Not only are lines inevitable at Walt Disney World, but there are some really lame experiences that are sticking around in plain sight directly across from the best of the best. As the Imagineers have started to tackle various “scene one” projects, the quality and care that are going into lines have really stepped up the game.
Let’s be honest—nobody loves standing in line at Disney World. But as a former Cast Member, I’ve discovered that some queue experiences are so incredible they’re almost attractions themselves!
Don’t get me wrong—it’s still awesome to walk right past everyone using your Lightning Lane. But these queues? You might actually want to experience them the old-fashioned way (at least once!).
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Why it’s important to the story: This queue masterfully sets the stage for your swashbuckling adventure through dimly lit corridors of a Spanish fortress.
Why it’s a highlight: By far and away some of the best work ever done to set the theme for the story that you’re about to take part in, the Pirates of the Caribbean queue line is dark, damp and eerie. When you step through the gates of Adventureland, the details start to jump out at you.
Look at the unique walkway patterns on the ground, the amazing roof details, and all those cannon balls hidden right in front of you.
What makes it special: My personal favorite is the “Chess Game Trapped in Perpetual Check.” There’s been plenty of photo evidence shared that actually disproves the original story that Marc Davis, a Disney Legend Imagineer, wanted to have the pirates stuck in a never-ending game. In reality, the game has been disturbed and no one has the original drawing that Marc created…so every time you visit, the game may be in a different layout. Still an amazing detail!
HAUNTED MANSION
Why it’s important to the story: The queue gradually transitions you from the sunshine of Liberty Square into the foreboding world of 999 happy haunts.
Why it’s a highlight: I’ve been known to write certain articles (like this one) while listening to the attraction soundtrack of the Haunted Mansion. It inspires me to showcase my passion for the details that draws me to the theme park industry!
The mansion has a couple sections of the queue, and they all have details that set it apart from other attractions in the Magic Kingdom.
What makes it special: The interactive graveyard section allows you to solve musical puzzles and interact with the spirits before you even enter the mansion. The headstones contain clever epitaphs referencing the Imagineers who created the attraction, and there’s even a pet cemetery with some hilariously macabre memorials.
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ENCHANTED TALES WITH BELLE
Why it’s important to the story: You literally walk through Belle’s cottage and into Maurice’s workshop before the magical mirror transforms into a portal.
Why it’s a highlight: When the attraction opened up in the New Fantasyland expansion, most guests just assumed that it would be a basic show that would only be for the kids…
Well they would be wrong. For a lot of the guests, we grew up with Beauty and the Beast and the characters are as much a part of our childhood as kids today with ‘Frozen’.
What makes it special: The queue takes you on a journey into the life of Belle and her family, and the details are everywhere! You’ll spot Maurice’s inventions, Belle’s books, and family portraits that tell their story in a way that enriches the eventual show experience.
JOURNEY INTO IMAGINATION WITH FIGMENT
Why it’s important to the story: The queue introduces you to the Imagination Institute before your tour goes hilariously wrong.
Why it’s a highlight: Don’t worry about getting a Lightning Lane for this gem, because you won’t need it. What’s interesting though is the number of hidden nods to the story of the attraction.
What makes it special: Look for a cameo from the one and only WEEBO (from the movie Flubber)! There are also numerous references to the original Journey Into Imagination attraction, paying homage to its beloved legacy. The air conditioning alone makes this queue worth experiencing on a hot EPCOT day.
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EXPEDITION EVEREST
Why it’s important to the story: The queue is essentially a museum dedicated to Himalayan culture and yeti mythology.
Why it’s a highlight: My Netflix account is filled with a search history regarding Bigfoot and other expedition adventures in the real world.
The queue line at Expedition Everest is filled with back-story of mountain climbers who came face-to-face with something that they couldn’t explain. Does this mean that the Yeti exists? Well when you walk through the queue at this attraction, you’re going to see footprints, photographs and other ‘evidence’ that may have you second guessing everything that you’ve read online.
What makes it special: In addition to the skeptics side, there’s also hundreds of artifacts directly from the villages and locals who inhabit the terrain surrounding the mountains in Nepal. The Imagineers have such an incredible role to play in creating an immersive experience before you even board the train.
TOWER OF TERROR
Why it’s important to the story: The queue gradually builds tension as you discover what happened on that fateful night in 1939.
Why it’s a highlight: I LOVE THIS ATTRACTION!
The details as you walk up the main walkway, passing the overgrown foliage and the cobwebs in the windows…just awe-inspiring.
What makes it special: Keep in mind that there are two elements to the queue line at the Tower of Terror. There’s the hotel section, in which you get to see the front desk and the library. From there, you venture deep into the heart of the hotel…down into the boiler room before you take the elevator to your room.
The dust, the statues and the feeling like you should just turn back and get another reservation from Hotels.com.
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TOY STORY MIDWAY MANIA
Why it’s important to the story: You’re shrunk down to toy size in Andy’s room, setting up the premise for the entire ride.
Why it’s a highlight: My love for this attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios comes from the fact that I had the opportunity to see the grand opening and cast previews, and saw the details that went in to create such a solid queue experience.
The story behind TSMM is that you’re shrunk down to the size of one of Andy’s toys, and while you’re busy taking in all the nods to the childhood games of our past…you catch a glimpse of one of the most advanced audio-animatronic figures that WDI has ever produced.
What makes it special: Mr. Potato Head is worth skipping the Lightning Lane line just by itself! He interacts with guests, tells jokes, and sometimes even removes his ear if he can’t hear you. The oversized board games and vintage toys create a fantastic sense of scale that makes you feel like you’ve actually been shrunk.
Rise of the Resistance
Why it’s important to the story: The entire first section is essentially a massive, interactive queue that’s part of the storyline.
Why it’s a highlight: This isn’t just a queue—it’s the beginning of your mission with the Resistance. You’ll receive a briefing from BB-8 and Rey before boarding a transport ship that sets the entire adventure in motion.
What makes it special: The transition from queue to pre-show to transport ship is so seamless that you’ll forget you’re technically still waiting in line. The attention to detail in the Resistance base creates one of the most immersive Star Wars experiences in the park.
Star Tours
Why it’s important to the story: The queue establishes that you’re in a busy spaceport waiting to board a regular Star Tours flight.
Why it’s a highlight: The pre-show area includes an incredibly funny safety demonstration from C-3PO and R2-D2, along with announcements for various Star Wars destinations that reference deep cuts from the films.
What makes it special: The droids! As you wind through the queue, you’ll encounter a variety of Star Wars droids preparing ships and scanning luggage. Look for G2-9T (goose) inspecting luggage with hilarious commentary about the contents. The queue periodically updates with elements from newer Star Wars films, keeping it fresh for repeat visitors.
Muppet Vision 3D
Why it’s important to the story: The queue and pre-show establish the chaotic, fourth-wall-breaking energy of the Muppets before you even enter the theater.
Why it’s a highlight: While not technically one of Disney’s most elaborate queues, the Muppet Vision waiting area is packed with more visual gags and puns than almost any other attraction.
What makes it special: Look for the key under the mat at the entrance (there’s actually a key there!), read the hilarious bulletin board notices, and keep an eye out for obscure Muppet references throughout. The pre-show room features monitors playing a wonderfully chaotic introduction video that’s almost better than the main attraction.
While Lightning Lane access is great for maximizing your day, consider experiencing these queues the traditional way during quieter park times (rope drop or last hour before closing). They’re designed to be part of the full experience, and in some cases, you’ll miss significant storytelling by bypassing them entirely.
Remember, these queues aren’t just waiting areas—they’re the opening chapters of the stories Disney’s Imagineers want to tell. And sometimes, the journey really is as important as the destination!