How to Use Virtual Queues at Disney World
Guide to virtual queues at Disney World
When it comes to avoiding long lines at Walt Disney World, Disney offers 3 options: Lightning Lanes, Individual Attraction Selections, and Virtual Queues. They are very different and guests often get them confused. If youâre lost on how virtual queues work, donât worry. I have great advice for you.
Torn LightCycle Run at Magic Kingdom
A virtual queue at Disney World is a system that allows guests to join a "line" for select popular attractions without physically standing in line. This system is accessed through the My Disney Experience App and allows you to secure a spot in line virtually.
Once it's your turn to ride, youâll receive a notification and head to the attraction to enjoy your ride without the need to wait in a long line.
In short, a virtual queue places you in line, without you having to physically stand in line. You can enjoy other attractions in the park until you receive a notification on your phone that itâs your turn to ride.
This system helps to manage crowds, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall guest experience at the theme parks.
There is no cost to join a virtual queue but you must have valid theme park admission tickets.
How To use virtual queues at Disney World:
Download My Disney Experience app.
Create or log in to your Disney account.
Link your package reservation number or your ticket confirmation number to your account. (If you booked a Disney World room and ticket package, you will not link your tickets separately. They will automatically populate with your package confirmation number).
To find a virtual queue attraction, tap "Join Virtual Queue."
Select the members of your party that want to join the queue.
Tap âjoin virtual queue.â
Wait for notification that itâs time to ride.
Now, those are the steps, but itâs not quite that easy.
Letâs dive a little deeper into using the virtual queue system at Disney.
Virtual queues are currently offered on 2 attractions at Walt Disney World
Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at Epcot
My best tip for joining a virtual queue
Virtual queues open at 7 AM each morning and reach capacity within a few seconds. Yes, seconds!
You must be logged into the Disney App a few minutes prior so you have time to navigate to the virtual queue section and select your party. At 6:59 AM, I recommend that you repeatedly tap the Join Virtual Queue button - non-stop until 7 AM rolls around.
Just keep tapping until you (hopefully) see your virtual queue position (a.k.a. Boarding Group).
There is no way to join the virtual queue in advance, this must be done the morning of your visit.
If you donât get in at 7 AM, you will have another chance at 1 PM. For this opportunity, you must be inside the theme park, otherwise you wonât be able to join.
And if you got in a 7 AM, you wonât be able to join again at the 1 PM time slot.
If youâre attending a special event after the park closes to the general public such as After Hours, Mickeyâs Not So Scary Halloween Party, or Mickeyâs Very Merry Christmas Party, you can join the virtual queue at 6 PM. The virtual queue will reset just for attendees of the special event.
Rides like Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy are currently only available through the virtual queue system. Meaning, they do not take walk-ups. But if you miss out, continue reading on for the alternate plan.
What happens if you donât get into a virtual queue?
If you are logged into the app a few minutes before 7 AM and repeatedly hit the Join Virtual Queue button, you should get in. But if you missed out, there is one other way to get on the ride.
Disney offers a program called Individual Lightning Lane Selection. It just rolls off the tongue, doesnât it?
This system allows you to purchase a separate ticket for a specific ride, including virtual queue rides. Prices vary by day, usually between $15 and $30 per person. You purchase this in the Disney World App.
With this separate ticket, youâll be able to bypass the regular line for the attraction using the Lightning Lane.
The Individual Lightning Lane Selection sells out as many people didnât read this article on how to use virtual queues and missed out.
While this might not be the best way of managing lines, itâs what Disney has come up with. The system does work, and it will make more sense to you when youâre onsite.
If you have any questions about how these programs work, you can visit any of the Guest Assistance kiosks in the parks. They are identifiable with a big blue umbrella.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what Iâm up to in the theme parks.
Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.