Are you planning to visit the World’s most popular Theme Park? Want to ride Dumbo or is Space Mountain more your thing? The Magic Kingdom is a bustling and massive theme park. To maximize your day you need to develop a Magic Kingdom FastPass Strategy. We have updated our Magic Kingdom FastPass Strategy for 2020 with a few small changes plus all the latest hacks.
The Basics of FastPass+
No matter which theme park you are visiting, it is essential you understand the basics of FastPass. FastPass+ is Disney’s advanced attraction reservation system. Your reservation allows you to join a much shorter line so you can experience the ride quicker. If you don’t use FastPass+ you will spend a more extended period in standby lines. In busy periods this will mean you will experience fewer attractions.
To use Fastpass+ before you visit you must have either:
- Valid Ticket or Annual Pass
- Walt Disney World Resort Hotel reservation plus theme park tickets
Guests who are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort(including Swan, Dolphin plus select non-Disney owned onsite resorts) can book 60 days in advance plus the number of days of their stay.
Ticket holders not staying in the above resorts have a much shorter 30-day reservation window.
You can book your Fastpass Reservations on the Disney Website or by downloading the My Disney Experience App. You must plan to book Fastpass reservations as soon as they become available.
Our Guide to Fastpass has more about Fastpass basics.
How many FastPass Reservations can I make?
You can make three FastPass reservations before you arrive at the Magic Kingdom.
Once your first three reservations are used, you can book an extra pass. You can continue booking additional selections after each attraction until the end of the day or until no more FastPass slots are available.
You do not have to wait until you ride your 3rd attraction. You can make extra Fastpass reservations as soon as you join your 3rd attraction line.
Magic Kingdom FastPass Basics
There are no tiered Fastpass selections in the Magic Kingdom, but you are still limited to 3 reservations before you arrive. Unfortunately, the most popular attractions will have run out of Fastpasses once your first selections are used.
Are you visiting on 1, 2 or more days?
The Magic Kingdom is a massive theme park with a gigantic list of attractions to see & do. Attempting it all in 1 day will usually lead to failure, long waits in lines, tiredness & grumpy kids. If you have time visit on 2 or even 3 days, plus this will also make your FastPass+ strategy easier.
If you only have one day, consider what your must-do attractions are. Do the kids want to ride Dumbo? Is a trip on Splash Mountain essential? Here is what we like to do whenever we visit the Magic Kingdom.
Are the kids tall enough to ride?
Before planning, attractions make sure everyone who wants to is big enough to ride. Disney enforces height limits and not being big enough will equal a lost Fastpass.
- Tomorrowland Speedway 32″ of 54″ to drive
- The Barnstormer 35″
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 38″
- Big Thunder Mountain 40″
- Splash Mountain 40″
- Space Mountain 44″
However, if the kids are too small to ride, it does not mean adults and older siblings can’t. Rider Switch, also sometimes known as child swap, allows guests with small children to take turns riding while another adult stays with the child. Visit our Guide to Rider Switch to learn more.
What FastPass+ reservations should I make at the Magic Kingdom?
In our opinion, the following attractions should usually be FastPass selections.
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Splash Mountain unless it is cold
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Space Mountain
& in peak periods you should consider adding the following:
- Jungle Cruise
- Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
However, to secure a FastPass for all attractions on these two lists, you will need to visit on four days! Realistically you will have to either join the standby line or skip some of the attractions.
What attractions never need a FastPass at the Magic Kingdom?
While you can never be sure which line guests choose to join. It is highly likely you will not need a FastPass for:
- Ariel’s Grotto
- Mickey’s Philarmagic
- Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
- Carousel
Unless the park is jam-packed you can probably add the following attractions to this list
- Dumbo
- Mad Hatters Teacups
- Magic Carpets
- The Barnstormer
- It’s a Small World
- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
What time should my first FastPass be?
You probably should avoid FastPass in the first couple of hours after park opening. Lines are usually quieter during this period. Try and complete your initial three selections by late morning/early afternoon. This should provide you with additional time to grab further choices.
Which FastPass reservations should I make at the Magic Kingdom?
This is a difficult question to answer and depends on your must-do attractions and the number of days you are visiting.
Peter Pan, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the 3 mountains and Enchanted Tales with Belle can all attract some seriously long waits.
Here is a list of attractions I never want to miss at the Magic Kingdom.
I don’t have a FastPass what should I do?
For the most popular attractions, do not expect a FastPass to become available later in the day. However, late availability can happen so do keep looking.
Joining the line at rope-drop, during parades & late evening, often result in shorter standby waits. Your best opportunity is always on park opening, but make sure you arrive early & not after early Extra Magic Hours.
Have you heard our Top Secret FastPass+ Hack?
This is a great extra tip, but don’t tell too many people. Pop over to read our Number 1 FastPass+ Hack you have probably never heard before.
More Walt Disney World Help
Our Beginners Guide to the Magic Kindom is a great starting place for tips, hints & tricks.
You can learn more about Walt Disney World in our Essential Guide. Our guide is a great place to start planning your Walt Disney World Vacation.
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