Was just at the city this past weekend. Crowds weren't too bad, but I did see something new (or that I don't remember). When riding the Elehpant March, Fire Spotter, and the racing regatta, the rides seemed to freewheel quite a bit before they stopped. I remember from prior trips a more gradual deceleration that seemed assisted by a brake. This time it seemed like the rides slowed due to their own friction.
Maybe I'm misremembering...
Yeah, seems like something that may have been adjusted for maintenance purposes. Cycle time vs brake maintenance cost calculation going on behind the scenes I assume.