How long are Fastpass lines

[jhenson84]

I have been doing quite a bit of research for our upcoming trip, but I have never came across the answer to the title question. If I get a Fastpass for an attraction and return in the allotted window, how long should I except to stand in line. I assume there is still going to be a small wait but not sure how long. Also, am i right in assuming that this time shouldn't change with crowd levels since only a certain amount of Fastpasses are given out each hour?

I hope my questions make sense. Thanks!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I have been doing quite a bit of research for our upcoming trip, but I have never came across the answer to the title question. If I get a Fastpass for an attraction and return in the allotted window, how long should I except to stand in line. I assume there is still going to be a small wait but not sure how long. Also, am i right in assuming that this time shouldn't change with crowd levels since only a certain amount of Fastpasses are given out each hour?

I hope my questions make sense. Thanks!

In my experience, 15 minutes or less, most often under 10 minutes, but possibly longer for brand new rides, or a ride that has been down due to technical difficulties and then is able to reopen and gets a rush crowd show up (they will sometimes allow you to use your expired fp if they ride has been down).

 

[FlightlessDuck]

It depends on the time of year, the time of the day, and the ride in question. I've waited anywhere from 0 to 15 minutes.

 

[jhenson84]

It depends on the time of year, the time of the day, and the ride in question. I've waited anywhere from 0 to 15 minutes.

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 mins, but wanted to make sure. Thanks again

 

[doconeill]

It also depends on what you consider the "line". Some attractions the Fastpass line brings you right to the ride loading area, such as Buzz Lightyear or Peter Pan. So you only have to wait for the (hopefully) few FP holders ahead of you, and on occasion, a few standby guests just so they can keep that line moving.

Some attractions, like Soarin', RNRC or Toy Story Mania, the Fastpass line merges with the standard line some time before the loading area, and you go through a pre-show (in some cases like RNRC) and then enter the common line to the loading area. Those will have longer waits before you get on the actual ride.

And of course, for any show-type attractions still utilizing FP, you have to wait for the next show, so it depends on when you arrive.

 

[seashoreCM]

There is always some "bunching" of fastpass riders coming back to ride even with enforced fastpass time windows. Obviously this bunching is greater just as the parade ends.

The greater the number of fastpasses issued/reserved for each hour's (or each five minutes') worth of return time relative to the ride capacity, the more noticeable the effects of bunching. Typically the CMs at the merge point admit up to 80 percent fastpass riders. If enough fastpasses are issued to use up 80% of the ride capacity, there is not much leeway (admit 95% fastpass riders?) before significant queueing happens in the fastpass corridors from time to time. Fastpass issuance rates might have been in the 40% to 50% range years ago with bunching minimal except after the parade. But with the advent of Fastpass Plus either the total issuance rate has to be increased or the kiosk issuance rate has to be reduced. I suspect that the total issuance rate has been increased.

I do suggest that if you find the fastpass queue to be unusually long then you should feel free to seek out a nearby CM to arrange to come back later at your convenience. (Do not just quietly leave the area and expect to use your fastpass late.) It does not make sense to have to wait more than 20 minutes from arrival to merge point when you are willing to gamble that there will be a later time that day when that wait will be less.

 

[mom2rtk]

And keep in mind what is true today may not be true tomorrow. It remains to be seen if the number of FP slots will remain unchanged with the new fastpass system rolling out. It's ALL subject to change.