That section where you think you're getting close and turn the corner to realize NOPE and THEN also that you're moving "outside" again into the backstage area was just beyond demoralizing haha. I always say Disney is good at "hiding" the reality of their lines, but that was just too much lol.
So for context, our first time riding ROTR was Sunday of opening weekend which was an all-time high day for breakdowns. We waited something around 14 hours from getting our boarding group at 7 until we were able to ride. We were tired, cranky, frustrated at how having no idea what was happening all day affected our ride planning...and even with all that we got off the ride feeling it was so worth the wait! (Still do - luckily have now ridden it 5 times.) So just adding that to show we're not the type to get annoyed simply due to waiting or long lines. And understanding they are two very different types of experiences. Like you wrote, however, just found it underwhelming.