Remember 3,2,1
Many people find the new FastPass+ difficult to understand... And it is. Personally I find it ironic standing in line at the FastPass+ kiosk to reserve my spot in another line. After reading our latest blog below, you should be able to master the FastPass+ system and unveil the infamous 4th FastPass+ selection. Maybe even a 5th or 6th!
3 Selections per day:
Using the "My Disney Experience" app, or Disney.com will allow you to pre-select up to 3 attractions to ride or experiences in any one park you plan to visit that day.
2 Ride Categories:
When you select your FastPass+ options most parks break down their attractions into 2 categories. For example: Epcot will only allow you to get a FastPass+ for Soarin' or Test Track, but not both. Of course, as you read on in this post you will see there is a (not so secret) secret way to add additional FastPass+ selections throughout your day.
1 Hour ride window:
You will be given a time frame of 1 hour to enter the FastPass+ entrance. Each entrance has 2 scanners, 1 on each side. Most guests will group together at one scanner and only use one side, but be savvy from reading this blog and use both sides. Also, it is important to note that there is a 5 minute cushion on each side of your time frame. This allows you to scan your Magic Band at 12:55 for your 1:00 FastPass+.
Using the "My Disney Experience" app, or Disney.com will allow you to pre-select up to 3 attractions to ride or experiences in any one park you plan to visit that day.
2 Ride Categories:
When you select your FastPass+ options most parks break down their attractions into 2 categories. For example: Epcot will only allow you to get a FastPass+ for Soarin' or Test Track, but not both. Of course, as you read on in this post you will see there is a (not so secret) secret way to add additional FastPass+ selections throughout your day.
1 Hour ride window:
You will be given a time frame of 1 hour to enter the FastPass+ entrance. Each entrance has 2 scanners, 1 on each side. Most guests will group together at one scanner and only use one side, but be savvy from reading this blog and use both sides. Also, it is important to note that there is a 5 minute cushion on each side of your time frame. This allows you to scan your Magic Band at 12:55 for your 1:00 FastPass+.
You Can Pre-Select your 3 Attractions 60 Days In Advance
Make your selections as early as possible. Mark it on your calendar and plan ahead. Disney lists their park hours 180 days in advance. By the 60 day mark you should already know which park you will be visiting on each day of your trip. Many factors can play into your decision, but if you are staying on Disney property you'll usually be attending the park with Extra Magic Hours. Many major attractions such as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Toy Story Midway Mania book out far in advance...
Check Back & Check Back Often
If you missed out on the attraction you were hoping for, be sure to check back and check back often. Other guests may release their selection due to plan changes, and Disney could also release more openings for your selected attraction as your date draws closer. This tip is also relevant for dining reservations!
The Infamous "4th Pass"
The one you have been waiting for... How do you get more than 3 FastPass+ selections per day? The answer is easy, but overlooked by many park guests. Once all 3 of your FastPass+ selection have ended... (repeat, ENDED, not used, but ended...) you will be able to visit a FastPass+ kiosk and select an additional FastPass+ for any available attraction. (You will not be able to add additional passes through the app or website.)This includes attractions in both categories. Missed out on Test Track because you chose Soarin'? Now you will be able to get a FastPass+ for Test Track as long as there is one available. You can repeat this process at the END of your new FastPass+ selection. (To clarify this: If your pass is good from 1:00 - 2:00 you may get a new pass at 2:01 even if you used your pass at 1:00.)
Now here is the trick to an early "4th pass":
I use this trick at Epcot the most because of the limited category selection. Pick one of your FastPass+ selections for a time before you even plan to arrive at the park. Choose an attraction that you can usually just walk right on such as Captain EO or Journey Into Imagination. Miss it. It's ok to miss your FastPass+. You're that much closer to using up your 3 FastPass+ selections allowing you to choose a premium ride experience such as Soarin' or Test Track. If you hold onto your 3rd pass all day for a ride you can just walk right on anyway... you are wasting your ability to get a better pass. I hope this tip makes sense to you. Have a magical day at Disney!
Now here is the trick to an early "4th pass":
I use this trick at Epcot the most because of the limited category selection. Pick one of your FastPass+ selections for a time before you even plan to arrive at the park. Choose an attraction that you can usually just walk right on such as Captain EO or Journey Into Imagination. Miss it. It's ok to miss your FastPass+. You're that much closer to using up your 3 FastPass+ selections allowing you to choose a premium ride experience such as Soarin' or Test Track. If you hold onto your 3rd pass all day for a ride you can just walk right on anyway... you are wasting your ability to get a better pass. I hope this tip makes sense to you. Have a magical day at Disney!