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Fastpass

Visiting Walt Disney World in summer 2021 may feel a lot like a visit back in February 2020. No mandatory masks, rides are loading at full capacity, no social distancing mandates, and even nightly fireworks shows have returned. However, things aren't completely back to "normal" just yet, as several experiences are still unavailable. And while Disney has been providing regular operational updates on changing conditions in their theme parks, they haven't released any updates on the return of the following Disney experiences, which has led some to wonder when (or if) they'll be returning

1. Parades

Prior to 2020, parades were on the decline at Walt Disney World, with the Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy being the only parade that was performed regularly. And while Disney has replaced daily parades with "character cavalcades" where characters hop on a float or vehicle and wave at guests from a distance, many wondered if the fan-favorite Boo to You parade could mark a return for this entertainment option this fall as part of the Disney After Hours Boo Bash.

However, Disney confirmed that while character cavalcades would indeed be a part of this event, no parade would be offered. Unfortunately, this has led some to speculate that parades may be done permanently at Walt Disney World, as Disney seems to prefer the character cavalcades in the post-COVID-19 world. And unfortunately, right now it looks like unless Disney announces a surprise return of their holiday parade this November, it looks like this entertainment option could be gone for awhile. 

2. FastPass+

Love it or hate it, FastPass+ was an integral part of the Walt Disney World experience for nearly a decade, and helped usher in a new era of pre-planning at Walt Disney World. And while FastPass+ could not be brought back last summer during the resort's initial reopening due to capacity restrictions and spacing issues, with social distancing officially a thing of the past and all rides operating at full capacity, many have wondered why Disney hasn't reinstated this feature of My Disney Experience, especially with summer crowds surging.

Unfortunately for FastPass+, this could be a case where Disney is working behind-the-scenes to convert this formerly free offering into an upcharge premium option. We know that Disney has tested out paid FastPass in the past, and even before the 2020 closure there was speculation that the Disney Genie app could be a paid FastPass vehicle. Taking all this in to account, it seems increasingly likely that Disney may be preparing to unveil a paid FastPass option in the near future, potentially in time for the resort's 50th anniversary (and the opening of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot), leaving the formerly free FastPass+ firmly in the past. 

 
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Comments

We are going to Disney World the middle of September and are hopeful that Fantasmic and Bippity Boppity Boutique are available. Thank you!

Looks like they're restoring some fast pass kiosks already. I'd bet they're brought back by the 50 anniversary in Oct. They worked decently well with some advanced planning.

Are these lists all confirmed by Disney?

A socially distanced Fantasmic! might be nice - the theatre's large enough for that. You can also have fewer characters on Steamboat Willie, too as well as the Pocahontas and jungle sequences.

Annual Passes for newbies might also be nice, too. I've been waiting since last year for them to return and I don't meet ANY of the current qualifications.

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