Here at BlogMickey.com, we often write about things that we personally see in the theme parks during our near daily visits – whether that be new construction or new offerings. Every once in a while, we end up writing a story purely because we get so many questions on a topic – this is one of those times.
Some outlets have been “reporting” that the FastPass+ signs are all of a sudden being covered up at Walt Disney World. That’s simply not true. In these posts, writers have pointed to various attractions around Walt Disney World property as proof that Disney is covering their FastPass+ signs all of a sudden – perhaps a precursor of a change to the FastPass+ system. Some attractions that these outlets have pointed to as “recent changes” include Kilimanjaro Safaris, Space Mountain, and now Jungle Cruise.
While we can’t speak as to why these outlets are writing these incorrect stories now, we can tell you that anyone who has visited the theme parks since they reopened last summer knows that this is nothing new. The fact of the matter is that each one of those FastPass+ signs has been covered for nearly 9 months – going all the way back to when the theme parks reopened in July.
Space Mountain
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Just like Space Mountain, the Kilimanjaro Safaris FastPass+ sign has been blacked out single July 2020 – nothing new to see here.
Jungle Cruise
Finally, we’re at our most “recent” development – one that garnered a post this week. Again, this is not “new” and certainly not indicative of any ongoing changes in the parks.
Why Are Disney World FastPass+ Signs Covered?
According to Cast Members that we’ve spoken with, Disney has covered select FastPass+ signs to prevent guest confusion. The FastPass+ service isn’t offered right now, and Disney has covered the signs to essentially advertise a service that isn’t offered. Ever seen a closed sign on a shop or restaurant that hasn’t reopened yet? Same thing.
Now, not all of the FastPass+ signage has been covered in the parks, but where Disney was able to apply an easy covering, they went ahead and covered them back before the parks reopened in Summer 2020.
Is Paid FastPass+ Coming?
As of publish time, Disney has not announced any changes to the FastPass+ system – just noting that it has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.
There have been some rumblings about introducing paid FastPass+. Disney has dabbled in paid FastPasses to Club Level guests in the past – charging $50 for three additional selections, but any details about a wide rollout of paid FastPass+ are still scarce and unofficial. As of right now we’d say that some sort of paid FastPass+ offering is certainly in the works, but Disney hasn’t announced the return of FastPass+ yet, much less a paid offering.
All that is to say that no, Disney World FastPass+ signs aren’t disappearing all of a sudden and one should not read anything into the fact that Disney covered them 9 months ago. At least, don’t read anything into it just yet.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!