Ugh - Pirates Queue Interactive Refurb???

[shadowden]

I feel exactly the same.

I love the queue at Pirates. The Chess game, the idea of really going into the pirate world, the cannon balls stacked and maybe a hidden mickey, and my DH favorite; going around the corner and then jumping out or through one of the cut outs to scare the pants of my DD. We use the line to talk about what we just did, saw and what we want to do. We laugh, people watch and play games we make up while waiting. There is no need for these next gen queues.

Agreed!

[shadowden]

What do you mean, "whatever happened to conversation?" I mean I see families texting each other and following one another on Twitter quite frequently when they are standing n the queues at WDW.

[mickeys_princess_mom]

Yeah we saw all the curtains up when we were there but didn't know what it was for.

I honestly hate these stupid interactive queues. They're just ridiculous. If we've become a society that is jaded to the point that you can't enjoy the intricately themed and highly detailed queue in Disney theme park attractions then go play on your iPad somewhere or something.

[jennsky]

Noooooooo! I love the Pirates queue the way it is! Personally, the interactive queue at Haunted Mansion I checked out once and bypassed it the rest of the time. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I'm gonna guess that's what most people do too! Seriously people, who actually stops in line at Space Mountain to play that game they've got (unless they are totally stuck in a slow line) when they could hop on the actual ride?!? Why spend all this money on making the queue interactive when, like Buttercup said, there are a million other things they could be spending the money on. Not to mention that the Pirate queue is already intricately themed. It's my most favourite queue just the way it is!

[Ian]

Noooooooo! I love the Pirates queue the way it is! Personally, the interactive queue at Haunted Mansion I checked out once and bypassed it the rest of the time. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I'm gonna guess that's what most people do too! Seriously people, who actually stops in line at Space Mountain to play that game they've got (unless they are totally stuck in a slow line) when they could hop on the actual ride?!? Why spend all this money on making the queue interactive when, like Buttercup said, there are a million other things they could be spending the money on. Not to mention that the Pirate queue is already intricately themed. It's my most favourite queue just the way it is!

I think it just goes to show how out of touch TDO is ... the fact that they think these stupid interactive queues are a good idea just boggles my mind.

[seanyred]

I think it just goes to show how out of touch TDO is ... the fact that they think these stupid interactive queues are a good idea just boggles my mind.

Just playing devils advocate but it isn't the old Disney superfans who are out of touch? Too often I see posts against change and to keep things how they were. I might not like every change that is done but change is something that has to take place.

On a side note I know I'm in the minority on here but I have liked the interactive queues so far. I don't feel they take away from the experience. In fact I had lots of fun with my kids playing with the HM and WtP interactive queues.

[Ian]

Just playing devils advocate but it isn't the old Disney superfans who are out of touch? Too often I see posts against change and to keep things how they were. I might not like every change that is done but change is something that has to take place.

I dunno, you may have a point. I don't mind the ones they've done so far either really, but Pirates is a bit different. I think it would be a shame to have glowing video screens in that queue when it does such a great job of setting the mood for the ride the way it is.

[seanyred]

I dunno, you may have a point. I don't mind the ones they've done so far either really, but Pirates is a bit different. I think it would be a shame to have glowing video screens in that queue when it does such a great job of setting the mood for the ride the way it is.

I agree I don't want video screens either. But if it something more like the caves in Tom Sawyer Island at DL then I think it would be a plus. The interactive elements at DL TSI are a lot of fun.

[marlyn]

I agree with you all about this...I don't see the need to entertain those that can't stand in line without needing to text, phone, Facebook, or game. I have never allowed my boys to bring any form of electronics with us on vacation. I now have teenagers and am not about to start now. I always enjoy our vacations together as they are "unplugged" for a couple weeks and we get to connect as a family. It's wonderful. I see kids so disconnected with the world around them and I'm sure it is due to always being plugged in instead of observing.

[March Hare]

So there are rumors floating around on a few sites (most recently on Da Mouse website with photos included) of the Pirates of the Caribbean queue. Looks like the one side has been blocked off with some curtains and there are rumors that they're adding some interactive elements to that lineup.

BOO. I seriously hope not. That is one of the best lineups for setting the mood, feeling nice and cool out of the hot sun... blech I don't want any noisy video games or irritating interactive elements that people are stopping at and wasting time.

PLEASE SAY IT AIN'T SO!

I hope that thus is not the case. I wonder if it could be part of the new Interactive game that is being discussed here New Interactive Game Coming

[Ian]

I agree I don't want video screens either. But if it something more like the caves in Tom Sawyer Island at DL then I think it would be a plus. The interactive elements at DL TSI are a lot of fun.

Yeah well as with everything Disney if they do it right it could be awesome. Unfortunately, my confidence that they'll get it right isn't what it used to be.

[Buttercup]

Just playing devils advocate but it isn't the old Disney superfans who are out of touch? Too often I see posts against change and to keep things how they were. I might not like every change that is done but change is something that has to take place.

On a side note I know I'm in the minority on here but I have liked the interactive queues so far. I don't feel they take away from the experience. In fact I had lots of fun with my kids playing with the HM and WtP interactive queues.

Here's my thinking though: these interactive queues cost a lot of money to do. So, if Disney has all this money burning a hole in their pocket and they're sitting around thinking "What should we spend our moolah on?", WHY ON EARTH ARE THEY CHOOSING INTERACTIVE QUEUES?!?! I mean, with so many other things falling into disrepair, needing updates it boggles my mind that *this* is what they think is first priority.

Believe me, I'm not entirely against interactive queues. I think they can be done well and have their place in certain attractions. And I'm certainly not against change in the parks -- I have been going to WDW for 33+ years and have seen a lot of change and think it's great. But when there is a laundry list of other priorities in the park of animatronics that aren't working, paint jobs that are looking tired, attractions that need refurbs, I think starting all these queue projects is a little wasteful. Why muck around with something that works perfectly fine, looks great and sets a fantastic theme for the ride ahead (like POTC queue)? Is there nothing else out there needing a facelift?

[Dulcee]

It seems to me again and again, that a lot of us hardcore WDW fans are out of touch with what the bulk of visitors want.

For most WDW is a once or twice in a lifetime trip, not a yearly or twice or thrice yearly trip. The bulk of guests are families with kids and preteens who want them entertained. Yes in my day and age we talked with family, pinched our siblings and played I spy in line *limps away on my cane* but now my 4 year old nephew maneuvers an ipad better then his father. And my 11 year old nephew has his own cell phone. Its reality. If disney is going to keep up with the type of entertainment kids (and many adults) seek, next gen interaction is part of it.

Frankly when they turn the rides more interactive (think Spaceship Earth) us WDW nuts scream and yell. When they leave the bulk of the ride the same and touch the queue, we yell again. Nostalgia is great, but nostalgia doesn't bring in new guests. Walt was a fan of moving forward, pushing the envelope, not dragging his feet and yelling for yester-year.

Are the interactive queues perfect? No, but its a step to whats coming, well before other theme parks have gotten there.

[darthmacho]

I really prefer interesting queues to interactive queues. Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, former Test Track, Star Tours, and Jungle Cruise are all fine examples. Give me something to look at or listen to, but don't make people have to stop and interact so much. I bet there are a lot of awkward moments in these line where one person or group is being held up, not knowing whether to pass while someone plays with something in the queue.

[azcavalier]

Interactive queues don't have to have screens or games. The HM queue only has one screen for all of the new elements they added. The composer's crypt is awesome, and promotes group interaction.

I honestly haven't been on Space Mountain since they've redone the queue, because I don't like the ride. It gives me a headache. So, I can't comment on that queue.

I could see them doing something to the queue at POTC to make it more like the queue at the Indiana Jones ride at DL. No screens, but interactive elements....push against that pole, and the ceiling starts coming down, like in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Or, pull the rope in the well outside of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, and you hear someone down inside the well. I would love for those kinds of elements to be added to the Pirates queue.

[Ian]

It seems to me again and again, that a lot of us hardcore WDW fans are out of touch with what the bulk of visitors want.

I don't know if this is right or not, but I do think that Disney believes it is.

By all accounts, their chief complaint from guest surveys continues to be the wait times. If, in fact, that's the case then what they're doing (all of it, including interactive queues, Fastpass+, etc.) seems to be going directly to the heart of the concerns of the bulk of guests.

I could see them doing something to the queue at POTC to make it more like the queue at the Indiana Jones ride at DL. No screens, but interactive elements....push against that pole, and the ceiling starts coming down, like in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Or, pull the rope in the well outside of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, and you hear someone down inside the well. I would love for those kinds of elements to be added to the Pirates queue.

This is a good idea, actually, I hope they go this route!

[antngoof89]

I feel like I am in the minority of Disney adding interactive things to the parks. Let's be honest here... Kids love Video games. A lot of us go to Disney for the nostalgia of riding Dumbo when we were younger, enjoying Pirates and the drop being scary when you're a young'n, having no idea why you're parents made you ride It's a Small World, and just enjoying seeing your Fantasy's come to life. However, this generation of children has Notebooks, Laptops, Xbox, computer games, smart phones, ipods, and tablets to play with and keep them entertained, so isn't it smart of Disney to add some kind of "gaming" type element to many of the Disney Classics? I understand how some would think that Disney is being cheap by adding those interactive elements instead of new rides, but why not improve some of the things Disney has already used to have success in their parks by adding elements popular among the Youth of their park guests. I feel like I'd make that same decision. However, I am one of the few people who posts, though infrequently, on this board that could really care less than to complain about the state of the parks and enjoy them for what they are. I have a good time at Disney more for the nostalgia and family memories so I have a good time regardless of what state some of the rides are in. I guess I'm a glass half full kind of person.

[jpcns50]

I also enjoy the interactive queues .... I think they can add a touch of relief for young kids, and lets face it, some kids standing in lines at rides can be out of control...I would rather see kids interacting with these games than jumping all over the walls/rails/other guests...etc...

I hope its done well at PotC and will hold off judgement until then....

The only problem that I ever have with them is when the line is moving (mostly at Space) and then kids stop to play and block the walk way and the line just comes to a halt.....that is why I like what they did with HM...you can skip it if you want, but if you chose to interact, you know you are being passed in line. Would agree with some of the above posters that I would love to see only 1 side get the interactive elements, that way you can chose.

[figgie]

I prefer to reserve judgement until I see what it will look like. Nothing I say will change the fact that something is being done so I will just wait to see what turns up. Either way, change is inevetable and I don't look at that as always a bad thing. Keeping an open mind......

[joonyer]

I fully expect that it will turn out better than we think. That's usually the case. Most of us are skeptical of change. But most of the time things are better after.