Universal Studios filed a new trademark this week for the phrase “Virtual Line,” potentially in preparation for Epic Universe.
Universal Trademarking “Virtual Line”
The trademark is for the following possible services:
Entertainment services, namely, arranging for reservations for theme, amusement, and water park attractions rendered in-person or via smartphone; entertainment services, namely, offering computerized reservation services for amusement, theme and water park attractions through the use of an electronic computer system and for reducing and managing wait times; entertainment services, namely, providing virtual queuing services, namely, making reservations for others for theme, amusement, and water park attractions, to manage and reduce wait times; entertainment services, namely, ticketing services for theme, amusement, and water park attractions rendered in-person or via smartphone
Universal already uses “Virtual Line” to refer to their virtual queueing system, complete with a “VL” logo. The trademark indicates they don’t want anyone else using that phrasing (Disney uses “Virtual Queue”), but it also means they may plan on using more virtual lines in the near future.
Currently, Universal only sometimes uses virtual lines for special events, like the Mardi Gras Float Riding experience and Halloween Horror Nights houses. But it’s possible they will use virtual lines at Epic Universe, a brand-new theme park opening to the public on May 22, 2025.
When Universal added Epic Universe to the Universal Orlando Resort app, each world had “Virtual Line” listed under them. This was later removed, but suggested Universal does plan to use virtual queues for guests to enter the individual worlds, either immediately due to expected crowding or only during peak times. Universal could also use virtual queues for the most popular Epic Universe rides.
Epic Universe will include Super Nintendo World and a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. When Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood, the land used a virtual queue for access. Various Wizarding Worlds restricted entry when they opened, before virtual queues were more common.
The trademark is awaiting examination.
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