The Impact of FastPass+ on Touring with Children

Disney has created a new fast pass system that was recently implemented in all four parks. FastPass+ is basically an electronic way of selecting fast passes for attractions in advance. This system seems to be good and bad for people touring with kids. It allows for the changing of plans, but can also hinder those who are extremely time conscious and like to park hop.

How the FastPass+ Works:

• You receive a magic band (a customizable Disney bracelet) in the mail right before your booked trip. These bands are a way of entering the parks, accessing FastPass+, etc.

The Magic Bands seem to be pretty cool so far. You do not need to worry about losing your park pass or fast pass. Carrying less or being responsible for less is always a plus when you are a parent. We already have so much to worry about and remember! Plus you can put your name on the band and pick which color you would like it to be. This can enhance the experience for the children because it is a small way that they are helping plan the trip.

• You can select online or on your phone with the My Disney Experience App your FastPass+ selections up to 60 days in advance of your trip.
• You even select things like Character Meet & Greets, shows, parades, and fireworks.

These are all pluses when traveling with children. Before I had my child I would have never stopped for a parade or a character spot, but now knowing that I don't have to wait two hours to meet Mickey is a great feeling.

• FastPass+ is FREE!

Other theme parks such as Universal or Six Flags have you pay to get to the front of the line, but it doesn't work that way with Disney. Everyone has a chance to take part in FastPass+

• With FastPass+ you get to choose one set of fast passes with each valid theme park ticket that is liked to the account.
• You get up to 3-4 FastPass+ selections for attractions each day.
• These selections must be at ONE theme park. You cannot mix and match.

This is one con that I have found for using FastPass+ when touring with a family. Young children sometimes need a break in the middle of the day. So if you take a break and go back to the room and want to go to another park after the break, you will not have any fast passes for the second park. I am someone who generally likes to park hop everyday. This will be a problem for me because I can't be as spontaneous on a larger scale. Sure, FastPass+ makes changing plans easy, but only if you are staying in the same park.

• Once your FastPass+ Selections are made, you are given a specific time window to use them within. This time frame is usually an hour. I'm sure if you are a few minutes late it is all right, however, if you can't get to the attraction within a reasonable time period you are at risk of losing your Fast Pass. 

This is another con for me. I know that with my daughter---if she is hungry then it is time to eat now or no one will be happy. Or an unexpected bathroom break/diaper change, etc. Things happen when you have kids. With the old Fast Pass system if you missed your Fast Pass time you would just have to wait and you could get another Fast Pass. Now you only have three and you have to make those happen or remember to change them.

• Changing your FastPass+ selection can be easy if you have a smart phone with the My Disney Experience App.

Not everyone has a smart phone though. You can change your reservation at a kiosk located in the parks, but you risk having to wait in line to do so. This can be a real fun-killer with the kids.

• In addition to only having 3 selections - some of the selections are based on groups or tiers. For example, you have three selections, but only one of them can be a popular/headliner attraction. Ex: Soarin. The other two are to be then less popular attractions. 

This is a bummer in my opinion because you get all of the headliner attractions that families like to get done in the parks without investing some time in standing in line.

Although I have found many cons to using FastPass+ when traveling with kids, there are also pros and if used correctly it can enhance the touring experience for any family. We would be more than happy to hear about any experiences you have had using the new FastPass+

Attractions with Little Ones Part 4: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom is the one park at Walt Disney World that has the reputation of being a half-day park. While I see how some people can think that, I feel that Disney's Animal Kingdom has much more going on than people think. There are plenty of attractions that can be great for the whole family. I hope that after looking over this blog post you will give Disney's Animal Kingdom another chance to win your heart.

Lets begin at Discovery Island

All of the attractions in Discovery Island are great for all ages. 

• It's Tough to be a Bug
• This attraction does have some slightly frightening moments, but they are all in good fun. Every time I have sat through this attraction I have found nothing but everyone enjoying it.
• Discovery Island Trails
• This is a chance to walk around the Tree of Life and take in all the scenery. You are able to see all of the work put into the creation of the Tree of Life and it is a great chance to wind down with the family.

Camp Minnie-Mickey

• Greeting Trails 
• A great spot for some character meet and greets!
• The Festival of the Lion King
• I highly recommend this show. There is so much energy. A Great time for all ages. 

Africa

• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• This is a small walking tour. You will have the chance to look at many animals in the area like fish and birds. Another chance to just take in the scenery and weather!
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• This attraction is great for all ages. This ride gives you a chance to feel like you are actually traveling through Africa. You get to learn a lot about the animals and their habitats. This attraction is one of my favorites!

Rafiki's Planet Watch

All of the attractions in Rafiki's Planet Watch area are perfect for all ages! I find that the following attractions get looked over rather easily. 

• Wildlife Express Train 
• Takes you to Africa and back!Great chance to get off your feet and relax with some great scenery!
• Habitat Habit
• Outdoor discovery trail. This attraction helps us learn about sharing our world with the animals.
• Conservation Station
• A close look at care for our world's animals.
• Affection Section
• A good old plain petting yard -- without the plain part at all! A Chance to look at rare breeds across the world!

Although these attractions aren't necessarily "rides", but they are worth a shot. These things can be done during the day when you are just on a break from all of the hectic rushing from ride to ride.

Asia

Attractions for all Ages:

• Flights of Wonder
• A nice shaded area to sit in and relax a show of very interesting bird behaviors!
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• An ancient ruin to go through--you get a nice view of animals you wouldn't normally see. Bats, Komodo Dragons, etc.

Attractions with height requirements:

• Kali River Rapids
• This ride has a height requirement of 38 inches tall. This ride is very fun, however, it is one of the rides that have a drop. This can be frightening to some. This ride is also one of the few where you can get soaked. This could be considered good or bad depending on how hot it is that day!
• Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• This ride has a height requirement of 44 inches tall. Most children reach this requirement between 4 1/2 and 6 years old. This ride can be seen as very frightening for some children. It goes quickly, there are times when it is dark, and there is a giant Yeti in a cave.  I would recommend this ride, even if your children are too young to go on it. Do a rider swap or get in a single rider line just to experience it even if the kids can't. Plus the kids can watch the coaster come around the side of the mountain to spot their parents!

Dinoland U.S.A

While this is my least favorite of the lands, there are attractions that are definitely worth visiting!

Attractions for all ages and heights:

• The Boneyard
• A spot for the kids to dig up some bones and play around with some fossils.
• Fossil Fun Games
• Carnival style games themed to Dinosaurs.
• Finding Nemo - The Musical
• This is one of my favorite attractions in Animal Kingdom. The Music is great! There are so many bright colors, and the show really brings the movie to life! I would highly recommend seeing this show while you are in the Animal Kingdom.
• TriceraTop Spin

Attractions with height requirements:

• Primeval Whirl 
• Frankly, I would not recommend this ride to anyone. This ride does have a height requirement of 48 inches. This ride is just plain scary. It does not feel stable. It feels like you are going to get decapitated or fall out. Nothing bad has ever happened, just not a good feeling like all of the other attractions I have experienced at Walt Disney World
• DINOSAUR
• This ride has a height requirement of 40 inches. It is also rather bumpy. I wouldn't take children on this ride who are scared of the dark or do not like movies like Jurassic Park. It is a little frightening. I am not personally a fan of this ride, but I think I am the only one. Give it a try! Let me know what you think!

Disney's Animal Kingdom has many attractions that are worth seeing. This park is a great park for a day where you do not want to be rushing from one place to another. I would not call this park a half-day park and it will soon truly be an all day park as there are many additions coming to the park soon (including the new Avatar themed land). I hope you give Disney's Animal Kingdom a try during your next trip!