Posted on March 14, 2025
Walt Disney World® Resort's magic is always evolving, and its latest update has Disney® fans eagerly anticipating what's next.
In a surprising move, the park has officially removed virtual queues for some of its most in-demand attractions. That’s right—no more frantic app refreshes or early-morning strategy sessions just to snag a boarding group.
But what does this mean for your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Let’s break it down in this blog!
Virtual queues at Walt Disney World® serve as an alternative to traditional standby lines. Anyone with a valid ticket and admission can access virtual queues, regardless of whether they are staying at an on-site hotel. The easiest way to check which attractions offer a virtual queue is through the My Disney Experience app, which you can download on your phone.
For years, virtual queues have been a staple at Walt Disney World® helping to manage crowd control, especially for newly launched attractions with sky-high demand. The system has allowed visitors to secure a spot on a digital waiting list and return when their boarding group is called.
While this helped alleviate congestion in certain areas, the tricky part is that virtual queues are notorious for filling up in mere seconds. If you weren’t quick enough (or just unlucky), you could completely miss out on riding some of the most sought-after experiences. Indeed, it's a game of speed, strategy, and sometimes pure luck.
Now, Disney World® has decided to phase out virtual queues for some of its blockbusters, meaning, guests will need to join traditional standby lines or, for those willing to pay, Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane options.
As of February 25, 2025, Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom® Park and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT® have switched to standby lines.
Guests seeking expedited experience can still select Tiana's Bayou Adventure with a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind remains available as a Lightning Lane Single Pass.
There are no ongoing virtual queues for rides/attractions at Walt Disney World®.
With the new transition in place, here are some tips to make the most of your visit to Walt Disney World® with your discount tickets from FunEx:
- Rope-dropping (arriving 30-60 minutes before the park opens) is your best friend to cut down on wait times.
- Use the Standby Line Wisely. Lines are usually shorter during meal times, parades, fireworks, and just before the park closes. Be sure to check your My Disney Experience app for real-time updates on the best times to queue. Ensure your phone stays powered by bringing a portable charger.
- Enjoy classic rides and underrated attractions while waiting for headliners to clear out.
- With your discount Walt Disney World® tickets (Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option) from FunEx, you can efficiently move between parks to experience more rides or attractions with less waiting.
- Waiting in line may not be glamorous, but it can still be part of the fun. Strike up conversations, soak in the immersive theming, and savor the anticipation of the ride ahead.
Does this mark the end of virtual queues at Walt Disney World® Resort?
No worries! They’re not gone forever. Expect virtual queues to pop up from time to time, particularly during peak seasons, the debut of new attractions, or limited-time offerings.
And yes, this may seem like a step backward, but it's actually a strategic move. By reintroducing standby lines, Walt Disney World® aims to create a more predictable, inclusive, and accessible experience for all parkgoers. This shift is simply part of the adventure.
As Disney World® continually adapts to improve crowd management and meet guest expectations, one thing remains for sure: the magic is very much alive and well—you just have to navigate it a little differently.
We hope this blog has provided all the answers you need to know about the elimination of virtual queues at Walt Disney World®. As always, you can count on us to bring you the latest news!
Save big on your park admission with your Walt Disney World® discount tickets via FunEx. Thanks for reading!
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