After months of flying Guests off into space and over Batuu, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is finally being added to Fastpass+.
But, this addition is also adding changes to the Tier System in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Starting February 19, 2020, there will be only 2 E-ticket attractions left in Tier 1 – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Slinky Dog Dash. Every other attraction that used to be in Tier 1 is being added to Tier 2.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Added To Fastpass+
For months, Guests have been wondering when Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run would be added to the list of Fastpasses.
The attraction opened on August 29, 2019, as Phase 1 of Hollywood Studios’ brand new land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opened as a part of Phase 2 of the Land on December 5, 2019.
Now that we know that Fastpass has been added for Smuggler’s Run, Guests are wondering about Rise of the Resistance.
With the overwhelming popularity of the attraction, it wouldn’t surprise me to see many more months of the virtual queue before FastPass is added for Rise of the Resistance.
New Tiers
I know I am not alone when I say that a switch up of the Tiers in Hollywood Studios was needed!
So many of the Park’s top attractions were in Tier 1 that it was extremely difficult to plan your day. How do you choose one 1 ride among a list of favorites?
But, now that some of my favorites, such as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, has been moved to Tier 2, planning should get a little easier.
The Basics
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Fastpass+ and Tiers, we recently wrote a whole Post about Fastpass+. Check it out on Disney Vacation Planning For Beginners: Part 3.
Each Guest who has purchased a Disney Park Ticket has the opportunity to choose 3 Fastpasses before arriving to the Parks.
The queues, especially during holidays and anytime there are school breaks, get extremely long. So, the earlier you get yours, the better your chances are at getting the most popular attractions.
For Guests staying on Disney property, that means booking them 60 days prior to check-in. If you’re planning on staying off Disney property, your window opens 30 days prior to check in.
The Change In Tiers
As of February 19, 2020, the Tiers will look like this:
Tier 1 Attractions (May only choose 1)
- Millennium Falcon : Smuggler’s Run (also has single rider)
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (added to the lineup on March 4, 2020)
Tier 2 Attractions (Can choose 2 – or 3, if you don’t want any Tier 1 Attractions)
- Toy Story Mania
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (also has single rider)
- Tower of Terror
- Star Tours
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid
- Disney Junior Dance Party
- Frozen Sing Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Muppet Vision 3D
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
- Fantasmic!
Best Attractions To FastPass With The New Tiers
Of course, every family is different. What I like may not necessarily be something you would enjoy. But, based on popularity of these attractions and how I like to travel, my top choices are now:
- Slinky Dog Dash or Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Toy Story Mania
- Tower of Terror
The reason for my list is that Slinky Dog Dash consistently has a long line, unless you get lucky, like we did on our first trip to Toy Story Land.
However, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a brand new attraction. This means that it will most likely see long lines for awhile. So, in the beginning, I would definitely prioritize this attraction over the other 2.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run does see long lines. But, right now, the biggest crowds seems to be in the morning. Galaxy’s Edge is still fairly new. So, once the Park opens, the majority of the crowds head back to Galaxy’s Edge.
If you can wait until later on in the day, you may have a better shot at a shorter line. If not, Smuggler’s Run also has a Single Rider Line. This is a great option for anyone riding alone, or family members who don’t mind riding separately.
The same goes for Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster. I absolutely love this coaster. But, since my husband and sons don’t ride it, I utilize the Single Rider line to cut down on my wait.
Just this past summer, I rode Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in less than 1 hour, even when the standby line was over 2 hours long.
Single Riders are used to fill in the gaps when families have an odd number, so you don’t know how long the wait will be. But, in my experience, it’s faster than waiting in standby.
What will happen to the Tiers once Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Opens?
We have finally heard news that Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Ralway will have FastPass+ as an option on Opening Day.
Starting February 7, 2020, the FastPass booking is available for Guests going to Hollywood Studios on or after March 4, 2020. If you have already secured a FastPass for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, you have a tough decision to make.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is being added as a Tier 1 Attraction, forcing you to choose between Slinky Dog Dash, Millennium Falcon: Smugger’s Run, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Which will you choose?
