Credit: DisneyBig changes are coming to Walt Disney World Resort this holiday season, and one of the most familiar systems is making a comeback. Disney has officially confirmed that a virtual queue is returning to the resort starting November 13, 2025 — and yes, guests will need it to meet a certain holiday favorite.
A Holiday Return for a Familiar System
Disney has used virtual queues in the past for everything from grand attraction openings to special events, and now the system is returning for something a little merrier. Beginning November 13, guests hoping to meet Santa Claus at Disney Springs will need to join a virtual queue to secure their spot in line.
This setup isn’t entirely new — Disney has leaned on virtual queues before to help manage crowds for popular offerings like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and special holiday events. What’s different this time is that it’s being used outside of the parks, meaning guests can participate without buying a theme park ticket.
How It Works
Guests visiting Disney Springs between November 13 and December 24 will be able to meet Santa near Disney’s Pin Traders. The only way to do it is by joining the virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app.
The queue will open multiple times throughout the day — 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. — giving guests several chances to secure a return time. Only one person in your party needs to join the queue, and you can include up to 10 people in that reservation.
Once it’s your turn, you’ll get a push notification and a digital entry code. From there, you’ll check in and meet Santa without having to spend hours standing in a traditional line.
Why It Matters
Virtual queues have always been a hot topic among Disney fans. Some love how they help reduce wait times, while others find the system stressful to navigate. But in this case, the move may actually make things smoother for guests.
Santa meet-and-greets at Disney Springs are notoriously popular — especially on weekends and in the days leading up to Christmas. By using a virtual queue, Disney can better control the flow of guests, making the experience a little less chaotic and a lot more festive.
A Sign of Things to Come?
This might just be the start of something bigger. Disney has relied less on virtual queues in recent months, but bringing it back for a holiday offering could hint at more widespread use during high-demand seasons. It gives the company flexibility to handle large crowds without clogging walkways or forcing long, winding lines around the resort.
Guests have seen virtual queues come and go over the years, but they’ve often been part of major operational shifts. It wouldn’t be surprising if this holiday test run ends up inspiring more virtual queues for other seasonal experiences in the future.
The Bottom Line
Whether you love it or hate it, the virtual queue is back. If you’re planning a holiday visit to Disney Springs and want that magical Santa photo, be ready to set your alarm and join the queue right from your phone.
With festive decorations, the Christmas Tree Stroll, and Santa himself on property, this year’s holiday season at Disney World is shaping up to be a busy one. And with virtual queues back in the mix, it’s clear Disney is gearing up for a major crowd surge this winter.