Walt Disney World is unlike any other theme park in the world and that’s a good thing. You will find all kind of attractions from the latest and greatest new technologies. To the good old fashion rides that have been around for 100 years.
Walt Disney World uses what’s called the FastPass system. It is a system that allows you to “reserve” your spot in line for up to 3 attractions per day. For more information on the FastPass+ system check out this post (How to book FastPass+ at Walt Disney World). Not all does it explain what it is and how to use it. It also gives you a detailed step-by-step guide on how to book them.
Today we are going to look at the Top 10 rides you want to use your FastPass+ on. Not only do these rides have long wait times (over an hour plus) each day. These rides are also considered some of the best rides in all of Orlando.
FLIGHT OF PASSAGE
How can we even start off a list like this without putting Flight of Passage as number 1? We can’t and that’s why we didn’t. This ride is almost 3 years old (opened May 27, 2017) and still can have a stand by times of 3-4 hours.
That is just insane if you ask me. For me, I won’t be wasting 4 hours of my day standing in line for an attraction. Even though it is one of the best rides around.
SMUGGLER’S RUN
If you are a Star Wars fan then this FastPass is a must get. While the stand by wait times are all over the place with this ride. Thirty minutes some days. Ninety minutes other days. Securing a FastPass on this one just makes sense.
However, Hollywood Studios has two other FastPass worthy rides. If you MUST ride all three with the least amount of time waiting than Smuggler’s Run would probably be the one to skip and just do stand by.
SLINKY DOG DASH
The popularity of this ride continues to grow. I’ve found that this has been the toughest FastPass for me to get. Ride wait times here can easily be 2 hours. While Disney has somewhat fixed the shade issue in the stand by lines. It is still very hot in the summer months (IE April to Nov).
Slinky Dog Dash is a great family coaster that most everyone in the group should be able to enjoy. With this ride having the longest average wait times at Hollywood Studios. It is a must for your use of the FastPass. Of course, unless you have a huge Star Wars Fan in your group.
MICKEY AND MINNIE’S RUNAWAY RAILWAY
It’s hard to know if in the future you will need a FastPass to enjoy this ride. As for right now (2020) you will definitely want to try and snag a FastPass for it. As with many new rides in Walt Disney World the newest rides always bring the crowds.
For the spring and summer of 2020, you will want to try a get a FastPass for this one. We are even thinking that this ride will be great for grandma. You have a tough choice ahead of you for Hollywood Studios.
SEVEN DWARFS MINE TRAIN
Whether you think this ride is great or not so great. One thing’s for sure. This is one of the toughest rides in the Magic Kingdom to get a FastPass for.
It’s a fun family coaster and a great first coaster for kids who meet the height requirements. There are no large drops that will have your stomach all in knots. The theming is fantastic. We always end up trying to get a FastPass for at least one of our Magic Kingdom days. You should too.
FROZEN EVER AFTER
Frozen fever is still going strong. Making this one of the only rides you HAVE to get a FastPass for at EPCOT without having a long wait in line. You can easily spend an hour or more waiting in the Standby line for this attraction. Plus, you know if you have a Frozen fan in your group that this is a must-do.
While I feel that Test Track and Soarin’ are better attractions. Both can have a much shorter wait. Test Track you can do the single rider line. For Soarin’ you can usually get a FastPass with your 4th or 5th without much trouble.
PETER PAN’S FLIGHT
Peter Pan is the second FastPass to go at the Magic Kingdom. It’s a fun little ride that will take you on a little journey. Just remember it’s the second star to the right and straight on till morning.
The wait times for this attraction in stand by can be over an hour. With so many rides, shows and characters to see in the Magic Kingdom. Who wants to wait an hour. I know I don’t and that’s why if I plan on riding Peter Pan’s Flight I get a FastPass.
KILIMANJARO SAFARI
Who doesn’t love animals? They are such wonderful creatures and seeing them in their natural habitats (as close as Florida can get) is a great sight to see. Some people like to rope drop this attraction feeling that the early morning offers better viewing.
Getting yourself a FastPass is a must if you don’t want to wait 45 minutes or longer. I feel like it doesn’t matter what time of day you go. You will still see a lot of animals. Of course, early morning or early evening is the best time to secure your FastPass. The animals do seem to be more active at those times.
TOY STORY MANIA
Now that Toy Story Mania is a tier two attraction it makes it a little easier to get a FastPass. It is competing with rides like Tower of Terror and Rock n’ Roller Coaster. It just seems like many guests go for the “thrill” ride type of attractions at Hollywood Studios for their FastPasses.
This is another one of those rides that everyone in the family can enjoy. From your little preschoolers to grandma. Who will get the highest score? Will it be you?
SPACE MOUNTAIN
Out of the three mountains (Big Thunder, Space, Splash), this one tends to have longer lines. That means it’s a great use for your FastPass at Magic Kingdom. If you are going in the middle of summer, Splash Mountain might be a better use of the FastPass since it is a water ride.
However, for 8 or 9 months out of the year, Space Mountain is your better option. This is such an iconic ride that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
WHAT NOT TO USE FASTPASS ON
Now, what about rides that you should NEVER use your first three FastPass+ on? Is there such a thing? While skipping the line is never a bad thing. Not all FastPasses are created equal.
The following rides usually have a short wait (20 minutes or less) or you can get day of FastPass for them. I would never book any of these rides and attractions as one of my first three FastPass.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios I would not use a FastPass for Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Voyage of the Little Mermaid or Muppet Vision 3D. These are all shows and you can usually get in line 10 minutes before showtime and still get a seat.
You shouldn’t even need to book any of these shows to use as a burner FP (FastPass you select just to waste so you can hopefully grab another tier one as your 4th).
EPCOT
Currently 3 of the 4 best rides are tier one and the other (Spaceship Earth) will be going down for a long refurbishment. Here you will need some “burner” FastPasses. Turtle Talk with Crush, Living with the Land and Journey into imagination have short waits (unless it’s raining).
Throughout the day you will be able to secure multiple FastPasses for each of these rides. I will sometimes book one right for 9am so I can start modifying my other two to get closer times. This is the only park I can usually accomplish this. I can usually get my FastPass for 9, 10, and 11 with no problem at the 60 day mark.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Animal Kingdom is the odd ball here. Now I wouldn’t choose Na’vi River Journey over Flight of Passage but if I couldn’t get FOP than I would. Even the shows (except it’s a bug’s life) can use a FastPass. Some of the shows at Animal Kingdom can fill up and they fill up fast.
It’s not uncommon for Festival of the Lion King to not have any seats left. If it’s a show you really want to catch at Animal Kingdom. You better get your FastPass.
MAGIC KINGDOM
I know what you’re thinking. Come on, is there rides at Magic Kingdom that I DON’T want to use a FastPass on? Short answer is yes but it’s only a small handful. A good rule of thumb for Magic Kingdom is to book what you want to do.
Barnstormer, it’s a small world, Magic carpets of Aladdin, Dumbo, Mickey’s PhilharMagic are some you might not want to use a FastPass on. Most have under a 20 minute wait most of the day. Dumbo doesn’t fit that rule.
However, Dumbo has an indoor playground in the stand by line. It’s a great place for you to sit and relax and a great way to keep the kids entertained while you wait.
Very few rides at Walt Disney World don’t need a FastPass. Most don’t need to be your first three. Good luck and…..
REMEMBER IF YOU BOOK A FASTPASS FOR A NIGHTTIME SHOW YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET ANYMORE FASTPASS THAT DAY.
Do you have any FastPass+ that you have to get? Which ones? Let us know in the comments below. Also let us know if you think we left any out.
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