5 Surprising Queue Lines That Are Just As Good As The Ride...

 There are many things that one looks forward to on a Theme Park trip. 

Ice Cream, Shows, perhaps? But waiting in line is most likely not on the very top of that list! 

Personally for myself and I am sure many others out there, as Theme Park enthusiasts waiting for an attraction can be half of the fun! 

When attractions and parks put in a load of work to ensure storytelling and immersive environments are created it's nice to have the time to take these all in. 

So I have compiled a shortlist of 5 attractions, where the queue line is almost just as entertaining as the physical ride itself! 

( Please remember as always, these are just my own personal thoughts and opinions. Not everyone will agree and that is ok! Please do share your own thoughts on the socials INSTA: @coastersamblog YOUTUBE: Coaster Sam Blog) 

Right, with that out the way.... Let's get straight into this... ( In no particular order ) 

Pirates Of The Caribbean - Disneyland Parc - Disneyland Paris 

I've mentioned this one before on the blog and I will again. 

This line is a perfect example of where the 'Outside Inside' concept is really brought to life! 

Under the starry night sky, you will suddenly find yourself waiting in a nighttime Caribbean oasis. 

With the sounds of the waters lapping in the ride trough and of course the wonderful smell of the Pirates water that is infamous across all Disney Parks! 

You Instantly feel a sense of warmth and coziness, but with the roof themed, plants all around you, fake tiki torches, it really does create another world in which you stepped into an entirely new location and atmosphere! 

So many times I have forgotten we are in Paris at that point, until stepping back out into the real world and enjoying the rest of the park! 

The Flying Dutchmen - Efteling 

Another attraction that finds itself permanently at night time and surrounded by some impressive theming is 'The Flying Dutchmen' found at Efteling. 

This queue line is on the list for the sheer amount of storytelling that happens within one attraction line. 

From the impressive mansion to moving through the secret painting and into the mysterious world of the Duke.... this line always keeps you guessing as to what is going to be around the corner. 

There are also moments of seemingly spontaneous shows and special effects throughout the line. Where when you find yourself within the various scenes and set pieces, mini shows take place. 

These Provide a kind of reward to the guest waiting, something totally unique to the attraction and if moving through at the wrong time, you may miss them. This in turn almost creates a kind of re-rideability to the attraction queue line... let alone the ride itself! 

The stand-out themeing and versatile ride experience are what makes this a must-ride! 

Forbidden Journey - Islands Of Adventure - Universal Orlando

We can't talk about prolific queue line experiences without mentioning the top cookie of them all. 

Still to this day, Forbidden Journey holds up as one of the most incredible queue lines in the world. 

Not only are you moving through the grounds and classrooms of Hogwarts, but the special effects and show scenes used within are phenomenal. 

You truly lose your sense of orientation when within the line, allowing your brain to fully relax into the idea of being inside the real castle! 

With the characters prominent throughout the line and the story being gently introduced to guests waiting this only builds excitement up and makes the attraction narrative clear and concise, something that can too often get lost in translation or be all too vague. 

With the mix of physical effects, huge set design, and attention to detail, you can not simply afford to miss this one! 

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin - Disneyland - Disneyland Resort 

I was blown away by this, during my visit in the summer of 2019, I couldn't believe how such a great and exciting dark ride was tucked away in the back of the park! 

The queue line feels like you step into a cartoon, with bright colors, UV, and almost everything having a 3D and fluid feel in terms of the physical structure of the sets and theming. 

This was an impressive line, with interactive elements throughout and even some animatronics and special effects to keep you entertained. 

It really brought you into the world and story of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' introducing the various characters and basic narrative arch. 

The physical layout of the actual queue was almost like a maze! Twisting and turning bringing in moments of compression and expansion to emphasize the size of the environments and make everything seem larger than life! 

This was fantastic and is a must-visit for me on my next trip out to California! 

Hex - Alton Towers 

How can I not mention this on the list. 

Arguably the best-themed attraction in the UK, Hex brings you into the world of the slightly sinister goings-on within the tower's darkest corners. 

While the queue is a large cattle pen, the elements of theming found within this, including the audio, videos, and smoke... all create a foreboding atmosphere! 

No matter when you enter this attraction be it day or night, it always has a profound effect on your senses! 

While the physical sets, layout, or theming may not be as grand as some of the others, the very fact that half of this attraction and the entire queue line is in a piece of English heritage... the natural feel and grandeur of the place, does the work.... no fiberglass needed here! 

Wrap Up

There we have it then, just some of my thoughts on some awesome queue lines! 

What makes your list? What Attractions can you not wait to visit? 

Leave a comment Below, or get involved on the socials: 

INSTA: @coastersamblog YOUTUBE: Coaster Sam Blog 

Until Next Time, 

See Ya! 

Sam x