Theme park "Cheat Sheets" - your opinions, please

[lentesta]

Here's the link: http://www.touringplans.com/images/MKCheatSheetSample.jpg

The Unofficial Guide is thinking about publishing a series of "cheat sheets" for each Disney theme park. These "cheat sheets" will show the best times to visit each attraction in a given park. If FASTPASS is recommended, we'll show that, too.

The sheets are mean to supplement our touring plans, not replace them. They can be used when adapting one of our plans to specific circumstances, or to catch up if you have to make an unexpected detour.

We expect to publish different "cheat sheets" for different times of the year, as some touring advice changes with crowd levels.

Three questions I'd like to ask are:

1) Is this information useful?

2) Is the "cheat sheet" format clear and understandable?

3) Is there any information missing, or that you'd like to see?

Again, these aren't designed to take the place of a good touring plan. They're supposed to be simple, quick, pocket-sized references to get people out of a jam.

Thanks very much for your input!

Sincerely,

Len

[Edit: The actual data shown is just a sample - I've not checked it against the Guide's database for accuracy.]

 

[jbwolffiv]

I would love it! We usually stick to our own touring plans yet that would be a great resource! Very easy to follow!

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

I think this is wonderful! It would be very useful, although I think many of us here already know that stuff, most people don't go every year or more and need to know!

I would like it better if the ride names went down instead of across -- I don't even know why -- I'm probably crazy!

 

[popeyeohoh]

That chart looks like a lifesaver to me.

 

[Kaycee]

I love it!

1) Is this information useful? Definitely. With one quick glance, you can see where you are in the scheme of things and decide what to do next if you get overwhelmed or confused.

2) Is the "cheat sheet" format clear and understandable? Very clear and understandable.

3) Is there any information missing, or that you'd like to see? I can't think of anything.

I know I'm not your "target audience" because I really don't use the touring plans. I read the UG just for all the great info, but I go so often that I've gotten away from a structured touring plan. But the information on this cheat sheet would be helpful to anyone, whether they're using the touring plan or not.

Great job, as usual!

 

[marypops!]

it's good and i'd definatly use it

 

[luv2nascar]

I don't know if it was my computer or what but I was having a hard time reading the ride names
chart had so much info in small space
maybe if I printed it out???
I'm suggesting list of rides in rehab again
suggested that with park hours also
I don't know where it fits best I'd like to see it included.

Thanks,

 

[goofy4tink]

Hi Len...I really like the format. My only question would be...would the novice visitor know which attractions offered FP and which didn't? Would you be better off listing those in the notes area of the 'not a recommended time to visit' section? Like...no FP option...not a recommended time to visit. Just a thought. I know that people either 'get' the whole FP theory or they completely misunderstand the concept...thinking it's available for all attractions. Great idea...even tho I know my way around the parks, I would still carry these with me!!!

 

[fyreworks]

Len,

I like these cheat sheets a lot better than the current format in the UG (on the touring plan companion pages). I would agree that I would find it easier to read if the rides were listed vertically rather than horizontally, but other than that, it is very easy to follow!

 

[macfamily]

This first timer is quite impressed!

 

[tjevans]

Would love to have those cheat sheets. If you decide to publish them, I hope you will post them on your website for those of us who have the 2005 guide for our late 2005 trip.

 

[MickeyEars]

I love it too!!! I think it would be very useful and it is easy to read. Now get busy on one for June so I can use it on my upcoming trip!!!


Carla

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I think something like this would be VERY useful for my in-laws who have never been to WDW before. I always have a very detailed plan but for times we split up I would love to have one of these to give to the other folks in our party so they can figure out how to maximize their "free time". Thanks!

 

[bbowers]

I agree they look very helpful, but would like the ride names down the left and times across the top.

 

[aec]

Great idea!

I made my own cheat sheets for our recent trip but I like your format better. I don't like to follow a set touring plan, but I like to know what is open during EMH, what has FP, which rides are the most crowded when, and you have summed it all up on this concise table. A small (index card size) laminated version would be great to carry around in the park.

I agree with the other poster that a vertical format would be easier to read. I was turning my laptop sideways to view it. I would also add a note to explain that EMH is only available to onsite guests and is only available on certain days (you could even list the "typical" MK EMH days - Wed p.m. and Fri a.m.).

 

[sapiendut]

I disagree, if the cheat-sheet is available to the public, then people will follow the cheat-sheet and it will discount the usefulness of the cheat-sheet.

 

[sodaseller]

I'm always of two minds about such matters, one indefensible. On the one hand, I always hate for "secrets" to get out, as we feel like we are usually able to enjoy the parks without crowds getting in the way of a good time, etc. I worry that if the "secrets" got out, that would end. That's when my lesser angels are in control.

Other times, I wish more people would understand that you can enjoy Disney without waiting in line for hours or taking out a second mortgage (at least if you're semi-local like we are). Many of my DD8's friends have either never been or at least very rarely, because their parents, usually the Dads, think its ridiculously crowded and unaffordable. I try to tell them that planning can overcome that, but they remain unconvinced. This might help, and let a lot of kids experience the Disney Magic that are not.

We really never went until my daughter came along, but I feel it is almost a parental responsibility to do so if you live where we do. Breaks my heart to see something that is so joyful for my daughter not be experienced by kids around here with parents that can easily afford it because dad doesn't want to spend a little time and/or golf money to figure it out

 

[bbowers]

This looks very helpful, but I agree I would like the rides names down the left side and times across the top.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I also really like the chart but would also like to see the rides listed down the left. I think that would make it easier to read.
I under stand what you are saying Sapiendut about not wanting the general public to get this info but they really can already get it in the UG. This is just putting it in a simple form.

 

[LSUDis]

Hi,

I actually like the times going across because you can see where you are time-wise, then look across at what has a "Y" on it, and see if it is something that you want to experience.

I found myself wondering, though,....why do some rides not have a "not recommended" time...will any fastpasses be gone by that time, will the crowds be too big, are they just not open....I guess that I always want to know "why?"

Thanks for your work and keeping us informed of what is going on behind-the-scenes at UG.

Idea Since the dining plan is new with some interesting options, could we have a small sheet with the menus of counter service places? Some places have better choices than others. For example, at some places, if the kids can only order off the kids' menu, they can only choose from a hot dog or a pbj sandwich; at another place, a cheese pizza or a pbj. Not a lot of choice for kids. So, if we had a sheet that we could pop into our waistpacks, we could plan where to eat while at the parks.
Also, with the dessert choice added to counter service, a pull-out menu could show us who really offers a feasible dessert choice. At some counters, a dessert is a frozen Coke; at others, a dessert is a cookie; at another, a dessert may be cheesecake. There is a big range in the value of desserts offered.

Just some thoughts!

Thanks again