Virtual Queue Required for the First Time at This Magic Kingdom Event

Love them or hate them, virtual queues are a necessary part of any Walt Disney World vacation for Guests hoping to experience some of the Resort’s newest attractions.

There are currently two attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort that operate using only virtual queues and Individual Lightning Lane purchases: TRON Lightcycle / Run in the Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.

In the past, other then-new attractions had been included in Disney World’s virtual queue lineup as well, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT.

RELATED: The Tips You Need to Follow to Actually Ride TRON Lightcycle / Run

While some Disney fans appreciate virtual queues for their ability to free up time that would otherwise be spent waiting in line, others loathe the process of joining the queue through the My Disney Experience app and would prefer the option to wait in a traditional standby line.

For the most part, Guests have only needed to concern themselves with virtual queues when it comes to experiencing brand-new attractions. Classic rides that have been open for years across all four Disney Parks have yet to ever operate with a virtual queue; and in years past, special ticketed events sometimes meant easier access to some of Disney’s newest rides.

RELATED: Strategy Guide for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2023

In the spirit of being “Halfway to Halloween,” Disney confirmed dates for the 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this morning, April 20, 2023.

Most of the announcements shared to the Disney Parks Blog included information that has not changed with this annual event year after year, including the return of favorite activities like character meet and greets, and trick-or-treating around the Magic Kingdom, plus entertainment like the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, and Disney’s-Not So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks.

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Also noted in the official update, though, was a note about the virtual queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run. If you are planning to ride the attraction during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you will want to be aware of the virtual queue process as it will still be in place for this event.

This late summer into fall will mark the first time that the Magic Kingdom has had a ride with a virtual queue during one of the Park’s seasonal parties. While we are cautiously optimistic that joining the queue during an event with more limited ticket sales than a regular day at the Park should be easier…we also know that any new attraction is sure to be incredibly popular.

What you need to know before Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

As of this writing, Disney has not shared how the virtual queue will work for the party, but the process itself will likely be similar to how it is during a regular day in the Magic Kingdom. Guests will need to open the My Disney Experience app and select the options to join the queue when the line opens to hopefully secure a spot.

In years past, Genie+/Lightning Lanes (or previously FastPass+) have not been used during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so it is very likely that the only opportunity to experience TRON Lightcycle / Run during the event will come within the virtual queue.

Attractions with virtual queues have run during Extended Evening Hours (a special perk for Guests of deluxe Disney Resorts). And in these instances, Guests spending the evening in the Parks have been able to join the virtual queue at 6:00 p.m. (an additional opportunity on top of the usual 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. times.)

Disney has not yet confirmed if this timing will be the same for TRON Lightcyle / Run during the Halloween party, but since it could be a similar process; you may want to start familiarizing yourself with how to join the queues ahead of your fall Disney trip.