Tell me about FP+ strategies

[kim_o]

It's been awhile since I went to Disney. Last time was when you only got 3 FP+ and that was it. So, with the ability to get additional FP+ after using them, what is the strategy in booking them? We're going December 14 - 20.

I.e. - book them early and keep getting more? Make rope drop, ride stand by, use them midday? Save them for the evening? Do you have to use all 3 before being able to get another (so parade viewing would inhibit that)?

I apologize for starting another thread - I'm sure there are hundreds about FP+ - but I didn't see my particular questions answered in the first few pages.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Robo]

This kind of information is explained in the FP+ thread found HERE. Read post #1 and #2 for FP+ recommendations and timing advice.

 

[rwdavis2]

What will work for us is to use them later in the day and not at opening. But this way may limit what you are able to get for the 4th, 5th, ... fastpasses later in the day.

Yes, you have to use all 3 or their time windows have expired to get more.

Using them later also allows you to sleep in. Or you hit rope drop at one park, and then hop to another park where you made FP+ reservations.

 

[Canuck16]

Our strategy was to select our FP+ times for early afternoon and evenings. That way we could hit rope drop and hit the rides while the crowd levels were low.

Then we would go back to the resort for a break/swim/nap and then hop to a different park and use our FP+ then.

 

[tlmadden73]

My strategy has been (with a 2 (and later 3 yo)):
Make all my fast passes before lunch.
Yes .. this means that your first fast pass is probably not even needed (depending what your grab it for), but it lets you not worry about getting to the park at rope drop (key with a toddler) and gives you an afternoon of flexibility.

Trip #1:
Because of this strategy .. I was able to get 6 fast passes at MK (which was awesome with a 2 year old) and still had time for an afternoon nap (in the park) for the child.

Trip #2
Last trip .. I had 3 fast passes planned 9:30, 10:30 and 11:40 .. with BOG lunch at 12:15. (it was an EMH morning and we got there at 8 and had a 4-5 rides done before 9:30)
Rain caused us to miss our 11:40 SDMT Fast Pass (it closed) (but we were rewarded with a "use anytime" fast pass for it). We again had the flexibility to take an afternoon break (at the resort) and come back and get fast passes after dinner.

I also discovered that if you DO have an early Fast Pass (say at 9:30) and it is not needed (The standby line is super short) .. if you just don't get your band scanned, that Fast Pass becomes "unused" and you can just reschedule it for later in the day from the MDE app (no need to go to Kiosk) .. again .. this gives you great flexibility.