Want to learn more about Fastpass+ Advanced Dining Reservations, My Disney Experience, MagicBand or MyMagic+? Read our handy guide.

What is Fastpass+ ?

Launched officially in 2014 Fastpass+ is Disney’s attraction reservation system. Fastpass+ allows you to book attractions in advance.

Why does it matter?

Your advance reservation allows you to join a much shorter queue so you can experience the ride quicker. However; you do still have some waiting for most attractions.

It matters as if you don’t use Fastpass+ you will spend a longer period in standby queues. In busy periods this will mean you will experience fewer attractions.

Great! How much does it cost?

Fastpass+ is free for all guests. There are rumours that some charging might be introduced eventually. Universal Orlando has charged for its Express Pass for many years.

When can I book?

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 can book 60 days in advance plus the number of days of their stay.

Ticket holders not staying in a WDW Resort have a shorter 30 day reservation window.

Where do I book?

You can book online here or by downloading the Disney Experience App.

I’m going to book Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Toy Story Mania & Soarin.

It does not work like that unfortunately. For a single theme park per day, you can make up to 3 FastPass+ selections in advance .

Once you used your initial set of FastPass+ selections you can make another FastPass+ selection. Assuming you have a park hopper ticket this can now be at another theme park.

Can I always get a Fastpass for my favourite ride?

No! The most popular rides do run out of fastpasses. On busy days the majority of rides will run out late in the day.

Resort guests do get an advantage by being able to book earlier in advance. Guests who buy tickets on the day might find their only option is to join a standby queue.

I want a pass for the attractions at Pandora – World of Avatar

You can only prebook one Fastpass for either Navi River Journey or Flight of Passage.

Do not expect to get an additional Fastpass later in the day for the other attraction.

For additional hints on Pandora read our guide.

I’m going to EPCOT to ride Soarin, Test Track & Frozen Ever After

You might be but you won’t be doing it through Fastpass+ in 1 day. EPCOT and Hollywood Studios have tiered their attractions. You can book 1 Group A ride & 2 Group B.

In EPCOT Soarin, Test Track, Illuminations & Frozen Ever After are all in group A.

Once you have used your initial selections you can always try for another fastpass. Alternatively the options are the standby queue or returning on another day.

What if I’m late?

A few minutes late you will be fine.

More than that it will be at the Cast Members discretion.

If you are going to  be more than a few minutes late and it isn’t linked with a failure elsewhere you should rebook.

What are Disney Advanced Dining Reservations?

Disney Advanced Dining Reservations are restaurant reservations made in advance at the majority of Disney Table Service Restaurants.

Do I need a Reservation?

At quiet times perhaps not.

However; many guests now have free dining or book the Disney Dining Plan. The most popular restaurants book up quick.

In busy periods or free dining the majority of restaurants do fill up.

I have no reservation what do I do?

Many restaurants will have a walk up line.

However; there is no guarantee you will be accepted.

In busy times you will probably be declined especially at the most popular venues.

When can I book Advanced Dining Reservations?

All guests can book reservations for Disney resorts 180 days in advance.

Disney resort guests can reserve 180 days in advance of their day of arrival and make up to 10 days of Advance Dining Reservations that same day.

Reservations can be made either online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

What is a MagicBand?

It is a rubber band that goes on your wrist which contains Magic!

Magic! Really?

Not quite but they are very clever.

MagicBands contain a whole host of information about your stay. A built-in Radio Frequency Identification Chip provides the technical stuff.

They act as your park tickets, your room key, your room charge card, your Fastpasses are linked with them, they manage your dining reservations and your Disney Dining Plan.

Pretty much they control your whole vacation.

Anything else?

MagicBands do a whole lot more and experiences are expanding all the time.

Your ride photographs and videos are automatically linked to your MagicBand and you can see them on the App later in the day. You just take the ride and the MagicBand does the rest.

They have added new experiences to many attractions throughout the parks. We won’t discuss them here as I feel that ruins the surprises.

How do I get a MagicBand?

If you are staying in a Disney Resort you get them for free.

In advance you can pick your colour on the Disney website. These will be shipped to your home address in the US only or can be picked up from your resort reception.

Other guests can purchase a band in advance or in the parks.

Do I really need a MagicBand?

Not at all you can still use a traditional ticket for you park entry and Fastpass+ but you will miss out on the extra interactions.

What is My Disney Experience?

This is an app you can use whilst in the park to keep track on your plans, review your photographs and book further experiences.

You can find details on how to download the app here.

What is MyMagic+

You may occasionally hear this mentioned basically it is everything we have mentioned above.

Anything else I need to know?

Not really but changes to Fastpass+ and MagicBands happen regularly.

If you want to find out more about Disney World why not start at our Beginners Guide to Walt Disney World.

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