When Will FastPass Return to Disney World?
Wondering when FastPass+ will come back at Walt Disney World or if it’ll be replaced by a paid ride reservation system? This post covers dates free FastPasses could return, how virtual queues reduce park capacity, and the possibility of Premier Access, MaxPass, and the Genie app as replacements that will cost money. (Updated August 12, 2021.)
Walt Disney World suspended FastPass prior to the reopening of the parks. While the official rationale for this was to use the extra queue space for the standby lines, it was actually due to physical distancing. Physical distancing is gone, attendance has increased, and wait times have gone up since then.
Consequently, there has been significant backlash to the elimination of FastPass+ among fans, hence this post. Walt Disney World has not provided any actual updates on FastPass since last year, but the rumor mill has gone into overdrive, and we have all the possibilities and theories for you. (Note: for the August 2021 updates, scroll down to the “Will FastPass+ be replaced by a different system at Walt Disney World?” section above the Runaway Railway photo.)
First, let’s answer a different but related question we’ve been hearing from guests: “Is FastPass+ already back at Walt Disney World?!” This is one we’ve actually heard asked in the parks a lot while we’ve been waiting in lines. No, Disney did not “secretly” bring back FastPass+ and forget to announce it to everyone.
Currently, the physical FastPass+ queues are being used for Disability Access Service (DAS) and select VIP guests. This priority access lane essentially includes tour groups, Golden Oak residents, and Club 33 members. We have noticed a significant increase in the usage of FastPass lines in the last two months, which is presumably attributable to more DAS passes being issued, since the number of VIP guests is relatively static.
With that out of the way, let’s turn to the titular question. Actually, this post essentially poses two different questions–let’s start with when FastPass will return? That’s the more popular topic among readers and an inquiry we’re receiving quite often.
In actuality, FastPass+ was suspended because it reduces the overall attendance limit of the parks. This is actually nothing new. Magic Kingdom, for example, used to have a higher capacity cap in the pre-FastPass days despite having fewer attractions. This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s because the FastPass system effectively allows guests to be in two places at once. With standby lines, when you’re in line, you are always physically standing in line–occupying only one spot in the park.
When guests use FastPass, they aren’t simply skipping the line. The nuanced explanation is that a “phantom version” of the guest is waiting in a virtual line for their turn to ride. (That’s right, virtual queues like FastPass+ are basically lines for ghosts!) This is why standby wait times are longer and that line moves slower when FastPass+ is utilized.
At the same time that ghost guest is in the virtual queue, the actual guest is doing whatever–shopping, dining, or even doing another attraction. Freeing up guests from standing in line was actually one of Walt Disney World’s two goals of the original paper FastPass system. In a nutshell, it would give guests more time to browse stores and eat, increasing per guest spending in the process.
In the past, this was no issue. There were plenty of stores, restaurants, shows, and other lower profile offerings to absorb the displaced crowds. The benefits of increased per guest spending brought about by FastPass coupled with guests perceiving it as a value-added perk outweighed any drawbacks.
The downsides were essentially higher staffing requirements (to support the FastPass infrastructure), reduced overall park capacity, and the need for sufficient alternative things to do. None of this was really a big deal because the parks had plenty of things to do and surplus capacity–it didn’t really matter whether Magic Kingdom had an upper limit of 110,000 or 80,000 guests if the vast majority of days only 60,000 or fewer people were visiting the park.
When Walt Disney World first reopened, the biggest impediment to the return of FastPass+ was physical distancing, which in turn put the upper limit on attendance at 35% of full capacity. If FastPass were reintroduced while full physical distancing was in place, it would further decrease overall park capacity.
However, this is no longer the problem. As noted above, Walt Disney World officially dropped physical distancing and guests have quickly followed suit. If you’ve been in the parks during the last couple of months, you know they look more or less “normal” in terms of guests spacing and congestion. You’ll even hear “please fill in all available space” from Cast Members once again.
Similarly, attendance caps are no longer much of an impediment. Walt Disney World was operating at 35% capacity earlier this year. Back at the start of summer, Disney quietly indicated they’d stop providing updates on attendance limits. Since then, Disney has refilled Park Pass reservations on numerous occasions, and there is frequently full availability for all parks every day.
Along with the attendance limits increasing, wait times have been growing. That might be why you’re reading this article to begin with–because you’re visiting Walt Disney World and are desperately missing and wishing for the return of FastPass. We hear you and agree with you. Some of the standby lines are pretty miserable right now, with long waits extending into overflow queues without any shade.
The lack of FastPass+ was definitely more tolerable last year and in early 2021 when lines moved quickly and constantly, and wait times were shorter. (We actually preferred no FastPass when crowds were super low.) Now, it’s a different matter entirely. FastPass cannot return soon enough!
Naturally, the core problem in bringing back FastPass has morphed over time. Like so many other businesses around the United States, Walt Disney World is short-staffed. This labor shortage means Walt Disney World doesn’t have the attractions Cast Members necessary to support the FastPass+ infrastructure. It also means Disney doesn’t have the other Cast Members necessary to reopen enough other experiences that would help soak up the “ghost guests” displaced by FastPass.
This problem is starting to be resolved. In the last month, Walt Disney World has significantly increased dining capacity and also is in the process of bringing back several shows. However, several others remain gone for various reasons, and some–like Finding Nemo: the Musical, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and Fantasmic–may not return until 2022. That appears to be more of monetary decision than a staffing one.
That’s a long-winded explanation and maybe you just wanted a one-sentence answer, but we believe understanding the why of FastPass+ being unavailable is important. The point is that the parks are sufficiently staffed and capacity is has been close to fully restored via the reopening of more in the parks. That thus paves the way FastPass being restored or replaced.
With that said, what’s possible and when it happens are two different things. As we’ve said before, think of Walt Disney World like an ocean liner: you turn the wheel slowly, and the big ship pivots gradually. Everything takes time from decision to implementation. There will almost certainly be a lag between announcement and when it’s back. As for when an announcement will be made, we suspect one will come sometime in August 2021–possibly as soon as the Walt Disney Company’s quarterly earnings call.
If you’re looking for a specific date when a version of FastPass will return to Walt Disney World, the most likely return date is on or around October 1, 2021.
This one is based upon the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary and new fiscal year. While Walt Disney World is gradually bringing back offerings between now and that date, it is the most significant milestone on the horizon, and Disney is waiting to debut a lot–from new entertainment and nighttime spectaculars to early entry and extended evening hours–until that date.
With that said, there’s still a remote possibility that Walt Disney World gets cold feet on the FastPass replacement and doesn’t launch it until January 2022.
Given the latest rumors–which are literally flying in every direction right now–this seems highly unlikely. The only reason it’s presented as an option is because plans can fall through. Based upon the current chatter, the FastPass replacement plans are going to congeal at the last possible minute, with the specifics still being debated and determined. Which brings us to the second question of this post…
Will FastPass+ be replaced by a different system at Walt Disney World?
Probably. Everything is subject to change until officially announced by Walt Disney World (even then, plans sometimes change!), but we’d be willing to put money on the prior incarnation of FastPass+ never coming back to Walt Disney World.
Some form of virtual queue will unquestionably return, but the FastPass+ system and branding could be retired and replaced by something else entirely. Whatever it is, that new ride reservation program will almost certainly have an upcharge component–or be a paid system completely.
There are a couple of possibilities for what paid FastPass will likely look like at Walt Disney World. For the first, see Paid Premier Access Replacing Free FastPass at Disneyland Paris. The new system has rolled out there and essentially combines Standby Pass, which is a free and hybrid virtual and physical queue, with a paid line-skipping option.
This system is now what exists for Disneyland Paris and Shanghai Disneyland, and a version of that is rumored as coming to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. While the specifics will almost certainly differ for Florida with tweaks made given Walt Disney World’s unique size, scale, on-site hotels, and status as a vacation destination, the contours could be similar.
For another possibility, check out Disneyland’s MaxPass system. The primary advantage of MaxPass is that it allows you to be more dynamic in your plans for the day, making FastPass reservations as you go, adjusting your schedule on the fly based upon your actual progress (and crowds) in the park, rather than making than months in advance. Despite the downside of being paid, MaxPass allows for more spontaneity, which is a breath of fresh air.
As Walt Disney World is a different beast than the other parks, it’s possible the new paid FastPass system cherry picks components of both Premier Access and MaxPass and repackages them under different branding. In practice, this might mean bundle booking access for certain attractions plus a la carte paid FastPass for a handful of select headliners.
What remains to be seen is whether the FastPass replacement is integrated into the Disney Genie app announced a couple of years ago. Disney Genie promised a revolutionary new digital offering that would enhance the way you plan for and experience a trip, with optimized itineraries, real-time tips and updates, recommendations for experiences it thinks you’ll love, and help navigating the theme parks with added convenience and comfort.
It was originally set to debut last year, but that didn’t happen for obvious reasons. According to Walt Disney World, the Disney Genie app is still coming, but it’s unclear when it’ll be released. From the outset, details about Disney Genie were vague to the point that it seemed undefined, so it’s also entirely possible that the paid FastPass system will use the Disney Genie branding, and that’ll be the total extent of Disney Genie (meaning it won’t be a standalone app at all, but rather, a feature within My Disney Experience).
In any case, the debut of that app plus the “temporary suspension” of FastPass+ offers an opportunity for a soft reset of Walt Disney World’s ride reservation system, with the paid replacement coming in Fall 2021 via Disney Genie. Walt Disney World undoubtedly wants a slice of that money-making pie. There have been rumors of paid FastPass for years, and at some point, those will be brought to fruition. If Walt Disney World’s goal is to introduce paid FastPass with minimal guest friction, it’s easiest to go from nothing (standby lines only) to something.
Ultimately, we’re on board with a wholesale overhaul of the FastPass+ system, but not a system that is pay to play only. Hopefully whatever comes to Walt Disney World contains a free option along with added access for on-site resort guests. Again, we should reiterate that this post is almost entirely speculation and rumor. All Walt Disney World has announced is that FastPass+ is temporarily suspended. We’re simply guessing that it’ll be replaced by a hybrid of Premier Access and MaxPass, with Disney Genie being the system and/or branding.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
When do you think FastPass+ will return to Walt Disney World? Or do you think it’ll never back back, replaced by something else instead? Thoughts on the possibility of Premier Access, MaxPass, or a mashup of the two coming to Walt Disney World? Do you prefer fast-moving standby lines only, or the FastPass and standby combo? Interested in how Walt Disney World will implement the new system? Agree or disagree with our assessment? Other thoughts or concerns? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I liked the current fast pass system. If we wanted to sleep in on one of our days I could schedule our three fast passes for that day for later. Also once your magic band is scanned for the third fast pass while you’re in line for that attraction you can open up the app and schedule your next one. Taking the fast pass plus away means now we cannot sleep in if we want to get on our favorite rides. So everyone will be hitting the parks when they open. The other way there was a means to spreading it out throughout the day.
I agree. I really like the FP+ system for late-arrival days, or days when you plan to sleep in.
Disney must have some sense of what crowd levels they will have on re-opening. I wonder if, in the short-term and aside from perhaps the very most popular rides, they have determined there will be little need for fast pass?
I’m going to be honest, I have never been a fan of FP. First, I prefer spontaneity and don’t enjoy planning what park and what ride I want to be on 60 days in advance and most importantly I find they greatly slow up the stand by lines, so while you may be able to get on 3 rides relatively quick, the rest of the lines take way more time to get on then they would if they didn’t have a FP option which continuously stops the standby line in order to accommodate those with FP.
It sounds similar to the disability pass. We never did fast pass or stood in line because my son who is autistic would not do well in that situation. We went to whatever ride we wanted then got a time to return to the fast pass line. he constantly changed his mind on what he wanted to ride or do. It also helped us to maximize our time in the parks because while we were waiting for pooh we could go get food or watch a parade or something.
Two words (or maybe more): Simplicity and Spontaneity. If Disney would keep these two things in mind, we’d all have more magical vacations – even if we didn’t get to experience every single headliner attraction and ate dinner at our second-favorite restaurant.
Joe, that’s a matter of opinion, and I don’t share it. Spontaneity is great for many, but there are others who prefer to plan details in advance. So long as they maintain some flexibility to prevent disappointment, there are many ways to have a magical time.
This bumms me out, because I figured out how to work with the system. I’d plan way ahead and have an advantage over guests who don’t plan. My ADRs and Fps would be in place and I could relax and enjoy without fear of missing out on an experience.
I really don’t want to pay even more for Fast Passes. But I’ll have to wait and see what Disney
decides to do.
Me too. I felt like by the time I arrived, all my planning was done and I could just enjoy everything. Didn’t have to think about what I wanted to do next or anything like that. I like the planning before I get there. Much less stress once I’m there.
Just out of curiosity – is there anyone else who doesn’t see the Virutal Queues in the MDE app? I updated mine manually just to make sure, but I’ve never seen it. I made my husband check on his app too, but he also doesn’t have it.
My app is updated as well, and no virtual queues is listed!
I did the same thing! After updating, I still don’t see it.
I dont have it on my App neither
I wonder if Tom’s screenshot is from the Disneyland app and not Disney World.
However, you can still access Virtual Queues in Disney World app by clicking into Star Wars: Galaxies Edge, My Status. You’ll be on the My Queues screen. You can click the + in the upper right corner to see what is available. Only Galaxies Edge right now.
I’m not a fan of anything that requires me to use my cellphone on vacation. I’m ok with the current fast pass system because I can make the reservations in advance and write them down. But when I go to the parks, the phones stay in the safe. We try and carry as little as possible with us. If they change all the lines to virtual it will be hard for many people to go to the parks and ride anything. I’m an annual pass holder but won’t be renewing until I find out what the future holds.
100 percent agree on phones in the park!
Hi Tom, speaking about Disneyland as more than likely they’ll adopt same practices as WDW- Do you think it’s possible that for those APs who have Maxpass paid already but no FastPass+ option anymore APs will be able to have more than one Virtual queue selection at a time? Or will we just be refunded the price we paid for Maxpass service? I ask because I just renewed after being extended till 5/31 due to covid-19 so when I renewed the pass maxpass was included with it so I paid for maxpass. If it’s no longer an option as FastPass+ is going bye-bye what do you think Tom?
Me too. Many people seem to walk around looking at the cell instead of where they are in the parks. I liked the old paper fast passes really! The allowed the spontaneity we enjoyed and anyone could do it. Simple and it worked just fine. Techies might enjoy the FP+, but three cheers for those little paper tickets and the FP kiosks.
Becky everyone can do the fastpass on my Disney experience as well is a computer or cellphone who does not have a cellphone now days.
i said from the moment it was announced that the most likely scenario was that they intend for Genie to be the paid premium version of touringplans- it was never going to be anything free. enough people pay the touringplans subscription and i’m sure disney wants a cut of that, and will promote this as the official version to entice people to buy in. the pandemic may have altered their plans, but i figured they would probably do some sort of tiered system, with a free version being very bare bones, and tiers with more options and promises based on how much you’re willing to pay (i.e. more fastpass options per day if you pay more, or maybe depending on what tier of resort you stay at). if anything i agree- the pandemic now presents a chance to reset things, to their advantage. timelines might be somewhat off or fluid, but i have a feeling this will be the eventual endgame.
I am intrigued by Disney Genie and (IT issues aside) assume Artificial Intelligence will be used to heighten and tailor experiences in the park. I think this would be a great improvement. I also realize It falls in line with Disney’s desire to maximize the amount people spend but I see this as a win-win.
I was a fan of the old paper Fast Pass system mainly because it was first-come, first-serve when you got into the park and didn’t have to plan out my entire day months ahead of time. I’d be more in favor of NO Fast Pass. Just show up, stand in line… but of course with Covid you can’t really do the 6 foot distance of waiting in that long of a line. I’m hoping the paper pass makes a comeback!!
I hated it. Mainly because the big groups of tourist groups would all snatch them up quickly.
I’m looking at travelling at the end of Ian 2021 and have been considering club level so that I could buy the extra fast passes but I think it won’t be worth while now?
I disliked the old paper fast pass system. Fast passes for very popular rides would be gone for the day by say 10 am. Test track and soarin were those that were gone so fast it was ridiculous. I preferred the 1980s when you just showed up and waited in reasonable lines.
Exactly and what perks do you even have for staying on property? Without FP or free airport transportation the only perk is the PACKED (pre and post COVID) buses?
In your opinion, would a MaxPass style system work at WDW? I’ve heard a lot of opposition to it, but that could just be resistance to change. I can see it working well at Magic Kingdom, for example, but in the other parks, wouldn’t all the tier 1 FP rides get grabbed immediately? Like, if you weren’t there at park open, would you be able to get a ride on Flight of Passage?
I think the FP+ system is not the greatest, but I’ve gotten used to the way we have to manipulate it (in the above example, that includes booking an on site stay and making our Animal Kingdom day late in the trip to ensure FOP). I guess we’d get used to whatever system there will be (and I’m sure you’ll have all the best tips!)
A lot of this then leads to the question that you’ve addressed on here – what are the advantages to staying on site? If there is no 60 day FP window, what might that look like in the future? Paid FP for resort guests only?
Or perhaps free Fast Pass for onsite guests (moderate & deluxe resorts, but not value resorts), with everyone else buying it, just like they do at Universal Orlando?
I think they should make it like Disneyland’s where you can get a FastPass for any park, no matter which park you’re in…or even from your home…as long as you “activate” it in the morning.
Also, if virtual queues become a thing, they should release “tickets” throughout the day…first thing in the morning, around noon, 4pm, and if the park is open late, at 8pm.
This is the biggest factor. If you are a hotel guest and don’t get there at rope drop you won’t be able to get a FP for the popular rides b they will “sell out” early. Why would I book and pay for an on-site hotel knowing I can’t get a FP for the best rides like you could with the FP+ system. Just stay offsite and get cheaper prices. Max pass doesn’t work unless you rope drop and that’s not how the vast majority of WDW go to the parks.
They would still need to offer some version that allows advanced booking for their hotels guests (even if it’s paid)
I really like the Max Pass idea and wouldn’t mind paying an up charge for our family of 4. I like how it works at Universal. We just love the magic of Disney and nothing so far has deterred us from our trip in Nov/Dec.
Do you think they would offer the Max pass for free if you stay deluxe like Universal does?
On my first few trips to Disney World we used the kiosks with the paper time to return. It had an hour window to return for the ride but they didn’t enforce the window. You could come back anytime after return time on the ticket and it would be honored. I loved it, but when fast pass plus was introduced I was really excited about the prospect. It sounded perfect for us since we always stay on property. It did not turn out to be perfect. Even when I got on first thing in the morning on the first day of my allotted window for obtaining fast passes I would not be able to get fast pass tickets for the newer rides, this never happened to me with the kiosk system. Additionally fast pass plus increases the amount of planning I had to do months in advance and once the fast passes are acquired there is no changing plans because fast passes are no longer available. The experience for me was never the same once they went to fast pass plus. I look forward to a different option I don’t know if it will be as perfect for me as the kiosk system was but I am hopeful it will be much better than the fast pass plus system.
I just wish we really did know what is going on. We will be going mid November and at this point how do you plan anything. I have my ticket but when will we get to make reservations. Am so scared. Am locked into renting Dvc points . Am so sorry I let myself get talked into that because now I am stuck.
We are supposed to be there July 25. Still no word if our hotel is even going to open. We have already paid for tickets and I have $2000 tied up in gift cards. It’s frustrating but I’m sure you’ll know lots more before November. I’m just hoping they tell us something in the next week or so for a trip that’s supposed to happen in 42 days!?!?
We’re 55 days out and at this point all we know is that our resort will be open. We have park hopper tickets (will park hopping even be allowed?) and we have tickets to the first night of MNSSHP. We are basically waiting to see if we get reservations to get into a park each day.
Rumors of an up charge premium pass system have been around for years. I think there is little doubt that Disney will greedily pursue it now to help recoup money lost because of the closure. I’ve long said that such a program would be a red line that I would never cross. I have not and will change my mind.
“I think there is little doubt that Disney will greedily pursue it now to help recoup money lost because of the closure.”
That assumes Walt Disney World can continue raising prices without regard for the economy, demand, or the present state of the parks. Not an assumption I’d make.
One thing no one has talked about is the major difference eliminating preplanned fast passes has for large parties. I’m traveling with a group of 9 in August. We had fast passes for everyone. Same day carefree only works when you’re 1 or 2 people. It is quite possible your party never gets to ride together. How awful. I really hope they offer a paid pass option. That way people who are traveling from far or who have a large group don’t have to worry.
Maybe I’m missing something, but what problems would larger parties encounter with a universal system of same-day FastPasses?
It’s much easier to get a fast pass time for a single person or two people than getting one for 9 people to ride at the same time. Same goes for virtual queues. I bet ROR boarding passes for instance were harder to get for large groups than for just 1 person.
With the Disneyland system (as with the current FP+) you link tickets so you only look for FP once. If everyone is looking for tickets same day I doubt that there will be much of.a difference in availability from two people to nine people.
Lots to think about! I definitely prefer max pass to FastPass. Hands down. But the up charge is hefty for a park that is already extremely overpriced. It’s always angered me that even though the parks attendance level is so much higher that we are constantly asked to pay more. From tickets to snacks and everything in between. Compared to when I went when my kids were little. I doubt Disney would have been my yearly family destination if my kids had grown up in the 2000’s vs the 80’s and 90’s. Don’t get me wrong-I love WDW. But if I have to pay for FP (or whatever the next system is) it will be the proverbial last straw. And as an aside-Maxpass works in CA but the cost for a WDW trip would be much bigger. Most families go for longer periods of time and are huge groups. I’ve definitely not seen that at DL to the same degree.
I like the fast pass system and the ability to reserve ahead of time at least a few attractions and then being spontaneous about either changing those fast passes on the fly or trying other attractions. I don’t like the idea of the Genie, sounds like it would be more locked into what the app is driving you towards with not much spontaneity. I want to experience things without looking at my phone constantly. For reference I also don’t like these music services that “curate” songs based on your tastes. I’ll discover things on my own, thank you.
“I don’t like the idea of the Genie, sounds like it would be more locked into what the app is driving you towards with not much spontaneity.”
I wouldn’t expect the final Disney Genie–if it’s even called that–to reflect what was previewed last year.