Starting February 25, 2025, Disney World will no longer require a Virtual Queue for two of its most popular attractions: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. Instead, both rides will shift to traditional standby lines, with paid Lightning Lane options available—Tiana’s Bayou Adventure through the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind as a Lightning Lane Single Pass.
For many guests, this is a big shift in how they experience these rides. Virtual Queue has been Disney’s go-to system for handling new and high-demand attractions, eliminating the need to physically wait in line for hours. However, Virtual Queue has also been a point of frustration for many Disney guests.
Why Some Fans Won’t Miss Virtual Queue
The Virtual Queue system can be a stressful experience, requiring guests to be on their phones at exactly 7:00 AM (or 1:00 PM for the second drop) to secure a boarding group. For casual visitors, this can feel overwhelming—especially if they aren’t familiar with the process or don’t have fast fingers to snag a spot before they’re gone in seconds. If you miss out, you’re often left with no choice but to try again later or hope for a rare backup group.
Hardcore Disney fans, on the other hand, often appreciate the predictability of Virtual Queue. Many know the tricks—like refreshing at the right moment, using multiple devices, or planning their park arrival times strategically. Virtual Queue has also been a lifesaver for those who prefer to avoid standing in line for long periods.
Is This a Win for Casual or Hardcore Disney Fans?
The shift to standby lines is likely a mixed bag. For casual visitors, this change may actually make things simpler. They no longer have to wake up early and compete for a Virtual Queue slot; they can just get in line like any other ride. If they want to skip the standby queue, they still have the option to buy Lightning Lane access.
However, for Disney die-hards who have mastered the Virtual Queue system, this change might feel like a step backward. Standby lines for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are likely to be long, and without Virtual Queue, there’s no guarantee of getting on the ride without waiting an hour or more.
A Look at the Rides
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuted on June 28, 2024, as a reimagining of Splash Mountain. The ride takes guests on a musical journey through the bayou, following Tiana and her friends as they prepare for a big celebration. While the ride maintains Splash Mountain’s iconic drop, it introduces brand-new animatronics, music, and storytelling that bring The Princess and the Frog to life.
Meanwhile, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a completely original attraction that opened on May 27, 2022. This high-speed, storytelling coaster features rotating ride vehicles and a backward launch—making it one of the most unique roller coasters Disney has ever built. The ride’s soundtrack includes classic songs like September and Conga, adding to the fun, fast-paced experience.
Lightning Lane Options
While the Virtual Queue is going away, both attractions will still be available via Lightning Lane for guests who want to skip the standby line:
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Available through Lightning Lane Multi Pass, allowing guests to select multiple attractions throughout the day.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: Available as a Lightning Lane Single Pass, meaning it requires a separate purchase and is not included with Multi Pass selections.
For those who prefer to plan ahead, Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets you book up to three rides in advance and make additional selections as you use them. If you have Park Hopper tickets, you can even book across multiple parks. Lightning Lane Single Pass, on the other hand, is reserved for the most in-demand attractions, allowing guests to purchase up to two per day.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s decision to remove Virtual Queue for these two attractions will impact how guests experience them, for better or worse. While some will welcome the return of a traditional standby line, others may miss the Virtual Queue system that (when used correctly) could help secure a spot without the stress of waiting in a long line.
If you’re planning a trip after February 25, be ready to make some strategic choices—whether that means tackling the standby line early or budgeting for a Lightning Lane pass to save time. Either way, both Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind remain must-do attractions for any Disney World trip!
