It's been 3+ years since my last WDW visit. Please help me understand FP+

[kat08]

Hi. I'm sure this info exists already but I'm having trouble sifting through everything. Is anyone willing to help me with more info on this FP+ system? It's brand new for me. Last time I was there, you had to go to your desired ride and get a FP from the machine outside the ride.

Mmmkay...my situation: My friend and I are taking our kids to WDW for 5 days over spring beak (April.) We are staying offsite. I will be using a 3 day non-expiry ticket I had left over from a previous trip. I'll hopefully be upgrading it to 5 days - waiting to hear back from my email to WDW regarding this. I'll be buying two children's 5 day passes for my kids.
My friend found a deal on Undercover Tourist for herself & her 3 kids. It said her 5 day tickets included Fastpasses. What does that mean? Do you have to have a FP+ "pass" or is anyone entitled to use the FP+ kiosks when they enter the parks?
From the info I am reading, I gather that, since we are staying off site, we will not be able to make fastpass reservations ahead of tmie. But then I saw where someone said that, as of April, we would be able to. What's the scoop?

TIA for your help!

 

[mesaboy2]

See the three links in my signature for a good overview. Only the first post in each is necessary to get the idea.

 

[My3Princez]

Hi. I'm sure this info exists already but I'm having trouble sifting through everything. Is anyone willing to help me with more info on this FP+ system? It's brand new for me. Last time I was there, you had to go to your desired ride and get a FP from the machine outside the ride.

Mmmkay...my situation: My friend and I are taking our kids to WDW for 5 days over spring beak (April.) We are staying offsite. I will be using a 3 day non-expiry ticket I had left over from a previous trip. I'll hopefully be upgrading it to 5 days - waiting to hear back from my email to WDW regarding this. I'll be buying two children's 5 day passes for my kids.
My friend found a deal on Undercover Tourist for herself & her 3 kids. It said her 5 day tickets included Fastpasses. What does that mean? Do you have to have a FP+ "pass" or is anyone entitled to use the FP+ kiosks when they enter the parks?
From the info I am reading, I gather that, since we are staying off site, we will not be able to make fastpass reservations ahead of tmie. But then I saw where someone said that, as of April, we would be able to. What's the scoop?

TIA for your help!

Tickets can only be upgraded within the first 14 days of use, even non-expiring tickets, so you will not be able to add days to your 3-day tickets.
As it stands now (which likely will change by the time of your trip) offsite guests can make FP+ reservations after you enter the park. Access to FP+ doesn't require a special pass, just a valid ticket. You can choose 3 FP+s per day, all in one park. Currently, 2 parks have tiered categories of attractions, and you can only pick 1 from the top tier (Epcot and Hollywood Studios)