No the Magic isn’t gone but it’s at 25%

[Aluminum Falcon]

Actually, you're missing my point. Technology can (and should) be used to prevent the guest's experience while they're at the park... and that should be done by minimizing the amount of pre-planning and effort that goes into a Disney day. Instead, Disney's done everything they possibly can do to squeeze more money out of guests at the expense of guest experience.

I'll even do you one better. Here's some short-term, obvious ways that they could do this tomorrow, if they wanted:

• Get rid of ALL attraction standby lines--simply have folks use the app to enqueue themselves at whatever attraction / restaurant they like... for NO ADDITIONAL COST, as part of buying a ticket to the park. Make it so they can only be in line for one ride at a time, but they can go shopping / grab a snack / do whatever else they'd like to do while they're waiting for their return time to pop up and then they return for (hopefully) a minimal wait, similar to how the DAS pass works right now. DON'T limit it to "only once per day per attraction." (They won't do this because it doesn't maximize the amount of money they can squeeze out of the guests.)
• Along with the above bullet point, implement single rider queues at every attraction. If someone enqueued themselves as a single rider, when they scan back in for a ride, direct them to a line where only single riders enter and are seated in a ride.
• Offer the same virtual line service for lounges (Oga's Canteen, Space 220, etc.)
• Ditch the absurd park reservation bull. (At this point, the only reason they're doing it today is to figure out how much to staff a park or how many employees they can cut from a certain park on a certain day to save money).
• Don't do ADRs, but instead allow everyone that enters the park to make one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner reservation per day, first come first served, from the bank of reservations for the day. No more of this crap where you have to decide if you want to eat Pizza or Seafood for Tuesday lunch months in advance. (The reason they won't do this is that they won't fill all of the slots, and therefore, may not be able to make as much money that way, plus they can control their staffing with the reservation slots they put out and don't fill today.)
• Don't oversell special ticketed events. (They won't do this for obvious reasons.)
• Don't make it so you have to use an online calculator to figure out what the cheapest ticket is. Just pick an entrance price, make it the same for all parks, and don't make it change per weekday / weekend / season / month / etc.
• Get rid of the 2 PM crazy park hopping limitation. (They won't do this because that would mean that they'd have to spend more money on transportation.)

There's just a few.

Note that one of the best guest experiences right now is using the mobile app to check out at stores that support the "mobile checkout" feature. Notice how they don't make it difficult to get your money...

I’m going to try and make this short, and go point by point.
• sounds profitable for Disney, so that leads me to ask why they haven’t tried it. I think it’s a logistical nightmare. What happens when 10k people want to ride space mountain as their first ride? I think it’s just wishful thinking
•not sure how this would work logistically but based on my above point, I think it would be pretty difficult to implement, and maintain
•so instead making plans to include or exclude something like ogas for instance, you would prefer to roll the dice the day of. Maybe that works for you, but I would guess the majority wouldn’t want that
•I do agree about park reservations, it’s a way for Disney to maintain standards while short handed. Keeping it in place once fully staffed would be a bit of an overreach, but I can see why it’s appealing g to them.
•popular restaurants would become as I’ve said before, a blood bath. I also don’t think planning meals ahead is that much of an ask. Going to a wedding must be a challenge for you , also cruises I feel are pretty similar to this as well. The problem really for Disney is the overall popularity, there’s so much demand, they need to be able to plan ahead as a business
•I’ve been to special ticketed events, and maybe I’m nuts, but I never felt like they were overcrowded. Maybe I just have a higher tolerance for it
•you’re asking Disney to change an industry standard that I don’t think many are complaining about in the first place
•see comment on park reservations above

Ok, not so short, but good enough haha

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Going to a wedding must be a challenge for you ,

If your wedding has plated service you're typically asked between just a few choices. Usually chicken or fish. I feel like that's incredibly different than trying to plan what restaurant out of several hundred you want 180 days in advance (well right now 60 days). Admittedly I don't agree with the PP's plan either but I also don't agree with your wedding comparison.

not sure how this would work logistically but based on my above point, I think it would be pretty difficult to implement, and maintain

I'd agree that every ride might be a bit much plus not every ride truly calls for it. However, I feel like the above statement is kinda a cop out to why Disney doesn't have more single rider lines.

Universal has less attractions overall from WDW and still manages to have many single rider lines. I do believe that they removed single rider lines from DL when genie+ came around but it's astonishing that out of all the rides WDW has they only have single rider for 4 rides at the moment. I'm pretty sure it was more in the past.

 

[jkiszka]

I’m going to try and make this short, and go point by point.
• sounds profitable for Disney, so that leads me to ask why they haven’t tried it. I think it’s a logistical nightmare. What happens when 10k people want to ride space mountain as their first ride? I think it’s just wishful thinking
•not sure how this would work logistically but based on my above point, I think it would be pretty difficult to implement, and maintain
•so instead making plans to include or exclude something like ogas for instance, you would prefer to roll the dice the day of. Maybe that works for you, but I would guess the majority wouldn’t want that
•I do agree about park reservations, it’s a way for Disney to maintain standards while short handed. Keeping it in place once fully staffed would be a bit of an overreach, but I can see why it’s appealing g to them.
•popular restaurants would become as I’ve said before, a blood bath. I also don’t think planning meals ahead is that much of an ask. Going to a wedding must be a challenge for you , also cruises I feel are pretty similar to this as well. The problem really for Disney is the overall popularity, there’s so much demand, they need to be able to plan ahead as a business
•I’ve been to special ticketed events, and maybe I’m nuts, but I never felt like they were overcrowded. Maybe I just have a higher tolerance for it
•you’re asking Disney to change an industry standard that I don’t think many are complaining about in the first place
•see comment on park reservations above

Ok, not so short, but good enough haha

What happens when 10k people want to ride space mountain as their first ride?

You mean, like every other day? I'd imagine they'd probably be given an estimated wait time, click "join line," and get in line. They just wouldn't have to physically STAND in line--they'd be able to go spend their time elsewhere--shopping, eating, or whatever else. That's the nice thing about software--there's really not much logistics involved.

I think it would be pretty difficult to implement, and maintain

They do this every day today. What I am suggesting is no different from the DAS pass system. At least from a software perspective, they'd basically have to flip a switch.

so instead making plans to include or exclude something like ogas for instance, you would prefer to roll the dice the day of. Maybe that works for you, but I would guess the majority wouldn’t want that

So, instead of "rolling the dice" upon your arrival in the park, you'd rather have your hopes & dreams dashed well in advance by someone using a dining reservation finder. Yeah, I'd rather "roll the dice" the day of.

Going to a wedding must be a challenge for you ,

You're posing a strawman argument here, but whatever. A couple's wedding being catered with free food and a fixed menu is quite different than the largest entertainment and hospitality company in the world not being able to figure out day-of foodservice.

But let's go with it: Tell you what--When I'm making my park reservation, ask me in advance if I want the steak or the chicken dish from at a guaranteed sit-down place in the park and you won't hear me complaining. I won't even make you throw in the open bar (but I'd take it too)!

cruises I feel are pretty similar to this as well

Not sure if you've been on one (and I'm not sure if I understand what you're getting at here), but luckily, they aren't anything like this. You generally make your specialty dining reservations as you walk on the ship (sometimes you can buy them in advance), but regardless, there's always the dining room. And you can literally order anything on the menu in the dining room (except for the steakhouse items)--or go to the buffet--for free. And the food is generally way better on the ship than in the parks--especially on Disney Cruise Line. (By the way, DCL is an example of where the magic is still well above 25%, even post-COVID.)

I’ve been to special ticketed events, and maybe I’m nuts, but I never felt like they were overcrowded

Maybe they've been improved as I haven't been to one in 4-5 years, but back then paying the ransom to still have to wait in line for Seven Dwarfs for 30+ mins isn't appealing to me. Also, paying the ransom and waiting in line for 2+ hours to get your picture with the 7 Dwarfs isn't ideal either.

you’re asking Disney to change an industry standard

Disney should never strive for the "industry standard," but that's exactly the problem I'm getting at.

 

[DCLMP]

I don't go to Disneyland often (I live on the other side of the country). I would want to do a fireworks package because I want a guaranteed good view for World of Color and maybe Fantasmic. Not really sure why I have to justify why I would want to do a fireworks package? I've been reading Disneyland discussions threads on here lately and IMO I would rather hold off on doing a trip and see if any of the issues going on out there iron out.

I wasn’t asking you to justify anything? I’ve never even heard of a fireworks package. New to me. Shows you how much planning I do when I go to Disneyland. I basically just show up.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I wasn’t asking you to justify anything? I’ve never even heard of a fireworks package. New to me. Shows you how much planning I do when I go to Disneyland. I basically just show up.

Ah, sorry. I was referring to the World of Color and Fantasmic dining packages. I wish I could just show up but I don't live anywhere remotely close to California. For now, I'm going to put that trip on hold until Genie+ gets some changes and DL fixes it's ride breakdown issues, which I'm reading are way worse than WDW at the moment. Plus from what I've been reading on these forums it's a nightmare to book the dining packages and certain ADRs.

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

If your wedding has plated service you're typically asked between just a few choices. Usually chicken or fish. I feel like that's incredibly different than trying to plan what restaurant out of several hundred you want 180 days in advance (well right now 60 days). Admittedly I don't agree with the PP's plan either but I also don't agree with your wedding comparison.

I'd agree that every ride might be a bit much plus not every ride truly calls for it. However, I feel like the above statement is kinda a cop out to why Disney doesn't have more single rider lines.

Universal has less attractions overall from WDW and still manages to have many single rider lines. I do believe that they removed single rider lines from DL when genie+ came around but it's astonishing that out of all the rides WDW has they only have single rider for 4 rides at the moment. I'm pretty sure it was more in the past.

The wedding comparison was just having some fun. I don’t know that WDW calls for many more single rider lines, most go in groups, no need to split them up. Also if you did allow more, it may bog down lines with locals who are more willing to do things at a leisurely pace, or teenagers ect. The way Disney has them set up, I believe they primarily run for thrill rides, where you may not have your whole group participating in

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

What happens when 10k people want to ride space mountain as their first ride?

You mean, like every other day? I'd imagine they'd probably be given an estimated wait time, click "join line," and get in line. They just wouldn't have to physically STAND in line--they'd be able to go spend their time elsewhere--shopping, eating, or whatever else. That's the nice thing about software--there's really not much logistics involved.

I think it would be pretty difficult to implement, and maintain

They do this every day today. What I am suggesting is no different from the DAS pass system. At least from a software perspective, they'd basically have to flip a switch.

so instead making plans to include or exclude something like ogas for instance, you would prefer to roll the dice the day of. Maybe that works for you, but I would guess the majority wouldn’t want that

So, instead of "rolling the dice" upon your arrival in the park, you'd rather have your hopes & dreams dashed well in advance by someone using a dining reservation finder. Yeah, I'd rather "roll the dice" the day of.

Going to a wedding must be a challenge for you ,

You're posing a strawman argument here, but whatever. A couple's wedding being catered with free food and a fixed menu is quite different than the largest entertainment and hospitality company in the world not being able to figure out day-of foodservice.

But let's go with it: Tell you what--When I'm making my park reservation, ask me in advance if I want the steak or the chicken dish from at a guaranteed sit-down place in the park and you won't hear me complaining. I won't even make you throw in the open bar (but I'd take it too)!

cruises I feel are pretty similar to this as well

Not sure if you've been on one (and I'm not sure if I understand what you're getting at here), but luckily, they aren't anything like this. You generally make your specialty dining reservations as you walk on the ship (sometimes you can buy them in advance), but regardless, there's always the dining room. And you can literally order anything on the menu in the dining room (except for the steakhouse items)--or go to the buffet--for free. And the food is generally way better on the ship than in the parks--especially on Disney Cruise Line. (By the way, DCL is an example of where the magic is still well above 25%, even post-COVID.)

I’ve been to special ticketed events, and maybe I’m nuts, but I never felt like they were overcrowded

Maybe they've been improved as I haven't been to one in 4-5 years, but back then paying the ransom to still have to wait in line for Seven Dwarfs for 30+ mins isn't appealing to me. Also, paying the ransom and waiting in line for 2+ hours to get your picture with the 7 Dwarfs isn't ideal either.

you’re asking Disney to change an industry standard

Disney should never strive for the "industry standard," but that's exactly the problem I'm getting at.

As fun as this had been, I dont want to turn this into a tit for tat. I just can’t get on board with your logic, it seems more like a wishlist that hasn’t been fully vetted, then an actual well founded business model

 

[jkiszka]

As fun as this had been, I dont want to turn this into a tit for tat. I just can’t get on board with your logic, it seems more like a wishlist that hasn’t been fully vetted, then an actual well founded business model

Likewise.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

The wedding comparison was just having some fun. I don’t know that WDW calls for many more single rider lines, most go in groups, no need to split them up. Also if you did allow more, it may bog down lines with locals who are more willing to do things at a leisurely pace, or teenagers ect. The way Disney has them set up, I believe they primarily run for thrill rides, where you may not have your whole group participating in

You're not splitting up groups..that's not what single rider is about. Single rider lines help whenever there is a person, either solo or part of a group who wants to ride a ride and others in the group don't want to. It helps fill in odd spots. A group of 5 on a ride vehicle that sits 6 for example or a group of 3 on a ride vehicle that sits 4, etc. That single rider fills that spot.

Somehow you're missing the conversation. The park right by WDW has tons of single rider lines...locals, teenagers, those who want to go at a leisurely pace. Even Men in Black has single rider line at Universal which sits 6 people. I agreed that not all rides need single rider but WDW could benefit from adding more in.

Your comment was that it would be more maintenance and difficult to implement. Doesn't seem to be an issue for the rides they currently have or for Universal (although they do have an advantage of better queue line set up).

 

[Smugpugmug]

The wedding comparison was just having some fun. I don’t know that WDW calls for many more single rider lines, most go in groups, no need to split them up. Also if you did allow more, it may bog down lines with locals who are more willing to do things at a leisurely pace, or teenagers ect. The way Disney has them set up, I believe they primarily run for thrill rides, where you may not have your whole group participating in

Sorry if I'm being dumb but how would more single rider lines "bog down the line"? Not at all trying to be snarky, I'm just confused. When I'm at WDW, I only use the single rider line for Test Track and it is always a 20 minute or less wait even on super busy days (I waited only 20 on President's day week). I can't remember the last time I went on that in the standby line. On my last trip, it was an immediate walk on. Same with Everest. I think adding more single rider lines would help fill in gaps in seats and give people a quicker option of riding. I think single rider isn't great at Rockin Roller Coaster since often times I have waited LONGER than standby but I think it could work for Guardians or Space Mountain for example. Anyone can correct me if I'm misremembering, but as a kid I remember Splash Mountain having a single rider line. You entered from the exit/gift shop and you were put in any row except the front. I wouldn't mind if Disney brought that back IMO.

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

You're not splitting up groups..that's not what single rider is about. Single rider lines help whenever there is a person, either solo or part of a group who wants to ride a ride and others in the group don't want to. It helps fill in odd spots. A group of 5 on a ride vehicle that sits 6 for example or a group of 3 on a ride vehicle that sits 4, etc. That single rider fills that spot.

Somehow you're missing the conversation. The park right by WDW has tons of single rider lines...locals, teenagers, those who want to go at a leisurely pace. Even Men in Black has single rider line at Universal which sits 6 people. I agreed that not all rides need single rider but WDW could benefit from adding more in.

Your comment was that it would be more maintenance and difficult to implement. Doesn't seem to be an issue for the rides they currently have or for Universal (although they do have an advantage of better queue line set up).

Universal does not have the same demand as Disney either, and it’s not close, so the less attendance the easier it is to implement. When I was talking about implementation I was referring to the other posters suggestion that all waits go digital. I also think that Disney tries to keep most rides to groups that came together, this helps for pictures, and not making the riding experience awkward for groups, where there would always be an odd man out

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Universal does not have the same demand as Disney either, and it’s not close, so the less attendance the easier it is to implement. When I was talking about implementation I was referring to the other posters suggestion that all waits go digital. I also think that Disney tries to keep most rides to groups that came together, this helps for pictures, and not making the riding experience awkward for groups, where there would always be an odd man out

okay you're not interested in a conversation it would appear. Demand has zero to do with it. First it was the type of ride now it's demand.

As far as groups with pictures...lol just ask a bunch of people for their photopass photos..you'll see otherwise. Onto the next topic

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

Sorry if I'm being dumb but how would more single rider lines "bog down the line"? Not at all trying to be snarky, I'm just confused. When I'm at WDW, I only use the single rider line for Test Track and it is always a 20 minute or less wait even on super busy days (I waited only 20 on President's day week). I can't remember the last time I went on that in the standby line. On my last trip, it was an immediate walk on. Same with Everest. I think adding more single rider lines would help fill in gaps in seats and give people a quicker option of riding. I think single rider isn't great at Rockin Roller Coaster since often times I have waited LONGER than standby but I think it could work for Guardians or Space Mountain for example. Anyone can correct me if I'm misremembering, but as a kid I remember Splash Mountain having a single rider line. You entered from the exit/gift shop and you were put in any row except the front. I wouldn't mind if Disney brought that back IMO.

I just think that if you start offering it on more lines, people will start doing it more and more to bypass the standard wait times, the cast members have to sort them out, which does take time, they would have to deal with people who got into single rider, but want to still ride together, and people who didn’t want to ride with a single rider. I just think it’s more cumbersome then the way it’s being portrayed.
I also don’t think Disney wants to cut into group/families with a complete rando, I know you said not every ride, but my mind just keeps jumping to Peter Pan, Pooh, pirates or small world, and how weird that would be. Never mind rides that’s offer photos

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

okay you're not interested in a conversation it would appear. Demand has zero to do with it. First it was the type of ride now it's demand.

As far as groups with pictures...lol just ask a bunch of people for their photopass photos..you'll see otherwise. Onto the next topic

It can be more than one issue, I think it’s a pretty complex problem for a park as busy as Disney, but I could be wrong.

With photo pass, it’s understood that they can’t clear the streets for your group, there’s a different expectation when it comes to rides IMo

 

[leiaorgana]

I just think that if you start offering it on more lines, people will start doing it more and more to bypass the standard wait times, the cast members have to sort them out, which does take time, they would have to deal with people who got into single rider, but want to still ride together, and people who didn’t want to ride with a single rider. I just think it’s more cumbersome then the way it’s being portrayed.

Speaking from experience of working at the UK’s biggest theme park during my college years as a ride host, it’s really not that difficult or time consuming to deal with a single rider line, regular standby line and a skip the line queue simultaneously when loading.

Most people go in with the knowledge that they will be separated if they go into the single rider line as a group and there were always big signs up at the entrance before joining the single rider queue reminding people of that so Disney could easily follow that same practice if they wanted to. Plus, I think most CMs have the common sense not to sit an adult single rider next to someone else’s child so that it doesn’t cause any issues there either.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I just think that if you start offering it on more lines, people will start doing it more and more to bypass the standard wait times, the cast members have to sort them out, which does take time, they would have to deal with people who got into single rider, but want to still ride together, and people who didn’t want to ride with a single rider. I just think it’s more cumbersome then the way it’s being portrayed.
I also don’t think Disney wants to cut into group/families with a complete rando, I know you said not every ride, but my mind just keeps jumping to Peter Pan, Pooh, pirates or small world, and how weird that would be. Never mind rides that’s offer photos

I don't think it's as complex as you are making it seem. Yes, I exclusively use the Test Track single rider line but the majority of people aren't. From my experience using it, the line is 95% made up of adults without children or families with preteen and up kids. When you enter the line, there are multiple signs saying that your party WILL be separated and Cast Members tell you that as well. Single rider lines will never be added to rides like Peter Pan and Pooh. That doesn't make sense given the seat layout of those attractions.

I have seen people try to game the system by claiming they didn't know the line was for single riders and try to sit together, but this is not an every time occurrence. It did happen the last time I rode Test Track and do you know happened? The Cast Members made those guests exit the line. It took maybe less than 2 minutes to resolve the issue.

Your last point is something I can see annoying some people. On Everest and Rocking Roller Coaster, 99.9% of the time the stranger I'm sitting with doesn't even turn to look in my direction let alone speak to me. On Test Track, I do get some pushback despite it not being my fault. One time there was a set up where it was 2 elementary school kids in the front and 1 mom + another elementary school kid in the back. I was in the back and asked the mom to move over and she got extremely huffy and angry about it, as if I was ruining her vacation. I bet she hated that I was in her family photo (despite another single rider sitting next to her kids in the front but I digress).

Speaking from experience of working at the UK’s biggest theme park during my college years as a ride host, it’s really not that difficult or time consuming to deal with a single rider line, regular standby line and a skip the line queue simultaneously when loading.

Most people go in with the knowledge that they will be separated if they go into the single rider line as a group and there were always big signs up at the entrance before joining the single rider queue reminding people of that so Disney could easily follow that same practice if they wanted to. Plus, I think most CMs have the common sense not to sit an adult single rider next to someone else’s child so that it doesn’t cause any issues there either.

I agree with everything you said, you took the words right out of my mouth. Though I will say that I have been sat next to other people's kids as a single rider. I am a 5"3' woman that looks like a high schooler so maybe that's why.

 

[john7994]

I don't think it's as complex as you are making it seem. Yes, I exclusively use the Test Track single rider line but the majority of people aren't. From my experience using it, the line is 95% made up of adults without children or families with preteen and up kids. When you enter the line, there are multiple signs saying that your party WILL be separated and Cast Members tell you that as well. Single rider lines will never be added to rides like Peter Pan and Pooh. That doesn't make sense given the seat layout of those attractions.

I have seen people try to game the system by claiming they didn't know the line was for single riders and try to sit together, but this is not an every time occurrence. It did happen the last time I rode Test Track and do you know happened? The Cast Members made those guests exit the line. It took maybe less than 2 minutes to resolve the issue.

Your last point is something I can see annoying some people. On Everest and Rocking Roller Coaster, 99.9% of the time the stranger I'm sitting with doesn't even turn to look in my direction let alone speak to me. On Test Track, I do get some pushback despite it not being my fault. One time there was a set up where it was 2 elementary school kids in the front and 1 mom + another elementary school kid in the back. I was in the back and asked the mom to move over and she got extremely huffy and angry about it, as if I was ruining her vacation. I bet she hated that I was in her family photo (despite another single rider sitting next to her kids in the front but I digress).

I agree with everything you said, you took the words right out of my mouth. Though I will say that I have been sat next to other people's kids as a single rider. I am a 5"3' woman that looks like a high schooler so maybe that's why.

No one likes "randos" in their pictures

 

[leiaorgana]

Disney really did make an odd choice with the POTC and Frozen pictures including the whole boat. I always thought that was an odd choice since that’s a whole boat load of random people in everyone’s pictures. And 7DMT too. One time we went on that and the people sitting in front of us held up a sign congratulating their friend on graduating and it completely covered us up which was probably for the best

 

[Smugpugmug]

No one likes "randos" in their pictures

I get it, but I don't think that's an excuse to be mean to the single riders that were assigned to your row to fill in ride vehicle gaps. That lady was so mad the entire ride, meanwhile her kids absolutely didn't care and were having a blast on the ride LOL

I bet she must've been so mad at the ride photos that are taken of your entire ride vehicle like Dinosaur and Tower of Terror.

 

[john7994]

I get it, but I don't think that's an excuse to be mean to the single riders that were assigned to your row to fill in ride vehicle gaps. That lady was so mad the entire ride, meanwhile her kids absolutely didn't care and were having a blast on the ride LOL

I bet she must've been so mad at the ride photos that are taken of your entire ride vehicle like Dinosaur and Tower of Terror.

Haha - I am not advocating to be mean to single riders at all. Although for some reason, that is making me laugh just as hard.