A lot of people are getting confused with all the new things that have been happening at Walt Disney World and that will be arriving over the course of the next few months. That includes the Magic Bands and especially the new FASTPass+ system, and that is why Doctor Disney is here to explain.
Just about all of us are familiar with the traditional Disney FASTPass system, and if you’re not, that link will tell you all you need to know. The new FASTPass+ will work mainly in the same way, but with some differences thrown in.
As of this writing on Aug. 20, 2013, FASTPass+ has not yet been put into use for all Disney guests as it is still in the testing phases. It is expected to be launched in full by the end of 2013.
IMPORTANT: The information given here is not set in stone and could change at any time. Disney is indeed still testing the FASTPass+ system and things could be altered or changed before it becomes official and rolls out in full.
So as of now and by studying the testing that has been done so far, this will be part on of how the new FASTPass+ system is to work.
The biggest change is that guests will now be able to select their “return time window” for the attractions they wish to ride. They will be given options so that the FASTPass+ guests can actually schedule their times.
For example, if a guest wishes to get a FASTPass+ for Pirates of the Caribbean, they’ll be given options on My Disney Experience in one-hour time windows such as 4:15-5:15 pm, 7:00-8:00 pm, and so on. This allows guests to schedule that attraction – with guaranteed little wait time – into their day.
Remember: The one-hour return window is still enforced and you must go to the attraction during that time in order to take advantage of your FASTPass+.
One of the other big time differences from the old system is that guests will now be able to schedule FASTPass+ reservations in advance of their Disney trips. As of now, word is that it is three weeks in advance of their check-in date (kind of like the 180-day dining reservation deal).
FASTPass+ reservations will be made through My Disney Experience and linked to your trip and Magic Bands or Key to the World cards.
Let it be known that FASTPass+ will only be available to those guests that are staying at Walt Disney World Resorts. It will not be available for those staying off property or those that are day guests and visiting the parks through ticket-purchase only.
That is how FASTPass+ is going to work in a nutshell, but there is still so much more that needs to be taught. Doctor Disney will return tomorrow for Part Two of explaining the new FASTPass+ system and how it all works.
Tomorrow’s edition will even include the dreaded: Limiting guests to only three FASTPasses per day.
Will AP holders have access to FP+? I’m heading back down in a couple of days, and I am finding the lack of information for APs to be extremely frustrating. Locking us out of the process is a bit of a kick in the teeth.
Jay, as of now, AP holders – myself included – don’t have access to FP+ unless they are staying at a Disney Resort. As said, it’s still in the testing phases so that could change, but it’s just not accessible yet for APs.
If you have My Disney Experience and link your AP to it, you’ll see that you’re not able to access FP+. Well, unless they’ve changed it since last night.
Doctor Disney, I’m a little confused on FP vs FP+: Does Disney plan to have both running at the same time, in addition to standby lines? Will Disney eventually get rid of regular FP and solely use FP+?
FP and FP+ will run at the exact same time, but no attractions will use both. At this time, Disney Resort guests will have access to both while those not staying at a Disney Resort will just have access to regular FP. The thing is, attractions with FP will have FP and standby running. Attractions with FP+ will have it running along with standby.
There is no word of getting rid of the old-fashioned paper FPs at this time, but it could happen.
Have they made available the list of attractions that will only have FP+??
Here you go, Sheryl: http://www.doctordisney.com/list-of-fastpass-attractions-throughout-walt-disney-world/