Fastpass+ is a service Disney offers to park guests which allows you to book time slots to go on rides in the parks of Walt Disney World. It has been running for a long time now - for as long as I can remember - and we use it every time we visit. It allows us to jump the queue and get on a ride quicker than you would if you were in the regular line. Below you can learn about Fastpass+ and when and how to use it.
What is Fastpass+?
Basically the Disney Fastpass+ service allows you to reserve access to rides, entertainment, and even character greetings, in advance.
For example, we are heading to Orlando in the summer and today we could reserve a day and a time when we want to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris and ensure we get on that ride. It's a great way of skipping the long lines that form for some of the rides.
There is no extra charge for Fastpass+ - it is included in park admission.
You're never too old to be young.
Snow White
How does it work?
In order for you to get access to Fastpass+ you'll need park admission tickets and you'll have to register online and link your tickets to your account. You can also access Fastpass+ via the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Use your Fastpass+ to meet characters like Minnie Mouse.
Making selections
You can start making selections at 7am (Eastern Time) up to 30 days in advance of your stay. If you're staying in a Disney resort you can make selections up to 60 days prior to check-in for the entire length of your stay. One of the many benefits of staying on property in Walt Disney World.
To make selections before you arrive in Walt Disney World you can use the mobile app or go online. Once you're in Walt Disney World you can continue to use the app, go online, or you can use the Kiosks located in the parks to make bookings or change current bookings (depending on availability).
How to use Fastpass+
At any of the parks you check in at the Fastpass+ entrances during the indicated time. By using the Fastpass+ you have little or no wait.
The wait times do vary though, sometimes we can get straight on a ride without any wait, other times we've had to wait for a good 20 minutes. The busier rides, like Toy Story Mania, do end up busy even in the Fastpass+ line - so be sure to book yours in advance.
How many selections can you make?
For a single park you can make 3 selections in advance and you can cancel or change (subject to availability) them at any time. You can make additional selections once you've redeemed your initial set.
Additional selections can be made one at a time i.e. Make a selection then use it. But once the selection has been redeemed you can make more selections - subject to availability.
Our experience with making selections is the earlier you make them the better. Changing your selections on the day has varying results. We have had some success with changes but other times we haven't been able to find a useful time slot, sometimes we've even been unable to book another selection because all the Fastpass+ slots have been taken.
Kiosks
You can find Kiosks in the parks where you can book, change, or cancel your selections. These kiosks only allow you to book selections at the park they are located but you can view and cancel any of your selections regardless of location.
Over at our place, we're sure of just one thing: everybody in the world was once a child.
Walt Disney
What do we think about Fastpass+?
We have found the Fastpass+ service very useful for the popular rides like Soarin', Splash Mountain, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. The rides, entertainment, and greetings that get busy and tend to have long wait times are the ones you want to concentrate on using Fastpass+ for. Sometimes we've used Fastpass+ for less busy rides (Carousel of Progress, It's a Small World) but we tend not to try to because you can usually ride them via the regular line without much wait.
Choosing which rides you want to go on and when, 60 days before your holiday (30 days when staying off property) may seem weird but it's actually good. It helps with knowing what to do next (on the day you're in the parks) and you don't have to worry about queue times so much.
I would highly recommend using Fastpass+.