runner for ridemax?

[vbecky]

I am hoping that someone can help me I have been messing around with ridemax trying to familiarize myself with it and I notice the selection of runner for ridemax or not, Does it really make a difference if you don't have a runner, if we all just stick together? When they state a runner for a fastpass is it usually fairly close and then where do the rest of us wait? Prob. sounds silly? Thanks

 

[bouncy54]

I think having a runner is useful in that the whole group doesn't have to cross the park to get the next fast-pass.

I've hinted to my teens about being our runners, but they're both reluctant because they're afraid that they'll miss out on riding the attractions with us. I keep reassuring them that we'll wait until they get back to go on a ride.

I'm going to print out itineraries with both a runner, and without one, and then play it by ear once we get into the parks.

 

[HydroGuy]

From a RideMax point of view, when a runner is used to pick up FPs then they do not count the time used to get the FP in the overall itinerary. Since they are trying to minimize the total of time in lines plus walking time, then the FP walking time does not get counted and that can change how the itinerary plays out.

Runners can be used in different ways and have a number of benefits. The following FP runner comments are general comments and not specific to RideMax:

1. Saved energy for the group - I have always been the runner, and primarily I do that to save everyone's energy. I walk a lot and am in good physical shape, so I would rather have my kids rest while I am getting FPs rather than walk with me and use up energy.

2. It's Faster - If it is a more crowded day at DLR, an individual can move more quickly through crowded walkways than can a group.

3. Multi-task - When I am getting FPs, the group can do something else. I am not big into shopping, so sometimes we overlap and plan for a shopping stop while I power walk across the park to pick up a Splash FP or I hop into DCA in the morning to pick up FPs for Soarin and GRR. Also, Star Tours makes me feel ill so planning a ride on Star Tours during a FP pickup time allows everyone to do the ride while I get the FPs. And then finally sometimes everyone gets in line for a ride while I get FPs. I feel it is bad manners to try to catch up to a group after they are inside an internal line and then the catch up person needs to walk past everyone and keep saying "excuse me". But if the line is exposed so that the catch up person just steps into line with the group I think that is fine. So we do this with exposed lines sometimes. For example, rides like the Matterhorn and IASW have mostly exposed lines, as will Finding Nemo Subs. These are good opportunities to have everyone get in line to wait for the ride while the FP runner goes to get FPs.

We also multi-task when ordering food. I give my order to my DW and they order for me while I get the FPs.

We do not always strictly use a runner. If the FP we want to get is nearby then we just all walk there and the group waits while I get the FPs.

Note that when you use runners, it is essential to have good communication. We use walkie-talkies and cell phones so that we do not get split up.