Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Uses Virtual Queue

Disney fans have been anxiously awaiting the opening of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. This new walk-through attraction is based on the beloved film Moana (2016). Today, the attraction began previews for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club. With the opening, Disney announced that a virtual queue will be used “as needed” moving forward.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana AP/DVC previews start this morning at EPCOT and a virtual queue will be used “as needed.” When the virtual queue is being used, you can request to join after scanning a QR code located at the attraction. pic.twitter.com/ZYfeBhiSsO

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 24, 2023

If the virtual queue is used, guests can request to join using a QR code at the attraction. Disney provided additional details regarding the process within the My Disney Experience app this morning.

When the virtual queue is needed, Annual Passholders can request to join once they have scanned into EPCOT at the front of the park or using the International Gateway entrance by heading to the attraction and checking the QR code.

Credit: Disney

Unlike other virtual queues at Walt Disney World, there will not be specific times when guests can join. Disney stated, “The standby line access for Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, may be available at the park open and again after boarding groups have been called for the day.”

Guests are encouraged to check back on the My Disney Experience app to see if the attraction uses a virtual queue or standby line during their visit to Walt Disney World.

Related: Moana’s Journey of Water Opens as Part of Disney100 Celebration in EPCOT

Credit: ziggyknowsdisney.com

What are Virtual Queues

Walt Disney World has started to use virtual queues to allow guests to enjoy more of the Disney parks during their visits. When guests join a virtual line, they are given a boarding group. Throughout the day, Disney will call back boarding groups via push notifications on the My Disney Experience app. 

While waiting for their boarding group to be called, guests can enjoy other park areas. They are virtually waiting in line. Once their boarding group is called, guests will return to the attraction and experience a shorter wait time.

This new system began with the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in 2019. Since then, Disney has used this system as new rides and attractions come on board.

Credit: Run Disney

What Experiences Use a Virtual Queue

There are a handful of rides throughout Walt Disney World that are currently using virtual queues. In Magic Kingdom, guests can join a virtual Tron: Lightcycle Run queue. The other major ride that continues to use a virtual queue for guests is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT.

We have also seen Disney use virtual queues for popular merchandise items. According to Disney’s website, a virtual queue is used for Passholder merchandise events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 

runDisney has also used the virtual queue system during the last few races. Participants can join a virtual queue to purchase runDisney race merchandise during the expo. 

The purpose of the virtual queues is to allow guests to spend more time enjoying the magic of Disney without waiting in long lines for the top attractions.

Credit: DIsney

How Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is Different

For most virtual queues, Disney provides specific times when guests can join. For example, for both Tron: Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, guests can join at 7:00 a.m. from anywhere and 1:00 p.m. from the park. 

The virtual queue process for Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, will be different. Instead of starting the virtual queue right in the morning, Disney will use this process more fluidly throughout the day as needed.

We are thrilled that this attraction is finally opened at EPCOT. It will be interesting to see if Disney implements the virtual queue more regularly in the future or if the standby line will be more prominent.

Which one do you prefer?