Disney 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.
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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)
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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.
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Questions about the FastPass+ changes or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.
18 Comments
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?
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
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
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
Mark Vukelich – thanks for the tip! I’ll give it a try!
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?
Yep! You can do that.
Awesome, thanks for the info…
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.
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!
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!
All 3 of your initial FastPass+ reservations must be booked in the same park.
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?
Yep, just 1 at a time. Once you’ve used that 1, you can get another.
Thank you so much Shannon, for all your work researching & communicating with all of us!!!
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?
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 +
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’.