Question about SOC Queue & FP

[LisaT91403]

The very first time I went on SOC (several years ago), I remember being a little aggravated because the posted Stand By wait time was way off as compared to the actual wait time. I don't remember the exact numbers, but it was a significant difference. I made a note to self -- no more SOC without a FastPass!

Fast forward to yesterday. I had been watching Stand By wait times on MouseWait, but hadn't actually made it over to DCA to get a FP. The waits seemed pretty steady at about 50 minutes all day. By the time we got to DCA, all FPs were gone. On our way out of the park, we happened to see that Stand By times were now 35 minutes. We debated as to whether we should wait or not, as DS was pretty tired. So we went for it, and by the time we actually got onto the ride, it had been 55 minutes. Note to self again: you need a FP for this attraction!

Has anyone else noticed the wait times to be so significantly off at SOC? I really haven't noticed it for other rides, but have had it happen twice now for SOC?

The way they were managing the queues was such that all FP holders and single riders were let in first for each ride cycle. If there were enough FP people and single riders to completely fill the ride, then nobody from the stand by line was let in. So basically, the entire FP queue was emptied each ride cycle, and then a handful of stand by's were let in as well (most of the time anyway). Is this unique to SOC, or is that how FPs are typically handled?

Both of these things seemed unique to SOC, from what I've observed.

 

[tallpkb]

What is SOC?

 

[LisaT91403]

Sorry, it's Soarin' Over California. Did I use the wrong abbreviation? Sorry about that!

 

[DLR29]

The very first time I went on SOC (several years ago), I remember being a little aggravated because the posted Stand By wait time was way off as compared to the actual wait time. I don't remember the exact numbers, but it was a significant difference. I made a note to self -- no more SOC without a FastPass!

Fast forward to yesterday. I had been watching Stand By wait times on MouseWait, but hadn't actually made it over to DCA to get a FP. The waits seemed pretty steady at about 50 minutes all day. By the time we got to DCA, all FPs were gone. On our way out of the park, we happened to see that Stand By times were now 35 minutes. We debated as to whether we should wait or not, as DS was pretty tired. So we went for it, and by the time we actually got onto the ride, it had been 55 minutes. Note to self again: you need a FP for this attraction!

Has anyone else noticed the wait times to be so significantly off at SOC? I really haven't noticed it for other rides, but have had it happen twice now for SOC?

The way they were managing the queues was such that all FP holders and single riders were let in first for each ride cycle. If there were enough FP people and single riders to completely fill the ride, then nobody from the stand by line was let in. So basically, the entire FP queue was emptied each ride cycle, and then a handful of stand by's were let in as well (most of the time anyway). Is this unique to SOC, or is that how FPs are typically handled?

Both of these things seemed unique to SOC, from what I've observed.

This happens a LOT at Soarin because the FP line can get really backed up. I've also seen them do this at ToT, Roger Rabbit, Space, and Screamin when their respective FP lines get long.

 

[pixiewings71]

Sorry, it's Soarin' Over California. Did I use the wrong abbreviation? Sorry about that!

We usually just call it Soarin' I was confused at first too, I had to think about it for a minute.

I've never noticed that, but I never ride Soarin' without a FP unless I'm getting in line at park closing. If we ride at closing time we don't pay attention to the wait time, we just get in line. Sorry that happened to you, it seems to me that every time we use FP (which is often as this is one of our favorite rides ) we have a horribly long wait and they let all the stand-by riders on first.....

 

[LisaT91403]

It's strange because I have noticed most posted wait times to be pretty accurate. Obviously, it won't be to the minute or anything...but they are usually in the ballpark. But with Soarin', it's been so far off! Just wonder why that is. Or maybe it's been a fluke the couple of times I've gone without a FP.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Soarin is one ride I don't go on without a FP. Even with a FP it seems like a long wait. I think we tried it once without a FP and never again. I didn't see why it took so long though, so you are probably right and I'll bet they do that all the time. But with single riders- I've seen them use them to fill in the extra spot in a row.