Disney parks are loved by many for their enchanting atmosphere, thrilling rides, and unforgettable experiences. However, the popularity of these attractions often results in long wait times. To combat this, Disney introduced a system known as the “Boarding Pass,” a virtual queue that allows guests to enjoy the rest of the park while waiting for their turn to ride. But what exactly is a boarding pass at Disney, and how can you obtain one? This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Disney’s boarding pass system.
A boarding pass at Disney is a virtual queue system that assigns visitors to a specific boarding group for popular attractions at Disney parks. It’s obtained through the My Disney Experience app for Disney World or the Disneyland app for Disneyland Resort. This system allows guests to enjoy other parts of the park while waiting for their turn to ride, thereby reducing wait times and enhancing the overall park experience.
What is a Disney Boarding Pass?
A boarding pass at Disney is essentially a virtual queue for popular attractions at Disney parks. It assigns visitors to a specific boarding group and is obtained through the My Disney Experience app for Disney World or the Disneyland app for Disneyland Resort. When a ride uses a virtual queue, there is no traditional standby line available, making it crucial to secure a space in a boarding group.
How to Obtain a Disney Boarding Pass?
Obtaining a Disney boarding pass is a straightforward process. First, ensure that you have a valid park admission and a Park Pass reservation for the park housing the specific attraction you want to join the virtual queue for. Download the My Disney Experience app (for Disney World) or the Disneyland app (for Disneyland) on your phone and sign in to your Disney account. You must link your valid admission tickets, Disney Park Pass Reservations, and the accounts of any family and friends who are visiting the park with you and wish to be in the same Boarding Group.
Once your boarding group number is called, you have one hour to make your way to the attraction to enjoy the ride. If you fail to arrive in time, your boarding pass will be forfeited, and you won’t get to ride.
The Benefits of Disney Boarding Passes
Disney boarding passes enhance visitor experiences by reducing wait times, providing convenience, and allowing for better planning and accessibility to popular attractions. By joining a virtual queue, guests can avoid long standby lines, allowing them to spend more time enjoying other attractions, dining, or shopping while they wait for their turn to ride.
Restrictions and Requirements
To get a boarding pass at Disney, you need to follow certain requirements and restrictions:
- You must have a valid park admission ticket and a Disney Park Pass reservation for the park housing the specific attraction.
- Download and install the My Disney Experience app for Disney World or the Disneyland App for Disneyland.
- Sign in to your Disney account and link the following to your account: valid admission tickets, Disney Park Pass reservations, and the accounts of any family and friends visiting the park with you who wish to be in the same boarding group.
- Boarding passes are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed.
- Virtual queue spots become available at specific times (e.g., 7 AM), and you may need to be within the park to obtain one.
- Once a boarding group number is called, guests have 1 hour to make their way to the attraction.
Exclusive Rides and Attractions
Boarding passes are used for select attractions at Disney parks. These passes allow guests to reserve a spot in line for a specific ride without physically waiting in line. Currently, there are a few attractions at Disney parks that use boarding passes:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure at Disney California Adventure.
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland.
- TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, which is set to open on April 4th, 2023.
The Advantage of Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel
Staying at a Disney Resort hotel offers several benefits that can enhance your overall experience at Disney World. Some of the main advantages include proximity to the theme parks, free transportation to and from the parks, early theme park entry, extended evening theme park hours, early access to dining reservations and Genie+ Reservations, complimentary parking, and an immersive Disney experience.
In conclusion, a Disney boarding pass is a fantastic tool that enhances your experience at the park by reducing wait times and providing a more efficient way to enjoy popular attractions. By understanding how the boarding pass system works, you can make the most out of your Disney adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Disney boarding pass if I’m not in the park?
Yes, you can. However, the availability to do so depends on the specific attraction and the park’s rules. For instance, for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can join the virtual queue from anywhere at 7 AM. But if you miss that window, you’ll have another opportunity to join the queue at 1 PM, but you must be inside the park.
Can I get more than one boarding pass per day?
No, you can’t. Disney’s boarding pass system currently allows guests to hold only one boarding pass for one attraction at a time per day. Once you’ve ridden the attraction, you can’t obtain another boarding pass for the same ride on that day.
What happens if all boarding passes are distributed before I get one?
Unfortunately, if all boarding passes are distributed before you can secure one, you’ll not be able to ride the attraction that day. Boarding passes are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s recommended to try to join a boarding group as soon as they become available.
Do I need a special ticket to use the boarding pass system?
No, you don’t need a special ticket to use the boarding pass system. However, you must have a valid park admission ticket and a Disney Park Pass reservation for the park housing the specific attraction.
