Coming soon, there will be a modest price increase for a TouringPlans subscription, going from $15.95 to $17.95 (50 cents of which is just an increase to match inflation). With the development of new features in recent years, and with several new projects in the works, we figured that this was the right time for a price adjustment.
Since our last price increase in 2018, we’ve debuted many new features and improvements, and we’ve increased our in-park research in size and scope. Here’s some of what we’ve accomplished, along with a preview of what’s currently in the works.
Lines 2.0 App
By far, the biggest leap forward for TouringPlans is the introduction of the Lines 2.0 app. With a completely redesigned user interface, but still including all the tools you love, this app has been released to tremendous reviews. You can read about all the features of Lines 2.0 here.
Pre-Opening Wait Times and Touring Plans
You asked, we answered. Because Disney theme parks quietly open on most days before the posted hours, and because that is the best time to hit headliner attractions with minimal waits, we have started providing pre-opening wait times and provide support for pre-opening steps in touring plans through the Lines 2.0 app. This can help you save a tremendous amount of time in line by seeing high-demand attractions first thing in the morning.
Increased In-Park Research
The past couple of years has seen major changes to Disney theme parks. From the opening of one of Disney’s most ambitious lands on both coasts with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the total overhaul of how theme parks operate following COVID-19 reopenings, we have improved our tools to provide users with the information they need to know. Only some of this can be done through algorithms and statistical analysis. An important part is real-world testing. That is why we’ve significantly increased our in-park research team presence. We now have at least one researcher in a Disney theme park every day.
Some of what our in-park research team does includes:
- Tracking crowd patterns to improve accuracy for touring plans and wait time forecasts
- Updating ride closures–and openings
- Collecting data for the statistical analysis team
- Providing daily mask compliance counts to include in our daily wait time analysis blog posts
- Responding in real time to social media questions, live from the park
- Verifying theme park menus to keep the Lines 2.0 dining data up to date
- And yes, trying every cupcake in the park to see which ones are worth your money
So what’s on the horizon?
Looking ahead, there are many exciting TouringPlans projects in development. Optimal turn-by-turn walking directions inside the parks using GPS is the next big thing we’re working on. With that, we’ll be able to tell you step by step how to get from one place in the park to another, in the shortest amount of time. We’re also working on a prototype for walking directions that uses augmented reality (AR) to guide you on your route. Imagine giant Mickey Mouse gloves floating in space along the walkway in Tomorrowland, pointing out the path to follow to your destination. Once we get the GPS and point-to-point walking directions done, this would be the next step. And beyond that, we think there’s a lot of ways AR can help guests in the parks.
As a TouringPlans subscriber, your subscription helps provide the funding for these new developments, but beyond that your support and feedback provides valuable information about how we should proceed in the future. We know many of our subscribers have been with us for years, but whether you are a long-time Liner or a new subscriber, we are thankful for the trust you put in our time-tested technology to help you have your best vacation experience ever.
Do you have any features you’d like to see in the future at TouringPlans? Let us know in the comments.
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