Fastpasses - should we bother?

[x98bjv]

Hi there - we're a family of three with a 4 year old going to Disney in November (12th-19th specifically..). We were kind of just hoping to go with the flow and go at our son's pace so I'm not sure I want to book specific times for specific rides. I'm thinking the crowds will be smaller that time of year so it won't be totally necessary to book Fastpasses. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[NeuroCindy]

I would book fastpasses. If you don't use them that's fine, but it's nice to have the option to go through the FP line on a ride.

 

[Missyrose]

Hi there - we're a family of three with a 4 year old going to Disney in November (12th-19th specifically..). We were kind of just hoping to go with the flow and go at our son's pace so I'm not sure I want to book specific times for specific rides. I'm thinking the crowds will be smaller that time of year so it won't be totally necessary to book Fastpasses. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Why not book them in advance and change them as you need to while you're there?

 

[Matty_Disfan]

Yes and no. It's really not a big deal to book them, and you can change them as you go. Will avoid some waits, and could save you a melt down or two.

Even if it's just having them if you need them, or booking them on your phone as you approach a ride (which is possible during your dates).

Having said that you can tour with him at that age and just avoid anything with a line using the old distraction technique.

'What's that big log water hill?'

'I'm not sure, but I know there are singing bears right in here!!!'

 

[Klayfish]

I'll pile on with the others. Use FP+ because you can always cancel or change them. I'd rather have them and not need them than rather need them and not have them.

 

[Mama Lo]

I can't imagine why you wouldn't get fast passes. It's so easy to schedule them and there is nothing saying that you have to use them. You are able to change them at anytime.

Pick rides that your son will love! It will be awesome to get right on.

 

[AngiTN]

If you like standing in line watching those in the FP line go past you then sure, don't book them.
Personally, I book them no matter what. Even when they are totally unneeded, like with Nemo or Little Mermaid
Heck, for those 2 rides you save a lot of time walking through the empty queue. I'll stand outside of those rides and book a FP for that exact time just to shorten the walk/weave time.
In most rides you save at least 15 min in line. Heck, 3 rides and you've saved 45 min right there. Why spend 45 min more in line when you don't need to?
On several rides you'll save even more time. One thing is for sure, you'll never spend more time in the FP line than you would stand by.

A very common misconception is you need to book them well in advance. Some you do. Mine Train and FEA are quite hard to get last minute. Pretty much every other ride is not. You can book them that day, or maybe the day before, when you decide what park to visit. Trust me when I say you'll be slowing down the 4 yo to go at your pace vs. you slowing down to his pace Don't worry about you controlling some of the time frame for the day.

 

[IrishNYC]

If you like standing in line watching those in the FP line go past you then sure, don't book them.
Personally, I book them no matter what. Even when they are totally unneeded, like with Nemo or Little Mermaid
Heck, for those 2 rides you save a lot of time walking through the empty queue. I'll stand outside of those rides and book a FP for that exact time just to shorten the walk/weave time.
In most rides you save at least 15 min in line. Heck, 3 rides and you've saved 45 min right there. Why spend 45 min more in line when you don't need to?
On several rides you'll save even more time. One thing is for sure, you'll never spend more time in the FP line than you would stand by.

A very common misconception is you need to book them well in advance. Some you do. Mine Train and FEA are quite hard to get last minute. Pretty much every other ride is not. You can book them that day, or maybe the day before, when you decide what park to visit. Trust me when I say you'll be slowing down the 4 yo to go at your pace vs. you slowing down to his pace Don't worry about you controlling some of the time frame for the day.

All of this. Especially the last sentence.

You can guide him in the direction of some loose plans without making it feel like your day is planned. When we took our 5 year old I studied maps of the parks, and figured out what direction we'd go in, and what order to book FPs in. You'll still have plenty of time to go at your 4 y/o's pace while being able to use your FPs on things with long lines like SDMT, Peter Pan, etc.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Book them.
If you don't use them then whatever but at least you'll have them in case you want them.
I would think that you have a general idea of what attractions your son is or is not going to be interested in so book them for those attractions so that if there is a long SB wait you won't have to try to entertain him in a long line.

 

[mrzrich]

Book them. The app makes it so easy to change on the fly, so if you don't flow the way you expected, you can adjust

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If have must-dos that are fastpassable, then do it. You may be glad you have those fastpasses when you arrive and there is a long standby line for your must-dos.

 

[Alesia]

Spending 30 minutes now can save you hours of waiting in lines later. Book some fastpasses.

FWIW, while it won't be packed at that time of year, it's likely to be quite a bit busier than you're anticipating. Also, park hours are shorter and rides run at lower capacity when it's slower. Expect long standby lines for popular rides.

 

[x98bjv]

Thanks for your replies everyone! I'm a very type-A personality and I'm afraid if I have fastpasses booked, I'll turn into a scheduled maniac - it has happened before. But I'll book them anyway and remind myself to chill out.