What's this thing at Disney World called FastPass? I like everything about the theme parks except standing in line.
The new FastPass system, which is designed to reduce the time guests spend waiting in line for big-name attractions, was created just for people like you.
Here's how it works: You enter the theme park gate and head for a popular attraction. There, digital clocks show the estimate wait-time to ride, as well as the return time for anyone with a FastPass, usually a one-hour time slot. Let's say you enter the Magic Kingdom gates at 10 A.M. and find that a long line has already formed for Space Mountain. If you opt to get a FastPass, insert your theme park ticket into the designated turnstile. You'll get the original ticket back, as well as a FastPass that will tell you when to return, between 12:30 and 1:30 P.M., for example.
Go on to tour the rest of the park, and return to Space Mountain any time between 12:30 and 1:30 P.M. and you'll be allowed to enter through the FastPass turnstile and proceed directly to the attraction loading area. The FastPass waiting times run anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes on average--a vast improvement over the 90-minute waits that big attractions often post during peak times.
Attractions currently offering a FastPass are:
In the Magic Kingdom: Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan's Flight, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Stitch's Great Escape. During summers and holidays, FastPass is added to Buzz Lightyear, the Jungle Cruise and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
In Epcot: Test Track, Living With the Land, Mission: SPACE, Soarin and Maelstrom. During summers and holidays, FastPass is added to Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.
In Disney-MGM Studios: Tower of Terror and the Rock n' Rollercoaster. During the summer and holidays, FastPass is added to Star Tours, Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
In Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, DINOSAUR, It's Tough to be a Bug and Primeval Whirl.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in Updated March 2006.
