Hi Robert, welcome back to planDisney!
Ok, let's talk ride access and how it stands right now at Walt Disney World, assuming Guests have valid admission in place, of course. The four main access methods are listed below, but keep in mind, there is some overlap between them.
Lightning Lane Single Pass (paid for service)
Lightning Lane Multi Pass (paid for service)
Virtual Queue (free)
Regular standby lines (free)
Lightning Lane Single Pass is chargeable access to one Lightning Lane Queue at a specific time of day. Lightning Lanes typically offer shorter wait times. Below is a list of eligible rides for Lightning Lane Single Pass:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindTRON Lightcycle / RunSeven Dwarfs Mine TrainStar Wars: Rise of the ResistanceAvatar Flight of PassageLightning Lane Multi Pass is another paid service to access Lightning Lanes on other eligible rides but not the ones listed above. You can hold up to three Multi Pass Lightning Lanes at one time.
Virtual Queues can be accessed by Guests each day for the following rides.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)
TRON Lightcycle / Run (Magic Kingdom Park)
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. (Magic Kingdom Park)Virtual Queues offer a free spot in the standby line for these select rides. At 7am sharp is your first opportunity to join via My Disney Experience App. Virtual Queues can fill quickly, so I recommend being on your My Disney Experience mobile app a few minutes before 7 AM and confirming your party to ensure you're ready to roll. I then refresh the screen until 7am to join the queue. It may feel like a whirlwind, but it's very worth it. You will have a second opportunity to join a Virtual Queue at 1pm - at this time, you must be in the same Park as the attraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure can also be accessed using Lightning Lane Multi Pass. To access Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or TRON Lightcycle / Run at this time, you will need a Virtual Queue or Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Regular standby queues are offered (for free) on all other rides, including the ones listed below (which also offer Lightning Lane Single Pass). You can see if the wait time works for you and join.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Avatar Flight of Passage
This may sound like a lot to take in, Robert, but once in the Parks, it becomes second nature, and you'll find the system straightforward. Just having a bit of a plan in place before your visit will help you make the most of your time and enjoy all the magic! If you need anything further, we're here at planDisney.
Louise