It’s Time to Face the Truth: Disney FastPass Is Gone and It Is Never Coming Back
Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, hours of researching and planning is a requirement, not a suggestion.
After all, there’s picking out which Disney resort hotel to stay in, which Disney Park to visit, and on what day. You’ve got to make theme park reservations, as well as dining reservations, depending on your plans.
Even a visit to the Magic Kingdom can feel a little disenchanting when it comes with so much planning!
Disney veterans will remember that there was one step back in the day that was more fun and fatiguing, and that’s planning out which attractions to grab FastPasses for.
If You’re Still Reminiscing About the Good Old FastPass Days, You’re Not Alone
READ MORE: “Who Asked for This?!”: Why Fans Are FUMING Over Disney’s New Genie+ Policy
Disney’s FastPass+ system used to be entirely paper, then it was electronic, and then it was gone. But the remnants of the old system can still be seen around each Disney Park today. Signs that now hang outside Lightning Lane attractions used to read “FastPass+,” and kiosks that were seemingly useless used to distribute the paper FastPass tickets before they were removed entirely.
FastPass and FastPass+ were free systems, with FastPass+ allowing guests to plan attraction reservations in advance. But despite all of the positive reception from guests, Disney decided to do away with FastPass entirely, pushing Genie Plus (stylistically Genie+) and Lightning Lane reservations instead.
Say Goodbye to Disney FastPass and Hello to Lightning Lanes
READ MORE: A Disney Park is Bringing Back Free ‘FastPasses’
While Disney Genie is free, Disney Genie Plus and Individual Lightning Lanes are paid services. The new system was implemented a few years ago, but if you’re still confused, you’re not alone.
Many guests criticize the new reservation system for being too confusing, too complicated, and, worst of all, too expensive. The system also relies heavily on knowing how to navigate the My Disney Experience app, which isn’t easy for everyone.
It’s a Hard Pill to Swallow, But It’s True
READ MORE: Disney Announces MAJOR Change to Genie+ Service That Will Drastically Improve Guest Experience
As a result of the hostile reception, fans continue to beg the Walt Disney Company to revive its beloved FastPass+ system, but to no avail. Unfortunately, it’s time we accept the harsh truth: Disney FastPass+ is gone, and it’s never coming back.
How do we know? Walt Disney Imagineering just drove the final nail in the coffin:
Bad picture but it looks like they're tearing out the old FastPass area for Pooh/Splash pic.twitter.com/iYi4fqkzgd
— MouseInfo | Disney News and Fun (@MouseInfo) August 27, 2023
READ MORE: Disney Genie+ Reaches All-Time High in Sad Update
As Walt Disney Imagineering works to transform Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, some other changes are being made: the former FastPass section for Disneyland Park’s Splash Mountain attraction has been officially torn down.
Unfortunately, the loss of Splash Mountain and its FastPass section signals the end of an era and the beginning of Lightning Lane’s reign.
Want to know the ins and outs of Disney Genie and Lightning Lane? Check out Disney Dining’s official guide here.
