So, we spend a good percentage of the ride experience within the rides queue line, right? Like a typical ride, the experience lasts around 2-3 minutes yet we spend anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours in this area of the ride. Yet the reality is we rarely acknowledge or spend time speaking about these bits, crazy! So, without any further waffling on about these bizarre yet overlooked facts, I’m going to talk about my top 5 ride queues and why? For the record, this is in no distinct configuration.
Icon – Blackpool Pleasure Beach:
Well, I feel as if a lot of you guys won’t be predicting me mentioning this. But actually, it’s one of my favourites. It presents such unusual views of the coaster itself, the graceful cherry blossom trees surrounding certain sections, the sound filling your ears & more significantly it chucks people threw at such a speed, particularly on 3 trains. For me, this queue never feels long-winded & doesn’t ever feel tiresome either. Simply watching guests glide around the track and having that distraction away from the fact you are waiting for a ride. 
Pirates of the Caribbean – Disneyland Paris:
Now, this is how theming is accomplished & affirming that setting starts from the minute you step underneath the entrance sign. The smells, sounds, set pieces and atmospheric lighting just pull you in and you’re in this pirate-themed world. The station is just fantastic. I feel as if I could waffle for days over how beautiful & immaculate this queue line is but I doubt you guys will stay awake haha! If you know & experienced it you’ll admire what I am getting at!
The Curse at Alton Manor – Alton Towers:
Honestly, there’s something eerie about waiting in The Curse’s queue. Once you’ve passed the upper section and heading towards the house itself there’s so much aura & suspense brewing amongst those waiting for it’s very compelling. Throughout there are so many gravestones and short stories/ rhymes to take note of which also add to that apprehensive feeling. If you’re a nerd like ourselves it’s like spot the past ride reference also. It really is one of those queue lines that don’t feel as if they take forever for sure.
The Swarm – Thorpe Park:
Entering The Swarm Island you arrive in a new universe one of which is a catastrophe. It’s just filled with utter chaotic theming and sounds that instantly capture your focus. You’re aware of the vibes that enclose this coaster and area. But then you enter the queue line typically surrounded by TV screens airing a news-like announcement regarding the ride and area you are already deep into. It’s hard to not begin to feel a slight element of this story. It’s that persistent evolvement of these disastrous scenes. Simple yet really effective strategies to make you feel a part of this journey but also it demonstrates a really well-themed ride backstory.
Phantom Manor – Disneyland Paris:
Spooky & derelict queue line that leaves all of what is about to occur is a mystery. Fitting and ideal for the ride and its backstory. That brief graveyard section is tremendous but similar to The Curse there’s so much spooky around and the unnerving feeling of entering the manor. It’s an excitingly eerie queue line to be part of.
—-
What’s your top 5 ride queue lines? I’d love to hear them!
Thank you so much for reading…
