The latest paid FastPass

Image: DisneyDisney has introduced a more explicit paid FastPass overseas. The genesis of it is at Shanghai Disneyland, although the park operators there have an explanation/excuse. Scalpers were selling FastPasses right there in the park. Since it’s the only Disney park where FastPass demand exceeds supply, would-be entrepreneurs discovered a niche market for popular FastPasses.

The solution to this problem has caused ripple effects at another Disney theme park. Shanghai Disneyland introduced something called Disney Premier Access. This paid FastPass system entitles the holder to a ride on the eight most popular attractions at Shanghai Disneyland.

For a cost of about $71, park visitors can enjoy the ultimate day at Shanghai Disneyland. This price is significant, though. It’s roughly the same as a single day of park admission, meaning that guests must pay double to guarantee that they can ride the best that Shanghai Disneyland has to offer.

The high cost of a paid FastPass

Image: DisneyThe ripple effect is that Disney executives gained new data about the appeal of paid FastPasses. The information encouraged them to do another trial run at an international Disney park. They chose Disneyland Paris for the next (permanent) experiment.

The new FastPass program implemented during the summer of 2018 comes in two versions. The “lesser” tier is the Super FastPass. It entitles the owner to a choice of either three Family Attractions or Big Thrill Attractions. For a fee of $36-$58, guests get to ride Ratatouille: The Adventure, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast via FastPass. Alternately, they can pick Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror instead.

Yes, that’s three paid FastPasses for somewhere in the neighborhood of $12-$20 each. I don’t know a lot of people who would pay that much for Peter Pan’s Flight, but some theme park tourists clearly are. In fact, Disneyland Paris has a more expensive, more comprehensive paid FastPass option.

Image: DisneyThe Ultimate FastPass is aptly named. Guests may ride nine different popular attractions at Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park for a set fee. Depending on the date of the visit, the price varies between $145 and $192. This paid FastPass service includes the six aforementioned attractions plus Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tours – The Adventure Continues, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril.

You may have gotten sticker shock at those prices. Yes, those are in American dollars. Disneyland Paris is arguably the most expensive Disney theme park in the world, with single-day admission to both parks costing upwards of $254.

For that much money, park officials believe that guests may stretch their budgets even more to guarantee that they get to ride the best that the two parks have to offer. After all, Paris is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the world. Tourists naturally expect higher prices when they visit. Also, Disney describes the FastPasses here as no-wait, which is only a slight exaggeration. The line queues are more efficient. You may question the price, but park planners have done what they can to provide bang for the buck.