Fast Passes

Despite the fact that Fast Passes have been around for quite a while now, I'm always surprised at how little people actually understand about them. This is probably in part due to the lack of information provided by Disney. Hopefully I can shed some light on this wonderful little perk provided to visitors.

Who can get a fast pass? Anyone with a valid ticket to the parks can use the Fast Pass perk! You don't need a special ticket or an annual pass. You just stick your park entry ticket in the machine and out comes a Fast Pass!
I often notice people grumbling as they wait in the hot sun for a ride, and I rush past them in the Fast Pass lane. I honestly don't think they realize that they could be doing the same!

How many can I get in a day? This totally depends on how early you get your first pass, so get there early and head for a Fast Pass machine. The time slots for getting passes are staggered, based on the amount of people in the park that day and the current wait time for the attraction you are Fast Passing. On a busy summer day you might have to wait 2 hours between getting fast passes, and during off season you can get one for almost each attraction available.

*****Once I have a pass, when can I return to ride the ride? Each Fast Pass will tell you a certain time frame in which to return to the ride. But did you know that cast members collecting the passes only look at the first time on the card? That's right! As long as you return after the hour or so waiting time, and come back after the first time listed on the pass, you can return any time later that day.

What attractions offer fast passes? Not all rides and attractions have fast passes available. This is partly due to limited space in the park. When Fast Passes began there had to be machines installed near the particular attraction, and there just isn't room for every ride. Also many rides have quick lines so the fast pass would be a waste.

DCA: Grizzly River Rapids, Tower of Terror, California Screamin', Soarin' over California, and Radiator Springs Racers.

Disneyland: Star Tours, Space Mountain, Autopia, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin, Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Splash Mountain.

If you want to hit a lot of these popular rides I highly recommend planning your day with Fast Passes!

*****Please see my update here.