How to Use Disney's Fastpass

In 2021, Disney replaced the Free Fastpass System with the Genie Plus System. The Genie Plus System works similar to Fastpassm but now you have to pay for it and set it up prior to to visiting the parks on your Disney World vacation. 

This has had more expense to the your Disney World vacation packages; however, it does allow you to purchase additional fastpasses which means you can experience more attractions.

If you love the thought of Soarin’ over California, but hate the sometimes 2 hour wait time, you’ll want to learn more about Disney’s Fastpass program. The program has been tweaked a bit recently, so make sure you are up to date with the latest rules before you go.

Use Fastpass to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad without waiting.

What is Fastpass?

Disney’s Fastpass program allows you to hold a place in line—without actually making your way through the long, winding queue. When you get a Fastpass, you’ll have an appointment to ride—simply get a Fastpass ticket for the attraction you want to ride, then return at the appointed time. You’ll be directed right to the front of the line.

How to get a Fastpass Ticket:

Select attractions at each of the four major Disney theme parks have a line of Fastpass distribution machines. Just insert your Disney World park ticket and a paper Fastpass will pop out. The Fastpass will have a return time listed—you can return to the attraction any time during the hour to claim your spot in line.

Fastpass Fine Print:

Fastpasses are free, but there are a few things you should know before you get one. As soon as the machine issues a Fastpass, you’ll be locked out of the system for two hours, so you can only have one Fastpass at a time. Choose the ride you use Fastpass for carefully. A slow-loading ride like Peter Pan or Splash Mountain is a good choice—a speedy loader like Buzz Lightyear may not be.

New Fastpass Rule : As of April 2012, you must return during the stated time on your Fastpass—and only during that time. Ride attendants were always lenient in the past if you returned later than the stated time. This loophole has closed, so your Fastpass will now expire once the printed time period has passed.