The future of Universal express pass with virtual lines

[havoc315]

So at Universal, I stay at the deluxe hotels for the added benefit of the Express Pass.
But it seems Universal is moving away from regular standby lines, to virtual lines -- similar to fastpass. Assigned return times.
Supposedly, the new Volcano Bay won't even have standby lines -- Just virtual lines with their "Tapu Tapu" system.
They also recently tested virtual lines at Despicable Me. Supposedly the new Jimmy Fallon ride will be virtual lines.
So I was wondering if they are going to get rid of Express Pass, or if it will have diminished value.

I'll be visiting Volcano Bay July 4th weekend.... I was picturing going to Volcano Bay in the morning and getting ride return times for the evening.

It appears, the value of Express Pass may be better than ever.
From the Universal website:

The information page on Express passes:

Skip the Virtual Line™ at Universal’s Volcano Bay

To me, this is a win-win system for EVERYONE. Regular guests will have virtual lines instead of long standby lines. Basically a more advanced version of Disney fastpass.
Meanwhile, Express Pass guests won't have to worry at all about scheduling rides.

 

[Disxuni]

I honestly was not expecting this to happen at Universal (the park itself), as I am surprised at this news of it being tested at Minions.

However, it's being tested, which I guess we'll see how well it works out. Adding the "virtual lines" concept would cost serious money, as they would have to install new systems at all the attractions at both theme parks and possibly new lines (which may not cost much, but could be awkward in some attractions). Unless they save by doing what Disney done (originally) and only done it for certain attractions.

While this would be a great thing to ease some wait times, I would be more excited about it if it was not only all attractions, but unlimited, which would differ from Disney. And like you said, it would still be a benefit to buyers of EP, or hotel guests, as with EP you do not need to schedule, but simply walk on. Which is obviously good, as scheduling would cost time, as well as can be inconvenient for those who tend to live by the moment and are not planners.

 

[damo]

Rumours are that only a couple of attractions will have the virtual queue.

 

[Disxuni]

I would hope it would be HP based attractions, as they still do not have EP. I feel as if that since they do not offer it, they should at least do the virtual line concept to be at least a little fair and ease wait times a little.

 

[damo]

I would hope it would be HP based attractions, as they still do not have EP. I feel as if that since they do not offer it, they should at least do the virtual line concept to be at least a little fair and ease wait times a little.

I think they probably want people to take time in those queues which contain a ton of detail. The virtual queue time would greatly reduce that. I think it will just be for very low capacity rides where the queue is small and uninspired.....like Pteranodon Flyers.

 

[havoc315]

I honestly was not expecting this to happen at Universal (the park itself), as I am surprised at this news of it being tested at Minions.

However, it's being tested, which I guess we'll see how well it works out. Adding the "virtual lines" concept would cost serious money, as they would have to install new systems at all the attractions at both theme parks and possibly new lines (which may not cost much, but could be awkward in some attractions). Unless they save by doing what Disney done (originally) and only done it for certain attractions.

While this would be a great thing to ease some wait times, I would be more excited about it if it was not only all attractions, but unlimited, which would differ from Disney. And like you said, it would still be a benefit to buyers of EP, or hotel guests, as with EP you do not need to schedule, but simply walk on. Which is obviously good, as scheduling would cost time, as well as can be inconvenient for those who tend to live by the moment and are not planners.

Whether virtual lines held or hurt convenience will really depend. If you can click on a virtual line, and then wait 30 minutes before your ride... then it is probably convenient for the non-planners. On the other hand, if it means that you swipe by the ride, and then wait 6 hours before you can ride, may not be so great for spontaneity.

As to cost --- the investment would pay a HUGE return for Universal. Remember, when people are waiting on line, Universal is not making any additional revenue. On the other hand, if they were waiting on a virtual line... what would guests do while waiting for their virtual line? Oh, they might buy a snack, or spend extra time in the gift shop, etc.
Virtual lines free guests up to spend $$$. Plus, they give guests a more positive experience, making them more likely to return to Universal, recommend it to their friends, etc.
Virtual lines would be a small investment with a big payoff.

 

[havoc315]

I would hope it would be HP based attractions, as they still do not have EP. I feel as if that since they do not offer it, they should at least do the virtual line concept to be at least a little fair and ease wait times a little.

Can't say whether it would ease wait times. May depend on your perspective -- Which is better or worse--- spending 45 minutes in a slow moving line, or spending 3 hours in a virtual line?

One question would be -- Do they have standby lines + virtual lines running simultaneously. So you have a choice... 45 minute standby line, or 5 hour virtual line. This is really how Disney's fastpass system works.
Or... eliminated standby lines entirely. And just go with Virtual lines only. Supposedly, this is how Volcano Bay is going to work. All rides, or at least all major attractions, will require scheduling a time to ride. If the times are 30-45 minutes out, then I think all guests will love it. If your time is 4-8 hours out, I could see guests moaning that they would rather just have a standby line.

 

[orangey]

I asked about the virtual line at Minions since it is in the Universal app and was told by the TM that it was something they briefly tried and had discontinued. Also, from what I read about Volcano Bay, you get a sort of magic band when you enter the park to do the virtual line stuff and have to give it back when you leave.

 

[damo]

I asked about the virtual line at Minions since it is in the Universal app and was told by the TM that it was something they briefly tried and had discontinued. Also, from what I read about Volcano Bay, you get a sort of magic band when you enter the park to do the virtual line stuff and have to give it back when you leave.

A taputapu.

 

[Patch'sD]

With the amount of detail that went into the Race through NY waiting areas, my opinion is that groups of 80 people will be given a general return time. they will set about 20 seats for EP. When your time comes you will enter the ride and maybe have to wait 30 minutes in the two waiting areas before you enter the studio (the ride queue). Why go through all the detail if no one is going to be in there long enough to see it. Live entertainment as you walk by the stage. They can do that for Minions, Shrek and Terminator and other large capacity event shows. EP is safe and will be available in the virtual queues as there will be some wait in all these rides.

 

[keishashadow]

A taputapu.

A "TT" vs a "MB"? lol. I smell another DISboard acronym brewing

 

[Disxuni]

I'm sure it would be a good investment @havoc315, but as much as they love to spend money on attractions as a whole, sometimes it seems as if when it comes to improvements, or putting more of a specific thing into the parks, theme parks have a habit of either waiting a long time, or not doing it at all even if it would be good investment for the company.

Another example of something I feel they need to improve, or put more of, but never seem to be going to is lockers for Dragon Challenge. As when it was originally built, they only needed articles stored when the person felt needed, as now it's a requirement, depending on what time it seems like a mad house and more of a wait to use the lockers than the ride itself, as it was not designed to having to be occupied by everyone who was planning on going onto the ride.

It sucks that they discontinued doing it for the Minions, however, I guess that is a sign they may just stick to just doing the "no queue" concept for Fallon and that is it. Perhaps, there was too much conflict and confusion with trying to do the virtual line with Minions and switching things around on guests. I'm sure it would be easier at Volcano Bay, as the whole place is designed based off of it and it's all in the hands of the "TT".

 

[havoc315]

I'm sure it would be a good investment @havoc315, but as much as they love to spend money on attractions as a whole, sometimes it seems as if when it comes to improvements, or putting more of a specific thing into the parks, theme parks have a habit of either waiting a long time, or not doing it at all even if it would be good investment for the company.

Another example of something I feel they need to improve, or put more of, but never seem to be going to is lockers for Dragon Challenge. As when it was originally built, they only needed articles stored when the person felt needed, as now it's a requirement, depending on what time it seems like a mad house and more of a wait to use the lockers than the ride itself, as it was not designed to having to be occupied by everyone who was planning on going onto the ride.

It sucks that they discontinued doing it for the Minions, however, I guess that is a sign they may just stick to just doing the "no queue" concept for Fallon and that is it. Perhaps, there was too much conflict and confusion with trying to do the virtual line with Minions and switching things around on guests. I'm sure it would be easier at Volcano Bay, as the whole place is designed based off of it and it's all in the hands of the "TT".

It may very well be back for Minions. It was not a pass/fail test --- I'm certain it was meant as a way to collect real world data. It was not intended to become permanent at that time.

 

[Disxuni]

It may very well be back for Minions. It was not a pass/fail test --- I'm certain it was meant as a way to collect real world data. It was not intended to become permanent at that time.

That is true that could have been it's purpose.

However, I would imagine if it would really work well if they were testing it, or collecting data, that they would consider potentially doing it permanently in the future as (besides Kong at the moment) Minions always has the highest wait times, regardless of whether it's slow, or peak season.

 

[havoc315]

That is true that could have been it's purpose.

However, I would imagine if it would really work well if they were testing it, or collecting data, that they would consider potentially doing it permanently in the future as (besides Kong at the moment) Minions always has the highest wait times, regardless of whether it's slow, or peak season.

Best guess.... you will see park-wide "taputapu" within 12-24 months. Just a guess, but the signs point to that general direction .

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

So at Universal, I stay at the deluxe hotels for the added benefit of the Express Pass.
But it seems Universal is moving away from regular standby lines, to virtual lines -- similar to fastpass. Assigned return times.
Supposedly, the new Volcano Bay won't even have standby lines -- Just virtual lines with their "Tapu Tapu" system.
They also recently tested virtual lines at Despicable Me. Supposedly the new Jimmy Fallon ride will be virtual lines.
So I was wondering if they are going to get rid of Express Pass, or if it will have diminished value.

I'll be visiting Volcano Bay July 4th weekend.... I was picturing going to Volcano Bay in the morning and getting ride return times for the evening.

It appears, the value of Express Pass may be better than ever.
From the Universal website:

The information page on Express passes:

Skip the Virtual Line™ at Universal’s Volcano Bay

To me, this is a win-win system for EVERYONE. Regular guests will have virtual lines instead of long standby lines. Basically a more advanced version of Disney fastpass.
Meanwhile, Express Pass guests won't have to worry at all about scheduling rides.

I think if you're wanting more information you should watch the DIS Unplugged Universal edition. They actually touched impact to Express Pass with the virtual lines. They did confirm Fallon will be virtual lines and it appears Shrek has also been lined up to at least include this at times (they've even built into the side of the building kiosks for selecting your return time).

Here is at least the episode regarding Fallon ride (and other rides at least testing the virtual lines) but you can go through youtube to find more episodes on the Universal edition (just don't have time to go through the episodes to list them here)
1/19/2017: #FallonRide & Return Time Tickets (starts about 26mins in):

 

[wilkeliza]

From what I heard express pass goes right in through the EP line where as the standby now becomes return time only. Minion tried it different ways where there was no standby at all, standby only the first and last hour of the day, and 3 separate lines where standby was used to fill empty seats when people didn't return for their return time or there were less EP users then expected.

 

[havoc315]

From what I heard express pass goes right in through the EP line where as the standby now becomes return time only. Minion tried it different ways where there was no standby at all, standby only the first and last hour of the day, and 3 separate lines where standby was used to fill empty seats when people didn't return for their return time or there were less EP users then expected.

I really like the Return time + EP combo. Disney should consider something similar.... it's basically tiered fastpasses. All guests can schedule rides (traditional fastpass), while premium guests (premium hotel or those purchasing the EP) can get the added benefit of riding whenever they want without needing to schedule.
So regular guests are getting a new advantage, while those willing to splurge for EP still get a nice benefit as well.

 

[wilkeliza]

I really like the Return time + EP combo. Disney should consider something similar.... it's basically tiered fastpasses. All guests can schedule rides (traditional fastpass), while premium guests (premium hotel or those purchasing the EP) can get the added benefit of riding whenever they want without needing to schedule.
So regular guests are getting a new advantage, while those willing to splurge for EP still get a nice benefit as well.

Disney's version of this extra pay to play level is a bit higher. I think that is where they push VIP and the rides packages. It is a lot more then EP though. The real problem I have is the removal of Standby completely. I feel like if I want to wait even if the posted time if 4 hours I should have that option yah know.

 

[havoc315]

Disney's version of this extra pay to play level is a bit higher. I think that is where they push VIP and the rides packages. It is a lot more then EP though. The real problem I have is the removal of Standby completely. I feel like if I want to wait even if the posted time if 4 hours I should have that option yah know.

It will really depend on how they work the system, but look at it this way --- If you the virtual lines are about the same length as the old standby lines, you are losing nothing. If you get a return time for Kong one hour later... You could always choose just to stand there for an hour, no different than standby. But you'd also have the option of just walking around, getting a snack, using the bathroom.

I suspect we will see more tests like they did at Minions, and Volcano Bay will be the big test of how it works across an entire park. They are promising NO lines. But I find that hard to believe -- does it make sense to use virtual lines for lower demand attractions? If lines are just 5-15 minutes... is there any reason to have a virtual line instead? And if every attraction is a virtual lines, how many virtual lines are you allowed in at a time? Can you be "in line" for 10 attractions all at once? One at a time, like the old Disney FP system? 3 lines, like the current Disney FP?