Getting Fast Pass first thing

[Disneynutcase]

Hey, I keep reading things that say sometimes FAST PASS machines don't operate in the first hour or so the park(s) are open, particularly if there is not much of a crowd in the stand-by lines at FAST PASS attractions. Anyone ever experience this?
We're strategizing to nab FAST PASSES first thing once parks open, then hit another popular ride or two while stand-by lines are short before using the FAST PASS. But, of course, this strategy won't work if the machines aren't operating yet.

In other words, what's happened when you tried for a FAST PASS first thing? Success or frustration?

 

[WDW-Imagineer]

I would imagine they are off because you can just get on the regular line and probably wait less. I'd imagine it would be pretty silly running to the fast pass machines while everybody else is getting on the line. Although after about the first 20 minutes, I suppose fast pass would be the better choice. Anyway, good luck with your investigation.

 

[Disneynutcase]

Thanks for your reply.

First of all, I'm going from 4-3 to 4-10, so I'm anticipating that there will be crowds due to Easter and Spring Break.

But even if turns out that all our 1st hours at the parks give us ghost towns, I'd still prefer to get a FAST PASS which is good for the next hour or so, and hop on as many other rides as possible in the interim (or at least do something else on our agenda) until we finally decide to use the FAST PASS.

In other words, if we got one at 9:00am opening that was good for an hour (as advertized), we'd do other rides until 9:45 or so, then use the FAST PASS. It;s all in the strategy, baby!

Problem is, I'm trying to find out if this can be done or if the system is indeed kind of random.:lookaroun

 

[WDW-Imagineer]

Yeah, I would imagine that the Spring Break/Easter crowds would indeed fill the popular rides right up. I'll be interested to see if the machines are indeed on during the first hour. Be sure to check back in and let us know!

 

[hadleybarth]

We got fast passes first thing every day for a week in November and then took advantage of short lines at other rides until we had to use the fast passes or lose them. All of the machines we encountered were turned on. However, the fast passes were not good instantly, but rather started one hour from park opening.

ie: the park opens at 9:00, you get a fast pass at 9:05, it is good from 10:00 to 11:00.

Perhaps this is what people mean by them not working the first hour? Anyway, even in a rather slow time they were all functional so far as we could tell, so I can't imagine you will have problems durong high season.

 

[riess424]

I think the best thing to do is grab a fast pass and get on the ride like regualar and then use the fast pass to get on the ride again.
A year and a half ago, when I was at MGM in the morning, I grabbed a fast pass at Tower of Terror and then a fast pass at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Then I went on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, I had to wait 10 minutes. I went right back on with the fast pass and then to Tower of Terror with the fast pass. I went on three rides in 45 minutes.
I have never had the problem that the fast pass doesnt work.

Grab the fast pass right when you get there to one of the big roller coasters because it will save you time.

 

[Disneynutcase]

Okay, so now I'm both confused and frustrated.

So you were able to get two Fast Passes at almost the same time? I thought one had to wait for the Fast Pass one hour window (or two hours--whichever comes first) before one can get another Fast Pass.

Or has the rule/system changed to where we can run around the parks collecting Fast Passes as we see fit? :brick:

 

[riess424]

Im sorry, I miss spoke. You are right that you can get only 1 fast pass at a time. We had other people in our party, which didn't go on the ride so we used theirs.

 

[Disneynutcase]

Ah! Now it makes sense. On our upcoming vacation, we'll be dragging Grammie and a three year old with us and hope to take similar kind of Fast Pass advantage on the thrill rides as well.

Thanks for the info and clarification.