Disney World tests virtual queues at water parks

[knicksak2]

http://www.**************.net/2017/...ter-parks-ahead-universals-volcano-bay-debut/

One of the most publicized plusses for Universal Orlando’s upcoming new Volcano Bay water park is its lack of lines for rides, instead allowing guests to wait in “virtual queues” until their time to slide has come.

But before Universal even has a chance to open the flood gates to Volcano Bay in May, Walt Disney World is already firing back with a little line-skipping feature of their own.

Beginning today, Disney has begun testing their take on water park virtual queues at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Through next week, guests looking to ride Summit Plummet, Downhill Double Dipper, Slush Gusher, or the recently-added Miss Adventure Falls will have a chance to secure a place in line without actually waiting in one.

This differs from Disney’s FastPass+ system in that guests can’t make ride time reservations from outside the park, instead requiring a visit to these particular attractions to grab a spot. But, again, this is only a test.

Virtual queues are nothing new for either company, as Universal has recently used the concept on Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon while Walt Disney World did when they updated their classic Dumbo ride a few years ago.

Universal Orlando intends to arm all Volcano Bay guests with wearable Tapu Tapu wristbands, the technology behind their virtual queueing system.

But if Disney’s tests go well, they may just get out ahead of Universal Orlando long before Volcano Bay’s scheduled debut date of May 25.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Sounds like the return of legacy FP.....

I hope it is there and expanded when we go in Aug!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

So, the FP+ queue becomes the "appointment" queue? How is that different from FP+?

 

[HopperFan]

Well the Virtual Queue for Jimmy Fallon ........... stinks. We booked a time and lucky for us we did it as soon as we arrived and got it for an hour or so later. Once we arrived we were put into a "standby" line that was another hour wait inside. All it did was keep folks from lining up outside the ride as well. It really needs a new name, it was no more than an appointment to get in line ....

So, the FP+ queue becomes the "appointment" queue? How is that different from FP+?

FP+ you have a fairly short wait to board once you return. So why not just call it a FP+ return time? even if everyone gets it. I assume because it will be like Universal's which is no more than an appointment to still get in the "standby line". You are still waiting in line. But for Disney it's one more way to keep you out there, maybe buying ice cream, lunch or drinks.

 

[BrianL]

Well the Virtual Queue for Jimmy Fallon ........... stinks. We booked a time and lucky for us we did it as soon as we arrived and got it for an hour or so later. Once we arrived we were put into a "standby" line that was another hour wait inside. All it did was keep folks from lining up outside the ride as well. It really needs a new name, it was no more than an appointment to get in line ....

That's interesting. Jimmy Fallon is still in testing, isn't it? Maybe it will be better by the actual opening date. I know Universal is banking on this virtual queue business hard for Volcano Bay, and surely this test at TL is a direct response to that. Hopefully it will work better than what you experienced.

 

[Klayfish]

The link won't open on my work computer, but I'm presuming it's some sort of FP+ concept. Being a huge fan of the water parks, I have to say I'm very mixed about any talk of FP there. I can see why they would want to do it, but from a practical standpoint, I think it would be a bit harder to do than the 4 parks. The capacity of the water rides is much more dependent on guests...how long does it take them to get off the slide at the bottom, before another one can go? That is such a huge variable. How would they know how many FP+ to allow, unless they go ultra conservative, which would have it's own issues.

While the lines for the biggest slides can get long midday, which stinks, there are plenty of other things to do. Guess overall, I'm open to the concept of a FP+ type system there, but think it would have to be very carefully thought out.

 

[knicksak2]

The link won't open on my work computer, but I'm presuming it's some sort of FP+ concept. Being a huge fan of the water parks, I have to say I'm very mixed about any talk of FP there. I can see why they would want to do it, but from a practical standpoint, I think it would be a bit harder to do than the 4 parks. The capacity of the water rides is much more dependent on guests...how long does it take them to get off the slide at the bottom, before another one can go? That is such a huge variable. How would they know how many FP+ to allow, unless they go ultra conservative, which would have it's own issues.

While the lines for the biggest slides can get long midday, which stinks, there are plenty of other things to do. Guess overall, I'm open to the concept of a FP+ type system there, but think it would have to be very carefully thought out.

i copied the article into the post so you can read it

 

[HopperFan]

That's interesting. Jimmy Fallon is still in testing, isn't it? Maybe it will be better by the actual opening date. I know Universal is banking on this virtual queue business hard for Volcano Bay, and surely this test at TL is a direct response to that. Hopefully it will work better than what you experienced.

It wasn't like Fallon wasn't running smooth, it was ... this is how it's set up. You book a time to return and then every so many folks entering get a color card. As each color is called you move upstairs. You can mingle where ever up and down because the color card controls your ride time. There are about 6 groups waiting and it took an hour to process us through front to back ... and it wasn't even full. When we went to Fallon folks were actually leaving because they were so frustrated at the long wait.

I know Volcano is hoping for a success with this, and while we were excited about going ......... right now we are holding back until we hear reports because if every slide is going to be like this .............. ugh. At this point there is no standby line for Fallon, only virtual queue and maybe they will add Express Pass. What will happen at Volcano? Will you be able to make multiple appointments or just one at a time? If only one, then that will mean no more good slides? just the low key stuff? I don't know - I'm just curious how many on the go water park fans are going to be happy with the line control.

 

[BrianL]

It wasn't like Fallon wasn't running smooth, it was ... this is how it's set up. You book a time to return and then every so many folks entering get a color card. As each color is called you move upstairs. You can mingle where ever up and down because the color card controls your ride time. There are about 6 groups waiting and it took an hour to process us through front to back ... and it wasn't even full. When we went to Fallon folks were actually leaving because they were so frustrated at the long wait.

I know Volcano is hoping for a success with this, and while we were excited about going ......... right now we are holding back until we hear reports because if every slide is going to be like this .............. ugh. At this point there is no standby line for Fallon, only virtual queue and maybe they will add Express Pass. What will happen at Volcano? Will you be able to make multiple appointments or just one at a time? If only one, then that will mean no more good slides? just the low key stuff? I don't know - I'm just curious how many on the go water park fans are going to be happy with the line control.

Hmm, too bad it runs like that. It does not seem like a good system at all. I read an article recently about the psychology of line queues and how people prefer to see a formal line rather than a "take a number" group because it is a visual signal as to how long you will have to wait and you feel like you are making progress. There is also a very strong sense of fair play that people have, which is why line-jumpers can rankle people so much. I am not surprised people got frustrated at the Jimmy Fallon ride from the sounds of it.

 

[knicksak2]

Hmm, too bad it runs like that. It does not seem like a good system at all. I read an article recently about the psychology of line queues and how people prefer to see a formal line rather than a "take a number" group because it is a visual signal as to how long you will have to wait and you feel like you are making progress. There is also a very strong sense of fair play that people have, which is why line-jumpers can rankle people so much. I am not surprised people got frustrated at the Jimmy Fallon ride from the sounds of it.

I like how fallon has a lot to do while you "wait in line though" like the first part is like a museum with all the different hosts and then the second floor there is entertainment and games and things to do so your not just standing there waiting in line. I haven't been on it but it seems like i nice way to wait.

 

[BrianL]

I like how fallon has a lot to do while you "wait in line though" like the first part is like a museum with all the different hosts and then the second floor there is entertainment and games and things to do so your not just standing there waiting in line. I haven't been on it but it seems like i nice way to wait.

I saw some video of that. At least they included Conan!

Still, it seems that if it works the way HopperFan says, you mill around the museum for a while, then they call your group, and it still takes an hour to process you through. That seems cumbersome and will mislead guests as to the actual wait time.

 

[knicksak2]

I saw some video of that. At least they included Conan!

Still, it seems that if it works the way HopperFan says, you mill around the museum for a while, then they call your group, and it still takes an hour to process you through. That seems cumbersome and will mislead guests as to the actual wait time.

yea you wait around in the museum for a while then you wait around in the next room which has like a barbershop quartet type of entertainment and games and clips of the show and stuff then you go to the ride. It can be confusing on how much time you have left though

 

[DLgal]

How are they doing this at Disney water parks? What are they using as the actual Fastpass. It's not like people have pockets to hold a ticket, and the magic bands don't vibrate or have notifications, and I mean, other than the few people who bring waterproof cell phone pouches, I assume the majority don't have their phones on them either. From a practical standpoint, how is Disney doing this???

 

[BrianL]

How are they doing this at Disney water parks? What are they using as the actual Fastpass. It's not like people have pockets to hold a ticket, and the magic bands don't vibrate or have notifications, and I mean, other than the few people who bring waterproof cell phone pouches, I assume the majority don't have their phones on them either. From a practical standpoint, how is Disney doing this???

I don't think they said, but they could use a waterproof plastic card that you return when you arrive. That makes the most sense.

Volcano Bay is actually using a wristband with a little screen in it and everything. It is waterproof like a Magic Band. You get one when you enter and return it when you leave. It's a neat idea, but I do wonder how well it will work in practice. I guess we'll find out when Volcano Bay opens.

 

[yulilin3]

Well the Virtual Queue for Jimmy Fallon ........... stinks. We booked a time and lucky for us we did it as soon as we arrived and got it for an hour or so later. Once we arrived we were put into a "standby" line that was another hour wait inside. All it did was keep folks from lining up outside the ride as well. It really needs a new name, it was no more than an appointment to get in line ....



FP+ you have a fairly short wait to board once you return. So why not just call it a FP+ return time? even if everyone gets it. I assume because it will be like Universal's which is no more than an appointment to still get in the "standby line". You are still waiting in line. But for Disney it's one more way to keep you out there, maybe buying ice cream, lunch or drinks.

when was this? we did Fallon this 3/20. Arived around 1pm, got our ticket for 3pm. We came back earlier and they allowed us to go into the lobby, we got our color and almost instantly our color was called, we wanted to check out the Ragtime Gals (my son had friends performing) so we stayed to watch a couple of sets, our color got called again about 45 minutes later. Once in the actual line we only waited 15 minutes. There was no queueing once inside the building you can walk around/sit down/play games...

 

[HopperFan]

when was this? we did Fallon this 3/20. Arived around 1pm, got our ticket for 3pm. We came back earlier and they allowed us to go into the lobby, we got our color and almost instantly our color was called, we wanted to check out the Ragtime Gals (my son had friends performing) so we stayed to watch a couple of sets, our color got called again about 45 minutes later. Once in the actual line we only waited 15 minutes. There was no queueing once inside the building you can walk around/sit down/play games...

3/12

No, you are not in a queue inside, but you are still waiting and while we were there ... I ended up sitting on the floor in corner of room with stage, because there was no where open and we had been in there so long. It was so crowded there was no where to sit, no open games ... honestly we all said it was very claustrophobic and hopefully no emergencies. Rarely do I look for emergency exits but with the crowd, I did. In the 30 minutes or so we were upstairs - only Bear appeared. Once I enter an attraction building, formal queue or not, I am still waiting to ride.

We were the third color to be called downstairs and probably the third again to go in the theater upstairs.

Didn't want to post response on the Disney Water Park Queue thread but wanted to share pictures for you to see how they are handling the Virtual Queue at Universal, once checked in.





You enter the front door with your Virtual Appointment time then travel down a long hallway. We were the beginning of the next group so we were to fill the hallway. At the end of the hall you are given a color coded ticket (I forgot to take a picture) and enter a big room where the walls have windows full of props dedicated to each host. In the middle is a case you can watch some tv and just on the other side is the last area before the steps.

If you look at pics you see a colored round light on ceiling, that is the color ticket that was allowed to go up the stairs. Your ride is controlled by your color. We were in this area with 2 other colors (3 total) and there was room for more. Each color should represent one theater full of guests. Once upstairs it is cut up with columns some but basically two rooms. First room had sofas, video games etc and it was packed. We made our way to the last room that had a stage and lots of big screens. It was a montage of clips from the show that seemed to loop at about 30 minutes as we saw the whole thing and the beginning of it again. Sometimes they announce guests to come out on stage, and all we saw was the bear. When your color is called again you enter a queue from the main room.

You get your glasses then you line up just like you do for Soarin'. They do another video on the screen. Then you enter the theater room by rows, sit and have your few minute ride. From the time we got our color ticket downstairs until we got on the ride it was right about one hour. Now if no one is riding it, I suppose you can skip colors until each color is full but once it is fully open I doubt that will happen until folks get bored with it. The one picture of the queues looks like it might be possible for them to do Express Pass here.

All 3 of us felt quite closed in and crowded upstairs.

 

[DLgal]

I don't think they said, but they could use a waterproof plastic card that you return when you arrive. That makes the most sense.

Volcano Bay is actually using a wristband with a little screen in it and everything. It is waterproof like a Magic Band. You get one when you enter and return it when you leave. It's a neat idea, but I do wonder how well it will work in practice. I guess we'll find out when Volcano Bay opens.

Okay so I saw a picture online. It's a plastic wristlet like they use for the photopass at the water parks. It has a return time stamped on it.

My question then becomes, how do you know what time it is? I never wear a watch at water parks and there aren't exactly clocks all around either.

This seems kind of set up to fail. The whole reason Volcano Bays system is unique is that it doesn't require guests to keep track of time. The wristband notified you when it's time to ride.

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

This is similar to how a lot of comic book conventions I go to work. You buy your ticket for a specific autograph/photograph time, and then you're not to wait in line until a certain amount prior to that time.

Doesn't really stop anyone from lining up early, though.

 

[yulilin3]

3/12

No, you are not in a queue inside, but you are still waiting and while we were there ... I ended up sitting on the floor in corner of room with stage, because there was no where open and we had been in there so long. It was so crowded there was no where to sit, no open games ... honestly we all said it was very claustrophobic and hopefully no emergencies. Rarely do I look for emergency exits but with the crowd, I did. In the 30 minutes or so we were upstairs - only Bear appeared. Once I enter an attraction building, formal queue or not, I am still waiting to ride.

We were the third color to be called downstairs and probably the third again to go in the theater upstairs.

So you had to wait downstairs for the color and again upstairs? We only had to wait upstairs, we actually went up, saw a set of the Ragtime Gals and went downstairs to look at the museum and then went up again. Maybe they changed it

 

[HopperFan]

So you had to wait downstairs for the color and again upstairs? We only had to wait upstairs, we actually went up, saw a set of the Ragtime Gals and went downstairs to look at the museum and then went up again. Maybe they changed it

Downstairs through 3 colors, then upstairs more colors. If the attraction is busy/full then there will be 6 colors used and that will fill upstairs and downstairs. So we arrived and green was lit and they were heading upstairs, then we stood there for awhile (length of movie/load I assume), then yellow lit up and we waited through it's time frame, we were orange.

Then we finally lit up and they let us go upstairs where green and yellow were along with blue and purple. I am guessing maybe there were so many colors up there because blue and purple were not full groups since it was earlier in day. So we were kept downstairs about 25 minutes and then upstairs about another 30 minutes before we entered the theater. We filled the theater so they seem to working it at capacity at that point.

There were so many people on each floor I can't see being able to move back and forth when we went.