Using Disney’s FASTPASS system to beat the queues

There are several things you need to know in order to beat the crowds and the lines when spending a day at the parks.

Let’s kick off with the easiest one – Disney’s FASTPASS system – which will help you to beat the lines and see more attractions in one day.

NOTE: Attractions with a FASTPASS line are marked on your park map with an FP.

Here’s how they work – suppose it’s 11am and you wish to ride Splash Mountain, but there is a 60-minute wait posted. Instead of getting in line you should consider FASTPASS.

The FP distribution area will be near the entrance to the attraction – a clock will indicate the return time for the passes being issued, for example 1pm-2pm.

To pick up your FPs simply insert your park ticket into the machine and you will receive a printed pass with your return time on (don’t forget to remove your park ticket from the machine too!)

Now you are all set to go and see more of the park; you simply need to return between 1pm and 2pm; enter the FP return line, and enjoy Splash mountain with little or no wait.

Things you need to know:

• You can usually hold only one FP at a time – on the bottom of the pass is the time you can obtain a second (which is usually the time your current FP is activated, or after two hours have elapsed whichever is sooner)
• Everyone in your party needs a FP to enter the FP return line – designate one member of your party to hold everyone’s tickets and collect all of the FPs during the day.
• You cannot enter the return line before your scheduled time. Please don’t stand in line at the return entrance waiting for your time to come up – you are defeating the point of the FP! Go off and enjoy the park – you can return right at the end of your FP window and you’ll still only wait for a few minutes.
• FASTPASSES are free! – They are included in your park admission so make the most of them.