Something that tends to overwhelm first time visitors to Disney World is the FastPass+ situation. In short, everyone that has a ticket to Disney World is allowed 3 FastPasses to start their day. Those allow you to basically skip the standard line and go ahead of most people by using the FastPass+ line. You are able to choose an hour window in which to use your pass. Once all of your selected FastPasses have been used, you’re able to get another one (based on availability) and you can continue to do that for the rest of the day.
Clear as mud?
Here are some common FAQs about FastPasses that might help explain it a bit more:
Q. How many FastPass+ selections can I make for each day of my vacation?
A. Before you arrive, for each day of valid theme park admission, you can make up to 3 FastPass+ selections for a single park per day (depending on availability).
Use the First 3, Then Get More - Once you redeem your initial set of FastPass+ selections (or the last arrival window has passed), you can make another FastPass+ selection for the same day at an in-park kiosk or using your mobile device, up to park closing. After you redeem the additional FastPass+ pick, you can return to a kiosk to make more selections (one at a time).
If your ticket includes a Park Hopper Option, after you use your initial FastPass+ selections at the first park, you’ll be able to make additional FastPass+ selections (one at a time) at the second park you visit that day, up to park closing. Just visit a kiosk or using your mobile device to make the additional selections.
Q. Is FastPass+ service like a restaurant reservation? Do I have to show up at a specific time for an attraction?
A. No—it’s better! For extra convenience, you are assigned an arrival window—usually one hour long—for each attraction you select. Show up any time that you wish during this window. Don’t worry about rushing to finish up a meal or getting delayed at another show or attraction.
When it is within your designated arrival window time and you are ready to visit an attraction, all you need to do is proceed to the attraction, go to the FastPass+ entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to the touch point.
You can even use the FastPass+ if you arrive 5 minutes before the window starts and up to 15 minutes after it closes.
While attractions usually offer a one-hour arrival window, other experiences like shows and parades may require you to arrive during a more specific timeframe.
Q. Is there a charge for FastPass+ service?
A. Disney FastPass+ service is included at no extra charge with the price of your ticket.
Q. How do I use my MagicBand or card when I have a FastPass+ arrival time at an attraction or entertainment experience?
A. It’s so easy that you’ll think it’s magic!
When you arrive during your scheduled FastPass+ arrival time, all you need to do is proceed to the FASTPASS queue entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to a sensor called a touch point.
That’s it!
Please remember that each member of your party will have to individually touch their MagicBand or card to the touch point, so everyone should be sure to have their MagicBand or card available.
Q. Can I cancel or change a FastPass+ selection?
A. Yes. You will be able to update or cancel your selections up to the start of the arrival window at an in-park FastPass+ kiosk or using your mobile device. Because availability is limited, we recommend you make selections early.
Q. I have a child who is less than 3 years old. Do I need to make FastPass+ selections for my child?
A. No. Children under 3 years of age do not need FastPass+ selections—if you have a FastPass+ selection, your little ones may join you at the FastPass+ entrance for the selected attraction or entertainment experience. Children 3 years of age or older who wish to use the FastPass+ entrance do require a FastPass+ selection and valid theme park admission.
Anything else I need to know to make the most of my FastPasses?
For a greater range of choices, it’s recommended that you make FastPass+ selections early. If you prefer to be spontaneous, all attractions and Character Greetings provide standby entrances so you can decide as you go.
One reason to stay on site at a Walt Disney World Resort is that you can request FastPasses 60 days in advance. If you don’t stay on site, you can request them 30 days in advance. Some of the more popular ones may be gone by that 30 day mark. If you book with me, one of the services I provide is to get up at 6am and get those FastPasses for you the moment they are available!
Once you book your trip, I will send you a list of the FastPass attractions and some info on each. You just have to let me know your favorites and I’ll take care of it for you!
Still have questions? Ask them in the comments and I'll get back with you right away!