Disneyland FASTPASS 101

Just like the World, Disneyland also has FASTPASS that you can use to bypass the long lines and feel like a VIP! Here is how to prepare a FASTPASS strategy before you arrive:

There are two ways to get a FASTPASS at Disneyland & California Adventure

FASTPASS - Get a FREE FASTPASS at ride/event Fast Pass terminal. FASTPASS tickets are first come, first serve.
MaxPass – For $10 per person per day you can use the MaxPass feature on your Disneyland app to secure your FASTPASSES.

FASTPASS FAQ

What is a FASTPASS?This is a pass given to you that will allow you to return to certain attractions and “skip” part of the line, shortening your wait time. If you do not use a FASTPASS for an attraction, you will enter the “standby” line.
Is a MaxPass FASTPASS different from a Digital FASTPASS? Only in how it’s delivered to you. All FASTPASSES are pulled from the same pool of FASTPASSES. They’re all the same FASTPASS – just delivered to you in the way you choose.
Do I need an app for Digital FASTPASS? What about MaxPass? You only need the app for MaxPass.
How do FASTPASSES work?Via an actual machine near attractions (Digital FASTPASS) or via the Disneyland app (MaxPass), you can pull FASTPASSES. Each FASTPASS will allow you to bypass many park guests in the standby line to get on the attraction quicker.
When can I pull my second FASTPASS? The FASTPASS you pull – or MaxPass you select – will indicate the time you can pull your next FASTPASS.
How long does a FASTPASS line take? Most often, it will only take around 10 minutes to board the attraction.
Can I save my FASTPASS for the next day if I didn’t use it? No. FASTPASSES are only good for the day of issue.
How much do FASTPASSES cost?Nothing! Digital FASTPASSES are included in the cost of your ticket. MaxPass costs $10/day per person. (But, it includes more than FASTPASSES – read below.)
Where do I find these FASTPASS distribution machines?Most distribution points are located near the entrance of the attraction. There are a few exceptions, listed below.
Can I schedule FASTPASSES for the entire day at once?No.
Are there exceptions?Yes. If you have plans to see World of Color at California Adventure, absolutely grab this FASTPASS upon entering. The World of Color FASTPASS gives you priority viewing for the show that arrives much later in the day. (This FASTPASS is distributed to the right of Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.) Holding this pass will not stop you from retrieving other FASTPASSES. The Fantasmic! FASTPASS is another priority viewing pass that will not stop you from retrieving other FASTPASSES.(This FASTPASS is distributed along Big Thunder Trail in front of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.)
Are there any other exceptions? Kind of. Each FASTPASS you pull – via MaxPass or Digital FASTPASS – will give you a time that you can pull your next FASTPASS. Pay attention to that time and utilize it to get the most out of your day.

Disneyland FASTPASS Attractions:

Fantasmic! (distributed across from the Golden Horseshoe Saloon) – disconnected

Big Thunder Mountain

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Haunted Mansion

Indiana Jones Adventure

Matterhorn

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Space Mountain

Splash Mountain

Star Tours (distributed next to Buzz Light Year’s distribution point)

California Adventure FASTPASS Attractions

World of Color (distributed to the right of Ariel’s Undersea Adventure)

California Screamin’

Goofy’s Sky School

Grizzly River Run

Radiator Springs Racers (distributed near It’s Tough to Be a Bug)

Soarin’ Around the World

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Toy Story Midway Mania

How Digital FASTPASS Works

To pull a FASTPASS, enter your theme park ticket or annual pass in the FASTPASS machine near the attraction you want to go on. A “reminder” pass will be issued to you.

When it’s time to ride your attraction, scan your theme park ticket or annual pass. The paper “reminder” pass is just that – a reminder. Your FASTPASS now lives on your theme park ticket or annual pass.

You’ll scan your ticket two times. Once, as your entering the line. Then, again, as you near boarding the attraction

How MaxPass Works

MaxPass became an optional purchase for all park guests in 2017.

The MaxPass works within the Disneyland app and allows you to grab a FASTPASS electronically for an attraction, rather than walking across the park to do it. The cost is $10 per guest, per day.

You are able to add guests onto one app to manage everyone, however, each guest will be required to pay the $10 to use it. With the $10 per day purchase, each guest will receive unlimited PhotoPass privileges, too, including attraction photos.

Your tickets have to be linked to the Disneyland app before you can select a FASTPASS, this will allow you to select the available FASTPASSES at Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventures

When it’s time to board the attraction, you’ll click on “Redeem” and then scan the barcode for each guest in your party.

At this point, every guest’s barcode must be scanned to enter the attraction. This can all be done via the device the party was built on, but each person must be scanned. Flip through the “party” quickly and scan each barcode before boarding the attraction. There are MaxPass machines at every attraction that you will scan at.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of many reasons why you shouldn’t pull a FASTPASS if it’s available. If there’s a short wait time or you’re leaving the park early and can’t wait for the next available time, go to the Standby Entrance. Otherwise, grab the FASTPASS and plan around it.

And, as with any crowded day at Disneyland, follow these three rules for the best results:

1. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the park opens and have a strategy in place for your day.

2. Use FASTPASSES – via MaxPass or old school Digital FASTPASS.

3. Take a break mid-day and return after a few hours.

No need to mingle during the meltdown hours with kids (and parents) falling apart. Go back to your hotel for a swim or a shower and return refreshed for the evening.