Doing MK without Fastpass...crazy?

[Isabel C]

We'll be at Magic Kingdom for one day next Saturday, Jan 21. Our kids are 18, 12 and 3. This is the first time with our youngest. Our problem is that it was a last minute trip and we will not buy our ticket until this week, therefore it will be almost impossible to book FP. We are staying offsite. What options do we have to enjoy our day as much as possible?

 

[Robo]

we will not buy our ticket until this week, therefore it will be almost impossible to book FP.

That idea is incorrect.

Many FP+ will be available for MK a week or less in advance.
You can book for everyone as soon as you do purchase the tickets.
There will even be FP+ available for MK the day-of, when you are there.

Also, the earlier in the morning that you get to the park, the more chances you'll have to ride attractions with shorter wait lines.

 

[Isabel C]

Thanks for your feedback; I have no experience with the new FP system. Everywhere I read says you should book 30 days in advance.

 

[gatorlisa]

It's doable, and not too bad as long as you set your expectations correctly. First of all, there will be same day fastpasses available, and fastpasses available a few days in advance if you have tickets a little early. Maybe not for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and maybe not for the exact times you want, but you'll be able to select something for your fastpasses. If you can be there at park opening, you can hit up the most popular rides in the morning when lines are shorter, then hopefully get some fastpasses for early afternoon, and then start looking for additional same day fastpasses after you've used the first three. In the afternoon, try to use the app to find attractions with shorter wait times. You can totally have a great day without a month or two of planning.

 

[Number Six]

Thanks for your feedback; I have no experience with the new FP system. Everywhere I read says you should book 30 days in advance.

Good advice, but for many things it is not necessary.

 

[cassie58]

gatorlisa gave you good advice above. The 30 days you mentioned is normally when off site guests can start to make FP if they already have tickets, but you can start as soon as you get yours. If you haven't already, set up your MDE account on the Disney site and download app on your phone. As she said, you can then link tickets on there, and pick your first three FP. Hopefully you can get the three for late morning/early afternoon, and then as soon as you check in for 3rd, you can look at what is available for a fourth(and then again for 5th,6th, etc.).

If possible get there early for Rope Drop, to go to popular rides you do not have FP for. Most popular are Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan, and the mountains(Space, Splash, and Big Thunder). As mentioned, Seven Dwarfs may be gone, so you could go there first, as it will have longest lines all day. Peter Pan, crazily enough, is also usually an hour wait, so good to FP or do early. Mountains will have longer waits, then comes Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and Buzz.

Since you have the age gap with kids, you may wnt to split FP, if 3yr. old will not do some rides like Space Mtn, you could do 3 FP for that, and 2 for Winnie the Pooh for example. You just choose the family members from list on your account that want the FP for each ride you choose.