Visiting Walt Disney World is a very different experience at this time due to new social distancing measures, health regulations and the notable absence of the FastPass+ system. The lack of FastPass+ means guests don’t have to make reservations for popular attractions a month or more in advance and can instead enjoy a spontaneous trip to the theme parks.
During this time of no FastPass+, Disney is reportedly evaluating the system and deciding what they want to do with it in the future. We discussed the possibility of a paid FastPass+ system coming to Walt Disney World back in March 2019, but it sounds like Disney still hasn’t finalized their plans.
Disney insider Martin Smith recently discussed FastPass+ and hinted that the future is yet to be determined.
When asked about FastPass+ queues in attractions and what may happen to them if FastPass+ were to go away, Smith said:
“They’ll still be available to AUTHORIZED groups of guests.”
That suggests there will be some form of line-hopping in the future regardless of what happens with FastPass+. A paid system, perhaps something like MaxPass out in Disneyland, could introduce a paid way for Disney guests to avoid long waits.
Smith adds:
“There’s several options but the exact details are still TBD. Unless it goes south and the plans are scrapped.”
All Disney plans are subject to change at this time. Even their announced plans, such as the indefinitely delayed Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, could be scrapped or overhauled. With that in mind, it should go without saying that unannounced changes could shift dramatically if/when they see the light of day.
Smith was asked whether FastPass+ could disappear entirely. His response:
“All bets are off at the moment. One of several scenarios is no FP. But it’s an inching forward work in progress.”
Summarized, there’s no telling which way Disney will go with FastPass+ at this time. A lot of options appear to be on the table at this moment. A formal decision may be difficult – if not impossible – to make while Walt Disney World’s theme parks are dealing with the current health and safety regulations.
We expect the FastPass+ of today to transform into something different in the future. What that will be and when that may happen is yet to be determined.
