Disneyland Resort (DL, DLR, DCA) Discussion Thread

[dougstantonWhat would donkeys be like on the moon?]

RSR is VERY cool. But the fastpass operation is ridiculous. Fast passes have been running out a 9:30 am, and it seems that the FP line is the priority line. As you're waiting in the stand-by line, it seems that the fast pass line is always moving. I'm a big fan of fast passes, but it just doesn't seem right when the stand-by is incredibly slow-moving, as if we are filling in the empty spots in the FP line.

Working for Disney, I can tell you that most attractions use a 40:10 ratio. This may not be felt at most rides where people with FastPasses just sort of trickle in here and there, but have you ever ridden Soarin' or Toy Story Mania at Disney World? After all, FastPasses do take priority. Have you ever been on a stand-by list for a concert or flight?

[darklingscribeBonafide Donkey Expert]

I'm thinking about visiting the park this friday or saturday, what day do you think will be better?

Some people are saying I should go Saturday because the deluxe southern california pass people will not be there, but does that even matter compared to normal weekend crowds VS weekday?

[DJeXeLThis button makes my penis erect.]

^^Exactly. Stand-By is exactly that, Stand-By. Same way it would be with a concert of flight as you stated.
Chrisrad I do understand that is seems as if Stand-By gets the shaft but Fastpass does take priority bottom line.
In regards to the Guest Assistance Cards, I do agree with you that there are people that do abuse the system however guest relations is pretty strict on giving them out. Also, just because someone seems "OK" doesn't mean they don't have an underlying issue.

[c0sterfreekMmmm Vekoma]

^^Exactly. Stand-By is exactly that, Stand-By. Same way it would be with a concert of flight as you stated.
Chrisrad I do understand that is seems as if Stand-By gets the shaft but Fastpass does take priority bottom line.
In regards to the Guest Assistance Cards, I do agree with you that there are people that do abuse the system however guest relations is pretty strict on giving them out. Also, just because someone seems "OK" doesn't mean they don't have an underlying issue.

I'm glad someone said something about The assistance cards because just because you cant see an injury, it doesn't mean there isn't one. My family and I go to Disneyland 3-4 times a year and my mom gets a wheelchair and my dad gets the card that allows him to go through the exit. To most people my parents look fine but in fact my mom has multiple things wrong with her and my dads back is so bad he cant stand still in line for more than 5 minuets. Every trip we go on, there are at least 3-4 people in lines a day that make the remark "She doesn't look like she's handicap.". Pisses me off.

[Jew"It's not small, but it is very 'average.'"]

That's why they invented the concept of "return time" passes. Disney needs to switch to that system, since I am sure the number of people requesting passes has gone WAY up.

In the case of Radiator Springs Racer, having such a long line and fast pass sell out so quick actually defeats the purpose of fast pass: the majority of guests are stuck spending more time in line and less time elsewhere spending money.

[DJeXeLThis button makes my penis erect.]

^For the guests that have the "wheelchair" access pass they will get a return time (if they request) because in DCA that pass only gets them into the stand-by line as all queues in DCA are wheelchair accessible. In Disneyland that pass benefits them differently as not all queues are wheelchair accessible.

I do agree with you that it is a shame that RSR's Fastpass times out so quickly that most guests are not given a fair chance at getting them. I have absolutely no sympathy for the passholders that show up at the park at 6pm wanting to get a Fastpass but I do however feel sorry for the families that show up at 10am and Fastpasses are already booked out.

[nursemelis374Donkeys are my way of life!]

We were at DCA last Thursday. If I would have been there by myself or only with other APs I would have just gone to the ride immediately or done single rider but we had a large party including a 3 year old so FP was our best bet. We got in line to enter the park from the Grand Californian at 0720 and were let in the park at about 0750. We raced over to the FP line for RSR and were near Playhouse Disney. We got to the front of the line near 0830. My friend and I got the FP while everyone else enjoyed Cars Land. We waited about 40 minutes for the FastPass. Our return time was 1:30-2:30. One CM I spoke with while in line said the FP have been gone by 0930 and you need to be in line by about 0830 to get one. The ride had been down most of the early entry so it may have been even longer since more people probably wanted a FP for later.

We went to use our FP around 5, waited in line for about 25 minutes and were evacuated. We ate dinner at Flo's and watched someone being evacuated from the ride by the medics. We later heard she had a stroke. They did give us a return FP.

The ride opened again around 7:30 so we went back. The FP line was well down the main drag of Cars Land. This time it took us about 50 minutes. It was partially because the line was longer (many people with FP that were unable to use earlier in the day) and also because we took my mom's scooter through the line with us this time and the special line they put us in for people needing help was much longer. It was worth it though because my mom could sit in line with it when she needed to and he also could take her time loading.

I don't feel sorry for guests that show up at 10 and can't get a FP. A small amount of research tells you that geting to parks at opening is always best and getting a FP for the best rides first thing is also best. When people were checking into the hotel they were telling them to get to DCA very early and get a FP right away, even if you had to wait in line.

I remember when Indy opened and the lines were 3 hours the first couple of weeks. This was even before the days of FP and when there were not as many APs. I am grateful for the FP because we would not have been able to ride RSR without it. One thing I did notice was that they were being very accomodating of letting people get out of line for restroom breaks, food, etc. They also had people selling things throughout the queue. It is a lot to ask of people to hold it for 3 hours and I thought this was nice.

[DJeXeLThis button makes my penis erect.]

^Very true. While I do still feel sorry for them it is what it is. That's like showing up at 12 noon and hoping all Black Friday deals are still available. Showing up early for something you know is going to be popular should be common knowledge and common sense for that matter......

[Jew"It's not small, but it is very 'average.'"]

The problem is that the "average" guest does not arrive early. There's so many variables involved (traffic, waking kids up early, bathroom breaks, etc. etc.), that it is not always even their fault.

As I said a few posts up, the time right now essentially amounts to a soft open. Disney needs some time and actual crowd flow data to better manage the guest flow in the area, as they were clearly not ready for what has hit them. But I am sure as each day goes by, tweaks are made to improve things.

Side note to crowd control: my personal peeve is the green tape on the ground that passes as overflow queue.

[nursemelis374Donkeys are my way of life!]

I forgot to add: I thought the land was awesome! I was there with total non-Disney people and they felt the same way. I saw the movie Cars because this was coming and loved it. We bought a bunch of Cars stuff and actually waited in line to see Mater, Red and Lightning McQueen. I enjoyed RSR too but the town is what got me.

The best part was watching my 3 year-old nephew with Mater. I go to the DLR so much that I had forgotten what it is like to see it through newbies and a child's eyes.