Fastpass at Disney is ear-marked for change

[Stu]

At a recent conference, Disney Parks chairman, Tom Staggs apparently said Disney are not only working on improvements to their theme parks but they are also looking into improving their digital resources.

Disney are looking to create a way that guests could bypass long queues by allowing them to pre-book ride times before arriving at a theme park.

Disney are looking for a way to change the current FastPass system for a more modern technical approach, using Internet and smart phones.

Disney is looking to allow guests to completely personalise their entire holiday at Walt Disney World.

[blusteryday]

Oh good! That means I will have to pay international roaming charges, or buy a Tracfone. Thanks Tom Staggs for your understanding of international guests !

[UncleBen]

Originally Posted by blusteryday

Oh good! That means I will have to pay international roaming charges, or buy a Tracfone. Thanks Tom Staggs for your understanding of international guests !

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Or use Wi-Fi if they install this?

[blusteryday]

That's a big 'if' UncleBen, but we can hope

[Lil_Missy]

They will have to install free wi-fi coverage for this to work. When they realise that they have many international visitors.

[Guest]

What would you have to bring to prove your fast pass then,your phone?

[lecras]

As far as I understand it the intention is not to initially completely replace the current system, but to offer the digital option alongside it. A bit like the online dining reservations - you can still call Disney Dining if you prefer.

Just like you make your ADRs from home, you could make your Fastpass reservations before you've even left, so there wouldn't be an absolute need for a wifi connection in the parks if you were willing to plan ahead. The obvious advantage for Disney would be an even better understanding of crowd levels in individual parks ahead of time, which would allow them to tweak park and entertainment hours accordingly.

Personally I think it sounds quite interesting.

Charlotte

[Guest]

Noo I don't like the sound of this

Say you fancy park hopping and you go to another park that wasn't on your plan and all the fast passes are gone because of people pre booking

Plus we don't take our phone on holiday as I don't wanna pay the roaming charges

[bighal]

I don't think most of what he said will ever come off. Too many people will complain.
He is saying what is possible but as soon as they ask people in the surveys they will soon find out how unpopular it will be.

Who in will know 6 months ahead which ride they will want to ride on at a specific time.

[caraj]

Just cant see how this would work well with so many international guests...plus peoples plans change, its one thing to book a dinner but to book when to ride...what about breakdowns and weather closures, it could cause chaos!