There have been rumors before, but it looks like this time it might be true: Disney is going to start cracking down on Fastpass return windows. (Can you hear the collective wail from devoted WDW fans everywhere?) This has long been one of my favorite tips for readers--that you can actually use Fastpasses anytime after the start of the return window on the ticket. This has allowed my own family to have a somewhat flexible touring schedule at Walt Disney World and still manage to visit those key Fastpass attractions. But now it seems that beginning March 7, all guests will be required to use Fastpasses during the actual time listed on the paper ticket, with a 5-minute grace period at the start and a 15-minute grace period at the end (meaning, you can be up to 5 minutes early or up to 15 minutes late...but that's IT!).
Why the sudden change? All guesses point to preparation for the new NextGen Fastpass system that will allow guests to log on to their computers or mobile devices and essentially plan every detail of their Disney vacation, including what times they will visit each attraction. The need for precision with the NextGen system is pretty obvious.
I'm a planner, but the idea of scheduling every minute of my time in the Disney Parks is completely unappealing to me. And from what I gather from other fan sites, it's pretty unappealing to many devoted fans. I can't help but wonder if the NextGen Fastpass system will have the same effect on one's ability to get Fastpasses "on the fly" as Free Fall Dining has had on our ability to get Advanced Dining Reservations less than a month in advance.
Like it or not, it's coming.
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