Just booked LLs for May 6-10 and it didn’t go quite as I hoped. For example, couldn’t get a morning time for TSM in DHS, and all of my good rides in Epcot are starting much later than I hoped, making it difficult to take the much needed afternoon break. It also makes it difficult or impossible to get more LLs. I booked Epcot last, so I guess that is how it goes. I was able to do some modifying, but not to the point I would have liked.
I think I have been spoiled by going in late August traditionally, because I have always been able to get rides between 9-12, allowing for a break and grabbing more rides for later.
I have been reading the LL strategies threads, etc, but does anyone want to advise on how I might give myself a chance of moving these up? Do I focus on the drop times every day leading up to the trip, just check randomly, all of the above?
I was about to recommend the LL availability alerts from Thrill Data - but when I went to find the link, I saw that they are no longer offering these for free, or during the pre-booking period I think this is linked to the introduction of the new paid Wait Magic service that they are offering? It’s a shame, as I had found these alerts pretty effective in finding me earlier times for pre-booked LLs in the run-up to my trip, and it saved me from having to remember to go in and check!
There are no known drops of additional inventory in the pre-arrival period (though some Liners have reported seeing new availability especially at three days out on the morning of your actual park day). So I wouldn’t bother checking around the actual drop times - you can just try to check whenever you think of it? I’m afraid I’m not aware of any other tried and tested solution to moving up LLs in advance of your arrival.
Have you read about Genie in the La Cava Section of the Forum? Unfortunately it’s become a bit more unreliable due to Disney’s crack-down on bot-like booking behavior, but when it does work, it REALLY works (I have used it on two trips across all four parks, and there was not a single time I wanted that it couldn’t get for me). It also doesn’t work in the pre-arrival period, but can start searching for earlier LLs for you from 10pm the night before your park day.
Thanks. I did start reading about Genie but I don’t know if I am capable of using multiple layers of tech (since I couldn’t even get this right.) I will take a closer look though.
And bummer about Thrill Data. I don’t think I will be paying for any more services for such a short trip.
Thanks for explaining about the drops. I wasn’t sure if it is every day, pre-arrival period or not. But now that I think it through, that makes sense! I will continue checking randomly, and will try to look at 3 days out specifically.
If you can’t find anything before your park day, I’d note that the hour or two before and after park opening tend to have a lot of activity with people changing plans around on almost every attraction. So that may be your best bet to snag something someone else dropped, but it could take some persistence (lots of refreshes).
I think the Thrill data LL alerts still works. There may be some premium functionality that you need a paid membership for, but the basic functionality is still there (you may need a log-in though). I only have a free account and currently have both a LL alert and a dining alert set up:
I’ll echo what others have said – I wouldn’t anticipate a ton of movement ahead of your trip, but with diligent refreshing, it’s certainly possible to find availability the morning of.
Regarding Genie, does anyone you’re traveling with use Discord? If so, they’d have a head start on being able to use Genie.
I think this is linked to the introduction of the new paid Wait Magic service that they are offering? It’s a shame, as I had found these alerts pretty effective in finding me earlier times for pre-booked LLs in the run-up to my trip, and it saved me from having to remember to go in and check!