FASTPASS

The FastPass, FastPass+, and MaxPass programs were retired in Disney World and Disneyland in 2021. Disney subsequently launched the paid Genie+ program. Click here to learn more about it. 

 

What is FASTPASS??

FASTPASS is Disney’s innovative system to help reduce long waits at popular attractions. It was introduced in 1999 and has been very successful.

Can Anyone Take Advantage of FASTPASS?

Absolutely! Any park guest can use FASTPASS. You do NOT have to have any special tickets or be staying at a Disney resort hotel. FASTPASS is available to EVERYONE.


How Much Does FASTPASS Cost?

FASTPASS is included in your admission to the park. There is NO extra charge to use the system.

How is it Different From MaxPass?

Disney Maxpass is an add-on for an additional charge. It will allow you to make digital FASTPASS selections so that you don’t have to visit a FASTPASS kiosk, but it does not give any special priority, nor allow you to have multiple FASTPASSes. You can read more about Disney MaxPass HERE.

How does it work?

When you approach a FASTPASS Attraction you will see 2 clocks. The first one will tell you how long the normal wait time is, if you got in line right then. The other clock tells you what time you should return if you got a FASTPASS ticket now.

Go to the FASTPASS ticket machine and insert your park admission ticket. EACH PERSON MUST INSERT THEIR TICKET TO GET A FASTPASS! A piece of paper will come out indicating your FASTPASS return time, but the FASTPASS is actually on your ticket, and you must scan your ticket when you return to the attraction to use your FASTPASS. The paper is only a reminder of your FASTPASS window.

Once your FASTPASS time has arrived, return to the attraction and get in the line for FASTPASS holders! Be sure to have your park ticket out so it can be scanned at the entrance.

Even if you only want to see the Pre-Show and have no intentions of getting on the ride/attraction — if you want to go with your party through the FASTPASS line you WILL need a FASTPASS!

Persons doing the Child Swap — Each of you and your child NEEDS a FASTPASS ticket! EXCEPTION: If your child is under 3 and was admitted to the park for free, you do not need a FASTPASS ticket for them.

Ok, now technically speaking, how does it work?

FASTPASS is essentially a “virtual” queuing system – guests who obtain a FASTPASS are entered into a virtual queue in the computer which saves their space in line and then (based upon how many guests are in front of them in the virtual queue) calculates the time it would take to come to the front of the line – this becomes their return time.

What about Peak Attendance Times? Are the waits longer? Does FASTPASS Still work?

If the FASTPASS system works the way it should, wait times to board attractions after returning with FASTPASS should usually be under 5 minutes, but not exceed 15 minutes (unless there was a recent attraction downtime or other unusual situation).

The FASTPASS wait time should not be any longer during peak periods, because the computerized system automatically spreads the FASTPASS guests evenly throughout the day regardless of attendance level. The only thing different during peak periods is that since FASTPASS demand is higher the return time (assigned time to come back) will be longer.

Therefore, during peak periods when there are more guests in the virtual queue the return time gets extended further out into the day. For most attractions the return time is usually between 40 and 90 minutes and rarely extends beyond 2 hours. Very popular attractions, like Space Mountain, Radiator Springs Racers, and Soarin’, will sometimes have a return time over 4 hours away – or you may find that all the available FASTPASSES for the entire day have been distributed.

Are there cast members at the FASTPASS machines to handle questions, problems, etc.?

Yes, Cast Members are usually located near the FASTPASS machines to assist you with questions or problems.

Can one member of a family get FASTPASSES by carrying everyone’s admission tickets for the whole family and running them through the machine or does everyone have to go through the line w/their admissions tickets in order to get their FASTPASS ?

Everyone does not have to go to the FASTPASS machine. However, before you separate from your family/party, be sure to get each person’s admission ticket. You can only get ONE FASTPASS per ticket and EACH person needs one.

My child is 2 years old and won’t require an admission ticket. Does she still need a FASTPASS ticket?

No, children who do not require admission media would just enter with the accompanying adult at their Fastpass time. There should also always be an attendant nearby the FASTPASS machines if there is any question.

What happens if the ride breaks down or goes offline?

If this happens, the system should stop issuing tickets. You will have the opportunity to use the FASTPASS you acquired anytime during the rest of that day, once the attraction is operating normally again.

Can I request a specific time to return?

No, you can not request a specific return time. The times are all computerized and you will only be allowed to enter the FASTPASS line during the time stated on your FASTPASS ticket.

If the FASTPASS says 1:00 – 2:00 can it be used after 2:00 or does it expire?

The FASTPASS expires, unless the attraction has gone down for an extended period of time. In the past guests were allowed to use expired FASTPASSES, but that is no longer the policy unless the ride has gone down.

If the FASTPASS says 1:00 – 2:00 can I get a second FASTPASS at 2:01?

Yes, and maybe sooner. It used to be that you could not get a second FASTPASS until your “window” opened on your first FASTPASS. But if your FASTPASS return time is a LONG time in the future (e.g. 2-4 hours), that meant you couldn’t get another FASTPASS in between. The system has been modified and the FASTPASS reminder tickets state at the bottom the time at which you can obtain another FASTPASS – even if you haven’t yet used the first one.

Let’s say I have a FASTPASS for Indiana Jones at 10 a.m. I ride at 10 a.m., exit at 10:30 and then walk over to Splash Mountain before 11 a.m. Can I get a new FASTPASS for Splash Mountain?

Yes, the machine will issue you a new FASTPASS.

If I have a FASTPASS for Space Mountain for 1:00 to 2:00. Can I ride Space Mountain as many times as I want using FASTPASS in between those hours?

No, you can only ride it once per FASTPASS.

Can I have multiple FASTPASS tickets at one time?

It used to be that you could not hold more than one FASTPASS at a time, but, again, depending on crowds and the individual attraction sometimes you may find that you can obtain more than one FASTPASS at a time.

Are there FASTPASS machines at other locations in the parks?

The FASTPASS machines for each attraction are only located at that attraction.

What attractions are FASTPASS Attractions?

DISNEYLAND

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Frontierland
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Tomorrowland
Fantasmic! – Fastpasses available near the Frontierland dock
Haunted Mansion – New Orleans Square
Indiana Jones Adventure – Adventureland
“it’s a small world” – Fantasyland
Matterhorn Bobsleds – Fantasyland
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – Toontown
Space Mountain – Tomorrowland
Splash Mountain – Critter Country
Star Tours – Tomorrowland

DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Incredicoaster – Pixar Pier
Grizzly River Run – Grizzly Peak
Goofy’s Sky School – Paradise Gardens Park
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! – Hollywood Land
Radiator Springs Racers – Cars Land
Soarin’ Around the World – Grizzly Peak
Toy Story Midway Mania – Pixar Pier
World of Color – Fastpasses available near the Embarcadero.

How will I know for sure what attractions are FASTPASS attractions?

The Park Guide Maps will indicate which attractions are FASTPASS attractions. You can also ask any Cast Member.

Do I have to wait at all if I have a FASTPASS?

Yes, FASTPASS ticket holders may have to wait in line for the attraction. The key is, you won’t have to wait AS LONG as if you stood in the regular line. (See explanation above regarding Peak Attendance times.)

Are FASTPASS Tickets issued during the entire time the park is open?

No, FASTPASS tickets are not issued all day long. Often the FASTPASS ticket machines may be shut down a couple hours before closing time. During off-peak times, FASTPASS will often be shut down when the standby wait time is under 30 minutes. Also when all available return times have been issued, FASTPASS is closed for the rest of the day. At some popular attractions, this can happen as early as 11 a.m. Keep in mind that technical problems can close the FASTPASS system just as they do the attractions themselves.

What happens if I get a FASTPASS and the time stated is not good, like at the same time as a priority seating for a meal? Can I cancel it so that it won’t ruin my ability to get another FASTPASS at another attraction?

No, you can’t turn it in, so to speak. HOWEVER, you should be able to find out what times are being given out when you approach the FASTPASS Machines. They are indicated on the signs above the machines. If you can’t tell, be sure and ask a Cast Member prior to getting your ticket.

What if I get a FASTPASS and then can’t use it?

Unfortunately since it’s tied to your park ticket you can’t give it away. Simply let it expire.

Disney FastPass