12/26 TSM FP+ line insanity

[glamdring269]

The TSM FP+ line is quite an experience right now. Got in line at approximately 5:40pm and the line was stretched back past the Joffrey’s stand. Still working our way past the brick archway and the line then loops back towards the entrance. I wouldn’t be shocked if this doesn’t take us at least 10 more minutes just to get inside.

Could be worse I guess.... stand by is 155 minutes!

 

[glamdring269]

Seems to be pervasive around the park. 30+ wait at RNR too.

 

[Lothlórien]

Well, you are there during the busiest week of the year and DS has much less to do since the closure of quite a few attractions. Overall, the wait time is not as horrible as expected for a headliner.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

It is eye opening when the FP line is that long (our worst was Splash Mountain backed up to almost the big drop). But, when it's that long, a good 85% of the spots go to FP. It always looks much worse than it is. Another one which spills out badly is Expedition Everest. But it sure does move quickly for FP.

The flip side - it sure is disconcerting for the standby line.

 

[Davey Jones II]

That kind of wait for FP is unusual. On our recent ten day WDW trip, the only fairly long FP we had was for TOT, because some of the elevators weren't working. The standby line was around 200 minutes, and I think we waited 25 minutes with FP.

 

[wgeo]

would be interested in hearing what the total wait time with the FP ended up being.

Also wonder if there was something else going on, like a temp ride shut down or something. Even during Christmas that sounds pretty backed up for a FP line

 

[deedubb]

Our line was long as well but it moved VERY quickly. Felt like a usual FP line and I was able to score a second FP+ for it later that evening.

 

[wareagle57]

Shouldn't the FP lines be the same regardless of the crowds? Backups are going to happen of course, but it shouldn't be because the standby line is too long.

 

[JohnneeO]

FP+ lines vary in length and duration because of the return windows. Consider who might be on the FP line at 11 AM, assuming 5 minute early/late entry. Basically, everyone with a FP window starting between 9:55 AM and 11:05 AM could theoretically arrive at 11:00 AM, and this would cause a back-up in the FP line.

 

[mesaboy2]

FP+ lines vary in length and duration because of the return windows. Consider who might be on the FP line at 11 AM, assuming 5 minute early/late entry. Basically, everyone with a FP window starting between 9:55 AM and 11:05 AM could theoretically arrive at 11:00 AM, and this would cause a back-up in the FP line.

This happens every 5 minutes, all day long.

 

[jo-jo]

We were at buzz during the first week of Dec. Several times the FP lines was 3 and 4 rows deep against the building to the right of the tap point. It took at least 15 -20 mins just to get into the building.


We were shocked such a back up at buzz. We thought ride breakdown, and sat and watch, but it remained steady busy for awhile before we decided to get into the line. We were wondering if our FP would run out before we got to the tap point.

 

[stinkpickle]

Shouldn't the FP lines be the same regardless of the crowds? Backups are going to happen of course, but it shouldn't be because the standby line is too long.

Exactly. Unless they're allocating more FPs during busy times or changing the FP-to-standby rider ratios.

 

[JohnneeO]

This happens every 5 minutes, all day long.

Yes, you are correct. In the scenario I describe, you could substitute any 5 minute interval, and adjust the return time interval accordingly. And theoretically, the line would stay long if everybody with subsequent FP windows continues to arrive at the beginning of the their window.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

We were at buzz during the first week of Dec. Several times the FP lines was 3 and 4 rows deep against the building to the right of the tap point. It took at least 15 -20 mins just to get into the building.


We were shocked such a back up at buzz. We thought ride breakdown, and sat and watch, but it remained steady busy for awhile before we decided to get into the line. We were wondering if our FP would run out before we got to the tap point.

Not exactly on topic, but this does remind me of one sweet thing I saw on Buzz one day. I walked in to the Standby queue pretty easily to see that I was behind a tour group of physically handicapped teens, about 10 of them in wheelchairs, each with a caregiver or two. They were so excited to ride, clapping and hooting. They were in the FP line about to go through. The practical side of me did realize that this would be a rather slow loading process, and that the ride would probably pause multiple times for the loading and unloading. So I slipped out to grab a snack. I saw the FP line back WAY out of the building. But I came back about 40 minutes later to a normal line.

I do think this was unusual, and that usually a backup is a result of a seriously crowded day or ride down time. Anyway, I thought this was a neat story.

 

[anomamatt]

We were told yesterday (12/27) at 4:30 that the FP line for TSMM was 20 mins to the first tapstile. We had the JBJB dessert party at 4:45 so we had to skip it. This has been the only ride (well, also Navi river) all week that FP has been slower than usual for us.

 

[LSUmiss]

Things that I have seen that back up the FP line are ppl getting up there & not knowing what to do, being in the wrong line, not having a FP at the time they’re trying to go through or not having magic bands & waiting til they get up there to find & scan 25 individual hard tickets. Then blocking the entrance for others & arguing with the CM about whatever situation applies to them.