 | Updated 18 April 2018 The number one mistake I hear from Disneyland visitors is that they don't understand how the FastPass system works. They've been using FastPasses for years, but if you don't read the ticket correctly or just don't learn about it before you go, you'll inevitably miss out on some great opportunities that FastPasses can afford you. To help educate the general populace, you're all enrolled in FastPass 101. |
How much does it cost?
This question really separates the experienced from the novice. I can't even tell you how often I've heard people honestly ask this. The answer is simple: nothing. The FastPass system is a free service provided by all Disney parks that only requires valid admission. Disney's MaxPass service, on the other hand, is $10/person per day and has all the same features as the traditional FastPass but allows you to make selections through the mobile app.
Where Do I Get One?
Generally FastPass Distribution is located near the entrance to the respective attraction. The only exception is Radiator Springs Racers where the FastPass Distribution is located outside "a bug's land" to make space by the entrance of the ride. You simply insert your park ticket into the machine and it will issue you one FastPass ticket for the current return window. Be careful, though. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters does not always have a FastPass but when they do they use some of the same machines as Star Tours. Make sure to check your FastPass ticket to ensure you've grabbed the right one.
How Does it Work?
Each FastPass identifies an hour window for you to return to the ride and not wait in the stand-by line. Simply return anytime in that window to the designated FastPass Return entrance of the attraction and present it to the Cast Member and you can shave minutes, sometimes hours, off your wait time. While you wait for your FastPass return time you can go enjoy other attractions with shorter lines, grab a bite to eat, watch a show, go back to the hotel, anything really. You don't have to be there as soon as the return time begins, just anytime in that hour. Just make sure you're back before your return time window expires. If you've missed the window you may not be admitted into the FastPass Return line.
How Do I Know the Current FastPass Distribution Window?
FastPass Distribution entrances always display the current distribution window, but if you want to know the distribution time and you're nowhere near the entrance of the attraction, check the official Disneyland app. They post not only wait times but FastPass Return times as well and can be pretty accurate. This is important since you don't want to grab a FastPass for a time you cannot return for due to dining reservations or other restrictions.
Can I Have More Than One FastPass at a Time?
Yes and no. For the most part you cannot get another FastPass ticket until your current FastPass return time. For example, if you got a FastPass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that says to return between 9.25 - 10.25 am, you could get another FastPass for a different attraction anytime after 9.25 am, even if you haven't used your first FastPass yet. However, sometimes you'll end up with a FastPass that won't be valid for over 3 hours. On those, check at the bottom of the FastPass. Typically you never have to wait more than 2 hours before making another FastPass selection - only 1 1/2 hours if you purchased MaxPass. Keep an eye on your ticket so you don't miss out on those opportunities! If you time things right you could hold three or four FastPasses at once!
Which Attractions Have FastPasses?
These are all the attractions at Disneyland Park that offer FastPasses. Those marked with an asterisk (*) may or may not require a FastPass at all times of day as the line can be very short.
Then there are those at Disney California Adventure.
Sometimes there are shows that require or suggest a FastPass for priority viewing.
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- Haunted Mansion*
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Roger Rabbit's CarToon Spin*
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- "it's a small world"*
- Star Tours
- Space Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters*
Then there are those at Disney California Adventure.
- Soarin'
- Grizzly River Run*
- Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Goofy's Sky School*
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Toy Story Midway Mania
Sometimes there are shows that require or suggest a FastPass for priority viewing.
- World of Color
- Fantasmic!
Are FastPasses Always Necessary?
No. As I mentioned, there are some attractions that have FastPasses that don't need them at all times, but occasionally they do and that's when it would be to your advantage to not waste the time in line and just get a FastPass. Roger Rabbit's CarToon Spin will often have a 15 minute or shorter wait so you don't need one then, but sometimes the line jumps to over 50 minutes and FastPasses are available for just 40 minutes from the current time. Jump on it! It's in your best interest.
