Disney has begun testing a new virtual queue system designed to encourage social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic that could be rolled out to Disneyland and other Disney theme parks around the globe.
The new Disney Standby Pass online reservation tool launched by Shanghai Disneyland during a trial operation period allows visitors to create a queuing schedule using the park’s digital app.
Disneyland remains closed until further notice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Shanghai Disneyland reopened on May 11 with reduced capacity limits following a three month-plus coronavirus closure of the park.
The Disney Standby Pass system at Shanghai Disneyland works similar to the paid MaxPass upgrade at Disneyland. The Anaheim theme park used a virtual queue system for Rise of the Resistance that allowed visitors to snap up “boarding group” spots for the popular Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction. Disneyland added a new “Virtual Queues” section to the park’s smartphone app in late March.
Only one Shanghai Disneyland attraction is currently using the Disney Standby Pass system during the trial operation period: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh dark ride in Fantasyland.
Shanghai Disneyland attractions using the new virtual queue system will only be open and available to visitors holding an active Disney Standby Pass or using Disney Premier Access, the China park’s paid Fastpass option. Disney Standby Passes are available for free with paid admission.
How does the new Disney Standby Pass work?
Disney Standby Passes will be released daily through the Shanghai Disneyland app on an hourly basis.
Daily quotas will be limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The last Standby Passes will be distributed approximately two hours before the park closes each day.
Visitors and their entire party must be inside Shanghai Disneyland and signed into the park’s app to get a Disney Standby Pass.
Visitors will use the Shanghai Disneyland app to acquire a Disney Standby Pass. Virtual queue users will be issued a one-hour window when they can get in line to ride.
Virtual queue passes can be redeemed at the attraction’s Disney Standby Pass return entrance at the designated return time.
Disney Cast Members will scan the visitor’s park ticket to verify the Disney Standby Pass.
The Disney Standby Pass is only valid for the specific return window on the date issued.
