NextGen Fastpass Machines

Park News - (4/24/12) While you can’t see much… I’m told that a new “NextGen” FastPass machine has been installed on the far right of the lineup in front of Stitch’s Great Escape. While the photo only shows it under the cover, you can see that it’s shape is slightly different than the rest. From what I’m told, it will feature the same “Mickey Orb” shaped scanner that was previously seen on the RFID enabled pass gates that were tested at Epcot briefly in the winter.



The skinny on what this new machine can do it a little more sketchy at the moment, as we’ve heard rumors indicating that it can read barcodes as well as Fastpass tickets, RFID enabled scanning and may
even have a touch-screen for interactive options. Hopefully we’ll see it uncovered very soon.

Hear ye, hear ye! The Walt Disney World Resort just revealed that the first official tests of the new X-Pass (now called also FASTPASS+) will start very, very soon. Actually, they will begin... in just two days! Indeed, the resort will start to contact at random some guests who booked a vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort between May 1 and May 15, 2012. Here you are some additonal information regarding these important tests:

-During the two-week test, Guests will be selected to participate prior to their arrival at the Magic Kingdom. Participants will select a FASTPASS® itinerary based on their preferences (attractions and time frame). Once selected, Guests will immediately receive their itinerary via e-mail.

-Guests will be given a Disney’s FASTPASS® card to use at select Magic Kingdom® Park attractions.

-Guests may review their itinerary by checking the email confirmation that was sent to them or by visiting City Hall or a participating Disney’s FASTPASS® kiosk located at FASTPASS® distribution for: The Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, Mickey’s PhilharMagic and Stitch’s Great Escape!As this is a test, Guests are unable to change their selections at this time.

-The Disney’s FASTPASS® card is only valid for use on the date and at the times and attractions communicated to Guests in their email confirmation.

-The FASTPASS® card is not valid for admission to any theme park and, although the card looks similar, it does not replace a Key to the World card (at least, not for now).

-Guests can acquire paper FASTPASS® tickets for attractions currently operating Disney’s FASTPASS®.

-All Walt Disney World Guests are expected to return within their FASTPASS® return time window.

-Just to reassure everyone, Disney clearly stated that as of now "there are no plans to charge for FASTPASS."

So, are you ready for the Next-Generation?

Park News - (5/1/12) According to Ultimate Orlando Blog, Disney has rebranded the xPass concept as “FastPass+”. New FastPass+ machines and scanners have been installed all over the Magic Kingdom as of late. The latest additions seen installed at several attractions appear to be slender little reader devices with an orb shaped top, currently covered up. You can find pictures of these new FastPass+ scanners (likely similar to the RFID test scanners tested at Epcot last December) seen in Fantasyland, at Haunted Mansion and Space Moutain so far. Word has it that select resort guests may be asked to test out the system in May.