Disneyland has been using various forms of virtual queues for years, but now it’s more important than ever because you can ride and do more with Disneyland’s virtual queue system. And so far, it won’t cost you a penny more.
This article was originally published with the debut of Virtual Queues in 2019. It is updated regularly, including information for Walt Disney – A Magical Life
Walt Disney – A Magical Life
Walt Disney – A Magical Life debuts on July 17, 2025 and the high demand for new attractions almost always means a Virtual Queue.
Here’s what you need to know:
Guests will need to use the Disneyland app to request to join the queue. A standby queue will not be available while the virtual queue is in use. Each Guest can request to enter this virtual queue no more than once per day.
There are 2 daily chances to join the virtual queue for Walt Disney – A Magical Life. You will only get to join one time, if successful.
- 7:00 AM Join IF you have a reservation starting at Disneyland Park
- 12:00 PM (Noon) Join IF you’re in Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park with a park hopper access (Park Hopper ticket or Magic Key)
Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Walt Disney – A Magical Life. Showtimes are subject to change or cancellation.
See my step by step instructions below.
World of Color Virtual Queue
Disneyland Resort now uses the virtual queue system for World of Color in 2025.
Here’s how to join for the best FREE viewing options to see World of Color.
- You must first be scanned into California Adventure Park OR Disneyland Park to join the virtual queue.
- Virtual queue will open at NOON.
- See the Q&A section below for detailed steps on HOW to join quickly!
Disneyland’s Virtual Queue Q&A
More questions on how Disneyland’s virtual queue system work? I’ve got answers. You can also add your questions in the comments below to help me clarify and add to this section as we learn. This Q&A section has been updated for World of Color virtual queue.
When can I join the virtual queue?
Virtual queues are available and open to join on the day of your visit, not before. Virtual queues open at various times per day, check with your specific ride or show above for more information.
You may join the MORNING virtual queue IF you have reservations to start at the corresponding park.
You may join the NOON virtual queue from wherever you are (in the car, at your hotel, at home, etc.) as long as you have FIRST scanned into one of the parks that day.
How do I join the virtual queue?
Beyond knowing the times for the virtual queue, you need to know how to exactly join. Practice this now and have anyone with you who’s trying practice beforehand.
- Locate the Virtual Queue information on the Home Screen of the Disneyland App by scrolling down and locating the Virtual Queue image like this one. The wording might be a bit different for current rides or shows, but the functions are the same.
- It will take you to this screen where you select Disneyland or California Adventure. You can do these steps before it actually opens at the appointed time.
- The next page is the one you pull down and refresh until you see a BLUE Botton to tap. You’ll proceed through other screens. Tap ANY blue button until it tells you you’re in queue. Do not worry about checking or unchecking names/tickets. That will slow you down!
- Set your alarm for a few minutes before and tap “JOIN VIRTUAL QUEUE.”
You will then be given a blue or yellow viewing area to return to prior to the show start time.
Can I join the virtual queue multiple times?
No, you can only join the virutal queue once per attraction or per entertainment offering.
If you’re confused about ticket options, I can walk you through that here. Also make sure you have a theme park reservation which clarifies what I mean about “starting park.”
Can I join from any location, even not inside the theme parks?
Yes, for the morning virtual queue. For the noon virtual queue you can as long as you have a park hopper and have already scanned into the park.
Disneyland Resort has tested out virtual queues for lands and rides over the years. Here’s a quick guide to the terminology and the Disneyland virtual queue ride list.
What are the terms I should know for Virtual Queues and Lines?
Lightning Lane Multi Pass: the new FASTPASS/MaxPass/skip the line queue, launching Fall 2021.
Lightning Lane Single Pass: the pay per ride system originally launched Fall 2021, guests may reserve up to 2 rides for an additional fee. Standby lines will also be available for these attractions.
Standby line / Standby queue: regular line guests use when they want to ride an attraction. Standby lines are the main way to experience most rides at Disneyland Resort.
Virtual Queue: join via the Disneyland App, but you still must wait in a standby line after your group is called to return to the ride.
Queue: where you wait or stand prior to boarding an attraction.
Past Virtual Queues
Which Disneyland Rides are Using Virtual Queues?
This is a list of current and past virtual queue attractions:
- Walt Disney – A Magical Life, begins July 17, 2025.
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. No longer using a virtual queue in 2025.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday. No longer using a virtual queue as of November 26, 2024.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. No longer using a virtual queue.
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. No longer using a virtual queue.
- Indiana Jones Adventure. No longer y using a virtual queue. Virtual queue and stand by line available, based on demand throughout the day. This virtual queue isn’t always “on” June 15, 2021 the virtual queue did not return now that indoor lines are available.
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. No longer using a virtual queue.
Ride More with Virtual Queue
The good news is the virtual queue is accessible on the Disneyland App. It allows you to ride more attractions with potentially lower wait times and it’s free.
Unlike Lightning Lane which is a paid upgrade, the virtual queue remains free for all guests with a valid park ticket and reservation.
The virtual queue allows you to reserve your spot for select attractions, sometimes even before you leave your hotel in the morning.
Want to ride even more attractions? Download your free Disneyland Park Plan here.
There’s definitely a lot to learn for Disneyland’s virtual queue system but it’s worth it for a free and convenient way to ride and see some of Disneyland’s most popular attractions. I’ll keep adding to this as I develop more strategies and tips for joining the virtual queues at Disneyland.
