Disney Untangled - FASTPASS and Rider Switch

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WDW tested a new centralized FASTPASS distribution system at the Animal Kingdom recently, using the kiosks at It's Tough To Be A Bug. The test has ended, and there has been no indication whether further testing will be done, or a permanent system implemented.

A real FASTPASS

What is a FASTPASS®?

A FASTPASS is a ticket that is available at certain popular attractions at the parks. The ticket allows the bearer to use a special FASTPASS line instead of the normal line (now called the "standby" line) at a certain time, which will have fewer people and often allows the person to ride with at least a shorter wait time if any, whereas the standby line times can often exceed an hour or more. It is a bit like having a reservation at a restaurant.

The Stand By Entrance sign, telling you how long it will take without a FASTPASS
A FASTPASS may also be used to provide a limited guarantee to certain fixed-seating shows, like "Lights, Motors, Action" or "Voyage of the Little Mermaid". I say "limited" as there is no guarantee if you show up late and they have begun seating standby guests.

A limited number of FASTPASSes are available throughout the day, although the number is quite large. They are designed to spread the load of people out evenly during the day. It is possible for them to run out late in the day, especially on the more popular attractions, so don't wait too long to get one.

Also, FASTPASS may not be in use at any particular attraction on a given day. Consult the Times Guide to see what attractions should have FASTPASS available.

Who can get a FASTPASS?

Anyone who has a valid admission ticket to the park, and that ticket has been used to enter the park that day. If the ticket was not used for admission to the park, it is not "active" and will not be able to get a FASTPASS.

A guest who is less than 3 years old would not have an an admission ticket, and does not need to get a FASTPASS. If they are otherwise eligible to ride (meet height/age requirements), they can accompany an adult who does have a FASTPASS in the FASTPASS line. If the are not eligible, see the Rider Switch section below.

Does it cost extra?

Absolutely not. Other parks may provide this benefit separately for a price, or only to certain groups of people (on-site resort guests, etc.), but FASTPASS is available to anyone with a valid admission ticket.

A FASTPASS Kiosk machine

How do I get one?

Outside the attractions that use FASTPASS, near the entrance, there will be a kiosk with several FASTPASS machines. You insert your admission ticket/card into the machine, and it will give you a FASTPASS if you are eligible. And don't forget to take your admission ticket back! Your ticket will come back out the slot you put it in, but the FASTPASS will come out the chute below.

Eligible? I thought you said anyone could get one? And when can I get another?

Yes. However, there is a restriction on how soon you can get another FASTPASS after you have already received one.

When you receive a FASTPASS, there will be a time printed on the ticket which states "Another FASTPASS ticket will be available after XX:XX", at which time you can obtain another FASTPASS. It has no relation on whether you use the first FASTPASS or not - you cannot obtain another until this time arrives (I call it the "Exclusion Time").

The Exclusion Time is in general either the Return Time (explained below), or two hours from when the pass was obtained, whichever is sooner. There may be some exceptions, such as for fixed-time shows like "Lights, Motors, Action", where you may not need to wait as long before getting another FASTPASS. Disney may also decide to adjust that two hour upper limit shorter or longer as well. Always check the time printed on the pass to tell you when you can get another.

Here is what I usually tell people who ask about when they can get another FASTPASS:

Rule #1: You can get a new Fastpass when it says you can get a new Fastpass on the Fastpass you most recently obtained.

Rule #2: How long it will be varies, but the general rule of thumb is either the return time of the previous Fastpass or two hours after you obtained the previous Fastpass, whichever is sooner.

Rule #3: There are always exceptions, so always refer to Rule #1.

And don't forget - an attraction can run out of FASTPASSes later in the day.

It didn't work - what now?

Depends on what "It didn't work" means. There should be a Cast Member or two attending the kiosk if you have questions or issues.

If it spits your ticket back out without a FASTPASS, try turning your ticket the other way, or upside down. There are several magnetic stripe readers in the machine so it can read a ticket that was placed in it in any direction - but sometimes one of the readers is nonfunctional.

If it spits out a slip of paper that says "THIS IS NOT A VALID FASTPASS", then there will be a message below that. I know of two:

"You are already holding a FASTPASS": This means that the ticket you used was already used to obtain a FASTPASS, and the Exclusion Time has not passed yet.

"You may be using an invalid park ticket": Either the ticket you used was not used to enter the park, or there is some malfunction.

Again, if there are any problems, speak with the attending Cast Member. Do NOT leave the machine you are having a problem with - call them over instead, especially if the machine took your ticket and did not return it!

If for some reason your park ticket/card just won't work (for instance, the magnetic strip has gotten demagnetized), the CM may issue you a "FASTPASS Key Card". This looks like a typical paper ticket (except for the design on the front), but it is only good in FASTPASS kiosks. It will work just like your ticket would, and is good for the rest of the day. At your next opportunity, you should visit Guest Relations to get your ticket re-issued.

We have a child under three who doesn't have a ticket...

A child who is under three doesn't need a park admission ticket to get in to the park, but of course you don't have a ticket with which to get a FASTPASS either. You won't need one - the child can enter the FASTPASS line with you (although you may need to tell the cast member their age), if there isn't as height restriction, which if they aren't old enough to need a ticket, they are probably not tall enough either. You'll want to read about Rider Switch below to learn how everyone in your party that are tall enough can ride as quickly as possible while at least one person stays with the young one.

We've got a large group - what if the times change while we are getting our FASTPASSes?

Not a big deal. The times increment in 5-10 minute increments, but the return window is an hour long. So you might have some tickets with a 2:00pm return time, and some with a 2:05pm return time. If you all want to go together, just wait until 2:05pm.

The only time this may be an actual issue is for some fixed show time attractions, but I've never really heard of it being a problem.

OK, I have my FASTPASS - when can I use it?

On the ticket will be printed two times in large type where it says "Return any time between...", indicating the times between which you can enter the FASTPASS line. This is your Return Time or Return Window. You cannot enter the FASTPASS line before the first time printed.

The Return Time board, telling you when your FASTPASS Return Time will be if you get one right now

Wait a second, the Return Time is hours from now!!!

It can be, on popular attractions that a lot of people have gotten a FASTPASS ahead of you. FASTPASS times are set up to be spread out evenly during the day. If an attraction is especially popular, FASTPASS for earlier times can go quickly - I have heard where a FASTPASS obtained before noon can have a 7pm return time, or even have no FASTPASSes left available!

To avoid getting surprised, you will note that above the FASTPASS machines, typically on the canopy covering them, there is a clock. It's not telling you the current time, but rather the return time if you obtain a FASTPASS right then and there. If you cannot return then, don't bother getting a FASTPASS.

For fixed time shows, be sure to show up early in the FASTPASS window. If you show up too late, seats may have already been filled by standby guests.

The FASTPASS Entrance, with the clock showing the current time

So what do I do with it?

Once your Return Window opens (the current time should be on a clock above the FASTPASS line entrance or nearby), you simply show your FASTPASS to the Cast Member at the entrance of the FASTPASS line, who will verify that it is valid and let you into the line. Then follow the line up until you reach another Cast Member who will take your pass, and then you will usually merge into a common area with members of the standby line. The Cast Member will allow so many members of each line through at a time, with the FASTPASS line given priority.

Can I show up late?

Usually, 99.99% of the time. You CAN be refused entrance to a FASTPASS line if it is past time. However, as has been stated in various places and said by the Cast Members themselves, a general "policy" is to allow late FASTPASSes. There have been occasions where they may not, usually due to excessive wait times. This was somewhat common at Soarin' in Epcot because of its popularity, and can happen at any attraction for any reason, but reports of it happening have been rare.

I do not recommend planning on being late with a FASTPASS. If you happen to be late due to an unavoidable circumstance, and the Cast Member refuses you, calmly explain the reason to the Cast Member, and they may let you in anyways. Most importantly, be nice about it. This may be contrary to some Tour Planners that actually schedule you to be late for some attractions, but is simply my recommendation.

In certain circumstances, notably when an attraction is down for an extended time, the Cast Member may announce that any FASTPASS can be used at any time later in the day (hopefully when the attraction has been fixed), or possibly even for any other FASTPASS attraction (if it is not expected to be fixed in a reasonable amount of time). How well that gets communicated to Cast Members at other attractions is another matter...

Can I use it on another day?

No, it is only good for the day on which it was obtained. That presumes that the Cast Member is paying attention - there is no verification system in place beyond visual inspection by a Cast Member at this time...

Can I get a FASTPASS during morning Extra Magic Hours?

If the attraction is operating during morning EMH, the answer is generally yes, but not 100% guaranteed. If it is not operating, then the FASTPASSes will not be available until after the attraction opens.

Can I get a FASTPASS during evening Extra Magic Hours?

It is up to the attraction manager to enable FASTPASS for evening EMH. If it is a particularly crowded night and the attraction is open for EMH, then there is a probability that they will enable FASTPASS for the EMH, but not always. During lower crowd times, FASTPASS likely will not be used at all.

If FASTPASS is in use, FASTPASS times are "reset" at the start of EMH much like they are at park opening. You would not get a FASTPASS before EMH begins for a time that is after EMH starts, so that guests who are not eligible for EMH won't get a FASTPASS they cannot use.


A new-style Rider Switch Pass, and an old-style pass on old FASTPASS ticket stock

What is the Rider Switch Pass?

Sometimes called a Baby Swap, Child Swap or Rider Swap pass, this is a special form of FASTPASS that can be obtained from a Cast Member when there is a young (or otherwise cannot be left unsupervised) guest who can't go on a FASTPASS attraction. For the rest of this section, call that person the "ineligible" person, and the person who is staying behind the "stay behind" (I welcome a better term) person. What makes a person "ineligible" is vague - certainly anyone who doesn't meet the height or age requirements (if any) of an attraction. A person who does meet the requirements but simply is unwilling to ride does not make them ineligible, but it is up to the Cast Member, and some are more flexible than others. In general, Rider Switch is only available at FASTPASS attractions that have a height requirement.

You can obtain one Rider Switch pass per ineligible/stay behind pair - i.e. one person staying behind but supervising two children can only get one pass, and two adults staying behind for one child can only get one pass, but one pass allows up to three guests to ride.

Also note that a Rider Switch may not be available on a particular attraction, even one that has FASTPASS. Check with a Cast Member to be sure.

To obtain one, you speak to the Cast Member at the entrance (the Greeter). Show them you have a ineligible guest (you must actually show the child, and they may be measured), and they will hand someone in the party a Rider Switch pass (usually they hand it to one of the guests going in the first group, who would then bring it back to the stay behind guest when they return, but sometimes they will hand it to anyone in the party). The remaining guests MUST proceed into the Standby line immediately (or the FASTPASS line if you already have a FASTPASS and the Return Window is open - NOTE: the stay behind may also be required to have a valid FASTPASS if the first group of riders are entering via the FASTPASS line, but this is not confirmed). When those guests exit, the remaining guest and up to two others (so they don't have to ride alone) can then enter the FASTPASS line, turning in the Rider Switch pass. The Rider Switch pass is in fact good for the entire day - you do not have to use it immediately. In fact, they often have expiration dates in the future, so you could theoretically use it on another day.

Note that a Rider Switch pass can be used any time the same day it is obtained - you do not need to use it right away.

I know of two exceptions to how Rider Switch is handled:

The Rider Switch pass does NOT entitle the first set of guests automatic access to the FASTPASS line - only for the stay behind guest and up to two extra guests.

For a group with a couple of older kids and a younger one who can't ride, this is a great advantage for the older kids - they can ride multiple times. For instance, a family of 5 with two adults, two eligible kids and one ineligible kid, the two eligible kids can ride twice, once with each parent, with the second ride being a shorter wait (unless they use a FASTPASS for the first ride).

Rider Switch passes may also be given out in certain circumstances by Cast Members in compensation for certain reasons (stuck on ride, etc.)

There are also special Rider Switch-like FASTPASS tickets called Attraction Re-Entry tickets that are good on any FASTPASS attraction, also sometimes given in compensation, but they seem to be rare.

Note that some non-FASTPASS attractions may also offer some form of "baby swap", which usually entails a physical transfer of a child at the loading area or some other location. Check with a Cast Member for more details.

I see people selling FASTPASSes on eBay...what are those?

I've seen several different types of passes for "sale". They may be regular FASTPASS tickets for a particular attraction, Rider Switch passes, or Attraction Re-Entry passes.

First, these passes are "not transferable". That means they can't be sold by one individual to another. So often, if you look at the actual text of the auction, you are often actually bidding on an envelope. That envelope just so happens to contain the passes. This supposedly skirts around some legal issues.

Second, you can get FASTPASS tickets (and Rider Switch tickets if eligible) for free as it is. The only thing you might gain is saving time or a few extra rides.

Third, these passes are more than likely expired, especially the regular FASTPASS tickets since they are only good on the day they were obtained. To use one, you are banking on the CMs not noticing that they are expired. And if they do, you can look foolish. The old Rider Switch and Re-Entry passes often don't expire for some time, but they aren't unlimited either. They are just printed in bulk and rather than waste a bunch, they are printed with an expiration time some days to weeks in the future.

Fourth, I would question how they seem to obtain so many passes, especially the Rider Switch and Re-Entry variety. It would appear to be difficult to get so many through legitimate means, and then simply not use them.

Fifth, some of these have been faked, and Disney is cracking down on them. They have tested a new barcode scanning system to verify passes, which could put an end to using ALL expired passes. In addition, they have changed the printing around to make the date more easily apparent to the CMs checking them.

It's all up to you - but they can be very expensive slips of paper you might not be able to use at all.

I heard that you can buy a special FASTPASS that gets you in to every attraction as many times as you want, or VIPs get special FASTPASSes

No such thing has ever been confirmed to exist. In the case of VIPs, they are often accompanied by Guides who may lead them to the front of the line via an alternate way, usually for reasons of security more than as a special privilege. You can pay for a special VIP Tour which includes a Guide, but that itself does not provide a front-of-the-line privilege or pass. The Guide could take your tickets and go get FASTPASSes on your behalf, however, while you are doing something else.

Disney has also started offering a Premium VIP Tour for an even higher cost that does apparently offer some form of Front Of The Line access, although it technically isn't a FASTPASS and may not be possible at certain times or attractions. It also only applies to when you have your Guide.

On occasion people who attend a special Disney Vacation Club presentation may be given a special FASTPASS card that allows them to get up to three real FASTPASSes at any attraction instantly, to compensate them for their time.

What is a Surprise FASTPASS?

On occasion, you may put your ticket into a kiosk for a FASTPASS at one ride, but two FASTPASSes will come out - one for the ride you wanted, and a bonus or Surprise FASTPASS for another attraction. This pass will be printed on the same card stock, but will say "This is a Surprise FASTPASS" and give details on the attraction and times.

These passes can be used to help direct guests to another attraction that is perhaps underutilized that day. Interestingly, sometimes the attraction may not actually utilize FASTPASS (like Carousel Of Progress), so I am not sure how these passes are handled (although it is very unlikely you would need them anyways.)

Sweet Dreams...

What is a Dream FASTPASS?

The Dream FASTPASS is given out as part of Disney's Year of a Million Dreams celebration in late 2006 through 2008. Basically it is a plastic card on a rope lanyard with several plastic tabs, one for each FASTPASS attraction at that particular park. This allows you to enter each FASTPASS attraction once via the FASTPASS line at any time that day. You break off the tab for that attraction, and hand it in as you would a regular FASTPASS. You must also show the card on the lanyard when requested - you cannot hand the tabs to someone else without the lanyard card.

Dream prizes are given out by the Dream Team to particular groups or individuals based on time and location chosen at random by computer, such as everyone on the 5th ride on Expedition Everest, or the 3rd person exiting the Hall of Presidents after 11am. All such awards are chosen at random by computer - you can't increase your chances of winning any Dream prize by doing anything in particular other than to be at a Disney location (not necessarily at a park) and visit attractions. The Dream FASTPASS is only valid in the park in which it was awarded and on the day it was awarded. Typically Dream FASTPASSes are awarded early in the day, probably to allow you time to take advantage of it.

The Dream FASTPASS you see to above and to the right was in fact mine - I snapped a picture of it just after winning it. We received it after arriving at the unload platform on Expedition Everest - everyone in our train received them. We immediately turned around and rode Everest again. Alas, it was the only Dream prize we won in three trips...

What is a Birthday FASTPASS?

One kiosk will always be open for Birthday FASTPASS users
As part of the "What will you celebrate?" theme in 2009, if you are attending a Disney park on your birthday and do not need to take advantage of the free 1-day base ticket, you can opt for a special Birthday FASTPASS card for you and up to 5 other guests with you (all must be present and have a valid admission ticket). Note that a limited number are available per park per day, and may not be available after 11am. You might be able to get more cards depending on availability, but only 6 are guaranteed. You also should register in advance and bring the confirmation sheet with you. Start here for more details and other Birthday options.

Note that this information could change at any time.

The Birthday FASTPASS takes the form of a card that would be inserted into the FASTPASS kiosk instead of your park ticket, and would give you a FASTPASS with a Return Window that starts immediately. These cards do not give an unlimited number of FASTPASSes, however, and they are only good at the park at which you received the card.

The FASTPASS attractions are divided into two groups. The most recent list is as follows, but are subject to change. You will receive a list of the attractions with the FASTPASS card:

In general, you will get at least 2 FASTPASSes per card from each group - that is, two FASTPASSes for any combination of Donald rides, and two FASTPASSes in any combination of Daisy rides. The actual number has varied between two and four FASTPASSes per group, depending on the park and potentially expected crowd levels.

In addition, some people have reported not being able to get more than one FASTPASS at the same attraction with the same card, but as of last report this is allowed - especially since there aren't necessarily four attractions in a group.

Even if all the regular FASTPASSes are gone, you can STILL get an immediate FASTPASS using your Birthday FASTPASS card - there will be one kiosk left open for this purpose.

Note that using the Birthday FASTPASS card in no way affects your being able to use your regular park ticket to get regular FASTPASSes. You can use both independently, and your ability to get FASTPASSes with your park ticket follows the same rules as always as to when you can get another FASTPASS.

This promotion ends on December 31st, 2009. It will be replaced with a new one as part of "Give A Day, Get A Disney Day" as one of the alternate options and is expected to be essentially identical, but exact terms have not been disclosed and may not be known until some time after the beginning of 2010.

What attractions can I get a FASTPASS for?

Note that not all attractions that have the FASTPASS system use it all the time. Some will only be in use during peak times or on certain days. Always check the Times Guide for the park, which should list those attractions that are not using it on that day/week. Rides marked with a "*" have FASTPASS but appear to use it rarely, if ever.

This list last updated on 2009-Apr-28 - it is subject to change:


Disclaimer: All information has been obtained from various sources, including Disney's official web sites, various community forums, and personal experience. Disney can change operational aspects at any time that could make this information incorrect or invalid, and information could simply be incorrect, but every effort is made to insure that it is correct and is updated as soon as changes are known.


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