How Long is Too Long? - Standby Lines

[ilovebassets]

Prior to having kids and with legacy FP, DH and I would rather walk all the way across a park and grab a FP than wait in line for anything longer than 20 minutes. We still managed to do just about everything at all the parks without waiting in long standby lines but it required lots and lots of walking which doesn't bother us in the slightest as that's what we do for fun at home anyway. It also required good use of evening EMH. We weren't as concerned about doing things outside the theme parks in general. For example, in a week long trip, we'd swim at the resort maybe once and eat at a non theme park restaurant maybe twice. The only time we ever approached waiting for an hour was when we rode Soarin during evening EMH.

Now with a 1 and 3 year olds, we simply cannot wait in a standby line longer than about 15 minutes. They simply will not tolerate it. It's unpleasant for them, us, and anyone around us. We'd still grab lots of fast passes under the old system and zig zag all over the parks with kids in strollers, but obviously, we had to slow our pace a bit. Last trip, we didn't ride anything with height requirements except Kali River and Barnstormer. So obviously, we missed out on a lot of attractions, but that was ok by us. We saw TONS of characters instead. (Never ever did characters before having kids.)

Next trip will be our first with FP+, so I really don't know how this is going to change things for us as we always relied very heavily on legacy FP.

 

[OKW Lover]

In general, we draw the line at 30 minutes. Actually, we often pass up attractions that have standby times > 20 minutes but sometimes (like for TSMM or Soarin) we will wait a bit longer.

We're very frequent visitors to the parks and have seen/done just about everything so its not critical for us to hit an attraction whenever we go. We know we will be back soon.

 

[Dreams0308]

Prior to having kids and with legacy FP, DH and I would rather walk all the way across a park and grab a FP than wait in line for anything longer than 20 minutes. We still managed to do just about everything at all the parks without waiting in long standby lines but it required lots and lots of walking which doesn't bother us in the slightest as that's what we do for fun at home anyway. It also required good use of evening EMH. We weren't as concerned about doing things outside the theme parks in general. For example, in a week long trip, we'd swim at the resort maybe once and eat at a non theme park restaurant maybe twice. The only time we ever approached waiting for an hour was when we rode Soarin during evening EMH.

Now with a 1 and 3 year olds, we simply cannot wait in a standby line longer than about 15 minutes. They simply will not tolerate it. It's unpleasant for them, us, and anyone around us. We'd still grab lots of fast passes under the old system and zig zag all over the parks with kids in strollers, but obviously, we had to slow our pace a bit. Last trip, we didn't ride anything with height requirements except Kali River and Barnstormer. So obviously, we missed out on a lot of attractions, but that was ok by us. We saw TONS of characters instead. (Never ever did characters before having kids.)

Next trip will be our first with FP+, so I really don't know how this is going to change things for us as we always relied very heavily on legacy FP.

Thanks for sharing! This is a good example of how people's styles change over time, and with kids, etc. Other people have also mentioned kids and not being able to wait in lines because the kids can't handle waits like that and that's totally understandable. I think when you have kids in the parks (esp. very young) it's harder to be totally commando-style at Disney.

We don't just do just resorts etc. every time, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the parks as much as anyone else. But on a few trips, we didn't do as many parks, or just did one.

The reason I was asking was some people were saying that if it becomes all about waiting in lines and just too many lines and waits in general, they would not go back to Disney. I just wanted to know if people saw Disney as just parks and nothing else, or might they return to have a family vacation outside of the parks
... it's cheaper because you don't have to buy tickets! HAHA .... not cheaper if you just buy one day though (get those non-expire 10 day tickets)

 

[ktlm]

We rarely wait more than 20 minutes for a ride. If it was a FP ride and the line was longer than 20 minutes, then we would grab FP and go do other things in the area until it kicked in. 30 minutes for a ride is about our limit. I probably would not even get in a line that was longer than 40 or 45. I think we waited for TSM in a 40 minute line at DL once because it is not a FP ride there. To the best of my recollection, I have not gotten in any ride posted at 60 minutes or more since the pre-fast pass days when that was the norm. What I remember most about WDW as a kid in the pre-fast pass days was constantly standing in line for most of the day.

Now, characters are another story. That is where we usually have longer waits. We've gotten in line at 5:30 for Jack and Sally coming out at MNSSHP at 7:00. We've routinely been in one of the most popular character lines an hour before the party at MVMCP. We've waited over an hour for Rapunzel, Tink etc. Those were always more important to DD than rides and she has always insisted on waiting for them. At least for those, you wind up with an autograph and some photos and some personal interaction. (DD won't wait that long for ETWB though because you don't get that personal interaction, or an autograph, and you aren't even guaranteed a decent photo. The kids just get quickly shoved through a line for a very quick photopass point and click. Last time we did ETWB there was a photopass problem and our entire sessions photo's were lost, so nobody got the photos they took with Belle, or of themselves in the show. That is either a must FP+, a do late at night when the line is short, or a total skip for DD. No way she would wait in line for 40 minutes or more for that one).

 

[2girlsmom]

I go to all the Orlando parks as well as BG in Tampa, now that I live in the Tampa area. I don't buy express at an extra cost, though I do stay in partner hotels at SW and at the Uni hotels there so get express sometimes for those. The last time I willingly got into a line with a posted time longer than 25 minutes was Test Track RIGHT before it closed for the refurb, and that was 60 minutes posted. Mostly my max is 25, and for some attractions is much less. That said, we do a lot of the less popular rides which are mostly walk on, like PeopleMover, for example, or the Innoventions, etc. I would not say that rides are the only priority for us, but they are definitely high on the list. And if the ratio of rides we are able to do in our allotted time, and especially if the limits cause us to not be able to ride the favored family choices when there, we will discontinue our passes at Disney. As long as we can continue to get good value from our passes, we'll keep them, but value is a fine line. And yes, we do have Universal, SW, BG passes too, which are a lot easier to justify as the most expensive of those (SW/BG platinum pass) costs roughly half what the Disney passes cost.

 

[RMulieri]

No matter ride or show..No longer than 20-30 mins MAX, and the 30mins is for rides we absolutely MUST ride or love ( Splash, POC, HM)..We are rope drop people and that has always worked for us and we used the legacy FP system as much as possible.The last 2 trips we did Universal instead and I really love their express pass for onsite guests, that has kind of ruined standby waiting for us..Will do another Disney trip after they work out the bugs of the FP+ system

 

[SuperRob]

We're a little spoiled because we only go in early September, but we wouldn't wait in any line more for more than 30 minutes, and that would have to be a very popular ride. Otherwise, we'll either use FastPass, single rider, or wait until it's less busy. We use Touring Plans on every trip, and it's worked out great both for planning and once at the parks.

That said, we could easily use five or six FastPasses per park, more if park hopping. Being limited to three a day total will probably force us to adjust our strategies, but not so much as to be that big a deal. We'll roll with it.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I posted earlier that I don't wait longer than 25 minutes. I thought I would expand on how this was possible.

My family is all a bunch of early risers. We don't set an alarm and still wake up, get showered, have breakfast, and are at the parks before rope drop. That has always helped us. Then, we always have a touring strategy. At Magic Kingdom, for example, we arrived at 8:30. We got to see the Rope Drop ceremony (which I LOVE!!!) and then headed straight through the castle to Fantasyland. We did Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, Little Mermaid, and Barnstormer. Then we would usually grab a fast pass for Space Mountain as we headed to Frontierland to take on Splash and Thunder Mountains. From there, we headed to Adventureland to do Pirates and Jungle Cruise. Then, it was usually time to check in for Space Mountain so we headed back there. Sometimes, we would do Barnstormer again or grab a fast pass (it was detached, remember) before heading to Liberty Square for Haunted Mansion. Then, it was usually time for lunch but we would go grab a fast pass for Thunder or Splash Mountain if we were heading to Tortuga Tavern or Pecos Bill's. We might get a fast pass for Peter Pan if we were going to Columbia Harbor House, or, even more likely, we would grab another fast pass for space mountain as we headed to Cosmic Ray's. After lunch, we took it easy. This is when we did the things that would never have a long line. We would to Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress, Peoplemover, the train, Tiki Room, the treehouse, Country Bear Jamboree. During this time, we would also grab a fast pass here and there for other rides we loved and would make sure to monitor return times so we could make sure to get fast passes with evening returns for Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain which have completely different feels at night.

So basically, we had a full morning and a very relaxed afternoon. The majority of major rides we rode in the afternoon and into the evening were through a fast pass. Now, with Fast Pass+, we tend to make sure we get at least one evening fast pass for Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, or Thunder Mountain (and splash was down last we were there) and then have to decide how to spend the other two, but it is always in the afternoon or evening.

 

[Dreams0308]

I posted earlier that I don't wait longer than 25 minutes. I thought I would expand on how this was possible.

My family is all a bunch of early risers. We don't set an alarm and still wake up, get showered, have breakfast, and are at the parks before rope drop. That has always helped us. Then, we always have a touring strategy. At Magic Kingdom, for example, we arrived at 8:30. We got to see the Rope Drop ceremony (which I LOVE!!!) and then headed straight through the castle to Fantasyland. We did Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, Little Mermaid, and Barnstormer. Then we would usually grab a fast pass for Space Mountain as we headed to Frontierland to take on Splash and Thunder Mountains. From there, we headed to Adventureland to do Pirates and Jungle Cruise. Then, it was usually time to check in for Space Mountain so we headed back there. Sometimes, we would do Barnstormer again or grab a fast pass (it was detached, remember) before heading to Liberty Square for Haunted Mansion. Then, it was usually time for lunch but we would go grab a fast pass for Thunder or Splash Mountain if we were heading to Tortuga Tavern or Pecos Bill's. We might get a fast pass for Peter Pan if we were going to Columbia Harbor House, or, even more likely, we would grab another fast pass for space mountain as we headed to Cosmic Ray's. After lunch, we took it easy. This is when we did the things that would never have a long line. We would to Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress, Peoplemover, the train, Tiki Room, the treehouse, Country Bear Jamboree. During this time, we would also grab a fast pass here and there for other rides we loved and would make sure to monitor return times so we could make sure to get fast passes with evening returns for Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain which have completely different feels at night.

So basically, we had a full morning and a very relaxed afternoon. The majority of major rides we rode in the afternoon and into the evening were through a fast pass. Now, with Fast Pass+, we tend to make sure we get at least one evening fast pass for Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, or Thunder Mountain (and splash was down last we were there) and then have to decide how to spend the other two, but it is always in the afternoon or evening.

Thanks for sharing your strategy! That sounds like an awesome plan to me, and you had a good way of not backtracking everywhere. I also like how you included the way you are changing your plan with FP+. You're right that a smart use of FP in general (FP- in the past and FP+ now) is to reserve a spot at busier times or in afternoon/ evening hours.

 

[trampsgirl]

We've gone every year for the past 4 years and won't wait in line more than 30mins. And, I think in the times that we have gone, we've used FP maybe 5 times altogether. We like the atmosphere so when we're walking around and we see a ride less than 30 mins. we jump on. But, I understand when people only get a once in a lifetime trip, and need to try and see/ride everything.

For our favorites though, we have no problem doing single rider, if it's less than 30 mins.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Thanks for sharing your strategy! That sounds like an awesome plan to me, and you had a good way of not backtracking everywhere. I also like how you included the way you are changing your plan with FP+. You're right that a smart use of FP in general (FP- in the past and FP+ now) is to reserve a spot at busier times or in afternoon/ evening hours.

Well I figure FP+ is what it is and I might as well adapt at this point. I did prefer Fast Pass, but FP+ isn't completely useless to me. I do have less than I am used to using and I can't double up on rides, but it is possible to make it work for us.

 

[wallskm]

With a 2 and 4 year old, I probably won't enter a line with a posted wait of greater than 30 minutes. Though last year we waited 40 minutes for ETWB and it wasn't that bad. If it was just us adults I'd be willing to do 40 or 45 minutes, maybe longer if it was a must-do. Though if it's a must-do I'd probably either catch it at rope drop or use a FP+ on it so that wouldn't be an issue.

 

[BrittyRo]

I waited up to an hour at TSMM I gt there mid afternoon and there were no FASTPASSES left. I waited probably 40 for Splash. I think it definitely depends on the ride! I would NEVER wait more than 30 for Jungle Cruise. Barnstormer no more than 10 ( waited closer to 40 for that without realizing) that ride is like 30 seconds.

I think I would say 45 is reaching out limit but depending on how much we want to ride it can go up (as said above).

Just to gauge I'm pretty commando we go from early as soon as the park opens and close the park out (but don't really have a strict plan in the park) and I have started going at least once a year this year I'm going twice.

Just my input and opinion

 

[agavegirl1]

Because I only go every four or five years, I don't have the luxury of waiting until my next visit. I have used a touring plan and Rope Drop to minimize waiting in line and will adapt FP+ to my needs as best I can. I can't wait in long lines due to an ankle issue I have. Walking is actually far less painful for me. I go at slower times as well. I could never handle the lines in a truly busy time. Most I will/can wait is 25 minutes...for anything.

OT..did you happen to notice that when the OP is quoted it just shows up as a bunch of illegible pink squiggles?

 

[Manders77]

I think it depends on the person and their touring style. As a previous AP and Orlando resident, I would go to WDW often and never wait more than 10 minutes for any ride, if the wait was longer, never rode it. Always went in the PM so fastpasses gone by then. Now that we moved away, and have little ones, our style changed. Waiting 30-45 minutes is ok if DD6 or DS3 wants to ride. Now we've sat in a good parade spot for over an hour a bunch of times. And characters, yes, waited a long time for them too. Our last visit when DD was 4 1/2 we rode barnstormer a bunch of times and waited 20 minutes for the ride, but that was the only coaster she could go on. Can't wait to try FP+ but we are not going till 2015, so many changes will most likely happen.

 

[cheesemouse]

Generally 20 minutes is our limit. Sometimes we are willing to do up to 45 depending on what the ride, what the que is like, if the wait is indoors or outside, and who is in line with me. No way I'm doing a 45 minute wait with my 2 year old for Peter Pan but would consider it for Splash with my 8 year old because we missed it our last 2 trips.

 

[Dreams0308]

OT..did you happen to notice that when the OP is quoted it just shows up as a bunch of illegible pink squiggles?

That's weird. It shows up as readable but in italics on my computer (when I am quoted) ..... maybe I should change the font or something.......Sorry haha (i am now in the default font...)

I like using pink so i can see where my posts are in the sea of posts

 

[allmydisneydreams]

On our last three trips (2005, 2008, 2012) we didn't wait in lines. At. All. I researched and planned (which I make a hobby of and find really fun) and we were rope droppers and seriously planned FP- users and we just didn't wait ...its funny, my kids are very spoiled by the no line thing.

Last year we went the week after Easter (second most crowded week of the year, I think) and I had each of my kids choose one favorite must-do because I was so concerned about the crowd horror stories. But even with the uber-crowds everything went as planned and we got on everything we wanted with little to no wait. Yes, we rode primarily early in the AM - then wandered around, took breaks, and used our FP- when they came due.

My littlest boy, who was three at the time, was in love with the idea of the Magic Carpets and we were able to ride it four times in a row at rope drop the Wednesday after Easter. He was so thrilled --- a few hours later we walked by and there was actually a long line all the way down the path and and a CM holding a 60 minute wait sign - then even more of a line - it must have been a 70 minute line. For a 3 minute ride. In the hot sun - all of those poor little kids. My ten year old was horrified and asked me - WHY? Why would people wait in that line? I sort of became a planning hero to my family after that.

Actually, I lied - last year we waited in two lines - we waited 35 or 40 minutes for lunch at BOG and that was TOTALLY worth the wait. Then my little one started obsessing about the que at Pooh - you could see, but not touch it from the FP line. He wanted to get close to that gooey honey wall so bad! So one night we hopped into a 20 minute line and it was awful. It ended up being more like 30 minutes and it was raining and sticky and humid. People were all wet and accidently smacking each other with ponchos. The que stuff ended up being cool for about 30 seconds, so it was an absolutely grueling line. DH and I said "never again".

I do think it changes when you have a family - years ago, before FP-, DH and I happily waited in many hour long lines - we would talk and have fun in line. But once we had kids and discovered FP it was a different story for us. We don't have a trip planned, but when we do again FP+ will definitely make it different for us. Although we will still have our number one strategy - rope drop! I am sure that eventually when we go back we will be fine with FP+ , I'll just figure out how to make it fit for our family At this stage in our life we are not vacation relaxers, its really not too relaxing to be at a pool with a four year old anyway, because there is a whole lot of watching and monitoring going on. Plus tickets for a family of four "adults" and one "kid" is are EXTREMELY expensive for us - so we do see the need to maximize park time and rides. Its just too much $ for our family to not do as many attractions as possible in the parks.

 

[vicki_c]

That's weird. It shows up as readable but in italics on my computer (when I am quoted) ..... maybe I should change the font or something.......Sorry haha (i am now in the default font...)

I like using pink so i can see where my posts are in the sea of posts

I find it actually quite challenging to read. Maybe consider keeping your name in the bigger pink font like you have but changing your posts to something easier like black, navy, etc.

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Normal crowds: I'm willing to wait up to 45 minutes for major rides (Space Mountain, Soarin', Test Track, Rockin' Roller Coaster etc.) and up to 20 or so for minor attractions

High crowds (Summer/Spring Break): I'd say up to an hour for major rides and about 30-45 minutes

We used fastpasses when they were available and for huge bottleneck TSMM and Soarin' but with others it was more like if they were available at a useful time we'd get it if not it was fine. When we went in October, we really enjoyed being able to pick times via FP+ rather than have to keep checking that FP wasn't during an ADR or a time we wanted to see a show