One of the most underrated free tools that Disney has implemented for guest satisfaction is the FastPass+ system.
If you don’t know about FastPass, the idea is quite simple:
Skip the standby line for select experiences, which includes attractions, shows and character greetings. FastPass+ is included with your theme park admission.
But there are things that you can do to better your chances of getting the best reservations, and I’ll be sharing my own personal tips and tricks…because we’re all friends here!
Strategies for getting Popular Fastpass Reservations
BOOK EARLY
Guests who are staying at a Disney Resort (or Disney Springs Resort) have the opportunity to book up to 60 days in advance of their check-in date. This is different for non-resort guests, who can book up to 30 days in advance. The obvious recommendation is to book as soon as your window opens, but this is our first tip…so let’s make it a goodie!
On the day your booking window opens, you should have a plan to start making your FastPass reservations at 7am EST.
Related Article: Fastpass Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
START AT THE END OF YOUR VACATION
You’re able to book your entire vacation’s FastPass+ reservations on the 60 day mark for your check-in day. This unfortunately means that you probably won’t get your first choices because everyone who had an earlier check-in date…will have already booked the best reservations.
My tip is quite simple – start at the end and then work backwards if you can’t get what you want.
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KNOW YOUR TOP PRIORITIES
I’m not able to tell you exactly what FastPass+ reservations that you and your party will want to experience, but there are general understandings of the best selections to make.
- Magic Kingdom – Ranking Magic Kingdom FastPass+ Attractions
- EPCOT – Epcot FastPass Recommendations
- Animal Kingdom – Disney Animal Kingdom FastPass Recommendations
- Hollywood Studios – Because there are only a couple, you’ll want to try for Slinky Dog & Toy Story Mania
TIERS CAN BE MISLEADING
EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom all have tiers with their FastPass+ reservations. That being said, there are distinct winners for each of the parks!
- EPCOT – Frozen Ever After is the best if you can get it. You can Rope Drop Soarin’ and Test Track has Single Rider Line…and Illuminations has great views in the Italy Pavilion!
- Hollywood Studios – Slinky Dog Dash is the winner!
- Animal Kingdom – Flight of Passage is the only way to go! Getting a Navi River Journey FastPass is a mistake that I’ll never make again.
WAKE UP AND CHECK DAILY
I know it’s a pain in the neck, but the more that you check for updated reservations…the better chance that you’ll have to get last minute cancellations.
Personally, I’m a fan of getting a full slate of reservations on the first day and then try to fill out my schedule throughout the remaining 59 days:)
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REMEMBER THE ADDITIONAL FASTPASS SELECTIONS
When you’ve used your first three reservations, you can visit an in-park kiosk or on your My Disney Experience App and make an additional reservation (if available).
There’s a hidden gem though, as you can make an additional selection and it DOESN’T have to be in the park that you made your first reservations in. This means that if you’ve got a Park Hopper ticket, you’re able to possibly grab a FP for another park and then head over there for the rest of the day.
Granted, your priority should be one park…but adding more fun with less lines is always welcome!
There are always one-offs and lucky breaks with FastPass+ reservations, but it’s all about being persistent and knowing what you want. I’ve got great luck in the past with logging in the week before and getting Flight of Passage selections…so be open and just have fun with it.
Don’t stress and definitely don’t brag – because at the end of the day, your vacation is about creating long-lasting memories for you and your party! Karma isn’t something that I talk about often, but I once bragged about a last-minute Pirates of the Caribbean reservation and 5 minutes before my return time…the attraction went down for the day! Be humble;)