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Hex: The Future

QTXAdsy said:
We wouldn't have all these conspiracy theories had the park simply flat out stated what was going on. Yes, others will have an idea what is really going on but all this radio silence only helps to create wild theories about what's wrong with Hex which didn’t have to happen.
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They announced it would open then announced it wouldn’t. They are not going to go into detail as the Sentinel will pick it up, put a “ride is dangerous” slant on it and then if it’s a slow news day the Daily Mirror will co-opt the piece.

You are never going to get anything more out of Towers in this scenario as marketing won’t allow it.
 
Theme parks don't give detailed descriptions of what is wrong with an attraction. Steel Curtain at Kennywood is closed for the whole of 2024 (and was closed for much of 2023). They have come out and said that it needs significant work to improve reliability and longevity but have not given any details of what this actually entails.

I do not understand what conspiracy theories gain other than trying to generate a bit of a laugh. Hex has had problems now for a number of years, and despite several attempts, these issues have still not be resolved. And I would not expect a complete resolution until 2025. That's not to say it won't open at some point this year for a period of time.
 
QTXAdsy said:
We wouldn't have all these conspiracy theories had the park simply flat out stated what was going on. Yes, others will have an idea what is really going on but all this radio silence only helps to create wild theories about what's wrong with Hex which didn’t have to happen.
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I don’t think it’s that deep. The ‘conspiracy theories’ are just a few enthusiasts on twitter. The park’s communication surrounding what’s happening with Hex has been just right really, let’s be honest 99.9% of guests have no interest in why it’s closed, just knowing that it will be closed.
 
Bowser said:
Did notice yesterday when we walked past that the entrance areas has been modified and now has 4 queue lines! Main, Fastpass, RAP (ambulant), RAP (non-ambulant). Nice that they're letting as many people as possible experience the entrance (only the non-ambulant deviates).
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It’s going to be three rows up the middle of the room isn’t it?…
 
There appears to be a merge point outside, so probably no changes to the indoor layout.

Though it seems we're not going to be finding out for sure any time soon.
 
Please, would you now move forward to witness the story of Hex, the legend of the towers....

Hex: The Future

I think there is probably a deeper issue with Hex that is going to be a nightmare to fix but I don’t think the ride is at the end of its life. Towers are well aware they can’t lose anymore rides at present so I would be surprised if they got rid of Hex until they had no other option.
towersstreet.com towersstreet.com
We need four people in each bay, children MUST sit on the bench......
 
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John said:
There appears to be a merge point outside, so probably no changes to the indoor layout.

Though it seems we're not going to be finding out for sure any time soon.
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I haven't seen what this merge point looks like, but is it possible that it isn't actually a merge point? If they are all facing towards the door it could be that when the door is open they add chains to each of the fences and the 3 lines continue inside?
Really hard to tell without seeing what the merge looks like.

Either way, does Hex really need dedicated FT and RAP? It's not a major headline ride, and I don't think I ever saw it with more than a 20 minute queue.
They could easily combine the lines together. To be honest if the queue averages under 15 minutes anyway why even include it on the RAP and Fastrack system? Add it as a bonus ride only on busy days and only when the ride is using its proper exit.
 
Tim said:
I haven't seen what this merge point looks like, but is it possible that it isn't actually a merge point? If they are all facing towards the door it could be that when the door is open they add chains to each of the fences and the 3 lines continue inside?
Really hard to tell without seeing what the merge looks like.

Either way, does Hex really need dedicated FT and RAP? It's not a major headline ride, and I don't think I ever saw it with more than a 20 minute queue.
They could easily combine the lines together. To be honest if the queue averages under 15 minutes anyway why even include it on the RAP and Fastrack system? Add it as a bonus ride only on busy days and only when the ride is using its proper exit.
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All rides have (and require) a RAP entrance regardless of typical queue times, albeit sometimes an exit is used.

I think it’s great they’re being inclusive to allow as many people as possible to experience the interior elements.
 
Maybe great if you don't have to queue up in an outdoor cattle pen in the rain as a result...

I'm very much hoping the merge hosts minimise the time main queue users are held outside by letting people in until/unless the queue reaches the door. No-one is using FT on Hex anyway and ambulant RAP users can choose between waiting ~15 minutes in the themed indoor queue or using the side entrance as before.
 
Skyscraper said:
Would assume the side entrance will become non-ambulant/wheelchair-only like Nemmy's exit has.
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Yes it does specify ambulant and non-ambulant entrances, though presumably that’s ultimately the riders discrepancy rather than staff disputing… ambulance?

The outdoor queuing area didn’t look particularly long when I saw it though certainly seemed extended from what it was previously.
 
Three queues that continue inside the building would make more sense (there would be space to make this, with the removal of the 'cattlepen'). It seems pointless to have a merge point outside and waste having an extra staff member who will have to operate it.
 
Bowser said:
All rides have (and require) a RAP entrance regardless of typical queue times, albeit sometimes an exit is used.

I think it’s great they’re being inclusive to allow as many people as possible to experience the interior elements.
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And they still have one, if they really can't queue more than 5 minutes the non-ambulant entrance could be an option.

But let's be honest, does Hex really need seperate queues? I've seen RAP users wait over 30 minutes in a RAP queue to avoide an hour queue in the main line. I'd argue if they can wait that long they are abusing the RAP system anyway, but that's for another topic.
Hex is nearly always a walk on ride. And when it isn't it's normally only about 15-20 minutes in a queue that is very atmospheric.

A combined RAP and Fastrack queue (with a ramp so it is actually a proper RAP queue) would be more than enough.
 
Tim said:
And they still have one, if they really can't queue more than 5 minutes the non-ambulant entrance could be an option.

But let's be honest, does Hex really need seperate queues? I've seen RAP users wait over 30 minutes in a RAP queue to avoide an hour queue in the main line. I'd argue if they can wait that long they are abusing the RAP system anyway, but that's for another topic.
Hex is nearly always a walk on ride. And when it isn't it's normally only about 15-20 minutes in a queue that is very atmospheric.

A combined RAP and Fastrack queue (with a ramp so it is actually a proper RAP queue) would be more than enough.
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Combining them could work but presumably AT have deemed separate queues more appropriate for this ride with good reason.

Historical queue time data indicates Hex has previously had waits in excess of 35 minutes so preparing for that possibility does seem the best course of action. You could throw the same criticism at The Curse otherwise.

Either way this is speculation till we know what the merge situation is but like you say, if the queue is rarely very long then it's unlikely to adversely affect anyone( especially considering ride capacity versus the number of RAP/FastTrack likely to be queueing at any time).

The steps outside look too steep to accommodate a ramp imo (and i haven't been on it so i don't know if the interior presents further issues for the non-ambulant).
 
After the steps it is flat until the current entrance. The current queue would be hard to navigate the switch backs but that wouldn't be hard to change. The next elevation in the octagon has a ramp to one side.

Actually that does raise a good question. How do Wheelchair users leave Hex? From memory when leaving the vault you turn right and down a flight of stairs. I assume they don't backtrack them through all the pre-shows, so the only other option I see is escorting them out back of house back into the park. That must be an operational headache and require a staff member that can leave the ride for a few minutes.
 
Bowser said:
Historical queue time data indicates Hex has previously had waits in excess of 35 minutes so preparing for that possibility does seem the best course of action. You could throw the same criticism at The Curse otherwise.
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Using your Curse analogy for one moment; anyone using RAP, or Fastrack, misses out on the prologue plaques, the additional theming and Easter egg tombstones in the main queue through the wood.

Like Curse's outdoor queue, Hex's indoor queue is impeccably themed but let's not forget that these elements are in place to entertain people whilst they wait for long periods.

I understand and appreciate the need to ensure the equal opportunity of access to the attraction for everyone, but let's not make waiting in a long queue even more miserable, because those using a system designed to get you straight onto an attraction can't see the same entertaining elements.

We are in danger of this encroaching on the remit of the RAP discussion.
 
GooseOnTheLoose said:
Using your Curse analogy for one moment; anyone using RAP, or Fastrack, misses out on the prologue plaques, the additional theming and Easter egg tombstones in the main queue through the wood.

Like Curse's outdoor queue, Hex's indoor queue is impeccably themed but let's not forget that these elements are in place to entertain people whilst they wait for long periods.

I understand and appreciate the need to ensure the equal opportunity of access to the attraction for everyone, but let's not make waiting in a long queue even more miserable, because those using a system designed to get you straight onto an attraction can't see the same entertaining elements.

We are in danger of this encroaching on the remit of the RAP discussion.
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The comparison to The Curse was more that they've created 4 queue lines so that as many people as possible get to experience the interior queue section, which i'd argue is more part of the ride than the exterior, whilst catering for the infrequent occurrence of long queues but in reality having no adverse effect on the main queue line.
 
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