Close Banner
frog

Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Park

more savings

SAVE UP TO $85 / TICKET

GET MY TICKETS

How to Join a Disneyland Virtual Queue for Shows

by Leap on June 11, 2023 13 Los Angeles

Set your alarms! There are potentially three times a day that virtual queues open at Disneyland. As of summer 2023, only two shows utilize a virtual queue and no rides. You can join the free virtual Disneyland queue for Rogers: The Musical and for World of Color — One, both at Disney California Adventure. The virtual queue is not absolutely necessary to view the shows, but it does help and is highly recommended. The Disneyland virtual queue gives you access to the best free reserved viewing areas for World of Color — One at Disney California Adventure. (Fantasmic! and fireworks do not utilize a virtual queue.)

Before we get into the details of how to join each virtual queue, let's go over some important information regarding when to join and eligibility to join. Here are the times that virtual queues open and how to know if you are eligible to join:

10:30 a.m. for Rogers: The Musical — This is for the first two shows of the day. You need to have entered a theme park to join. Enter Disney California Adventure or Disneyland Park with a Park Hopper ticket.

12 p.m. for World of Color — You need to have entered a theme park to join. Enter Disney California Adventure or Disneyland Park with a Park Hopper ticket.

2 p.m. for Rogers: The Musical — For the remaining show times of the day, you need to have entered a theme park to join. You must have entered Disney California Adventure or have entered Disneyland Park with a Park Hopper ticket.

You do not get to pick your show time for any of the shows. The virtual queue will assign you one automatically. Capacity is limited. You'll be directed to a screen that shows whether you were added to the queue or not. If you cannot join the queue, you may be able to view a performance via a standby queue on a first-come, first served basis if capacity allows.

Which Disneyland Virtual Queue Am I Eligible for Based on My Park Ticket?

How to Join a Disneyland Virtual Queue for Shows-Rogers the musical stageLet's simplify this based on your park ticket and the park you are visiting:

  • 1-Park Ticket for Disneyland — You are not eligible to join any virtual queues for shows in Disney California Adventure.
  • 1-Park Ticket for Disney California Adventure — You are eligible to join a virtual queue for Rogers: The Musical at 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., and World of Color at 12:00 p.m., as long as you have entered that park that day.
  • Park Hopper Ticket Starting at Disneyland — You are eligible to join a virtual queue for Rogers: The Musical at 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., and World of Color at 12:00 p.m., as long as you have entered a park that day.
  • Park Hopper Ticket Starting at Disney California Adventure — You are eligible to join a virtual queue for Rogers: The Musical at 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., and World of Color at 12:00 p.m., as long as you have entered a park that day.

If members of your party have not scanned into their first park by joining time, you will want to remove them from the party before joining the queue.

Disneyland Virtual Queue for Rides

How to Join a Disneyland Virtual Queue for Runaway Railway - Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

Currently no rides at Disneyland Resort operate with a virtual queue. Ride virtual queues briefly came back in early 2023 for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. But that ride quickly switched over to a standby queue. It also has an individual Lightning Lane.

How to Join the Virtual Queue for Rogers: The Musical

How to Join a Disneyland Virtual Queue for Shows-Hyperion ExteriorRogers: The Musical is a limited-time, one-act show that runs on select days (Tuesday through Saturday) June 30 through Aug. 31, 2023, at the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure. That means you need a ticket that is valid for that park: either a 1-Day ticket with a Disney California Adventure reservation, or a park hopper ticket, reserved to start in either park. Park hopping is allowed at 11:00 a.m.

Virtual queue button in My Disney Experience How to Join a Disneyland Virtual Queue for Shows-Screenshot from Disneyland app

As mentioned, you have to have entered a theme park to join the queue. But you do not have to physically be in the park to join.

You can join the queue in two ways in the Disneyland app:

  • Scroll down to the Virtual Queues box on the app home screen
  • Or tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right and then tap the Virtual Queues box

Both methods will pull up this screen with available show options. Up to an hour before the virtual queue opens, you can tap a button to confirm your party. Only include party members who have entered a theme park by joining time.

The virtual queue opens at 10:30 a.m. for the first two shows of the day and at 2:00 p.m. for the remaining shows. We like to set alarms for about fives minutes before virtual queues open up so we have time to confirm the party and make sure we have a strong cell signal.

There should be a Refresh button at the bottom of the screen. You can repeatedly tap that as the joining period approaches. Or pull down to refresh until the blue Join Virtual Queue button appears. We wait until 11:59:58 to tap Refresh. Then we keep rapidly tapping that spot until the Join Virtual Queue button shows up, and we keep tapping until we see Done.

Tap Join Virtual Queue as soon as you see it appear. Use your speedy fingers to tap it ASAP! That's why we rapidly tap until it shows up. If you take the time to look for it and read it, it could be too late!

How to Join the Virtual Queue for World of Color

How to Join a Disneyland Virtual Queue for Shows-World of Color Star Wars section

The virtual queue for this high-demand show may move quickly, especially since there is a special show for the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration: World of Color — ONE. That means you'll want to be ready to go before the queue opens each day. Here's what you need to know:

  • The World of Color virtual queue opens at noon daily.
  • All members of the party who wish to watch the show and make a virtual queue selection must have entered a theme park by this point to be eligible to join the virtual queue.
  • You can join after entering Disneyland or Disney California Adventure (depending on your ticket).
  • You must have an eligible ticket or Magic Key pass and theme park reservation: You can either have a 1-park per day ticket that starts in Disney California Adventure, or a Park Hopper or Magic Key pass that starts in either park. If you have a 1-park ticket with a reservation starting in Disneyland, you are not eligible to join the queue or watch the show on this day. May we suggest Fantasmic! or the fireworks or projections show instead? You don't need a virtual queue to watch those nighttime spectaculars.
  • Boarding groups for a virtual queue are limited, subject to availability and are not guaranteed. Not all boarding groups may be called to return, based on the availability of the experience.

Disneyland Virtual Queue System - World of Color

If there are two World of Color shows that day (showtimes vary), you will not get to choose the show you watch or the entry area. Show boarding groups could disappear very quickly. If you do not get to join the virtual queue, don't give up. There are other ways to see the show by standby (arrive 45 minutes early), dining packages and dessert parties. You can read all about them in our World of Color post.

Disneyland Virtual Queue System - Teens with a PhoneStep-by-Step Guide to Joining the Virtual Queue

So, here's how to prepare:

  • Download the latest version of the Disneyland app.
  • Bring a portable charger with you to the park.
  • Set an alarm (we usually set ours five minutes early to give us time to prepare).
  • Use your ticket to enter a theme park before the virtual queue opens (the Monorail entrance counts as a theme park entrance).
  • Make sure all tickets in the party are linked to the person or people trying.
  • Get off the park Wi-Fi if you can and find a good cell signal with full bars.
  • Close out all other unnecessary apps.
  • Have someone pull up a world clock to count down to join time (we use the second hand on our Apple Watch, which works pretty well. It's about a half second faster than the world clock.
  • A few minutes to an hour before noon, open the Disneyland app and tap on the three horizontal lines at the bottom right-hand corner. Our preferred option is to use the Virtual Queues box on the home screen.

Disneyland Virtual Queue System - World of Color virtual queue screenshot

  • Tap Virtual Queues.
  • Tap Join Virtual Queue, then select Disney California Adventure Park at the top.
  • Confirm your party. Tap Confirm Your Party. You can tap Edit if you need to make adjustments (remove any guests who have not yet entered the park).
  • There should be a Refresh button at the bottom of the screen. You can repeatedly tap that as the joining period approaches. Or pull down to refresh until the blue Join Virtual Queue button appears. We wait until 11:59:58 to tap Refresh. Then we keep rapidly tapping until the Join Virtual Queue button shows up, and we keep tapping until we see Done.
  • Tap Join Virtual Queue as soon as you see it appear. Use your speedy fingers to tap it ASAP! That's why we rapidly tap until it shows up. If you take the time to look for it and read it, it could be too late if you are going for the first show! We go a few seconds slower when we want the second show.

Disneyland Virtual Queue System - Join Virtual Queue screenshot

  • Hopefully, you have "No troubles. Only bubbles!" and get assigned a show time.
  • The app will indicate when there is no availability for a specific distribution time, or if a backup group is available. We got lucky and scored the first show, but it automatically assigned it. We did not put in a preference.
  • If you join a boarding group, it should tell you or let you know which show. When your boarding group is called, you'll receive a notification 45 minutes before show time to tell you which color entrance point to use (Blue or Yellow).
  • You can locate your show time by tapping Virtual Queues in the app.

If you do not have a smartphone, ask a cast member in the park about your options for getting a ticket. There are no longer distribution machines.

Hopfully, we've answered your questions about the Disneyland virtual queue system. If you still need Disneyland tickets, you can save some green when you purchase discounted multi-day tickets through your favorite froggy friends.

Related: How to Use Disneyland Mobile Order Service

Related: What to Expect at the Reimagined Toontown at Disneyland 

Keep hopping!

Keep hopping, Leap!
View Comments
<<  Newer Posts | Older Posts  >>
Nov 12, 2021 at 5:50 a.m. Derek Terry Says...

If I buy the 3-Day 1-Park per day ticket on your site can I use the Virtual Queue System at 7am before I activate the e-ticket at the gate?

Reply
Nov 12, 2021 at 8:20 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Derek!

You'll just need to link your ticket to your Disneyland account in the Disneyland app before the virtual queue opens. As long as your tickets are linked, you can use the 7 a.m. virtual queue.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 9, 2021 at 5:04 p.m. Jon Says...

My family and I live in Texas and have been to Disneyland 5 times and DisneyWorld 48 times over the years. We just went to Disneyland in October. The lines varied but most were manageable and we had an acceptable time - not the best.

The big disappointment was the Virtual Queue. Considering having to buys tickets make a reservation and add everything to the app, then trying to work the virtual queue was just impossible! I am on the older side and am fairly computer capable, but what Disney is now asking guests to do just to ride one ride is totally unacceptable. The entire system is too complicated.

I am not sure if we will ever go back to any Disney park again. It's just not fun anymore. We might have to just enjoy memories of the good and uncomplicated times in the past.

Good luck to newcomers!

Reply
Oct 15, 2021 at 3:29 p.m. Phyllis Hanan Says...

Unfortunately senior citizens who love the Disney rides, or are Magic Key holders, will never be able to navigate this system. It’s much too complicated and most times their iPhones aren’t as up-to-date and their fingers aren’t as fast. Wish there was another option.

Reply
Sep 29, 2021 at 3:15 p.m. Mia Says...

Hi. Can i only join the virtual queue for the day i purchased the ticket? I’m not able to join in advance correct ?

Reply
Sep 29, 2021 at 10:21 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mia!

Correct! You can only join a virtual queue on the day(s) that you have valid admission and a park reservation.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Sep 8, 2021 at 11:02 p.m. [email protected] Says...

This is our third day trying to get into Rise, and even using an exact clock, we were only able to get in back up group 268. We got in yesterday, back up 350 but it eventually told us they were at capacity. I can't imagine trying on a day in peak season! How many boarding groups get to ride in a day, on average?

Reply
Aug 17, 2021 at 4:10 p.m. Jerry Says...

Hi guys!

Do you know if there will be virtual queues during the Ophir boogie bash? And if I have a ticket for such event will I be able to join a regular virtual queue??

Thanks in advance!!

Reply
Aug 17, 2021 at 12:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jerry!

So far, we know that Avengers Campus will be open during Oogie Boogie Bash, but no word yet if WEB SLINGERS will be using a virtual queue (or not) during the event.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jul 9, 2021 at 1:40 p.m. Tiffany Dressler Says...

Hi! Thanks for much for all the great info! To clarify, for a family of 4, for example, all of our tickets MUST be registered to my Disneyland app account in order for all of us to join a queue? If all 4 are not registered, then only the registered can join? Thanks! :-) We have a cast member using their passes to get three out of the four of us in to the park, but not sure yet how the comp tickets work these days - if we’re able to gain access to the passes ahead of time.

Reply
Jul 9, 2021 at 2:59 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tiffany!

Thanks for hopping by! We are not sure exactly how the comp tickets work, but all tickets need to be linked to the app to join the queue. If you have the tickets before you visit (or the cast member can share the code or number with you), you can link it before your visit. If they have the sort of pass that requires them to take you inside the park and then you receive the ticket upon entering, you will likely be entering the park after the 7 a.m. joining period, and you'll only be able to join at noon. Once you receive the tickets at the gate, you can link them to your Disneyland account.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jul 28, 2021 at 5:24 a.m. Mchavez Says...

Help! My son is going to Disneyland with 5 friends. They all downloaded the app and purchased their own ticket. However, I purchased my son’s ticket on my app not his and I’m not going to Disneyland with him. How do I transfer the ticket on my app to his? As for my son’s friend’s wanting to try to get a Virtual Queue for Rise of the Resistance do they all need to transfer their tickets to one person and if so the person with all the tickets on their phone would only show his phone when entering the park since they linked them all together or does each individual still use the app on there phone to enter the park? Hope this makes sense, thank you!

Reply
Jul 28, 2021 at 11:27 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

You can link his ticket to his own account by either scanning the code on the ticket (or manually inputing the ticket number). Once his ticket is linked, you'll still be able to see the ticket in both your account and his account. As for getting a Boarding Group with his friends, there are a couple of ways they can do it. 1) Make sure that each person's ticket is linked to all accounts of everyone in the party. Then multiple people can try getting a Boarding Group at the same time since everyone's tickets are linked to each other. Or 2) Have a designated person attempt joining a Boarding Group and everyone sends a screenshot of their ticket code to link it. But if multiple people try it and they don't have everyone linked, it could result in an error by leaving people out. We have another post about joining a Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance that may help as well.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Leave a comment
About Us
About Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

Sign up for our newsletter!