I see multiple strategies developing in this thread, which is great. What is less great is overlapping terms and discussions can get a bit confusing.
Here is what I've gleaned from this thread, with some made-up terms I'm using to try and keep the strategies distinct.
- "stacking" refers to the
Genie+ implementation where a user becomes eligible for a new LL reservation 120 minutes after having not been eligible for some other reason. 'stacking' refers to the fact that this process will lead to holding more than one LL at the same time.
- "hop stacking" refers to the strategy of collecting LL reservations at a park other than your initial park reservation park. The system will automatically offer LL times after the 2PM park hop restriction to facilitate collection of useful LL.
- "double stacking" refers to the strategy of getting the initial LL reservation for a return time around 2 hours after park open so that the 120 minute "stacking" strategy comes into play (LL#2), followed shortly by redemption of the first LL and booking LL#3.
- "minimum cycle time" (jargony, sorry: maybe there is a better term. I wanted to avoid the term 'greedy' which is also jargony) refers to the strategy of getting as many LL as possible as quickly as possible to maximize the use of LL. Stacking is unlikely to come into play with this strategy as the user is trying to get their next LL quickly by using the previous one asap. The key to this strategy is to get the popular LL that winds up with late return times quickly for early in the day. A 7AM start with Genie+ is a must.
My view is that 'minimum cycle time' makes the most sense for users who are not interested in re-riding any attractions. If you aren't going to re-ride something, then using LL to skip a 'short wait' 15 minute line is perfectly reasonable since you aren't coming back anyway. However, for users interested in re-riding attractions, when to use LL for a particular ride becomes part of the strategy. In other words, re-rides means you have to use standby at some point, so that standby wait will want to be during the short wait opportunity.
I think 'double stacking' makes the most sense for users interested in riding the same ride multiple times. Ride standby at rope drop when standby lines are most reasonable, then use the double stack after the first 120 minutes of the day.
The final strategy I'm trying to formulate is 'late arrival stacking.' (No hopping) On arrival day, I'm getting to MCO around 3PM. This is too late to make use of 'hop stacking.' I'm eyeing rides that get pushed to late return times early in the day (e.g. Jungle Cruise). I don't think I'd be able to get a 4PM or 5PM return time at 8:55AM so this strategy is one I'll be watching for feasibility.