Flash Pass

*Note that all costs listed are subject to change.

FLASH PASS. In 2001 SFOG was the first US park to add a new queue waiting technology developed by Lo-Q. Upon entering the park patrons are offered the opportunity to participate using the Fast Lane system. For a rental fee*, plus an additional charge* per person (minimum 2, and up to 6) and a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, guests are presented a device called a "Q-Bot." At this time there is not a security deposit - but the park trusts that having a photo ID on file will get guests to return the units at the end of the day. This device permits the users to go to a selected ride, attraction or show, electronically register their intention to participate, and the device calculates the waiting time required. Then, rather than waiting in the real queue, the guests are permitted to enjoy other attractions until the device signals that their waiting time is over. The Fast Lane wait is advertised as the same as the public wait, it's just that the users are provided the options of enjoying other activities rather than standing in line.

When you rent or reserve your Q-Bot you will be asked the height of each member of your party. In that way the Q-Bot will know how many people will be permitted to ride a particular attraction. For example, if two children under 54" tall are in your group, they will not be included in a reservation for SUPERMAN-ULTIMATE FLIGHT.
 
And although there are a limited number of Q-Bots available, there are enough so most guests that want one do get one now - not like at the beginning of the season when they were short of supply. When you fill out your registration form you include the height categories of each guest in your party - in that way the system will know how many people are eligible for any given ride.

You can reserve a Q-Bot before your visit by calling 770-948-3389 at least 24 hours prior to your visit. There is an additional charge* on top of the rental fees for the extra convenience, and you must pick up your Q-Bot prior to 1:00 PM on the day of the rental. An internet system will be implemented in the future to permit reservations as well. There is also a "frequent renter" program; rent 5 times get the 6th rental free.

There are a set of kiosks at the Lo-Q rental area to permit quick reservations on selected popular rides, so as soon as you rent your Q-Bot you can reserve a space for Superman, Batman or others. Also, the Q-Bots have new features that show battery life and service area coverage (riding the train will loose service).

Gold option: while I personally hate the idea, if a guest is willing to pay a stiff premium (normally double the standard rate) they receive a Gold Q-Bot which reduces the wait time for any ride to just minutes. It's basically a pay-to-line-jump option which is unfair to the individuals who choose not to elect this option. It reduces capacity, and can infuriate other guests, with a class system in the park that was once reserved for individuals who had a need to have special priviledges - all for the sake of making a few more bucks. But unless you buy this option, line jumping is considered grounds for removing you from the park.

Originally named "Fast Lane", all of the photos below are from the original Q-Bot / Fast Lane naming days. With the new "Flash Pass" brand the signage changed and I will update these photos when I have time.

Q-Bot rental sign	The Lo-Q map	Exterior of Rental Building	Lo-Q Rental Sign
Explanation Sign	Simple Write Up	Locations & Pricing Closeup	Reservation Point (Mind Bender)
Directional Sign	Sample Reservation Point (where you reserve a ride time)	Direction Sign for Entrance to ride	the "Q-Bot"

Here's the official write up as distributed by the park:

"The Q-bot Virtual Quing Device Can:

• hold your place in line at major thrill rides
• free you from standing in long ride lines
• send you surprise coupons and messages
• help plan your day
• help find your friends
• help you enjoy more attractions, shows & games
• get you discounts at park retail outlets

"Lo-Q lets you reserve your ride so you don't have to stand in the queue line while you wait. The system is FAIR to everybody, Guests with a Q-Bot wait the same amount of time for each ride as other guests but don't have to stand bored in line while waiting.

"The Q-bot shows your next ride, number of guests allowed on the ride and the time to attend. It also gives the current time and other information.

"To reserve a ride, point your Q-bot at the Reservation Sign near each ride. The Q-bot will beep and display "Ride Reserved," confirming your reservation.

"You can make one or more park reservation requests at any time. Note that a ride is only scheduled when you complete the previous one.

"When it gets close to your ride time the Q-bot will beep and display "Next Ride Soon!" Use the Lo-Q ride entrance up to 10 minutes after your scheduled ride time.

"When you arrive at the ride you must point your Q-bot at the Entry Sign near the ride. The Q-bot will beep and display "Enjoy the Ride". The Q-bot will let the operator check your display for the number in your party, making sure you are eligible to go on the ride."

Steps to Using Lo-Q:

Lo-Q Reservation Points are ALL near the regular ride entrances.

1. Reserve at entrance of Lo-Q enabled rides
2. Wait for Q-bot to beep: "Ride Reserved" in the display
3. GO, see a show, play games, eat, ride other rides
4. Within minutes of your first reserved ride scheduled Q-bot will beep and vibrate and say "RIDE READY SOON"
5. After approximately 10 minutes the Q-Bot will beep and vibrate and display: "(RIDE NAME) (# eligible to ride) (time)" for example, Cyclone 5 11:45
6. Go to the Lo-Q entrace of the scheduled ride (up to 10 minutes after your scheduled time - if you miss the 10 minute window you're ride reservation will be cancelled and you will begin waiting in the next virtual queue you've selected)
7. At the Lo-Q entrance, point your Q-bot at the entry point slot near the ride. The Q-bot will beep, vibrate, and display "Enjoy Your Ride."
8. On roller coasters, once in the station you will be directed to wait in a Lo-Q "corral" which has been built on the station platform. Only four (4) riders can be accomodated per train (so if you have more than four guests and demand to ride together Lo-Q is not for you)
9. To cancel a reservation, point the Q-bot at the ride reservation point and follow the on-screen directions

Other messages displayed and what they mean (you get a card with this explanation when you rent your Q-Bot):

You will have to decide whether you wish to enjoy the day using this tool. I don't know whether I would recommend it normally, but if I had a group of children with me it would prove to be a valuable investment to keep the day entertaining.

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