PHOTOS - Inside the interactive indoor queue set to open in July at Dumbo

[Ignohippo]

Based on what it is, I'd say it's fine. Nothing breathtaking, but certainly an upgrade to waiting in line for 45 minutes.

That aside, my disappointment comes strictly from the way it has been promoted for the past 2+ years. From the way it was promoted and the new interactive elements in the Space Mountain queue and the posters in the Town Square queue, I was expecting something truly next-gen and interactive. I was expecting something along the lines of the games in Toy Story Midway Mania (certainly not as large scale, but something along those lines).

Based on that, this queue is very, very disappointing. For what it is though, not having those expectations, it's certainly a great idea and an upgrade from any other queue.

 

[Tom]

I'm definitely intrigued by this new concept, and I'm looking forward to checking it out for sure.

For what it's worth, some of my favorite memories from my first trip in 1986 (I was 6) were of waiting in lines, talking to my parents about what we were going to do next. I don't have a problem with waiting in line at all, and I don't necessary understand why we're conditioning kids to be stimulated 100% of the time. That being said, I have very fond memories of playing on the old playground in the Disney Marketplace, and I can appreciate some of these areas popping up for kids to burn off some energy.

I'm concerned, though, about the latest barrage of people condemning others' opinions. This is a discussion forum, and people here often disagree (imagine that! ). Just because other members disagree with you, do you really think that their opinions are "wrong?" Seriously...

Opinion (noun):
1) a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter;
2) a belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge;
3) a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert

I believe that it is wrong to formulate an opinion based on limited or essentially NO information, and to also formulate a global opinion on a subject that does not warrant a voiced opinion about such matter. But, that's just my opinion.

What is being delivered here are "impressions" based on extremely limited information. Definition #2 above says that an opinion is to be stronger than an impression, but less than positive knowledge. Right now, we have been presented with slightly more information than "an impression" - but people are expressing formal opinions, in an expert manner, for something nobody has seen or experienced in any way, shape or form.

Expressing your thoughts on whether this new system would benefit you or not is merely a statement, not an opinion. I know that this system will not benefit me in my current stage of life, as I have no children and have no wishes to ride Dumbo. But I can say that there is an extremely large demographic (already represented by a handful of people in this thread) that will find great pleasure in the finished product. And it is their opinions which will matter most, especially to Disney as they ponder this solution for other attractions, and for other theme parks, to see if they should implement such a system.

Ok, so for those of you that don't like this queue or feel it doesn't engage the whole family... what would you want!?!

I don't get, I really don't! We have a way better queue than before (it's not even worth comparing the two) and folks are complaining. So you say the look is cheap - want kind of look would you want for a themed queue area in Dumbo? So you say it doesn't include the whole family - want kind of interactive queue would entertain all ages?

I really don't see how Disney could have done a better job with this one. It took an iconic kids ride that was way too short with a painfully slow line in the blazing heat... and gave us double capacity while adding more fun for kids, taking us out of the heat, and making it look pretty to boot! What's the problem, again!?! :shrug:

I don't get it either. If someone would honestly stand in a switchback outdoor queue for 60-120 minutes rather than have the opportunity to EITHER sit down and relax, OR play a few games with their kids OR sit and relax while watching their kids play a few games....I guess I'll never understand our society.

We constantly complain because of long queues and Fastpass making Standby queues longer, and queues being hot and outdoors. But then Disney builds a large indoor, climate-controlled room that allows you to wander freely or sit idly....and people complain.

Fortunately, the people who do the market research know who to go to for the correct and necessary feedback, and I believe it will be positive. Not something that needs to be implemented at E-tickets, but why not at some of the "under 10" attractions? God forbid there be a reason for a kid to run around and socialize in real life than to be standing idle in a queue with his face smashed into an electronic device.

 

[orky8]

I'm concerned, though, about the latest barrage of people condemning others' opinions. This is a discussion forum, and people here often disagree (imagine that! ). Just because other members disagree with you, do you really think that their opinions are "wrong?" Seriously...

Generally, I would agree with this sentiment. But some people (well, one person), has taken the position that they would rather bond with their kids in the normal switchback in the Florida heat, then be surrounded by other brats in this air conditioned tent. I think that opinion is "wrong." I also think it not true. But, to hold any other opinion would require that person to acknowledge that this little non-queue-queue is not 100% a dissappointment. They can't seem to do that, because if they wanted to play with their kids in air conditioning, they would go to McDonalds. This is Disney World they argue, and Walt would not approve of kids being entertained while they wait in line, unless the parents are equally entertained.

 

[Ignohippo]

Opinion (noun):
1) a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter;
2) a belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge;
3) a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert

I believe that it is wrong to formulate an opinion based on limited or essentially NO information, and to also formulate a global opinion on a subject that does not warrant a voiced opinion about such matter. But, that's just my opinion.

What is being delivered here are "impressions" based on extremely limited information. Definition #2 above says that an opinion is to be stronger than an impression, but less than positive knowledge. Right now, we have been presented with slightly more information than "an impression" - but people are expressing formal opinions, in an expert manner, for something nobody has seen or experienced in any way, shape or form.

Expressing your thoughts on whether this new system would benefit you or not is merely a statement, not an opinion. I know that this system will not benefit me in my current stage of life, as I have no children and have no wishes to ride Dumbo. But I can say that there is an extremely large demographic (already represented by a handful of people in this thread) that will find great pleasure in the finished product. And it is their opinions which will matter most, especially to Disney as they ponder this solution for other attractions, and for other theme parks, to see if they should implement such a system.



I don't get it either. If someone would honestly stand in a switchback outdoor queue for 60-120 minutes rather than have the opportunity to EITHER sit down and relax, OR play a few games with their kids OR sit and relax while watching their kids play a few games....I guess I'll never understand our society.

We constantly complain because of long queues and Fastpass making Standby queues longer, and queues being hot and outdoors. But then Disney builds a large indoor, climate-controlled room that allows you to wander freely or sit idly....and people complain.

Fortunately, the people who do the market research know who to go to for the correct and necessary feedback, and I believe it will be positive. Not something that needs to be implemented at E-tickets, but why not at some of the "under 10" attractions? God forbid there be a reason for a kid to run around and socialize in real life than to be standing idle in a queue with his face smashed into an electronic device.

See my post above. I believe the promotion leading up to it is the reason for the reactions.

As I said, based on no prior conceived notions, it's fantastic and far superior to any other ride queue. If, like me, you were expecting something truly next-gen and "interactive", this queue is quite a bit disappointing. It's fantastic based on it's own merits, but it's easy to see why people may be let down.

It's so dramatically different from what many of us thought we were getting that it isn't wrong for people to react as they have, even if they only have a couple of snapshots.

I think once people come to grips with what it is, rather than what they were expecting, they will come to see this is a major upgrade.

 

[MichWolv]

See my post above. I believe the promotion leading up to it is the reason for the reactions.

As I said, based on no prior conceived notions, it's fantastic and far superior to any other ride queue. If, like me, you were expecting something truly next-gen and "interactive", this queue is quite a bit disappointing. It's fantastic based on it's own merits, but it's easy to see why people may be let down.

It's so dramatically different from what many of us thought we were getting that it isn't wrong for people to react as they have, even if they only have a couple of snapshots.

I think once people come to grips with what it is, rather than what they were expecting, they will come to see this is a major upgrade.

I must be out of touch. I had absolutely no expectations of anything more than it looks like we're getting.

Same thing happened to me when Orange Bird came back. To me, it seemed like a neat little thing. But others were outraged because of the "hype" that surrounded it, hype that I never noticed.

 

[HMButler79]

Sorry people. I know Queen Meg is probably paying you to sit in Celebration Place and extol the magnificence of this, but this is NOTHING like TRUE fans were expecting. It looks nothing, NOTHING like the film that inspired it. Nothing about says "This IS Dumbo's 1940s circus". This says "since WDW makes stuff for preschoolers let's make it look like a DisneyStore display". This is an embrassment to Walt Disney's film. And WHY do WDW guests feel the entitlement to not have to wait in line, a basic life skill, for over 10min, but the OTHER 4 MK park guests around the world have no problem waiting in line for one Dumbo............

 

[devoy1701]

I agree with a few sentiments here. As I mentioned earlier, I was expecting something different...more of a quasi interactive show of some sort, be it AAs, or video screens, or props, I don't know...I just know it wasn't a play area I was thinking. However, I agree that while the "play area" in itself might not be revolutionary, the idea of combining the play area with a spot-holding paging system that allows you to "leave" the traditional line up queue and roam freely around the tent is definitely a revolutionary spin on the theme park queue. And I agree that the air conditioned Big Top Tent is MUCH better than the concrete switchbacks that the original Dumbo had.

I also agree that this type of queue does go against what Walt was looking for in a theme park with Kids and Adults having fun together...but then again I don't think that idea should be or was meant to be translated down to every attraction a Disney Park offers. Is it ok for some attractions to just be kid-centric...sure!

So while the idea is revolutionary and (IMO) the delivery of the "diversion" is just ho-hum for anyone over the age of 9...the overall execution and attempt at this new kind of theme park queue deserves kudos. If any attraction in the MK should get a "kiddie play area" as its diversion for the NextGen queue, Dumbo is it!

Referring back to my comment about the stationary Dumbo that Tom replied to. It would be/have been nice if they also include some AAs or sight gags or whatever to keep the adults entertained as well. I would be amused if Dumbo flew around inside the tent, or if there was a trapeze act going back and forth across the ceiling or what have you. Perhaps they have. We shall see. :wave:

 

[jakeman]

I also agree that this type of queue does go against what Walt was looking for in a theme park with Kids and Adults having fun together...

How? Do you think that Walt really wanted people to just wait in line and that's what spending time together was?

If that is what he really wanted then why wasn't one of the original Disneyland attractions one of these:

A queue simulator.

This is a stupid argument. You people are arguing that standing in a hot switchback is a better experience than an area where you can play with your child while you wait in the AC for the same attraction.

Of all the legitimate issues that are going on at WDW you people ________ and moan about this. No wonder TWDC laughs at you.

Oh and I'm not worked up or angry or anything like that, this is just tragically humorous to me more than anything else.

 

[devoy1701]

How? Do you think that Walt really wanted people to just wait in line and that's what spending time together was?

If that is what he really wanted then why wasn't one of the original Disneyland attractions one of these:

A queue simulator.

Would it be more logical that Walt wanted the experience of the attraction to be the bonding point, not the queue to get up to it?

I'm really not sure why you feel the need to take small excepts from my posts and spin them as negative as possible as if trying to stir up an argument.

 

[jt04]

Oh.

Well I don't ride dumbo so no big deal for me. The important point is that it entertain those for whom the area is designed. And as long as it is also an effective crowd-eater then what we have is a win-win.

 

[jakeman]

I'm really not sure why you feel the need to take small excepts from my posts and spin them as negative as possible as if trying to stir up an argument.

Because that's the part I disagree with.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you think that Walt wanted people to stand in switchbacks over this, right? I disagree. The attraction itself is what you are supposed to bond over, not the queue.

 

[jumblue]

If people are so offended by this new set up, perhaps they are forgetting they still have the old switchbacks at Carpets over in Adventureland and the Triceratop Spin in Dinoland.

I think it looks good for who they're building it for. Also, can't wait to see how many kids walk that tight-rope there...

 

[devoy1701]

Because that's the part I disagree with.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you think that Walt wanted people to stand in switchbacks over this, right? I disagree. The attraction itself is what you are supposed to bond over, not the queue.

I never said that people should stand in switchbacks over this new queue, I think I made that pretty clear. But for the sake of argument, you could go as far to say that while possibly true that the context of Walt's thinking refered to the attraction and not the queue (which I also stated that I don't think the thought relates to specific attractions either but to the park as a whole) that an interactive queue that focuses just on the children causes you to lose some of that bonding effect, because it disconnects the parents from their children and reinforces "watching children have fun instead of having fun together."

But again, I don't think the Waltology needs to be applied to every aspect of every attraction...just to the theme park as a whole. I am fine with certain attractions catering to different demographics. I also very much see this queue as an upgrade over a concrete switchback.

 

[Tom]

I must be out of touch. I had absolutely no expectations of anything more than it looks like we're getting.

Same thing happened to me when Orange Bird came back. To me, it seemed like a neat little thing. But others were outraged because of the "hype" that surrounded it, hype that I never noticed.

I'm with you 100%. I was never under the impression that we were going to have ImageWorks 2012 or anything of that nature here. It's a flippin' kids ride. What entertains kids? Colorful things, noisy things, things that make noise when you pound on them, fake vehicles, funny looking buildings and people.

Fill a room with that stuff, and they'll never know they just stood in line for 30 minutes to ride Dumbo for 60 seconds. Parents can choose their own adventure. Stick with the kids and interact together, make the kids sit in a corner with them to bond, or take a much-deserved break on the sidelines while their kids play and interact with other kids in a safe and enclosed environment.

What a terrible concept.

 

[jakeman]

I must be out of touch. I had absolutely no expectations of anything more than it looks like we're getting.

Same thing happened to me when Orange Bird came back. To me, it seemed like a neat little thing. But others were outraged because of the "hype" that surrounded it, hype that I never noticed.

I'm with you 100%. I was never under the impression that we were going to have ImageWorks 2012 or anything of that nature here.

It's an odd internet paradox. Usually the outrage about the hype is far greater than the actual hype ever was.

I heard about how mad people were about the hype surrounding Orange Bird long before I heard about Orange Bird coming back. :lol:

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Based on what it is, I'd say it's fine. Nothing breathtaking, but certainly an upgrade to waiting in line for 45 minutes.

That aside, my disappointment comes strictly from the way it has been promoted for the past 2+ years. From the way it was promoted and the new interactive elements in the Space Mountain queue and the posters in the Town Square queue, I was expecting something truly next-gen and interactive. I was expecting something along the lines of the games in Toy Story Midway Mania (certainly not as large scale, but something along those lines).

Based on that, this queue is very, very disappointing. For what it is though, not having those expectations, it's certainly a great idea and an upgrade from any other queue.

I agree with this whole heartedly. It'll pass the time for the little ones, but do so in a minimal way. :shrug: Eh.

I'll tell you what I had in mind... And honestly, I don't know where it came from... Maybe from a description long ago or something... But I pictured games that kids could play, similar to what you would find in traveling circusus or on a boardwalk (like at DCA). Things like a ring-toss. Basketball shot. Softball toss. Water gun in a clown's mouth. That sort of thing. A big room with a carnival/midway kind of feel. Games that normally you might have to pay for, but were just here for fun. No prizes.


Those obviously would appeal to the slightly older kids, so I could see an area of the big top set aside for the toddlers, as seen in the pictures. But someone said they thought it looked like their local mall, which is exactly the same thought I had when I saw it. But it is what it is.

I pictured buzzers. Lights. Sounds. Props with movement. Extreme over-stimulation.

 

[Lucky]

But for the sake of argument, you could go as far to say that while possibly true that the context of Walt's thinking refered to the attraction and not the queue (which I also stated that I don't think the thought relates to specific attractions either but to the park as a whole) that an interactive queue that focuses just on the children causes you to lose some of that bonding effect, because it disconnects the parents from their children and reinforces "watching children have fun instead of having fun together."

But again, I don't think the Waltology needs to be applied to every aspect of every attraction...just to the theme park as a whole.

Remember when Walt was around families spent a day at DL. Many families spend a week or more at WDW, and there's no shortage of family bonding time.

 

[devoy1701]

Remember when Walt was around families spent a day at DL. Many families spend a week or more at WDW, and there's no shortage of family bonding time.

yes. I agree. Jakeman was just looking for an argument to something that I wasn't even suggesting. So I gave him the best counter stance that I could come up with. :animwink:

 

[The Duck]

I'm with you 100%. I was never under the impression that we were going to have ImageWorks 2012 or anything of that nature here. It's a flippin' kids ride. What entertains kids? Colorful things, noisy things, things that make noise when you pound on them, fake vehicles, funny looking buildings and people.

Fill a room with that stuff, and they'll never know they just stood in line for 30 minutes to ride Dumbo for 60 seconds. Parents can choose their own adventure. Stick with the kids and interact together, make the kids sit in a corner with them to bond, or take a much-deserved break on the sidelines while their kids play and interact with other kids in a safe and enclosed environment.

What a terrible concept.

I've just finished this entire thread and I have to say that you've made the best points by far. Besides, if the queue was designed to be a mind-boggling experience that was guaranteed to knock your socks off, who would want to complete the experience by riding a spinning elephant for 60 seconds? Kind of anti-climatic to me...

 

[Lucky]

I'll tell you what I had in mind... And honestly, I don't know where it came from... Maybe from a description long ago or something... But I pictured games that kids could play, similar to what you would find in traveling circusus or on a boardwalk (like at DCA). Things like a ring-toss. Basketball shot. Softball toss. Water gun in a clown's mouth. That sort of thing. A big room with a carnival/midway kind of feel. Games that normally you might have to pay for, but were just here for fun. No prizes.


Those obviously would appeal to the slightly older kids, so I could see an area of the big top set aside for the toddlers, as seen in the pictures. But someone said they thought it looked like their local mall, which is exactly the same thought I had when I saw it. But it is what it is.

I pictured buzzers. Lights. Sounds. Props with movement. Extreme over-stimulation.

That was my impression too. There was this:

"The sound of the calliope will lead you to the brand new Storybook Circus and not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Before taking to the skies on this Fantasyland favorite, you can experience an array of fun-filled family games and interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top."

See http://www.disneywebcontent.com/dcc/1722/b5fd3ce00f157310VgnVCM100000d864a8c0RCRD/

Maybe they've dropped the "array of fun-filled family games," but maybe they haven't.