Disney Ditches Virtual Queue for New Attraction

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway was predicted to be one of the most highly anticipated attractions this year. The ride debuted on January 27th, 2023 in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Resort. A massive reception was expected for the ride. Only a few weeks later, Disney had announced a big change to the rides queue system, which could be an indicator that Mickey and Minnie Mouse’s new ride is underperforming.

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Changes for Centerpiece Attraction of Mickey’s Toontown

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the centerpiece of the newly renovated Mickey’s Toontown. Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park was supposed to open on March 9, 2023. Walt Disney imagineering have said that the newly renovated area is going to feature new attractions, open play spaces, and fun interactive activities. Unfortunatly, the opening of Mickey’s Toontown has been delayed due to unforeseen weather circumstances that caused damage to the construction. The new opening is set for March 19, 2023.

Credit: Disney

Even though the rest of the land is closed, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened as normal. The ride used a virtual queue system through the Disneyland App. The virtual queue system is Disney’s way of maintaining order when it comes to lines for their newest and most popular attractions. At 7:00 am, Guests with a theme Park reservation for that day have the option to join the virtual queue that is acessable through the Disneyland app. The queue typically fills up, so it is highly encouraged to be ready and refreshing at 7:00 am on the dot. The ride also uses Disney Genie Lightning Lane.

Queue to Change for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Today, it has been revealed that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will switch from the virtual queue system to a regular standby queue. This change will begin tomorrow, February 22. This switch is surprising to some, only because of how soon Disney ditched the virtual queue for this attraction. The ride will still use Disney Genie Lightning Lane.

Guardians of the Galaxy- Missions: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure Park still uses the virtual queue system. This attraction opened in the theme Park on May 27, 2022, long before Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Credit: Disney

The change to a regular standby queue is great news for Guests who don’t like the virtual queue system and are willing to wait in line. The virtual queue for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is pretty incredible, so most people won’t mind waiting. Twitter user Scott Gustin reminded fans that, “Disneyland may resume using the virtual queue in the future if needed (based on crowds, demand, etc.)”

However, the news of the switch from virtual queue says that this ride is likely underperforming in the eyes of the Walt Disney Company. This is an incredibly quick switch, and fans don’t think this is the kind of reception Disneyland Park was expecting.