Wait times at rides

[geoffa]

Ever wondered how they calculate the wait times for rides - 40 minutes for SpaceMountain, 90 minutes for Toy Story Mania....etc?
It's quite simple.

They choose someone in the line and hand them the red card and the time is noted. When that guest arrives at the load area the card is collected and the time logged again. Easy! We were asked to do this whilst in line at Dinosaur at DAK back in 2007 and that's how we got the photo.

[I Heart Disneyland!]

I've seen this quite a bit and did wonder what it was for. Now I know! Of course, I use a GAC, so, I don't have to wait in line. (But, I have a lifelong illness, so, the trade off isn't that great! ha!)

[micsaund]

I've noticed at WDW that sometimes the CMs hold onto the cards for quite a while before scanning them at the load station.  That will lead to longer line times shown on the displays out front.  I'm not sure if they do this on purpose, but for example, in the case of Test Track, you have to make an effort to hold onto the card/lanyard while directing people all over, so I'm guessing they know what they're doing.

Mike

[Jay]

Just in case everyone dosen't know how the process works, here is a little more information on the timing systems.  There is a little bit more to this than explained above.  At the entrance to (or very close to the entrance) is a "box" that reads each cards ID code.  It's like an access badge to a building, you swipe it passed or near a reader and it beeps, allowing access to the building.  Same thing is true here, EXCEPT, the system tells the CM's when to scan a card and hand it to guest.  You may recall hearing a high pitched beeping sound...THAT is the system alerting the CM's to scan the card.

Next time I get over to the parks I'll try and grab a picture of this to show eveyone.

This may be the "holding on to the cards" that you are referring to Mike.  Perhaps the system hasn't prompted them to send one through yet?

[micsaund]

Nope, this is on the loading end, after you've waited in line right before getting into the cars (step #5 below).

And, just so I can jump on-board the explanation bandwagon for others who aren't familar with how the Disney wait-time system works, here it is spelled-out in steps:  

1) System informs CM at line entrance that it's time to take a reading.
2) The CM scans the card at the line entrance and the system records its ID#.
3) You wait in line with the card.
4) At the load station, you hand the card to the CM.
5) The load station CM scans the card and the system records its ID#.
6) The system determines the time elapsed between step #2 and #5.
7) The time from #6 is displayed on the "Wait Time" signs out front.

I suppose I should have posted step-by-step details like this in my section of the forums just to have something new in there

Mike

[Jay]

Good way to spell it out Mike.  And, Yes, this would make a REALLY nice technology posting.