Santa Fast Pass, paying to be first in line to see Santa

[Anonymous]

We went to see Santa at Dulles Town Center Mall this morning. Got in line at 10am and stood there for an hour and half. What we didn't know until we got to the front of the line is that they now sell a fast pass to see Santa online. There are no signs about the fast pass until you get to the front of the traditional line and see a sign that says fast pass enter here. The line also winds around so you can't see the sign when you enter the line. No one also bothered to tell the people in the traditional line that these other people walk up show their pass and will go ahead of you no matter how long you have been waiting. I told the manager that I was completely appalled that they have found yet another thing about Christmas to monetize and make it a difference of those that are in the know and have the money. It just made me sad. My kids love to see Santa, but I'm going to have to find another place to go because it just really upset me. It is not actually about the cost, as we have the money to pay for the pass. Its more about the idea that it is even an option. Am I crazy or is this done by all the Malls now? Just a vent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We went to see Santa at Dulles Town Center Mall this morning. Got in line at 10am and stood there for an hour and half. What we didn't know until we got to the front of the line is that they now sell a fast pass to see Santa online. There are no signs about the fast pass until you get to the front of the traditional line and see a sign that says fast pass enter here. The line also winds around so you can't see the sign when you enter the line. No one also bothered to tell the people in the traditional line that these other people walk up show their pass and will go ahead of you no matter how long you have been waiting. I told the manager that I was completely appalled that they have found yet another thing about Christmas to monetize and make it a difference of those that are in the know and have the money. It just made me sad. My kids love to see Santa, but I'm going to have to find another place to go because it just really upset me. It is not actually about the cost, as we have the money to pay for the pass. Its more about the idea that it is even an option. Am I crazy or is this done by all the Malls now? Just a vent.

Yes, I think it's MEAN and CRAPPY.

I don't live in DC anymore, so this won't apply to you (unless someone here knows of a santa place that uses this system)--anyway:

The place we got to now on the west coast uses a beeper. You can pick up a beeper or provide your text contact, and when your group is ready, you get a buzz. Ten families or so show up, and we wait in line with each other. Then the next group comes, they wait in line, and so on. We get an approximate time to wait, so we can peruse the mall (good for business, right??? SMART) while we wait for our text/buzz.

[Anonymous]

An HOUR and a HALF?!?!
That's just crazy. I can't imagine waiting that long. Also completely agree with you OP that monetizing it is awful.

[Anonymous]

Santa fast pass? It's like the express lines at Disney World or the new Lexis lanes on the Beltway. Yuck.

[Anonymous]

Wow, now I've heard everything!

[Anonymous]

It's Dulles Town Center. What did you expect?

[Anonymous]

Now I might take my kid to go see Santa. Thanks for the tip!

[Anonymous]

Is this to have a picture taken with Santa? I took my DS to Pentagon City Mall at 3:00 pm. The wait was approximately 30 min. No fast pass.

[Anonymous]

I love this! There is no way I could wait in line for an hour and a half with a one year old. I think it's great and went to this Santa just for fast pass!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Santa fast pass? It's like the express lines at Disney World or the new Lexis lanes on the Beltway. Yuck.

Actually it is NOT like the fast passes at Disney. The fast passes at Disney are FREE. Anyone, regardless of household income can get one. All you do is go to the ride, slide your card, get a fast pass and come back a few hours later. You can only get a few every few hours.

As for the Beltway, I'm okay with that as well. If someone wants to pay for an express Lane, go for it.

But PAYING extra to bypass kids waiting for Santa is just gross. I'm with you OP. That is not keeping with the "Christmas spirit."

[Anonymous]

That's actually really, really messed up. I don't have young children but I won't be shopping there at all during the Christmas Season.

[Anonymous]

NP here. That's crappy. I remember waiting for two hours at Tysons with a newborn. It was awful. This area is so disorganized and lazy about making things easier. Sucky.

[Anonymous]

Landmark mall is the worst mall ever but they have one of the best looking santas in the area. And there's no wait line there.

[Anonymous]

Appalling.

[Anonymous]

I waited for over 90 min on Thurs night at Fair Oaks, no fast pass option. I was tempted to go to Dulles just for that option but A, felt it was pretty crappy and not really in the spirit of Christmas and B, there was no info on the DTC website. I am aware that I'm a contradiction to myself.

After the supremely crappy evening and experience that was Weds night, including my 2yo dumping the Starbucks cup of apple juice all over the floor of the mall, I would have happily paid any amount to get to the front of that damn line.