Annual Pass, not staying at resort FP question

So, I am not a local, but am an AP holder and have stayed off-site several times, the last being Christmas week. I was able to get FPs for all the rides we wanted (even Frozen) with the exception of 7DMT and FOP. Since this was supposed to be the worst week to be there in terms of crowds, I was surprised I had no big issues getting my 3 FP/day allotment. And I also got 1-2 more when I was on site after using the initial three.

Same here. I went the week of Thanksgiving and stayed off site. Could not get a FP for FOP or 7DMT, everything else we wanted we got. The one for frozen was not exactly an ideal time, but we still got it.

Deciding to go only a few days, or even the day before, often leads to unavailability of the most popular rides.

Of course. I am puzzled by those who say, "I got every one I wanted except X.," Not unless you went to separate parks on separate days because of the ridiculous"tiers."

I have been able to get FP in advance for what I wanted. I might not get them on the exact day I really wanted, but being local, I can be flexible. If I decide at the drop of a hat to go, yes, the FP selection may be limited, but for me that is okay also.

JanetMegan;2510720 wrote: So those of you locals with an AP, do you have a hard time getting the FP's you would like if you are not staying on property?

After staying on property ALWAYS, I have recently started having to book FPs at 30 days because I bought a vacation home in the area. I've not had luck with Mine Train at MK or Flight of Passage at AK. Everything else has been OK.

Imalismom;2510803 wrote: If I decide at the drop of a hat to go, yes, the FP selection may be limited, but for me that is okay also.

I honestly don't understand why that is ok. Paying top dollar and getting leftovers should not be ok. Giving Disney a pass only encouages them to further diminish the guest experience. You should not be able to get a FP until you are in the park.

RunDMV;2510836 wrote: I honestly don't understand why that is ok. Paying top dollar and getting leftovers should not be ok. Giving Disney a pass only encouages them to further diminish the guest experience. You should not be able to get a FP until you are in the park.

It is okay with me hecause I rarely ride the rides... I would much rather walk around and enjoy the parks, or sit at a table by Casey’s and just enjoy watching people walk by. I also loved the time when you could only get a FP when actually in the park, but I highly doubt WDW will go back to the old way of getting those fastpasses.

You're right, Fastpass at WDW is probably at a point of no return. While frustrating at times, we certainly don't view it as something that diminishes our experience. There were times of frustration in the past with FP, too. But with planning, this latest version of FP works well for many of us.