Uh oh! We don't support IE due to its failure to integrate new web standards.
For the best browsing experience, please use

More Info →

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search
MENUMENU
  • Crowd Calendars
        • January Crowd Calendar
        • February Crowd Calendar
        • March Crowd Calendar
        • April Crowd Calendar
        • May Crowd Calendar
        • June Crowd Calendar
        • July Crowd Calendar
        • August Crowd Calendar
        • September Crowd Calendar
        • October Crowd Calendar
        • November Crowd Calendar
        • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
        • Magic Kingdom
        • Epcot
        • Disney World Tickets
        • Hollywood Studios
        • Slinky Dog Dash
        • Animal Kingdom
        • Typhoon Lagoon
        • Blizzard Beach
        • Disney Springs
        • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Resorts
        • On-Site
        • Off-Site
        • Disney World Value Resorts
        • Disney World Moderate Resorts
        • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
        • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
        • Dining Basics
        • Disney World Dining Plan Satuli Canteen
        • Disney Dining Plan
        • Animal Kingdom Disney World Dining Plan
        • Our top Table Service restaurants
        • Our top Quick Service restaurants
        • Guide to all Disney World character meals
        • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
        • 6 Step Planning Process
        • Disney binder planning workskeet
        • Planning Basics
        • Big Thunder Mountain exterior
        • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
        • Disney Movie Magic
        • Trip Planning for Families
        • Special Needs
        • Money and Shopping
        • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
        • Mask tips for Disney World trips
        • Cast Member with a mask
        • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
        • Disney Park Pass choose day
        • Where to find characters right now
        • Joy
        • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
        • How to tour Disney World right now
        • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
        • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
        • Choosing when to visit in 2021
        • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
        • How transportation works now
  • Mobile
      • Podcast
      • Become a WDW Prep Patron
      • About
      • Get a Quote
      • Things We Recommend
      • Contact
      • Search

How the new FastPass+ changes affect you – PREP036

Share on pinterest
PIN
Share on facebook
FB
WDW Prep School → WDW Prep To Go Podcast → Featured → How the new FastPass+ changes affect you – PREP036
  • Shannon Albert
  • April 27, 2014
  • October 28, 2014

How the new FastPass+ changes affect youDisney has done it again: they’ve changed the rules on the FastPass+ system.

Today, I have info for you on how they will affect your plans, which FastPass+ reservations I suggest prioritizing and advice for people who want to park hop.

I also have a quick tip of the day about how to make it easier to make FastPass+ reservations when you’re traveling with a group.

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

These are notes from this episode. There’s much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.

In this article (click for table of contents)

  • Become a WDW Prep To Go Patron
  • FastPass+ changes
  • About Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Quick tip of the day
  • Subscribe to get new episodes

Become a WDW Prep To Go Patron

WDW Prep To Go Patrons pay a little to unlock even more content than what’s on the main podcast feed, such as a private FB Group and exclusive audio that’s released on a private podcast feed.
 
Become a Patron Now

FastPass+ changes

  • New changes include being able to get more than 3 FastPass+ reservations per day (extras must be obtained at kiosks, though it will eventually be incorporated into My Disney Experience), the option to park hop and have FastPass+ reservations in both parks and being able to use your bonus FastPass+ reservations at the same ride
  • Issues that could come up with these changes: you must use 3 FastPass+ reservations before getting any extras (and since some FastPass+ reservations are for nighttime fireworks and parades, you won’t be using them until the end of the night), FastPass+ reservations will run out for some attractions
  • For people wanting to park hop, I’d suggest that Hollywood Studios is a good park to begin your day without any FastPass+ reservations, Animal Kingdom is a great park to do later in the day with pre-selected FastPass+ reservations, Epcot can be fairly easy as long as you get a FastPass+ for Soarin’ and ride Test Track in the single rider line

About Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

  • Dedication for the media is April 28-May 2
  • Soft openings could begin over the next couple of weeks
  • Will have a height requirement of 38″ and last for about 2 minutes
  • Unique features includes the animatronics (see video below) and the side-to-side swaying of the ride cars
  • There are many FastPass+ options at Magic Kingdom and I would use FastPass+ reservations for things that will take longer such as Enchanted Tales with Belle and Jungle Cruise

Quick tip of the day

For people traveling to Disney World with others, I suggest connecting as friends within My Disney Experience so that things like FastPass+ reservations can be booked all at once.

Subscribe to get new episodes

There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep To Go.

  • Subscribe in iTunes (and please leave a review!)
  • Subscribe to the feed
  • Listen on Stitcher

*************************

Questions about the FastPass+ changes or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Read this next

Popular Related Articles

Related Posts:

  • 100+ tips for your Disney World trip
  • Budgeting for food at Disney (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
  • How to get the Disney World resort room you want
  • How to rent a camper at Disney's Fort Wilderness (w/tips and a review)
  • Complete guide to flights for your Disney World trip
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disney World FastPass+ Strategy for 2021 (FastPass+ currently unavailable)
  • Disney Dining Plan (cost, best credits, and is it worth it?)

In this category

More Tips and Tricks

  • WDW Prep To Go Podcast

Ready to book a trip for 2021?

The team at Small World Vacations is ready to help get you started.

Get a quote now

18 Comments

  1. Kristen June 14, 2014 Reply

    Hi Shannon,
    I appreciate all the good info you have! You helped me tremendously with a trip I took with my sis and her toddlers back in November. July 13-16, 2014 I’m taking a group of teenagers from my youth group to Disney with 2 days in the parks. One day in Hollywood Studios and one day in Magic Kingdom. Originally, I had booked our FP+ reservations for in the evening and just planned to use a touring plan for choosing rides in the morning. Our plan is to be there at rope drop, take a break at the resort midday to 6:30pm and come back to stay until closing; no park hopping. With the changes, would we be better off making FP+ reservations for early afternoon before we take our midday break so we can get bonus FP+ in the evening when we come back? Or should I stick to the original plan of FP+ reservations in the evening?

  2. Mark Vukelich May 28, 2014 Reply

    Shannon,

    Do you know if both MagicBands and cards can be used at the Fastpass park kiosks on the same day? I’m not looking to double dip, rather I’d like to be able to add attractions for my wife and daughter while they enjoy tamer attractions than my son and I ride. Was thinking if they wore their bands and I held their cards, I could setup their later rides without first needing to meet up and get their bands. As crazy as it may sound, this feels easier then teaching them how to setup their own Fastpasses since I haven’t used the kiosks yet.

    Thanks,
    Mark

  3. Suzanne Weaver May 24, 2014 Reply

    Hi Shannon,
    I have tried to read, review, & scan all of your articles on FP+ so I’m hoping that I haven’t missed the answer to my question as you seem to be quite thorough in all of the information you share. Here goes: My husband & I have 10 day no expiration hopper passes with 6 or more days left. My daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter have purchased the new passes with the RFID. We are all going to Disney World during the last week in October and will be staying off property in a time share resort. Is there a way (in advance vs. going to guest relations upon arrival) that I can update & link all 5 of our tickets so we can make FP+ reservations at the 30 day mark? I had considered purchasing the newer passes so we could all be linked – I thought it’d be easier. However, I really didn’t want to spend the money to buy more passes when we already have tickets. Thanks for your help and keep up the good work. I love your site & podcasts. Suzanne Weaver

    • Mark Vukelich May 28, 2014

      Suzanne,

      It might depend whether your No Expire tickets are paper or plastic, but it looks like the booking part of My Disney Experience accepts many forms of ticket ID numbers. I recommend creating an account and trying to enter your current ticket numbers. It might just let you book and then you’d just need to exchange them at the park to use the Fastpass at an attraction. Good luck!

      Mark

    • Suzanne Weaver May 30, 2014

      Mark Vukelich – thanks for the tip! I’ll give it a try!

  4. chad May 15, 2014 Reply

    Just a quick question regarding FP+. We are planning our family trip this August for our whole family (8 total) and are now looking to figure out our Fastpass+ prioritites. Since my parents, 2 year old nephew and 7 year old son will not be joining the other 4 of us on rides like Expedition Everest and Tower of Terror, is it possible to use their FP+ allotments to reserve additional rides for us 4 and then use their magic bands to get on the rides?

    • Shannon Albert May 15, 2014

      Yep! You can do that.

    • chad May 15, 2014

      Awesome, thanks for the info…

  5. Amanda May 5, 2014 Reply

    First I have to say, thank you for taking the time to explain all of the details to us Disney fans. I am a little confused on how the new fast pass + is working. My last visit to the parks was in April of 2013 so things are new to me. I am planning trip first week of October and am staying off Disney property. Are the fast pass+ bands only for visitors staying on property or are they for everyone? Is there a charge for them? Also, you mentioned fast pass+ spots for fireworks and parade viewing, where do I locate a map or something to show where the viewing locations are for these events?

    Thanks again so much for your help, or anyone wanting to respond to guide me.

  6. Kristin May 3, 2014 Reply

    We will be staying at the Swan Resort in September starting 9/27, but our first day at the parks will be 9/28. Can we book 60 days out from the 27th or would it be the 28th? Also, since staying at the Swan, can we book all of our FP+ selections for the duration of our trip or do we have to do it for each day? Thanks!

  7. Lauren April 28, 2014 Reply

    Can we use 2 fast pass reservations for Hollywood Studios in the morning and then use the third one at Animal Kingdom? Or are we still required to use the three passes in one park? Sorry, I’m still confused!

    • Shannon Albert April 28, 2014

      All 3 of your initial FastPass+ reservations must be booked in the same park.

  8. Cate April 28, 2014 Reply

    Just to clarify, after you’ve used up your FP+ reservations & you find a kiosk to get more, will the ‘bonus’ FP+ only be available one at a time (like the old paper ones)? or can you find a kiosk & book several at once?

    • Shannon Albert April 28, 2014

      Yep, just 1 at a time. Once you’ve used that 1, you can get another.

    • Cate April 29, 2014

      Thank you so much Shannon, for all your work researching & communicating with all of us!!!

  9. Beth Ivey April 27, 2014 Reply

    Do you still suggest Hollywood Studios in the mornings for 1/2 day parks, during Star Wars weekends? We are of course doing a whole day in HS, but we were going to 1/2 AK and 1/2 day HS that night for the special fireworks, and dinner @ Sci-fi. What do you think?

  10. Mike April 27, 2014 Reply

    So Soarin Fastpass reservations are running out just like the old system ? Test track as well?

    I may need to change my reservations so I’m guaranteed to ride Soarin with f p +

    • Maria B April 30, 2014

      Well, I think I would try to book a FP+ for Soarin’ as early as I could, based on the advice I have read on this site. For example, my 60 day window opens in June. If I wait and don’t book right away, I may still get a fast pass, but not for the time frame I want. And, most likely, if I wait too long, I won’t get one at all. It sounds like some of the times will be “held back” for the people in the 30 day booking window (staying outside the property), but I am not sure if booking a FP+ for Soarin’ the day before you plan to ride will be successful.

      If you plan to show up at rope drop, you won’t have to worry. Just make sure you have a FP+ for at least two of these rides. I would pick Test Track and Mission Space. I would show up early to ride Soarin’.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Start here

  • Crowd Calendars
    • January Crowd Calendar
    • February Crowd Calendar
    • March Crowd Calendar
    • April Crowd Calendar
    • May Crowd Calendar
    • June Crowd Calendar
    • July Crowd Calendar
    • August Crowd Calendar
    • September Crowd Calendar
    • October Crowd Calendar
    • November Crowd Calendar
    • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
    • Magic Kingdom
    • Epcot
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
    • Typhoon Lagoon
    • Blizzard Beach
    • Disney Springs
    • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Resorts
    • On-Site
    • Off-Site
    • Disney World Value Resorts
    • Disney World Moderate Resorts
    • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
    • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
    • Dining Basics
    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
    • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
    • Mask tips for Disney World trips
    • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
    • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
    • Choosing when to visit in 2021
    • How to tour Disney World right now
    • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
    • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
    • Where to find characters right now
    • How transportation works now
  • Mobile

More Goodies

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search

I just got back from a five night stay at Coronado Springs and had the best time! Even though I went during the busy season I barely waited in any lines and was able to do everything I wanted!

Jonathan C.

Meet us there


IG

FB

PI

TW

YT

EM

WDWprepschool.com is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, the Walt Disney Company.

PRIVACY POLICY

© 2021 PREP SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS, INC.

WDW PREP SCHOOL ON INSTAGRAM​

Last day of Festival of the Arts. Bring on Flower Last day of Festival of the Arts. Bring on Flower and Garden! Starts March 3.
It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon. 📸 @kat It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon. 📸 @katiedidlynn
New “EARidescent” decor coming for the 18-mont New “EARidescent” decor coming for the 18-month long 50th celebration that officially begins on October 1.

Colorful outfits for Mickey and Minnie (do you like them better than the previous confetti version?), embellishments on Cinderella Castle, plus projections on the other park icons have been announced so far.

Was hoping for more, but I suspect they’ll be dripping the info out as they learn more about how things are going safety-wise.

What are your thoughts? Will you be making a trip for the 50th? We will!

Swipe to see all of the announcement pics. ➡️
It. Is. Time. 🦁 Festival of the Lion King retur It. Is. Time. 🦁 Festival of the Lion King returns this summer!

It’ll be in a modified form for safety purposes. No specific reopening date given, but so happy the list of things to look forward to keeps growing. 🙌
Load More... Follow on Instagram