[Dopey]

You guys need to read Anita Answer's column this week on allearsnet. I think you shouldn't panic.

In her own words:

" In the words of the late humorist Douglas Adams, "DON'T PANIC!" It always amazes me how something like this rumor can take on a life of its own on the Internet in such a short time. This one has spread like wildfire with each person adding something new to the story!

Here is the reality: A couple of weeks ago, the Walt Disney Company filed a couple of new patents on Fastpass. These included patents on new methods of tracking Fastpass use, and also new methods of distribution of Fastpasses, including the future possibility of resort guests being able to get Fastpasses at their resort, as well as a few other things, such as electronic Fastpasses via cell phone.

It's important to remember that, just because a patent is filed, it does not mean that any changes are imminent, nor does it mean that Disney's day guests will necessarily be left out in the cold where Fastpasses are concerned. Disney holds lots of patents for things that have never been used, including other Fastpass patents that were filed last year.

Right now, no announcements of changes to Fastpass distribution have been made by the Walt Disney Company; however, that does not preclude them from announcing something later. There have been several changes made to the Fastpass system in the last few months including the addition of barcoding to the Fastpass, larger and heartier paper stock, and making the dates and times clearer and easier to read.

The following is pure speculation on my part, and I have no concrete basis for these conclusions, only that it seems to be where all of this is heading: I foresee the possibility that in the near future (2009, perhaps?) Fastpass will move to a tiered system, giving Disney Resort guests priority over day guests. Both resort and day guests will still be able to get Fastpasses inside the parks, but a number of them will have already been distributed to resort guests, possibly before they leave their resort for the day.

For the last few years, the trend has been to add exclusive perks for Disney Resort guests (Extra Magic Hours; Magical Express Bus Service, dining plan, etc.) to entice guests to stay on Disney property. I can see the possibility of adding priority Fastpass distribution as one of those perks.

Please keep in mind that THIS IS PURELY MY OPINION AND I HAVE NO CONCRETE INFORMATION TO BASE THIS ON. We will all have to wait and see what really happens.

A.A."

[LittleMissMagic]

Yeah, I read on Jim Hill's site that they were going to start charging for FPs and that they would be electronic... like, from your cell phone, once you check into your hotel, you could "reserve" your spot in line for 5:20 and then you could head over to the park at 5, and you could immediately get on the ride you FPed.

I think this is just thinking big for right now...

The only way I'm up for charging for FPs is if resort guests get them free, like Universal is doing. Only, I think AP-holders should automatically get them free, too (that's what Rachel pointed out on our US/IOA trip). But there's so many Disney resorts and so many AP-holders that you wouldn't be able to sell them anymore.

I like how the FPs are, right now. It's the fairest way. Resort guests have EMH and other advantages.

[Dana]

They have the copy rights to many Fast pass options...tons of ideas. Doesn't mean they are going to impliment any of them. They were also tossing around an idea about FP allotments for the tier of your resort..meaning the better the resort the more options...tons of ideas.

[LittleMissMagic]

Maybe they could put universal FP kiosks in the lobby of each resort!!!

[mengeljr]

Originally Posted by WDW Rules

I also read on another forum that they are thinking about offering fast passes to guests at their resort. Not sure how that would work.

I wonder how many FP's you would get, per day, per person?

[Spectro is #1]

From the Orlando Sentinal

Disney's FastPass entering digital era -- OrlandoSentinel.com


The article Little Miss mentioned from Jim Hill

Jim Hill : New Disney patent application reveals that FASTPASS-for-pay is not so far away

As fare as charging for FastPass and it "not being Disney" Sounddog is dead on! Disney doesn't care if text mess costs you. they already are using it in Monsters Laugh Floor. Text in your joke for their show and you pay.

[Caseys Corner]

If they start charging resort guests for fast passes I will be forced to re use my mug over and over.

[Spectro is #1]

Originally Posted by Caseys Corner

If they start charging resort guests for fast passes I will be forced to re use my mug over and over.

That's so funny!

I don't think they will change or charge for the current system. I think they may simply want to add a premium service to FastPass and charge for that.

[Experiment6-2-6]

Dopey Says Fast Passes No Longer Free By 2009!!!!!

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Spectro is #1

Text in your joke for their show and you pay.

Yeah, but there is on additional charge from Disney...and since I have an unlimited text message plan anyway it's free....right?

[Spectro is #1]

Yes that is correct and not my point.

[whitba]

I really hope a fee for fastpass isn't in the future for Disney. My experience at Universal this year (dragged there on a group trip) was AWFUL. Easter weekend, many seemed to have purchased the "fastpass" option. It was out of the price range for our group of 17. We only succeeded in getting on 3 or 4 rides, and waited more than 2 1/2 hours for Spiderman. It was the "must do" for the gang and the only reason we could stand the wait was we had our own little party going on in line. When patrons have paid a hefty price for a fastpass they will not wait in order to keep both lines moving, they take 1st priority, so as long as they keep coming the stand by line continues to wait.

I think it's an Awful system available only to those that can cough up.

Perks for resort guests are a great idea and as I'll normally be one I'd be glad to have additional perks but even then, I would not see totally stopping a standby line for an unending arrival of "fastpass" guests as being very "Disney".

Balance is important and if they can't keep both groups of guests happy I think things will really change and not for the better.

We avoid Universal for many reasons and this just added to the list.

[Soundgod]

There has been a recent change to WDW fast passes.
They're a little longer and the paper they're printed on is a little heavier.

[ARIEL]

Originally Posted by Caseys Corner

If they start charging resort guests for fast passes I will be forced to re use my mug over and over.

I am in total agreement! That is so funny
I don't know about this one. I would be gutted if they did start charging for them...I think the Universal idea of charging then only getting one ride per attraction kinda sucks but that's just my opinion.
If Disney are the 'Innovators' that they claim to be then they would do right to just leave it alone.

[ARIEL]

Originally Posted by Caseys Corner

If they start charging resort guests for fast passes I will be forced to re use my mug over and over.

I am in total agreement! That is so funny
I don't know about this one. I would be gutted if they did start charging for them...I think the Universal idea of charging then only getting one ride per attraction kinda sucks but that's just my opinion.
If Disney are the 'Innovators' that they claim to be then they would do right to just leave it alone.