Large boxes at Star Tours and TOT queues - queue changes coming? Shades of xPASS?

[doconeill]

Some large boxes apparently appeared this morning at the Star Tours and Tower of Terror queues...here is a pic of one:

http://t.co/XUSy1Qtv

Seems like there could be some external queue work soon? Could it be preliminary work for xPASS?

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Thanks for the update, Doc! Of course it's for XPASS!!

 

[nytimez]

Interesting -- this might be the first evidence of Xpass-related work being done on queues that already have Fastpass.

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

Wow...stay tuned to disboards during the next two weeks!!

 

[wallawallakids]

What exactly is Xpass?

 

[mesaboy2]

Very interesting.... Thanks, doc.

 

[doconeill]

Wow...stay tuned to disboards during the next two weeks!!

I don't think we'll see xPASS itself in two weeks...but they need to have a critical mass of tech in the appropriate places before they could offer even a "phase 1".

And that's even if it is xPASS related. Right now, it's just a box...

What exactly is Xpass?

There should be several threads on the subject...briefly, it's part of the NextGen project which Disney has been spending a lot of money on. Not a ton of information is know, but it is expected to be an RFID-based system which will include being able to schedule ride reservation times in advance (think like ADRs for Fastpasses), etc. plus potentially a number of other "experiences" (reserved parade viewing, etc.) and even potentially replace Key To The World cards for resort guests.

But we don't know when, who, how much, etc.

 

[nytimez]

Right now, it's just a box...

I know what's inside: a cat!

 

[CentralFloridian99]

Interesting Maybe giveaways for SWW? JK, it's probably xPass.

 

[KellyNY]

Question is, why there is no tarp on this box?

 

[ZehnJahren]

Definitely doesn't look like anything for an upgrade to the system. It could be prep for refurbs, storage for night refurbs or cleanings that need to be in that area for a short time, or paving stones. I don't know, but that box is 1) too big, and 2) too low to the ground, in my opinion.

 

[LadyntheTramp]

Interesting Maybe giveaways for SWW? JK, it's probably xPass.

I know what's inside: a cat!

Now the questions becomes is it alive or dead?..lol :

 

[Reddog1134]

Now the questions becomes is it alive or dead?..lol :

Obviously both.

Any idea what the sign on it says? Is it the standard "Please Pardon our Pixie Dust"?

 

[nytimez]

is it alive or dead?

Yes, it is.

 

[lsenquiz]

wonder if someone could just ask a CM: Hey, what's up with the box?

 

[electricsoup]

I noticed a few other boxes like that in DHS a few weeks ago - we stood next to one on the parade route (across from SD, near the IJESS cart).

 

[doconeill]

Definitely doesn't look like anything for an upgrade to the system. It could be prep for refurbs, storage for night refurbs or cleanings that need to be in that area for a short time, or paving stones. I don't know, but that box is 1) too big, and 2) too low to the ground, in my opinion.

I don't think the dimensions of the box mean much - it's not covering something to hide, otherwise we would have heard about more work in those areas before. It could be holding parts, perhaps for new FP kiosks, etc. (there was a rumor that FP kiosks would be swapped out soon).

Star Tours already went through a major refurb that ended just 9 months ago...seems unlikely they'd need to do another refurb, and they generally don't need to stage equipment for minor stuff.

Maybe it's a big sign saying, "Late FASTPASS users go home!"

 

[KellyNY]

It is a bit weird that box appeared right before 3/7 change. Do you think it may be cold water barrel to cool down guests who will make scenes.

 

[mesaboy2]

Definitely doesn't look like anything for an upgrade to the system. It could be prep for refurbs, storage for night refurbs or cleanings that need to be in that area for a short time, or paving stones. I don't know, but that box is 1) too big, and 2) too low to the ground, in my opinion.

You forgot 3) in such a high traffic area that it doesn't really fit with any of your scenarios.

 

[tchrrx]

I thought it was the Droids, but that doesn't make sense if it's at ToT too.