The Best Fast Passes for Magic Kingdom: What Should I Pick?!

At the Magic Kingdom, everyone rushes to stroll down Main Street and see Cinderella’s Castle, but after that, where should you go?  What ride or show at Disey’s Magic Kingdom should you experience?  And better yet, what are the best fast passes at Magic Kingdom to make, so you can make sure you get to experience all the best rides and shows?

Well, in this article, I’m going to help you figure out what Disney World attractions are worth making a Fast Pass+ reservation for, and which ones you can just get in the standby line to experience.

  • Editor’s Note: Disney has begun phasing out their popular FastPass system. You can learn more about how to use the replacement for FastPass, which is Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.

What is Fast Pass+?

For those that aren’t familiar, here’s a super simple explanation: Fast Pass+ allows you to get in a shorter line and bypass a longer line for an attraction you want to experience, which enables you to get on more attractions.

Even more, think of Fast Pass+ like a dinner reservation.  Instead of showing up at a restaurant at a random time during the night and being told you’ll have to wait 30 minutes to be seated, Fast Pass+ is akin to calling the restaurant three hours advance, telling them them exactly when you’ll show up and how many are in your party, and arriving three hours later and being seated immediately.

Except, at Disney World, instead of calling to reserve your spot on an attraction, you use an app called My Disney Experience.

Instead of standing around in that line you can go jump on other less crowded rides, enjoy some delicious food, or just enjoy sitting on a bench. You have an hour (give or take 5-10 minutes) time slot to arrive back at the attraction. And when you do, you essentially get to cut to the front of the line.

Look at how much time you just saved!

Fast Pass is FREE

Anyone with a ticket to Walt Disney World gets an opportunity to use Fast Pass+; no extra cost!

You are able to select three Fast Pass+ attractions for each day in advance. This is where it is great to have a general idea of what parks you will be visiting each day. You may only select Fast Pass+ from one park each day in advance.

If you are staying on Walt Disney World property, you can schedule them 60 days in advance and some of the attractions you want to be on them as soon as it is possible. For those of you choosing not to stay on Disney property, you can schedule them 30 days out. I will let you know if you keep reading what Fast Pass+ options at the Magic Kingdom you need jump on first!

In case you did not know children under three, who do not require a park ticket, do not need Fast Pass+. They can go right in the Fast Pass+ line with those who do have them scheduled.

What are Fast Pass Tiers?

Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios each have their Fast Passes separated into two tiers. The first tier generally has the most in demand attractions and you may select one Fast Pass from this tier. The remaining two Fast Passes you will select from the second tier.

Lucky for you Magic Kingdom does not have any tiers set up, so all Fast Pass+ are equal! This makes selecting the ones you want a lot simpler.

Magic Kingdom Fast Pass+ Options

Magic Kingdom has more Fast Pass+ options than any other park and here are the options alphabetically.

  1. The Barnstormer
  2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  3. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  4. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  5. Enchanted Tales with Belle
  6. The Haunted Mansion
  7. It’s a Small World
  8. Jungle Cruise
  9. Mad Tea Party
  10. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  11. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  12. Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
  13. Meet Cinderella & Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall
  14. Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
  15. Meet Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
  16. Meet Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater
  17. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  18. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
  19. Peter Pan’s Flight
  20. Pirates of the Caribbean
  21. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  22. Space Mountain
  23. Splash Mountain
  24. Tomorrowland Speedway
  25. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

The Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for Fast Pass?

Space Mountain – For all riders over 44” tall my number one suggestion would be Space Mountain! If you like thrill rides this is one of the best Disney World rides. This thrilling roller coaster is not only in doors, but also in the dark! The lights look like you are in the stars and at the same time have some retro neon lights throughout the wicked ride.

There are definitely faster rollercoasters, but nothing else you ride will be quite like this one. You load into a space ship that has one person in each row and three rows. A T-bar comes down between your legs that is cushioned and your legs extended straight out. I am not tall, but I know the only down side of this ride is people who are taller feel like they are going to hit their heads since this coaster is in the dark and in tight quarters. No need to worry though because you will not hit your head!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – For all riders over 38” tall my next suggestion would be the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This is a rollercoaster through Walt’s first film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Your train travel begins outside on a train track. Next, you careen into the dark caverns where you meet the seven dwarfs mining.

The jewels they are mining are vibrant, entrancing, and literally glowing. Then you literally drop out of the mine to the old familiar song “Heigh-ho” and get to enjoy a few fun turns. You will end your wild mine ride by peeking into the seven dwarfs’ home and the original wicked queen plotting outside the door. If you choose to forego this Fast Pass+ or do not log in quick enough to snatch it, you can expect to wait a minimum of 50 minutes in this line.

Peter Pan’s Flight – For riders of all heights I suggest Peter Pan’s Flight! With this attraction you can either hit it first thing in the morning or Fast Pass+ otherwise you will most likely be in line over an hour to see this story book favorite. Your journey starts by stepping onto a flying pirate ship like that in Peter Pan. 

Than you begin a smooth slow ride over London. You get to see the Darling children and the famous Lost Boys. Peter Pan fights Captain Hook and you travel to Neverland. This attraction is relaxing and aww inspiring and even its small drops are barely noticeable. Family friendly fun for all ages!

Haunted Mansion – For riders of all heights I suggest Haunted Mansion! If you travel over to Liberty Square, you will find this spooky haunt. This attraction may scare the little ones, but if you talk them through it and keep it light and funny with your commentary they should do just fine. Everyone begins by entering a room directed by some spooky Haunted Mansion cast members, which after you enter, and the door closes seems to have no way out.

The room shrinks, grows, and has some freaky lightning affects. Then the brave souls who want to continue enter the next area where you will be loaded into your Doom Buggy. The ride tells a story so pay close attention. There are moving photos, breathing doors, dancing ghosts, singing heads, hitch hiking ghosts, and so much more. The ride is slow so those who do okay with the storybook rides will be all good with this one as well.

Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater – For visitors of all heights I suggest meeting Mickey. If you get in line just after park opening you do not need a Fast Pass+, but if you want to guarantee this experience (and not wait in line over an hour) make sure to reserve your space. You may have met Mickey Mouse before, but this experience is unique because Mickey actually talks to you! While this freaked me out a little at first I really enjoyed it.

My toddler was initially confused, but was enthralled after the initial shock as well. Mickey is in his magician costume and it feels like you are back stage with him before his next show. This visit is also awesome as your family has one on one time with Mickey Mouse. In my book, especially if you are doing Disney with kids, this is a must do.

Unfortunately talking Mickey may not be around much longer, so hurry up and make your trip before this experience disappears!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – If you love rollercoasters I suggest Fast Pass+ for these two mountains. The wait will be 50 minutes or most likely more if you hop in the regular line. Thunder Mountain is a rough train rollercoaster. It has quick turns and jolts you through the old west desert.

Splash Mountain on the other hand is the opposite of the desert as it is a water ride that is shore to get you damp! It takes you through the Briar Patch with Briar Rabbit and friends from the controversial movie “Song of the South.” The ride is full of music and a very steep drop into the thorns. Both Mountains are fan favorites!

Fast Pass+ Top Tip

My number one tip is to try to get your three Fast Pass+ scheduled for 1:00pm and before. After you use the original three you can check at kiosks or on My Disney Experience app to grab other open Fast Pass+. Majority of the time the big rides are not available, but check back often because they may make an appearance. People can decide to cancel them and then pop there they are all of a sudden open for you to select.

Do Not Waste Your Fast Pass+

I feel like I need to also tell you where I do not suggest you use your Fast Pass+. The first place would be Ariel’s Grotto. This line is usually very short, if any, but is definitely a must visit as you get to see Ariel as her mermaid self!

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid should also not be Fast Pass+ choices in my opinion. These are all shows with ample seating and specific start and finish times. You may be waiting around awhile for them to start but you will most likely get into the next show. They all run 15 minutes or less so if you miss the next show for some odd reason your wait is still 30 minutes or less.

Best of Luck on Your Magical Planning

Now it is up to you to take the info I gave you and decide which rides off the priority list most interest you. Make sure you check ahead of time that height requirements for each ride are met before reserving the Fast Pass+. Log onto your My Disney Experience page and add your tickets if you have not already. This system is super simple to use and will pretty much walk you through every step to reserve your Fast Pass+ selections.

Be sure to pay attention to the 60-day mark if you are staying on Disney property and the 30-day mark if you are staying off of Disney property and reserve those Fast Pass+ as early as you are able! Finally, remember if you have any issues, Walt Disney World has some super friendly customer service representatives ready to help you through it just as they do every step of the way for literally everything for your very special magical vacation!

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