FastPass + and Magic Bands

            On a recent stay at the Pop Century when we first moved to Orlando, we were lucky enough to be selected to participate in a test of the MagicBands that have now become ubiquitous at Walt Disney World.  As a part of this test, were able to make Fastpass+ reservations throughout the World.  After experiencing this test, I can firmly say that I support the Fastpass+ system with some concerns. 

First, let me explain how this works.  When you receive your MagicBand, you are instructed to visit the My Disney Experience App, where you can make dining reservations as well as set up your Fastpass+ reservations.  You can only select one park per day for these reservations, which I hope will be amended.  I like to park hop, and it would be nice to be able to have ride times spread out over the entire resort, instead of being limited to one park.  Once you select your park, you are then prompted to choose three attractions that you would like to experience on that day.  After making your selections, the app gives you several options for planning your day.  There are usually four different times and groupings of your three selections.  You can choose whichever works the best for you, and then you can even alter the times or the attractions that you selected if you decide to change your mind later. 

All of this pre-planning can lead to a much less stressful day because now you don’t have to run through the park to grab fastpasses.  If you want to obtain paper fastpasses, you still can, but you can only do this if you have a physical park ticket in the form of a paper ticket, a key to the world card, or an annual pass.  Some resorts are going to begin testing soon that only provides you with a MagicBand, not a key to the world card in addition to the band.  We have continued to use our MagicBands as well as the Fastpass+ system since we have annual passes, and these passes are linked to the bands. 

Since we have been using the Fastpass+ system for about two months now, we have had many enjoyable experiences as well as a few concerns.  First, it is amazing that we can make reservations, leave work and then go to Hollywood Studios and ride Toy Story Midway Mania.  Without Fastpass+, we could have never even gotten on that ride without standing in a three-hour line.  We have also utilized the new system for Wishes and Fantasmic, and both of these experiences have been awesome.  The seating for Fantasmic goes much smoother when we enter the Fastpass + line instead of the standby line.  Also, for Wishes, we were ushered into the Rose Garden near the castle, where we had a prime view of the show.  All of these experiences were definitely magical. 

What hasn’t been too magical is the My Disney Experience App.  There have been several times when neither my husband nor I have been able to get the app to load.  We were unable to look up our Fastpass+ times or amend our choices because the app simply would not work.  The app is also very, very slow, so it is quite difficult to use it.  I have recently started to take a picture of my Fastpass+ selections so that I do not have to open the app.  I am sure that Disney is aware of the app’s issues, and I hope that they are working on a solution, especially with the busy season just around the corner.

            Overall, I really like the new system, and we have not struggled with the transition from fastpasses to Fastpass+.  It will be interesting to see what other experiences are added to this new system as it reaches its full launch.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!