These Tiers are killing me

[mtrib]

Had such great advice on RD strategy for MK from you all. Now I am hoping for some HS advice as I try to make my TP.

It's just me and DD15 so we are fast moving and flexible. Looking forward to only having to find 2 spots for FP4+. We might make it a half day and hop to MK or go hang out on the boardwalk so I am trying to make a TP that involves leaving mid to late afternoon.

Date is 11/7 so EEMH is over. It is Jersey week. Currently park opening at 9AM with no EMH. Here's what I am thinking but I'm open to any and all advice:

-Arrive around 8AM to be toward the front of the pack (sadly, sounds like Skyliner won't be running from POP early enough to be useful for RD). We will RD SDD while hoping a good deal of the crowd goes to GE.
-9:35 TSMM FP (we'll try for a second run on SDD if line allows. Otherwise maybe we should head to SB at RnRC or ToT and come back for TSMM?)
-Do we put in a 10:35 muppets FP and modify as soon as tapping in to TSMM? It is a must do for us so we could pop over and kill a Tier 2 FP at the same time. (Or do we do SB for RnRC and ToT here rather than after SDD?)
-Have a 12:25 Star Tours that I hope to modify to earlier and kill that Tier 2 earlier in the day so I can start the hunt for FP4+. (Or do I try to modify to any Tier 2 at that point and tap in if we don't want to use it. Then start my hunt for FP4+)

Other plans:
-trying to get into SciFi for late lunch. (Currently have 11:20 ADR. I have confidence that TP res finder will help me out here.)
-Walking around GE. We might try SR MFSR. Feeling guilty about not having DH (the real SW fan) on this trip so might save our virgin jump into hyperspace for when he can be along.
-Would consider Beauty and the Beast and/or Indie if time allows.

 

[JETSDAD]

In my opinion you really only need to start the day at HS with 1 FP (tier 1). Use it and immediately look to grab a tier 2 for a nearby ride (well, show). Tap that (use it if you wish or just burn it) then repeat for your 3rd. Then start refreshing for more tier 1's. We did this earlier this month and were making additional tier 1 FP's by 9:30. This is how I have our days for HS and Epcot set up for our upcoming trip at the end of October (just 1 FP each of those days).

ETA; the new tiers are a blessing for those of us who use methods such as this as there has been far more availability for FP's for all rides except SDD.

 

[cgattis]

Not sure if you’ve ever been to the Boardwalk in the afternoon, but there’s not much going on. Evening is when the entertainment is out. Maybe you have other reasons for going, though—just wanted to mention!!

 

[mtrib]

In my opinion you really only need to start the day at HS with 1 FP (tier 1). Use it and immediately look to grab a tier 2 for a nearby ride (well, show). Tap that (use it if you wish or just burn it) then repeat for your 3rd. Then start refreshing for more tier 1's. We did this earlier this month and were making additional tier 1 FP's by 9:30. This is how I have our days for HS and Epcot set up for our upcoming trip at the end of October (just 1 FP each of those days).

ETA; the new tiers are a blessing for those of us who use methods such as this as there has been far more availability for FP's for all rides except SDD.

Thanks. I think that will probably be my plan. I'm a little nervous about the ability to grab other Tier 1 FP once EEMH has gone away as there will be resort guests now also hunting for those FPs. I guess there is no good way to predict how that will fall out. And, unfortunately, Touring Plans won't likely have any data for me to work from as we are going so soon after then end of EEMH.

 

[mtrib]

Not sure if you’ve ever been to the Boardwalk in the afternoon, but there’s not much going on. Evening is when the entertainment is out. Maybe you have other reasons for going, though—just wanted to mention!!

Thanks for making sure! I wasn't very clear in my description, was I? If we decide to go to Boardwalk instead of park hopping, we will rest in the afternoon and head to Boardwalk for dinner and evening entertainment. My daughter loves street performers so that is one of her happy places.

 

[Rach3975]

I'm a little nervous about the ability to grab other Tier 1 FP once EEMH has gone away as there will be resort guests now also hunting for those FPs. I guess there is no good way to predict how that will fall out. And, unfortunately, Touring Plans won't likely have any data for me to work from as we are going so soon after then end of EEMH.

Our DHS day is 11/5, and we're feeling the same. We're starting in GE, so we may try to get to DHS by 7 or 7:30 if it stays a 9 am open. I'm figuring there will be no data out about morning waits to help us decide. Then we have 2 "real" FPs for 10 (TSMM) and 11 (ST). I'll tap into a show FP as soon as possible, and I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be able to get a ToT FP after that. I've never ridden it because no one else in the family wants to, so this kid-free trip feels like my only chance. By 1 we have to leave the park to get to the airport.

 

[mtrib]

Our DHS day is 11/5, and we're feeling the same. We're starting in GE, so we may try to get to DHS by 7 or 7:30 if it stays a 9 am open. I'm figuring there will be no data out about morning waits to help us decide. Then we have 2 "real" FPs for 10 (TSMM) and 11 (ST). I'll tap into a show FP as soon as possible, and I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be able to get a ToT FP after that. I've never ridden it because no one else in the family wants to, so this kid-free trip feels like my only chance. By 1 we have to leave the park to get to the airport.

I feel for you! We have the luxury of being able to use the whole day if we need to. We have all gotten used to having good data to work with (esp if you use Touring Plans).

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Had such great advice on RD strategy for MK from you all. Now I am hoping for some HS advice as I try to make my TP.

It's just me and DD15 so we are fast moving and flexible. Looking forward to only having to find 2 spots for FP4+. We might make it a half day and hop to MK or go hang out on the boardwalk so I am trying to make a TP that involves leaving mid to late afternoon.

Date is 11/7 so EEMH is over. It is Jersey week. Currently park opening at 9AM with no EMH. Here's what I am thinking but I'm open to any and all advice:

-Arrive around 8AM to be toward the front of the pack (sadly, sounds like Skyliner won't be running from POP early enough to be useful for RD). We will RD SDD while hoping a good deal of the crowd goes to GE.
-9:35 TSMM FP (we'll try for a second run on SDD if line allows. Otherwise maybe we should head to SB at RnRC or ToT and come back for TSMM?)
-Do we put in a 10:35 muppets FP and modify as soon as tapping in to TSMM? It is a must do for us so we could pop over and kill a Tier 2 FP at the same time. (Or do we do SB for RnRC and ToT here rather than after SDD?)
-Have a 12:25 Star Tours that I hope to modify to earlier and kill that Tier 2 earlier in the day so I can start the hunt for FP4+. (Or do I try to modify to any Tier 2 at that point and tap in if we don't want to use it. Then start my hunt for FP4+)

Other plans:
-trying to get into SciFi for late lunch. (Currently have 11:20 ADR. I have confidence that TP res finder will help me out here.)
-Walking around GE. We might try SR MFSR. Feeling guilty about not having DH (the real SW fan) on this trip so might save our virgin jump into hyperspace for when he can be along.
-Would consider Beauty and the Beast and/or Indie if time allows.

Another strategy I found is when it’s a show, such as Voyage/Mermaid that they here isn’t an hour between FPS. I had 9:05-10:05 ST, 10:05-10:20 Mermaid, 10:50-11:50 ToT.

 

[mtrib]

Another strategy I found is when it’s a show, such as Voyage/Mermaid that they here isn’t an hour between FPS. I had 9:05-10:05 ST, 10:05-10:20 Mermaid, 10:50-11:50 ToT.

So your Mermaid FP window was only 15 minutes long? Interesting.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Yes. Later I changed my 9:25 fp (DH and SIL went on ST) but I couldn’t get a 9:05 anything so I got the Disney Jr dance party at 9:20-9:35. So I had 2 fp at 9:05-10:05, then 1 at 9:20-9:35. Next I had Mermaid at 10:05-10:20 and ToT at 10:50-11:50. Of course after they tapped the 9:05 I moved the mermaid out and dropped Disney Jr. and picked up 3 FPS for ToT at 9:15. Then I didn’t fool with any more as I had attended EEMH and had already done everything else. I did eventually grab F! FPS bit of course I didn’t need it.

 

[disneygirlsng]

So your Mermaid FP window was only 15 minutes long? Interesting.

Pretty much all of the shows at all parks FP window is 15-20 minutes. Since the shows have specific schedules that they follow. The exceptions are the continuous running shows without a set schedule like Muppets and Monsters Inc.

 

[mtrib]

Yes. Later I changed my 9:25 fp (DH and SIL went on ST) but I couldn’t get a 9:05 anything so I got the Disney Jr dance party at 9:20-9:35. So I had 2 fp at 9:05-10:05, then 1 at 9:20-9:35. Next I had Mermaid at 10:05-10:20 and ToT at 10:50-11:50. Of course after they tapped the 9:05 I moved the mermaid out and dropped Disney Jr. and picked up 3 FPS for ToT at 9:15. Then I didn’t fool with any more as I had attended EEMH and had already done everything else. I did eventually grab F! FPS bit of course I didn’t need it.

Your FP prowess is impressive! This is the maneuvering I’m looking to accomplish in November. But I’m worried about how this will go since there are no EEMH. I’m trying to ride four Tier 1 rides and MFSR in one partial day. (Having Five Tier 1 rides is ridiculous IMHO) I’m sure I will have to do some SB but I’m trying to figure out what and when.

 

[mtrib]

Pretty much all of the shows at all parks FP window is 15-20 minutes. Since the shows have specific schedules that they follow. The exceptions are the continuous running shows without a set schedule like Muppets and Monsters Inc.

I have never noticed this!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Your FP prowess is impressive! This is the maneuvering I’m looking to accomplish in November. But I’m worried about how this will go since there are no EEMH. I’m trying to ride four Tier 1 rides and MFSR in one partial day. (Having Five Tier 1 rides is ridiculous IMHO) I’m sure I will have to do some SB but I’m trying to figure out what and when.

Good luck to you! It wasn’t very hard; I assumed that people would be dropping their FPS as they had either tapped out or dropped them because they had already done them. I got the ToT FPS around 7:45 or so. There are so many FPS you don’t need; pretty much all the tier 2s. The goal is to get rid of them ASAP. My strategy was to go on ST at 9:00 am, move my tier 1 up, then move up another tier 2 (Mermaid) to tap out then clear the way for another tier 1. But I didn’t need it. Best thing to remember is that with the exception of club level is that most people are on the same playing field as you and on any given day most of them do not understand how to move FPS around. It only took me 1 try each to move up but sometimes you need to refresh. I have time because I don’t ride any motion rides or roller coasters so while they are riding I am searching.
ETA: I’ve learned everything here at the Dis both reading and asking questions.

 

[CastAStone]

In my opinion you really only need to start the day at HS with 1 FP (tier 1). Use it and immediately look to grab a tier 2 for a nearby ride (well, show).

We found the Tier 2 FPs last week for the 9AM and 10AM hours to be mostly gone day of. I'd prebook and modify if you can find something good.

ETA; the new tiers are a blessing for those of us who use methods such as this as there has been far more availability for FP's for all rides except SDD.

1000% agree. This new tiering is actually excellent even though it seems awful at first glance.

 

[CastAStone]

I wrote a long post on this topic here with some strategy tips.

TLDR is that there are almost 3X as many Tier 1 FPs as there will be people in the park (excluding major holidays, when it will be more like 2X). If you get a jump on it, you can get at least 3 and more likely 4 (maybe even 5) in a day if you:

• Have your prebooked T1 early (before 10:30 ideally, but def before noon) - But DO NOT prebook Tower of Terror
• Use or burn your T2s early
• Book TOT as your 2nd FP (because it will be available soonest)
• Go at the beginning of your FP windows
• Book whatever is soonest as soon as you step into line and refresh refresh refresh for the best times.

 

[Spaghetti Cat]

This is stupid though, look at all the hoops we have to jump through.

I'm promised 3 pre-booked FPs with my paid admission and I only get one. Ripped off.

I hate tiering.

I will play the game of course, but seriously, this is stupid.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I

This is stupid though, look at all the hoops we have to jump through.

I'm promised 3 pre-booked FPs with my paid admission and I only get one. Ripped off.

I hate tiering.

I will play the game of course, but seriously, this is stupid.

I agree and to be perfectly honest it’s wouldn't hurt my feelings if they did away with FPS altogether. I think it actually makes standby lines that much longer and I hate the planning part. I truly feel there are only 2 or at the most 3 FPS you even need for every park in order to make your life complete. SDMT and PP for MK, maybe the mountains but with good strategy and timing you really don’t need them, Slinky, TSMM and eventually the SWGE rides for HS, Safari and FOP for AK, and Soarin, Frozen for EP. RnRC, Everest and Test Track being single rider but needed if families and want to ride together. I saw people going through Its tough to be a bug with a fp yesterday. Felt a little guilty passing by the extremely long standby line in the sweltering heat for Safari yesterday. But not guilty enough to not use it, lol.

 

[JETSDAD]

I

I agree and to be perfectly honest it’s wouldn't hurt my feelings if they did away with FPS altogether. I think it actually makes standby lines that much longer and I hate the planning part. I truly feel there are only 2 or at the most 3 FPS you even need for every park in order to make your life complete. SDMT and PP for MK, maybe the mountains but with good strategy and timing you really don’t need them, Slinky, TSMM and eventually the SWGE rides for HS, Safari and FOP for AK, and Soarin, Frozen for EP. RnRC, Everest and Test Track being single rider but needed if families and want to ride together. I saw people going through Its tough to be a bug with a fp yesterday. Felt a little guilty passing by the extremely long standby line in the sweltering heat for Safari yesterday. But not guilty enough to not use it, lol.

I'd hate to lose FP's. We use them for everything that they're offered for. Yes SB would speed up but there would still be much longer waits than what FP offers. So instead of a 90 minute SB wait for FOP you might have a 30-40 minute wait...I'd rather use a FP and walk right in. Not having FP's would also not spread the crowds out as much. Right now most people will actually use their 3 FP's, even if they would rather not. If they no longer had to make those tier 2 selections that they currently are making then they'd be in line for what is now a tier 1 ride.

 

[DisneyFanThi]

I'd actually be 100% on board if they implemented Max Pass like at Disneyland and did away with pre-booking FP all together. You'd still be able to give an advantage to on site guests with EMH, since they would be able to start booking FPs an hour before everyone else.