How to Join a Virtual Queue

What is this?

In the past few years, Walt Disney World has begun to use Virtual Queues (VQ) to manage lines at its newest, and most popular, attractions.  As the name suggests, a VQ gives you a virtual spot in line and tells you when you can enter the attraction and join the physical queue.

Once you join a VQ you will be given a group number.  When the attraction opens for the day (usually at park opening) groups will be called in batches.  Typically starting with 1-20 with a new group being added every few minutes as queue size allows.

The Virtual Queues section of the Disney World app will list your current VQs as well as what numbers are currently being called.  It will also show an estimate of your wait time.

Why do I want to?

Currently VQs are being used for Tron: Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.  Both of these e-ticket attractions are the newest and hottest attractions in their respective parks.  Both are amazing experiences for lovers of thrill rides.

My group was called!

Fantastic! Once your number is called you will receive a notification and have approximately 1 hour to join the physical queue.  When you arrive at the attraction you will join the line marked virtual queue and scan your ticket media (cards, magicbands or phones).  You can then proceed to join the queue.  There may still be a wait of up to an hour once in the queue, so be prepared.

My group was called and I missed it!

If you are in the middle of plans you cannot change, such as a dining reservation, finish your plans and then head directly to the attraction.  If you are outside the queue window when you arrive simply speak to the cast member and explain what happened.  Typically you will still be allowed to board.  This is not guaranteed but as long as you are polite and friendly, you should be able to ride the attraction.

Before you begin

  • Ensure that you have created a My Disney Experience account

  • Link your park tickets

  • Make your park reservations

  • Download the Disney World app to your phone


Joining the Queue

A few minutes before 7:00 am on the morning of your theme park visit (Magic Kingdom or Epcot) in the Disney World App.

  1. Scroll down until you see the blue “Virtual Queues” banner and select “Join Virtual Queue”

  2. Make sure all party members who want to ride the attraction are listed.  If they aren’t hit edit and select the appropriate members. Once finished select “Confirm Your Party”

  3. Before the queue opens a “Refresh” button will appear at the bottom.  Click that and keep clicking it everytime it reappears

  4. Right at 7:00 it will change to “Join Virtual Queue”.  Select it and hopefully you will get a queue number.

  5. Keep checking back to see what number they are calling and be ready to enter the attraction when yours is called.


Tips 

  • Use multiple devices at once.  Several people can all try to join the same party.  Simply follow these steps on each device.  Only one device will receive a virtual queue number, the other devices will get error messages.  This is normal.

  • Have one device on Wifi and one on cellular data for broadest coverage.

  • Give yourself a few minutes ahead of time to confirm your party and make any changes if necessary.

  • If you don’t get a queue pass at 7:00 AM don’t despair, the queue opens again at 1:00 PM, set an alarm for 12:55 so you don’t miss it.


I didn’t get a VQ, is my trip ruined?

No, it’s not ruined!  If you weren’t able to secure a spot in the VQ at 7:00 AM, you can try again at 1:00 PM.  If you absolutely must ride this attraction or suffer world ending consequences, you buy an Individual Lightning Lane for these attractions.  These do sell out, but not as quickly as the VQ.  I suggest trying the VQ first at 7:00 am and after that get your Lightning Lane for the attraction you want.  Don’t try to wait until 1:00 PM for the Lightning Lane, they will likely be sold out at that time.


Alternatively, if you are visiting the respective park later in your trip, you can try again.


How about both?

You can join the VQ and buy a Lightning Lane for the same attraction on the same day.  That will allow you to ride twice.  You cannot, however, join the VQ twice. Once you get into the VQ once, that is it for the day.