The Disney Fastpass system will allow you to have a much better experience while in the parks.  The Fastpass is a virtual queing system that allows guests to get a pass for a particular ride and come back at a later time and go to the front of the line.  Fastpasses are available to all guests in the park.  The key to the Disney Fastpass system is to know some rules that aren’t necessarily public knowledge.

You will find Fastpass machines out in front of most of the major attractions at each of the parks.  In order to get a Fastpass for that particular attraction you are required to insert your park admission ticket into the machine and the Fastpass kiosk will spit out a Fastpass.  There will be a 1-hour return time window that will be listed on the Fastpass as well as on a clock above the machines.  There will also be a time listed on the FastPass that tells you when you can get your next one.  Once your return window arrives you can come back to the attraction and get into the Fastpass queue.  This line will generally be much shorter than the standy line and you will be given priority to get on the ride.

Here are some general rules on how to maximize using the Disney Fastpass system.

  • ALWAYS be in possession of a Fastpass.  From the second you enter the parks you need to head for the Fastpass kiosks.
  • You are allowed to hold two Fastpasses at once.  On the bottom of your Fastpass ticket there will be a time listed as to when you can get your next FastPass.  Make sure you are always aware of that time and grab a new pass when it comes up.  If you miss this window of opportunity it’s going to push all future Fastpass collections back.  You don’t want that to happen.
  • There is a one hour window in which you can utilize your Fastpass.  However, many people are not aware that you can actually use your Fastpass AFTER your window has passed.  You are never allowed to use your FP early.
  • Assign one person in your group to be the FastPass collector/holder.  This person can take everyone’s park tickets and get Fastpasses for the entire group while the rest of the group heads to the next attraction or takes a bathroom break.  ALWAYS BE COLLECTING FASTPASSES!
  • If you have a diverse group, and not everyone wants to do all of the rides, you can use their park tickets for extra Fastpasses for your group.  Sneaky, huh?

The bottom line is that you definitely want to be using Fastpasses on your trip.  There is no excuse for waiting in the standby lines when there are ways to avoid it using Fastpasses.