A visit to Disney can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. This post will focus on the best Fastpass options at the Magic Kingdom and how to use them strategically. We have teamed up with Disney Expert, Darlene Maidlow from Magical Moments Vacations to put together the top Fastpass rides at the Magic Kingdom for all family types.
Many factors go into play when deciding which Fastpasses are the best while visiting the Magic Kingdom. However, the most important factor to consider is which rides typically have the longest lines, as that is what you are trying to avoid with Fastpass. While everyone will want that iconic Dumbo photo and go for a spin on the Tea Cups, the fast pass is best utilized on other rides that tend to have longer wait times.
Keep in mind during Covid-19 park policies and procedures may change. Be sure to check the Disney World Website for updated information.
Before we dive into the best rides to Fastpass, let’s discuss what a Fastpass is.
Fastpasses are three FREE reservations that allow you to skip the line by heading straight to the front of the line. The majority of rides have a separate Fastpass lane that takes them to the front. Keep in mind that even when you Fastpass a ride there still may be a slight wait, but nothing compared to waiting in the full line.
As long as you have purchased a Walt Disney World ticket or annual pass you can start booking your Fastpass reservations 30 days before your visit. In the event you are staying at Disney World Resort you can book Fastpass reservations 60 days before your visit.
There is not a way for guests to purchase additional Fastpasses at the moment.
Fastpass reservations are best made on the My Disney Experience App. If you haven’t already downloaded this all in one magic app, do it now. Additionally, Fastpass Kiosks are located throughout the Magic Kingdom that will let you manage your Fastpasses. They will show what fast passes are available for what time and allow you to make the reservation.
Accounts can be linked via My Disney Experience App so that everyone can have the same reservation or reserve separate fast passes if they wish.
The Magic Kingdom has not implemented Fasspass tiers as they have in the other Disney World theme parks; Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. A reservation can be changed or canceled up until the reservation time.
To use your Fastpass simply swipe your Magic Band or Fastpass at the Fastpass entrance. The other entrance is the stand-by entrance which is Disney slang for the general line that everyone without a Fastpass waits in.
The Magic Kingdom is the park with the most Fastpasses available so you have a good chance of getting additional Fastpasses. After you have used your three Fastpasses reservations for the day you can often make a 4th Fastpass selection by accessing the Fastpass kiosks or My Disney Experience App. As you use each additional Fastpass you can try to get another Fastpass and then another. There are days where you can up to 7- 8 Fastpasses or on the other hand, be lucky to get even one extra depending on the crowd level.
As the most popular attraction in the Magic Kingdom, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a Fastpass must. Lines to hop aboard the mining train can easily exceed a two-hour wait, with lines beginning as soon as the park opens.
Space Mountain is an iconic Disney ride that tops the bucket-list of many Disney year after year. Shooting through the darkness of space is one of the main reasons this indoor roller coaster is a top priority for Fastpass. Thrill-seekers race to the queue at rope drop as wait times accumulate at lighting speed!
This classic Disney ride is notorious for having 120 minute – 180 minute wait time. Since there is not a height requirement families of all types can enjoy this timeless ride. The queue is air-conditioned and themed to appear that guests are walking through the Darling’s home.
Hoping aboard this runaway mine train is a Disney staple. Coaster fanatics will want to ensure this Fastpass as lines tend to be consistent throughout the day. Especially with Splash Mountain being its neighbor in Frontierland. Many guests choose to visit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain while they are in Frontierland so wait times will get longer as the day progresses.
A great way to beat the Florida heat is by scheduling a Fastpass for Splash Mountain right in the middle of the afternoon! A staple on all Disney touring plans this famous log flume can have long wait times throughout the day.
A Pro Tip: Fastpass 2 of the 3 Mountains- Splash, Space, Big Thunder. I then recommend rope dropping the other.
Rope dropping is arriving as the park prior to the rides open. The park allows visitors to into the park a half hour before rope drop. Guests are allowed in before the attractions open which are blocked off with rope. The rope is dropped at the magic time that marks the opening of the ride.
When traveling with grandparents these rides are very popular as there is a lot of nostalgia associated with them. Many grandparents will enjoy narrating their version of Disney World decades ago when they visited with their children. These selections are also ideal Fastpass options for families who don’t prefer to ride coasters.
The Magic Kingdom currently has the most rides available to Fastpass.
There are a few rides in the Magic Kingdom that don’t seem to accumulate long wait times as quickly as others. Therefore, utilizing a Fastpass on these rides might seem like a waste. Trust me, I know after Fastpassing Ariel’s Grotto while there was very little wait each time passed it throughout the day! However, what may seem to be a waste to one family, was a must to another.
The rides that don’t seem to have much wait include:
One of the highlights of using Darlene at Magical Moments is that there is no fee or cost associated with using her to book our Disney Vacation. The cost of the package she booked for us was identical to what I had priced out the day earlier. However, I didn’t have the time, experience, or knowledge to put together a touring plan, pick the best hotel, etc. That is where Darlene worked her magic!
She can do everything from securing your reservation to assisting with Fastpasses and restaurant reservations. She even managed to snag us a room at the Disney resort we wanted after we booked at a different one. I couldn’t recommend her services enough.
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