The Best Disney World FastPass+ Tips and Planning Strategies

January 23, 2019 | Gina Schuetter

Without a doubt, I get the most questions about the FastPass+ system while planning Disney vacations for my clients. 

"When can I make my selections?"

"How does it work?" 

Probably the most common, "What's the best FastPass+ strategy?" 

While it can be extremely overwhelming, with some guidance we can have you on your way to a successful FastPass selection. 

Quick FastPass+ Primer

Before I dive into specific FastPass+ plans for each park, let's go over a few basics. 

• FastPass+ allows you to skip the longer lines, but that doesn't mean that you won't wait in line at all. It usually means that the FastPass+ line is significantly shorter than the standby line.
  
• The system in Walt Disney World is all electronic. If you haven't been to Disney World in recent years, this is going to be the biggest change for you. I'd recommend getting super comfortable with the MyDisneyExperience app prior to your trip as this is how you'll manage your FastPass+ selections.
• If you're staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or one of the selected Good Neighbor hotels, you can select your FastPass+ options 60 days out from check-in starting at 7:00am EST. Everyone else can select 30 days out from your visit date. 
• You can select three FastPass+ options for each day. The attractions are divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 for each park. You can only make one of your selections from the Tier 1 list. Once you have used all three in the day, you can select one more at a time. The only caveat is that on the incredibly crowded days, there won't be much available for you to choose from. 

Now that we have the basics out of the away, let's dive into selections. 

Selecting Your FastPass+ Attractions

Magic Kingdom

Generally speaking, if it the word "Mountain" is in the attraction name, it's a good FastPass to select. Those lines are historically longer and don't offer much wait time reprieve during parades and fireworks like the other attractions do. If your family isn't into thrill rides, then grabbing some of the family attractions can save you some time in longer lines. 

First Picks

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
  
• Peter Pan's Flight
  
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  
• Space Mountain
  
• Splash Mountain
  

Second Picks

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
  
• Haunted Mansion
  
• Jungle Cruise
  
• Meet Ariel at her Grotto
  
• Meet Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall
  
• Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theatre
  
• Pirates of the Caribbean
  

Skip

These are the attractions that FastPass+ isn't necessary or not worth wasting one of your options on. If these are the only ones available, then give them a try!

• It's a small world
  
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  
• Mad Tea Party
  
• Mickey's PhilarMagic
  
• Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
  
• The Barnstormer
  
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  
• Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid
  

Epcot

First Picks

• Frozen Ever After
  
• Soarin' Around the World
  
• Test Track
  

Second Picks

• Living with the Land
  
• Meet Disney Pals at Epcot Character Spot
  
• Mission: SPACE
  
• Spaceship Earth
  

Skip

These are the attractions that FastPass+ isn't necessary or not worth wasting one of your options on. If these are the only ones available, then give them a try!

• IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
  
• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
  
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment
  
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
  
• Turtle Talk with Crush
  

Disney's Hollywood Studios

First Picks

• Slinky Dog Dash
  
• Toy Story Mania
  
• Rock'n'Roller Coaster
  
• Tower of Terror
  

Second Picks

• Fantasmic
  
• Star Tours
  

Skip

These are the attractions that FastPass+ isn't necessary or not worth wasting one of your options on. If these are the only ones available, then give them a try!

• Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage
  
• Disney Jr. Live on Stage
  
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
  
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
  
• MuppetVision 3D
  
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
  

Animal Kingdom

First Picks

• Flight of Passage
  
• Navi River Journey
  
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
  
• Expedition Everest
  

Second Picks

• Dinosaur
  
• Kali River Rapids
  
• Meet Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
  
• Primeval Whirl
  
• Festival of the Lion King
  

Skip

These are the attractions that FastPass+ isn't necessary or not worth wasting one of your options on. If these are the only ones available, then give them a try!

• Rivers of Light
  
• Finding Nemo - The Musical 
  
• It's Tough to be a Bug!
  

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