UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023. Disney virtual queues are a somewhat new concept that make their appearance at Disney Parks here and there. Virtual queues are used during the launch of popular attractions and the debut of new experiences and offerings. Sometimes using a virtual queue is the only way to experience an attraction or experience.

So how do you know if you need to use a virtual queue and how do they work? This guide is for everyone who wants to do and see more when visiting either Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort.

When a virtual queue is in place, you can request to enjoy that attraction or experience later in the day, so you can enjoy other experiences while you wait. When the virtual queue is in place, a standby queue might not be available, meaning someytimes the only option to experience that attraction.

Here is our guide detailing everything to know about Disney virtual queues.

First let’s discuss whether you might want to use the virtual queue at Disneyland Resort and what it helps you accomplish.

Virtual queue at Disneyland Resort is currently in place for:

1. World of Color night show at Disney California Adventure Park

Check the Disneyland app just before your visit—and again before 7:00 am PT on the day of your visit—to learn whether a virtual queue will be required or available for any attractions or experiences when you arrive.

When an attraction or experience is listed under the virtual queue section of the Disneyland app, you will want to be familiar with how it works before you arrive.

STEP ONE: Make sure you have the Disneyland app, with notifications enabled so you receive updates about the virtual queue—including callback details and daily distribution times.

STEP TWO: Log in to the Disneyland app at one of the distribution times. Select “Virtual Queues” on the home screen to view the current status and next steps for joining a virtual queue. The app will indicate when there is no availability for a specific distribution time, or if a backup group is available.

STEP THREE: Select your group's park tickets and enroll everyone in the virtual queue at the same time (subject to availability, everyone must have already entered the park that day).

STEP FOUR: When your boarding group is called to return, you’ll receive a notification via the Disneyland app. Then, head over to the entrance of the experience within your designated return window. For World of Color color assignments, look for that color light on the lampposts to enter the viewing area.

Alternate access: If you do not get access to the virtual queue for World of Color, you can watch the second show of the evening, join a walk up viewing area or try again another day of your visit.

As of September 1, 2023 Rogers: The Musical has ended its run at California Adventure Park and is no longer being shown.

Each day that “Rogers: The Musical” is performing, distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will begin at 10:30 am PT for the first two show times of the day and 2 p.m. PT for the remaining showtimes of the day.

While joining the virtual queue is not required to view the show, it is highly recommended. If the virtual queue reaches capacity, you can always check in at the Hyperion Theater before “Rogers: The Musical” begins for any walk-up viewing options.

As of February 22, 2023 you no longer need a virtual queue to access Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. You may now use the standby line to ride.

Guests can also get access to this attraction by purchasing an individual Lightning Lane selection. Please be aware that individual Lightning Lane selections are subject to availability and may sell out.

If you’re going to Walt Disney World, the virtual queue will help you in different ways than at Disneyland Resort.

Virtual queue at Walt Disney World Resort is currently in place for:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at EPCOT
2. runDisney Merchandise Shop at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (during runDisney events only)
3. TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction at Magic Kingdom
4. ONLY during Jollywood Nights after hours event, a virtual queue will be used for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

In order to experience TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction at Magic Kingdom or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at EPCOT guests will need to join the virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app.

It’s important to note that Virtual queue reservations will be available twice daily, once at 7:00 am (reservations for that ride’s park is required) and 1:00 pm (you must have first entered that ride’s park before joining).

An additional opportunity to request to join the virtual queue will be available at 6:00 pm on select dates during extended evening theme park hours––a benefit for registered Guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels. Guests with this benefit do not need to be in the park to request to join at that time.

Alternate access: If you do not get access to the virtual queue you can instead choose to purchase Individual Lightning Lane for the listed attractions.

Check the My Disney Experience app just before your visit—and again before 7:00 am ET on the day of your visit—to learn whether a virtual queue will be required or available for any attractions or experiences when you arrive.

When an attraction or experience is listed under the virtual queue section of the My Disney Experience app, you will want to be familiar with how it works before you arrive.

STEP ONE: Make sure you have the My Disney Experience app, with notifications enabled so you receive updates about the virtual queue—including callback details and daily distribution times.

STEP TWO: Log in to the My Disney Experience app at one of the distribution times. Select “Virtual Queues” on the home screen to view the current status and next steps for joining a virtual queue. The app will indicate when there is no availability for a specific distribution time, or if a backup group is available.

STEP THREE: Select your group's park tickets and enroll everyone in the virtual queue at the same time (subject to availability).

STEP FOUR: If your boarding group is called to return, you’ll receive a notification via the My Disney Experience app. Then, head over to the entrance of the experience within your designated return window.

Alternate access: If you do not get access to the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, you can instead choose to purchase Individual Lightning Lane for this attraction.

You might have heard about virtual queues from various attractions or land debuts in the past. We have kept this information here for reference and for our best guesses on what is to come in the future.

In the past, we’ve seen the following virtual queues in operation at Disney Parks:

• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland Resort
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Resort
• Rogers: The Musical at Disneyland Resort

A look back at the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway virtual queue process…

In order to experience Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway when it opens January 27, 2023, guests will need to join the virtual queue through the Disneyland app. It’s important to note that there will not be a standby line for this attraction upon opening. Virtual queue reservations will be available twice daily, once at 7:00 am and 1:00 pm.

A look back at the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance virtual queue process…

The virtual queue is for the newest ride in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and is handled through the official Disneyland app. In order to enter the virtual queue, also known as a Boarding Group for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, you MUST already be inside the park.

It's important to note that once you're in the virtual line/Boarding Group for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, you can play and explore just like you normally would do at Disneyland. You can even head over to Disney California Adventure if you have a Park Hopper.

When it's your turn to ride Rise of the Resistance, you'll get a notification via the Disneyland app. From the time you get your notification, you'll have two hours to get to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to ride Rise of the Resistance. That means no matter what you're doing, you'll have plenty of time to get there.

If you'd prefer you can enter Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge before your Boarding Group is called up and experience the dining, shopping and souvenir experiences and stay as long as you'd like.

You can keep checking the Disneyland app to see where you stand in the virtual queue, so you'll know about how much time you can spend in the land, and if you can visit other parts of the Park as well.

A look back at the Rogers: The Musical virtual queue process…

Each day that “Rogers: The Musical” is performing, distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will begin at 10:30 am PT for the first two show times of the day and 2 p.m. PT for the remaining showtimes of the day.

While joining the virtual queue is not required to view the show, it is highly recommended. If the virtual queue reaches capacity, you can always check in at the Hyperion Theater before “Rogers: The Musical” begins for any walk-up viewing options.

What virtual queues will we see in the future at Disney Parks? We’re looking forward to many new things coming to both Disneyland Resort and new things debuting at Walt Disney World Resort. And of course, as your partner in travel we will help you every step of the way. To get started with your Disney vacation, you can call our agents at 855-GET-AWAY for the quickest response. Or, you can begin pricing out your own Disney vacation package online anytime of day or night.