Trial Club Level Fastpass+ Purchase Program Planning & Discussion

[staceyrose55]

Because of the removal of the nighttime viewings and my previous discussions with DSS. Their way of appeasing me by giving me a 4th FP to use on nighttime shows (or anything else).

Did they offer the additional FP to you when you expressed disappointment, or did you ask for it? (Just preparing for my own upcoming call with DSS....). Do you think you could have negotiated for anything else?

 

[gottalovepluto]

Yes, because we could not get a FP within any of the time that we had club level ones, so once we had used the first three, we were unable to adjust the times for the others or change them to anything else. Since we had a FP for say Splash Mountain at 2:00 and Space at 3:00, we could not get another anywhere between 1:05 and 4:00, whereas if we had used our first 3 regular ones, we could pick up others all day long, by using refresh and moving times around. We usually schedule our first 3 between 10:30 and 1:30 and move them if we can and then just grab FPs continuously after that. With the 3 paid for FPs set we could not do that. Like I said it was great to ride all three TSL rides and for AK, but other than that, there really is no need unless it is a short vacation. We got a lot more accomplished on the days that we did not have the club level FPs.

We called about our Epcot ones to try to change them to a different park and there was nothing available, so those FPs are coming from the regular pool of fast passes. The only thing we were able to change to were ones we could get ourselves so I just told him to cancel them so we could roll with making our own.

Embarrassingly enough I’m still confused... So if you do 3 regular FPs first and then 3 CL FPs you won’t be able to pick up extra regular FPs until you use all your CL FPs? or you can pick them up but not at the times your CL FPs are booked?

 

[hiroMYhero]

you can pick them up but not at the times your CL FPs are booked?

This is correct. No FP windows can overlap even if it is a regular FP#4.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I think I've determined that we would do this if:

• You could modify CL FP in MDE (having to call is ridiculous)
• Separate pool of FPs so that you might actually be able to change same-day and get something worthwhile
• Overlapping possible between regular FP and CL FP
• Return of reserved viewing for fireworks

And btw, I'd pay more than what they're currently charging if the above were possible.

So I guess we won't be doing this... ...

 

[twinklebug]

I think I've determined that we would do this if:

• You could modify CL FP in MDE (having to call is ridiculous)
• Separate pool of FPs so that you might actually be able to change same-day and get something worthwhile
• Overlapping possible between regular FP and CL FP
• Return of reserved viewing for fireworks

And btw, I'd pay more than what they're currently charging if the above were possible.

So I guess we won't be doing this... ...

I highlighted in Green the primary reasons why we won't be doing this. If Disney were to allow overlapping, then this could feel more like a private, self-guided tour but the way it is would mean plenty of waiting around for each fastpass window, defeating the reason why I have chosen to stay Club level to start with... I want to run to a park, do a ride or two, see a show or parade and return to the environment of the resort and lounge. Hanging out in the parks for over 8 or so hours is not my thing anymore.

 

[TheNJMermaid]

Hi all, I'm caught up on this thread because I decided to opt for buy the extra fast passes and want to make sure to stay in the loop with any changes. I just wanted to chime in about the nighttime viewing/4th fast pass discussion because there seems to be a few questions about that still. So, I had called apparently a few days before they decided to make the change to go over all of the information and make sure I know what was included. When I talked to them, I was told that nighttime viewing was part of the package. My 90 day booking date ended up being only a few days after they decided to implement the change (which I wasn't aware of at the time) and when I called I said I had spoken with someone about the details already the previous week and was ready to book. When I sent a follow up email asking if the nighttime viewing would show up on MDE, they told me that they had done away with that. But because the previous CM had told me I would have those viewing spots and the second CM did not think to tell me about the change while we were on the phone, they offered me the 4th FP for the nighttime shows. So, it does not seem like they are doing this for everyone. I believe the only reason they did that for me was due to the awful timing and confusion. So anyone booking that week during the change probably lucked out- if not though, I probably would have opted out honestly.

Hope that helps for anyone.

 

[yaya74]

Embarrassingly enough I’m still confused... So if you do 3 regular FPs first and then 3 CL FPs you won’t be able to pick up extra regular FPs until you use all your CL FPs? or you can pick them up but not at the times your CL FPs are booked?

you can get 4th FP after all your three "regular" FPs are used.

 

[yaya74]

I highlighted in Green the primary reasons why we won't be doing this. If Disney were to allow overlapping, then this could feel more like a private, self-guided tour but the way it is would mean plenty of waiting around for each fastpass window, defeating the reason why I have chosen to stay Club level to start with... I want to run to a park, do a ride or two, see a show or parade and return to the environment of the resort and lounge. Hanging out in the parks for over 6 hours is not my thing anymore.

To those of you who decide not to buy CL FPs should let your voice heard by Disney. After all it is a trial program. I will be using the CL FPs during our upcoming trip and I do plan to write to Disney regarding my experience.

 

[whiporee]

for what it's worth, I thought it was worth it to get the 3 TSLs and FOP on the same day. Also, to get TT and Soarin. The six FPs on July 3 were helpful on a very busy day at MK.

We didn't stay for ROL, and were told up front about no HEA on that date so we did the Desert Party instead.

I don't know whether it's a great value, to be honest. There are nice things about club level, but I don't know that this option is enough for us to do it again. I'm glad we did it when we did, but I'm not sure we'd do it any more.

 

[djc9699]

Embarrassingly enough I’m still confused... So if you do 3 regular FPs first and then 3 CL FPs you won’t be able to pick up extra regular FPs until you use all your CL FPs? or you can pick them up but not at the times your CL FPs are booked?

Just not at the time your other fps are scheduled, but we can usually pick up several fps after our initial 3. The problem is that those club level cannot be adjusted like regular fps can be. Just an example, on one of our days we had fps at 4, 5, and 6 so we could not get another fp between 3:05 and 7:00. We have been able to get 6 or more fps during that amount of time, by adding right after tapping in. Can't do that when you have others scheduled. We also could not easily just go to a different park and get fps unless we called DSS and cancelled and the money is not refunded. Like I said it was great for TSL, but we won't do it again. I just like having more flexibility. We rarely stick to plans made 60 days out and have great success adding additional fps or just changing to a different park.

ETA: If we were doing a short trip or were only going once, it would be beneficial, but our trips are always at least 10-14 days and we go at least once a year so nothing that is must do.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

We purchased 8 days of CL for our upcoming 10 day trip (no need for Epcot extras since we like to do WS) but I feel that we will have a more relaxed time since everything is already planned and we can make 1 round around each park vs. booking new FP after tapping in. Last time we did that we we're running all over the parks and since this will be our first stroller free trip I don't want to wear out the kids.

 

[staceyrose55]

Embarrassingly enough I’m still confused... So if you do 3 regular FPs first and then 3 CL FPs you won’t be able to pick up extra regular FPs until you use all your CL FPs? or you can pick them up but not at the times your CL FPs are booked?

DJC my understanding is that you get your 4th regular FPP after you have used your first 3 regular FPP, regardless of CL FPP, except that time windows may not overlap.

 

[texas200]

Has anyone had success calling DSS to move paid FP's earlier or change to different ones while at the parks? We are going during a time period where I would think 4th FP's will be available and it would be nice to move things along if we are ahead of schedule.

 

[yaya74]

Has anyone had success calling DSS to move paid FP's earlier or change to different ones while at the parks? We are going during a time period where I would think 4th FP's will be available and it would be nice to move things along if we are ahead of schedule.

Hope someone who had gone for the trip would reply... But I have called DSS just too many times over the past 2 months to modify my Fps.
DSS would definitely modify your FP based on availability. Remember CL FPs are in the same pool as Regular FPs.
Also remember that DSS call center is only 9am-5pm. After 5pm, CM from your club lounge can probably help. So remember to get a number from your lounge.

 

[Sarah Ironside]

Did they offer the additional FP to you when you expressed disappointment, or did you ask for it? (Just preparing for my own upcoming call with DSS....). Do you think you could have negotiated for anything else?

We booked our additional fast passes today and we were offered the extra fastpass for fireworks viewing without asking for them. On the day we did MK the DCM gave us an additional fastpass (so 4 club level fastpasses) as you can't get one for the HEA

 

[hiroMYhero]

@Sarah Ironside , did the DSS CM offer it as something “normal?” Did the CM explain it as a special perk or as a now standard offering? 4 FPs for MK is nice - giving you 7 FPs for that day.

 

[Sarah Ironside]

@Sarah Ironside , did the DSS CM offer it as something “normal?” Did the CM explain it as a special perk or as a now standard offering? 4 FPs for MK is nice - giving you 7 FPs for that day.

When we rang we asked the CM to clarify what was happening with the preferred viewing and she replied that they weren't doing it any more but would be able to do an additional fastpass for all the fireworks apart from HEA so seems it's possibly something they're doing as standard.

 

[PPFlight75]

We just returned from our trip and had 3 days of CL FPs:

1st day CL FP-7/16 HS 7am EMH
We arrived around 615 and were escorted to TSL around 630ish. We did SDD together and then 3 of us went and did RnR and ToT several times each, while the other 2 did TSMM and Star tours several times.
We met up at did our CL FPs at 8 SDD/9SS/10TSMM. We had 2 extra FPs from the power outage a few days before and did TSMM again.
We then did our regular FPs 11am ST/1pm RnR then did our other extra FP on RnR. We were so exhausted that we didn't do our final regular FP.

2nd CL FP day-7/17 MK (745 EMM day too)
We started our CL Fps after EMM breakfast and did PoC10am/Splash11am/BTMR12p
We then did our regular FPs HM1pm/SM and TS mix 2pm/Buzz 3pm

3rd CL FP day-7/19 AK 9am opening
We went to ride Everest before starting our FP but it was down until around noon so we did Safari
We did our CL FPs FOP 0930/Navi 1030/Safari 1130 and after lunch did
Regular FPs Everest 1p/Dinosaur 2p/FOP 3p (our only double up FP)

My thoughts:
It was great to ride all the Pandora and TSL rides, plus we doubled up on FOP with no problem, but we were exhausted!! We rode a ton of rides and it was fun but we usually do not stay in the parks that long each day especially with a 9 night trip.
I didn't try to move up our regular FP times bc I never have any luck with that and we used the in between times to do other rides we liked that had short waits. I'm glad we did the CL FPs first. I would have felt compelled not to skip any of those since we paid for them.

I'm glad we did it but I don't think I would do it again. We stayed longer that our normal touring style and since these days were the second half of our trip(first half was not CL), we were already kinda tired. Also, having these extra days along with the early TSL opening and doing EMM added to the tiredness.

For the nighttime viewing:
I booked HEA for all 3 so I had some flexibility for when I wanted to see them. We only did this one night. The space is the front left of the open plaza. We were the only 2 there(our kids didn't want to go) until a few minutes before HEA started and a small family of 4 joined us. The entire time we waited (about 30 minutes), at least 20 people came up the CM and complained about the open space and not being allowed in. Also since it was wide open, the people behind the reserved space were sitting. Well, we couldn't see most of the castle sitting so we had to stand. This was mostly due to the people standing with those in the reserved wheelchair spaces across from the plaza. I don't mind standing at all, but the people behind us screamed at us to sit down and had all of the their kids scream at us too!!I even saw them tell another lady to sit down an she did. It was so uncomfortable. We couldn't see sitting so we stood and went towards the front thinking that would help them which made it even harder to see the castle. I finally had to tell them no and that we were standing because we could not see. They eventually stopped but it pretty much ruined the vibe. I hate to ever inconvenience anyone and it was really embarrassing. My DH told me I shouldn't worry about it, but he knows I was about to cry over the whole thing. I know that may not happen to anyone else but thought I would share. I guess it doesn't matter since they are doing away with it. I would much rather have a FP section for it like Fantasmic or ROL if they continue those in the future.

Anyway, that was our experience with it. Sorry it was so long. I hope all those doing this soon have a great time!! It was really great doing the TSL and Pandora rides and if I could pick 1 or 2 days I would maybe do it again. 3 was too many for us.

 

[gottalovepluto]

We just returned from our trip and had 3 days of CL FPs:

1st day CL FP-7/16 HS 7am EMH
We arrived around 615 and were escorted to TSL around 630ish. We did SDD together and then 3 of us went and did RnR and ToT several times each, while the other 2 did TSMM and Star tours several times.
We met up at did our CL FPs at 8 SDD/9SS/10TSMM. We had 2 extra FPs from the power outage a few days before and did TSMM again.
We then did our regular FPs 11am ST/1pm RnR then did our other extra FP on RnR. We were so exhausted that we didn't do our final regular FP.

2nd CL FP day-7/17 MK (745 EMM day too)
We started our CL Fps after EMM breakfast and did PoC10am/Splash11am/BTMR12p
We then did our regular FPs HM1pm/SM and TS mix 2pm/Buzz 3pm

3rd CL FP day-7/19 AK 9am opening
We went to ride Everest before starting our FP but it was down until around noon so we did Safari
We did our CL FPs FOP 0930/Navi 1030/Safari 1130 and after lunch did
Regular FPs Everest 1p/Dinosaur 2p/FOP 3p (our only double up FP)

My thoughts:
It was great to ride all the Pandora and TSL rides, plus we doubled up on FOP with no problem, but we were exhausted!! We rode a ton of rides and it was fun but we usually do not stay in the parks that long each day especially with a 9 night trip.
I didn't try to move up our regular FP times bc I never have any luck with that and we used the in between times to do other rides we liked that had short waits. I'm glad we did the CL FPs first. I would have felt compelled not to skip any of those since we paid for them.

I'm glad we did it but I don't think I would do it again. We stayed longer that our normal touring style and since these days were the second half of our trip(first half was not CL), we were already kinda tired. Also, having these extra days along with the early TSL opening and doing EMM added to the tiredness.

For the nighttime viewing:
I booked HEA for all 3 so I had some flexibility for when I wanted to see them. We only did this one night. The space is the front left of the open plaza. We were the only 2 there(our kids didn't want to go) until a few minutes before HEA started and a small family of 4 joined us. The entire time we waited (about 30 minutes), at least 20 people came up the CM and complained about the open space and not being allowed in. Also since it was wide open, the people behind the reserved space were sitting. Well, we couldn't see most of the castle sitting so we had to stand. This was mostly due to the people standing with those in the reserved wheelchair spaces across from the plaza. I don't mind standing at all, but the people behind us screamed at us to sit down and had all of the their kids scream at us too!!I even saw them tell another lady to sit down an she did. It was so uncomfortable. We couldn't see sitting so we stood and went towards the front thinking that would help them which made it even harder to see the castle. I finally had to tell them no and that we were standing because we could not see. They eventually stopped but it pretty much ruined the vibe. I hate to ever inconvenience anyone and it was really embarrassing. My DH told me I shouldn't worry about it, but he knows I was about to cry over the whole thing. I know that may not happen to anyone else but thought I would share. I guess it doesn't matter since they are doing away with it. I would much rather have a FP section for it like Fantasmic or ROL if they continue those in the future.

Anyway, that was our experience with it. Sorry it was so long. I hope all those doing this soon have a great time!! It was really great doing the TSL and Pandora rides and if I could pick 1 or 2 days I would maybe do it again. 3 was too many for us.

Thank you for the thorough run down!

Omg people suck sometimes. That’s so messed up. Alas rest secure in the knowledge they were probably miserable & definitely angry (and therefore did not enjoy the show) and now they have taught their children behaving badly gets you what you want. Talk about a life lesson those people will regret in spades!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Also since it was wide open, the people behind the reserved space were sitting. Well, we couldn't see most of the castle sitting so we had to stand. This was mostly due to the people standing with those in the reserved wheelchair spaces across from the plaza. I don't mind standing at all, but the people behind us screamed at us to sit down and had all of the their kids scream at us too!!I even saw them tell another lady to sit down an she did. It was so uncomfortable. We couldn't see sitting so we stood and went towards the front thinking that would help them which made it even harder to see the castle. I finally had to tell them no and that we were standing because we could not see. They eventually stopped but it pretty much ruined the vibe. I hate to ever inconvenience anyone and it was really embarrassing. My DH told me I shouldn't worry about it, but he knows I was about to cry over the whole thing. I know that may not happen to anyone else but thought I would share. I guess it doesn't matter since they are doing away with it. I would much rather have a FP section for it like Fantasmic or ROL if they continue those in the future.

We’ve done this 4 or 5 times, and once the exact same thing happened to us.

They couldn’t care less that WE couldn’t see well if we sat — because, obviously, their enjoyment and desire to sit should trump our enjoyment and desire to actually see the show. *insert eye roll here*

I was REALLY annoyed and wanted to tell them off, but decided to “let it go” and just try to shrug it off. But it did bug me.