Disney World FastPass+ Tips and Strategies for Families: Get ready to experience the magic of Disney World with our expert tips and strategies for optimizing your FastPass+ reservations and maximizing your family’s time in the parks. Learn how Genie+ can help you skip the regular lines and experience more of your favorite attractions without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways:
– FastPass+ is a complimentary service allowing guests to schedule ride times and skip standby lines.
– Guests can book FastPasses for up to three attractions in advance, with specific return windows.
– MagicBands or park admission tickets can be used for the “Tap and Grab” technique to extend FastPass reservations.
– Attractions are tiered, with Tier 1 rides (e.g., Seven Dwarfs Mine Train) requiring early reservations.
– Optimal FastPass selections for Magic Kingdom include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain.
– Less desirable FastPass options for Magic Kingdom include Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, and Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
Disney World FastPass+ Tips and Strategies for Families
As a seasoned Disney World enthusiast, I’ve mastered the art of optimizing FastPass+ reservations to create unforgettable family adventures. Here are my expert tips to help you maximize your time and minimize wait times:
Plan and Book Early
FastPass+ reservations open 60 days in advance for resort guests and 30 days in advance for non-resort guests. Set a reminder and book your desired attractions as soon as possible, especially for popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight.
Use the My Disney Experience App
Manage your reservations on the go with the official My Disney Experience app. It allows you to check availability, modify times, and make new selections. Plus, you can access real-time wait times and park maps.
Tiered Approach
Attractions are categorized into tiers, with Tier 1 being the most sought-after. Prioritize booking Tier 1 rides, such as Space Mountain and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, for your first three reservations. Then, focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 attractions as availability allows.
Tap and Grab
Once you’ve used FastPass+ for your first reserved attraction, you can make another reservation by scanning your MagicBand or admission ticket at a designated “Tap and Grab” kiosk. This technique allows you to maximize your time by reserving additional rides throughout the day.
Optimize Your First Hour
Start your day at a less popular attraction to minimize wait times and secure a FastPass+ for a Tier 1 ride. This strategy allows you to maximize your early morning hours and enjoy a head start on the crowds.
Consider Park Hours
Check the park hours and plan your FastPass+ reservations accordingly. If a park opens at 8 am, arrive early to avoid long wait times and secure prime reservations.
Be Flexible
Inevitably, ride breakdowns or other unforeseen circumstances may disrupt your plans. Stay flexible and consider adjusting your schedule or exploring alternative attractions if necessary.
Make Tier 2 and Tier 3 Reservations
While Tier 1 attractions are a priority, don’t overlook Tier 2 and Tier 3 rides. These options offer shorter wait times and can still provide memorable experiences.
Prioritize Family-Friendly Rides
If you’re visiting with young children, focus on booking FastPass+ reservations for age-appropriate attractions, such as “it’s a small world” and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Take Advantage of Genie+
Consider purchasing Genie+ for additional flexibility. It allows you to book a ride via Lightning Lane, reducing wait times even further. Use the My Disney Experience app to check Genie+ availability and book Lightning Lane reservations.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the Disney World FastPass+ system and create a magical and stress-free vacation for your family. Remember to plan ahead, be flexible, and embrace the adventure!
Learn how to strategize your Disney World FastPass+ reservations for popular rides to maximize your time in the parks, or dive into the FastPass+ vs. Genie+ debate to determine which system better suits your needs. Additionally, if you’re struggling with the My Disney Experience App, check out our comprehensive booking tutorial for a step-by-step guide.
Genie+ is available at multiple parks
With Genie+ now available at multiple parks within Walt Disney World, families have even more flexibility and options to enhance their vacation experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Key Takeaways:
What is Genie+?
- Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to reserve a time to ride select attractions, reducing your wait time.
- Genie+ reservations can be made on the day of your visit through the My Disney Experience app.
Pricing and Availability:
- Genie+ has park-specific pricing and a multiple-park option available.
- Genie+ is available at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Tips for Maximizing Genie+:
- Book early: Make your Genie+ reservations as soon as they become available (7:00 AM for on-site guests and park opening for all others).
- Choose high-demand attractions: Prioritize popular attractions with long standby wait times.
- Utilize the 120-minute rule: After using your first Genie+ reservation, you can make another one 120 minutes later, regardless of the return time of your current reservation.
- Consider park hopping: Genie+ allows park hopping, so you can optimize your reservations by visiting multiple parks throughout the day.
Additional Genie+ Information:
- Lightning Lane: Genie+ includes access to Lightning Lanes, which are dedicated lanes with shorter wait times for select attractions.
- Future updates: In 2024, Disney plans to allow pre-booking of Lightning Lanes before the day of your visit.
Genie+ Doesn’t Include All Rides
Disney’s Genie+ service is a convenient way to skip the regular lines for select attractions at Walt Disney World, but it’s important to know that Genie+ doesn’t include all rides. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included and excluded:
What’s Included in Genie+?
- Lightning Lane access to over 15 attractions across all four theme parks
- The ability to make Genie+ reservations for up to two rides at a time
- The flexibility to modify or cancel reservations throughout the day
What’s Excluded from Genie+?
- Popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Avatar Flight of Passage, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (individual Lightning Lane purchase required)
- Standby-only attractions like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain
- Character meet-and-greets and shows
- Dining reservations
Key Takeaways:
- Genie+ is a convenient way to skip lines for some attractions.
- Genie+ doesn’t include all rides.
- Popular attractions require individual Lightning Lane purchases.
- Standby lines still exist for many attractions.
- Genie+ is subject to availability and can sell out.
Source: Disney World Genie+ & Lightning Lane 2023 Guide
FAQ
Q1: What is Genie+?
A1: Genie+ is a paid service at Disney World that allows guests to skip the standby line for select rides and attractions.
Q2: How much does Genie+ cost?
A2: Genie+ costs $15 per person, per day, but prices can vary.
Q3: Is Genie+ available at multiple parks?
A3: Yes, Genie+ is available at all four theme parks at Disney World: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Q4: Does Genie+ include all rides?
A4: No, Genie+ does not include all rides. Some of the most popular rides, such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain, require guests to purchase individual Lightning Lane reservations in addition to Genie+.
Q5: How do I make Genie+ reservations?
A5: Guests can make Genie+ reservations starting at 7 AM for the day they are visiting the park. Reservations can be made through the My Disney Experience app or website.
