How To Use Disney’s FastPass System

So you’ve planned your trip to Disney World, and you’re finally there.  One of the first things you’re going to need to know when you get into the park is how to use the FastPass system.  FastPass is the system that allows you to plan ahead and essentially skip some of the lines for the more popular rides and attractions.  This is great if you’re just trying to get on the busier rides, but it’s FABULOUS if you’re trying to get a cranky child through a line and onto the ride they want… just trust me on this one!  So here are some key things to know.

1.  You get a FastPass by placing your activated park ticket into the FastPass machine for the ride you want and getting a FastPass for that ride, one per ticket.  The FastPass will have a return time printed on it.  In fact, it will tell you to return to the ride between two times (one hour apart) to present your pass and get into the FastPass line.  Your ticket is only good during the hour between those two times.  If you don’t use it then, it can not be used.

A scene from inside the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride.

2.  Not all rides have a FastPass option. Most of the newer and busiest rides do let you get a FastPass but some of the older rides, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, do not.

The clock telling the time outside It’s a Small World. This is one of the rides that does NOT have a FastPass option.

3.  For those rides that do have the FastPass option, there will be a line for general riders and a separate line for FastPass riders.  You will need to present your FastPass for that ride to an attendant between the times printed on the pass in order to gain access to the FastPass line.  That line will be substantially shorter than the general line and sometimes will even have separate boarding.

Riding in a tea cup on the Mad Tea Party ride

4.  You can only get one FastPass at a time.  You may only get a second FastPass when the first time listed on your FastPass arrives or two hours after you originally get that FastPass, whichever comes first.  This allows as many guests as possible to utilize the FastPass system.  You need to use this fact and plan accordingly.  Be sure to take advantage of the system as often as possible by keeping track of the time.  This will help you stick with the shortest lines possible throughout the day.

A scene from inside Splash Mountain

5.  There are a limited number of FastPasses given out each day for each ride.  You need to realize that the most popular rides will give out the most FastPasses early in the day and that they will eventually run out.  The ride I see this happen earliest and most often with is Soaring in Epcot.  If you know you want to ride something extremely popular, go to that ride AS SOON AS YOU GET TO THE PARK and get a FastPass as early as possible.  If you wait until the afternoon and then try, you may be disappointed when you find out that all the FastPasses for the day have already been dispensed.  Limiting this number keeps the FastPass line from being too long at any given point in time.

All the kids with their 3-D glasses waiting to see Disney’s PhilharMagic.

So now you have the basics on how to use the FastPass system.  I promise you that using this will make your visit to the parks more enjoyable because of the greatly shortened wait times for many rides.  I do have one disclaimer, however.  Disney is currently testing out a new system called FastPass+.  This new system, when in place, will allow you to go online and schedule your FastPasses BEFORE you even get to the park.  I’ve also seen information stating that this system will incorporate a bracelet or smart phone app that will function as your pass, room key and park ticket, as well.  While this is in testing now, I do not have full details on how it will function when rolled out for everyone.  I will provide updates as soon as those details are available.  For now, these tips should still help you.

The bottom line is that your trip to Disney can be made easier by utilizing the options within the parks, such as FastPass.  Be sure to get the information before you go and make use of your many resources.  Now go and have a magical vacation!