsite. I've very vocally and often expressed my disdain for WDW hotels and have now even forsaken the Swolphin. If we could get more FPs though, yeah, we'd probably go back onsite; we'd complain about the garbage hotels, but it'd be worth it. Our next trip we were already planning to get a throwaway tent place to get access to EMH as those evening hours are the amazing for our family, and then stay at a hotel offsite that meets our needs. If we could buy this service attached to camp we'd do that in a heartbeat. If we could buy it stand alone, even better. I think the $50 for 3 will never be rolled out to a larger population. It's too cheap and too many would take advantage of it.

Is there any speculation regarding re-rides on paid fps? The kids LOVE the HM and it can get some decent waits; being able to book the same ride multiple times would be a huge upgrade to the fp system in my mind. Any word?

*goes mumbling off about room service again*

I was actually thinking the other way - that it could be a more positive scenario for those staying off site (though maybe this is just wishful thinking since we usually stay off site) ... but if it goes to having to pay for the hard to get FPs then I can stay offsite and pay to get them vs having no shot now at only 30 days out

Obviously this comes down to the details and the assumption that you can pay for what you want and be guaranteed to get that. If I have to pay and still no guarantee to get FoP, Mine Train, etc., well, then that just sucks

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I was actually thinking the other way - that it could be a more positive scenario for those staying off site (though maybe this is just wishful thinking since we usually stay off site) ... but if it goes to having to pay for the hard to get FPs then I can stay offsite and pay to get them vs having no shot now at only 30 days out

Obviously this comes down to the details and the assumption that you can pay for what you want and be guaranteed to get that. If I have to pay and still no guarantee to get FoP, Mine Train, etc., well, then that just sucks

There’s no way they are giving a great incentive to off site people. If it goes pay to ride for everyone, they will probably leave it to day of (not even 30 days) to ensure on site gets best pick.

Now that I type that, maybe THAT is the toxic Martin could be alluding to. On site (and good neighbor) stay 60 and everyone else goes day of...

 

[Sarah1024]

Per Martin, 3 free FP is not necessarily going to be part of the new system.

Further, while it says services can be changed, that vague language can not be used to justify a substantial change in the product offered. And, given the volume of advertising of FP+, Disney is, in essence, admitting that FP+ is a substantial part of the product sold. An example would be buying a timeshare. There's going to be language that the actual unit may not match the model. But, if there's a substantial change (2 bathrooms instead of 3, for instance), the vague language won't cover them.

And, again, you can buy non-refundable tickets without ever seeing any ToS, anyway. Therefore, it's the advertising the controls.

While FP for any given ride is not guaranteed (FP for a given ride could be gone for that day or the ride down for maintenance), not being able to select ANY headliners in ANY park with the 3/day would be a substantial change.

Further, it doesn't matter what the high priced Disney attorneys say. It matters whether a judge believes that the changes to the FP system are substantially different than what is advertised.

I just don't see Disney not doing their due diligence and making sure they are covered here. I am also against the change, I like it how it is and think they should roll it out with packages next year, but I could see them making a change for SWGE. It does suck, but I'd pay.

 

[cedricandsophie]

As dvc members who go to the resorts at least three times a year but only go to the parks once during that time. As many on the same day as we can fit in.

we probably would not pay for extra FP. As dvc members with two disabled adults we often ask the concierge for a few extra fast passes on our park day and always get them. They are not good for pandora rides or the new toy story or frozen.

I complained when they changed the system to not allow you to get FP at more than one park at a time. That’s not how we do the parks.

Yesterday we did the early open for guests at Animal kingdom and got on Avitar with a 30 min wait, The the Navi river with a 15 min wait, then walked onto Safari. Then used one of our extra passes for Everest. Went to Hollywood studios where we had two passes already scheduled for the roller coaster and toy story mania. Then hit Epcot and used our extra passes for Soarin and test track.

It was a long hot but efficient day.

If you could get paid FP at any park for any attraction on the same day that’s the only way it would be attractive to us.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

There’s no way they are giving a great incentive to off site people. If it goes pay to ride for everyone, they will probably leave it to day of (not even 30 days) to ensure on site gets best pick.

Now that I type that, maybe THAT is the toxic Martin could be alluding to. On site (and good neighbor) stay 60 and everyone else goes day of...

there would definitely be some incentive to staying on site, but maybe it is a reduced cost or you get 3 included (for lesser rides) and then have to pay whereas off site has to pay for everything, or something

My thought is if they move to pay for FP then everyone will have access to do that whether you stay on property or not and I can't help but think that will increase chance for people staying off site to get access to the few really hard to get FPs - and if I don't then I won't pay as I am not paying for a FP for rides that really don't need it