RideMax Users Thread (FAQs Linked in First Post!)

[Tomh]

I think that advice is about right. If opening is at 10:00, schedule your break for 9:30, and plan on it taking about an hour.

 

[KidaniMom]

We did Ariels's grotto last summer and the previous post was correct. Stop around 9:30am and get in line. You will be done by 11:00 easy. My 4 yr old son was the only boy in the line and he has such a crush on Ariel. My husband said he spent the whole visit staring at the "SEASHELLS" My husband said Ariel had to get him to look at her face. Man - I guess some boys start early! It has made for a very fun Disney story

 

[mickey916]

I've been checking every day lately and they're finally up! Guess I know what I'M doing today! Yeah!

 

[bellebookworm9]

We aren't going until May, but since the April hours came out today, I've been playing with those. Similar hours to my dates, but sometimes the crowd levels are higher than in May (according to UG). The longest wait I've seen is 30 minutes for the Finding Nemo musical at AK. Everything else seems to be 20 minutes or less. I also will be using the April dates for AK, because we are going on a Sunday, and the non-Sundays with the same hours in May are all EMH days. Very excited!

 

[bellebookworm9]

RideMax FAQs​

1.What is RideMax? How much does it cost?
RideMax is a software program that allows you to customize a touring plan for your days at Disney World/Disneyland. You can put in the attractions you would like to ride and as many times as you would like to ride them. There are several subscription types. For Disneyland (California) a 90 day subscription is $14.95 and a 1 year subscription is $24.95. For Walt Disney World (Florida) a 90 day subscription is $18.95 and a 1 year subscription is $29.95. If you are not satisfied with RideMax, e-mail feedback@ridemax.com within 30 days of your purchase date and you will receive a full refund.

2. How many computers can I download RideMax onto? Can I use it with an iPhone/Blackberry?
You may download RideMax onto two computers for PERSONAL USE only. They must be used by the same household. All you need is your original download code. You cannot use RideMax itself with an iPhone or Blackberry, but there are apps you can download that enable you to transfer saved plans from your computer to your phone.

3.Do I need the internet to use RideMax?
Yes. Although the RideMax software is downloaded onto your hard drive, the program needs internet access to configure the wait times.

4.Why can’t I use RideMax for Sundays? How do I plan if I’m going on a Sunday?
RideMax is a small family company. They spend most days in the parks collecting wait times and Sunday is their day off. If you are going to a park on Sunday, you can use a similar day to plan. First, use the “Which Days, Which Parks?” feature in the “Tips and Hints” section of RideMax. Select a day with the same recommendation, and try to select a day with the same operating hours. Also note if your day has Extra Magic Hours and use a day that is the same.

5.Speaking of Extra Magic Hours, can RideMax make me a plan for the days when I choose to go to a park that has them?
For the most part, no. RideMax only supports Morning Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom. The reason for this is that the parks tend to be more crowded on the days they have Extra Magic Hours, and so RideMax discourages you from visiting the park on that day. However, if you insist on going to the park with MEMH, make a plan from regular opening time to one hour after opening. Put in only the morning extra magic hour attractions you plan to ride (and make sure they are open during extra magic hours!) This should give you a rough estimate of how much you can expect to get done. Then, make a plan starting from park opening until you plan to leave, but don’t include the rides you’ve planned to ride during the EMH. For evening extra magic hours, no one has figured out a plan for those yet, as far as I know.

6.Does RideMax work with special events, such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, or Star Wars Weekends?
No. It will work as long as the park is open to regular visitors, but it does not work with special events.

7.How can I go to (blank) ride first? My plan is telling me to do something else first.
Make a plan for the first hour the park is open. Put in the ride you want, and two others (preferably not other headliners). This should give you an estimate of the wait/ride time. Then make a new plan, either setting your start time to after your first ride is done, or making it a break in the “land” the attraction is in.

8.Does RideMax schedule time to meet characters?
No, it does not. However, you may schedule a break in the area and for the time you want to meet them.


9.Hey! A few weeks ago I had the option of “World Showcase Tours”. Now I only see individual performances. What gives?
Disney publishes their show times for the next week on Saturday evening of the proceeding week (for example, they update the evening of March 20th for the week beginning March 21st). RideMax updates as soon as they have this information. If you’d rather just tour in a block of time, schedule it as a break.


10. How do I account for "Child Swapping"?
Put the attraction in your plan. Let the first parent ride at the given time. The second parent will receive a child swap pass. Save this pass to use later, such as during the free time RideMax is likely to include.

11.What are some features of RideMax I might want to know about?
When you open RideMax, you should first click on the “Plan Options” button. This will allow you to do several things to make the most out of your plan.
-First, set your arrival and departure time.
-Set your anticipated walking speed. I’ve heard that setting it at “normal” may be a little overambitious, even for families with older children. You may also choose “slow”, recommended for groups, those with strollers, or those who would rather do a bit more waiting in exchange for less walking.
-Don’t feel like getting wet first thing? You can schedule water rides for between 10am-4pm only.
-You may enter up to 5 breaks. You can use these for meals, afternoon rest breaks, whatever you want!
-Under the “FASTPASS Options” tab, you may select two options. The first is to take advantage of late FASTPASS, where you return later than the window scheduled. This gives you greater flexibility with your plan. The other option is a FASTPASS runner. This person should be willing to miss a few minor attractions to go and collect FASTPASSes for the whole group, therefore saving the whole group from trekking around the park.
-The final “Parade and Showtime Options” tab allows you to select any specific show times you may want to see. However, it is recommended you leave them all as “Any Show”.

12.Is there any way to save my plans without re-entering all the attractions?
At the moment, no. You can, however, print the plans right then, or save them as a .pdf file using CutePDF (google it to get the free program). This enables you to print at a later date.

13. I have a Park Hopper Pass and want to go to two different parks on the same day/I'm taking a break in the middle of the day but returning to the same park. Do I need two separate plans?
If you have a park hopper, create one plan for the park you will be at in the morning, setting the end time appropriately. Then, for your second park, set the start time and ending time to when you would like them.
If you are going to take a break and return to the same park, run the plan without inserting a break. The plan will normally give you a large block of free time in the afternoon (normally anywhere from 2-7 hours!), but if it's too late/early for you, schedule a break for the time that works best for you.


This is by no means a comprehensive list of FAQs. If anyone has any more questions or would like me to add more FAQs, PM me and I’ll do my best to update this list. Happy Planning!

 

[ekatiel]

Just added a link to the FAQs in the first post. Thanks so much, Bellebookworm9! --Katie

 

[mickey916]

So, now that April is up, I've playing around with my actual dates and I just can't get my DHS day to work. It's supposedly a low crowd level day and I'm not trying to do everything. I think the issue is that it is putting in 45 min for the Magic of Disney Animation. I'm assuming that includes the drawing class. We have no intention of doing the drawing class, we just want to see the spiel at the beginning and meet the characters at the end. Does anyone know how long this would take, so I can just squeeze that in at one of the many "free time" spots it keeps giving me?

 

[zarvgirl]

Just stopping by.

 

[bellebookworm9]

So, now that April is up, I've playing around with my actual dates and I just can't get my DHS day to work. It's supposedly a low crowd level day and I'm not trying to do everything. I think the issue is that it is putting in 45 min for the Magic of Disney Animation. I'm assuming that includes the drawing class. We have no intention of doing the drawing class, we just want to see the spiel at the beginning and meet the characters at the end. Does anyone know how long this would take, so I can just squeeze that in at one of the many "free time" spots it keeps giving me?

I've looked on several resources and they all say to allot 45 minutes. However, I also saw that the animation class is every half hour. So that means the movie is probably about 15 minutes, and then however long it would take to meet the characters. I would probably allow about 30-40 minutes, not including waiting, but I don't know how much that will help you out. What day are you going?

 

[mickey916]

I'm going on Wednesday, April 21st. Ridemax does give me a free time slot from 4:39 to 5:13 after the Beauty and the Beast show, so I'm thinking I could put it in there, but that's only 34 minutes. I'm hoping that's enough.

 

[tpettie]

Just added a link to the FAQs in the first post. Thanks so much, Bellebookworm9! --Katie

Great work on the FAQ's. Ekatiel I was just looking and did you know that this thread is almost a year going now and have nearly a 1000 posts Great job

 

[Sydnerella]

9.Hey! A few weeks ago I had the option of “World Showcase Tours”. Now I only see individual performances. What gives?
Disney publishes their show times for the next week on Saturday evening of the proceeding week. RideMax updates as soon as they have this information. If you’d rather just tour in a block of time, schedule it as a break.

Is the Saturday evening of the proceeding week mean that they for example will post show times for the week beginning Sunday March 21 on the evening of March 20th? Or is it a whole week before the week they are posting hours for?

I will be in FL beginning on a Wed but not at WDW until Sat (Sat to Sat) and worried about no access to RM/Computer to update/play with the plans if the former is the case.

Sydnerella's Mama

 

[bellebookworm9]

Is the Saturday evening of the proceeding week mean that they for example will post show times for the week beginning Sunday March 21 on the evening of March 20th? Or is it a whole week before the week they are posting hours for?

I will be in FL beginning on a Wed but not at WDW until Sat (Sat to Sat) and worried about no access to RM/Computer to update/play with the plans if the former is the case.

Sydnerella's Mama

Sorry about the confusing-ness! Yes, they update on March 20th for the week beginning March 21st.

 

[Sydnerella]

Sorry about the confusing-ness! Yes, they update on March 20th for the week beginning March 21st.

Thanks for the speedy reply! No problem at all - just wanted to make sure I was reading it right - bummer for me - guess I will be hijacking the work laptop??

Also - on another note. What time should I state that I will arrive for my first ride at the MK if we plan to arrive at Rope Drop (9AM that day & no AM EMH) It has me getting to Dumbo at 9:01... seems a bit optimistic. Should I say that we will arrive for first ride at a later time?

thanks!

 

[bellebookworm9]

Thanks for the speedy reply! No problem at all - just wanted to make sure I was reading it right - bummer for me - guess I will be hijacking the work laptop??

Also - on another note. What time should I state that I will arrive for my first ride at the MK if we plan to arrive at Rope Drop (9AM that day & no AM EMH) It has me getting to Dumbo at 9:01... seems a bit optimistic. Should I say that we will arrive for first ride at a later time?

thanks!

There are two rope drops. The first takes place under the train station at about 8:50. The second takes place at 9am at the spokes coming off the hubs. You need to be under the castle at this time, which is how the plan expects you can get to Dumbo in one minute. If you want to watch the opening show, or think you may want a leisurely walk down Main Street, then yes, set your plan for a bit of a later start time.

 

[momof2blondes]

There are two rope drops. The first takes place under the train station at about 8:50. The second takes place at 9am at the spokes coming off the hubs. You need to be under the castle at this time, which is how the plan expects you can get to Dumbo in one minute. If you want to watch the opening show, or think you may want a leisurely walk down Main Street, then yes, set your plan for a bit of a later start time.

Thanks for that tidbit. Its my first trip and I am hmmming and hahhing over whether I want to speedily get to the first ride, or whether realistically be wanting to saunter slowly up to the castle and take it all in. Maybe I will take two plans one for a bit later and see what works best. I guess I can saunter slowly between the two rope drops right?

 

[momof2blondes]

What time would you plan to get to the parking lot for MK if you want to be at the rope drop for nine. Sounds time consuming to go from parking lot to monorail, to line ups, to security and ticket check... and finally into the park.
What are your suggestions? BTW we are staying off property.

 

[Grandma4ever]

Thanks for that tidbit. Its my first trip and I am hmmming and hahhing over whether I want to speedily get to the first ride, or whether realistically be wanting to saunter slowly up to the castle and take it all in. Maybe I will take two plans one for a bit later and see what works best. I guess I can saunter slowly between the two rope drops right?

I would recommend following the plan and hitting as many rides as the plan will allow first. Then put in a break in the early afternoon or evening to take in Main Street. You will get more rides in with less wait time if you do this. Another possibility is to have more than one day at each park. One to do as many rides as possible and the second day to catch what you missed. There is no way to do it all so get what you can, have a great time and plan a return trip!

What time would you plan to get to the parking lot for MK if you want to be at the rope drop for nine. Sounds time consuming to go from parking lot to monorail, to line ups, to security and ticket check... and finally into the park.
What are your suggestions? BTW we are staying off property.

We try to be at the gate ready to enter at about 8:30. The closer you are to the front, the closer you are to the front at the second rope drop at the end of main street. Since I have always stayed on property I cannot tell you how long parking and getting from the lot to the park will take. I feel sure another will be able to answer your question.

 

[disney4us2002]

What time would you plan to get to the parking lot for MK if you want to be at the rope drop for nine. Sounds time consuming to go from parking lot to monorail, to line ups, to security and ticket check... and finally into the park.
What are your suggestions? BTW we are staying off property.

I would suggest at least a half hour to get from parking to standing in line. Sometimes it takes a while before the monorail exits. There is also a cute little show before the park opens at the train station and if you're very early, you could be chosen as the family of the day!

 

[Tomh]

I find that the first hour and a half to two hours are the most important hours of the day. In my opinion, if you spend that time slowly taking in Main Street on your only day in MK, it is a terrible waste. Follow an early morning touring plan, be at the front of the pack at the rope drop on Main Street, and hit the big line rides as fast as possible, then in the afternoon when it's getting hotter, and more crowded, that is the perfect time to leisurely wander Main Street, and take in all the atmosphere.

If, on the other hand, you have multiple days to spend at MK (we spent 4 last summer, and will be spending 5 this summer) then by all means, take your time one of those mornings, and enjoy the atmosphere. Main Street USA can be extra magical first thing in the morning, I just wouldn't be willing to trade that atmosphere for the opportunity to experience all those popular rides quickly in the morning.