Related: First US Q-txt contract win / Lo-Q Contract extensions / Lo-Q plc Prelininary Results, for the ten month period ended 31 October 2009
Cell phone based reservation system selected by member of the Parque Reunidos family of parks
Lo-Q plc, the leading supplier of virtual queuing systems to theme parks, announced today that Lake Compounce Family Theme Park located in the heart of Connecticut USA will introduce Q-txt cell phone based reservations for the 2010 season. This is the first time Q-txt mobile technology will be used for line management in the USA. Q-txt is currently employed at a number of locations in Europe and the UK.
The Q-txt system gives guests the opportunity to purchase Q-txt credits either directly from a park’s website, prior to their visit, or at a location in the park. Lake Compounce will have itsQ-txt credits booth close to the entrance gates of the park. Q-txt credits are then used to reserve a time for the most popular rides and attractions. By sending a simple text message, guests book their place in line. The Q-txt computer allocates a place and then a message is sent back to the cell phone with details of the reservation time and a unique code which is required to gain entry or verify the booking.
Lake Compounce is the oldest amusement park in the USA. It has been in continuous operation since 1846 and enters its 165th season in 2010. The park covers over 407 acres including a 23 acre lake and has more than 50 rides and attractions. Lake Compounce is operated by Palace Entertainment the largest operator of waterparks and family entertainment centers in North America. Palace Entertainment is part of the Parques Reunidos family of parks.
Jerry Brick, general manager of Lake Compounce said, “Q-txt is so easy to use and operate, there is no need for either us or our guests to hire or buy any additional equipment – everything happens on cell phones. Visitors will have a greater opportunity to enjoy their experience and to spend more time in our shops and restaurants, rather than standing in line. In addition to creating a new revenue stream for Lake Compounce we will be able to collect customer data to send messages on future events and special promotions; while being better able to view real time statistical information on the whereabouts and activities of visitors to the park. Lake Compounce has a long tradition of introducing new technology. It originally opened in 1846 following a series of experiments in electricity using the lake – so introducing cell phone technology to manage and reduce queue lines seems very appropriate.”
Colin Robertson, sales director at Lo-Q added, “Q-txt is a very cost effective way of introducing virtual line management into parks with a smaller number of rides. It is a perfect starting point for Lake Compounce and we will watch with interest the take-up of the credits purchased on-line and at the park. Visitors also see it as a pay-as you go method of reserving rides and attractions, without the need to physically stand in line for long periods of time. They simply turn up at their allocated time ready to go.”
Robertson concluded, “Lo-Q has developed a series of hi-tech solutions to get people out of queue lines so they can make the most of their day. In addition to Q-txt there is Q-bot, a simple to use hand held reservation device which also alerts visitors when it is time to ride and receives updates on downtimes or cancellations to help people plan their day.”
Lo-Q virtual queuing solutions are used in major theme parks around the world, including ten Six Flags theme parks in the USA and Canada, Dollywood near Tennessee USA, LEGOLAND® Windsor in the UK, Dreamworld in Australia, Parque Isla Magica in Spain and Mirabilanda in Italy, another member of the Parque Reunidos family.
About Lo-Q
Lo-Q plc is a UK publically traded company with subsidiary companies in USA and Canada. Lo-Q designs, installs and operates solutions that allow customers to make ride and show reservations when they visit a theme park or other attraction.
Its flagship product, the Q-bot system is a true virtual queuing system for theme parks. The Q-bot is a proprietary hand-held unit and is used in major theme parks around the world, including LEGOLAND® Windsor in the UK, Dreamworld in Australia, Mirabilandia in Italy and ten Six Flags theme parks in the USA and Canada and Dollywood near Tennessee, USA.
Q-txt is a mobile phone based reservation system for venues with a smaller number of queue lines. Q-txt is in use in a number of locations including Flamingo Land in Yorkshire, UK and Parque Isla Magica in Saville, Spain.
Lo-Q has extensive patent protection and owns the intellectual property rights in the system, its software and electronic design. Its headquarters are in Henley-on-Thames in the UK and its USA offices are near Atlanta, Georgia.
