I would greatly appreciate an extensive discussion on the topic of queue etiquette. A while ago, I wrote about my concerns with people talking, texting, reciting, etc. with and/or against the scenes within the queue.
Calling the line leading up to the ride vehicles a "queue" is almost misleading when speaking about The Forbidden Journey. My understanding is that the walk through component is a huge part of the overall attraction. And, rumor - as well as first viewers - have all said that the castle walkthrough is spectacular.
Initially, when I read the accounts of seeing the castle, I thought "preshow" and automatic doors. This made sense specifically with the scenes: Dumbledore speaking from the balcony of his office; and the appearance of Harry, Hermione and Ron in The Defense of the Dark Arts classroom. It seems that this is not the case. There are no preplanned barriers - other than crowd flow - to separate the scenes. It will be possible to enter into Dumbledore's office mid monologue, or The Defense of the Dark Arts after the trio have appeared from under the cloak.
At first this all upset me. I wanted the structure. I've been thinking about it a lot and I'm beginning to understand the wisdom in the designer's choices.
The Theater...
I can not tell you how much I hate going to the theater and having someone's mobile device go off! TURN YOUR PHONES OFF! Or, texting. OR, some people just plain talking without knowledge that their rudeness is profound. Or, knowing and not caring!!!!!
Queues, Walkthroughs, Whatever...
Unless you are among the first to arrive at the Haunted Mansion today (why would you be, anyway?), it is impossible to hear the audio track of the preshow without either the other riders ignoring it and carrying on with their own loud conversations, and/or the room reciting along with the Ghost Host. You all know what I'm talking about.
Imagine this summer you are beyond excited to finally be in Hogwarts! OMG! You've made it here. You've just queued up for The Forbidden Journey. Okay, everyone is excited and people are all talking around you. It's okay, you're still at the base of the castle and haven't entered the dungeon yet. The line moves forward and you're inside. OMG!!! It's so very cool and you are in a state of amazement and awe. The group in front of you doesn't seem to appreciate the magnitude of the moment. It's sort of annoying, but people are people and they are entitled to their experience. Their phone rings. They don't immediately put the phone on vibrate only and turn down the call, they take it. They're loud because the room has an echo and perhaps the reception isn't perfect. You slow down a bit. Get some distance from that group.
The greenhouse. No problem. Of course, it's mostly a queue - as the word is intended - and your doing the switchback. People are taking. It's okay. There is some stuff to look at, but...
The castle... People are leaving the greenhouse and because you've first entered into what appears to be a long hall, they aren't naturally stopping their conversations. They're talking through the line. You're both annoyed because it's making it harder for you to hear, and also because, DON'T THEY GET IT? Perhaps someone "sssh'es them". Maybe you. They don't quiet down, they get indignant.
Anyway... you get my idea. Am I crazy, should I not be annoyed? How do we set appropriate boundaries with other riders? Is it okay to ask them to turn off their cells? Will Universal take charge and try to set a new standard for the queue. Have they installed jammers? Perhaps, cell phones won't work in the castle.
Discuss...
of you vote. I really would love to hit 1000 votes!
