Thoughts on new TSM line system

[brockash]

I didn't know (until we arrived yesterday) that TSM was implementing a new line system (not sure if I missed it or if I've been under a rock) - in any case what does everyone think about it? I'm on the fence.

For those who don't know what I'm talking about - at the merge point (standby and FP) they used to send almost everyone up the left hand stairs and single riders and double riders (ie groups of only 2 people) up the right hand side of the stairs.

Now at that point they are sending "even" numbered parties up the left hand side and "odd" ones up the right hand side. The CM I spoke to said that it was more efficient and it was making wait times shorter but it is more difficult for the CM who is assigning the vehicle number position. Main difference is they are using the system to pair up single riders.

Problem is for the most part they are not explaining it to people. We are a family of 3 so normally we ride 2 and 1. We take turns being the single rider as we all like to ride alone at times (I usually do better alone) So we arrived yesterday (Labor Day) and have ridden TSM 4 times under the new system - First ride we were there at RD and rode quickly - our single rider was not paired with anyone so at this point we didn't really 'get' the new system. Next time around I saw/ heard the CM specifically tell one 'odd' party to split and put the single rider in line 2. Then he took the next odd group and specifically said to put the single rider in line 2 - then another female CM walked over and told the 2 people that they would be riding together - note this is the only time I've seen a CM explain that to someone. Then he assigned our lines to our group and told us to put the single rider in line 3 - DD was going to ride alone but we switched it as I had (by then) figured out what was going on. Nobody said anything to DH so he explained the system to the other guy that was also assigned to his line and they rode together. I talked to a CM (supervisor in khaki and white) and mentioned that the single rider situation should be explained to the single riders to avoid confusion - I was clear that we weren't upset but that the system would be better if single riders were told they were going to be paired with someone else. Today we rode twice (once with FP and once we lucked into a 20 minute (posted) wait - which was really pretty close to right) - once I told the CM that DD wanted to ride alone and that I would prefer her not to ride with a stranger - he did let her ride alone but I got the impression he was annoyed. Second ride DH was our single rider and he was put in a line with another single guy - again DH explained the system to him (I knew they were supposed to pair up as the man's family was in lane 1, DH and the man were in lane 2 and DD and I were in lane 3 - all lined up to ride in the same group)

Has anyone else tried out the new system - and did you like it?

Other quick note - Daisy is now out at AK in a safari outfit - it's not the one we saw her in at Tusker House a few years ago - this one is a darker brown but it is cute!

We got home a cpl days ago and experienced this as well. In my opinion it makes things way more complicated than it needs to be and every time we rode a ton more odd numbered groups would pass us up thst were behind us. The 2nd time we rode I counted and they shoved 27 odd grouped ppl. who were behind us in the regular line go in front of ud and thst was just from the time we got to the bottom of the stairs to load. There was an idiot, for lack of a better word, in a white button down shirt who seemed to be "the boss" in the situation directing every move a cm would make in attempting to load the rows for the ride. It was really annoying and if I went frequently I would start telling the cm before the stairs that we had an odd number as I don't think it's fair for an even numbered group to have to wait an additional 5/10/15 mins added to their wait time simply because they have an even number.

Honestly I'd be pretty annoyed if I'd have to ride with a stranger as well. Really the every now and then empty seat is not worth the mess they've created.

 

[HopperFan]

This has been the standard on 7DMT all along. Odd in one line, even in the other. Once the TSMM CM's get used to it, it will be a much faster operation. There is no reason for folks to go out alone on that ride. The parks are getting too crowded to keep letting some rides go out half empty.

As far as explaining it to people ..... they can't be expected to explain it to thousands of guests a day, especially when many wouldn't know any different anyway. It won't take long for those that have been before to figure it out. Maybe if they see a young child get on a number alone they could quickly say something but otherwise they don't have time.

They will find the groove and get the "math" figured out as to how many they load from each line before switching. With 7DMT is seems to be switch at each new train.

 

[bethbuchall]

I didn't realize that they didn't still fill every seat. When my son, daughter, and I went, there was still a single rider line. I sat with a stranger every time. The last time we went as a family of four, so I didn't pay attention to odd numbered groups. I don't have a problem with filling every seat, but I guess it would help to explain the situation ahead of time so that the family can decide who would best be paired with a stranger.

 

[DisneyOma]

We noticed the odd number line at TSMM on trip last month - and it did move much faster than the even number line. I hope they fix that soon!

 

[AlixaLock]

Last week on both TSMM and 7DMT I noticed that the odd number line seemed much shorter, but in fact we actually boarded at roughly (within 2-3 cars) of the families surrounding us. Sometimes we got behind the family behind us and sometimes ahead, but it always worked out and seemed like the lines moved well. Of course, it definitely depends on the CMs ability to manage the line and people's willingness to sit with others.

 

[amylevan]

With the length of the lines for TSMM, I'm surprised it took them this long to come to this. Why send out ride vehicles only 75% full when the line is an hour long? (And yes, there are plenty of odd number families at WDW, so it's not a "now and then empty seat", it was pretty regular.)

And to be annoyed that you have to sit next to a stranger? You have your own lap bar, you don't have to talk or otherwise interact with the other person, so what on earth does it matter?

 

[anniemae]

Ah, that explains things. we were there last week and whenever we had a fp for tsmm, we were directed to the left side ramp. I was confused as this dumps us in with the stand by folks. EVERY time the right side was so much shorter and the line moved very quickly, and people who were way behind us in FP line were loaded before us and we were stuck waiting on the stairs. We kept wondering why we were lumped in with the stand by line. We are party of 4.

I personally like that they are filling up the seats. The lines are way too long and the parks way to crowded to cater to single riders wanting the cart to themselves. But in the situation of a parent who does not want the child with a stranger, they wont force a child to ride with a stranger I wouldn't think.

 

[CinderElsa]

I feel for anyone in this situation (which could be any of us, at any given time) because you just KNOW you're eventually going to get stuck next to some socially inept idiot who spends the whole ride going, "And in THIS scene, if you shoot up there, see, up THERE, where the fox is, and I shoot over HERE, we can get a BONUS ROUND, and THEN..."

 

[AGoofykindagirl]

I went on Sep 3. Rode standby once and FP. Single rider. The stand by time was posted 30 minutes (just decreased from 35 when I got in line), but took 50 minutes. The loading line they put me in had another single rider, so I asked her if we could ride together and save someone else a little time. She said of course and we had a good time laughing at our scores. My FP ride I rode alone, but would have loved having an "opponent" and lowering the overall wait times.

 

[HopperFan]

The two lines at the stairs were not SB and FP. The one on the right was for groups of 1 or 2. This way they could fill cars that had one empty bench. Looks like they got smart and realized they could maximize capacity by loading more like 7DMT eliminating all the odd seats left open.

TSM has single lap bars/belt as does the single rider attractions RnR, EE and TT. Others that fill due to single belt/bars are Dinosaur, Star Tours and ToT. I would expect to see future attractions built in a similar fashion and when existing attractions get new ride vehicles - that reduces the number of empty seats going out on popular rides. I would not be surprised if they begin to start training CMs on minimum numbers sitting on bench rides such as Pirates, Small World, Safari etc. While I don't think we should be crushed in, there is no reason for a bench to have only 2 people when 2 others can fit comfortably without touching. Lines are getting too long due to increased attendance and Disney needs to be pro-active in filling every seat on attractions where it is appropriate.

 

[Mamapapa]

My 11 yo daughter who often rides alone as her dad and I each take a twin will not like this. She won't feel comfortable with a stranger beside her. Not sure I like the idea of her alone with a stranger either. Especially on TSM where she is out of my sight.

We have the exact same family make up. 11yo son and 5yo twins. We just got back from our trip and were very clear with 11yo that he might ride alone, he might ride with stranger. It was up to Disney to decide. He wasn't pleased a couple times, but got over it and got used to it quick. We rode TSSM twice though and I'm pretty sure he rode solo on that ride. Maybe it was because he was out of site? None of us had any issues with him with a stranger on a roller coaster. Whatever makes the lines go faster!! A couple times, CM's weren't paying attention or didn't care and let my 11yo ride with my 5yo son. Other times they clearly stated an adult had to ride with each 5yo. On Dumbo, DH sat out and the plan was for me to ride with 5yo daughter and 11yo to ride with 5yo son. No go, they made 11yo ride solo and me cram into the ride with both 5yo's!! Learned that one the hard way, next time we made DH ride with us!!

 

[freediverdude]

While I agree that it was said kind of harshly, the person does have a point that by the time one is 11 years old one shouldn't feel uncomfortable getting on a theme park ride next to a stranger. Especially at Disney, where there are cameras everywhere on the rides, everything is watched, it shouldn't really be an issue.

However on the other hand, if it takes longer to go through the line trying to find that odd party than just letting the vehicle go, that could also reduce capacity, it just depends.

 

[HopperFan]

We have the exact same family make up. 11yo son and 5yo twins. We just got back from our trip and were very clear with 11yo that he might ride alone, he might ride with stranger. It was up to Disney to decide. He wasn't pleased a couple times, but got over it and got used to it quick. We rode TSSM twice though and I'm pretty sure he rode solo on that ride. Maybe it was because he was out of site? None of us had any issues with him with a stranger on a roller coaster. Whatever makes the lines go faster!! A couple times, CM's weren't paying attention or didn't care and let my 11yo ride with my 5yo son. Other times they clearly stated an adult had to ride with each 5yo. On Dumbo, DH sat out and the plan was for me to ride with 5yo daughter and 11yo to ride with 5yo son. No go, they made 11yo ride solo and me cram into the ride with both 5yo's!! Learned that one the hard way, next time we made DH ride with us!!

Two of my kids are 22 (former CM) and 26 (high school coach) and both have often been partnered with younger guests on roller coasters etc. They always try to make the younger guest feel comfortable, tell them to ham it up for the cameras and have often gotten off saying "coolest kid ever" with a high five. Obviously not every single rider is going to be interactive but WDW is a great place for younger guests to practice their independence skills with the folks only a few feet away. In rides where there may not be constant visibility - TSMM - young kids need to know the power of their voice. I just can't think of a better place than Disney to let my kids earn some of their wings whether on rides, checking out at stores and getting all of us a snack at a kiosk while we were at our parade seat.

 

[amylevan]

However on the other hand, if it takes longer to go through the line trying to find that odd party than just letting the vehicle go, that could also reduce capacity, it just depends.

That's the advantage of splitting at the stairs. If all parties from that side are odd numbered, pairing to eliminate an empty seat is easy peasy and fast.

 

[jrmasm]

While I agree that it was said kind of harshly, the person does have a point that by the time one is 11 years old one shouldn't feel uncomfortable getting on a theme park ride next to a stranger. Especially at Disney, where there are cameras everywhere on the rides, everything is watched, it shouldn't really be an issue.

However on the other hand, if it takes longer to go through the line trying to find that odd party than just letting the vehicle go, that could also reduce capacity, it just depends.

I agree. And filling seats is a good thing!!

 

[Lucius Best]

I feel for anyone in this situation (which could be any of us, at any given time) because you just KNOW you're eventually going to get stuck next to some socially inept idiot who spends the whole ride going, "And in THIS scene, if you shoot up there, see, up THERE, where the fox is, and I shoot over HERE, we can get a BONUS ROUND, and THEN..."

TSMM in Disneyland used to have a single rider line. On one trip I got seated next to a 13yo boy. He interrogated me regarding my TSMM qualifications, seemed satisfied, and told me to follow his instructions. It was awesome, I got my highest score ever, thanks to many tricks he showed me, many of which I've never been able to replicate.

 

[tobikaye]

My 11 yo daughter who often rides alone as her dad and I each take a twin will not like this. She won't feel comfortable with a stranger beside her. Not sure I like the idea of her alone with a stranger either. Especially on TSM where she is out of my sight.

You can set it up so that she is not out of sight of you for long. Make her either the first or last of your group. Then she will be in the same row with one set of you so there are very few times she would be out of sight.

Example:
1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8 - / indicates shared back rest

DD11 lines up at 1, DH and Twin1 in 2, you and Twin2 in 3 Those in 1 and 3 will be in the same row when facing the screens. So the only time she would be out of sight would be during the change from screen to screen so a minimal time. So, as long as DD11 is not put in the middle of your group, she should be visible to someone the majority of the time.

 

[subtchr]

Two of my kids are 22 (former CM) and 26 (high school coach) and both have often been partnered with younger guests on roller coasters etc. They always try to make the younger guest feel comfortable, tell them to ham it up for the cameras and have often gotten off saying "coolest kid ever" with a high five. Obviously not every single rider is going to be interactive but WDW is a great place for younger guests to practice their independence skills with the folks only a few feet away.

This. I'm a 57-year-old grandmother and usually tour the parks alone. I really enjoy sitting next to a youngster and can usually make him or her feel at ease and have fun, even if they start out nervous about sitting next to a stranger.

 

[Ava]

TSMM in Disneyland used to have a single rider line. On one trip I got seated next to a 13yo boy. He interrogated me regarding my TSMM qualifications, seemed satisfied, and told me to follow his instructions. It was awesome, I got my highest score ever, thanks to many tricks he showed me, many of which I've never been able to replicate.

Ha, he sounds like a fun kid. I would love to ride TSMM with someone who knows the tricks. This year I got the pleasure of trying to play the game with a 2yo on my lap.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Interesting.

I've always been paired with another single rider so I didn't realize there was a time when single riders rode alone.