There have been many rumors over the last few years about a replacement for the FastPass system, originally introduced by Disney in 1999. While the FastPass system has been wildly successful, changes are on the horizon. In early 2012, Walt Disney World did a very limited test on a new FastPass Plus system (entitled FastPass +), allowing certain guests to “reserve” FastPasses for rides at certain times. Basically a reservation to ride a ride.
This week, Walt Disney World is rolling out a much larger test, mailing out passes to guests arriving in September, though it appears not all guests will be receiving a letter, only a select few. At this point, only the Magic Kingdom is included in the test, and you must have all of your reservations on one day, they cannot be spread throughout your trip.
Guests must receive a letter directly from Disney, which will include instructions for making your reservations as well as physical cards that you will take with you which will allow you access to the rides at your set time.
When you receive your letter, you will go to https://fastpassplus.disney.go.com, and log in with your Disney account information.You will then need to put in your Disney confirmation number along with your name and birthdate. Once logged in, you will see a welcome screen. Initially, you will only be able to select the “Select or Replace” option, but once your process is completed, you will be able to come back here to make changes to existing reservations.
When you select the “Select or Replace” option, you are directed to a screen that allows you to choose which day you want to participate in the test. You are only allowed to select one day, not multiple.
Select your day in the Magic Kingdom, and you are given acess to a page that allows you to choose up to four rides where you will receive reserved Fastpass times. The rides are divided into two groups, you can only choose two from each group.
Group One Experiences
- The Barnstormer
- Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- Jungle Cruise
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Town Square Theater: Meet Mickey & Minni
Group Two Experiences
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Main Street Electrical Parade
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Town Square Theater: Meet the Disney Princesses
- Wishes Nighttime Spectacular
Select your four experiences from the options. Once selected, you will go to the next page, where you can choose the times. Unfortunately, you are unable to choose exact times, but are given four options, where each experience has a set time.
Once you select your time option, you are done. You can then head back to the main page, and change times of individual rides to better fit your needs. For the rides and dates selected, I had no problems changing to any other times during the day. You can also change experiences if you want, as long as there is availability.
You will receive a confirmation email, print it out and take it with you along with the cards received in the mail. It appears as though the times are pretty strict, and the cards will be required for you to gain access to the rides.
What will be interesting as time goes on is how this system will work. Will it be made available to all park guests, or only Disney resort guests? Will it be free, or will there be a charge? Will this completely replace the current Fastpass system, or just be an enhancement?
Do you like the ability to schedule your entire day, now including rides and restaurants?
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