You'll Never Wait In Line The Same Way Again

Over the 39 years that theme parks have existed in Orlando, guests have been waiting in lines to see their favorite attractions. It is always the most boring part of a trip to the parks, but it is unavoidable. The attractions can only handle so many people at once, so lines form. In the late 1990's, Disney revolutionized the system with FASTPASS, a ticketing device that allows guests to get a ticket with a return time, allowing them to come back to an attraction later with the promise of little to no wait. Nearly every theme park has copied the system since then, from Universal Studios to Six Flags. Some have even made huge profits selling the shorter line perks for a premium price.

A new revolution in lining up for attractions is already in use in Orlando, and you may never realize you're waiting in line. The idea of an interactive queue was first introduced at Epcot's Soarin' attraction in 2007, allowing guests waiting in line to play motion based games on giant screens while waiting to board the attraction. The ride had wait times averaging in the hours and Disney wanted to make sure guests were entertained while they waited. This was taken to a much larger scale in 2009 when Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom introduced gaming stations along the stand-by attraction line. Guests are now blasting asteroids, sorting interstellar luggage, and moving galactic freight by button-mashing while they wait to board a rocket.

Here's a video of guests moving and shaking to motion based games at Soarin':

A look at one of the games guests can play while waiting for Space Mountain:

The latest innovation is coming in the form of play areas for guests while they wait in line for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland. Beginning this week, guests can bounce with Tigger, play in Rabbit's garden:

and paint with honey:

By the time they're done, they may not even realize they were waiting to ride. Even better, they may have enjoyed the time they waited more than their time on the attraction!

I can't begin to count the number of times I have walked away from an attraction because the wait time was too high and I feared standing in a boring line. It would seem these lines are more part of the experience now than ever. Guests skipping these experiences to utilize FASTPASS may now have to think twice: do you skip the line completely and miss out on the fun other guests are having playing games and taking part in activities? It may be a harder decision the more in-depth these line-shortening experiences become.

The Top 5 Orlando Restaurants

Where are the best places to eat in Orlando? Are they in the theme parks? Are they in a resort hotel? Are they in the Crossroads? Let's find out:

1) Via Napoli - Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

What is there to say about Via Napoli that hasn't already been said on this blog? It turns out not much! Read my full review here.

2) The Wave - Disney's Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World Resort



The Wave is one of the newest restaurants at Walt Disney World, but has made a major impact in a short amount of time. The intimate atmosphere, modern architecture, and incredible food have put this basement restaurant with no windows easy to find. My menu suggestions: Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Grilled Marinated Flank Steak, and the Grilled Pork Tenderloin.

3) Emeril's Chop Chop - Lowe's Royal Pacific Resort, Universal Orlando Resort

In my opinion, one of the few reasons to even go near Universal Orlando is to eat at Emeril's Chop Chop. Asian and Polynesian influences can be found in both the menu and the wonderful atmosphere inside the restaurant. Leave the t-shirt and shorts at home for this one, you'll want to wear something a little nicer when you dine here. My menu suggestions: Steamed Pork and Vegetable Dumplings, and the Mongolian Barbecue Grilled Pork Tenderloin.

4) Citricos - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Walt Disney World Resort

Citricos is a bit expensive, but if you want good food, you have to pay for it. The setting is upscale in Disney's most expensive resort hotel. If you have some moeny to spend and enjoy "American Cuisine with a Distinct Tuscan Flare", then you'll want to give this one a shot. My menu suggestions: Braised Veal Shank, Roasted Chicken Breast, and the Berkshire Pork Two Ways.

5) Yak and Yeti - Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Walt Disney World Resort

When you first hear that this restuarant is owned by the same people who created the Rainforest Cafe, you may think it's just another restaurant with overpriced food and fake animals. You couldn't be more wrong about the Yak and Yeti. Nestled in the shadows of Expedition: Everest, this Asian restaurant breaks loose from the chain and offers a stunning menu without the child-friendly atmosphere you'll experience at any other Landry's restaurant. Instead, you'll really feel like you're visiting Asia while in sunny central Florida. My menu suggestions: Pork Pot Stickers, Dim Sum Basket, Crispy Honey Chicken, Baby Back Ribs (best on the planet!), and the Kobe Beef Burger.

Fun With Ride Photos

Being creative while on a ride can be fun, especially if it is something you have been on hundreds of times...