Designing The Perfect Queue Line

Abstract

This research paper examines the factors influencing rider satisfaction in theme park queue lines, with a focus on Disney World's Magic Kingdom. This study analyzes survey responses from 61 participants to investigate the relationship between queue quality and overall attraction quality, as well as the importance of various factors in queue selection. Results indicate that rider comfort is the most critical variable, followed by temperature/weather conditions and seating/shade availability. Factors such as interactive elements and nearby amenities were found to be less important. Attractions with higher overall ride ratings also received higher overall queue ratings, highlighting the strong correlation between queue and ride experiences. Thematic content analysis of open-ended responses revealed common themes, including the importance of comfort, theming, entertainment, and efficient loading in a perfect queue. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the significance of maintaining and improving queue elements such as climate control, interactive features, and accurate wait time signage. The findings suggest that prioritizing rider comfort, incorporating interactive and age-appropriate entertainment, and optimizing queue design for efficiency are crucial for enhancing visitor satisfaction. Future research directions include comparative studies across different theme parks and longitudinal studies to track changes in queue design and visitor satisfaction over time.