Sunday, February 2, 2014

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+

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