Fastpass+ is such a massive part of Walt Disney World vacation planning these days. Got are the times when you could show up to the gate and find an attraction poster for inspiration. Fastpass has become more than just a way to skip a line. It’s a part of the Walt Disney World strategy. You need to have these pre-planned blocks of time reserved. It helps to keep crowds distributed evenly around the park, but it also means you might miss out if you are looking for more flexibility or spontaneity. What happens if while making use of your time, you get delayed and arrive too late for Fastpass?
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The Fastpass Rules
Fastpass+ allows you to pick your first three Fastpasses in advance of your trip for every day you are using a Disney Park ticket. After that, you can continue selecting Fastpasses one by one. You can not have Fastpasses that are active during the same time frame. They must be apart by a minimum of one hour. You can not select a new FastPass until you redeem the previous Fastpass.
The Window
Fastpass does not require you to show up at a specific time. You have a one hour window. So if you have a Fastpass time of 3:05, you can arrive to use your Fastpass any time between 3:05 and 4:05. This is why the Fastpass+ selections must be an hour apart. The window enables you to do other things and return when it is convenient. That’s the purpose of Fastpass.

Walt Disney World Resort guests use MagicBands for FastPass+ access to experiences and attractions throughout the theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests also can use MagicBands to enter their Disney Resort hotel room, buy food and merchandise, enter Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and water parks, and connect to Disney’s PhotoPass. MagicBands are part of the new MyMagic+, which has the ability to connect nearly all aspects of the guest vacation experience at Walt Disney World Resort. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
The Extended Window
On top of the one hour window, there is also an extended window that is not listed anywhere. This means you don’t have to worry if you are going to be getting to an attraction just after your Fastpass arrival time ends. When time runs out, you still have an additional 5 minutes of wiggle room, only to cover unexpected crowds or other hold-ups.
The Cutoff – Late For Fastpass
If you miss the one hour window and the five-minute window, then you are too late to use your Fastpass. The system will no longer take it, and you will need to select a new Fastpass time for that attraction or another one. If you are at another section of the park, enjoying a table service meal, or stuck in another line, don’t be nervous about making it in time. You can always cancel a Fastpass wherever you are and select a new Fastpass then.
The Game Plan
It’s a good idea to plan your initial Fastpass+ selections very carefully. Try to keep them close together, so you do not wander off too far. If you plan meals between Fastpasses, make them quick service meals so you can control your timing better. If you want to use the Fastpass Window effectively to cover movement from one part of the park to another, make your first, or third Fastpass separate from the other two. Example: Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Lunch at Pecos Bill, Splash Mountain.
There you have it all the skinny on what happens if you indeed miss your FastPass.
Dara says
Never missed a Fastpass time! I plan them as carefully as possible. π
Janine says
We have and these tips really do help if you indeed you do π
Meredith Spidel says
Super good to know for our upcoming trip! Thanks for the scoop, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, my pleasure and once again super excited for your upcoming trip!! π
William D Holland says
Bev would be late. She’s late for everything. Don’t tell her I said so, but it’s true. lol
Happy Thursday my friend! August is upon us; back to school soon, and then a little freedom for you.
Janine says
Aw, thanks, Bill and I have had my moments like Bev with being late. That said, wishing you a very, Happy Thursday, as well and still a few more weeks of summer vacation as my girls don’t go back until after Labor Day π
Kristi Campbell says
The first time we went to Disney World, it was a stop-over for a flight from an island and omg did we learn about Fast Passes. We totally failed at them and I REALLY appreciate your insight and experience. We wasted too much money not knowing what we were doing.
Janine says
Aw, Kristi, always so happy to share with you and so sorry that originally happened back then to you.
Tamara says
I don’t think we ever actually missed one, but the fear of it was strong! I think we usually do the earlier side of every ride or attraction we’ve booked on it.
Janine says
Glad to hear you haven’t missed one. But just in case, I was happy to share some tips with you!! π
Seana Turner says
This really does take some focused attention. I’m so thankful for ALL of your Disney wisdom. I think I would have been panicked and hurrying everyone alone so we didn’t miss the window. I can see that sometimes that unadvertised 5 minutes would make all the difference. I think next time I go to Disney I’ll just hire you to walk me through it:)
Janine says
Aw, I would be happy to help you the next time you do go to Disney and just say the word!! π