Walt Disney World is heading into a busy stretch this May, with new operational decisions being confirmed.
After one major reopening drew heavy crowds earlier this month, another highly anticipated attraction is set to debut on May 26—with one key difference that has many guests questioning Disney’s approach.
On May 3, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad officially reopened in Magic Kingdom after more than a year of refurbishment, and guests were met with long standby waits that quickly spilled deep into the surrounding land.
“The line for Big Thunder Mountain stretches into the heart of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. 120-minute wait!” Drew Smith shared on X, highlighting just how intense demand became on reopening day.
The line for Big Thunder Mountain stretches into the heart of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. 120-minute wait! pic.twitter.com/iVXHObdORa
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) May 3, 2026
For years, virtual queues have been used at Walt Disney World to manage demand for high-profile attractions. First introduced during the debut of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in 2019, the system allowed guests to secure a boarding group instead of waiting in a traditional line. While controversial, it often helped distribute crowds more evenly throughout the park.
In recent years, Disney has gradually shifted away from virtual queues as Lightning Lane options expanded, offering Single Pass, Multi Pass, and Premier Pass upgrades. Still, the system hasn’t disappeared entirely. Disney has continued to use it selectively for major openings and limited-time events, including Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Disney has confirmed that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will also open without a virtual queue when it officially launches on May 26 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The announcement came alongside details for Annual Passholder previews, which will run from May 21 through May 23 (and will use a virtual queue).
According to information shared by PurpleSpaceSurfer on Reddit, preview participants will have boarding opportunities at 7 a.m., 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. However, Disney made it clear that the virtual queue will only be used during these early access days.
“Please note that a virtual queue for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will only be used during previews,” Disney stated. “A virtual queue is not planned for when the attraction officially opens on May 26.”
That confirmation has raised eyebrows, especially given the level of interest surrounding the reimagined attraction.
Unlike Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which returned as an updated version of a classic ride, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is undergoing a complete thematic transformation. The attraction is swapping its longtime Aerosmith storyline for a new adventure featuring The Muppets and their band, The Electric Mayhem.
The change comes at a time when The Muppets have seen their presence at Walt Disney World reduced. The closure of Muppet*Vision 3D and nearby locations on Grand Avenue marked a significant shift, with the area set to become part of a Monsters, Inc.-themed expansion. That makes this new coaster even more important for fans of the franchise.
Disney describes the updated experience as follows: “[s]tarting May 26, the legendary ride roars back to life with a rock-charged remix that drops guests straight into the middle of The Electric Mayhem’s biggest night yet.” The attraction will feature celebrity appearances and a new five-song soundtrack, while maintaining a similar ride structure to its predecessor.
Given the popularity of both the ride system and The Muppets, large crowds are expected when the attraction opens. Without a virtual queue in place, Sunset Boulevard could quickly become one of the busiest areas in the park.
Disney itself has previously acknowledged the benefits of virtual queues, stating that “[v]irtual queues continue to be helpful with the launch of popular attractions and the debut of new experiences and offerings.” That makes the decision to forgo the system here all the more puzzling for some observers.
Of course, virtual queues have never been universally loved. Many guests prefer the simplicity of standby lines, avoiding the need to wake up early or constantly check their phones for boarding opportunities. Others argue that virtual queues allow for a more flexible park day.
With a major ride reopening already testing crowd flow and another high-profile debut just weeks away, all eyes will be on how Disney manages guest experience moving forward.
How do you feel about Disney’s approach? Should Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster use a virtual queue when it opens later this month? Let us know in the comments down below!
