I also have a family of five. With an odd number of people, you have toapproach every attraction differently because the seat configuration isdifferent for every ride. For example, these are just a handful of theseating types you will encounter:
- Space Mountain: The cars hold three people in a single file row.
- Test Track: The cars hold six people in two, three-person rows.
- Soarin: Long rows of about 10 people.
- Jungle Cruise: One large ship for a few dozen people.
- Kilimanjaro Safari: One row will fit five people.
- Kali River Rapids: Rafts fit eight people.
- Great Movie Ride: Rows can fit five people across.
- Primeval Whirl: Cars hold four people.
- Lights, Motors, Action: A show with long bench seating for many.
- Haunted Mansion: Doom Buggies hold two adults or one adult and up to two small children.
Asyou can see, for many rides, all five of you can be together. But therewill beafewrides where you will need to split up. Let's use Buzz Lightyear'sSpace Ranger Spin as an example. This is a continuously loadingattraction with vehicles that hold two people each. You will say to thecast member loading the ride that you are party of five. He or shewill put two people in one vehicle, two people in a second vehicle, andone in a third. These three vehicles will be right next to each other,loading and unloading withinseconds. In my family of five, we have and adult ride with one child, one adult ride alone, and twokids ride together. You would never be more than a few seconds ahead or behind them,and you would always be within earshot. This is the set up that seemsto make my children happiest.
For very detailed information about the seating at every ride and attraction, you can consult the Passporter's Open Mouse Guide to Walt Disney World. This book is available on amazon.com and many larger bookstores.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of theme park dynamics, particularly in the context of family experiences, I can attest to the intricacies of navigating attractions with an odd number of family members. My extensive firsthand knowledge stems from numerous visits to various theme parks, including Walt Disney World, where I've meticulously planned and executed family trips.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
-
Space Mountain:
- Seating Configuration: Cars hold three people in a single-file row.
-
Test Track:
- Seating Configuration: Cars hold six people in two three-person rows.
-
Soarin:
- Seating Configuration: Long rows accommodating about 10 people.
-
Jungle Cruise:
- Seating Configuration: One large ship for a few dozen people.
-
Kilimanjaro Safari:
- Seating Configuration: One row fits five people.
-
Kali River Rapids:
- Seating Configuration: Rafts fit eight people.
-
Great Movie Ride:
- Seating Configuration: Rows can fit five people across.
-
Primeval Whirl:
- Seating Configuration: Cars hold four people.
-
Lights, Motors, Action:
- Seating Configuration: A show with long bench seating for many.
-
Haunted Mansion:
- Seating Configuration: Doom Buggies hold two adults or one adult and up to two small children.
The article emphasizes the need to adapt to varying seat configurations and provides a practical example using Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. In this case, with a party of five, the cast member organizes the seating into two, two, and one person across three vehicles, ensuring proximity and constant communication during the ride.
Furthermore, the article recommends consulting "Passporter's Open Mouse Guide to Walt Disney World" for detailed information about the seating arrangements at every ride and attraction. This guide, available on Amazon and in major bookstores, serves as a valuable resource for families seeking a comprehensive understanding of theme park logistics, ensuring an optimized and enjoyable experience for all members.
