It’s fair to say there have been rumours going around for a while about the possibility that Walt Disney World Resort (Walt Disney World) would start charging for FastPass+ privileges.
According to Ken Storey of Orlando Weekly, that rumour may become true very soon.
Some changes have been implemented already
Back in 2018, Disney let Club Level guests to purchase three (3) extra FastPasses for $50 per guest per day and they got 30 days extra to book their FastPasses too.
Jim Hill from Jim Hill Media has made some “musings” that there was talk that those above-mentioned extra passes could even increase to six (6) extra passes per guest/per day…for the right price.
So Orlando Theme Park Zone! How would FastPass+ Change?
In March, 2019, Disney insider Martin on the WDWMagic Forums indicated that he was hearing talk about FastPass Packages.
“The paid FastPasses may also show availability for attractions or times that non-paid FastPass show as unavailable,” Martin also suggested that some of the popular attractions might become available for paid FastPasses, ahead of being offered for complimentary FastPasses.
Last week, the Disney Insider mentioned that the timeline for the upcharged packages were pushed back but was still coming to Walt Disney World.
It has been suggested that these upcharge, FastPass packages, would be implemented when the new Disney Gene app is officially launched.
The Disney Genie App
Disney Parks Blog: “Disney Genie will make planning easier and more fun by providing customized itineraries geared to your interests, right at your fingertips – from a royal, princess-themed day at Magic Kingdom Park to a trip around the world at Epcot for foodies and even a perfect day for thrill seekers. Certain features of Disney Genie will also be available through your preferred travel professional.”
Great! More planning! We’re now at the point of where people are putting spreadsheets together to get through their trip to Walt Disney World. Simply put, you have to pre-plan every little aspect, from “FastPasses to food”.
Disney has suggested they’re “flexible”…We kindly disagree, it’s “flexible” within the suggestions they make. It’s safe to suggest that it’s more about controlling the flow and guests as much as possible.
Many have suggested that the FastPass system actually creates longer lines. If guests can purchase more Fastpasses, and it has block out on attractions for them, it simply means fewer passes for the high demand attractions and expected longer lines for the non-paying FastPass guest.
However, there’s some amazing news! Disney can bleed out more money from people. Should this come to fruition, this is one thing Robert Chapek can be remembered for.
We have to stress that FastPass+ packages are still all rumour at this time. However, what we do know is that the Disney Genie app will be launched later this year. According to reliable sources, FastPass packages will likely roll out late 2020…Just before the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World.
Source: Pirates and Princesses
