Riding headliners near closing time - How long was your actual wait?

[Babe the Blue Ox]

I don't think they are allowing this anymore. Bummer, cuz it's part of our plan usually. Now, they post that the long rides close early. How close to closing do you mean? I think rides like TSMMand GMR close like 8:15 or 8:30 now for instance. They are on to us!

Those rides close early for fireworks.

 

[mikec442]

We rode TSMM 4 times in a row with no line on 6/13. We arrived at 8:35 (ride closed at 8:30 due to Star Wars fireworks) and the CMs let us in. Walked right on. when we exited, they let us go back. The fun continued for a total of 4 times. One of the best pixie dust experiences ever!

 

[Disney/Universal Fan]

The wait times are inflated intentionally. The intent is to steer guests away from the rides and into the gift shops.

I think they just stop changing the wait times at a certain point. In no way do I think the intent is to steer guests away from the rides and into the gift shops. The gift shops at the end of the rides are open until the last person exits the ride and leaves, and the gift shops as you leave the parks are open until the park is cleared. Now, I know I am going to hear from everyone that knows a CM that has told them that they are instructed to inflate the wait times, but as someone who has ridden RRC 45 minutes after park closing time and still had time to buy souvenirs, I know that is not the case.
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[Babe the Blue Ox]

I think they just stop changing the wait times at a certain point. In no way do I think the intent is to steer guests away from the rides and into the gift shops. The gift shops at the end of the rides are open until the last person exits the ride and leaves, and the gift shops as you leave the parks are open until the park is cleared. Now, I know I am going to hear from everyone that knows a CM that has told them that they are instructed to inflate the wait times, but as someone who has ridden RRC 45 minutes after park closing time and still had time to buy souvenirs, I know that is not the case.
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The theory is that guests are less likely to hit the shops if the park is "closed". You and I know they're still open, but not everyone does.

Little things like this are what makes late night the very best time of the day for multiple rerides with little to know wait.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

We rode TSMM 4 times in a row with no line on 6/13. We arrived at 8:35 (ride closed at 8:30 due to Star Wars fireworks) and the CMs let us in. Walked right on. when we exited, they let us go back. The fun continued for a total of 4 times. One of the best pixie dust experiences ever!

Nice story. We found out that they have to clear the area 15 minutes before the fireworks start, so they will leave the Toy Story line open beyond the published closing time if there is no waiting.