Yes. I feel like I was prepared & then this changed. We'll be there for 4 days so I'll catch on.I've been watching this since they started testing the new VL process, & Hagrid's is standby during Early Entry then switches to VQ shortly after regular park open, then stays VQ the rest of the day. We haven't been since this new procedure started testing, so hopefully someone who has can answer more specifics on it!
Did you like the ride?Just got two at a little after 1pm. Return time of 2:45
After 4pm it was much easier to get a spot. They will only let you delay your spot so many times. The nice thing is the wait is only 20 minutes once your time is up. My big concern is that this system is not letting the ride eat up tons of people. This results in Hogesnade being packed. Lots of people just sitting around waiting for their time.
I was surprised how fast the ride went. The bike is better than sidecar. Rising it after dark was much better I thought bc they did a nice job on the lighting package. I felt it lacked a story and could’ve used a pre-show. The in board audio is tough to hear. That being said it is a unique ride that uses the terrain in the area well.
You have to at least be in City Walk to access the virtual queue on your phone.It's been a while since we have been to Universal. How does the VQ work? How to you sign up?
Do you have to wait until you are in the park?
Lots of info here https://www.disboards.com/threads/new-virtual-queue-for-hagrids.3844353/Is there a separate App to use for your phone or is there an Official Universal App that will have the VQ function (I am thinking of the Disney App that we use for wait times, mobile ordering and Star Wars ride virtual queue)?
I am not quite sure how this works.
There's always been congestion in Hogsmeade but now it is out of control because of the new Virtual Queue. Everyone is just hanging around. I get that the idea is that Uni hopes everyone will spend more money at the restaurants and shops if they aren't captured in a long real queue but it's just leading to people sitting around or even taking naps and Hogsmead looks like a busy airport.
As I mentioned in the other thread, the 3 Broomsticks outdoor area in the back is now filled with people and families who are just waiting for Hagrid's. And it's not like they are ordering anything. They are just waiting. Hogsmead is just filled with Hagrid's refugee's now. I may just even set up my own tent in Hogsmead outside of the candy shop and camp out while I wait for Hagrid's which broke down twice today (delaying my virtual queue time)
Unless there's a space filler theater like Bourne Supremacy or Carousel of Progress in Hogsmead, this new system is junk in my opinion.
Sure the Hagrid's queue itself was a complete walk through but I don't like that either.
This is a perfect description. People are laying down everywhere. It honestly does look like a gate at the airport. The poor team members handling this are saints. The language barrier for so many families is huge. It is like the confusion for Hogwarts Express but times 100.
HP is the money maker and they literally want a few more people to buy an $8.50 butter beer rather than wait in line. In return the theming and enjoyment of the land is impacted immensely.
Don’t get me started on the 80+ waiting for butter beer at the cart and there being no line at Hogs Head or even on the other side of the cart near Three Broomsticks.
There's always been congestion in Hogsmeade but now it is out of control because of the new Virtual Queue. Everyone is just hanging around. I get that the idea is that Uni hopes everyone will spend more money at the restaurants and shops if they aren't captured in a long real queue but it's just leading to people sitting around or even taking naps and Hogsmead looks like a busy airport.
As I mentioned in the other thread, the 3 Broomsticks outdoor area in the back is now filled with people and families who are just waiting for Hagrid's. And it's not like they are ordering anything. They are just waiting. Hogsmead is just filled with Hagrid's refugee's now. I may just even set up my own tent in Hogsmead outside of the candy shop and camp out while I wait for Hagrid's which broke down twice today (delaying my virtual queue time)
Unless there's a space filler theater like Bourne Supremacy or Carousel of Progress in Hogsmead, this new system is junk in my opinion.
Sure the Hagrid's queue itself was a complete walk through but I don't like that either.
You have to at least be in City Walk to access the virtual queue on your phone.