News & Press Releases

British Company Lo-q Wins Award for Theme Park Virtual Queuing System

Published

13 years ago

April 22, 2011

Lo-Q wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Recognition of overseas success for UK Company

Lo-Q plc, founded and headquartered in the UK, has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. Lo-Q develops and sells virtual queuing systems for theme parks and has seen its overseas sales more than double in the last three years representing an increase of 120% and a total export revenue of £35million during this period.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious accolades for business performance and are designed to recognise and reward outstanding achievement. The awards are made each year by Her Majesty the Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an advisory committee that includes representatives of government, trade unions, industry and commerce.

Tom Burnet, CEO of Lo-Q said, “To win this award is tremendous recognition of our success in international markets. Lo-Q’s virtual queuing systems are in use by leading theme parks and attraction operators globally, with customers including LEGOLAND® Windsor, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool and Flamingo Land, Yorkshire along with overseas parks including large parks in the Six Flags group in North America; Dollywood in Tennessee; and parks in Australia; Italy; Spain, and Germany”.

In the mid-1990s Leonard Sim experienced the misery of theme park queuing, having waited for hours with his family for a ride which they did not even enjoy because it closed due to a breakdown. As a technologist, he was challenged by his wife Henrieheta to solve the problem and some years later invented the solution and set up a company to do just that. “Lo-Q’s original and flagship product is Q-bot, a handheld device which registers an individual or group into a virtual queue when they make a ride reservation. Visitors are reminded by the Q-bot when it is their time to ride and it also lets them know if a ride is faulty allowing them to reschedule. Our aim is to improve a visitor’s experience of the park by giving them more time to have fun in other areas such as restaurants, shops and gardens instead of standing in line,” explained Leonard Sim, the Founding Director at Lo-Q.

Since those early years Lo-Q has continued to add further virtual queuing solutions to its portfolio of products. Q-txt enables a visitor to make reservations for his/her favourite rides by using the SMS messaging function on his/her mobile phone. The latest innovation, Q-credits, just launched, is a waterproof wristband initially designed for water parks. Q-credits users clock up time credits again eradicating the need to queue. These time credits are redeemed to enable access to rides and, of course, the most popular rides require the most credits.

Leonard Sim continued, “The Lo-Q concept is that when visitors are queuing they are trading time for experience. Park operators would prefer guests to be active in other areas such as shops and restaurants rather than standing in line. Our latest innovation, Q-credits has tremendous potential as it can be offered in water parks as well as dry parks. In fact we are introducing it to the market this summer, in one of the USA’s major water parks. Q-credits is very flexible and can, for example, allow operators to price their rides dynamically in order to best match park resources available, with visitor numbers to everyone’s benefit.”

Winners of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise are announced annually on The Queen’s birthday, 21 April and receive an engraved crystal chalice plus an invitation to a reception at Buckingham Palace.

About Lo-Q

Lo-Q plc is a UK publicly 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 eleven Six Flags theme parks in the USA and Canada, Dollywood in Tennessee, USA, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool in the UK, Parque de Atracciones in Spain, Movie Park and Heide Park in Germany.

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, Parque Isla Magica in Seville, Spain and Lake Compounce, USA

Q-credits is a waterproof wristband that accumulates time credits which can then be redeemed on rides. Q-credits was launched and trialled in Spain during the Summer 2010 with another trial taking place in Atlanta, USA during Summer 2011.

Lo-Q has extensive patent protection and owns the intellectual property rights in the system, its software and electronic design. Its headquarters are in Twyford, Berkshire in the UK and its USA offices are near Atlanta, Georgia.

UK USA

Lo-Q plc Lo-Q Inc

Unit 2 The Pavilions, Ruscombe Park 351 Thornton Road, Suite 119,

Twyford, Berks, RG10 9NN, England Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA

T: +44 (0) 118 934 7400 T: (678) 838-6930

F: +44 (0) 118 934 7410 F: (678) 838-6932

News & Press Releases

New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More

Published

5 months ago

February 23, 2024

Jim Hill

Boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.

If you’ve been following our journey at Jim Hill Media, you know we’re all about peeling back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes insights, news, and history that surround the world of entertainment and theme parks.

And today, I’ve got a treasure trove of updates to share. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get into it.

A New Chapter on Patreon

As many of you know, we recently made the big leap over to Patreon, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride. This move was driven by your requests for more exclusive content (and the easy to use RSS feed and app is a BIG bonus).

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our passion for delivering the best of Disney and Universal content.

Moving to Patreon has opened new avenues for us to connect more deeply with our listeners, offering exciting perks and benefits that allow us to tailor our content more closely to your interests and preferences. It’s been an incredible journey of crafting special content, such as the launch of our video podcast series, [Disney Unpacked].

[Disney Unpacked] – A Video Podcast Series Like No Other

Imagine sitting down for a chat with a Disney Imagineer who’s helped shape your Disney experiences for over three decades. That’s what we’re bringing to the table with [Disney Unpacked]. Alongside the legendary Jim Shull and my partner in crime Len Testa, we explore Disney’s storytelling, sharing how beloved rides and attractions were created, through the eyes of an Imagineer like Jim Shull who personally contributed to these projects.

It’s a rare opportunity to host a video show with Jim Shull, a Disney Imagineer who’s worked on projects like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toontown for over 33 years. If you’re curious about Jim and his work, check out our “Meet Jim Shull” video.

But that’s not all – as a patron, you’ll gain access to even more exclusive content. Our “Carry On” podcast, where Jim Shull and I explore stories that didn’t quite make it into the main episodes, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind [Disney Unpacked]. Plus, our regular Q&A sessions give you the chance to get answers to all your burning questions about the show.

Beyond the Podcast: Photos and Artifacts from an Imagineers Personal Collection

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, let me introduce you to our brand-new monthly video show, “Picture This.” Hosted by yours truly alongside Jim Shull and moderated by Lauren Hersey, “Picture This” offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Shull’s personal collection of over 60,000 photos and artifacts from his 33-year career at Disney. From rare behind-the-scenes shots to exclusive glimpses of Disney history, this show is a must-watch for any serious Disney fan.

Jim Shull opens up his vault and shares some never-before-seen photos and the stories about them.

The History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Recently, it was announced that Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel would be reopening as the Pixar Place Hotel.

Curious about the backstory behind this decision? Join Jim Shull and me as we delve into the history of the Pixar Place hotel. Explore its fascinating origins and gain insights into the inspirations drawn from Jim’s leadership on the Toy Story Hotel project at Shanghai Disney.

This YouTube documentary-style video offers a look into the creative process behind one of Disney’s iconic hotel projects.

Debut of “I Want That Too” Video Podcast

Introducing our newest podcast addition, “I Want That Too,” where Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the fascinating world of Disney products. From toys and collectibles to apparel and home goods, we’re here to unpack it all.

But we’re not just about the merchandise – join us as we explore the rich history and untold stories behind your favorite Disney goodies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Disney journey, there’s something for everyone on “I Want That Too.”

This show drops bi-weekly as a Podcast and a Video over on the Jim Hill Media YouTube Channel.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today.

Welcoming Universal Fans with “Epic Universal” Podcast

And for all you Universal enthusiasts (or Universal Curious) out there, we’ve got you covered too! Introducing “Epic Universal,” a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Hersey and yours truly.

Join us as we dive into the latest news, interviews, and trip planning tips from the Universal universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about what’s happening at Universal Studios, we invite you to join the conversation and stay updated with “Epic Universal.”

A Look Ahead: The Future of Jim Hill Media

Phew! It’s been an exhilarating few months at Jim Hill Media, with our Patreon move and new show launches, all dedicated to bringing you top-notch theme park news, insights, and history. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future, with more content and partnerships on the horizon. Whether you’re into Disney, Universal, Marvel, or Merch, we invite you to stay engaged and subscribe for more updates.

A huge thank you for being part of our journey.

News & Press Releases

Disney Will Bring D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California in August 2024

Published

11 months ago

September 9, 2023

Nancy Stadler

Expanded Disney Fan Experience Will Feature New and Exciting Events Across Multiple Locations, Including a D23 Takeover of the Happiest Place On Earth, Evening Entertainment at the Honda Center, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and Much More

Fan Favorites Including Exhibits, Panels, Shows, and Shopping Will Dazzle Disney Enthusiasts at the Anaheim Convention Center

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!

Highlightswill include:

Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium, where D23 fans are invited to attend the Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Mets game.
Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort.
Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center, the bigger home to marquee shows.

Tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale in Spring 2024, with ticketing options to be announced later for access to the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Admission for D23 Day at Angel Stadium and the D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort will be available as separate ticketed events. Additional details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be announced in early 2024.

You can get updates by staying connected to D23 via social media (@DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X), D23.com, and our weekly D23 FanFare email (sign up for free as a D23 General Member at JoinD23.com).

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

News & Press Releases

Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser

Published

1 year ago

May 4, 2023

Jim Hill

Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”

Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.

We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.