It's been a long time since I've been to Disney, can someone help explain how lines work these days? We are going to MK and HS one day each..

[mom2mikel]

I was a pro back when fast passes were unlimited. Went one with the fast pass + (3 reserved through the app), but now we are going for an impromptu trip in September and I am so out of the loop!

I ordered tickets and will add them to my app so I can reserve park entry. Aside from Star Wars, do we have to do any virtual queues for rides? Do those open at a certain time each day? Can you only enter the Star Wars area if you are queued (like if you just want to walk around without going on rides)? Are there any tips to getting on the rides?

If there is a thread that already explains this, please point me to it! I feel like so much has changed that I don't even know where to start!

Thank you!

 

[erionm]

Aside from Star Wars, do we have to do any virtual queues for rides? Do those open at a certain time each day? Can you only enter the Star Wars area if you are queued (like if you just want to walk around without going on rides)?

Rise of the Resistance is the only ride at WDW that has a virtual queue. Disney opens boarding groups at 7 am eastern. A second assignment of boarding groups may happen at 1 pm eastern subject to availability.

See this thread for more information on RotR board groups: Boarding Group: Rise of the Resistance *No Spoilers* Thread, Read 1st Post before commenting.

They may restrict access to Galaxy's Edge if it's extremely busy, but I don't believe they've done so for quite some time.

 

[BebopBaloo]

As of right now the only Virtual Queue is for Rise of the Resistance. Twice a day you can attempt to get a Boarding Group through the My Disney Experience app. 7am and 1pm are these times. Absolutely, practice doing this. There are threads that go into more detail.

You can enter Galaxy's Edge anytime during the day, whether or not you have a Boarding Group, or that group has been called. You can ride Smugglers Run anytime.

All lines in all the parks right now are standby only.

 

[holden]

Getting a boarding group for ROTR is very challenging. Be sure to read the link above and watch some youtube videos.

As far as other attractions that have long lines, you can use the rope drop strategy or the evening strategy. If you have the stamina do both. If a park closes at 8pm you can get in line at 7:59pm and still be allowed to ride.

We went in June and found most lines to be ok - 30 minutes or less. Sometimes the wait is not as long as what is posted. Popular attractions will have long waits.

 

[auntlynne]

The first attempt for a BG for Rise is at exactly 7 am and lasts for merely seconds (this is when the word “literally” is appropriate). You do not have to be in the park (as it used to be) or near WDW; off-site hotels, home... are fine.

The second attempt is at 1 pm. Reports are that you can try from anywhere but must have scanned in to HS at some earlier time that day. (So you could be eating or resting outside that park).

There are lots of tips found in the Here Now & Just Back thread (about 600 pages). Also check out videos by Molly on All Ears Net. She keeps them current and shows what a day at the different parks can be.

Some people recommend different apps that give wait times.

I like to keep flowing in one direction without crisscrossing the park. And I skip a ride if the wait seems too long and try again later. Since you aren’t trying to make FP times, this means less mileage.

Food - check to see if your desired dining location is open. For QS (and TS check-in), you will need to use the MDE (My Disney Experience) app. Planning ahead & ordering early can help you get food when you want to eat (you can’t always stroll up when you’re hungry and expect food).