Virtual Queue FAQ (Updated Nov 2025)

Updated November 5, 2025

This post originally explained how Virtual Queues worked during daily touring. It is now updated for 2025, where Virtual Queues are occasionally used only for AP or DVC previews for a new or updated attraction — such as Zootopia: Better Zoogether. We will continue updating this post if Virtual Queues return for future attraction launches.

Want all the deets on the virtual queue being used for previews? You can see exactly how it works (and how to join the drops) in my Zootopia Virtual Queue Preview Guide.

For several years, Virtual Queues were Disney’s main crowd-control tool for new attractions — especially during grand openings. Beginning February 25, 2025, Disney retired Virtual Queues for regular, day-to-day guest touring at Walt Disney World.

However — it’s important to note:

Virtual Queues are NOT gone forever. Disney is still using Virtual Queues occasionally for preview events, soft openings, or limited attendance windows.

For example: Zootopia: Better Zoogether used a Virtual Queue for select preview days at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in late 2025.

So think of Virtual Queues now as special event crowd control — not a daily touring system.

What is a Virtual Queue?

A Virtual Queue is a digital spot in line for an attraction that you join through the My Disney Experience app. When your boarding group is called, you come back to the attraction and enter the physical queue to ride.

Why does Disney use Virtual Queues?

Virtual Queues prevent 3+ hour physical lines.They allow Disney to control demand and avoid dangerous / unmanageable physical queues.

Now that Disney uses Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP) and Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP), Virtual Queues are not needed daily — but they are still useful for limited-access events.

What attractions use a Virtual Queue right now?

A virtual queue is currently being used for Zootopia: Better Zoogether during Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club previews. No word on if it will be used after the official opening on November 7, 2025.

On a normal theme park day: None.

But Virtual Queues may appear for:

• attraction previews

• soft-opening windows

• Annual Passholder events

• DVC Member previews

• media events

When does Disney release Virtual Queue times?

Typically:

• 7:00 AM (no park scan required)

• 1:00 PM (park entry usually required)

This may vary — Disney will note the timing inside the MDE app when a Virtual Queue is available.

If Virtual Queues are no longer available — how do I guarantee access to major rides?

Disney has replaced ongoing Virtual Queue demand with:

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP) — advance planning option

• Lightning Lane Single Pass (LLSP) — pay-per-ride option

If a ride previously used a Virtual Queue, your best “guarantee” now is to:

• book LLMP if it’s a Multi Pass attraction

• buy an LLSP if it’s a Single Pass attraction

Can I ride a Virtual Queue attraction twice in one day?

On the rare day a Virtual Queue IS used (ex: preview events):You may only use Virtual Queue once.

Can I be late to a Virtual Queue return time?

Disney can be strict.If a Virtual Queue window is active:

• aim to arrive inside your hour

• late return is not guaranteed

If in doubt — arrive early.

Need help Planning Your Disney Day?

Head to our Disney Planning Guide, and make sure to visit these popualr planning posts:

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass & Single Pass FAQ

• Finding Your Must-Dos

• My Disney Experience App

• Disney Parks Guide

Final Takeaway

Virtual Queues are no longer the standard WDW daily touring system.But they do still exist — just in special-use cases.

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If Virtual Queue is announced for a preview you want — set an alarm for 6:58 AM and log into MDE two minutes early. These still disappear in seconds.

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim