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As avid theme park enthusiasts, we’ve always been fascinated by the magic and wonder of Disney World. But let’s face it, waiting in long lines can put a damper on the experience. That’s why we were thrilled to discover the game-changing solution that Disney World has implemented – the virtual queue. With the virtual queue system, gone are the days of standing in line for hours on end. Instead, you can now reserve your spot in line for your favorite attractions, allowing you to make the most of your time at the park.
Imagine wandering through the streets of Magic Kingdom or Epcot, knowing that you have a guaranteed spot in line for the most popular ride in the park, without wasting precious hours waiting. It sounds too good to be true, but thanks to Disney World’s virtual queue, it’s now a reality. This revolutionary system has completely transformed the theme park experience, ensuring that you can maximize your enjoyment of the brand-new rides and minimize your wait times.
What is a Virtual Queue?
A virtual queue is a system implemented by Disney World to provide visitors with a more seamless and enjoyable experience when it comes to waiting in line for attractions. Instead of physically standing in long queues, guests can now reserve their spot in line virtually through the use of the My Disney Experience App.
With the virtual queue system, guests can select a specific attraction and choose a time window within which they would like to experience it. This means that instead of spending hours waiting in line, guests have the opportunity to explore other areas of the park, enjoy entertainment, or grab a bite to eat, all while knowing that their spot in line is secure.
Once your booking is confirmed, the app will send you a push notification letting you know your boarding time window. The time is an estimate, so you could be notified either before your after the given time.
Once your boarding window has been called, you’ll be notified via your phone. Then, it’s time to head on over to the attraction. Make sure you aren’t late as they may not let you in if you arrive after your time slot.
How Many Virtual Queues in Disney World Are There?
Currently, two rides operate under a virtual queue. If we’re following data trends, it seems like every new ride that gets added to Disney World will operate on a virtual queue until interest in it dies down a little.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
One of the best attractions at Disney World that utilizes the virtual queue system is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This thrilling ride takes guests on an intergalactic adventure with the beloved characters from the Marvel franchise as one of the six songs on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind plays in the background. With the virtual queue, visitors can secure their spot in line for this popular attraction without having to wait in a physical queue. This allows them to explore other areas of the park while their turn approaches.
Tron Lightcycle Run
Another attraction at Disney World that offers a virtual queue is the highly anticipated Tron Lightcycle Run. Inspired by the futuristic setting of the Tron films, this thrilling coaster puts guests in the driver’s seat of a high-speed Lightcycle. Just like with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the virtual queue system for Tron Lightcycle Run allows guests to reserve their spot in line and enjoy other experiences in the park without the need to stand in a physical line.
How to Book a Virtual Queue?
To book a virtual queue, you’ll need to open your My Disney Experience app. Then, head over to the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner and scroll down until you see the “Virtual Queue” category. Once you’re there, hit “Join Virtual Queue” and you should be good to go. Even though it seems simple enough, the process can be quite difficult as virtual queues sell out within seconds.
The booking can be done in three simple steps:
- Step 1: Check Availability
- Step 2: Enroll your Group
- Step 3: Enjoy the Experience
Restrictions
When it comes to booking a virtual queue at Disney World, there are a few important restrictions to keep in mind:
- One Attraction at a Time: Currently, you can only book a virtual queue for one attraction at a time. So if you’re hoping to experience both attractions with a park hopper pass, you’ll have to prioritize which one you want to book.
- Limited Availability: Virtual queues have limited availability, and they can fill up quickly, especially for popular attractions. It’s important to book your virtual queue right when it’s available (we usually keep our app open, but idle until the minute before and set a timer).
Time Frame
There are two times throughout the day that you can book a virtual queue:
- 7:00 am: The first time you can book a virtual queue is 7:00 am right on the dot. Like we said before, we set a timer for 6:59 am and get our apps ready right away. An important tip is that although only one person in your party will receive the notification confirming the reservation in the virtual queue, it is beneficial for multiple members of your group to attempt to secure the booking.
- 1:00 pm: This is the second time you can book a virtual queue, one again right at 1:00 pm. Please note if you’ve already booked a virtual queue at the 7:00 am booking and received confirmation of your boarding window, then you will not be allowed to book again at 1:00 pm.
Can You Book a Virtual Queue More Than Once?
No. Once you book a virtual queue, that’s it. You cannot book any more virtual queues for the day. If you want to ride the same ride again, or park hop into another park, then you’ll have to purchase the individual lightning lane for that attraction. Choose wisely!
How Does a Virtual Queue Help?
A virtual queue system at Disney World offers numerous benefits that significantly enhance the park experience. Here’s how it helps:
- Reduced Wait Times: One of the biggest advantages of using a virtual queue is that it allows visitors to avoid long physical lines. Instead of standing in queues for hours, you can reserve your spot in line remotely and enjoy other attractions or activities in the park. This eliminates the frustration of waiting and maximizes your time at Disney World.
- Flexibility to Explore: With a virtual queue, you’re not tied down to one specific location in the park. You can freely roam around and explore other areas while you wait for your turn. This means you can enjoy the sights, shows, and dining options, and even hop on other rides. The virtual queue system gives you the freedom to make the most of your visit without feeling rushed or restricted.
- Optimized Park Experience: By utilizing a virtual queue, you can plan your day more effectively. You have the opportunity to experience popular attractions without sacrificing other experiences. It’s a strategic way to balance wait times and enjoyment, ensuring a more satisfying overall park experience.
- Reduced Physical Crowding: The virtual queue system helps to minimize congestion in the queues themselves, leading to a more comfortable and enjoyable ride experience. By reducing the number of people standing in long lines, the overall flow of guests throughout the park is improved, creating a more relaxing environment for everyone.
- Fair and Equal Opportunity: The virtual queue system ensures that everyone has a fair chance to ride popular attractions. It eliminates the need for guests to arrive early and wait for hours before the park opens. This equal opportunity approach offers a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
By implementing a virtual queue system, Disney World is revolutionizing the way guests experience the park. It provides a convenient and efficient way to enjoy attractions without the hassle of long physical lines. So next time you plan your visit, be sure to take advantage of the virtual queue system at Disney World to make the most of your time in the park.
Will There Be a Standby Line?
With the implementation of a virtual queue, that must mean you get to ride the attraction right away when your boarding group gets called, right? Not exactly. Due to the popularity of both Guardians and Tron, your boarding call just tells you that you CAN get in line to ride the attraction. While the line for Guardian’s boarding queue goes pretty quickly, you can still wait up to 45 minutes in line for Tron, even with a virtual queue. That’s how popular new Disney rides are!
However, 45 minutes is still a lot better than four hours. I remember when Expedition Everest first came out and the standby line was over four hours, which I was really upset about. That’s why I love virtual queues – as long as we get in, we know we’ll be able to ride it that day.
Does Everyone in the Party Need to Book the Virtual Queue?
Only one guest in your party needs to book the virtual queue, but it does increase your chances of reserving a spot if everyone gets involved. Whoever the person is that receives the confirmation has booked the ride for the entire party.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! Now you know how to book a virtual queue for either Guardians of the Galaxy or Tron! Both rides are definitely worth it, so be sure to reserve your 7:00 am booking if possible. If you’re visiting during a busy season, you might have to try for the 1:00 pm slot but still try in the morning.
Disney World’s virtual queue system is a game-changer for park visitors. With reduced wait times and the flexibility to explore other areas of the park, it offers an optimized park experience like never before. The virtual queue system not only reduces physical crowding but also ensures fair and equal opportunity for all visitors.
So, whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to ride the latest attractions or a family hoping to make the most of your time in the park, the virtual queue system is here to make your visit even more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite its benefits, some guests find the virtual queue system a bit confusing. Below, we’ll try to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding virtual queues at Disney World.
What is the virtual queue system at Disney World?
The virtual queue system at Disney World allows visitors to reserve their spot in line for attractions, reducing wait times and optimizing the park experience.
What are the benefits of the virtual queue system?
The virtual queue system offers reduced wait times, flexibility to explore other areas of the park, optimized park experience, reduced physical crowding, and fair and equal opportunity for all visitors.
Will standby lines still be available for attractions?
Yes, standby lines will still exist for certain attractions, but the virtual queue system aims to greatly reduce the need for them.
How will Disney World ensure a well-balanced experience for all visitors?
By utilizing a combination of the virtual queue system and standby lines, Disney World aims to provide a well-balanced experience for all visitors.
Will the virtual queue system be adjusted based on guest feedback?
Yes, the virtual queue system will be continuously monitored and adjusted based on guest feedback and park operations to enhance the overall park experience.
