- Mar 13, 2024
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Disney World is in the midst of a massive transformation, with massive construction projects in the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom all set to open in the next few years. However, all of the new attractions and IP coming to the parks could lead to the return of a controversial Disney system: Virtual Queues.
Tron virtual queue sign
First introduced in the late 2010s, the virtual queue system was introduced as a way to manage crowds on high-demand new attractions. Instead of standing in line for hours, guests would snag a boarding pass through the My Disney Experience app at specific times (usually 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM) and be called back to ride at a designated time later in the day.
In theory, the system helped control congestion and allowed Disney to test new crowd-management strategies on high-profile new attractions, including TRON: Lightcycle/Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Rise of the Resistance. As the sheen of newness wore off and these rides became parts of the Disney World experience, they transitioned to standard queues. Currently, there are no Virtual Queue offerings at the resort.
Cosmic Rewind loading area
However, that could change later this year with the (re)openings of two major Disney World attractions: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. The former has been shuttered since January of 2025, and will reopen later this spring with newly rebuilt infrastructure and a sequence based on the classic Disneyland Rainbow Caverns from the Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland.
©Disney
The latter is set to close on March 2nd for a comparatively brief refurbishment, which will see the coaster trade its original Aerosmith theming for a new story tied to the Muppets, including a new pre-show featuring the characters and music from the Muppet group the Electric Mayhem. The new, “Muppetized” version of the coaster is scheduled to open this summer.
©Disney
Both reopening coasters are expected to draw large crowds and attention, which may lead to Disney enabling a VQ.
Beyond 2026, some of the blockbuster attractions coming as part of Disney World’s expansion may also warrant Virtual Queues in the coming years. After all, the Magic Kingdom’s Piston Peak is going to include a technologically advanced off-road inspired ride…
©Disney
… Hollywood Studios’ Monstropolis-inspired Monsters, Inc. land is going to be headlined by the LONG-awaited suspended “door” coaster inspired by the Pixar film’s climax…
©Disney
… and Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom will be anchored by attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, with the former being more likely to potentially feature a virtual queue.
©Disney
With a slew of brand-new E-Ticket attractions coming to Walt Disney World in the coming years, Virtual Queues might be on their way back to Walt Disney World. We will have all the information and details on if you need to sign up, when to sign up, and how. So make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all the need-to-know info. And stay tuned to Magical Guides for more Disney World updates.
Are you a Virtual Queue fan? Let us know in the comments below.
Tron virtual queue sign
First introduced in the late 2010s, the virtual queue system was introduced as a way to manage crowds on high-demand new attractions. Instead of standing in line for hours, guests would snag a boarding pass through the My Disney Experience app at specific times (usually 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM) and be called back to ride at a designated time later in the day.
In theory, the system helped control congestion and allowed Disney to test new crowd-management strategies on high-profile new attractions, including TRON: Lightcycle/Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Rise of the Resistance. As the sheen of newness wore off and these rides became parts of the Disney World experience, they transitioned to standard queues. Currently, there are no Virtual Queue offerings at the resort.
Cosmic Rewind loading area
However, that could change later this year with the (re)openings of two major Disney World attractions: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. The former has been shuttered since January of 2025, and will reopen later this spring with newly rebuilt infrastructure and a sequence based on the classic Disneyland Rainbow Caverns from the Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland.
©Disney
The latter is set to close on March 2nd for a comparatively brief refurbishment, which will see the coaster trade its original Aerosmith theming for a new story tied to the Muppets, including a new pre-show featuring the characters and music from the Muppet group the Electric Mayhem. The new, “Muppetized” version of the coaster is scheduled to open this summer.
©Disney
Both reopening coasters are expected to draw large crowds and attention, which may lead to Disney enabling a VQ.
Beyond 2026, some of the blockbuster attractions coming as part of Disney World’s expansion may also warrant Virtual Queues in the coming years. After all, the Magic Kingdom’s Piston Peak is going to include a technologically advanced off-road inspired ride…
©Disney
… Hollywood Studios’ Monstropolis-inspired Monsters, Inc. land is going to be headlined by the LONG-awaited suspended “door” coaster inspired by the Pixar film’s climax…
©Disney
… and Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom will be anchored by attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, with the former being more likely to potentially feature a virtual queue.
©Disney
With a slew of brand-new E-Ticket attractions coming to Walt Disney World in the coming years, Virtual Queues might be on their way back to Walt Disney World. We will have all the information and details on if you need to sign up, when to sign up, and how. So make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all the need-to-know info. And stay tuned to Magical Guides for more Disney World updates.
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Are you a Virtual Queue fan? Let us know in the comments below.
