Waiting in long lines for attractions at Walt Disney World has long been a drawback of the Parks’ popularity. But with the advent of FastPass+, some of the waits can be reduced significantly. But what about that other queue technology: virtual queues?At publication, Rise of the Resistance is the only attraction at Walt Disney World with a virtual queue — but we don’t think it will stay that way for long!
While the boarding group process for Rise of the Resistance can take some getting used to, we definitely think it beats standing in a crazy long line. And we have a feeling that this might be a preview of things to come in the near future.
Here are four reasons we expect to see more virtual queues at Disney World in the future!
Disney Already has the Technology in Place
We touched on the boarding group system for Rise of the Resistance above, so let’s start there. Disney has already implemented a virtual queue for this ride through the My Disney Experience app, so we know it works (despite some of the kinks). And since guests are already using My Disney Experience for FastPass+ reservations, Advance Dining Reservations, and Mobile Order, it wouldn’t be a hugely drastic change for Disney to direct guests to the app for one more part of planning their day.
We’ve seen a few glitches and learning curves with the boarding group process for Rise of the Resistance, but overall it seems to be a successful solution. So why not spread the love to other attractions — especially those with typically long waits like Flight of Passage and Slinky Dog Dash.
More Headliner Attractions are on the Way
With the 50th anniversary of Disney World approaching in 2021, there are a ton of on-going construction projects to get the parks in top shape for the milestone. And several of those projects are brand new attractions that are likely to be insanely popular. We bet the demand for both the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster and the TRON Lightcycle Run coaster could rival the hype for Rise of the Resistance.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see Disney announce a virtual queue for both of these rides, just like they opted for with Rise of the Resistance. This would primarily serve as crowd control, keeping guests and cast members safe while maintaining access to rides that are sure to become must-dos.
Virtual Queues are Gaining Traction in Other Theme Parks
This is actually an area in which Disney is behind the curve. Other theme parks had already implemented virtual queues years before Rise of the Resistance opened. And we don’t have to travel far to find an example! Universal Studios Florida uses a virtual queue for two attractions — Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Plus, the lines at Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay, are all managed virtually!
As this technology continues to pick up steam in other theme parks, Disney will likely feel the need to keep up. It will be hard to convince guests to stand in a physical line when it becomes less and less common elsewhere!
Virtual Queues Make it Easier for Guests to Maintain Distance
While nearly all of the Disney Parks are currently closed (Shanghai partially opened today), people are questioning what changes will be implemented when they do reopen. One big concern that has been raised is the difficulty of maintaining social distancing in the parks. And attraction queues definitely pose a big potential problem. Of course, having virtual queues doesn’t automatically guarantee that guests will maintain their distance. But eliminating the process of waiting in line for attractions (at least for hours at a time) will make it easier for people to stay separated, instead of encouraging guests to congregate within the same space (and fill in all available space).
With Disney executives considering measures they can take to make the parks safer when they reopen, we think virtual queues are probably included in these conversations.
So is the Rise of the Resistance boarding group process a peek into the future of queues at Disney? We think there are some strong indicators that point to a shift to virtual lines becoming more common!
Share your experiences with virtual queues in the comments below.
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
I would think that there has to be a better way of managing lines other than having people stand in line for four hours or more. It is 100% impossible to have lines of four hours with each person 6 feet apart.Why can’t there be a second app for stand by queues so you are given a time to show up? Why not have a system where you enter the rides you want to ride and you are given times to show up? The main problem I see is if people aren’t standing in line, what will they be doing? A line that is eliminated over here, becomes a crowd somewhere else. I’m sure I am being short sighted here, but I would think a company like Disney should be able to figure it out. Maybe time to develop other activities/entertainment events that will accommodate larger crowds instead of adding another ride that will result in another 4 hour line. By adding more hotels/resorts, is Disney adding to the problem or the solution?
The biggest draw back to virtual queues is having to be at the park at rope drop to “hopefully” get a boarding pass. I like the idea of making every ride FP+. That allows those of us who don’t want to rope drop to still have ride options.
Vitual queue as it currently exists, I hope not. I think making all the attractions fastpass+ only is the way to go. Use the standbye line tracks to spread out the waiting guests 2 meters apart and the FP+ controls the max number of people who go on the attracton in any given hour
They have to find a better way to join other than the lottery at opening. The biggest crowds I’ve every been in was in Jan at HS at 5 am. Social distancing was definitely not possible then.
I sure hope not! Not everyone wants to be at the Disney parks at rope drop to run to a ride to get on the virtual boarding for possibly hours later. They are usually all full before some of us even arrive at park.