Hollywood Studios Fastpass Tiers

Going to theme parks, especially hugely popular ones like Hollywood Studios, used to mean nightmarishly long waits. However, nowadays waiting in line is considered a thing of the past. When you know how to work the FastPass system, you can skip the wait and spend more time having fun!

The FastPass is Disney’s ride reservation system or “virtual line” which they rolled out in the 90s and has evolved over the years into the FastPass+. We’re going to break it all down for you: what are the Hollywood Studios Fastpass Tiers, what is FastPass+, what are the benefits, the best strategies, and all the rules and restrictions you need to know to have the ultimate Hollywood Studios vacation. Read on to find the best tips for your vacation!

FastPass Basics

In short, the FastPass was designed to cut wait times and allow visitors to reserve times to ride different (select) attractions and entertainment, like live theatrical performances. Not every attraction is available on the system, but that means you can take advantage of those rides while the ones on FastPass are occupied.

The theory behind this system is that each ride or attraction has a maximum occupancy per day. For example, one ride may be able to accommodate 20,000 guests per day and when that ride has FastPass installed a certain number of those seats are set aside and divided into time intervals. If you know which rides you want to go on, then you have more freedom with the passes to pick and choose or receive a designated time to return for your ride rather than spend most of the day in a huge line. In short—no gigantic lines, only fun!

At Hollywood Studios, they have gotten rid of the paper ticket system and now all FastPass systems are digital with reservations being made in advance from a computer, app, or in-park kiosks. (Furthermore, Hollywood Studios, unlike Magic Kingdom, has a tiered Fastpass system, to make sure the majority of guests aren’t all using all 3 of their daily allotment of Fastpasses on the same few most popular rides, more on this later.) On-site guests receive wristbands that are RFID-enabled while off-site guests use plastic park tickets (think credit cards) to make reservations at booths around the park.

The original FastPass has been modified over the years and changes made to match the reviews and needs of visitors. These updates have led t the FastPass+. This new pass holds the same basic features of the original FastPass but has been enhanced with a variety of different benefits.

Things to Know

FastPass+ are free to visitors who have paid park admission, just like the original FastPass.

  • FastPass+ can be scheduled far in advance, like 30 days in advance! Additionally, if you’re staying on a Disney property, you have access to reserve ride times 60 days before your visit.
  • FastPass+ doesn’t allow for park hopping like the original FastPass—now you can only use your pass in one park.
  • FastPass+ limits you to 3 reservations per day as opposed to unlimited on the original pass plan, but on the flip side, you’ll make fewer trips to the FastPass booth because you can make all reservations at once.
  • Once you run out of your passes or they’ve expired you can get more FastPass+ reservations. After using your first 3 Fastpasses you can get one additional Fastpass at a time. Once you use the 4th, you can book a fifth, and so-on.

Hollywood Studios FastPass+ Tier System

When you go to Hollywood Studios and begin booking your FastPasses, you’ll notice that not all of your favorite rides are available. Rather they have attractions divided into “tiers,” and you are allowed to pick one attraction from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2. This cannot be rearranged or substituted.

Here are the options:

Tier 1:

Toy Story Midway Mania

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Fantasmic!

Beauty and the Beast – Live on stage

The Great Movie Ride

Tier 2:

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Muppet*Vision 3D

Disney Junior – Live on Stage!

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Star Tours – The Adventure Continues

You’ve probably noticed that the tier 1 attractions are the most popular attractions. Disney wanted to make sure that the Fastpass system wouldn’t just lead to longer lines for the most popular rides so they limited how you can use your Fastpasses with this tiered system.

Now that you have an idea of what’s available you may be wondering how you’re supposed to choose which rides and shows you should prioritize. Check out our short review of each so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Tier 1 (You can only choose ONE of these)

  1. Toy Story Midway Mania: A longtime favorite of many FastPass+ users because even after recent expansions the waiting time can be outrageous. If this ride piques your interest at all, we strongly recommend using your FastPass+ for this. If you have small children this should be your top priority as line wait times can easily reach over an hour as soon as the gates open. This is typically considered to be the most popular ride at Hollywood Studios.
  2. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Referred to by many as the best ride in the park, and for a good reason (especially for thrill seekers!), it’s natural to think you should use your FastPass+ for this. However, the wait times aren’t as bad as other attractions so if you can get to the Rock ‘n’ Roller by gate open time you’ll be able to hop on once or twice with minimal wait and save your reservation for somewhere you will really need it.
  3. Fantasmic!: This isn’t one of our “top priority” choices as you still have plenty of opportunities to make the show, even during busy season. If you do use your pass for this attraction, then we suggest going around an hour before start time so that you can be at the front of the first group ensuring you have time to get refreshments and a nice seat.
  4. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage: Hugely popular, thanks to the recent remake of the movie, but also hugely unnecessary to use your pass here.
  5. The Great Movie Ride: This ride is closing soon, but not a top priority worthy of your FastPass+.

Tier 2 (You get TWO picks here)

  1. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Book it now! Wait times during busy season can run up to 2 hours and if for some reason you aren’t able to reserve it with your FastPass+ then get there early. It’s totally worth it.
  2. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Worth the reservation if you’ve got a family of Frozen fans, otherwise skip it and just stand in line.
  3. Voyage of the Little Mermaid: Wait times are generally low here, so we don’t recommend using your pass.
  4. Muppet*Vision 3D: Another attraction that will be closing soon, but has never had long wait times, so we say save your pass on this one!
  5. Disney Junior – Live on Stage!: An awesome attraction for young kids, but it’s an unusual day when there’s a long wait time. Don’t use your FastPass here
  6. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: There’s plenty of opportunities to see this show, thanks to a large capacity there’s no reason you should use your pass.
  7. Star Tours – The Adventure Continues: If you’re a big Star Wars nerd, or an adrenaline junky, then it’s definitely worth using the FastPass here!

Final Comments on the Tiers

Whatever attractions you choose there are a few things you should be aware of.

  • If you reserve a show the time listed on FastPass+ is your arrival time NOT the show time. Be mindful of this—if you’re reservation says 10:30-10:45 then you must arrive during this window to be ready for an 11:00 show time.
  • Fantasmic! Is a special case, it only occurs once or twice on select nights at Hollywood Studios and if you choose it then it will count as your Tier 1 selection meaning you cannot add more FastPasses until all three are used. If you want to use your pass for this attraction do some planning ahead of time. For example, if you arrive to the park late on your first day and Fantasmic! Is playing then use your pass without being restricted on future days.
  • On Star Tours, the farther back your seat is on the space craft the rougher the ride will be.
  • At Voyage of the Little Mermaid don’t sit too close to the front or you’ll be able to see the puppeteers which may take away from your experience.
  • If you have the Fantasmic! Dining Package you can get priority seating at one of the restaurants so you don’t have to wait in line (or use a pass!).
  • Arrive to the park early and ride all the attractions you won’t use your FastPass+ for first.

Tips to Maximize Your Trip

Taking some time a few weeks ahead of your trip to talk to family members about their expectations and wants will be essential to planning the ultimate Hollywood Studios vacation. Remember our recommendations are just that and you know best what you and your family is hoping for. To help you organize the best trip ever we have a few more tips:

  • Make a list of desired attractions and an agreement with all party members ahead of time
  • Arrive at the park at least 45 minutes before opening
  • Check show times beforehand, but generally arriving 10-15 minutes early
  • Afternoon shows are typically less crowded
  • You can modify and buy new FastPass+ reservations through the My Disney Experience App
  • Return times are strict, and the Cast Members usually enforce the rules so try not to be forgetful of your reservations

The Bottom Line

A FastPass+ is an essential tool for getting the most out of your Disney Hollywood Studios experience. It’s a huge help if you have small kids or a large party and will require some planning, but the payoff is worth it! If you’re staying in a Disney property, then you have access to valuable benefits which can be an attractive offer for serious planners.

Now that you have all of the information weigh the options and see which attractions fit your needs when planning your Hollywood Studios getaway!

Planning a Disney Trip?

If you read this far you’re clearly planning a Disney trip.  You may not know this but using the services of a Disney Travel Agent will save you time, and drastically improve your experience.  It can save you money as well.  We recommend the Disney Travel agents at The Vacationeer.  They are always 100% free to use, and they will handle all the heavy lifting for you so you can sit back and enjoy your magical Disney vacation.