fast pass question

[2minny]

Okay, we haven't been in a few years (3), but last time we went we used fast pass and LOVED it! My question is, does anyone have a fast pass system to make the most of it? Is there a time when fast pass is not a good idea? I'm just trying to make the most of our park visits!

 

[XStAnt]

If crowds are REALLY low you probably don't need FP since the stand by lines would only be about 10-20 minute waits. However, that is rare. When it is VERY crowded I think FP is a must and can help you do many more attractions.

Strategies to maximize FP use:

1) Get a FP upon first entering the park.

2) Get a second FP as soon as you are able and before using the first FP. Your FP ticket will tell you when you can get a new one. It may be 5 mins after your return window begins, 2 hours after getting the original FP, or another time. You get the second FP before using the first so the time on the second FP begins to run right away.

3) One person in the group can get FPs for the entire group. Just have that person collect everyone's admission ticket and take them to the FP machines. This has two main advantages. First, it lets others in the group do something while the "leader" gets FPs. They can take a potty break, get in line at a restaurant, wait in line at a non-FP ride, shop, or just rest a few moments. Second, getting multiple FPs sometimes requires criss-crossing the park. It's a lot quicker and less tiring when only one person has to trek across the park and back instead of the whole family.

4) While waiting for your return time go on a non-FP ride, get some food, go to the bathroom, shop, or take a quick break. (Some people like to wait in the stand by line of the FP attraction so they can ride twice in a row).

5) Don't fall into "the FP trap" as I like to call it. Some people see a return time that is several hours away and a stand by line wait time of only 45 minutes. They figure it is better to wait the 45 minutes in the standby line since they will get on the ride sooner. This defeats the purpose of FP since the idea is to do other things/go on other rides while waiting for the return window to open. Waiting in line 45 minutes at SM means you've wasted 45 minutes you could have used to do something else.

I'm sure others have tips and pointers they can give you.

 

[2minny]

Wow, those are great tips! I remember the criss-crossing through the park, but I would rather just one person rather than the entire group. Our problem last time is that we would just "kill time" while waiting on our fast pass time slot, I really want to wait in non-fast pass lines and hope to finish by the time our fast pass time arrives, you know "be productive"....it's a tricky thing

 

[tjmw2727]

Great advice above so I won't duplicate.

The best thing we did was resist the urge to use the fp at the first possible moment. Sometimes it makes sense to grab lunch, get another fp or do another attraction and ride during say the last 15 minutes of your return time. Adding this to our strategy let us do much more last trip.

TJ

 

[2minny]

so tmjw, you're saying not to rush back to use fast pass (which is what we did last time, and it made our time non-productive), but maybe continue riding rides until there's a nice break, even if it's toward the end of your fast fast slotted time?

 

[XStAnt]

I agree with TJ. There's no need to rush back to the FP ride immediately after the return window opens. Disney gives you an hour window (and some people post that you MIGHT be able to use them any time that day). If you are making progress hitting non-FP attractions do not drop everything, rush across the park and try to get on SM the exact minute your return window begins.

Whenever touring a park at Disney you should stay flexible with your touring plan and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. In 2002 DW and I went to Disney over the Xmas break. While in MGM we were heading towards the Back to the Future ride. We were passing the theater for the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. It was about to start and CMs were ushering people into the theater because seats were available. Seeing this, we "took things out of order" and hopped in to see the show. Sure, we weren't in the front row (off to the right side about 3/4 of the way up). But there are no bad seats and we didn't have to spend any time waiting in line.

The one hour FP window gives you some flexibility to take advantage of what you are doing so you don't feel rushed when using FP.