Where does a theme park attraction really begin?

Some would say it’s the moment the show starts or when your ride vehicle lurches forward. Others might argue it begins in the pre-show room—those transitional moments where the park tries to distract you from the fact that you’re still waiting. But for photographers, storytellers, and fans of themed design, the true beginning often starts much earlier: at the marquee and queue.

Themed queues are more than just holding pens. They’re immersive, atmospheric preludes that set the tone for what’s to come. Through architecture, landscaping, props, and clever signage, these entry spaces act as artistic canvases that introduce the story before a word is spoken or a ride even starts. They’re not just functional—they’re foundational. And yet, they're often overlooked when we raise our cameras.

Nowhere was this more evident than at MuppetVision 3D, which recently closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, following the earlier closure of its twin at Disney California Adventure. Both versions of the attraction were known for their clever queue theming—a blend of visual humor and tribute to Muppet history. As a Southern California local, I spent most of my time with the DCA version, and one of my favorite features was a planter outside the theater, where the Swinetrek (of Pigs in Space fame) had "crash-landed." It was both a joke and a piece of kinetic sculpture, evoking Star Trek while keeping perfectly in tone with Muppet mischief.

Just steps away was The Great Gonzo’s Catapult of Doom, aimed at a distant target that had clearly never been hit—at least, not intentionally. Below the target, Gonzo’s motorcycle appeared to have slammed into the building, leaving only a cartoony Muppet-shaped hole in the wall. The humor, the detail, the storytelling—it was all there before guests ever stepped into the actual attraction.

At Walt Disney World, the final day of MuppetVision 3D brought renewed appreciation for its queue. Posters parodying famous films with Muppet puns, pipes painted into Muppet-like forms, and hidden eyes peeking out from corners of the shaded queue areas were suddenly photographed like rare treasures. And rightly so—those spaces had been largely ignored for years, thanks to the efficiency of the attraction itself. With a 580-person capacity and a new show every 15 minutes, the extended queue was rarely used. But that didn’t make it any less special.

The lesson here is simple: don’t wait for the main event to start photographing. The queue, from the sign out front to the smallest themed planter, is filled with details that deepen the story and enrich your memory of the park. These outdoor elements are also the most vulnerable to change. Sunlight, storms, refurbishments, and closures can erase them at any time. What’s quirky and familiar one year may be completely gone the next.

So the next time you find yourself in line—especially for an attraction you love—look around. Photograph the props, the landscaping, the signage. Capture the whimsy before the show begins, because in time, it may disappear entirely.

Want more tips to help you take better theme park photos and preserve the stories behind them? 📸 Download my free guide at FairyTalePhotoAcademy.com and start capturing memories that last far beyond the ride.