Preparing for a trip to Walt Disney World can require a lot of pre-planning. In addition to making advanced dining reservations, we now have the ability to book 3 FastPass+ attractions per day prior to our trip. As hard as we try to have all our plans in place ahead of time, sometimes something unexpected happens. So, what happens if your FastPass+ attraction breaks down or is unavailable during your return time? While the thought of this happening seems like a downer, the good news is Disney has an effortless plan in place when this happens.
On my last trip to the World I had the experience of this occurrence happening a few times. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had officially been open less than a week and, as with many new attractions, was experiencing technical difficulties. I had a Fast Pass+ return time of 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and scanned my MagicBand at the first Mickey reader. Upon making my way down the queue I noticed the train was stuck on the track and cast members began turning guests away.
Almost immediately, I received an email from Disney via My Disney Experience notifying me the ride was unavailable during my FastPass+ return time. The email stated the FastPass could still be used anytime that day for the same attraction when it came online again. I didn’t have to do anything. In my case, I enjoyed other areas of the park while checking the My Disney Experience App to see when the train was running again. I simply returned and scanned the MagicBand again and was admitted.
Alternately, if you don’t wish to experience the same attraction you had the FastPass+ for, the email lists other attractions you can use it at instead.
As you can see My Disney Experience now shows “Choice of Experiences” instead of my originally scheduled Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. So, if I wished to choose another attraction from the list instead of waiting for Mine Train, I had that option too. Again, no action is needed. Simply show up at the alternate attraction and scan your MagicBand and you’re good to go!
I also asked a cast member what would happen if the attraction closure happened at the end of the day. She said if that situation should arise you would be given another FastPass+ selection good for any FastPass+ attraction at any park the following day.
Chances are most guests won’t experience this, but if the situation does arise it’s good to know that Disney has a great system in place and it won’t put a damper on your day.