This is an entry for “virtual queue” in our Disneyland 101 Glossary: Disneyland Resort definitions in under 101 words, from Mouse Brief. After the glossary entry, we answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about virtual queues in Disneyland Resort.
A virtual queue allows you to use the Disneyland app to request a spot at an attraction, show or activity to be experienced later. This is often utilized for the most popular experiences including brand new attractions and limited-time activities, but it is not available for the vast majority of attractions. Sometimes this is the only way to access a particular attraction, but you are not guaranteed a spot even if you do successfully join the virtual queue. You are not excluded from enjoying other activities and attractions while you are in a virtual queue.
Thanks for reading this entry in our Disneyland 101 Glossary. We have an in-depth guide to virtual queues which will coach you through joining one. You can find that guide here: Disneyland Virtual Queue Guide.
And for a broader guide to planning your whole Disneyland visit, please see our free and complete Step-by-Step Disneyland Prep. For now, keep reading for FAQs about virtual queues at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Virtual Queues: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a virtual queue cost at Disneyland Resort?
Virtual queues are free to use at Disneyland Resort. If the virtual queue is for in-park attractions or entertainment, you will need to have valid admission for the park. However, there is no fee to use the virtual queue service. You can read all about how to do that here.
Are virtual queues at Disneyland Resort the same as Lightning Lane Passes?
No. Lightning Lane passes are paid services that allow you to reduce your attraction wait-time and enter an attraction queue through the Lightning Lane entrance. You can read all about Lightning Lanes, the three types of passes and how to use them here: Disneyland Lightning Lanes: How to Super-Charge Your Visit
In contrast, the virtual queue service is free to use, and it is only available for a very small selection of attractions or entertainment offerings. Our detailed guide to using virtual queues is here: Disneyland Virtual Queue Guide.
Is mobile ordering the same as joining a virtual queue.
No. Mobile ordering is a free service which allows you to place advanced orders from your mobile device for food and beverages. With mobile ordering, you select and pay for your order in advance and then choose a designated window of time during which you will pick-up your order from the dining location. You pay for your items, but there is no extra fee for this service. We take you through using the mobile ordering service at Disneyland Resort here: Disneyland Mobile Ordering Guide
Virtual queues are also free to use at Disneyland Resort. With a virtual queue, you request a spot at an attraction, show or activity to be experienced later. Typically, you are not able to select the time for that experience when using a virtual queue. It will be assigned to you (in the case of something like World of Color) or you will be notified when your turn in the queue arrives.
Can I join a virtual queue at any time?
You can join a virtual queue after it opens and before it fills-up and closes.
Virtual queues open daily at specific times, and a virtual queue boarding group is only good for the same day it was booked. (In the past, virtual queues have frequently opened around 7am and 12pm.) When all of the boarding groups for a virtual queue are full, that virtual queue will then close, and you can no longer join. So, you can join a virtual queue at any time after the queue opens, but keep in mind that it will close when it is full. You can only join once.
Some virtual queues open more than once during the day. This means they distribute a pool of boarding groups at an early time and then another pool at a later distribution time. Usually, you can only join a virtual queue once per attraction per day, even if there are two distribution times.
We suggest that you check virtual queue distribution times before 7:00am PST on the day of your visit and set an alarm on your mobile device for those times. Again, we have more tips on successfully joining a virtual queue here.
Can I join a virtual queue multiple times?
Current Disneyland rules state that you can only join a virtual queue for an experience once per day. You can, however, join more than one virtual queue per day as long as they are for different experiences. In January 2026, Disney says you can join a virtual queue for one attraction and one entertainment offering or two entertainment offerings per day. However, the only virtual queue currently in use is one for the World of Color nighttime spectacular.
This rule can change based on which attractions are using virtual queue at any give time, so we recommend checking the Disneyland website or app. Here are the rules as stated on the Disneyland website in January 2026:
If more than one attraction is using a virtual queue, Guests will need to enter those virtual queues one at a time. But Guests may enter a virtual queue for an attraction and one for entertainment or 2 entertainment offerings at the same time. Guests may enter both the runDisney Merchandise Shop and the Brooks Footwear Village at the same time.
Can I use a virtual queue for any attraction?
No. Virtual queues are used sparingly at Disneyland Resort and are not available for all attractions and shows. Virtual queues are used for new and very popular attractions in order to manage crowds. In 2024, a virtual queue was used to manage access to Haunted Mansion Holiday while the queue area was under construction. Also that year, Disneyland used virtual queue for the opening weeks of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney currently uses the virtual queue system to distribute access to desirable viewing areas for the World of Color show.
You should not expect to be able to use virtual queue for most attractions, but keep in mind that sometimes it is the only way to experience freshly opened ones. We suggest checking the Disneyland app before 7:00am PST on the day of your visit to determine which experiences will be using virtual queues that day.
Can I enter multiple virtual queues at once?
Sometimes, Disneyland will offer virtual queues for multiple experiences. You must enter the virtual queue for each of these experiences one at a time, and pay attention to the rules for how many total virtual queues you can enter per day. In January 2026, the limit is two entertainment offerings or one attraction and one entertainment offering per day. Disney share’s the rules here.
However, you can enter a virtual for multiple people at one time (keep reading)…
Will my group or family be split-up when I use virtual queue at Disneyland?
When you enter a virtual queue through the Disneyland app, you have the ability to do so for your whole family or group. As part of the process of entering the virtual queue, you will designate who is in your party, and then you can enter your whole party in the virtual queue together. In this way, you will be assigned to the same boarding group.
Be sure to link your party’s tickets together before it is time to enter a virtual queue. Sorry to repeat myself… but I suggest reading our virtual queue guide, because it will help you prepare to join as a group: Disneyland Virtual Queue Guide.
Thanks for trusting Mouse Brief to help you navigate virtual queues at Disneyland Resort.
For our complete guide, click here: Disneyland Virtual Queue Guide. And for a guide to your Disneyland visit—from hotels to tickets to strollers—check-out our free and complete Step-by-Step Disneyland Prep. Thanks again for reading!