While there’s plenty here about the Big Thunder accident and unavailable CDs and general kvetching about Eisner and other soulless Disney execs, the most interesting thing (to me) was the serious scaling-back, and possible elimination, of the FastPass system at Disneyland.
The FastPass system let you go to a popular ride and get a “reservation” for some future time (usually 30-60 minutes away); when you came back in that timeframe, you got a big “cut” in the line. The idea was to get people going on lesser-used rides and attractions, rather than stand in line for the “E-Tickets.”
I always found it a useful, if sometimes irksome setup (you could only reserve a single ride, and it meant you were scheduling your time, which clashes with the “Happiest Place on Earth” mentality). But, evidently, it was expanded too far, too fast, and caused various logistical issues — and, despite all the keen PowerPoint presentations, never actually improved customer satisfaction. (Except mine, I guess.)
So now it’s on its way out, eliminated from some rides, made seasonal on others. And, as is true for most Disney-related things, the change only came with a change in management …
(via Mary)
Hrm, I liked the FastPass as well. Maybe we’re just off the curve.
Well, that goes without saying …
As of the end of last year Disney got rid of the Special Needs Pass for those with “invisible” disabilities. We found out about when another parent saw how much trouble we were having with our autistic son. She told us about the Special Needs Pass and it helped out immensely. I really doubt we will go back without this.