Space Mountain - Poor Cast Experience

[Freshee61]

Wow, that really stinks that we are having this conversation! What Is happening to the magic??? We can't even pick a side etc that we prefer ? Since when is being at wdw being about rigid rules and time frames and etc. Why would somebody have to explain which line ..... Terrible. Hope you get to go soon and ride only the left as much as you want. And yes whatever it is the left is definetely better!
Sorry for your loss.

 

[maxairmike]

Can I just take a stab in the dark that everyone who likes the left side of Space (and left turns?) also likes a certain sport where every turn is to the left?

 

[C.FERNIE]

I like the left side better to! Not sure why????? Think its pretty poor they didnt let you ride the side you wanted! To be fair all the CMs are amazing! Guess some just have a bad day like everyone else! :wave:

 

[captainkidd]

Isn't one line just for fastpass?

 

[fosse76]

My best recommendation for next time is see if you can get a moment with a cast member at that merge point just to explain the meaning behind why you would like that side. More than likely they will understand why and it will be no problem. If there are problems, I would ride, exit, and then visit the greeter outside, to see if you could talk to a manager for the area to just ensure you get that ride. They'll make it happen for you.

I disagree. You shouldn't have to disclose anything personal to a CM when you, as a guest, aren't asking for anything special (i.e., something that guests ordinarilly don't receive). The OP should have asked for a manager right then and there, but definitely after getting off the ride.

 

[CaptainShortty]

Wow, do you work for guest services? Nahh..no Walt references in there...

I'm not sure if this was meant as a snide comment but if it was, it's not appreciated. As a CM who's both troubleshooted many problems and has friends that work at Space Mountain and Guest Relations I was merely trying to help the OP rectify the problem in the simplest way possible should it happen again. I don't work for Guest Services but I AM a cast member and it is my job to take care of any guest that comes my way with a problem and I take that very seriously. If there is something I can do to help, even if it's through the computer I'm going to do it. Sorry if you don't like it.

 

[goofntink]

Foremost. The left side of space mountain is both my father's and my favorite side.

The first day I get to Disney World, we go to MK, we ride Space Mountain on the right hand side ... No chance to come back and re-ride.

My second and final day I wait in line for space mountain, at the line split I ask to got the left hand side. I am told no. I RIDE!!

I wait in line again, at the split I ask to ride on the left hand side. This time I am told: "THEY ARE THE SAME" go to the right. I stand in line about 30 seconds. I got back to the split and ask to ride the left side. I am once again told no.... I EXIT!.

Following the above exchange I immediately go to guest services. I tell them the aforementioned info. They ask me: 1) How many are in your party? ->>> I respond = 1. .... Next they inform me its against policy (unless large party) to disrespect guest preferences. 2) They ask me why the left side? I say: My father passed March 24th. It was his favorite side and I wished to ride it once more while here in his memorium. --- The guest service staff member offered me front of the line status, to which I declined (it was 2:30 AM, i was tired and groggy) and just wanted to inform the. SHe offered me a button (---I'M CELEBRATING---). I said that would be nice, upon which she gave me all 8 disney buttons: 1) Family Reunion, 2) Happily Ever After, 3) I'm Celebrating, 4) Happy Birthday, 5) Just Engaged, 6) 1st Visit, 7) Happy Anniversary, 8) Honorary WDW Citizen.

Overall, the CM kindness and enthusiasm counteracted everything which upset me. I am grateful for her kindness and friendship. Above all else, I wish I had had the chance to ride the left side of space mountain, thought important to me, it was not worth a public outburst (in-line) or waiting again. I know I'll have another chance. God Speed Everyone.

Question,you did not mention in your post, but was the left side even open and were there guests in the queue? You mentioned you went to guest services immediately after at 2:30 a.m,which means you were at the park during E.M.H. At that time that side may have been closed already since you were in line a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes from close of the park and there is not normally many guests left in the park at the time. You also state you returned to the split multiple times and you were in line for less than a minute each time.If there were guests in that side they may have been just trying to clear that side of who was left in line and not putting anyone else into that queue.They normally do close one side at attractions with multiple load areas like POTC and BTMR,just like SM at that time of night and only use one side. That may have been the case and the CM should have explained that to you.

 

[the-reason14]

Question,you did not mention in your post, but was the left side even open and were there guests in the queue? You mentioned you went to guest services immediately after at 2:30 a.m,which means you were at the park during E.M.H. At that time that side may have been closed already since you were in line a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes from close of the park and there is not normally many guests left in the park at the time. You also state you returned to the split multiple times and you were in line for less than a minute each time.If there were guests in that side they may have been just trying to clear that side of who was left in line and not putting anyone else into that queue.They normally do close one side at attractions with multiple load areas like POTC and BTMR,just like SM at that time of night and only use one side. That may have been the case and the CM should have explained that to you.

I honestly can't remember a time when they've closed a side of space mt. just for emh. One side may have opened late due to technical difficulties, but rarely have I seen them close it just cuz the parks about to close. I remember one emh the cms saying to pick whichever side, and other emh's when I did it without being told because it was late and hardly anyone was there.

 

[Kobe!!]

I thought the left side was used for Fast Passes too?

The rides are the exact same except when you leave the loading bay, one track goes left and the other goes right.

OP, sounds like you spent more time complaining about your experience when you could have got another ride in.

Yes, the CM was rude but there was no reason for you to be a baby and snitch.lol

If you worked a major ride like that and say the amount of people that we say in a day, you would not always be happy either.

 

[the-reason14]

I thought the left side was used for Fast Passes too?

The rides are the exact same except when you leave the loading bay, one track goes left and the other goes right.

OP, sounds like you spent more time complaining about your experience when you could have got another ride in.

Yes, the CM was rude but there was no reason for you to be a baby and snitch.lol

If you worked a major ride like that and say the amount of people that we say in a day, you would not always be happy either.

They're both used for fastpass, they alternate depending on certain variables I guess. But I feel like I'm always on the right side no matter what. I love SM, and as long as I get to ride it then I shouldn't complain I guess.

 

[menamechris]

I'm not sure if this was meant as a snide comment but if it was, it's not appreciated. As a CM who's both troubleshooted many problems and has friends that work at Space Mountain and Guest Relations I was merely trying to help the OP rectify the problem in the simplest way possible should it happen again. I don't work for Guest Services but I AM a cast member and it is my job to take care of any guest that comes my way with a problem and I take that very seriously. If there is something I can do to help, even if it's through the computer I'm going to do it. Sorry if you don't like it.

I am so sorry you had an unfortunate experience reading my post. I do take your position as a cast member with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts seriously, and your contribution and dedication to the company is greatly appreciated. As Walt once said - "You can design, create, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality." Have a magical day! :wave:

 

[MickeyPeace]

I was also told by a CM that both sides were the same when I asked. Confusing to guests.

I had a bad experience with a CM at Space Mountain a few years back. Guests services handled it extremely well (after a bit of a wait and speaking to a couple of people there).

The GM at the attraction was worthless. He seemed timid and promised the CM would get talked to. Not good enough. Always go to guest services.

 

[Mansion Butler]

I personally think they are upping the number of FastPass tickets they are distributing an hour - and at least on some attractions - GREATLY exaggerating the Standby time outside (by like 45 minutes) to discourage people to get into the standby queue. Anyways....rant over... :wave:

Just so you know, that's not how it works.

 

[menamechris]

Just so you know, that's not how it works.

Any idea what the deal is with that then? I am honestly curious...

 

[Mansion Butler]

Any idea what the deal is with that then? I am honestly curious...

I meant for the FastPass. FPs are distributed based on a set % of the hourly capacity being FP riders.

The wait time could be any number of things, from intentional human decision to computer error.

 

[captainkidd]

Not to be a wise guy, but I've ridden both sides more times than I can count. If you think there's any difference between the 2 besides one making turns one way and the other vice versa, you're wrong. The ride is exactly the same, with the exception of the extra 10 feet, which is part of the unload area.

 

[CaptainShortty]

I am so sorry you had an unfortunate experience reading my post. I do take your position as a cast member with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts seriously, and your contribution and dedication to the company is greatly appreciated. As Walt once said - "You can design, create, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality." Have a magical day! :wave:

My apologies as well then. Just something lost in translation I guess. Have a Magical Day Yourself!! :wave: :wave:

 

[devoy1701]

Not to be a wise guy, but I've ridden both sides more times than I can count. If you think there's any difference between the 2 besides one making turns one way and the other vice versa, you're wrong. The ride is exactly the same, with the exception of the extra 10 feet, which is part of the unload area.

turning right versus left does have a mental impact on the person I would think. And how the two sides have worn over the years would make the experiences marginally different. I personally have always preferred the right side, even knowing they are mirror images of each other.

 

[Phonedave]

I disagree. You shouldn't have to disclose anything personal to a CM when you, as a guest, aren't asking for anything special (i.e., something that guests ordinarilly don't receive). The OP should have asked for a manager right then and there, but definitely after getting off the ride.

Personal - no

Providing more information - yes

As was said before, maybe the left side was down, maybe the line on the left side was longer because of a hold up and they were told to direct people to the right until further notice, maybe, maybe, maybe.

No personal information had to be divulged. All the guest needed to say was "I would really prefer to ride the left side. Is there some reason that I cannot?" and then instead all of this guessing we would have some facts.

I encounter this sort of thing quite often in both personal relationships and in business. People expect you to be mind readers. "Oh, I wanted that presentation to be under 5 slides, I though you would have known that"

People need to learn how to communicate

-dave


-dave

 

[fosse76]

Personal - no

Providing more information - yes

As was said before, maybe the left side was down, maybe the line on the left side was longer because of a hold up and they were told to direct people to the right until further notice, maybe, maybe, maybe.

No personal information had to be divulged. All the guest needed to say was "I would really prefer to ride the left side. Is there some reason that I cannot?" and then instead all of this guessing we would have some facts.

The post I was responding to suggested that the OP explain to the CM why he wanted to ride the left side. My response, basically, is it doesn't matter. It wasn't an unreasonable request. At most, and this is where I agree with you, the OP should have inquired with the CM as to why he couldn't ride the left side. And unless the left side was closed or being closed, there is no legitimate reason to have denied the request.

I encounter this sort of thing quite often in both personal relationships and in business. People expect you to be mind readers. "Oh, I wanted that presentation to be under 5 slides, I though you would have known that"

People need to learn how to communicate

-dave


-dave

Where is the mind-reading in this thread? The CM who denied the OP's request isn't entitled to know the reason for that specific request. Yes, there is a lot if gusswork on our parts as to why the request was denied by the CM. But let's be real. You can clearly see whether or not both sides are operating before reaching that CM position. So unless they were closing that side, there could be no reason to have denied the request, and I think most people are operating under the assumption that the ride wasn't closing.