Last week, I introduced the new FASTPASS system at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, and I provided tips on how to prioritize your FASTPASS+ selections (click here to read the post). This week, I'll present the potential pitfalls of this new system, and I'll give advice on how to avoid them.
Pitfall #1: You're an onsite resort guest, so you've made your three FASTPASS reservations ahead of time. However, once you're in the park, you realize that you're not going to make it to one of your reservations (or you decide you'd rather experience a different attraction instead of one you've reserved). Solution: You can modify FASTPASS+ times and attractions at one of the several FASTPASS kiosks throughout the theme parks. OR, download the My Disney Experience app and make the changes on your smartphone. Please note, however, that changes to FASTPASS time slots and selections are subject to availability.
Pitfall #2: You're an offsite guest, so you will not be able to make your FASTPASS reservations before your trip. Instead, you'll need to make them at one of the kiosks in the theme park you will be visiting that day, but you know that FASTPASS slots are limited, especially for the most popular attractions. Solution: Arrive 30-40 minutes before the park opens so that you are in the front of the pack. Head immediately to the most popular attraction on your "wish-list" and ride it in the standby line. Then, find the nearest kiosk and make your FASTPASS reservations for the rest of the day.
Pitfall #3: Not everybody in your group is old enough or tall enough to experience the same attractions, so you are unsure of how to manage your FASTPASS reservations. Solution #1: Make the same FASTPASS reservations for everyone in your group and then use Parent Swap (more on that in next week's blog) to take turns riding the height-restrictive attractions. Solution #2: Make different FASTPASS reservations for different members of the group at the same or similar time slots (the system will allow you to do this).
Pitfall #4: You are an onsite guest with dining reservations, and you discover that the My Disney Experience system will not let you make FASTPASS+ reservations for two hours after a dining reservation is scheduled to begin (but you know it won't take two whole hours to eat). Solution: Do NOT link your dining reservations to your My Disney Experience account. Create a separate account with an alternate e-mail address, and make your dining reservations with that account instead.
Pitfall #5: You are an onsite Disney resort guest (so you've made your FASTPASS+ reservations online), but you will be joined by some offsite guests in the parks (who won't be able to make their FASTPASS reservations ahead of time). Solution: Arrive 30-40 minutes prior to park opening. Choose one headliner attraction to ride in the standby line together. Then, head to the nearest kiosk center together. Try to get two kiosks next to each other and coordinate your FASTPASS times as closely as possible. You may need to switch some of your own times to accommodate same-day FASTPASS+ availability. Note: In this case, it is extremely important to have a solid touring plan.
That covers the most common potential pitfalls of the new FASTPASS+ system, but more issues will likely arise as this system rolls into its second full week. As always, e-mail me at disneymadeeasy@yahoo.com with specific questions pertaining to your own situation; I'd be happy to answer them!
Meredith McCutcheon
Owner, Magic Minus the Mayhem
Rochester Hills, MI
