Avoid Long Lines with FASTPASS
It's everyone's dream to visit one of the Disney World theme parks and discover the place is absolutely empty — with none of those dreaded lines, even for the most popular rides. Well, the chances of that dream coming true, no matter how much pixie dust you use, are slim (unless you visit the first two weeks of September and the first two weeks in December). Thanks to WDW's FASTPASS, however, visitors don't have to wait hours at a time to experience the most popular rides within the various Disney theme parks.
Combine careful planning with the FASTPASS system, and you'll be able to enjoy most or all of each park's most popular rides without having to wait for hours at a time in line to experience each of them. FASTPASS use is free of charge to all theme park visitors.
HOT SPOT
Soarin', Mission: SPACE, and Test Track are three of the most popular attractions at Epcot; therefore, there's almost always a long wait, so a FASTPASS is highly recommended.
When you approach a ride that supports FASTPASS, you'll see two clocks located near the ride's entrance. One clock displays the estimated wait time in the regular line. The second clock displays the current return time for people using FASTPASS.
If you choose to use FASTPASS, simply insert your theme park admission ticket (resort ID or annual pass) into the special kiosk located near the ride's entrance. A special pass will be printed explaining what time to return to the ride. For example, if it's 1:00 P.M. when you approach the ride for the first time, and you insert your ticket into the FASTPASS turnstile, you may be told to return to the ride between 2:30 and 3:30 P.M., at which time you can proceed directly to the ride's preshow or boarding area. There will then be little or no wait.
TRAVEL TIP
Guests are given a one-hour window during which they can return to experience the ride once they take advantage of FASTPASS. So if the printed FASTPASS ticket you receive indicates you should return at 2:00 P.M., for example, you can arrive at the ride's entrance anywhere between 2:00 and 3:00 P.M.
Using FASTPASS is like making a reservation to experience a ride, without having to wait in line. While guests can't specify a specific time they'd like to experience a ride, it is possible to save considerable time and avoid waiting in long lines. While you're waiting for your designated FASTPASS time, you're free to experience other rides, shows, and attractions within the theme park.
Guests are only allowed one FASTPASS for one ride at a time. So, if you're waiting to experience Splash Mountain, for example, and you have ninety minutes until your designated boarding time, you can't race over to Space Mountain and also take advantage of FASTPASS there until after you've experienced Splash Mountain.
Since FASTPASS works with many of the most popular rides within each of Disney's theme parks, you can use this free feature to help plan your day and ensure that you're able to experience everything you'd like to during your visit to each park. FASTPASS is particularly useful if you're traveling with young kids, who are typically impatient and hate waiting in lines, especially on a hot day.
If used correctly, FASTPASS can save you up to two hours each day. This gives you up to 25 percent more time to experience rides and attractions, as opposed to waiting in long lines for the popular attractions.
