diff --git a/features/step_definitions/custom_web_steps.rb b/features/step_definitions/custom_web_steps.rb
index 88a82d4e4..923040c46 100644
--- a/features/step_definitions/custom_web_steps.rb
+++ b/features/step_definitions/custom_web_steps.rb
@@ -41,5 +41,9 @@ When /^I wait for the request's profile page to load$/ do
 end
 
 When /^I wait for the ajax to finish$/ do
-  wait_until { evaluate_script("$.active") == 0 }
+  wait_until(10) { evaluate_script("$.active") == 0 }
+end
+
+When /^I have turned off jQuery effects$/ do
+  evaluate_script("$.fx.off = true")
 end
diff --git a/features/step_definitions/user_steps.rb b/features/step_definitions/user_steps.rb
index 4f052f998..4a92c2ec9 100644
--- a/features/step_definitions/user_steps.rb
+++ b/features/step_definitions/user_steps.rb
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ Then /^I should see (\d+) contact(?:s)? in "([^"]*)"$/ do |contact_count, aspect
 end
 
 When /^I drag the contact request to the "([^"]*)" aspect$/ do |aspect_name|
+  Given "I have turned off jQuery effects"
   aspect = @me.reload.aspects.find_by_name(aspect_name)
   aspect_div = find("ul.dropzone[data-aspect_id='#{aspect.id}']")
   request_li = find(".person.request.ui-draggable")