FastPass+… What’s that?

Disney’s FASTPASS.  I remember when this was first introduced back in 1999!  What a lifesaver this little ticket is, and there is no additional fee to use this service.  Sweet!  The process is easy.  Walk up to the ride you want to go on, insert your park ticket into the designated FASTPASS machine, receive your park ticket back and a FASTPASS giving you an assigned block of time to return to the ride.  Enjoy other attractions in the park, while waiting for your assigned return time.  Head back to the ride during your assigned time, and walk on with minimal wait.

However, there are some disappointing limitations to the FASTPASS program, such as only having one FASTPASS at a time per park ticket or having to wait up to two hours before you can get a second FASTPASS.  Another downfall is lack of available passes.  The number of passes is limited based on how many people an attraction can hold per hour.  A portion of that number is reserved for the FASTPASS program, and the remaining availability is given to those who choose to wait in the stand-by queue.  For the popular attractions, the daily allotment of FASTPASS tickets depletes very quickly, which leaves no other option than to wait.  What does that mean exactly?  Well, if you are visiting a park with a popular ride, it forces you to grab a FASTPASS almost immediately upon entering the park, potentially waiting several hours for your ride time, and waiting several hours before you can get a new FASTPASS.  Essentially, that means you are going to be waiting in lines either way.  That stinks.

Well, time for a change.  An improvement.  Disney is testing a new program:  FastPass+.

So what’s the difference?  Are there any improvements?  FastPass+ is currently in a trial and test phase.  Lucky vacationers are being sent FastPass+ passes prior to their trip.  (I hope they send one to me for my upcoming trip, but that would be totally random).  Either way, In recent years, Disney has made a lot of improvements in the queues.  They are interactive!  They are interesting!  The lines are just as long, but at least you have something to do…  and it keeps the kids entertained.  Good job, Disney…  took you long enough.

Getting back to FastPass+.  So they are in the experimental phase.  Several vacationers are receiving these in the mail prior to their upcoming Disney trip.  They receive a packet with their cards and instructions:  log in at https://fastpassplus.disney.go.com and make your choices, right from your living room!  Currently, the Magic Kingdom park is being tested, so you pick 4 experiences you want to use your FastPass+ tickets for.  What am I shocked to see on the list of choices??  Parades.  Fireworks.  Character Meet and Greets.  I mean, we all knew rides would be on there, but reserving a parade viewing or character greet time?  LOVE.

Not sure how they are executing the parade viewing and fireworks, but I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful experience.  During my visit in April, I was given a FASTPASS (not the new kind) for a parade viewing area.  Only people with the passes were allowed in, and I’m assuming it will be the same idea for the FastPass+ program…  but we will see.

So how does it work?  Easy.  You visit the website and make your selections before you ever leave your house.  If you forget, or don’t have the time to do it before you leave, you can make your selections once you arrive.  There are Cast Member standing by at the airport (near the Magical Express check-in), and they have iPads ready for you to make your selections.  Or, if you want to change your selections, you know…  because the flight gave you time to think about your original choices, you can do that, too.

Once you are at the park, you walk up to your selected attraction or event at your reserved time, and pass your card in front of a reader that looks like this:

And you’re off…  or on, or in.  Well, you get it.  Your spot has been reserved in advance, and the Cast Members are there to welcome you.

And if that wasn’t enough, you know those pins that everyone wears advertising their “celebration”?  Well, if you know what I’m talking about, then you’ll get it, but if not, I’ll post abut that another time…  Your “celebrations” are attached to your FastPass+ cards, so when you swipe, the Cast Member will greet you with a smile and a “Happy Birthday, Minnie” or “Congrats on your wedding, Rapunzel.”

Way to go, Disney!