Disney World FastPass+ Ultimate Guide
FastPass+ is Walt Disney World’s version of a ‘move to the front of the line’ card. It is a definite timesaver if you know how to use it. This ultimate guide tells you everything you need to know about the Disney World FastPass+ program.
Please note: FastPass+ is discontinued and replaced with Genie+. Click here to read if Disney’s Genie Plus is worth it.
What is Disney World FastPass+?
FastPass+ is a digital reservation that is linked to your entrance ticket or magic band allowing you to enter an attraction’s FastPass+ queue instead of the standby line. These queues can be drastically shorter as there is only a limited number of FastPasses available for each attraction.
Each WDW ticket comes with 3 FastPasses. However, you need to manually select your three attractions.
For tips on choosing the best rides to Fastpass, check out the following:
You need your Disney World ticket before you can select your FastPass attractions.
If you haven’t yet bought your tickets, buy them online from Undercover Tourist. I have used this Disney authorized ticket seller for 10 years and have not had one problem. Order either an e-ticket or a physical ticket. Often, their prices beat Disney’s at-the-gate price and include tax and free shipping.
When to book FastPass+ reservations
Reserve your FastPasses as soon as your booking window opens.
If you stay onsite at a Disney resort, the Dolphin or Swan, or select Disney Springs hotels, your reservation window opens 60 days from the start of your stay. Book all of your FastPasses for your length of stay. Here’s why I think the Dolphin is the best offsite Disney World hotel.
Staying elsewhere? Your booking window opens 30 days ahead of each selected park day.
Yes, I am one of those people that is online at 7:00 am when the window opens!
Where to reserve FastPass+
FastPasses are reserved in My Disney Experience.
Once you have your tickets, set up your My Disney Experience account (either online or the app) and include anyone traveling with you. This allows you to book everyone’s FastPasses at the same time.
Select the date and park you plan to visit, then select the people you want to reserve a FastPass for. A list of available attractions is shown where you can then select what you want to FastPass. You can always change times or attractions later (if there is still availability).
My Disney Experience will not let you overlap FastPass times nor will it allow you to book a FastPass if you have a dining reservation set up at that time.
How to use your FastPasses
A FastPass reservation is good for one hour. Enter the queue at any time during that period.
Either swipe your plastic RFID ticket or your Magic Band at the FastPass entrance. If it turns green, you are good to go. If it turns some other color, there is an issue and a cast member will help you. In addition, I have heard there are special magic bands that will turn the scanner a rainbow of colors, but I have yet to see this.
Best FastPass times
This is debatable, but I like to book my initial three FastPasses for late morning and early afternoon.
With this strategy, enjoy rope drop at the park and ride as many things as you can for the first two hours. You should be able to get 4-6 attractions under your belt.
Start your first FastPass for around 11:00 am, next is noon and finish around 1:00 pm.
TIP: It’s a Small World is a 14-minute ride. Don’t go on this while the park is still empty and waste your valuable touring time.
Disney World FastPass+ Cost
Each ticket comes with 3 initial FastPasses at no additional cost as they are included in your ticket price.
Once you use your first three in the park, reserve another FastPass+ through the My Disney Experience app on your phone. Or, head to one of the park’s kiosks and do it there.
Continue to reserve additional FastPasses one attraction at a time after you have used your previous one. However, know that the most popular rides usually have no availability left.
Find FastPass+ kiosks here:
Magic Kingdom
- Mickey’s Philharmagic
- Pete’s Silly Sideshow
- The Diamond Horseshoe
- Jungle Cruise
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- near the Tomorrowland Bridge
Epcot
- Character Spot
- International Gateway
- Innoventions Breezeway
Hollywood Studios
- corner of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards
- on Sunset Boulevard
- entrance to Toy Story Land
Animal Kingdom
- near Mandala Gifts
- Island Mercantile
- near Dawa Bar
Where can FastPass+ be used
Not to be confused with California’s Disneyland FastPass system, the FastPass+ program is currently only rolled out to the four Orlando resorts (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom).
What is a FastPass tier system?
All parks, with the exception of The Magic Kingdom, impose a FastPass tier system.
This means the most sought after rides are in the first tier and you can only choose one. Then, choose two from the second tier.
The Magic Kingdom allows you to choose any three rides – they are all popular!
What do you do if you want to go on more than one ride in the first tier? Choose FastPass for your number one attraction. Then, rope drop the other(s). As soon as the park opens is your best time for getting on rides that often have long lines.
Read 15 Disney World Mistakes Not to Make for a primer on how to navigate Disney World.
Hollywood Studios Tier 1 attractions (as of 8/29/19):
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Toy Story Mania
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Tower of Terror
Epcot Tier 1 attractions:
- Test Track
- Frozen Ever After
- Soarin’
- Illuminations
Animal Kingdom Tier 1 attractions:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
How to get more than 3 initial FastPasses
There are two ways to do this.
First, take a Disney Vacation Club tour. This is a timeshare presentation, but they are not pushy or overbearing.
Little K and I did this just a couple of months ago. Read about our experience in How to get more Disney World Fastpasses – for Free!
It was totally worth it for us as we didn’t have anything planned our first day anyway.
Second, you can buy additional FastPasses if you are staying in a concierge level at a Disney Deluxe resort. I have never done this myself, but I heard it’s $50 per person, per day. That’s quite expensive, but some may find it worth it, especially at a busy time of year.
Disney World FastPass+
If you do nothing else in regards to advance planning your WDW trip, it is important to understand how FastPass+ works and set up your three initial FastPasses.
Don’t wait in line when you have three passes allowing you to jump to the front of the queue. Often, lines are long, the weather is hot and people get cranky! I’ve been there and done that.
Take advantage of knowing how Disney World’s FastPass+ system works before your vacation.
Do you have any questions regarding FastPass+? Please let me know in the comments and I will get back to you!
Other helpful Disney information:
- The Disney Refillable Mug – 10 tips you need to know
- ‘Ohana Character Breakfast review
- Best Budget Hotels near Disney World
- Disney Planning Guide
>>Grab your printable Disney Planning Guide<<
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