Inside: Everything you need to know to about the Disney World Virtual Queue system. Plus, tips and and tricks to score the virtual queue spot you want.
How to Use Disney’s Virtual Queue System
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In recent years as Disney World parks have introduced new rides and attractions, they have introduced them using a virtual queue system.
This system was first introduced at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the opening of Rise of the Resistance in 2019 which has since transitioned to a traditional standby line.
If you have not visited Walt Disney World in the past few years, you may be wondering just how the virtual queue system works. Don’t worry, today we will be covering everything you need to know about how the virtual queue system works and how you can utilize it in your upcoming Disney World vacation.
Topics we will be covering include rides that are on the virtual queue system, who is eligible, and how to book your spot in line.
Let’s get into it!
What is Virtual Queue?
Okay so first we are going to start with the basics of what is the Disney parks virtual queue system?
As new rides and attractions have opened, Disney wanted to avoid the traditional standby queue that could run as high as 3-4 hours. To try to avoid the long lines, they introduced the virtual queue.
This system allows you to reserve a spot in line and you will be notified when it is your time to jump in line, allowing you to enjoy other aspects of the park while waiting your turn.
There are some tricks to scoring a place in the virtual queue line, so make sure to keep reading for the ins and outs of how everything works!
Which rides at Disney Use Virtual Queue?
At this time there are three attractions that currently utilize the virtual queue system across the four Walt Disney World Parks.
These rides include:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot
- Tron: Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom
Rides that have used virtual queue in the past have since transitioned to standby lines and it is possible these attractions may follow suit in the future but for now the virtual queue system is still currently in place.
Who Can Use Disney’s Virtual Queue?
The great part about Virtual Queue is that you do not have to be a Disney resort guest or purchase any specific type of ticket in order to utilize it. As long as you have valid admission for a Disney World Park you may utilize the system to secure a virtual queue reservation.
You will need to download the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone and create an account in order to make a virtual queue reservation.
Be sure to link your park tickets to your account to ensure you are recognized as eligible for booking.
INSIDER TIP: Link your account with your friends and family, this will allow one member of your party to secure a virtual queue boarding group for everyone in your party at one time.
How Do I Book a Virtual Queue?
Alright now we need to get you in the queue!
I know I already mentioned that you will need to download the My Disney experience app in order to book your virtual queue experiences but I’m going to dig a little deeper for you and explain just how to navigate through the app in order to complete this reservation.
From the main screen of your My Disney Experience app there are a couple ways to book a virtual queue.
You may simply scroll down on the main page and in the “My Visit” section you will find where it says “Virtual Queue”, you will then select Join Virtual Queue and the app will show you which queues you are eligible to enroll for based on the tickets and/or reservations that you have purchased. This is going to be your quickest and easiest way to book a virtual queue.
Additionally, if you happen to be scrolling wait times or viewing the rides and attractions within a park, you can also access the sign up for virtual queue by selecting “Join Queue” on that specific attraction via the My Genie Tip Board.
When can I book a Virtual Queue?
As it stands, virtual queues enrollments are available on a same day basis twice per day. The first chance to hop in the virtual queue will open at 7:00 AM, any guest can book at this time and from any location.
The second wave of enrollments will open up at 1:00 PM and you must be in the desired park at the time of booking in order to secure a spot.
For example, if you would like to book a 1:00 pm virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you will need to be within the Magic Kingdom at 1:00 pm to be eligible for booking.
Also, make sure you are online before 7am or 1pm to try to snag your virtual queue spot. They go FAST!
What Happens Once I Complete My Enrollment?
Once you complete your enrollment, if you were lucky enough to secure a spot your group will be assigned a boarding group number and an estimated return time for the ride of your choice.
Keep in mind that return times are an estimate and are subject to change based on how quickly the line is moving. You will want to keep an eye on your phone and watch for when your boarding group is called.
If you have allowed notifications, the Disney app will send you a push notification when it is your time.
Once your boarding group has been called you will have one hour to arrive at the attraction and scan in with the cast members.
How do I Redeem My Virtual Queue Pass?
Once your boarding group has been called, you will make your way to the attraction and scan in in order to enter the queue and begin your ride experience.
As I mentioned above, you have a one hour window to arrive for your boarding call but it is best to head toward the entrance of the attraction as quickly as you can to avoid any hiccups along the way that may hinder your chance to ride.
Your virtual queue enrollment is linked to whatever source you use for your tickets, whether that be your phone, Apple Watch, magic band, etc. this is the device you will use to scan into the queue.
How does the Virtual Queue Work?
Once you have scanned in you will enter a queue to begin waiting your turn to ride the attraction.
It’s important to note that a virtual queue does not provide you front of the line access and immediate entry to the ride but rather the opportunity to secure a spot virtually and then wait in a much more condensed version of the standard queue.
In my experience, average wait times upon entering the queue range from around 20-45 mins based on the traffic in the parks for that day.
What Happens if I miss my Boarding Group?
It is very important to make sure you’re paying attention to your app and watching for your boarding group to be called because if you miss your window of opportunity, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to ride.
If you have missed your window by just a few minutes it’s worth an ask to the cast members to see if it is still possible for you to board, but keep in mind that this may not work as the cast members may not have the flexibility to allow missed groups to board during busier park days.
Always be sure to be friendly and considerate with the Cast Members and in my experience they are willing to help you out if they are able to accommodate the request. Plus, Cast Members are doing the best they can to make our day magical… don’t take things out on them.
If you initially enrolled during the 7:00 AM enrollment and you miss your boarding group, you are able to cancel your reservation and re-enroll in the 1:00 pm enrollment.
Can I Join a Virtual Queue More Than Once per Day?
While you can only utilize the virtual queue once per day for each attraction, you are able to join more than one virtual queue per day if each enrollment is for a unique attraction.
For example, if you wanted to join Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the 7:00 AM drop and then Tron: Light Cycle Run for the 1:00 PM drop, you are perfectly within your rights to do so and I encourage you to utilize this system as much as possible.
Bonus tips to ensure you can secure a virtual queue boarding group:
- Be prepared, start looking at what you want to do at each park and make a list of priority rides and attractions to make a plan for your day.
- Confirm your party in the My Disney Experience app up to one hour prior to joining the virtual queue. The last thing you want to do is secure a boarding group with an incomplete party!
- Set an alarm! We always recommend setting an alarm for yourself a few minutes before each drop opens. Whether you’re getting ready in the morning before a park day or you’re walking around during the afternoon, it’s easy to get caught up and miss out on your chance to secure a boarding group. The reservations can go pretty quickly, particularly during the 7:00 AM drop so it’s best to be set and ready to go when it opens.
Final Thoughts
The Virtual Queue system has been a great addition to the My Disney Experience app and provides an excellent chance to get the most of your park experience.
If you have an upcoming Disney trip and want to utilize the Virtual Queue booking system, I hope that we have provided you some clarity and helpful tips to ensure you have a smooth booking experience.
If you have any additional tips and tricks i haven’t included, feel free to share them with us! I would love to hear from you in the comments!
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