hamu86 Posted August 17, 2007 Posted August 17, 2007 Will you be there right at the park open? If so, I would suggest sprinting for the Eejanaika line. Dodonpa will be the least crowded line at the park open because it starts running 30 minutes after the other two. Anytime you see Dodonpa at under a 90 minute wait, you might as well suck it up and get in line. It never gets materially shorter than about an hour because of the low turnover. I've noticed most early park traffic going for Fujiyama or Eejanaika. First-timers and "normal" people (i.e., those who are not coaster dorks) will queue up early for Fujiyama because of its name recognition and because it's close to the entrance. Meanwhile, all the people who haven't visited the park for a couple of years will head to Eejanaika since that's the one they've never experienced. An hour wait for Fujiyama is not worth it. That line should start to die down in the afternoon. As for Eejanaika, last Sunday I saw the line get as big as 2-1/2 hours. In that case it's probably better to wait until the evening. More details here: http://djham.blogspot.com/2007/04/travels-fujikyu-highland.html
MidtownCoaster Posted August 17, 2007 Posted August 17, 2007 Thanks for a solid TR. I would love to see some of those items make it onto a nigiri menu here in the states. ha ha.
scooterdoug Posted August 17, 2007 Author Posted August 17, 2007 Pete C, Hamu86 gives some pretty solid advice. Everyone does seem to run to Fujiyama. When I went, Fujiyama was the only one of the big trio running upon opening. Eejanaika opened about 20 minutes later, followed by Dodonpa. Eejanaika's line varied, with the shortest being 10-15 minutes when it first opened, maxing out at around 45-60 minutes later in the day. Dodonpa seems to stick at about an hour wait all day with no variations. Fujiyama fluctuated from 10-40 minute waits (longer when the other 2 rides were down, shorter when they opened). You will likely see similar wait times that I did, as I also went on a Sunday. Also, keep a close eye on the weather forecast, as they close rides at the slightest hint of rain (though the rainy season will be well over when you go). My advice would be to gate crash and head straight for Eejanaika (assuming it's open when the park opens). Ride that a bunch while keeping your eyes on Dodonpa. When you see them launching test trains, head over there to maybe get on without the usual hour wait. Fujiyama seems to be the most reasonable line there, so ride that when the line looks respectable. Also, while the back is best on Fujiyama for airtime (back is also smoother on Eejanaika...go figure), you have no choice in where you sit. In Japanese parks, they tell you where to sit. Just keeps the line moving more efficiently. Finally, if you choose to gate crash, I would suggest using the train (since the bus gets you there well after the gates open). Use Japan Rail's very excellent Hyperdia www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi for train times (enter "fujikyuhairando" for your destination). Just be ready for an early wake up! Hope this helps. And remember to chant "Eejanaika, Eejanaika!" with the ride ops as they send you on your way! -Doug
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