Since the parks reopened last year, there have been quite a few changes.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
To name just a few, Annual Pass sales have been suspended and many locations around property remain closed (although several are reopening!). And of course, FastPass+ is still temporarily unavailable.
FastPass+ was suspended with the parks’ reopening to utilize “additional queue space to manage capacity and maintain physical distancing.” Since then, we haven’t heard word on when it could return! However, Disney has removed the feature from the My Disney Experience app altogether and removed FastPass+ signs from various rides.
FastPass signs have actually been removed from some rides!
So…will FastPass+ return sometime in 2021? Well, there’s no way to know for SURE until Disney makes some kind of announcement themselves. But we were curious what you, our DFB readers, were thinking…so we asked you on our Instagram! And here’s what YOU said when asked if FastPass+ would return in 2021.
Here’s what YOU think!
The results are split prettyyy evenly, but a small majority of you think that no, FastPass+ will NOT be back in 2021. After all, we’ll have to see quite a few changes to the parks (like shifts in social distancing guidelines — which Disney just announced are starting in select locations — and maybe even increased capacity) before it could return.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad FastPass+ Entrance
There’s also the question of if FastPass+ will return at all. With the use of the virtual queue system and the new Disney Genie planning app on the horizon, some of our readers thought that FastPass+ could be eliminated altogether. Of course, Disney hasn’t provided enough information to make an for us to comment on whether or not this will be the case.
FastPass Kiosks Closed in Magic Kingdom
In defense of FastPass+ returning sometime this year, we HAVE seen a slow shift back to normal in the parks. This includes reopenings, the elimination of temperature checks, social distancing changes, and changes to the mask policy. Maybe this is a sign that FastPass+ could be back sooner rather than later, too.
Haunted Mansion FastPass Entrance
While we can’t know for certain what’s goin’ on with FastPass+, you can bet we’ll keep ya posted every step of the way. Stay tuned to DFB (and keep an eye on our Instagram for more fun polls!).
Here’s What We Know About FastPass+ Returning!
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Do not increase capacity WITHOUT bringing back FAST PASS.
I kinda hope that the fast passes do not return. I went recently and wait times were stated to be long but actually were faster than I have ever experienced! I actually do not mind waiting in line now. It constantly flows and not backed up by people with fast passes. It made my park day more bearable and I was able to finish the park quickly.
MaxPass is way better. We want that. The only difference from Disneyland would be no cross park passes and resort guests can get 1 or 2 additional passes during their early entry time.
We have just returned from WDW. Love NOT having the fast pass. The lines moved quicker and we did not have to arrange our days around decisions made months before. Vote not to return.
We would love for FP+ to return. As teachers, we have no choice but to go during busy times. We also have young kids and grandparents in tow, so long lines in the heat are not great for us.
I could see not wanting FP+ if I could go whenever I wanted, but I am one of those hotel guests who pay the big bucks and think it’s a great perk for people who can’t visit often or at slower times.
I won’t hold my breath but, in a nasty year+ of COVID misery, this would be the most magical thing Disney could do after having to take away so much from guests.
To all those who experienced no long wait times, you were very lucky. I have been to WDW two times. Once last October and again January and both times I experienced long wait times. Long enough that I was not able to go on several of my favorite attractions. I will be there again the week of May 16 and will try again.
People are happy with no fast pass at 35% capacity but it’s not going to stay at 35%. If they plan to increase capacity, then they need to bring it back as the number of people increases. Either that or reduce the cost of rooms at Disney hotels since the perks (fast pass, dining,early hours) once associated with staying at one no longer exist. And we ALL know that isn’t going to happen!!
I’ve been twice in the past year and I also hope they never come back. Sure–FastPass+ is great if you make your plans months in advance and get FastPasses for Flight of Passage, Mine Train, and Frozen. But every other line in the park moves SO SLOW as cast members try to keep the FastPass lines moving. And if you decide to book less than a month out? Well, enjoy those FastPasses for Journey into Imagination, Aladdin’s Magic Carpet, teacups, etc.
Hopefully NOT, we’ve been going to Disney World for years and it’s so much better without fast pass. Lines move much quicker and seems like everyone is happier!!
Without Fastpasses, my wife and I won’t be spending much time in the parks. We are older and won’t wait in the long lines. 30 minutes is our limit. We are not getting any younger.
We go early in the day, use up our 3 FP+ or anyother attraction that has a short wait, grab lunch, and then head back to the resort pool. Maybe come back later for the night time show.
Our trip 2 weeks ago consisted mostly of resort pool or Universal Studios with Express Pass. There were even lines to get into shopping locations. Nope, not waiting to go shopping. I don’t need anything that bad to wait to go inside.
I really don’t want fast pass to return. I like being in a continuous moving line and it puts everyone on a fair playing field. Nothing worse than standing in the stand-by line and seeing hordes of people entering fast pass lane while you wait longer and longer.
I’d be just fine if they kept the stand-by, and used up that FastPass space as EXTRA queue. A good example is Pirates of the Caribbean. Now if you want to view the right side (the dungeon), you HAVE to use FastPass.
I don’t think FP+ will ever return in its previous form. I can see a few other possibilities though:
A Disneyland Style Maxpass system, where you can get FPs from a kiosk (each kiosk would likely be limited to nearby attractions) for free or you pay for the ability to book via the app, they could even include the app ability as a perk for onsite resort guests. But either way, you can only get one at a time and do not get to pick your return window. There could be other modifications for onsite guests.
FPs (or similar) available exclusively to those using the Disney Wish App (or whatever they call it in the end) based on its predetermined schedule for you.
No FPs at all anymore and honestly, I would love this, makes lines move much faster and reduces crowd feel in the park, as most people are waiting in line instead of waiting for their return window before getting in line.
A paid only style system similar to Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal, SeaWorld, etc.
We’ve been to WDW many times since Fast Passes were discontinued. We have always tried to avoid the busier days and times of year. Even with reduced capacity, the parks seem to be just as busy during those off-peak times as they were before covid. However, lines are about 1/3 shorter without FP based on our experiences. We have been able to ride essentially every ride in one day no matter the park we go to.
So if it were up to us, Fast Passes would not return, or at least only be used during peak times.
Why can Universal and Busch Gardens Tampa have some sort of fast pass and Busch Gardens has a dinning plan. If they can why can’t Disney. Disney has taken away extra magic hours, dinning, and fast pass they now have expensive resorts with no perks.
I would love to see something like what Universal has. I would definitely pay more for an express pass.
As long as we are not charged for fast passes like universal does. That just won’t fly with me. I already spend enough at the parks.
Disney app fast passes are now showing on the app
If Disney was bringing back FastPass+, they wouldn’t have removed the signage for it. The virtual queue system will take its place. When? Only Mickey knows.
Would love to see Fastpass return in the near future. Standing in long lines with kids is no fun. Plus you are always in a rush in the park and can’t ride all the rides and you are unable to enjoy your day.
Disney needs to figure out how better to move the lines. I was at Animal Kingdom and Epcot 2 weeks ago. If the number of of people in those parks were at 35% of capacity I would hate to see what 100% would have been like. Between the horrible long wait times for the more popular attractions, wearing masks in the heat and humidity it was not so magical or enjoyable. The parks reduced hours means you don’t have the option of coming to earlier or staying later waiting in lines during the cooler hours of the day.
My husband and I spend about ten days in February. There was just no magic,however MAGICAL PRICING remains. Without fastpasses we stood in long, winding lines everywhere. No dining plans, restaurants at restricted capacity, and even mobile apps were booked out beyond closing time most days. We struggled to even find a meal when we were hungry-our resort didn’t have an open mercantile or restaurant. This trip fell flat. I cannot wait fastpasses to return, dining plans, and my heart breaks at the end of the magic express.
With the social distancing changes, increase in capacity and all the CDC updates, this summer will be super busy at Disney. Bringing the Fast Pass back is Crucial!!! Crossing my fingers! We have a trip booked for late July but may consider canceling without the FP .
I agree with many other comments, I hope they never bring back FP as they do back up the standby lines. I feel it should be an even playing field for everyone, not the ones that are able to book passes 30-60 days in advance. Yes I’ve been an AP holder for years still am but don’t agree with FP, not fair.
We were there in March, and we agreed that we don’t want to go back until FP returns. As one person said, if that was 35% capacity, we hated to think what 100% would be like. Especially for someone that has trouble standing for long periods of time, having no option but to wait in one long line after another really takes away from the Disney experience.
This is outrageous how disney wants to open hhe park to more capacity but does not want yo do anything about the increasing lines. We go to Disney 2 times a year and am looking to go in October but if fireworks are not back and fastpass is not back I’m going to hold off till because I’m not paying same price for less money’s worth. When we went in February lines were less due to 35 percent capacity. But now as I watch on the app increasing wait times for all rides since mays increasing capacity restrictions I’m glad they are getting the business but people also want their money’s worth. PLEASE DISNEY OPEN UP FASTPASS PLUS
I just went back to Disney with my family a few weeks ago and although I am a HUGE Disney fan, I do not see myself going back with my family until Fast Passes are back (I would even pay extra to have fast passes back).
My 3 year old was so excited and happy on the rides but the lines were out of control. We waited over an hour for several rides, with lines extending into the hot sun. Granted, this was in May so as we all know with the summer approaching the heat will get the best of many.
Without a discount in the price, the added wait times, I found that we did not do all the rides we wanted to simply because it was pure misery for my kids (and the parents too) to wait an hour+ for a ride for only 3 minutes of enjoyment.
My children are still asking to go back but I am purely against it until the wait times decrease.
I also agree that a huge perk of staying on property was being allowed to book fast passes 60 days in advance, its just another reason to not have to pay the added expense to stay on property with eliminating fast passes.
If you are going to return to full capacity you are going to have to have fast pass I am a senior citizen who loves Disney but i can’t stand in line for hours in the hot sun I would pay anything for fast pass
It is July 20 +. Lines for popular rides are extreme. When we went in June the lines were slightly better. However, we waited in long lines and by the time it took to ride 3 rides we were tired from standing and combined with the heat we didn’t feel riding another attraction was worth another long line of waiting. Also , it seemed most people were not wearing masks and social distancing was practically non existence . I’m sure not all we encountered were vaccinated , especially the unmasked 2 to under 12 age group. We ended walking around the park and left for the day. Even the kids were glad to leave. I love Disney but unless there is a system like fast pass in place it is not worth the boring and uncomfortable wait for attractions and food.
I’m back! I commented before we went and now I am commenting after we have returned.
Yup, my answer stays the same. FP+ needs to come back. Early to mid-June was busier than usual since everyone was dying to get back to the parks. It sounds like it’s worse now though.
Without FP+ we had to forgo some of the most popular rides. I’m a big girl so I won’t cry, but it was a bummer. We are early risers and didn’t want to get in the LONG LONG line for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train at park opening. Instead we went on 3-4 other rides before the park opened. That line never improved so we just didn’t ride it. A bummer for the kids and we had 3 Magic Kingdom days! Sad for those who have fewer days in the parks and have to forgo or waste valuable park time.
Slinky Dog was also one we had to pass on. We did not torture the grandparents and young kids with that long line. Instead, we rode Mickey & Minnie’s in 10-15 minutes at park opening on each of our 3 days in HS. Awesome ride! We made it on Rise of the Resistance with that many days. The first time the queue was full right at 7am. The second day, we got on a back-up group and returned 30 minutes to park closing to ride (thank goodness the grandparents could watch the kids). The last day we got in an early group and all rode in the early afternoon. We are lucky!
Flight of Passage was 120 minutes at park opening. We got on closer to park closing and waited about 55 minutes, the longest line of our stay. Thank you for the entertaining queues, Disney!
We definitely spent MUCH more time in lines, which was pretty stinky with the heat, masks, and people not social distancing. We found ourselves worn out much earlier.
Cast members don’t get paid enough, that’s for sure! Man, they put up with a lot from tired, hot, stressed-out guests. It was nice to have a chance to share some love with them.
Here’s hoping next year is a bit more organized with FP+, virtual queues, or something to manage the crowds.
Best of luck to all those visiting during this mess! Be safe, be kind, and (away from strangers) deep breaths!