Does FOP Really Clear Out Before Closing?

[Junebugwv]

We've done this at closing 7 times (off season, week nights) and have waited 60-90 minutes to get to the pre-show. FYI- it was a lot of standing and was always quite warm once the queue was inside the building on the 4 times we rode it end of Jan/early Feb. I didn't notice it being warm during the day when we used FPs. Made me wonder if they turn off fans at closing.

 

[tlmadden73]

I imagine that Disney posts inflated wait times at the end of the night to discourage guests to get in the line, rather than actually cutting off the line 2 hours before park close (and having disgruntled guests that get upset about not getting on a ride despite the park still being open for hours!).

Interesting strategy, but unfortunately one I won't be able to try until I go without little kids.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

I first read about this in the 1999 Unofficial Guide so the practice is nothing new.

Per Touring Plans:
"Often, would be riders are held in line outside the entrance until all those previously in line have ridden, thus emptying the attraction. The appearance from the outside is that the line is enormous when, in fact, the only people waiting are those visible. This crowd control technique, known as "stacking," discourages visitors from getting in line. Stacking is used at several Disney rides and attractions during the hour before closing to ensure that the ride will be able to close on schedule."

 

[lolomarie]

How late can you get in line prior to park closing? Could you get in line 5 minutes before closing?
Also, do you think they would allow rider swap at the end of the queue at this time of night so both DH and I could ride? If not this might be a strategy we employ over 2 nights.

 

[AngiTN]

How late can you get in line prior to park closing? Could you get in line 5 minutes before closing?
Also, do you think they would allow rider swap at the end of the queue at this time of night so both DH and I could ride? If not this might be a strategy we employ over 2 nights.

You can get in line up until closing, exactly at closing. Though you do have to think about syncing clocks and all that, does your clock sync to theirs so you wouldn't want to push it too close, in my opinion. It would not be possible to swap as you can no longer get in line after closing so the 2nd parent would not be able to ride

 

[mdelano4]

you are way more patient than me I can't imagine waiting that long for 1 ride! But maybe once I go I'll understand. Was it worth it?

It was absolutely worth it.