TSM standby-less test Oct. 6-9

[Canuckbiggs]

For us, even though the cost is high, we pay to walk out on our balcony and watch the giraffes, gazelles, etc. grazing outside our window (Animal Kingdom Lodge, of course). That's an experience that may not be for everyone, but we love it and you certainly can't get that at a condo or rental home (unless maybe a gator shows up in your swimming pool! ).

Well, we have veered even further so...

How 'bout that standby-less TSMM test?

Anyone think we'll see more of these in the near future?

And do you think there will be certain rides that this becomes the norm for? Or perhaps only during peak crowds?

I'm sure the animals would be cool. But I just can;t bring myself to jam my family into a normal room or pay the crazy prices for a 2 bedroom condo.

But we are having a lunch at Sanaa so we hope to experience a bit of those animals.

 

[cakebaker]

I see a system where you can get in line without being in line, which is all FP was in the first place. You'll be standing by, just not standing at.

My grocer (Kroger) has a kiosk near the deli where I can enter my order and go shop while they fill it. It's right next to the number-pulling device for those who want to "standby" and wait.

Both take about 15 minutes, but one is a lot more productive.

This is the idea I have in mind too. Only so many people can ride during operating hours whether it's physically standing in line or not. The only thing that might get affected is the way they let you on the right if you're in line even after park closing hours.

 

[OtherScott]

This concept is great, as long as there's an endless supply of baloney. But Disney doesn't have an endless supply of baloney. Therefore people are going to be sent away empty handed. I don't think takking away a SB line is a good idea. If people are willing to wait, they should be allowed to do so.

There's an endless supply of baloney, but the store closes at 11 pm. The end of the business day affects both baloney and rides.

Finding the method for populating the virtual SB line incrementally (like the physical SB line) is the trick.

Limiting pre-booking of FP+ will be a necessary component, and given the reports that popular FPs are gone 60 days out, I think that's happening now.

People wait now because the sign says 1-2 hours. They probably won't if it says 7 hours.

 

[jahber]

There's an endless supply of baloney, but the store closes at 11 pm. The end of the business day affects both baloney and rides. Finding the method for populating the virtual SB line incrementally (like the physical SB line) is the trick. Limiting pre-booking of FP+ will be a necessary component, and given the reports that popular FPs are gone 60 days out, I think that's happening now. People wait now because the sign says 1-2 hours. They probably won't if it says 7 hours.

Unless it's for Anna and Elsa. Or it's the only ride in the park their little one can ride (to bring it back to TSMM). Wait. I keep forgetting the Great Movie Ride. Now THERE'S a ride that was improved by FP+ (said no one, ever).

 

[OtherScott]

Unless it's for Anna and Elsa. Or it's the only ride in the park their little one can ride (to bring it back to TSMM). Wait. I keep forgetting the Great Movie Ride. Now THERE'S a ride that was improved by FP+ (said no one, ever).

There are exceptions to every rule. Every.Single.One.

BTW, they could offer an unlimited supply of Anna and Elsa tomorrow if they wanted.

 

[jahber]

There are exceptions to every rule. Every.Single.One. BTW, they could offer an unlimited supply of Anna and Elsa tomorrow if they wanted.

Ok. Yes. That's my point. For SOME things, people WILL wait, no matter how long the line. That's why they should give people the option to wait, even if it's 7 hours--IF the alternative is not ever having a chance to ride, as is the case right now with TSMM. That was my point, but I'm not sure what yours is in pointing out that there are exceptions. Because that's exactly what I was doing. Now I'm confused. Are we arguing the same thing?

 

[OtherScott]

Ok. Yes. That's my point. For SOME things, people WILL wait, no matter how long the line. That's why they should give people the option to wait, even if it's 7 hours--IF the alternative is not ever having a chance to ride, as is the case right now with TSMM. That was my point, but I'm not sure what yours is in pointing out that there are exceptions. Because that's exactly what I was doing. Now I'm confused. Are we arguing the same thing?

My bad. Lack of inflection is cause. My argument was to the argument of "let 'em wait if they want to." People will give up physical SB if the line is long enough and will embrace virtual SB if the wait is acceptable.

The downside for Disney is the same as it was with legacy - people physically in line are mentally locked in, people in virtual line, not so much. So the key is populating virtual SB throughout the day and not like legacy where all virtual spots for some rides are gone by lunch.

NexGen could, in theory, allow you to be in line to get in line via entered preferences and 2 way communication. Flame on in 3, 2, 1 dde1c

 

[kaytieeldr]

For us, even though the cost is high, we pay to walk out on our balcony and watch the giraffes, gazelles, etc. grazing outside our window (Animal Kingdom Lodge, of course). That's an experience that may not be for everyone, but we love it and you certainly can't get that at a condo or rental home (unless maybe a gator shows up in your swimming pool! ).

Well, we have veered even further so...

How 'bout that standby-less TSMM test?

Anyone think we'll see more of these in the near future?

And do you think there will be certain rides that this becomes the norm for? Or perhaps only during peak crowds?

Well, its been tested on the newest attraction in each park:Anna & Elsa Meet & Greet/MK; Soarin'/Epcot; Toy Story Midway Mania/DHS. So possibly Expedition Everest or Nemo at AK, or the redesigned Maelstrom after some period.

But no, I don't think it'll become the norm.

Ok. Yes. That's my point. For SOME things, people WILL wait, no matter how long the line. That's why they should give people the option to wait, even if it's 7 hours--IF the alternative is not ever having a chance to ride, as is the case right now with TSMM. That was my point, but I'm not sure what yours is in pointing out that there are exceptions. Because that's exactly what I was doing. Now I'm confused. Are we arguing the same thing?

No it's not. The test was two weeks ago. TSMM is operating with normal FP+ and normal standby.

 

[mbrittb00]

I see a system where you can get in line without being in line, which is all FP was in the first place. You'll be standing by, just not standing at.

My grocer (Kroger) has a kiosk near the deli where I can enter my order and go shop while they fill it. It's right next to the number-pulling device for those who want to "standby" and wait.

Both take about 15 minutes, but one is a lot more productive.

This is the idea I have in mind too. Only so many people can ride during operating hours whether it's physically standing in line or not. The only thing that might get affected is the way they let you on the right if you're in line even after park closing hours.

Obviously it would be nice to be able to virtually stand in line while doing other things, but that presumes you have other things to do. If Disney were to completely do away with all the SB lines and go completely to virtual SB lines, then what are you supposed to do while you are waiting. If there are no SB lines then you can't go visit another attraction, and there is only so much eating and shopping you can do in a day.

Or are you suggesting that you can wait in multiple virtual SB lines at one time. And if so, how many?

Like I said, it would definatlly be nice to be able to virtually wait in line for everything, I just don't see how that is practical. The sum amount of time that people are going to "wait" (for attractions, food, shopping, etc) on a given day, is going to remain constant. The question is where is that waiting done? As I already stated there is only so much eating and shopping one can do (either due to physical or financial limitations), and if you eliminate the attractions waiting, then what are you left with?

 

[jahber]

No it's not. The test was two weeks ago. TSMM is operating with normal FP+ and normal standby.

Ok, my wording was confusing. To clarify, I was referring to what would happen IF TSMM did away with the SB line for good--I wouldn't be able to ride at all because, as is in fact the case right now, I wouldn't be able get FP+ for it.

 

[sabrecmc]

They're only inferior to someone who wants a different kind of vacation.

I don't want a 5000 sq ft house to manage on vacation. I don't want a huge kitchen with people in there cooking and making messes that have to be cleaned up. I don't want a tiny little backyard pool. I have a big house and a small pool to maintain at home. I want to have someone else do the work while I'm on vacation.

I don't want to spend that much time out of the parks. It eats time cooking and cleaning. I can cook and clean at home. I'm not forced to eat my meals out- I want to eat out. I want someone else to cook it and clean it up...every single meal.

We wouldn't be able to take breaks during the day as easily if we were off site. During the middle of the day there are virtually no lines at our bus stop and a minimal wait for one to arrive- most times we find ourselves hurrying to get to the waiting bus rather than us waiting on the bus. A quick ride and we're back to our resort. If we're at a monorail resort, it's even quicker. And we don't have to go back to an oven hot car and drive. I don't even want to drive on vacation. I'm on vacation, not making a mini move to another home.

I also want the advantage of staying in the parks after the off site people have left. I don't see the advantage of emh in the mornings- but I sure do at night. Rides are walk ons- even some of the most popular rides. I also like having a jump on getting fp's. That extra 30 days is what makes me not have to post that I couldn't get what I was looking for. I'm hoping with the push to get more on site guests, the perks will just get better.

But mostly, why I stay on site is something that if you don't understand it, I can't explain it. You either get it or you don't- If there wasn't a single perk, if I had to join the masses at the ferry- I'd still stay on site. Because I'm in WDW 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week for my entire trip. I never leave the magic. I want total immersion and I can't get that anywhere but an on site resort.

We don't want to be isolated on our vacation in a private home. Some of our most memorable times are spent at the pool watching my grandson interact with children from all over the world- it's amazing to watch 2 children who have no way to communicate other than with gestures and motions and smiles happily play together. We won't get that sitting in a house.

So to each their own. What you call inferior I call superior in every way.

This!!!! We tried staying offsite about two years ago, and while the condo was nice, it wasn't anywhere near the same experience. Big house and pool? Eh, I live in that. I'm on vacation! I want DISNEY exploding in my face 24/7, and I'm going to love it. Yes, I am that person. I want no downtime away from Disney. I want Disney napkins and Disney soap and Mickey on my walls and Mousekeeping visiting instead of housekeeping and towel Mickey and all of that. And if that isn't you, then I totally understand, and that is fabulous. To each their own.

Uh, on topic...I want to be able to wait in line if I so choose. Or, more accurately, I want be able to park my mom in line for Anna and Elsa with her Kindle and a coffee while I take DD to go play. Disney, please don't stop me from being an idiot.

 

[jahber]

Uh, on topic...I want to be able to wait in line if I so choose. Or, more accurately, I want be able to park my mom in line for Anna and Elsa with her Kindle and a coffee while I take DD to go play. Disney, please don't stop me from being an idiot.

Isn't that what we all want? The choice to make decisions that other people think are crazy--because we love Disney?

 

[wilkeliza]

Uh, on topic...I want to be able to wait in line if I so choose. Or, more accurately, I want be able to park my mom in line for Anna and Elsa with her Kindle and a coffee while I take DD to go play. Disney, please don't stop me from being an idiot.

They took the ability to plop a "waiter" in line away a while ago as well. They were seeing it as line cutting I guess so you couldn't meet up with your party about a month after the girls came to MK. That was the first thing to go before standby went away.

 

[cakebaker]

Obviously it would be nice to be able to virtually stand in line while doing other things, but that presumes you have other things to do. If Disney were to completely do away with all the SB lines and go completely to virtual SB lines, then what are you supposed to do while you are waiting. If there are no SB lines then you can't go visit another attraction, and there is only so much eating and shopping you can do in a day.

Or are you suggesting that you can wait in multiple virtual SB lines at one time. And if so, how many?

Like I said, it would definatlly be nice to be able to virtually wait in line for everything, I just don't see how that is practical. The sum amount of time that people are going to "wait" (for attractions, food, shopping, etc) on a given day, is going to remain constant. The question is where is that waiting done? As I already stated there is only so much eating and shopping one can do (either due to physical or financial limitations), and if you eliminate the attractions waiting, then what are you left with?

Am I understanding you when I take this to mean you want to stand in line for something to do???

I can't imagine running out of things to do. Besides eating and shopping there are shows, street performers, stage productions, just people watching beats standing in a line! And if one could run out of things to do, sitting on a bench in the shade beats standing in line.

I don't know that they can ever do it, it may not be possible, but what I wouldn't give if they could.

 

[cakebaker]

They took the ability to plop a "waiter" in line away a while ago as well. They were seeing it as line cutting I guess so you couldn't meet up with your party about a month after the girls came to MK. That was the first thing to go before standby went away.

Really? I hadn't heard this. There have been great heated discussions over this just recently and no one mentioned that it actually wasn't allowed.

Not saying I think it's a good thing, but I didn't know CM's would actually stop this.

Or maybe I'm just really forgetful and the discussion was potty breaks...but I could've sworn...

 

[mom2rtk]

They took the ability to plop a "waiter" in line away a while ago as well. They were seeing it as line cutting I guess so you couldn't meet up with your party about a month after the girls came to MK. That was the first thing to go before standby went away.

I think that was more of a logistical thing when the M/G moved from the outdoor line at Epcot to the more confined space at FTH in the MK.

 

[OtherScott]

Obviously it would be nice to be able to virtually stand in line while doing other things, but that presumes you have other things to do. If Disney were to completely do away with all the SB lines and go completely to virtual SB lines, then what are you supposed to do while you are waiting. If there are no SB lines then you can't go visit another attraction, and there is only so much eating and shopping you can do in a day. Or are you suggesting that you can wait in multiple virtual SB lines at one time. And if so, how many? Like I said, it would definatlly be nice to be able to virtually wait in line for everything, I just don't see how that is practical. The sum amount of time that people are going to "wait" (for attractions, food, shopping, etc) on a given day, is going to remain constant. The question is where is that waiting done? As I already stated there is only so much eating and shopping one can do (either due to physical or financial limitations), and if you eliminate the attractions waiting, then what are you left with?

Not presuming anything, much less total elimination of lines. Just some, and just some of the time.

Multiple lines at once? Sure, but maybe in different stages - like, you actually have a return time for X and have expressed an interest in Y, and HAL9000 will reach out to you about Y availability. Who knows?

What do you do when you're not in SB line? Anything you want. Doesn't have to be shopping or eating, might just be looking at a tree or a duck, or your MDE account on your phone, or go to bathroom or calm restless kid in shade. Point is, you're not walking back and forth past same faces.

We're less than a full year into this full on. I suspect the potential for this is years away.

 

[wilkeliza]

I think that was more of a logistical thing when the M/G moved from the outdoor line at Epcot to the more confined space at FTH in the MK.

Could be. Also a safety thing so people aren't jumping over or going under the divider chains to catch up faster.

Also logistically people not standing in line and jumping in later causes the line to be a longer wait time than posted.

 

[Planogirl]

I have never stayed in a rental home but I do like condos and hotels with extra amenities. I have no desire to cook but is nice to have a full fridge full of drinks and fruit and it's also nice to be able to pop a pizza in the oven late at night if someone has the munchies. As for a pool, all of the pools could disappear from everywhere as far as I'm concerned. We never bother with any pools.

One thing I do like to do is limit how much time we wait in lines. Great if some of you don't mind long lines but I can't stand them and will bypass most attractions if the line is too long. To each their own.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Asking me to do more advance plannning, is not going to make me any happier. And I am a planner, I love making customized plans on touringlans.com, but I don't like feeling locked in.

You would not be the target market then.