This is an entry in our Disneyland 101 Glossary: Disneyland Resort definitions in under 101 words, from Mouse Brief.
Disneyland Resort’s virtual queue service makes use of boarding groups. If you successfully join a virtual queue for an attraction, you will be assigned to a boarding group. Throughout the day, boarding groups are called in numerical order. The Disneyland app will notify you when your boarding group is called and it is time to come experience the attraction. You boarding time is valid for a one hour window. For more on how to use virtual queues, please visit our guide here. Virtual queues are a free-with-admission service, for the paid Lightning Lane services, please read our guide here.
Thank you for reading this entry from our Disneyland 101 Glossary. Don’t forget our Disneyland Virtual Queue Guide, but for answers to frequently asked questions about boarding groups, keep reading.
Boarding Group & Disneyland Virtual Queues, FAQs
How do I get a boarding group for a virtual queue at Disneyland Resort?
To be assigned a boarding group for a Disneyland virtual queue, you will first need to join the virtual queue. You can complete that process through the Disneyland mobile app, and we have a guide for how to accomplish that right here: Disneyland Virtual Queue Guide.
While we are covering quick FAQs about boarding groups at Disneyland here, that guide is the most detailed explanation of virtual queues at Disneyland.
How much does a boarding group cost at Disneyland Resort?
Virtual queues and their boarding groups are a free service at Disneyland Resort. While you do need to pay for admission to the theme parks, you do not need to pay to use the virtual queue service while you are there.
If you are curious about paid services that help you reduce time spent waiting in time at Disneyland, look at our Disneyland Lightning Lanes: How to Super-Charge Your Visit.
Why would I get a boarding group at Disneyland Resort?
Boarding groups are used for virtual queues at Disneyland Resort. Virtual queues allow Disney to regulate access to new or newly reopened attractions. Because these attractions draw large crowds, virtual queues help keep those crowds out of overcrowded queue areas and enjoying the theme parks instead.
You would want to join a virtual queue at Disneyland because it allows you to wait for an attraction while experiencing other attractions (instead of standing in line). Plus, virtual queues and boarding groups are sometimes the only way to experience a popular attraction.
For this reason, we would suggest learning about them and how to join one before you visit Disneyland Resort. Our guide for that is here: Virtual Queue, Disneyland 101 Glossary
I got a boarding group! Does that mean I will definitely get to ride the attraction?
Unfortunately, no. Disney hands out a limited number of boarding groups for each virtual queue distribution. But, even if you get one, Disney does not guarantee that you will be able to experience the attraction.
Boarding groups are called in order, but if the attraction ends operating hours before your group is called, you will not be able to ride that day. Furthermore, boarding groups do not carry over to the next day. If you still want to experience the attraction the next day, you will need to go through the virtual queue process again.
My boarding group just has a number and not a time. How will I know when to ride the attraction?
When you get a boarding group for a virtual queue at Disneyland, you will usually be given a rough estimate about when you will be able to ride your chosen attraction. This is only an estimate, because often new rides (those which most frequently use virtual queues) are still working-out some operational issues.
When your boarding group is called, you should get a notice from the Disneyland mobile app. From the time of that notification, you have a one hour window to enter the attraction. For this reason, its a good idea to keep an eye on the progress of the boarding groups, but remember they are estimates.
My boarding group is blue… what does that mean?
Most of the answers we have shared regarding boarding groups here applies to attractions. But actually, Disneyland Resort has been using boarding groups for the World of Color nighttime spectacular for some time now.
If you successfully join a virtual queue for World of Color, Dinsey will not give you a numbered boarding group. Rather, you will get a showtime and a priority viewing area. These viewing areas are designated by color. Head to this reserved area before the show to find a spot within the section assigned to your boarding group.
Just keep in mind that these sections are quite large, Having a boarding group for World of Color does not guarantee you a good view, but it does improve your chances.
Thanks for reading this entry for “boarding group” in our Disneyland 101 Glossary.
For detailed information about virtual queues, including the process for joining one, be sure to check-out our Disneyland Virtual Queue Guide. And, for more Disney definitions in under 101 words, plus answers to frequently asked questions, please explore our Disneyland 101 Glossary. For help planning your Disneyland visit from start to finish, please see our free and complete Step-by-Step Disneyland Prep. Thanks again for reading.