Interactive Queues: Yay or Nay?

How do you feel about interactive queues at Walt Disney World?  Many people have asked me this question, and I have definitely sat and pondered the pros and cons of the new queue designs that have become part of the touring experience at Disney World.  I do not have a problem with interactive queues as long as they are created with quality ideas and construction.  For example, the games that are available in the Space Mountain standby line are a great way to make the time go by faster and make the line seem less boring.  Now, when these games were newly installed, they worked great and all of the controllers functioned.  As time has gone on and many people have played these games, the controllers have become worn down, and some do not work any more.  However, after a refurbishment, these problems are fixed, and the games all work again. 

Another attraction with a successful interactive queue is the Winnie the Pooh ride.  These interactive elements are also well done, and they provide an entertaining distraction for little ones who must wait in the line.   I applaud these types of interactive queues because they extend the theme of the ride into the line, and this makes the experience of the attraction last even longer. In the recent past, some rides have received more than just games and momentary distractions for their queues.  The Haunted Mansion queue has been extended quite a bit by the additional graveyard section.  Many people have mixed opinions about this section of the queue, but I have enjoyed these additions.  They provide a welcome distraction from the heat and the boredom that often lend themselves to family meltdowns while waiting in line.  Also, these games and interactive elements allow families to spend more time working together instead of just spending time playing with their respective electronic devices.  I want more time to spend interacting with my family; I don’t want the entire line to be time to complain and stand in silence while one person is playing on a phone or an iPad.  These interactive queues help to promote more enjoyable family time.

One of the newest interactive queues that I have experienced has been the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad queue.  The interactive elements in the line are designed to match the theme of the ride, and they really engage the guests with physical effects.  For example, there is a section of the queue where you can set off some dynamite that actually explodes as the mine trains are riding along the track.  In addition, there is a section of the queue with something called an autocanary that employs the use of excellent visual effects.  When you turn the crank, you can see a small canary that appears very real.  After a few seconds, the canary might give you a thumbs up or might have to deal with a particularly strong gust of wind.  When the wind blows on the canary, the guests can feel the wind and even smell the faint burnt scent of the dirty coal ridden air that might have filled up a mineshaft.  We really enjoyed this new interactive queue, and it did make the wait time seem more manageable. 

So, are interactive queues worth it, or are they a waste of time?  I say that if they are done well and really match the theme of the ride while extending the ride experience, then interactive queues are a positive investment of Disney’s money.  I look forward to seeing what WDW is going to do with the Peter Pan queue, which is supposedly on the list for an upgrade in the upcoming years. Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!