Ridemax

[stacek1214]

Has anyone used Ridemax before? Did it work or is it too good to be true? We're going to WDW for the first time in 10 years the week after Easter. I know it's going to be crazy crowded, so I'm trying to make the most of the time we have. Thanks!!:wave:

 

[TwoTigersMom]

ok I'll bite, what is Ridemax?

 

[Monty]

Appears to be a subscription service that tells you what order to ride rides based on historic data...

At $20 for a six-month subscription and $30 for a year, I'd say an ability to read a map and a bit of planning would go a long way to saving big money. I personally wouldn't recommend it based on what I see on their site, but that's purely my opinion.

They have some interesting disclaimers on their site, but do offer a satisfaction guarantee [that has a short enough window to make it tricky to take advantage of, though not impossible]:

Please note the following:

• RideMax is software you install on your own computer, and requires Windows 95/98/ME, Windows NT 4.0, Windows XP, or Windows 2000, with a screen resolution of at least 600x800. An internet connection and Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater are also required.
• If your visit includes a Sunday, please click here for important information.
• If paying with Visa or Mastercard, you will typically receive download instructions via email within just a few minutes of placing your order.
• For Walt Disney World RideMax customers, please note that the only Extra Magic Hours (EMH) which RideMax supports is the morning EMH at the Magic Kingdom.
• In general, we recommend using RideMax as close to the date(s) of your visit as possible. We normally make touring itineraries available 2-4 weeks in advance. So if you are planning a visit for the beginning of July, for example, you should be able to use RideMax starting in early-to-mid-June to create your itineraries.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Our guarantee is simple: Order your RideMax subscription and use it to create touring plans for the dates of your visit, for the attractions you want to ride. If, after using these touring plans at the Disney park(s) you don't feel like they were worth the price of your subscription, simply contact us by email within 30 days of your purchase and explain the reason for your dissatisfaction. We'll then refund the full price of your subscription.

 

[hack2112]

Personally, IMO I think Ridemax is a waste of money. I believe it's something I like to call "lazy" software. This basically means it does the work for you. One of my favorite steps when planning my vacation is planning out what, where, and when we do things. Though mostly because my friends are incompetent.

 

[KHockett]

I think if you buy the guidebooks (Unofficial Guide Book and even Birnbaums) you can figure out most of what they would come up with. Obviously, if you arrive at the parks when they open, you will have about an hour - maybe two where you will have very limited wait times. Also, depending on the day of the week, as the park gets closer to closing time, you will also find fewer crowds. Also, as they have said many times on this board, if you go to the park that had evening EMH hours the night before and get there when it opens, you will be able to move around quite freely. I wouldn't personally spend the money, because then it sort of obligates you to follow their plan (to get your money's worth) and sometimes you will come upon an attraction that has no wait that isn't part of the plan. I have been during Easter week and if you plan and use the fastpass system you will be fine!

 

[jedimaster1227]

Touring Plans has much more updated guides, though I don't really agree with all of their schedules (at least when it comes to how many days to spend at each park), they are a better service. There will be another service coming out for free soon though... :animwink:

 

[starwood]

simple answer! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'VE BEEN USING IT FOR YEARS AND IT ROCKS! IT'S PRACTICALLY 100% ACCURATE!

 

[Craig & Lisa]

Here's and idea..... "Be Spontaneous"!!! :animwink: Works for us everytime. If it's a short wait time then get on, if not look at the FP time and go that route and ride something else. Hey, no brainer!! :veryconfu

 

[rubyruu]

Has anyone used Ridemax before? Did it work or is it too good to be true? We're going to WDW for the first time in 10 years the week after Easter. I know it's going to be crazy crowded, so I'm trying to make the most of the time we have. Thanks!!:wave:

\


i havent used the WDW version but the DL version rocked we went during spring break trhis year (yea i know) we didnt spend more than ten minutes in any line got really good seats to almost every show and it told us what to expect ahead of the time and where to stand to have a interactive experience with the parade. we did both parks twice in three days

its set up like an intenary when to ride what according to YOUR ride choices, how long you plan to spend in the park, it set up break times and meal times and even how long it should take you to walk from one ride to the next.

the first day my kids said they wanted to go off by them selves and by lunch time i had ridden 10 rides to their 4 they spent the rest of the trip with me, following the route set down by the program.

how cani say this it was relaxing not having to rush to the next line not worring if i had to stand in line for three hours for a 4 minute ride...

it let me ride the tea cups six times in one day and each time i almost walked up to the entrance

best 20 bucks i spent the whole trip..

 

[Philo]

I always like the idea of this kind of thing but I'm not the type of person that can follow these plans. I would be far too tempted by the attractions nearby and I know i would use the "one more trip on Space Mountain can't hurt" line which would basically throw the whole plan out.

 

[RiversideBunny]

Hoopla !

 

[Llamaface]

\


i havent used the WDW version but the DL version rocked we went during spring break trhis year (yea i know) we didnt spend more than ten minutes in any line got really good seats to almost every show and it told us what to expect ahead of the time and where to stand to have a interactive experience with the parade. we did both parks twice in three days

its set up like an intenary when to ride what according to YOUR ride choices, how long you plan to spend in the park, it set up break times and meal times and even how long it should take you to walk from one ride to the next.

the first day my kids said they wanted to go off by them selves and by lunch time i had ridden 10 rides to their 4 they spent the rest of the trip with me, following the route set down by the program.

how cani say this it was relaxing not having to rush to the next line not worring if i had to stand in line for three hours for a 4 minute ride...

it let me ride the tea cups six times in one day and each time i almost walked up to the entrance

best 20 bucks i spent the whole trip..

Could you try to explain more of how this thing works?

I'm sure these tour planning things can shave off a little bit of time here and there but I'm mystified as to how an itinerary system can make line-ups evaporate in a packed park and allow you to walk up to the entrance of a ride multiple times through out the day.

 

[DivineMadness7]

What if a ride breaks down? (I'm looking at you, Test Track.) Does it totally throw a wrench into the whole thing?

Just utilize the time boards in the parks and add in a little bit of thinking on your feet. Too many variables can screw up the "order." We've never been itinerary people, I barely plan what park for what day (usually because of ADRS) and I can't even imagine planning minute to minute. To me, going to WDW is about escaping the crazy scheduled time of everyday life...

Sure, it's only $20, but that's like....5 Dole Whips or something. I dunno, I think I'd spend my money elsewhere, even on a planning book or something :wave: