Not so Fast: What's Up with Disney's Fastpass System?

One of Walt Disney's (the man, not the company) founding principles for Disneyland was that every guest should be treated like a V.I.P. His egalitarian approach to excellent customer service became the stuff of legend and fundamentally changed not only the amusement industry, but also the hospitality and service industries in general. A possible retooling of the Fastpass system, however, may tarnish the legend. From its inception, Disney's ingenious line management program has been free and equitable for all guests. According to information uncovered by Jim Hill Media and the Orlando Sentinel, however, Disney is exploring ways to reward guests staying at its on-property hotels with preferred Fastpass times. And, the better the class of the hotel, the better the Fastpass experience. Guests staying at Walt Disney World's swanky Swan hotel, for example, might be able to scoop up some choice Big Thunder Mountain reservations, while day visitors staying at a budget motel in Kissimmee might be shut out of the system. Disney insists that it has no immediate plans to change the Fastpass program, but the company has a patent application on file that specifically details ways that it could give preferential treatment to its better paying customers. According to the patent, the company is also exploring technologies to merge its Fastpass system with handheld devices such as cell phones and PDAs. Most theme parks, including the Six Flags chain, charge additional fees for the privilege of avoiding lines. Universal Orlando abandoned its Universal Express program, a clone of Disney's Fastpass system, a couple of years ago. It now gives guests the option to purchase a go-to-the-front-of-the-line pass that allows them to skip the regular lines by flashing the card.

• Disney's Fastpass Program Overview
• Disney Theme Parks Info