Fast Pass - How does it work?
- Thread starter Huntava
- Start date
BigTiggerGuy
HHN Here We Come Again!!!!
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2005
- Messages
- 262
Hi!
Fastpass is really easy. Only certain rides have them....but it's usually all of the big ones. When you approach a ride with fast pass you will see a sign above the entrance telling you what time to return if you get a fast pass. For example, if you went to Splash Mountain at 12pm the fast pass sign might read, "Return between 2:15-3:15pm." If that time works for you, simply go to the fast pass distribution machine(located next to the ride entrance), insert your park ticket into the machine and it will print out a small voucher with your return times. At the bottom of the fast pass it will also tell you the earliest time you may obtain a fast pass for another ride.....you can't have multiple fast passes at the same time. When your return time rolls around simply return to the ride and hand your fast pass ticket to the CM located under the "Fast Pass Return" sign in front of the ride. It's really easy. I just returned a few days ago and used Fast Passes for Soarin' and Splash Mountain. Good Luck!
Fastpass is really easy. Only certain rides have them....but it's usually all of the big ones. When you approach a ride with fast pass you will see a sign above the entrance telling you what time to return if you get a fast pass. For example, if you went to Splash Mountain at 12pm the fast pass sign might read, "Return between 2:15-3:15pm." If that time works for you, simply go to the fast pass distribution machine(located next to the ride entrance), insert your park ticket into the machine and it will print out a small voucher with your return times. At the bottom of the fast pass it will also tell you the earliest time you may obtain a fast pass for another ride.....you can't have multiple fast passes at the same time. When your return time rolls around simply return to the ride and hand your fast pass ticket to the CM located under the "Fast Pass Return" sign in front of the ride. It's really easy. I just returned a few days ago and used Fast Passes for Soarin' and Splash Mountain. Good Luck!
bytheblood
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2004
- Messages
- 17,343
From All Ears:
Have you used FASTPASS? AllEarsNet®readers highly recommend using FASTPASS!
What is FASTPASS??
FASTPASS is Disney's innovative system to help reduce long waits at popular attractions. It was introduced in 1999 and has been very successful.
Can Anyone Take Advantage of FASTPASS?
Absolutely! Any park guest can use FASTPASS. You do NOT have to have any special tickets or be staying at a Disney resort hotel. FASTPASS is available to EVERYONE.
How Much Does FASTPASS Cost?
FASTPASS is included in your admission to the park. There is NO extra charge to use the system.
How does it Work?
When you approach a FASTPASS Attraction you will see 2 clocks. The first one will tell you how long the normal wait time is, if you got in line right then. The other clock tells you what time you should return if you got a FASTPASS ticket now.
Go to the FASTPASS ticket machine and insert your admission ticket. EACH PERSON NEEDS A FASTPASS TICKET! Out comes your FASTPASS indicating what time frame you may return to the attraction. You are given a time frame, or "window," and may return during that period. Note that for some attractions, like Honey I Shrunk the Audience (Epcot) and the Little Mermaid Show (Disney MGM-Studios), there is only a 10-15 minute window.
Once your FASTPASS time has arrived, return to the attraction and get in the line for FASTPASS holders! Be sure to have your ticket out and ready to show the Cast Member. Further along in the waiting area, a Cast Member will actually take your FASTPASS ticket.
Even if you only want to see the Pre-Show and have no intentions of getting on the ride/attraction -- if you want to go with your party through the FASTPASS line you WILL need a FASTPASS!
Persons doing the Child Swap -- Each of you and your child NEEDS a FASTPASS ticket! EXCEPTION: If you child is under 3 and was admitted to the park for free, you do not need a FASTPASS ticket for them.
Ok, now technically speaking, how does it work?
FASTPASS is essentially a "virtual" queuing system - guests who obtain a FASTPASS are entered into a virtual queue in the computer which saves their space in line and then (based upon how many guests are in front of them in the virtual queue) calculates the time it would take to come to the front of the line - this becomes their return time.
What about Peak Attendance Times? Are the waits longer? Does FASTPASS Still work?
If the FASTPASS system works the way it should, wait times to board attractions after returning with FASTPASS should usually be under 5 minutes, but not exceed 10 minutes (unless there was a recent attraction downtime or other unusual situation).
The FASTPASS wait time should not be any longer during peak periods, because the computerized system automatically spreads the FASTPASS guests evenly throughout the day regardless of attendance level. The only thing different during peak periods is that since FASTPASS demand is higher the return time (assigned time to come back) will be longer.
Therefore, during peak periods when there are more guests in the virtual queue the return time gets extended further out into the day. For most attractions the return time is usually between 40 and 90 minutes and rarely extends beyond 2 hours. The exception is Test Track at Epcot, which, because of high demand and lower ride capacity, will sometimes have a return time as far as 6 hours out.
Are there cast members at the FASTPASS machines to handle questions, problems, etc.?
Yes, Cast Members are usually located near the FASTPASS machines to assist you with questions or problems.
Can one member of a family get FASTPASSs by carrying everyone's admission tickets for the whole family and running them through the machine or does everyone have to go through the line w/their admissions tickets in order to get their FASTPASS ?
Everyone does not have to go to the FASTPASS machine. However, before you separate from your family/party, be sure to get each person's admission ticket (or resort ID which sometimes includes Park Admission). You can only get ONE FASTPASS per card and EACH person needs one.
My child is 2 years old and won't require an admission ticket. Does she still need a FASTPASS ticket?
No, children who do not require admission media would just enter with the accompanying adult at their Fast Pass time. There should also always be an attendant nearby the Fast Pass machines if there is any question.
What happens if the ride breaks down or goes off-line?
If this happens, the system should stop issuing tickets. You will have the opportunity to use the FASTPASS you acquired anytime during the rest of that day, once the attraction is operating normally again.
Can I request a specific time to return?
No, you can not request a specific return time. The times are all computerized and you will only be allowed to enter the FASTPASS line during the time stated on your FASTPASS ticket.
If the FASTPASSS says 1:00 - 2:00 can it be used after 2:00 or does it expire?
Theoretically, the FASTPASS expires, unless the attraction has gone down for an extended period of time. But frequently Cast Members allow you to use "expired" FASTPASSES.
If the FASTPASS says 1:00 - 2:00 can I get a second FASTPASS at 2:01?
It used to be that you could not get a second FASTPASS until your "window" opened on your first FP. There seems to be some flexibility with this now and you can often obtain a second FP shortly after you receive your first. In fact, most FASTPASSES state when you may obtain another FASTPASS.
Can I have multiple FASTPASS tickets at one time?
It used to be that you could not hold more than one FP at a time, but, again, depending on crowds and the individual attraction sometimes you may find that you can obtain more than one FP at a time.
Are there FASTPASS machines at other locations in the parks?
The FASTPASS machines for each attraction are only located at that attraction.
Have you used FASTPASS? AllEarsNet®readers highly recommend using FASTPASS!
What is FASTPASS??
FASTPASS is Disney's innovative system to help reduce long waits at popular attractions. It was introduced in 1999 and has been very successful.
Can Anyone Take Advantage of FASTPASS?
Absolutely! Any park guest can use FASTPASS. You do NOT have to have any special tickets or be staying at a Disney resort hotel. FASTPASS is available to EVERYONE.
How Much Does FASTPASS Cost?
FASTPASS is included in your admission to the park. There is NO extra charge to use the system.
How does it Work?
When you approach a FASTPASS Attraction you will see 2 clocks. The first one will tell you how long the normal wait time is, if you got in line right then. The other clock tells you what time you should return if you got a FASTPASS ticket now.
Go to the FASTPASS ticket machine and insert your admission ticket. EACH PERSON NEEDS A FASTPASS TICKET! Out comes your FASTPASS indicating what time frame you may return to the attraction. You are given a time frame, or "window," and may return during that period. Note that for some attractions, like Honey I Shrunk the Audience (Epcot) and the Little Mermaid Show (Disney MGM-Studios), there is only a 10-15 minute window.
Once your FASTPASS time has arrived, return to the attraction and get in the line for FASTPASS holders! Be sure to have your ticket out and ready to show the Cast Member. Further along in the waiting area, a Cast Member will actually take your FASTPASS ticket.
Even if you only want to see the Pre-Show and have no intentions of getting on the ride/attraction -- if you want to go with your party through the FASTPASS line you WILL need a FASTPASS!
Persons doing the Child Swap -- Each of you and your child NEEDS a FASTPASS ticket! EXCEPTION: If you child is under 3 and was admitted to the park for free, you do not need a FASTPASS ticket for them.
Ok, now technically speaking, how does it work?
FASTPASS is essentially a "virtual" queuing system - guests who obtain a FASTPASS are entered into a virtual queue in the computer which saves their space in line and then (based upon how many guests are in front of them in the virtual queue) calculates the time it would take to come to the front of the line - this becomes their return time.
What about Peak Attendance Times? Are the waits longer? Does FASTPASS Still work?
If the FASTPASS system works the way it should, wait times to board attractions after returning with FASTPASS should usually be under 5 minutes, but not exceed 10 minutes (unless there was a recent attraction downtime or other unusual situation).
The FASTPASS wait time should not be any longer during peak periods, because the computerized system automatically spreads the FASTPASS guests evenly throughout the day regardless of attendance level. The only thing different during peak periods is that since FASTPASS demand is higher the return time (assigned time to come back) will be longer.
Therefore, during peak periods when there are more guests in the virtual queue the return time gets extended further out into the day. For most attractions the return time is usually between 40 and 90 minutes and rarely extends beyond 2 hours. The exception is Test Track at Epcot, which, because of high demand and lower ride capacity, will sometimes have a return time as far as 6 hours out.
Are there cast members at the FASTPASS machines to handle questions, problems, etc.?
Yes, Cast Members are usually located near the FASTPASS machines to assist you with questions or problems.
Can one member of a family get FASTPASSs by carrying everyone's admission tickets for the whole family and running them through the machine or does everyone have to go through the line w/their admissions tickets in order to get their FASTPASS ?
Everyone does not have to go to the FASTPASS machine. However, before you separate from your family/party, be sure to get each person's admission ticket (or resort ID which sometimes includes Park Admission). You can only get ONE FASTPASS per card and EACH person needs one.
My child is 2 years old and won't require an admission ticket. Does she still need a FASTPASS ticket?
No, children who do not require admission media would just enter with the accompanying adult at their Fast Pass time. There should also always be an attendant nearby the Fast Pass machines if there is any question.
What happens if the ride breaks down or goes off-line?
If this happens, the system should stop issuing tickets. You will have the opportunity to use the FASTPASS you acquired anytime during the rest of that day, once the attraction is operating normally again.
Can I request a specific time to return?
No, you can not request a specific return time. The times are all computerized and you will only be allowed to enter the FASTPASS line during the time stated on your FASTPASS ticket.
If the FASTPASSS says 1:00 - 2:00 can it be used after 2:00 or does it expire?
Theoretically, the FASTPASS expires, unless the attraction has gone down for an extended period of time. But frequently Cast Members allow you to use "expired" FASTPASSES.
If the FASTPASS says 1:00 - 2:00 can I get a second FASTPASS at 2:01?
It used to be that you could not get a second FASTPASS until your "window" opened on your first FP. There seems to be some flexibility with this now and you can often obtain a second FP shortly after you receive your first. In fact, most FASTPASSES state when you may obtain another FASTPASS.
Can I have multiple FASTPASS tickets at one time?
It used to be that you could not hold more than one FP at a time, but, again, depending on crowds and the individual attraction sometimes you may find that you can obtain more than one FP at a time.
Are there FASTPASS machines at other locations in the parks?
The FASTPASS machines for each attraction are only located at that attraction.
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