Any reviews on RideMax?

[Ardenne]

It looks like a really great idea -- has anyone here tried it out?

When we went before, crowd levels were predicted to be 4/5, and I didn't think they were that bad -- but this time, we're looking at 6/7, so it seemed a good plan might be more crucial. Plus, we're going with just our immediate family this time, so I'm free to indulge my impulse to plan instead of needing to appease those who would rather just wander around randomly

 

[Robindianne]

Sorry, can't help because I don't know what RideMax is. Is it something like UG tour plans? Those seemed to help last year when we went, but we really only used them for the morning part and after that kind of went on our own ideas.

 

[Ardenne]

It's software that lets you put in the rides you want to ride, and it spits out a customized touring plan for you with the optimal times to visit each ride, get fastpasses, etc. to minimize walking and wait times.

Their web site is http://www.ridemax.com/ -- it's something I ran across while googling for info to plan our next trip. (I think I'm allowed to post that link -- if not, I apologize, and please edit it, powers that be!)

Still hoping someone has some experience with it

 

[HydroGuy]

I am using RideMax to some degree for our early May trip. I used it at DLR last August and wrote up some info on it here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885134

I also started a thread on it here on DIS with some early observations, but apparently DIS deleted the thread without ever contacting me about it. Wow, I have never had that happen. I would link you to my other thread if it were still there.

Basically, I have gotten the most value out of RideMax for MK. There are some limitations (such as inability to schedule shows) that made it's itineraries less useful (to me) at the other parks.

It does have a money back guarantee, so your risk is minimal if you decide to use it for your trip.

 

[Ardenne]

Thanks for the info, HydroGuy! It's the most helpful I've seen anywhere yet

 

[DisneyFreq]

I used Ridemax for DL a few years ago. It was great! We got to ride everything we wanted (including a plan for multiple trips on our favorites). I only wish they'd had something similar for California Adventures. We did everything!! To be honest, it was only important to strickley stay on the plan in the morning. In the evenings, things came up and crowd patterns were alot diff. (many times, fewer people). I'll probably use ridemax in the future for WDW but I'd like to wait until its been on the market long enough to work out the kinks. Their DL version has been out there for YEARS. I think if it's your ONLY source for planning...then go for it. If you're using tourguidemikes, ug, or touringplans.com, then its prob. unneccessary to "double up." In the future, when more stats and info has been entered into the program, I think it will out strip ALL the competition.

 

[Ardenne]

Thanks for the info, DisneyFreq

I haven't decided yet what to try this time around for a touring plan, but I know I'm going to use *something.* I'm taking it all at a more relaxed pace this time around, but I'd like to have a good plan for what to hit early and fast and then do fastpasses, less-crowded attractions, shows, etc. in the afternoon.

Last time 'Let's do that AGAIN!' was the chorus every time we walked off an attraction, and I know that at a bare minimum my kids will want to ride "It's a Small World" over and over and over and over as long as I let them... so I figure planned mornings and play-it-by-ear afternoons are a good compromise

BTW, I love your sig!

 

[DisneyFreq]

Ardenne-

Sounds like you already know what your doing...b/c your plan sounds identical to mine. I'd recommend you pick up the lastest copy of UG. It lists average expected waiting times, waiting time per 100 ppl ahead of you (gives you an idea about how much of a crowd a ride can handle and how fast it processes them all) and how long the ride lasts. (can you believe the Great movie ride is 17 min long? I had no idea. It also gives several sample touring plans to start with. I just took the one that best suited my family and made modifications according to the "best times to visit" lists the book gives for each park. Since your not going to be going commikaze all day, there's no reason to pay all that money to generate an attack plan. With the right tools (info) you can come up with a perfect fit for your group (including 10 trips on its a small world!).

I myself have to figure in two trips on RnR and at least four on TestTrack. (thank goodness we don't have to do Dumbo anymore!!)