Idiots' guide to the new Fastpass system?

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Planning a trip to Orlando in summer 2015, after an absence of several years. Since the last time we visited a new FastPass system seems to have been introduced and I'm trying to understand it and decide if the advantages of being on-site at a Disney hotel are worthwhile (we prefer to rent a villa, providing we can still access FP+).

So, is there an Idiots' Guide to the new FP+ which summarises how it works? We would prefer to stay off-site, and will probably have annual passes if that makes a difference.

Thanks for any help!

 

[chmurf]

So, is there an Idiots' Guide to the new FP+ which summarises how it works? We would prefer to stay off-site, and will probably have annual passes if that makes a difference.

to make it simple.
you can book 3 Fastpasses per day, at 1 park, once you've used all 3 you can get new ones at FP+ kiosks in the park (like you used to do)

you can book those FP+ 60 days in advance if you stay onsite, and 30 days in advance if you stay offsite.

You can book FP+ for up to 14 days at a time, granted that you have tickets. APs can only book 7 days at a time.

FP+ can be booked or modified via the internet or the application.

EPCOT and Hollywood Studios have 2 lists (tiers) for their FP+. You need to choose 1 in the first list (bigger rides/attractions) and 2 from the second list (lesser rides/attractions)

There are FP+ for almost anything, from meet&greets to rides and shows.

 

[tinks_1989]

I personally wouldn't worry about the how many and where you can use your FP+ at the momeny because it could all change again before you go. So many changes have have happened that it will probably drive you nuts reading all the details. To answer your question yes you will still have access to FP+ before your visit. As long as you have already bought your Annual passes and have them linked to your MDE account. You will have access from 30 days rather than 60 days (people staying on site get 60 days) but I haven't read of any FPs running out at 30 days not even for the very popular frozen sisters or the new seven dwarf mind train.

 

[scoobydooby]

I disagree with the above. Yes the system is changing but it is what is is now and this is what you should plan to. You at least get your favourites locked in that way. If the system changes you can then make changes accordingly. I did this when they introduced the ability to get fourth and subsequent FPP after I had chosen my original ones. It was easier to modify than start again as it have me the chance to see if by modifying I would lose availability of what I already had chosen. I have recently been to WDW and used the system so this advise is in good faith and based on experience of using the current system which did change during the window affecting my trip.

The first payers guide is a good one. All accurate and correct. Happy planning

 

[scoobydooby]

Sorry first poster not payer. Stupid predictive typing......

 

[tinks_1989]

I disagree with the above. Yes the system is changing but it is what is is now and this is what you should plan to. You at least get your favourites locked in that way. If the system changes you can then make changes accordingly. I did this when they introduced the ability to get fourth and subsequent FPP after I had chosen my original ones. It was easier to modify than start again as it have me the chance to see if by modifying I would lose availability of what I already had chosen. I have recently been to WDW and used the system so this advise is in good faith and based on experience of using the current system which did change during the window affecting my trip. The first payers guide is a good one. All accurate and correct. Happy planning

I mean it may change before his 30 days. He is looking at summer 2015. Possibly a year till he can even book his favourite FPs. So how is he going to lock them in?

I have also been and used the system and personally don't understand why people stress about getting FPs. People read online that they need to book in advance and think all FPs are like ADRs for BOG. Disney release more FPs on the day you will never be with out FPs.

The OP asked for an idiots guide meaning the simplest version of explaining FP+ and actually asked if he stays off site does he still benefit of being able to book his FP+ in advance. My response was trying to keep it simple and not overload with information on how many, where, when and tiers. Who knows what the future holds disney could be done with all the tiering in a years time.

Remember all the upset from the tier 1 FP only attractions that were scrapped any way? I don't see the point worrying about exact details of FP+ this far in advance.

 

[scoobydooby]

There were plenty of occasions three weeks ago when the popular FPP ran out by midday. So you can and may be without them.

 

[torsie24]

There were plenty of occasions three weeks ago when the popular FPP ran out by midday. So you can and may be without them.

Can't see how this comment helps the OP.

I agree with Tinks. There's a long time until next summer. Lots can & will change by then.

OP - you'll have plenty of chance to get FPs for the attractions you want. Don't worry. X

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Thanks for the info, that's really helpful. One quick question, what is an "MDE account"?

Things really have changed since I was in Orlando last time!

 

[tinks_1989]

There were plenty of occasions three weeks ago when the popular FPP ran out by midday. So you can and may be without them.

But his 30 days is probably over a year away!!

You can't compare how it is working now to next summer. It has already changed so much.

 

[tinks_1989]

Thanks for the info, that's really helpful. One quick question, what is an "MDE account"? Things really have changed since I was in Orlando last time!

My disney experience when you visit disneyworld .co.uk and you log in you can link all your reservations hotel, tickets , dining

 

[Elise79]

to make it simple.
you can book 3 Fastpasses per day, at 1 park, once you've used all 3 you can get new ones at FP+ kiosks in the park (like you used to do)

you can book those FP+ 60 days in advance if you stay onsite, and 30 days in advance if you stay offsite.

You can book FP+ for up to 14 days at a time, granted that you have tickets. APs can only book 8 days at a time.

FP+ can be booked or modified via the internet or the application.

EPCOT and Hollywood Studios have 2 lists (tiers) for their FP+. You need to choose 1 in the first list (bigger rides/attractions) and 2 from the second list (lesser rides/attractions)

There are FP+ for almost anything, from meet&greets to rides and shows.

Actually, AP holders can only book 7 days at a time.

Thanks for the info, that's really helpful. One quick question, what is an "MDE account"?

Things really have changed since I was in Orlando last time!

MDE is "My Disney Experience" you can sign up on the disneyworld website. If you have a Disney log in previously it will still be the same.

Honestly, having travelled at Easter I wouldn't panic. We got FP on the day everyday for the things we wanted. I did book in the morning though so I don't know how soon they run out for the top attractions but that's no different to the old system.

Plan on booking 30 days out if you stay offsite but it is still a system in flux so anything can change so I wouldn't worry too much

 

[1andrea]

Can I ask a question please......

I've paid for my annual passes but I Avnet a riveted them yet as ill do it on the day we arrive. Can I still book 39 days in advance or do I have to wait until my annual passes are activated on arrival day?

Thank you x

 

[chmurf]

But his 30 days is probably over a year away!!

You can't compare how it is working now to next summer. It has already changed so much.

I absolutely understand what you mean.

Now, if OP goes into planning mode, why not get up to speed just now, and then follow the evolutions as they unfold, instead of trying to digest all the new features a few weeks out.

Also, one of OPs concerns was to decide wether they would stay onsite or offsite.
There is a current Free Dining offer on the UK site, so if OP has to decide if they will get APs or not, stay onsite or not, or to put it simply, book their stay, they'll have to act between now and july 10th to lock the price in, even if the decision will need to be made based on the current system, and even though OP has to be reminded that it's likely to change (possibly dramatically) between now and summer 2015

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

You can book FP+ for up to 14 days at a time, granted that you have tickets. APs can only book 8 days at a time.

Just been thinking about this: does it mean that if I have regular admission tickets I can book FP+ for every day of a 14-day holiday, but only for 8-days in succession if I have annual passes?

Would I be able to book 8-days worth of FP+, leave a gap of a couple of days, and then book another 8-days worth of FP+?

I appreciate that FP+ is new and it could all change, but I need to decide if we are going to get annual passes or multi-day tickets this far out as it will affect the dates we are in Orlando. It's a complicated business planning Orlando holidays!

 

[scoobydooby]

Can't see how this comment helps the OP. I agree with Tinks. X

Of course you do.

 

[chmurf]

Just been thinking about this: does it mean that if I have regular admission tickets I can book FP+ for every day of a 14-day holiday, but only for 8-days in succession if I have annual passes?

you're correct,
but as Elise79 pointed out, I mistyped, and it's 7 days, not 8
and it's not 7 days "in succession" it's 7 days total, period.

Would I be able to book 8-days worth of FP+, leave a gap of a couple of days, and then book another 8-days worth of FP+?

no. It means that you can only hold 7 days of FP+
those days do not have to be contiguous, as long as you don't have more than 7 days of FP+ booked. For regular admission tickets you can book as much days as you have tickets for.
If you get a 14 days ultimate ticket, you'll be able to book FP+ for the whole 14 days (on 21 days tickets, you'll be limited to 14 days of FP+ over that 21 days period e.g. 7 days of FP+, 7 days gap, 7 days of FP+ or any other combination)

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

you're correct,
but as Elise79 pointed out, I mistyped, and it's 7 days, not 8



no. It means that you can only hold 7 days of FP+
those days do not have to be contiguous, as long as you don't have more than 7 days of FP+ booked. For regular admission tickets you can book as much days as you have tickets for.
If you get a 14 days ultimate ticket, you'll be able to book FP+ for the whole 14 days (on 21 days tickets, you'll be limited to 14 days of FP+ over that 21 days period e.g. 7 days of FP+, 7 days gap, 7 days of FP+ or any other combination)

Thanks, most helpful. Shame that annual passes have that restriction, although not a deal-breaker.

 

[zavandor]

At the moment the only FP+ that are gone at 30 days are the new mine train and the Frozen Meet and Greet. Every other FP+ is normally available at 30 days for offsite guests.
It might change, but if your only concern to stay onsite are the FP+, I cannot see a dealbreaker.

 

[Elise79]

Can I ask a question please......

I've paid for my annual passes but I Avnet a riveted them yet as ill do it on the day we arrive. Can I still book 39 days in advance or do I have to wait until my annual passes are activated on arrival day?

Thank you x

Have you linked the will call number to MDE? If so you can book FP prior to receiving your passes.

I being an idiot left my unlinked AP Vouchers in our OL to keep them safe - therefore couldn't link them before arrival It was fine - I had no issues getting FP on the day and it was Easter week.