Entire Magic Kingdom Land May Be Restricted To Guests, Unless They Pay More

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A scenic view of the Cinderella castle at Disney World

Credit: Inside the Magic

Magic Kingdom has long been the heart of Walt Disney World, where generations of families have laughed, explored, and made unforgettable memories. It’s a park filled with classic attractions, beloved characters, and an atmosphere unlike any other.

Crowds on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom at Disney World
Credit: Marada, Flickr

But as Disney continues expanding and introducing new experiences, there’s a growing concern that accessing certain areas of the park may soon require more than just a standby line—you might need a virtual queue just to step foot inside.

The latest expansion coming to Magic Kingdom is Villains Land, set to be built “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” Fans have been begging for a villain-themed land for years, and it’s finally becoming a reality. But with that excitement comes a potential downside—Disney may implement a virtual queue system for entry, similar to what has been done for new lands and attractions in the past.

Virtual Queues Could Make Entering Disney Villains Land Difficult

For those unfamiliar with how virtual queues work, they require guests to use the My Disney Experience app to join a boarding group at specific times throughout the day.

This system was previously used for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland when it first opened, as well as for attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT and TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom, until Disney World recently moved away from them.

Of course, one other option may be offering a “Lightning Lane” that allows guests the option to pay more and get into the land even if they didn’t get into the Virtual Queue.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at night with Spaceship Earth in the background at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Disney

If Disney chooses to implement this system for Villains Land, it could drastically change how guests experience Magic Kingdom. Instead of being able to freely explore the land at their own pace, guests would have to constantly check their app, hope they secure a spot, and wait for their boarding group to be called.

The Potential Downsides of a Virtual Queue System for an Entire Land

While virtual queues help limit overcrowding, they also present major issues for guests:

  1. Limited Availability – If boarding groups fill up within minutes (as they often do for new attractions), many guests may never even get the chance to enter the new land during their visit. This could be frustrating, especially for those who planned their entire day around seeing Villains Land.

  2. Complicated Planning – Disney vacations already require a lot of planning, Lightning Lanes, and dining reservations. Adding another layer of stress with a virtual queue for an entire land could make things overwhelming.

  3. Impact on Other Areas of the Park – If guests can’t access Villains Land immediately, they’ll likely crowd other areas of Magic Kingdom while they wait, potentially making wait times skyrocket for attractions in Frontierland, Adventureland, and Fantasyland.

  4. Tech Issues and Accessibility Concerns – Not all guests are tech-savvy, and some may struggle with using the Disney app to secure a boarding group. Additionally, what happens if the system crashes or experiences delays?

A black and white image of the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park, including the Main Street, U.S.A. train station.
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

What’s Next for Magic Kingdom?

At this point, Disney has not confirmed that Villains Land will require a virtual queue, but based on past experiences with new lands and attractions, it seems like a strong possibility. The hope is that guests will have the freedom to enter and explore without restrictions, but given the expected popularity of Villains Land, Disney may feel it’s necessary to control crowds in some way.

While a virtual queue can help manage guest flow, making it the only way to access an entire section of Magic Kingdom could lead to frustration, confusion, and disappointment for many visitors. Until Disney officially announces its plans, fans will have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Would you be in favor of a virtual queue for Villains Land, or do you think it would ruin the experience? Let us know your thoughts!

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