Fastpass+

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11-30-2012, 08:06 AM
Dulcee

Fastpass+

(This might be better off in rumors/news so feel free to bump me!)

In my haze of checking emails when I got up this morning I had one from Disney Destinations inviting me to be part of a "new" experience on my trip in ten days. The email was an invitation to test Fastpass+. Has anyone else gotten this?

Needless to say I decided to give it a shot. Since I plan what parks we'll be in each day it wasn't difficult.:blush:

I was given the option to select 3 attractions on a single day in HS and 4 attractions in MK on a different day. Days offered were limited and did not encompass my whole 9 day trip.

I started with HS, choose a day (conveniently one of the mornings we were going there anyway was listed) and was given a list of attractions from which I could choose 1 and then an additional list of attractions from which I could choose 2. In the first group I quickly choose Toy Story Mania, the second group I took the Great Movie Ride and Tower of Terror. It then takes you to a screen with 4 prearranged groups of times. You have 30 minutes to decide on which grouping you want. Times ranged from a half hour after park opening to park closing and like regular fastpass you are given an hour window, non overlapping for each attraction. I went with morning hours and was quite pleased to get a 10AM fast pass for Toy Story Mania without a mad dash to the back of the park at opening.

Then moved to picking my MK times. This time the day we had planned on visiting wasn't listed, I choose one day I wouldn't mind swapping around but I wasn't 100% sure we'd actually use these. Again attractions were split up, this time I was allowed 4 attractions. Also interesting "preferred" viewing spots for the parade and fireworks were listed as options as well as character meets. We aren't big parade people and have tickets to the Christmas party the same night so I opted out of these.

I went with Enchanted Tales with Belle, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear. Having the two new attractions included (and only a few days after the grand opening) means we may end up using these after all. Played with the 4 times options and found one for all 4 fastpasses in the AM hours.

Received a follow up email that I will be mailed my passes within the next few days.

I'll report back as to how it works out! I know there was some debate going on with Intercotees when the rumors of this system started. I wasn't thrilled initially but I can now say after having the option to secure a ride on Toy Story Mania without the craziness of getting a fastpass as well as a spot on the two new attractions at MK without worrying about waits, I may be swayed. We'll see how they work in person in a few days!:mickey:
11-30-2012, 08:18 AM
steamboat willy

Wow, that sounds really cool better go check my email as well, we're 9 Days out ourselves.:cool:
Your SPECIAL DAY is almost here!
See y'all at DISNEY! :mickey:
11-30-2012, 10:56 AM
faline

Interesting. I just saw an article that Disney may be announcing more details about advance attraction scheduling around the beginning of the year.
11-30-2012, 11:16 AM
CuteAsMinnie

Thanks for the update. Let us know how it works for you and ENJOY your trip!:mickey:

Wondering if they will keep it for Magical Express users only??? We usually go to town car route because we don't want a 3-4 hour delay in receiving our bags.
11-30-2012, 11:46 AM
JPL

See I am a person who rarely decides what park I am going on a particular day of my trip so not sure this will really benefit me too much if this is how the new system is going to work.
11-30-2012, 12:13 PM
faline

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPL

See I am a person who rarely decides what park I am going on a particular day of my trip so not sure this will really benefit me too much if this is how the new system is going to work.

I generally have a plan but have been known to change park plans upon arrival or at whim. Or to arrive at the park later than I initially thought or leave a park earlier to park-hop or return to my resort. I'm guessing this will really help Disney plan what their "gate" will be like on any given day
11-30-2012, 12:14 PM
faline

Quote:

Originally Posted by CuteAsMinnie

Wondering if they will keep it for Magical Express users only??? We usually go to town car route because we don't want a 3-4 hour delay in receiving our bags.

I'm a little confused? I don't think this has any connection with Magical Express or transportation to Disney World.
11-30-2012, 12:53 PM
Dulcee

Quote:

Originally Posted by faline

I generally have a plan but have been known to change park plans upon arrival or at whim. Or to arrive at the park later than I initially thought or leave a park earlier to park-hop or return to my resort. I'm guessing this will really help Disney plan what their "gate" will be like on any given day

So according to the FAQ page for the Fastpass + wesbite you can change your reservation any time up to right before using it. There are kiosks in the parks to do so, additionally it can be done anytime online. The closer you wait to make said reservation the less availability is likely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by faline

I'm a little confused? I don't think this has any connection with Magical Express or transportation to Disney World.

Right now it seems like the trial period is only being offered to resort guests who book Magical Express. One of the options if you forget your fastpass card at home, don't get your fastpass card in time, or don't make the ride reservations in advance, is to do so at MCO magical express desk.
11-30-2012, 01:01 PM
faline

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dulcee

Right now it seems like the trial period is only being offered to resort guests who book Magical Express. One of the options if you forget your fastpass card at home, don't get your fastpass card in time, or don't make the ride reservations in advance, is to do so at MCO magical express desk.

Ah, I see!! Thanks.
11-30-2012, 04:39 PM
kg00616

I got this email too, but only for some of the people in my party. ??? We have two reservations (for 2 rooms) but it doesn't list all the names of the people on my reservation? What good does that do? It's not even all of the people on one reservation, its one from 1 room, 2 from the other. I'm confused...
11-30-2012, 04:40 PM
kg00616

Oh and what "preferred seating" for the parade? I've never noticed this on my past trips...
12-08-2012, 04:57 PM
DisneyDudet

I never received an email about FP+ at all, but about this time last week, I received FP+ information with cards in the mail. It only had 2 passes for my boyfriend and I. I added my mother to the reservation a few weeks back, which appears to have been after the decision time. I called the number on the back of the passes, and it was fixed! My mom was added to the FP+ reservation and I was able to make my selections for MK and DHS.

I have a split stay between BLT and Pop. I only got a packet for my Pop stay, in which I am taking DME back to the airport...

Until yesterday...

I received my packet for my BLT reservation!! I leave Monday, so that is cutting it close. I was able to make selections for DHS and MK again, while there was a different order of selection from my first FP+. Not a big deal.

So, I will be using FP+ for 4 days at 2 parks next week! I think I just got lucky!!!
12-08-2012, 05:01 PM
DisneyDudet

Quote:

Originally Posted by kg00616

Oh and what "preferred seating" for the parade? I've never noticed this on my past trips...

There will be a roped off section of the parade route that will be designated for FP+ participants. From what I gather, it won't be too large. Last test, it was in front of the castle, so that kind of stinks for those who want to watch parades from there.

This is just a test. By no means does this mean that this will happen once FP+ is in action. No one knows what Disney will do with this system, but arranging actual TIMES to get to rides, and work around existing ADRs was rough. I cannot imagine doing this for EVERY ride you want to do. It is nice for big namers like TSM and the new Little Mermaid attraction, as well as some rides that don't currently have FP that can back up, like GMR or HM.
12-08-2012, 05:03 PM
DisneyDudet

Quote:

Originally Posted by kg00616

I got this email too, but only for some of the people in my party. ??? We have two reservations (for 2 rooms) but it doesn't list all the names of the people on my reservation? What good does that do? It's not even all of the people on one reservation, its one from 1 room, 2 from the other. I'm confused...

Call the number on the back of the FP+ cards you were given. They can add those who are on the reservation chosen. I am hearing that this is happening to those who have 2 reservations for one party... Maybe they can help you if you call. Ask for Treasure, she was great and has helped quite a few people, from what I hear.