Fastpass

Hot Tip:  MousePlanet's DIG has a great page on Fastpass which includes information on how it works (including illustrations) and a frequently asked questions list.  You can look it over by clicking here.

"Fastpass" is a new way to minimize waits in the queue lines at the Disneyland Resort parks.  If you decide to use Fastpass, you can skip the queue (for the time being) and return at a specific time later in the day when you can enter the shorter Fastpass line.  It's a simple system that you can use to decrease your time waiting in line, but -- as expected -- there are the usual quid pro quos, caveats, qualifications, and stipulations that you should be aware of...

Some, not all, attractions are equipped with Fastpass.  As you approach a Fastpass attraction, there will be signs showing wait times for both the regular queue and the Fastpass scheduled time.  If you decide to use Fastpass, each member of your party will swipe their park pass in a machine and get a time to return to the Fastpass line.  When you return (there is a one-hour window in which you MUST return), the much-shorter Fastpass line should allow you to get to the attraction boarding area very quickly.   For those attractions that have some sort of pre-show, the Fastpass and Standby lines are merged.

Some specifics:

• You may use Fastpass for just one attraction one at a time.  If you already have a Fastpass "reservation" for one attraction, the system will not allow you to have a second active "reservation".

• If your entire party wants to enjoy an attraction together, each member of the party must swipe their passes at the same time.

• If a ride goes down, Fastpass will stop issuing "reservation" times.  If you already had a "reservation", you can use it when the attraction comes back up.

• Fastpass will probably be available only during the busiest times.

• Park maps indicate which attractions are have Fastpass.