_Scar
Active Member
Not the test, the queue itself with the preshow and recording studio...
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RnR testing queue-less system that Dumbo's going to use
- Thread starter Testtrack321
- Start date
Not the test, the queue itself with the preshow and recording studio...
Victoria
Not old, just vintage.
Call me crazy but I think I prefer standing in a regular line for now. At least the queues are themed and after a certain point you reach air conditioning. This time of year I might not mind sitting on a bench in the courtyard for 45 min, but come August I would just be a puddle on the ground.
Another thing that pops into my mind is that when you are waiting in a normal line you at least feel productive. You are constantly inching towards a goal. Sure, its smelly and you are with a bunch of strangers but you at least subconsciously know that you are working towards your goal. I don't think sitting on a bench and listening to a DJ would give me the same feeling. When I am in WDW, sitting around for too long makes me feel like I am wasting valuable (and expensive) vacation time. I know 45 minutes is still 45 minutes whether it is spent in line or milling around the court yard...but I think the former might be a little less psychologically annoying. :shrug:
I applaud Disney for testing something new and radical, but I'm just not sold on the idea...yet. I'm curious to see how long the test and adjust period for this is.
Another thing that pops into my mind is that when you are waiting in a normal line you at least feel productive. You are constantly inching towards a goal. Sure, its smelly and you are with a bunch of strangers but you at least subconsciously know that you are working towards your goal. I don't think sitting on a bench and listening to a DJ would give me the same feeling. When I am in WDW, sitting around for too long makes me feel like I am wasting valuable (and expensive) vacation time. I know 45 minutes is still 45 minutes whether it is spent in line or milling around the court yard...but I think the former might be a little less psychologically annoying. :shrug:
I applaud Disney for testing something new and radical, but I'm just not sold on the idea...yet. I'm curious to see how long the test and adjust period for this is.
Studios Fan
Active Member
I'm not sold on this idea.
RSoxNo1
Well-Known Member
What they're doing is really no different.
I haven't been in the Standby queue of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster since they changed it. Is there anything worth seeing on the inside of the standby queue now?
With all that said, it's going to be hard to do this in an area where it wasn't originally designed for it. As I said earlier, it could be done in queues that have large switchback rooms, but it would work better in areas that were designed with this concept in mind.
I would also think that Shanghai may employ this type of setup park wide as they can set up every attraction to operate this way.
dxwwf3
Well-Known Member
Well said! I'm not completely down on the idea because it seems like it would really work for Dumbo and Soarin', but I think most attractions are going to work better with a traditional queue.
I wasn't suggesting the test. I'm saying 90% of the current queue line is HORRIBLE. It's a giant maze in a hot, humid pit. Once you get inside it's 10 minutes.
_Scar
Active Member
Oh, well... it can't please everyone.
Figment1986
Well-Known Member
really, if they wanted to go insane with the queueless waiting concept RNRC does start off with a "tour" of the studio... you could be waiting for your tour to start in the waiting area... then have a "guide" take you to the preshow where it takes over from there... the holding area could be enhanced with more stuff... like the DJ and guitar hero as well as chairs and TVs with trivia on aerosmith and disney artists... it could in theory work.
Laura
22
Actually, even though I like this idea (mostly because I love to try new, innovative stuff) I was thinking the exact same thing! I hate to sit still and kind of enjoy waiting in line as long as the queue is somewhat interesting. I cannot stand pre-shows (except HM) for this reason. I'd rather be moving than watching a screen.
Also, from a parent's perspective, waiting in line is a nice "break". The kids automatically propel themselves through the line, and they can't go anywhere or get in any trouble. Having to keep them busy and not lose them during a 45 minute wait in a crowded holding area would be exhausting.
I have no doubt, though, that however Disney decides to go about this, they will do a fabulous job and I'll have no complaints.
From what I feel, and something people need to remember, is that....
THIS IS A TEST OF THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, SOFTWARE, BACKEND, AND OTHER LOGISTICAL ISSUES
This is like building a mock-up of a hotel room layout before you go out and decorate and copy it 2000x. I'm willing to bet that Dumbo will have a significantly better layout, notification system, entertainment, etc. This was just a test of the back end system
THIS IS A TEST OF THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, SOFTWARE, BACKEND, AND OTHER LOGISTICAL ISSUES
This is like building a mock-up of a hotel room layout before you go out and decorate and copy it 2000x. I'm willing to bet that Dumbo will have a significantly better layout, notification system, entertainment, etc. This was just a test of the back end system
Victoria
Not old, just vintage.
The more I think about it, the more unhappy I am about the prospect of just milling around a holding tank for a long time. I think it would require some fantastic entertainment and lots of shade in the courtyard to keep me from getting cranky. Like many others have said, I think this is an idea that will truly only work in attractions that are built from the ground up with this queue-less system.
I never even thought about it from a parental perspective. Trying to keep track of 1 or more kids in the crowded courtyard sounds miserable. At least in the line they can't escape too far. :shrug:
Tom
Beta Return
Really....I think it's a novel idea and I think we should let them try it out before we completely trash it.
If you step back and look at it, it's actually a slimmed down version of FastPass. In fact, it's the exact same concept that's used in every license branch in the country: take a number, wait your turn. The absolute lowest forms of life in our society can even handle the license branch (I know this because it seems as if I am there when they're all there too).
FastPass provides a reasonable excuse to forget, or miss your turn. It lets you go away and come back, often hours later. This system gives you a ticket for a relatively short, fixed, return time. It seems clear (to me, at least) that you pretty much need to stay in the "holding pen" area and wait it out. The big sign tells you roughly how long until you will be called in. If you miss, tough pooh!
I, for one, would MUCH rather be able to stretch my legs, sit down, eat an ice cream novelty or go potty instead of standing in a line. As "A.D.D.' as our society has become, this seems like a no-brainer to me. I'm anxious to see if it takes off and works.
If you step back and look at it, it's actually a slimmed down version of FastPass. In fact, it's the exact same concept that's used in every license branch in the country: take a number, wait your turn. The absolute lowest forms of life in our society can even handle the license branch (I know this because it seems as if I am there when they're all there too).
FastPass provides a reasonable excuse to forget, or miss your turn. It lets you go away and come back, often hours later. This system gives you a ticket for a relatively short, fixed, return time. It seems clear (to me, at least) that you pretty much need to stay in the "holding pen" area and wait it out. The big sign tells you roughly how long until you will be called in. If you miss, tough pooh!
I, for one, would MUCH rather be able to stretch my legs, sit down, eat an ice cream novelty or go potty instead of standing in a line. As "A.D.D.' as our society has become, this seems like a no-brainer to me. I'm anxious to see if it takes off and works.
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
I have a new idea that I am going to pitch to WDW.
When you book your trip, then send you a detailed itinerary.
6:42 you will ride Soarin'
7:05 your party will smile at your memory of Soarin;
7:15 you will enjoy a Mickey Premium bar at the cart behind innoventions.
7:28 your party will ride M:S Orange, little Junior will throw up
7:37 A CM named Phil will assist you with the protein spill
I think it's perfect. It eliminates all that nasty stuff like waiting, and decision making, and thinking for ones self, and having to be able to stand in a line for more than 30 seconds. Who needs to do crap like that on vacation.
-dave
When you book your trip, then send you a detailed itinerary.
6:42 you will ride Soarin'
7:05 your party will smile at your memory of Soarin;
7:15 you will enjoy a Mickey Premium bar at the cart behind innoventions.
7:28 your party will ride M:S Orange, little Junior will throw up
7:37 A CM named Phil will assist you with the protein spill
I think it's perfect. It eliminates all that nasty stuff like waiting, and decision making, and thinking for ones self, and having to be able to stand in a line for more than 30 seconds. Who needs to do crap like that on vacation.
-dave
EpcotServo
Well-Known Member
Personally I think the system would also be ideal if only we locals can use it. I mill around anyway, and love getting in a ride quick.
Or don't. I get Fastpasses with or without the intention to come back anyways, same principal.
:lol:
Or don't. I get Fastpasses with or without the intention to come back anyways, same principal.
:lol:
rct247
Well-Known Member
SETUP
Basically, the entrance to coaster courtyard was blocked off. Part of the entrance was for stand by, part for Fastpass & single riders, and the other for the exit. The barricades didn't continue after that. Then inside the courtyard a joined Fastpass / Single Rider line was formed and entered where normally the stand-by line would be. Then the rest of the courtyard was a waiting area. The waiting area was barricaded off with a person making sure everyone who entered had a certain card, more on that later. Inside the waiting area was a live DJ playing a big variety of music ranging from classic rock and disco to 90s hits and Disney Channel All-Stars. More benches were set up too. Where the Fastpass Distribution usually is they set up 4 Rock Band video game stations where guests could play Rock Band including the new Beetles version. Set up in the surrounding area were flat panel TV screens that displayed how things were organized. Fastpasses were being distributed at the Tower of Terror distribution area.
HOW IT WORKS
Each guest was given a card with a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-12). They are given out in order from A1 through C12. On the TV screens it said the next 3 card numbers would be 15 mins or less, next 3 would be 30 or less, and next 3 would be 45 mins or less. Example: let's say I got B4. All the guests that entered around me also got B4, but guests 5 mins ago got B3 while 5 mins later guests would get B5. On the screen it would list A12, B1, B2 as 15 mins or less with the next three in the 30 min group. This meant I had a wait time of about 30 mins to ride Rock n' Roller Coaster. During that wait time, I listen to the DJ, play Rock Band, have a conversation with my family or friends, or go grab an ice cream. If I am gone when my number is called though, I lose my place in line. Like previously stated, it is a toned down version of Fastpass. It allows me freedom in my immediate area.
When your number was displayed on the screen and announced by the DJ, your call group got to join the regular line which in this case was the normal Fastpass line. From there it was business as usual, but more like what it it is like in a walk-on situation. Preshow is still going on, just no waiting in the actual queue.
UNOFFICIAL FEEDBACK
Guest feedback seemed mixed. They seemed to enjoy waiting in the waiting area more than in line, but some still looked completely bored. Guests didnt' do much dancing with the DJ and only a small portion could play Rock Band. The crowds today weren't bad anyways. The test did seem to keep the wait time lower. Most guests waited 30 mins during the test. After the test, things went back to normal and the wait time sat at 40-50 mins for a while. Most guests did seem confused with the test at first, but things looked like they were going smoothly.
MORE INFO
This test will continue on Wednesday & Thursday from park opening til around 3pm. Today's ended at 2:30pm. It may continue on Friday and exact end times each day may change. Again, this is Disney attempting to make waiting in line more enjoyable and interactive, whether it is working or while work with different rides, wait times, crowds, interactive elements, age groups, and weather is still unknown.
MY OPINION
The execution of the test was done well for it being a test they thought everything through and it still looked professional for a test. It seemed to work to a certain extent. Interactive elements at Soarin' and Space work well because people are still in line, but this is breaking the mold even more. Obviously this test would not do well in the rain where everyone has to wait in a uncovered courtyard vs. a covered queue line. It doesn't work well for impatient people who don't "play the game". By this, I mean, I saw people just siting on the benches and on the wall as if they were waiting in line. If people were playing Rock Band or dancing or doing other things, then sure the concept would be better. It wouldn't be ideal for heavy crowded days like Christmas or for dead days when there was no wait.
For those freaking out, again, it is a TEST. Disney isn't just doing this just because. They are gathering data from it from guest feedback to wait times. It isn't set that Rock n' Roller Coaster would even be like this, but the idea fit here best because the idea of adding Rock Band video games (fitting to the theme) and a live DJ (fitting to the theme) there would work. What would they have done for Tower of Terror or Toy Story Midway Mania? Even at other parks, nothing seems as easy to set up a test for that Rock n' Roller Coaster, especially with its secluded courtyard.
So, if you want to see it, visit Wednesday or Thursday. Wait to hear more before judging so quickly. It is day one and most everyone is forming opinions based on pictures sent in on Twitter with hardly no explanation.
Basically, the entrance to coaster courtyard was blocked off. Part of the entrance was for stand by, part for Fastpass & single riders, and the other for the exit. The barricades didn't continue after that. Then inside the courtyard a joined Fastpass / Single Rider line was formed and entered where normally the stand-by line would be. Then the rest of the courtyard was a waiting area. The waiting area was barricaded off with a person making sure everyone who entered had a certain card, more on that later. Inside the waiting area was a live DJ playing a big variety of music ranging from classic rock and disco to 90s hits and Disney Channel All-Stars. More benches were set up too. Where the Fastpass Distribution usually is they set up 4 Rock Band video game stations where guests could play Rock Band including the new Beetles version. Set up in the surrounding area were flat panel TV screens that displayed how things were organized. Fastpasses were being distributed at the Tower of Terror distribution area.
HOW IT WORKS
Each guest was given a card with a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-12). They are given out in order from A1 through C12. On the TV screens it said the next 3 card numbers would be 15 mins or less, next 3 would be 30 or less, and next 3 would be 45 mins or less. Example: let's say I got B4. All the guests that entered around me also got B4, but guests 5 mins ago got B3 while 5 mins later guests would get B5. On the screen it would list A12, B1, B2 as 15 mins or less with the next three in the 30 min group. This meant I had a wait time of about 30 mins to ride Rock n' Roller Coaster. During that wait time, I listen to the DJ, play Rock Band, have a conversation with my family or friends, or go grab an ice cream. If I am gone when my number is called though, I lose my place in line. Like previously stated, it is a toned down version of Fastpass. It allows me freedom in my immediate area.
When your number was displayed on the screen and announced by the DJ, your call group got to join the regular line which in this case was the normal Fastpass line. From there it was business as usual, but more like what it it is like in a walk-on situation. Preshow is still going on, just no waiting in the actual queue.
UNOFFICIAL FEEDBACK
Guest feedback seemed mixed. They seemed to enjoy waiting in the waiting area more than in line, but some still looked completely bored. Guests didnt' do much dancing with the DJ and only a small portion could play Rock Band. The crowds today weren't bad anyways. The test did seem to keep the wait time lower. Most guests waited 30 mins during the test. After the test, things went back to normal and the wait time sat at 40-50 mins for a while. Most guests did seem confused with the test at first, but things looked like they were going smoothly.
MORE INFO
This test will continue on Wednesday & Thursday from park opening til around 3pm. Today's ended at 2:30pm. It may continue on Friday and exact end times each day may change. Again, this is Disney attempting to make waiting in line more enjoyable and interactive, whether it is working or while work with different rides, wait times, crowds, interactive elements, age groups, and weather is still unknown.
MY OPINION
The execution of the test was done well for it being a test they thought everything through and it still looked professional for a test. It seemed to work to a certain extent. Interactive elements at Soarin' and Space work well because people are still in line, but this is breaking the mold even more. Obviously this test would not do well in the rain where everyone has to wait in a uncovered courtyard vs. a covered queue line. It doesn't work well for impatient people who don't "play the game". By this, I mean, I saw people just siting on the benches and on the wall as if they were waiting in line. If people were playing Rock Band or dancing or doing other things, then sure the concept would be better. It wouldn't be ideal for heavy crowded days like Christmas or for dead days when there was no wait.
For those freaking out, again, it is a TEST. Disney isn't just doing this just because. They are gathering data from it from guest feedback to wait times. It isn't set that Rock n' Roller Coaster would even be like this, but the idea fit here best because the idea of adding Rock Band video games (fitting to the theme) and a live DJ (fitting to the theme) there would work. What would they have done for Tower of Terror or Toy Story Midway Mania? Even at other parks, nothing seems as easy to set up a test for that Rock n' Roller Coaster, especially with its secluded courtyard.
So, if you want to see it, visit Wednesday or Thursday. Wait to hear more before judging so quickly. It is day one and most everyone is forming opinions based on pictures sent in on Twitter with hardly no explanation.
Space Mountain
Well-Known Member
Thank you!
Brommy
Member
Do people not think Disney chose RnRc to test this because it had the easiest area to shut off for the holding area? I can't think of too many other attractions that have a large throughput that have an area so easily adapted to this testing.
Also, it's only a test! Like most people have said there are always going to be teething problems with anything like this and it's perhaps a little unlucky if your only day at MGM happens to coincide with this test and you can't grasp the system, but it's really not that complicated.
I also agree with the person above, I think the RnRc queue is one of the most boring ones in all the E-ticket attractions. You queue outside in that covered area, then up the ramp and into the room with a few music posters. From there, it's very unusual for you not to be in the vehicle within 10 minutes.
Also, it's only a test! Like most people have said there are always going to be teething problems with anything like this and it's perhaps a little unlucky if your only day at MGM happens to coincide with this test and you can't grasp the system, but it's really not that complicated.
I also agree with the person above, I think the RnRc queue is one of the most boring ones in all the E-ticket attractions. You queue outside in that covered area, then up the ramp and into the room with a few music posters. From there, it's very unusual for you not to be in the vehicle within 10 minutes.
Random Vids Inc
Member
I think this seems like waiting in line for the airport. People are going to get confused and lost. I say keep the lines they way they have always been.