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What is a Virtual Queue?
For select attractions, Disney lets you join a digital list of folks interested in riding an attractions. When Disney does this, it operates no standby queue. That means that you cannot just walk up and wait in line for the attraction.
The way this works is that you use the official Disneyland app to join a virtual queue for an attraction. If you succeed, you are assigned a numbered "Boarding Group." At some point later in the day, your Boarding Group will be called (higher numbers are called later than lower numbers), at which time you can return to the attraction and join the queue for Virtual Queue customers.
What is a Boarding Group?
For rides, the term "Boarding Group" is used as a label for the number you are assigned after you successfully join a virtual queue. Think of it like a spot in line that is shared by 100+ people. If you have a very low number (like Boarding Group 3), you will be able to ride shortly after park opening as long as the attraction is running properly at the beginning of the day. If you have a very high number (like Boarding Group 150), your group may be called in the evening, or perhaps not at all. The Disney app shows an approximate return time for your Boarding Group. The speed with which Boarding Groups are called depends on how frequently the attraction breaks down.
for shows, you'll be assigned to a virtual queue for a particular show time and be told to arrive at a specific time prior to that. Follow that instruction.
When Can I Join the Virtual Queue?
Disneyland opens its Virtual Queues at different times for different attractions.
For rides, expect the queue to open at 7:00 am and 12 noon. For World of Color you can join a queue starting at noon.
How do I join a Boarding Group?
See our Answering All Your Questions About Virtual Queues article for an overview of the process. Note that you need to have valid park admission, a park reservation for today, and the official Disneyland app and account in order to try to join the virtual queue.
Which Attractions Offer a Virtual Queue (Boarding Groups)?
Only World of Color offers a virtual queue. This queue normally opens at noon. If you succeed in joining a queue, you'll be assigned to a specific show time.
Haunted Mansion Holiday is expected to use a virtual queue when it opens in July 2024.
How Long Will I Wait After I Get in the Physical Line?
This has varied over time and by attraction. For rides, expect to wait 40-60 minutes once your Boarding Group is called and you join a physical line. To wait less in line, Disney wants you to purchase Lightning Lane.
