Hi! We haven't been to WDW in over 10 years (yikes) and are coming this August! In reading about the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, would we need to get into the virtual queue even if we plan on using Genie+ or Lightning Lanes purchase for that ride?”

Hi Sarah! Welcome to planDisney!

Wow! Did I hEAR that right? Ten years since you have last stepped foot at Walt Disney World! I cannot wait for you to arrive in August for this long-overdue return! So much has changed over the years that this trip is going to feel like a completely new experience! Disney's Hollywood Studios has completely transformed and now include two new lands, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park has added Pandora - The World of Avatar along with a number of new experiences. EPCOT is currently undergoing the biggest transformation and has added many new attractions. The newest one being Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which is set to debut on May 27th. 

When this attraction opens, there will be two ways to secure a spot to ride it. You can either enter the Virtual Queue System or purchase an Individual Lightning Lane. There will not be a traditional stand-by queue when the ride debuts and this ride will not be available as a Disney Genie+ selection. Let's break down each option you will have on your trip. (Make sure to download the My Disney Experience App to your mobile device to utilize either of these options.)

1. Virtual Queue: Prior to 7 AM on the morning of your EPCOT day, log on to your My Disney Experience App and tap on the three horizontal bars on the bottom right corner of your screen. Select "Virtual Queues" and wait until 7 AM to select "Join Virtual Queue" to attempt to join a boarding group. If you are successful, you will be assigned a boarding group with an estimated time for your arrival. If you did not receive one, you will have another opportunity at 1 PM that day to follow the same steps to secure a spot for that afternoon. Using this option will not cost you anything and will allow you to explore the park while waiting to ride the attraction.
2. Individual Lightning Lane: Starting at 7 AM on the morning of your EPCOT day, log on to your My Disney Experience App and tap on the three horizontal bars on the bottom right corner of your screen. First, select "Tip Board" and then change the park to EPCOT. Scroll down until you get to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and tap on the Individual Lightning Lane option. Follow the prompts from here to purchase an arrival window for the time you wish to ride this attraction. 

Since this attraction is going to be high on many Guests' lists, securing a boarding group or Individual Lightning Lane is going to be very competitive. Make sure you are ready to go exactly at 7 AM to make your selection. Remember you will have another opportunity at 1 PM to try your luck again. 

Sarah, I hope this information helps you on your upcoming trip this summer. If you have any additional questions, please stop back to see me at planDisney! I hope this first trip back is the most magical one yet!

See ya real soon!
Greg