Stupid Guest Tricks

But FastPasses are a total failure based on the original intent and expectation.

Yes, they let you do things other than wait in line.

However, the original expectation was that people would go into stores and/or quick service food locations instead of getting in line for additional attractions. Surveys done after the implementation of FP did not indicate any jump in sales in either type of locations, except what could be xpected from normal price increases.

In addition, it does make the parks more crowded as much of the park designs were based on an expectation that about 1/3 of the people would be in lines for attractions at all times; FP has cut theis percentage down which makes the general walkways more crowded.

SWTexasBelle wrote:Syndrome, while your point about instant gratification is well-taken in general, the point with the FP program is that it is a tool to use to avoid unnecessary waits.

Believe me, I understand that. I am a huge fan of immediate gratification myself (and I have the USF/IOA Premier Pass to prove it). My comment was more about society in general...the increase in FOTL programs is just one small symptom. When you see me on a plane, I am the one toting laptop, iPod, DVD player, and a backpack full of paperbacks!

LOL, Syndrome.
Cheshire, I am sure you are correct about the FPs being a failure if what you describe was their original intent. But they are obviously a success in terms of guest use, so it seems to me the thing to do is "tweak" it to correct the problems for the park while still maintaining what is obviously a very popular program from the guests' perspective.
Lessen the number of them, space them out to distribute guests better, and work to make the machinery more reliable.
I realize this would take an investment of money, and from reading this site I know that "therein swats the toad."
Sigh.