RideMax Users Thread (FAQs Linked in First Post!)

[MichelleVW]

Been playing with it all day plugging in different options. Way fun!!!

I am thrilled with the customer service aspect of this too. I accidentally bought the DisneyLand program since it was early morning and I hadn't had enough coffee yet! So I sent them an email requesting my money back for the DisneyLand program. I got an email back within 10 minutes saying that the charge would never show up on my credit card and that it had already been taken care of!!

 

[Tomh]

I used Ridemax last summer and LOVED it. I toured with DW (who ALWAYS need to go to the bathroom), DD14, and DS5. We found that the first say 45 minutes to an hour were pretty difficult to keep up with, dealing with the kids, and the stroller. However, with it set to normal touring speed, once were got through that first hour, we were almost always able to catch back up with the plan, and even get ahead most of the time.

I think if we set our starting time for perhaps 10 minutes after park opening, or schedule a 10 or 15 minute break during that first hour, we would be able to keep up with it right from the beginning.

As for accuracy, we were almost always able to get through things a bit faster than Ridemax called for, so I'd say that was a good thing. It gave us a great idea as to how long things would take, and what would fit in a day realistically, and we will absolutely be using it again this summer.

For working out the ADR's, well obviously, you're going to have to do that before you run plans through Ridemax. I gather up the park hours, pick our days, then take into account shows / parades / fireworks. I pick our meal times to fit into the show / parade schedules. Then, when I get Ridemax, I simply plug in our days, including our meal times, and let Ridemax figure out what show times are best, and how to fit the rides around our ADR's.

 

[ronnmel]

It says "There are more attractions in your schedule than will fit in the allotted time. Please adjust your schedule and try again." Then, just remove your rides one at a time until a plan can be made, or make your ending time later/start time earlier.

Thank you.

 

[Andrea73]

Even though I have not made it to WDW yet, one thing I like about Ridemax is that it tells you how long it will take to walk from one attraction to the next. As someone who has no clue how far things really are from one another, it is a great help.

 

[bellebookworm9]

As for accuracy, we were almost always able to get through things a bit faster than Ridemax called for, so I'd say that was a good thing. It gave us a great idea as to how long things would take, and what would fit in a day realistically, and we will absolutely be using it again this summer.

I think one of the reasons I hear this so often is because the lengths of the attractions tend to be longer in RideMax when compared to other sources. I think the one I saw that really confused me was Monsters Inc Laugh Floor.

RideMax says it takes 22 minutes.
Passporter says it takes 12 minutes.
Unofficial Guide says it takes 15 minutes.

Same thing with Space Mountain.
RM = 7 min.
PP = 2.5 min.
UG = 3 min.

After awhile, I assume those extra unneeded minutes add up and you finish way earlier than expected.

 

[Tomh]

The extra time is a good thing though, because after a while you build up a cushion that allows for unexpected stops for bathrooms, to grab a drink, to make pressed pennies, take pictures, or just see some of the little details.

Of course, if you want to pack every bit of time with planned activity, you can always set the touring speed for fast, which will leave less time between attractions, and fit a bit more in. I am pretty happy with the plans being a bit slower than we are, the extra time comes in handy.

 

[bellebookworm9]

The extra time is a good thing though, because after a while you build up a cushion that allows for unexpected stops for bathrooms, to grab a drink, to make pressed pennies, take pictures, or just see some of the little details.

Of course, if you want to pack every bit of time with planned activity, you can always set the touring speed for fast, which will leave less time between attractions, and fit a bit more in. I am pretty happy with the plans being a bit slower than we are, the extra time comes in handy.

Oh, I'm not complaining that we'll have extra time, because we'll definitely need the bathroom breaks and such. Our plan is already set to normal speed. I'm just confused as to why there's such a time discrepancy between the three sources.

 

[Sydnerella]

Hi guys,

I need some advice about Dis Hotels and I felt my RM pals would be the best resource to tap!

My H has to be in Orlando in June for business and we thought of taking advantage and doing a much deserved/needed long weekend away from the kiddos for just the two of us. I had hope to actually hit universal to see HPotter but it wont be open yet - nice "Spring 2010" advertising!!

Anyway, before his conference we are thinking of going to WDW and staying in a MODERATE WDW resort for June 5-7 (3 nights, arrive 11am Fri and leave Monday late AM). We want to:

1. hit MK one day
2. spend the other full day relaxing by the pool.
3. hit DD at some point hopefully.

We think it would be nice to be at MK for a whole day on our own and we do not want to hop or add a day at a park as we really do want pool downtime. Plus we were just at the World for a week in March (RM worked awesome that week btw!) and we are short on extra cash with my hours reduced to 30/wk. We want to be conservative and are using some miles, anniversary gift money, bonuses and of course DH work trip to make it happen. Truthfully I wish his trip were to a place we have not been in a while (NYC??) but I can think of worse things than going to WDW for a weekend

We have never stayed on-site and I am wondering within the Moderate price range what the best hotel would be considering the three things we hope to do. Also we will not have a car - hope to use the ME although we dont know how that works and times they pick up at the airport.

Thanks!
Sydnerella's Mama

 

[MurphyJoe]

I think one of the reasons I hear this so often is because the lengths of the attractions tend to be longer in RideMax when compared to other sources.

I'm wondering if RideMax is including the time it takes in mandatory preshows and any time spent walking through the queue if it was empty. Since it does have to take both of those into account for optimisation purposes. The guides are listing the actual time spent on the attraction or show length instead.

 

[rie'smom]

Hi guys,

I need some advice about Dis Hotels and I felt my RM pals would be the best resource to tap!

My H has to be in Orlando in June for business and we thought of taking advantage and doing a much deserved/needed long weekend away from the kiddos for just the two of us. I had hope to actually hit universal to see HPotter but it wont be open yet - nice "Spring 2010" advertising!!

Anyway, before his conference we are thinking of going to WDW and staying in a MODERATE WDW resort for June 5-7 (3 nights, arrive 11am Fri and leave Monday late AM). We want to:

1. hit MK one day
2. spend the other full day relaxing by the pool.
3. hit DD at some point hopefully.

We think it would be nice to be at MK for a whole day on our own and we do not want to hop or add a day at a park as we really do want pool downtime. Plus we were just at the World for a week in March (RM worked awesome that week btw!) and we are short on extra cash with my hours reduced to 30/wk. We want to be conservative and are using some miles, anniversary gift money, bonuses and of course DH work trip to make it happen. Truthfully I wish his trip were to a place we have not been in a while (NYC??) but I can think of worse things than going to WDW for a weekend

We have never stayed on-site and I am wondering within the Moderate price range what the best hotel would be considering the three things we hope to do. Also we will not have a car - hope to use the ME although we dont know how that works and times they pick up at the airport.

Thanks!
Sydnerella's Mama

We like Coronado Springs. My husband and I love to walk around the lake. The landscaping is lush and beautiful. I don't use the pool but he likes it. The drinks at the pool bar are very good. The rooms were all renovated w/in the last year and are gorgeous.
It's about a 5 minute drive to the MK.

 

[bellebookworm9]

I'm wondering if RideMax is including the time it takes in mandatory preshows and any time spent walking through the queue if it was empty. Since it does have to take both of those into account for optimisation purposes. The guides are listing the actual time spent on the attraction or show length instead.

I'm really not sure. I assumed the waiting time included walking through the queue and the preshow. I'll be sure to report on that when I get back.

 

[bellebookworm9]

Hi guys,

I need some advice about Dis Hotels and I felt my RM pals would be the best resource to tap!

My H has to be in Orlando in June for business and we thought of taking advantage and doing a much deserved/needed long weekend away from the kiddos for just the two of us. I had hope to actually hit universal to see HPotter but it wont be open yet - nice "Spring 2010" advertising!!

Anyway, before his conference we are thinking of going to WDW and staying in a MODERATE WDW resort for June 5-7 (3 nights, arrive 11am Fri and leave Monday late AM). We want to:

1. hit MK one day
2. spend the other full day relaxing by the pool.
3. hit DD at some point hopefully.

We think it would be nice to be at MK for a whole day on our own and we do not want to hop or add a day at a park as we really do want pool downtime. Plus we were just at the World for a week in March (RM worked awesome that week btw!) and we are short on extra cash with my hours reduced to 30/wk. We want to be conservative and are using some miles, anniversary gift money, bonuses and of course DH work trip to make it happen. Truthfully I wish his trip were to a place we have not been in a while (NYC??) but I can think of worse things than going to WDW for a weekend

We have never stayed on-site and I am wondering within the Moderate price range what the best hotel would be considering the three things we hope to do. Also we will not have a car - hope to use the ME although we dont know how that works and times they pick up at the airport.

Thanks!
Sydnerella's Mama

I've never stayed at any of the mods, but I'm torn as to what to tell you. Since Port Orleans has the boat to DD, that would be a good choice, but the pools are just okay there. I've heard POFQ has good bus service to the parks though. Caribbean Beach has a really great pool, but iffy bus service. Coronado has a great pool, and I've also heard it has good bus service. However, it is rather remote. I'd go check out pics on allears to see which appeals to you most.

 

[MamaCrush]

Hi guys,

I need some advice about Dis Hotels and I felt my RM pals would be the best resource to tap!

My H has to be in Orlando in June for business and we thought of taking advantage and doing a much deserved/needed long weekend away from the kiddos for just the two of us. I had hope to actually hit universal to see HPotter but it wont be open yet - nice "Spring 2010" advertising!!

Anyway, before his conference we are thinking of going to WDW and staying in a MODERATE WDW resort for June 5-7 (3 nights, arrive 11am Fri and leave Monday late AM). We want to:

1. hit MK one day
2. spend the other full day relaxing by the pool.
3. hit DD at some point hopefully.

We think it would be nice to be at MK for a whole day on our own and we do not want to hop or add a day at a park as we really do want pool downtime. Plus we were just at the World for a week in March (RM worked awesome that week btw!) and we are short on extra cash with my hours reduced to 30/wk. We want to be conservative and are using some miles, anniversary gift money, bonuses and of course DH work trip to make it happen. Truthfully I wish his trip were to a place we have not been in a while (NYC??) but I can think of worse things than going to WDW for a weekend

We have never stayed on-site and I am wondering within the Moderate price range what the best hotel would be considering the three things we hope to do. Also we will not have a car - hope to use the ME although we dont know how that works and times they pick up at the airport.

Thanks!
Sydnerella's Mama

My family loved Coronado Springs! But be sure to look at a resort map and request a particular section (can't remember which one) if you want to be close to the buses and/or counter service restaurant. The restaurant by the way was quite good. We had no trouble with buses or commute time to the parks. Have fun!

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Hi guys,

I need some advice about Dis Hotels and I felt my RM pals would be the best resource to tap!

My H has to be in Orlando in June for business and we thought of taking advantage and doing a much deserved/needed long weekend away from the kiddos for just the two of us. I had hope to actually hit universal to see HPotter but it wont be open yet - nice "Spring 2010" advertising!!

Anyway, before his conference we are thinking of going to WDW and staying in a MODERATE WDW resort for June 5-7 (3 nights, arrive 11am Fri and leave Monday late AM). We want to:

1. hit MK one day
2. spend the other full day relaxing by the pool.
3. hit DD at some point hopefully.

We think it would be nice to be at MK for a whole day on our own and we do not want to hop or add a day at a park as we really do want pool downtime. Plus we were just at the World for a week in March (RM worked awesome that week btw!) and we are short on extra cash with my hours reduced to 30/wk. We want to be conservative and are using some miles, anniversary gift money, bonuses and of course DH work trip to make it happen. Truthfully I wish his trip were to a place we have not been in a while (NYC??) but I can think of worse things than going to WDW for a weekend

We have never stayed on-site and I am wondering within the Moderate price range what the best hotel would be considering the three things we hope to do. Also we will not have a car - hope to use the ME although we dont know how that works and times they pick up at the airport.

Thanks!
Sydnerella's Mama

ME runs constantly-not at scheduled times to/from the airport.

I also suggest Port Orleans. Since it is just the 2 adults I'd go with French Quarter. It has boat service to DTD.

 

[wdwobsessed]

Question

No matter what I do I cannot get it to let me ride R&R and TOT back to back first thing in the morning. It wants me to get a TOT FP and shlep alll the way across the park to ride something else.

I was trying to get an idea of how long it would take to ride these two back to back on the day i'm going.

So here is my question.

I am happy with the plan if I put in a 10am start time. I am thinking I can ride R&R and TOT in that first hour if I am there at RD. However, I am going late June and I usually go at slower times so I'm not sure if this would still hold true.

Thanks!

WDWO

 

[bellebookworm9]

Question

No matter what I do I cannot get it to let me ride R&R and TOT back to back first thing in the morning. It wants me to get a TOT FP and shlep alll the way across the park to ride something else.

I was trying to get an idea of how long it would take to ride these two back to back on the day i'm going.

So here is my question.

I am happy with the plan if I put in a 10am start time. I am thinking I can ride R&R and TOT in that first hour if I am there at RD. However, I am going late June and I usually go at slower times so I'm not sure if this would still hold true.

Thanks!

WDWO

I'm not sure what day you are going, but I put in June 22nd, since it is a recommended day. I put in ToT 3x and made a plan, then did the same with RnR. At 9:07am, it is already predicting the wait at ToT to be 20 minutes, and at 9:07 it says the wait time for RnR will be 12. However, let's say you do ToT first, and then by the time you get over to RnR, the wait there is now over 30 minutes. If you do RnR first, then ToT, your wait for ToT is nearly an hour. I'd say do what the plan is telling you, otherwise you will be waiting a long time when you could be doing something else.

 

[wdwobsessed]

I'm not sure what day you are going, but I put in June 22nd, since it is a recommended day. I put in ToT 3x and made a plan, then did the same with RnR. At 9:07am, it is already predicting the wait at ToT to be 20 minutes, and at 9:07 it says the wait time for RnR will be 12. However, let's say you do ToT first, and then by the time you get over to RnR, the wait there is now over 30 minutes. If you do RnR first, then ToT, your wait for ToT is nearly an hour. I'd say do what the plan is telling you, otherwise you will be waiting a long time when you could be doing something else.

With the plan starting at 10 I have both R&RC and TOT worked in. I just wanted to hit them first in the AM as well.

The problem is I refuse to do the whole masses running for TSM and then waiting for 15 minutes to get a FP. I'd rather zig when they zag and get a FP for TSM at 10. I found the only way to avoid this was to put in a start time of 10 ...that leaves us with an hour to essentially "kill".

I will play with it some more.

WDWO

 

[wdwobsessed]

I think I figured it out. I don't have time to ride BOTH TOT and R&R before I need to get my TSM FP.

So I am going to do what it says but skip running back to TOT with my FP as soon as the window opens and save it for later during "free time" ...

That shoud solve the problem of backtracking so much.

WDWO

 

[BlueFairy]

We're inside 1 week. I have have planned 5/4 and 5/6 in Epcot WS using 4/20 and 4/22 on RideMax since the schedule for next week in WS won't drop until a few hours before we leave. Any chance that the WS performance times would be different next week than last week? Details, please.

Thanks.

 

[rie'smom]

We're inside 1 week. I have have planned 5/4 and 5/6 in Epcot WS using 4/20 and 4/22 on RideMax since the schedule for next week in WS won't drop until a few hours before we leave. Any chance that the WS performance times would be different next week than last week? Details, please.

Thanks.

The hours probably won't change.