Time Saver #3: Skip the Lines with FASTPASS

Does the name of this guideline have your attention? Well, you won’t be able to skip the lines on every attraction. But you can on the most popular attractions — the ones that are notorious for long lines — if you use FASTPASS.

FASTPASS is a free service on selected attractions that basically allows you to reserve a future riding time. It’s free for everyone! Here’s how it works.

If FASTPASS is available on the attraction, you will see these signs at the entrance:

• “Stand By” with the estimated waiting time.
• “FASTPASS Distribution” with a display that gives the time — usually an hour’s span, such as 2:30-3:30 PM — when you could return if you picked up a FASTPASS ticket right then.
• “FASTPASS Return” and a clock that says the current time.

How to Use FASTPASS

Let’s start with the basic steps.

1. When you walk up to the attraction, check the waiting time for the Stand By queue and the Return Time on the FASTPASS Pickup. If the Stand By line is too long and the Return Time is acceptable, go the FASTPASS Pickup.
2. Insert your park admission ticket (which may be your resort key card) into the FASTPASS machine.
3. The machine will eject a paper FASTPASS ticket with the return time. Check your ticket to verify the time and to see when you can pickup another FASTPASS. Repeat for everyone who wants to ride.
4. Enjoy other attractions, take a break for food or shopping, or just relax until your return time.
5. At the return time, go back to the FASTPASS Return queue and enjoy the attraction with little or no wait.
6. Although it is not official policy, you will be probably be admitted if you return after the time block printed on your FASTPASS.
7. You may pick up another FASTPASS — at that attraction or another park attraction — after the time printed on your FASTPASS.

Tips and Tricks

So now you know the basics. Let’s look at some little tricks to get the most out of the FASTPASS service.

Send a Runner

On Guide #8, Arrive at the Theme Parks Early, there are several suggestions to pick up a FASTPASS ticket. Basically, you need FASTPASS tickets for everyone in your group.

The easiest way is to send one person with everyone’s admission ticket to the FASTPASS pickup. The rest of your group can go ahead (walking less quickly) to the next attraction on the list. The runner picks up FASTPASS tickets for everyone, then goes to the next attraction and meets up with the rest of your group.

You can use this technique any time. Whenever you’re able to pick up a FASTPASS, send a runner with all your admission tickets.

(I’m usually the runner because I’m great at slipping through the crowds. Our son also volunteers to pick up FASTPASS tickets because he loves the challenge!)

Know Which Attractions Have FASTPASS

The attractions with FASTPASS are marked on the theme park maps, and I have notes on the Mouse Maps.

Here’s a list to get you started … I’ve arranged them by priority. The ones at the top of list are in greatest demand and should be picked up as early in the day as possible.

Magic Kingdom

• Splash Mountain
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Space Mountain
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Jungle Cruise
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Stitch’s Great Escape

Epcot

• Soarin’ in the Land Pavilion
• Test Track
• Mission: SPACE
• Maelstrom in the Norway Pavilion
• “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” in the Imagination Pavilion
• Living with the Land in the Land Pavilion

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
• Star Tours
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Expedition Everest
• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Kali River Rapids
• Primeval Whirl
• DINOSAUR!
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!

Ride Your Favorite Attraction Twice

This suggestion is a little different from my suggestions in Guide #8, Arrive at the Theme Parks Early. But if you have an absolute favorite — an attraction that you must do or your vacation won’t be complete! — use this trick to ride twice in a row if FASTPASS is available.

When the park opens, go straight to that attraction. Immediately get a FASTPASS, then get in the Stand-By line, which should be very short. Enjoy your ride! By the time you get off, your FASTPASS Return Time should be available, so take your second ride.

If your FASTPASS Return Time isn’t immediately available, it should be soon.

Manage Your FASTPASS Tickets

Disney limits how many FASTPASS tickets you can hold at one time and when you can pick up another ticket.

Generally, you won’t be able to pick up another FASTPASS until the Return Time on your first ticket starts. Check your FASTPASS ticket for exceptions — which is possible if your Return Turn is several hours away.

Sometimes the time you can get another ticket seems kind of random… Don’t even try to figure it out. Just stick with the rules.

Use Stand-By If the Wait Time Is Less Than 30 Minutes

What if the Stand By wait time isn’t too long? Go ahead and get in line!

My standard is 30 minutes. If the Stand By time is 30 minutes or less, I’ll usually just get in line and save my FASTPASS privileges.

Never get in line without knowing how long the wait will be. Be sure to check the wait time posted at the entrance of every ride!