Planning for kid..how long should I assume FP lines will be?

PurplePizza1

PurplePizza1

Active Member
Original Poster
Worst case scenario, what's the longest you've waited in a FP line? I'm trying to prep the kiddo for our very first trip to DW, and part of that prep is understanding about 'hurry up and wait.' In order to prepare for occupying her time while we're in a FP line, how long do I need to expect? Thanks guys. I would be lost and freaked out if I hadn't stumbled upon this forum.
 
nepalostparks

nepalostparks

Well-Known Member
I can't ever recall waiting in a Fastpass line for more than 20 minutes. Usually it's more like 5 to 10 minutes. Of course, I'm sure it varies based on time of year (overall crowd levels) and other factors (like ride breakdown, sudden storm, everyone heading to the ride right after a parade, etc).
 
PurplePizza1

PurplePizza1

Active Member
Original Poster
nepalostparks said:
I can't ever recall waiting in a Fastpass line for more than 20 minutes. Usually it's more like 5 to 10 minutes. Of course, I'm sure it varies based on time of year (overall crowd levels) and other factors (like ride breakdown, sudden storm, everyone heading to the ride right after a parade, etc).
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Seriously? That's fantastic news. Good to know. I already have thoughts on things to do while waiting for our fast pass time. Thanks!
 
bubbles1812

bubbles1812

Well-Known Member
Most are in the 5-20 range but...

If it is for Toy Story Mania, even the FP line can get long. Have seen it at 30-40 minutes. And watch for "FP surges" where everyone who got a FP for whatever hour it is all seem to come at once. Was there in Feb, and the FP line was out to the walkway. Was probably a 40 minute wait while the Standby was 80. I gave away my FP and went to the Single Rider line. So if you see a ton of people going into the line all at once, try back a bit later.
 
experiment624

experiment624

Well-Known Member
PurplePizza1 said:
In order to prepare for occupying her time while we're in a FP line,...
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How old are the young one(s)? If they're old enough, invest in a hidden mickey guide book, available at nearly every book store. People, especially kids, love to look for the hidden mickeys while they wait in the queues. It gets them excited to wait in the queues and keeps them occupied.
 
JIMINYCR

JIMINYCR

Well-Known Member
bubbles1812 said:
Most are in the 5-20 range but...

If it is for Toy Story Mania, even the FP line can get long. Have seen it at 30-40 minutes. And watch for "FP surges" where everyone who got a FP for whatever hour it is all seem to come at once. Was there in Feb, and the FP line was out to the walkway. Was probably a 40 minute wait while the Standby was 80. I gave away my FP and went to the Single Rider line. So if you see a ton of people going into the line all at once, try back a bit later.
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Exactly...As with anything at Disney, you've got to play it smart. Any of the more popular rides have the longer lines, standby or FP riders. Also depends on how the CM's make the flow of FP riders advance through. I've seen some let large groups go ahead at one time and others let sporadic small units of FP riders advance. Maybe depends on the amount of the crowds? And sometimes the single rider line can match the FP line.
 
PurplePizza1

PurplePizza1

Active Member
Original Poster
bubbles1812 said:
Most are in the 5-20 range but...

If it is for Toy Story Mania, even the FP line can get long. Have seen it at 30-40 minutes. And watch for "FP surges" where everyone who got a FP for whatever hour it is all seem to come at once. Was there in Feb, and the FP line was out to the walkway. Was probably a 40 minute wait while the Standby was 80. I gave away my FP and went to the Single Rider line. So if you see a ton of people going into the line all at once, try back a bit later.
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So they don't enforce the FP times? How does it end up with everybody there at once?
 
nepalostparks

nepalostparks

Well-Known Member
PurplePizza1 said:
So they don't enforce the FP times? How does it end up with everybody there at once?
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They do enforce the times. But everyone has a window of time to return, and sometimes within that window, you might have everyone heading it at one time. It will often happen right after the conclusion of a parade.
 
JillC LI

JillC LI

Well-Known Member
FPs are wonderful things! We've usually waited 5-15 minutes as well. The longest I ever waited with a FP was last December at Ariel: Under the Sea in the New Fantasyland, and that was about 30 minutes.
 
MattC

MattC

Well-Known Member
Agree with what is above. The FP wait can get long, 20ish minutes, but usually under. After a day or so you will learn how the lines and crowds "flow." That will help you judge when to go to an attraction and how to maximize your time.
 
PurplePizza1

PurplePizza1

Active Member
Original Poster
MattC said:
Agree with what is above. The FP wait can get long, 20ish minutes, but usually under. After a day or so you will learn how the lines and crowds "flow." That will help you judge when to go to an attraction and how to maximize your time.
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Hey, that's great news! We start out slowly -- Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is our third day, then Hollywood Studios. We should have it down by the time we get to MK! Thanks! I feel better already.
 
disneyfan1995

disneyfan1995

Well-Known Member
Usually fastpass lines are about 5-20 minutes. There could be that rare scenario when the line is longer. Back during my February trip, the fastpass line for Space Mountain was about 45 minutes long. That was because the ride had been down and they were honoring fastpasses from the entire day. So as long as that doesn't happen, then you should expect a pretty short wait.
 
riess424

riess424

Active Member
I would worry about the wait times for the rides you do not FP.

Space Mountain for a 6 year old depends on if they like dark faster rides---think big thunder in the dark
 
MattC

MattC

Well-Known Member
PurplePizza1 said:
Do you think Space Mountain would be okay for my reluctant 6-year-old?
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Ok, this is just me and I may be weird. But here ya go.

My parents first took me to Disney when I was around 6. I rode Space Mountain with my dad and it freaked me out. I would not ride coasters for years after that. I love coasters now, but I had to get over my fear of them. Space Mountain is not very intense. However, it is a little rough, there are a couple of short drops, and the ride is in almost complete darkness. That combo wasn't good for me as a child.
 

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