Alternate Entrance for FP attractions?

[dawnball]

I have a GAC for alternate entrance, and that frequently means that they send me in the fastpass entrance. However, there are some attractions where the fastpass entrance is too hard for me.

For example, I can't handle the FP entrance for BTMRR because they cram everyone in together and all the emissions from people plus the general mustiness down there. I asked about a different alternate entrance and they sent me up the exit. I managed with that entrance by walking out to get fresh air every couple of minutes.

Are there other rides where there is an entrance available that isn't a FP entrance? In particular, I'm concerned with Kali, Test Track, Soarin' and Safari. Without another entrance I can't do Soarin' or Safari again and I can barely manage Kali. I haven't been brave enough to try Test Track because I don't think there's any chance I'd survive the pre-show.

I know that I'll have to ask at each attraction, and it may not be available based on staffing and such. But if there isn't an alternate entrance I'd rather just avoid the attraction and conserve my endurance. Oh, and I should probably clarify - I don't mind the waiting - it's the press of bodies and environmental irritants I'm trying to avoid. If there's an out of the way place I can wait while my party goes through the line and then I join them just before load, that would be ideal for us.

Thanks!

 

[Chuck S]

Talk to a CM at test track and explain your needs. They used to, and maybe still can, load through the exit for special conditions, but you will not be able to see the preshow. I don't know if the other attractions can exit load or not.

 

[SueM in MN]

You will probably need to ask at each attraction (for Soarin and Test Track especially since they are very busy, popular attractions). For Test Track, ask if it is possible to avoid the preshow room. I don't know if Soarin' has a way to avoid being in the line, but my guess is that if there is one, it involves going thru backstage areas where you would need a CM to accompany you.

Timing could be a big help for you too.
We have been on Kali River Rapids and the Safari in the afternoon when there was not a line and people were basically walking right on and boarding as fast as they could go. This was not during slow season; it was at Spring break when it is typically very busy. My DH went on Kali 3 times in a row once, just getting off and walking back in the regular line as fast as possible. Often, there are few enough people that ride vehicles are being sent out only partially filled.

Since those attractions and their queues are outside, you should not have a problem with not getting fresh air. If there are a lot of people, you could use other members of your party behind you to provide a 'buffer' between you and the people behind you (you would not need a 'buffer' in front since you can control how close you get to the people in front of you).

TOur Guide Mike (a Theme Parks sponsor) is helpful with figuring out what is busy when.
Also, there is an Information Station at each park, with a board that lists current wait times. The CMs there can be helpful to you in terms of timing and they may be able to help you with alternate entrance info too.

 

[dawnball]

I'll just check at the attractions then.

I know that I would need to talk to them every time anyway. We were walking straight on to Kali essentially (no wait until the merge), but just walking through the plant life was hard for me. I had similar problems getting through the oasis. It's been pretty quiet, so I'll be optimistic about the possibility.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'll just check at the attractions then.

I know that I would need to talk to them every time anyway. We were walking straight on to Kali essentially (no wait until the merge), but just walking through the plant life was hard for me. I had similar problems getting through the oasis. It's been pretty quiet, so I'll be optimistic about the possibility.

I think that even if they had a back way in to Kali, it would be 'screened' from view with vegetation. So, I guess you will just have to see what you encounter.

 

[dawnball]

I think we may have just hit Soarin' when the FP line was unusually backed up the first day. We had better luck yesterday, and I did just fine in the regular FP line. In general I've found that I very rarely need to use the GAC. Between fastpasses and generally taking this trip easy with lots of time to stop and smell the roses I've been doing really well.

Mostly I've used the GAC for cycle-loading rides that don't have fastpass available (teacups, astro orbiters, carpets, etc). Those are generally set up so that I can show the GAC, wait for my party to go through the line and then join them just before load through the alternate access. It's worked well. I suspect that I could get the whole party admitted via the alternate access, but that's not something I really a precedent I want to set with my DD.

I find that DD (who's 3) generally has very little endurance on this trip. Since neither one of us can handle very many rides I find that we've been focusing on people watching, playgrounds, splashpads, shows and other things that don't require standing in lines.

 

[SueM in MN]

Glad to hear it sounds like things are working out for you.