With the testing of a new ‘premium’ FastPass currently underway at Disneyland Paris, and Hong King Disney also trialing a similar concept, we ask the question, “will such a thing make the transition to the US parks, and if so, how would it be received by the Disney faithful?”

For the last few weeks, the Disneyland Paris heirarchy have been trialing a new idea based upon the existing FastPass ticketing scheme. The system at present, as many park goers will know, allows guests to return to a particular attraction or show during a specified time period and fast track to the front of often lengthy standby lines. It does however have its limitations as only one can be issued every couple of hours or so, depending on the return time issued. Importantly though, the system is free to use for all park guests.  

The ‘premium’ FastPass being trialled allows the guest unlimited access to all FastPass enabled attractions and shows, virtually all day long (its only constraint is that it operates during FastPass return times, usually half and hour after before park opening/closing). It comes at a price though, set at 80 Euro’s per person for those who wish, almost double the regular park admission price. The reason for such a high cost is deliberate, as Disney hope to limit the numbers who may choose to buy it. They are also only issuing 160 per day on a first come, first serve basis too, available only at the Disneyland Hotel. The assumption is Disney are trying to see what impact the Premium FastPass holders have in addition to the regular FastPass holders at any given attraction.

It begs the question, would such small numbers really make any significant differance to FastPass lines, and if Disney does indeed to make the ‘PFP’ available to all resort guests, wouldn’t a more realistic price give them a better idea as to wether guests would take advantage of them?

Disneyland Paris has already toyed with the FastPass concept in the past, with some resort suites issuing VIP Fast Passes to guests which allowed access to FastPass lines between certain hours of the day, like those staying at Concierge level at the Disneyland hotel. What will become of this perk?

As it happens, this week has seen the Premium FastPasses extended to include those guests staying at Disney’s Newport Bay resort, so it seems the trail is set to continue for the time being at least. Whether the uptake was poor at the Disneyland hotel or whether the scheme is into it’s next phase is anyones guess.

Nevertheless, its been reported that Hong Kong Disney are soon to follow suit and trail something similar at its parks. Will Walt Disney World and Disneyland be next to try it out? 
Rumours have circulated about such a thing happening for a while, but the general consensus is that the system is fine how it is, and a significant advantage the Disney parks have over the liks of Universal who scrapped free Front of the line access in favour of guests having to pay for the privelidge (Universal Resort guests recieve this free when staying on property however).

With the economy still struggling and Disney feeling the effects, perhaps the powers that be see the FastPass system as a potential money maker, and who could argue?. During peak times when standby lines can be over 120 minutes at some attractions, being able to walk right on by and ride in a tenth of the time is essential to many park goers. Many incorporporate the pass into their theme park strategies to enable them to get the most from their day.

There’s no doubting its time-saving qualities, but would guests be prepared to shell out for such a pass like the one being trialed at DLP in addition to high ticket prices which rise year on year as it is? It would seem Disney are giving it some serious thought.