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Tag Archives: Fastpass

What to bring with you to the Disney Theme Parks

Sunday, May 27, 2012 guest blogging 6 Comments

This is the age-old Disney question – how much and what to bring with you to the Disney parks. As you have read often at Chip and Co, the answer is… it depends. There are three main factors to consider – who you are traveling with, your budget, and how prepared you like to be for every eventuality.

The Necessities

In my book, it is only necessary to bring four things to the park for a successful day of touring. Must-haves are your “documents,” sunscreen, water or other beverages, and a Touring Plan.

Documents will vary for each guest but include your Key to the World, park pass, DVC membership card (for discounts), Tables in Wonderland card (for a dining discount), Photopass card, and ADR numbers. I learned the hard way that you should also bring your driver’s license if having an adult beverage is on your agenda. Although I am closer than forty than thirty, I was carded on my last trip and didn’t have appropriate identification so don’t assume you’re too old to be asked for ID! Note: Magic Kingdom is a dry park.

Disney Cast Members to be Outfitted with iPads

Friday, May 4, 2012 guest blogging 1 Comment

Disney has begun outfitting Cast Members with ipads as they test the new next gen FASTPASS system. As we reported here earlier, the new system will allow guests to schedule FASTPASS windows before their vacation begins. Guests that have been selected will receive a FASTPASS card embedded with an RFID chip and will be able to choose FASTPASS windows prior to their arrival at the Magic Kingdom. The new system will be tested until May 15th.

According to Disney Projects, when resort guests arrive at their scheduled time they will scan their FASTPASS card at a sensor at the entrance of the queue. The information is then sent to a Cast Member’s iPad.

Now that is what I call cutting edge technology!

Disney to Begin Testing Next Generation FASTPASS System (chipandco.com)
Disney World Fastpass 101 (chipandco.com)

Disney Cast Members to be Outfitted with iPads

Disney World Fastpass 101

Monday, April 9, 2012 Chip 2 Comments

There seems to be a lot of confusion lately over Disney World Fast Pass. With the new enforcement rule on FastPasses to how to even use them. I thought this might be a good time to go over all the details in one post so we are all on the same page.

How To Use Disney’s FASTPASS Service:

Look for the “Disney’s FASTPASS Distribution” sign near the entrance of an attraction.
Check the “Return Time” displayed on the sign or get an idea from different mobile phone apps.

The sign will indicate the time you would return to enjoy the attraction using a FASTPASS ticket.
For attractions, the return time is a one-hour window (e.g., 1:10 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.), so you don’t have to be there exactly at a given time. For shows, your return time will be for a specific performance.

If the return time is one that works for you, just insert your admission ticket into the Disney’s FASTPASS Service machine. (You may use your Walt Disney World Resort admission ticket, Disney Resort Hotel Keycard or Annual Passport.)

A FASTPASS ticket will emerge with your return time printed on it. Now you’re free to go and enjoy the rest of the theme park!

Go back to the FASTPASS ticketholder entrance when your return time rolls around, show your ticket to the Cast Member and enjoy the attraction with a minimal wait.

Note most Cast Members are enforcing the times on the Fast Pass Ticket so try not to be late.

I have heard various reports where people have gone in past the FastPass time and the Cast Member still let them in. This is one of those things it all depends on the Cast Member at the entrance. I wouldnt push your luck though.

Please keep in mind:

FASTPASS tickets are only valid on the day of issue.
Everyone in your party using the FASTPASS entrance must have a FASTPASS ticket.
There’s a limit to the number of FASTPASS tickets you may have at one time. On your ticket will be printed the time at which you can get your next one. Disney’s FASTPASS Service machines won’t issue another ticket until the time stated on your current one.
Times vary (1-2hrs) depending on which ride or attraction you just received a Fastpass for. Just check your ticket for exact time you can get another Fastpass Ticket.

I hope this helps iron out any kinks or questions you might have about Fastpass. If you have any questions please let us know.

Coming Soon: Disney World to add Fast Pass option for Fast Pass machines (chipandco.com)
Are Changes Coming to Walt Disney World’s Fastpass System? (everythingwdisneyworld.com)

Spring Break At WDW – How to Deal With the Crowds

Saturday, January 21, 2012 Catie 2 Comments

Anyone who has ever been to Walt Disney World during February, March, or April would use the same words to describe it – rainy, and CROWDED! This is definitely one of the ‘peak’ times to visit, which means prices are higher, lines are longer, and tempers are shorter.

Having visited WDW every year during this time growing up, I have compiled some ‘helpful hints’ that can make your trip less stressful:

Eat at “off” times: If you want to get Advance Dining Reservations to popular WDW restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table where you can dine with the Princesses, or Chef Mickey’s where you can meet and greet the Mouse himself, you may have to willing to take those weird reservation times, like a 10:45 am breakfast, or a 4:55 pm dinner. Everyone else wants to eat at these places too, so if they are that important to you, be willing to take whatever reservation they can give you

Explore New Places: The 4 theme parks of WDW are amazing places, and obviously the main reason why people travel there, and that means they are also going to be packed to capacity during these peak times (we’re talking 90+ minute waits for popular rides, crowded counter service restaurants, and hordes of strollers all waiting to bang you in the ankles). This would be a great time to explore what Disney World has to offer beyond the parks like watersports (including water skiing and boat/jetski rentals), spa treatments, and plenty of shopping/dining options at Downtown Disney. The best part of all these is they don’t require a park admission, and just might give you a chance to relax and unwind (after all, isn’t that what vacations are really for?)

Extra Magic Hours: This is one of the best perks of staying at one of the WDW Resort Hotels – each day, one theme park stays open an hour later or opens an hour early for WDW Resort guests ONLY. It’s called Extra Magic Hours, and its a great chance to get in some early mroning or late night rides with shorter lines and fewer crowds. You can pick up an Extra Magic Hours Schedule at your WDW resort upon your arrival

Have A Plan…and be willing to change it: When visiting a place like Disney World where there is SO much to do, it is always helpful to have a rough idea of how you will spend your days. During busy season, the key to this is definitely having a ‘rough’ plan – and realizing that things could change and you should have a backup, if at all possible. So plan, but don’t overplan (you’ll just end up disappointed if you plan out every minute, because it never works out exactly as you plan!)

Know your “must do’s”: Whether this is your first trip to WDW or your 100th, you should do some research ahead of time and pick 3-5 rides/attractions/shows you really want to do at each park – and make those your goal. Check the wait times when you arrive at the park, utilize Fastpasses, and be willing to wait. Patience is key, and if you really love the ride, it will be well worth the time spent in line!

DON’T STRESS: The bottom line is, you are still going to the most magical place on earth, so you will have a great time no matter what! Just try and be flexible, and don’t get too upset if you don’t see it all…there’s always next time!

Adding to the ambiance at WDW (livinginagrownupworld.wordpress.com)
Eats Outside the Parks – Why They’re Worth The Trip (chipandco.com)

Spring Break At WDW How to Deal With the Crowds

One More Disney Day-Disneyland

Sunday, January 1, 2012 guest blogging No comments

The One More Disney Day promotion is valid for Walt Disney World as well as Disneyland.

Enjoy one more day and night of free Disney magic when you purchase a 3-night, 3-day, non-discounted room and ticket package at select Disneyland resort hotels before January 31, 2012 for arrivals most nights February 26 to March 10, 2012*. Ask your Authorized Disney Travel Planner for the “One More Day” promotion*

Disneyland is also offering this bonus perk:

Plus 2 Free Disney FASTPASS Tickets***

Plus, stay between February 26 and February 29 and receive 2 Disney FASTPASS tickets for every registered hotel Guest in your travel party, ages 3 and older. These 2 Disney FASTPASS tickets can be used in addition to any available in the theme parks and at any FASTPASS attraction.***

*Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Room charge based on average per night rate of applicable room during stay. One (1) consecutive night will be added to the hotel stay and one (1) day added to the tickets. Offer applied once per package/reservation and excludes suites. Disneyland® Resort multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use or 3/23/12, whichever occurs first. Walt Disney World® tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Advance reservations required. No group rates or other discounts apply. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Check for packages of other lengths of stay

**Select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Theme park hours are 6:00 a.m. on February 29 to 6:00 a.m. on March 1, 2012; subject to capacity restrictions. Valid theme park admission required.

***Separate theme park admission is required. Each of these Disney FASTPASS tickets will allow a guest one (1) entrance to the Disney FASTPASS return line of any Disney FASTPASS attraction at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks (except World of Color). Tickets expire seven (7) days from check-in or 3/7/2012, whichever occurs first. Disney FASTPASS attractions and return lines may not operate daily and Disney FASTPASS tickets are subject to attraction changes, closures and capacity. No cash value; no substitutions. Tickets may not be sold, copied or transferred for commercial purposes and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Book with Pixie Vacations and your Authorized Disney Travel Planner will take care of all the work so you can have all the fun. Chip and Co writer and travel agent, Michele is offering a custom made autograph book (for kids, or kids at heart!) and a monogrammed Mickey tote bag when you book with her and mention this article. Michele@PixieVacations.com for your free quote!