Disneyland is closed, all the theme parks are, and folks everywhere are beginning to shelter in place. Social distancing is the new norm. But distance isn’t something built into theme parks. Guests line up for tickets, get in long switchback queues for rides and food, and huddle together in theaters and preshow areas. Will a spooked public be reluctant to return to theme parks when the crisis is finally over? Disney might just have taken a first step toward addressing those concerns.
A brand new update to the Disneyland app was just released on mobile devices. The official note states “With this release we fixed bugs and improved overall app performance.” While we’re sure some bugs were squashed, there were some major features quietly added that hint at a new style of operation for our beloved park.
Virtual Queue-s?
In the far-right menu of the app, there’s now an option for “Virtual Queues” – yes, plural! When you tap on it, it will show you what virtual queues you’re waiting in.
On this screen, there’s a “join virtual queue” button. This seems like it will be more intuitive and easier to find for most guests. Before, you had to jump through a couple of pages specifically made for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to find the Rise of the Resistance virtual queue option.
What’s Next for Virtual Queues?
Considering “Virtual Queues” is plural and there’s a spot for multiple queues to be listed in the app, we don’t think it’s a far fetched presumption that Disney will want to use it for more of their popular attractions.
Because of the circumstances surrounding the resort’s closure, we’re wondering if the implementation of virtual queues for popular attractions could mitigate the amount of time spent standing next to other riders. When Disneyland reopens, whenever that might be, they’ll still want to keep large groups from forming until this crisis has been averted.
We’ve speculated in the past that virtual queuing could be used for popular attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, which can quickly generate a long line. Using this system could keep the queue from spilling out of its courtyard and into the walkways of New Orleans Square by sending guests a notification that it’s their time to return to ride. While they’re waiting for the return notification, guests could enjoy the park’s atmosphere with their family. A virtual queue could free up the area and significantly decrease the amount of time spent pressed next to other guests.
Some of you may be thinking this sounds too outrageous to be doable. But before you jump ship before it sets sail, take note of Universal’s Volcano Bay. Every attraction there requires you to enter a virtual queue, you are then alerted when it’s time to ride. You can only hold a spot for one attraction at a time, but it frees you up to relax or play somewhere else until it’s time to return.
In our opinion, a virtual queue system at Disneyland is entirely feasible. It would mean getting to enjoy the atmosphere of the park more and spend less time around other people in line. Plus, with the extended timeframe that it looks like the parks will be closed, Disney will have time to figure out a solution.
Of course, virtual queuing alone will not be enough. Disney must find ways to limit overcrowding in the parks, reduce the number of tables in restaurants, provide more opportunities for guests to avoid touching things (like doors, blasters on interactive rides, and dirty seatbelts), and provide more places for guests to wash hands or use sanitation stations.
We’ve Got This!
Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with your theme park shutdown concerns and rescheduling plans. We’ll get through this difficult time together. And when the pandemic ends, you’ll have earned a nice vacation! Get Away Today- HERE
Let’s Hear From You
What clues do you see in Disneyland’s latest app update? Do you think a version of virtual queuing could be an effective way to limit time spent waiting in a physical queue? Which attractions do you think would be a good candidate for a virtual queue? What additional changes must Disneyland make before you’d feel safe returning? Let us know in the comments below.
