Virtual queues at Disney World andDisneylandare a modern way to experience popular attractions without waiting in traditional lines. Introduced to manage demand for high-profile rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, virtual queues allow guests to join a digital line via the official Disney app. With a designated return time, visitors can enjoy other park activities while waiting their turn, making the most of their day. This guide will explain how Disney World andDisneylandvirtual queues work, the benefits they offer, and tips for securing a spot.
Navigating Virtual Queues at Disney World and Disneyland
Disney World and Disneyland virtual queues serve as a replacement for traditional standby lines. Instead of waiting in a physical queue, guests join a virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app, the same platform used for linking tickets and hotel reservations. This system allows for more time enjoying rides and shows rather than spending hours in line. However, virtual queues often fill up within seconds, making it challenging to secure a spot for high-demand attractions.
Virtual queues are available to all guests with valid tickets and admission, regardless of whether they are staying at anon-site Disney hotel. The My Disney Experience app is the best resource for checking which Disney Parks attractions are using the virtual queue system. Any rides operating with virtual queues will display details on the app’s homepage, with updates provided regularly to keep information current.
What Are The Benefits Of a Disney Virtual Queue?
Virtual queues at Disney World and Disneyland offer several benefits that enhance the overall park experience. By eliminating the need to stand in long physical lines, guests can use their time to enjoy otherDisney Parks attractions, dining, or entertainment, maximizing their park day. This system also helps manage crowd flow around popular attractions, reducing congestion and creating a more enjoyable environment.
Virtual queues ensure fair access to high-demand rides, giving all guests an equal opportunity to join when the queue opens. Notifications through the app let guests know when their boarding group is called, allowing for easier planning and less stress. These advantages make virtual queues an efficient and convenient way to enhance a Disney visit.
How Virtual Queues Work at Disney World and Disneyland
Virtual queues at Disney World and Disneyland are designed to enhance guest experiences by replacing traditional standby lines for select attractions. Here’s how they work:
For the best chance of success, be ready to join the queue as soon as it opens, ensure the app is updated, and link everyone in your group to one account.
What To Do After Obtaining A Disney Virtual Queue
Be sure to take note of the assigned Boarding Group number, as groups are called in chronological order when it’s time to return to the attraction. While the app provides an estimated wait time, it’s important to remember that this is approximate and should only serve as a general guide for planning the rest of the day. Regularly check the My Disney Experience app to monitor the progress of Boarding Groups.
Once your group is called, there’s a one-hour window to return to the attraction and check in with cast members. At the entrance, be prepared to tap your park ticket RFID card, MagicBand, or MagicMobile device at the touchpoints to access the queue.
What Happens If A Guest Does Not Get A Boarding Group?
If a Boarding Group isn’t secured at the 7 a.m. release, there’s another chance at 1 p.m. With fewer people attempting to join during the afternoon distribution, the odds may improve. However, even when all steps are followed correctly, it’s still possible to miss out on a Boarding Group at both times, so it’s important to set realistic expectations.
With the introduction ofLightning Lane, there’s an alternative option—purchasing a Lightning Lane Single Pass can provide access to the ride if securing a spot in the virtual queue doesn’t work out and the attraction is a must-do for the group.
Does an Annual Pass Holder Have To Have a Park Reservation To Join a Virtual Queue?
Annual Pass holders are not required to have a theme park reservation to join a virtual queue on designated “good-to-go days,” provided they hold a valid pass without blockout restrictions for that day. To check which days qualify as “good-to-go,” the My Disney Experience app, the theme park reservation calendar, or the Annual Pass holder admissions calendar can be used for up-to-date information.
Things To Keep In Mind Regarding Virtual Queues
A valid ticket is necessary to join a virtual queue. For certain ticket types other than date-based tickets, a Disney Park Pass reservation may still be required. For example, an EPCOT reservation is needed for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and a Magic Kingdom reservation is necessary for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Each ride’s virtual queue can only be joined once per day.
At the 7 a.m. virtual queue drop, guests can join from any location without needing to be in the park. However, for the 1 p.m. drop, entry into EPCOT or Magic Kingdom is required to participate. On evenings with Extended Evening Hours, guests staying at eligible deluxe hotels can attempt to join the Cosmic Rewind virtual queue at 6 p.m. from anywhere, provided they have valid admission and, for non-dated tickets, either an EPCOT reservation or park hopping privileges (having already visited the first park).
It’s important to note that securing a boarding group does not guarantee access to the ride. The number of boarding groups accommodated each day can vary due to ride closures, technical issues, and other factors.
