Even if you’ve never been to Disney World before, you’ve probably heard of the term FastPass. So, what is a FastPass? How do you get one? And what else should you know?

Here are the basics of FastPass+. This is a great resource if you’ve never been to Disney World before. Even if you’ve been to other Disney theme parks around the world, the FastPass+ system at Disney World is unique. Read on to find out more about FP+.

What is FastPass+?

FastPass+ is a reservation system that gets you into a much shorter line at many of Walt Disney World’s most popular attractions. For example, if Space Mountain has a 60 minute wait in the regular line (also known as the standby line), you might only have to wait around 5-10 minutes in the FastPass line.

When you get a FastPass+ reservation for an attraction, you will receive an hour long window on a certain day to go to that attraction and get into the short FastPass line.

Should I use FastPass?

FastPass+ is a vital way to save hours during your Disney World vacation. Time is money, especially while you’re at Disney World. You absolutely should use the FastPass system.

How much does FastPass cost? Do I need a special ticket?

Important fact: FastPass is free and available to all Disney World guests. Unlike other theme parks, Disney does not charge for their FastPass system. I’ve seen many people just assume that Disney charges for FastPasses and ignore the system altogether. It also bears repeating that FastPass is included with every single Disney World ticket.

I’m not staying at a Disney Hotel. Do I still get FastPass?

Yes! FastPass+ is available to every single WDW guest.

Is this the same system as Disneyland?

Nope! While both get you into a shorter line, Disney World’s system is a bit more complex, with the biggest difference being that guests can make their FastPass reservations ahead of their trip at Disney World. The other big difference is that more of the attractions at Disney World feature FastPass.

Do I need a Magic Band to use FastPass+?

Fastpass+ Basics - Disney World

No. Think of a Magic Band as a wearable ticket. If you have a regular RFID card ticket, you can use that instead. Just tap it on the FastPass reader instead of the Magic Band.

How many FastPasses per day do I get?

You can make 3 FastPass+ reservations per person per day before your Disney World vacation. However, it is possible to get more FastPasses for the same day after you use the initial three. Check out our guide on how the extra FastPass+ system at Disney World works.

When should I make my FastPass+ reservations?

As early as possible! FastPass+ reservations are available in limited quantities per attraction per day. FastPass+ reservations for attractions like Frozen Ever After or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are in high demand, so they can run out of availability ahead of time. Therefore, it’s important to make your FP+ reservations as soon as you can.

If you’re staying at an official Disney World Resort like the Contemporary or Pop Century, you can make your FastPass+ reservations for your entire trip 60 days ahead of the first day of your vacation.

For all other guests, you can make your FastPass+ reservations 30 days before the day you’re trying to make a reservation for.

How do I make a FastPass+ reservation?

By making a MyDisneyExperience account, linking your tickets and/or hotel reservation (when applicable), and using the MyDisneyExperience app or website. You can also make reservations at kiosks inside the parks, but we recommend just using the app or website. It’s much faster.

Can I ignore making reservations ahead of time and get FastPasses the day I show up?

Yes, but we absolutely advise against this. Going to a FastPass kiosk inside the park to set up your FastPasses will take time, and most of the best attractions will no longer have FastPass available for them. Definitely take advantage of making FastPass+ reservations ahead of time.

What do I do once I have a FastPass?

Magic Band - Disney World

Go to the attraction that you have the FastPass for during the allotted hour timeframe. If you’re running a little bit early or late, no worries. You can be 5 minutes early or 15 minutes late for your FastPass+ reservation.

There will be a clearly marked “FastPass Return” sign at the entrance of each FastPass+ attraction. Go to that line. Be ready to tap the Mickey Reader with your Magic Band or ticket (a Cast Member will be manning this station).

Which attractions should I make FastPass+ reservations for?

This is a complicated question that depends on your personal taste, but we have some advice if you’re looking to spend the least amount of time in line. Check out the rest of our FastPass+ Guide with these articles:

Any more questions?

Anything else you want to know about FastPass+? Let me know in the comments below or on Facebook, and I’ll update this article with any new information.