Okay, time to try to wrap our heads around this one. There’s a service called CellQ that allows amusement park patrons to wait in line virtually. When their place in line comes up, they are alerted via cell phone. Until then, they can "explore the park, take other rides, and visit shops."
Okay, fine. But what happens if the phone rings when you’re on the other side of the park? Luckily, CellQ has the answer. "Once guests have been called to a ride, they are free to take it whenever they want. CellQ users have a relaxing day without significantly impacting customers who are not using the system."
Couple questions here. Why wouldn’t everyone that’s at the park use this and what happens when everyone decides to show up for the ride all at once? Voila, you’ve got yourself a line again.
The only way to circumvent this potential problem would be to charge a high enough premium to your park attendees that it only provides enough value to those willing to pay for it and keeps the rest of the riff raff waiting in line the old fashioned way.
I haven’t been to an amusement park for quite some time, but isn’t it like $40 just to get in? I’m not sure how much more they could charge for this service over the top of the entrance fee without people getting the old quiver chin as they pull out their wallets.
CellQ via Red Ferret