Navigating the virtual queue system at a Disney World or Disneyland Resort park can be stressful and frustrating for guests seeking a chance to reserve a space on a new ride that has recently opened.

Whenever Disney World has opened popular new rides in the past, it has activated its virtual queue system on the My Disney Experience app and required guests to sign up for a boarding group to be able to get on a ride.

Disney World's Epcot used the virtual queue when it opened its new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster on May 27, 2022. Guests had two time slots to try to reserve a spot in line to get on the ride beginning  7 a.m. and 1 p.m.

However, many Disney  (DIS)  guests reportedly missed out on a chance to ride Cosmic Rewind, as the virtual queue filled up in about 30 seconds after they were available on the app at 7 a.m. The next opportunity was at 1 p.m., which filled up just as quick. Once a boarding group was called to the line, the wait would be about 30 minutes.

When the most popular ride in the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge land, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opened in Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla., Dec. 5, 2019, and at Disneyland on Jan. 17, 2020, a virtual queue was used to board the ride. Even with virtual queues, guests endured long waits and people did get shut out. 

Hollywood Studios discontinued the virtual queue on Sept. 23, 2021. Disneyland on Nov. 22, 2021, began using a standby line as well as a virtual queue, which was eventually phased out.

Tron Lightcycle/Run Opens April 4

And now another much-anticipated Disney theme park ride, Tron Lightcycle/Run, is about to open at Disney World's Magic Kingdom on April 4 in Tomorrowland. But there are a few things visitors need to know if they plan to hop on for a Lightcycle ride.

First, potential riders will need to sign up in the virtual queue for a run time, and the Disney World website's virtual queue page seems to indicate that the virtual queue on the My Disney Experience will open at 7 a.m. each day. However, Disney Parks Blog advises guests check the Disney World website's virtual queue page for when and how to request to join the virtual queue for Tron.

Guests will also need a valid ticket or pass and a reservation to enter the Magic Kingdom on the same day they will use the virtual queue.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to sign up and pay for a Lightning Lane entry to Tron on the My Disney Experience app. Guests can check the app on the day of their visit for pricing and availability of Lightning Lane.

Initially, no standby queue will be offered for Tron Lightcycle/Run.

Complimentary Lockers Offered on Tron

Tron Lightcycle/Run will offer a double-sided and digitized locker system to store bags and loose items while guests are on Lightcycle. Inside the attraction queue, the complimentary lockers link directly to a guest's MagicBand, MagicBand+ or ticket media so they can easily lock and reopen their locker with a quick tap.

Guests without a MagicBand or other ticket media will be provided with a card to assign their locker. All items must be placed either in a locker before guests board the Lightcycle ride, or in a small compartment located on the attraction vehicle that can hold items such as cellphones, glasses or wallets.

Riders can also preview an onboard photo and video automatically linked to their My Disney Experience account through either their eligible mobile device using the My Disney Experience app or a MagicBand or MagicBand+ that’s linked to their My Disney Experience account.