OK, you’ve all probably heard by now the FastPass rumor that Disney plans to start “enforcing” the FastPass windows at Walt Disney World beginning March 7th, 2012.
Is the rumor true? I’m not sure just yet. But you can be sure I’ll be in Walt Disney World on March 7th to check this out, and I’ll report back here on my findings!
Since some of you have asked how this might affect RideMax, I’ve included this short video to help explain what this change means, and how you can use RideMax to help plan for it.
Enjoy!
We were told repeatedly this past week (at every single fast pass line in every single park) that there would only be a 15 minute grace period beginning March 1st. I asked as many questions as I could and was told that it was coming straight from corporate and would apply to all parks.
Thanks for the update, Jamie! March 1st is earlier than Disney had indicated previously, so we’ll see how this goes!
Rumor has it that Disneyland is applying the new rule as well. What information do you have in regards to the Fast Pass time window at Disneyland parks? We have a trip planned there next week!
@Jana, this seems to only have affected Disney World so far. We’ll post here if we see anything different! Have a nice trip!
Any updates? Also, every other site I have seen says that Disneyland is included in this change. I have used your product before and found it to be FANTASTIC! We are going back at the end of March and so far my Ridemax plans say get a fastpass and come back later. If Disneyland is enforcing this, how will the Ridemax software account for this? Thanks for your help. I know we are stupid to be going the first two days of Spring Break, but it was our only window. (We will be in the park Friday and Sautrday, March 30 and 31st.)
Jett, what sites are you specifically seeing this on? This still appears to be WDW-only at this point. One customer of ours even called Disneyland directly, and they confirmed that they’re NOT enforcing the ending time currently.
Mark,
We are planning on going to WDW in April right after the Easter weekend, I have planned each day of our trip using the ridemax program that allows for delayed return to FastPass rides. I have read on other boards that they are not currently enforcing it at WDW at this time and are only preparing people for it and are most likely going to role the final changes out when they start the xpass system. Have you been to the parks since March 7th? What have you personally experienced regarding them enforcing the fast pass rules. I am doing my best to not be met with any surprises once we arrive. Thanks again, really enjoy the site.
@Darren, Sorry — I posted on the RideMax Facebook page, but not here. I actually did visit the Magic Kingdom on March 7th, and was turned away from Splash Mountain with a FastPass that had expired just 22 minutes earlier. I’d strongly encourage you to re-do your plans with the “late FP” option turned off. (Actually, this option isn’t even visible in RideMax for WDW anymore).
I hope this helps… Have a great trip!
I should also stress that this seems to ONLY apply to Disney WORLD, not Disneyland. One customer actually reported calling Disneyland, and they confirmed that they haven’t changed their policy on this. RideMax customers should still be able to use the “late FP” option for Disneyland plans.
Mark,
Thanks for the additional information. I saw the Disneyland comments on several sites, as well as a local news broadcast from a Los Angeles news station. But I trust you more! I think you are as up to date on this as possible! Can I ask a question about early morning entry. We are only going to be at the park for two days (Friday, March 30th and Saturday, March 31st), but since we expect it to be so busy, we are wondering if we should buy a 3 day ticket so that we can get the early morning entry on Saturday. I think I read somewhere that you aren’t a big fan of the early morning entries, but do you recommend it because it is spring break?
Also, do you have any recommendations for where I can get a good, but simple walking map of Disneyland? I want to have it all planned out in advance, but so far all of the maps I have seen have so many pictures of the rides and trees, that you can’t even really read the words by the time you compress it all to fin on one paper.
Thanks for your help!
@Jetty, while we don’t normally recommend visiting the “early entry” park at Disney World, it’s a nice perk at Disneyland! Just see the RideMax “Tips & Hints” pages for a recommended touring order for Magic Morning!
If you do a google image search for “disneyland map”, will one of those work for you?
Mark,
I tried to make a plan not taking advantage of late fastpass. But, when the plan was completed it still had me getting a fast pass for Splash Mountain at noon and redeming it a 9:00 that evening. Not sure if that is in the normal window or not. I would love to take advantage of late FP, but I am somewhat concerned my plan may fall apart if they are enforcing the no late FP. Will be in park April 1-3. Any suggestions would be helpful Thanks.
Your product is great, have used it in the past and been very impressed.