changes to FP since last visit many years ago

[kiwitinkerbell]

Gosh it’s been a few years since I last visited WDW (it’s a long way from New Zealand!) and I see the whole FP system has changed since my last visit. I know there’s a 200+ page thread giving all the information on FP which I will read through but any tips would be greatly appreciated. Planning a trip for next year and soooo excited!

 

[Bete]

Well, first depending where you stay you will have access to make fastpass either 60 or 30 days out of your resort reservation. Right now, the Disney Springs resorts at least for this year has the 60 day privilege. Of course, Disney resorts have 60 days out. All other resorts get 30 days out.

You get 3 fastpass plus reservations per day. To get more if available your time slot for the third FP+ has to have either expired in time or you have done the ride. Some are making their fourth FP+ while their waiting in the ride queue of the third FP+ once you pass the mark of FP entry. Also, keep in mind you are only allowed one tier one FP of your three fastpasses.

AM fastpasses seem to be more popular and therefore get taken quicker. Certain rides like Pandora in AK are in the hard to get category. With the new section opening up in Hollywood Studios pretty soon, I would suspect those rides will be hard to get fastpasses, too. Any new ride seems to be in the hard to get category.

Finally, keep in mind for some shows like Fantasmic and River of Lights you can get a dinner package which will include reserved seating for the show; so, you don't need to use a FP for it. Same is true with Illuminations and MK fireworks with doing a dessert party.


I feel the best stradegy is to do early morning extra magic hours for those who are onsite and the Disney Springs resorts for this year and maybe more? And your three FP+ right after extra magic mornings. Then, by early afternoon you can already be trying for a fourth, fifth and so forth FP+.

 

[mesaboy2]

Gosh it’s been a few years since I last visited WDW (it’s a long way from New Zealand!) and I see the whole FP system has changed since my last visit. I know there’s a 200+ page thread giving all the information on FP which I will read through but any tips would be greatly appreciated. Planning a trip for next year and soooo excited!

Many tips are compiled on the first page, no real need to read further unless you have more specific questions you would like to ask.

 

[CAS239]

You'll want to look at the FP sticky thread and read the first couple posts on the first page. All the info you'll need is right there. No need to read all the pages

 

[Randomsoulshine]

There are also some excellent you tube videos that actually show you how to go through the process of booking a fast pass on your phone or computer using the My Disney experience app. Due to using your phone so much in the park booking additional fast passes it is nice to have a back up charger pack. Have an idea in your mind of which park you are going to and what rides you want to try for and make sure to be on and ready as soon as your fast pass booking window opens. Lastly be flexible as you may not get the times or rides you wanted. And I promise that will not ruin your trip. I have a couple of days that are not flowing like I anticipated but we are going to go with the flow and enjoy each moment. Have a wonderful, magical trip!

 

[hiroMYhero]

In addition to the FP FAQ Sticky, park hopping tips are explained in the FP FAQ ADDENDUM Sticky. There’s also specific booking tips for Long Stays in the Addendum.

 

[kiwitinkerbell]

Thanks for the tips. Oh my gosh this seems so overwhelming. The last time I was at wdw, you just got a fast pass from the machine at the park now you hav to book them up to 60 days out before going? (We will probably stay at pop). I guess I will need to do a plan of what days for what park etc. We do usually do a rough plan depending on early entries etc.
anyway, thanks again.

 

[Randomsoulshine]

Thanks for the tips. Oh my gosh this seems so overwhelming. The last time I was at wdw, you just got a fast pass from the machine at the park now you hav to book them up to 60 days out before going? (We will probably stay at pop). I guess I will need to do a plan of what days for what park etc. We do usually do a rough plan depending on early entries etc.
anyway, thanks again.

You can do this! I liked the old fast pass system but this is actually nice once you get the hang of it. Have an idea which rides your party wants to ride the most and an idea of which rides have the longer waits. Some rides don't really need a fast pass. Pick your park days and then book as soon as your window opens. After that you can research things like how to get additional fast passes etc. You are already ahead of the game by learning ahead of time how it works so good for you! You will have a wonderful trip.

 

[gharter]

The new system really works quit well and I really like being able to book FPs ahead of time. The MDE app is really nice for doing more FPs. It was a hassle to find a kiosk to book more FPs with the previous system.
Read up on FPs and MDE. If you are going to eat at an QS restaurants, the online ordering using MDE is another new great option.
Enjoy!

 

[Christine]

Thanks for the tips. Oh my gosh this seems so overwhelming. The last time I was at wdw, you just got a fast pass from the machine at the park now you hav to book them up to 60 days out before going? (We will probably stay at pop). I guess I will need to do a plan of what days for what park etc. We do usually do a rough plan depending on early entries etc.
anyway, thanks again.

That's how it was when I went last time. I'm not at the park now but my adult son is and I've been helping him out with the new system. I guess it does work okay and it's certainly easy enough to use the app, but, IMO, it's just taken the joy out of everything. Even though I consider myself a planner and I generally try to map out what days I'm going to which parks, this demands just a tad too much planning. But, what are you gonna do! It definitely puts a crimp in spontaneous trips. In the last few years, I also liked staying at vacation homes offsite as well as buying military tickets (great price) when I arrive at the parks. Both of these things hamper your fast pass availability.

 

[kiwitinkerbell]

The new system really works quit well and I really like being able to book FPs ahead of time. The MDE app is really nice for doing more FPs. It was a hassle to find a kiosk to book more FPs with the previous system.
Read up on FPs and MDE. If you are going to eat at an QS restaurants, the online ordering using MDE is another new great option.
Enjoy!

Oh I like the sound of booking restaurants on line rather than phoning as I live in New Zealand - sounds much more convenient - thank you for that info - I will look into it!

 

[Robo]

Oh I like the sound of booking restaurants on line rather than phoning as I live in New Zealand - sounds much more convenient - thank you for that info - I will look into it!

You can certainly pre-book your Table Service restaurants on-line with MDX.
That's been a long-standing feature.
But, that's not what was being touted by poster @gharter.

The feature mentioned is for actually ORDERING FOOD before you arrive at a QUICK SERVICE (Counter Service) restaurant.
Then, your meals will be ready when you arrive.

 

[kiwitinkerbell]

Omg what next?! That’s amazing!

You can certainly pre-book your Table Service restaurants on-line with MDX.
That's been a long-standing feature.
But, that's not what was being touted by poster @gharter.

The feature mentioned is for actually ORDERING FOOD before you arrive at a QUICK SERVICE (Counter Service) restaurant.
Then, your meals will be ready when you arrive.