The first large scale guest testing of FASTPASS+ got underway this morning at the Magic Kingdom.
You may remember a few weeks ago that guests were being contacted ahead of their arrival to take part in FASTPASS+. The concept is that guests can select their must-do ride experiences online before they arrive at the park, and can choose FASTPASS time windows for each of those attractions. After doing so, the guests are issued an RFID FASTPASS+ card, which they then use in the park to access each attraction at their allocated time.
Each attraction that is participating in the test has the now familiar RFID reader poles at the entrance. For attractions with existing FASTPASS systems, the readers are located at the entrance to the FASTPASS return line. For attractions without existing FASTPASS queues, such as the Haunted Mansion, special entrances have been built. There are two readers at each location, speeding up the process of guest access. When the guest wishes to enter the attraction, instead of handing over a paper FASTPASS ticket, they simply touch their RFID FASTPASS+ card to the reader. A cast member is on-hand to deal with any issues, and has access to the reservation information via kiosk or iPad.
From what we have seen so far this morning, the test is proceeding very well. A good number of guests are using the system, and all appears to be passing through without issue.