We've used FASTPASS at Walt Disney World and it saved a lot of time. We'll be in California this summer and only have two days to see Disneyland. Do they have FASTPASS too?
Yes, and FASTPASS works in the same way on both coasts.
FASTPASS is a "virtual queuing program" offered on popular attractions that tend to draw long lines. Let's say you show up for Space Mountain at 10 A.M. and see that the wait time is over an hour. Instead of joining the line, just insert your theme park pass into the FASTPASS kiosk. You'll get the original theme park pass back along with a small ticket giving you a time frame in which to return, say between 11:30 A.M. and 12:30 P.M. You can go on other rides and when you return to Space Mountain at any time between 11:30 A.M. and 12:30 P.M., you'll be admitted to a much shorter line. On average, FASTPASS cuts the wait to one-fifth of what it would be in the general line. The result is that you get to ride more and wait less.
A few caveats:
• You're only allowed one FASTPASS at a time, so make sure you use it on a really crowded ride. Once you use that FASTPASS, you can get another. (I've heard rumors that Disney may go to a system that allows guests to hold multiple FASTPASSes, but so far that hasn't happened.)
• The system only gives out a certain number of FASTPASSes per 10-minute increment of time, so on extremely busy days an attraction may have issued all of its FASTPASSes by midday. If you're interested in riding a really hot attraction, be sure to get your FASTPASS as soon as you enter the park.
• Hold on to the FASTPASS ticket. You'll have to show it to enter the shorter line and once again as you near the ride. And everyone in the party will need a separate FASTPASS ticket, even kids. It makes sense to put a parent in charge of holding on to all the theme park passes and FASTPASS tickets. (This is one I learned the hard way!)
Disneyland attractions offering FASTPASS include: Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Autopia, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, and Space Mountain.
California Adventure offers FASTPASS for: California Screamin', Grizzly River Run, Soarin' Over California, and Mulholland Madness.
For general Disneyland info call (714) 781-4565 or click here.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in May 2001. Updated January 2006.
