Fast Pass ?

[H&Hmommy]

We were at WDW last May and didn't seen to get to ride very many rides due to the crowds. We did try to take advantage of the fast pass, but I'm not sure if we took full advantage of them. There were times where our fast pass could not be used until 2-4 hrs. from the time we got it.
I was so upset when my brother came back from their trip the next month and would ask if we saw this that and the other and we would say no. They finally asked what we did when we were there and we said we stood in line. I do know that they used the fast pass all day every day that they were there. So my thinking is we did not use them the correct way.
Any help or tips out there?
Thanks
Kim

 

[bobcat]

One key to using the fast pass is to always have one in hand. What I mean by this is to get a new fast pass as soon as your window opens up. Say your FP time starts at 11am you can get a new FP at 11:01. Also always have one before you sit down for a meal.

Another key is to look at the standby times and FP return times. This will help you plan when to get a FP for a certain ride. If the times are close, say the standby time is 20 min and the FP return time is 20 min away, then get a FP and use the standby line to ride. When you are done with your ride then it is time to use your FP.

You also need to use FP early in the day. Popular attractions can sometimes run out of FP and even if you wait until lunch time the FP return time can be 8pm. If you get a FP with a return time hours away many times you can get another FP before that time. The time when you can get a new FP is on the bottom of your FP.

Hope this helps!

 

[StampMom]

Another thing we do is to have one member of our group (usually DH) take all of our parkhoppers and run ahead to get FP for something while the rest of us wait in another standby line, go on another ride, eat, or whatever. One unencumbered person can get there and back a lot faster than the time it takes for the whole group (w/stroller, etc.) to get there.

 

[XStAnt]

It sounds like you didn't take full advantage of Fast Pass. The tickets tell you when you can get a new FP. It depends on crowd level and demand. Sometimes you might be able to get another FP only 30-45 minutes after getting the first one, even if the return time for the first FP was over an hour away. Other times you have to wait longer. However, you can always get a second FP 5 minutes after your return window opens. It usually makes sense to get the second FP before ysing the first one.

Also, FP works better in the morning when croeds are less. Later in the day the return times are farther away and you often can't get as many FP's.

You said you stood in line a lot. Did you stand in line for the FP attraction instead of getting the FP and coming back later? Even if the return time was 2-4 hours away, it might make sense to get it and wait in line for a different ride; one that doesn't take FP. Or, you could have lunch while waiting for your return time. The advantage of FP is that it lets you do something else while waiting for the return time.

 

[tjkraz]

If you had that many problems on your last trip, it might be worth your time and money to invest in a good touring guide. Many publications, like the Unofficial Guide and Passporter have touring plans or recommended visit times for specific attractions.

If you have young children that want to ride Dumbo, but you don't make it to Fantasyland until 11am in the summer months, let's just say you're going to wait...and wait...and wait.

If you take advantage of Early Entry and FastPass, and follow a touring plan that suits the attractions you want to visit, you'll likely have much better trip next time.