How does Disney standby wait work?

Standby Queue: This is the traditional queue or line quests wait in for attractions. All guests have access to the standby line during theme park operating hours. Virtual Queue: Occasionally, a virtual queue may be used for select attractions or experiences.



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Over the course of the last 2 years, our experience across all of Walt Disney World has been that actual wait times average about two-thirds to 75% of posted wait times most of the day. That drops to around 50% at night, if not lower.

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People flying standby go to check-in as usual and pass through security. At the gate, the waiting begins. Holders of standby tickets do not have a mandatory right to carriage. This means that they can only fly if all seats are not already occupied by passengers with regular tickets.

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If you want to avoid long lines there's no simpler way than to wake up early and get to the park before it opens. Whether you have access to early entry or not, being at the park entrance before it opens will save you lots of time. Usually, you can get in 2-3 rides during the first hour of park operation.

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That's why we have created this short list on how you can beat the queues and make the most of your time at Disney.
  1. The Early Bird Catches The Worm. ...
  2. Download the My Disney Experience app. ...
  3. Beat The Queues With Disney's Fast Pass System. ...
  4. Avoid The Main Street. ...
  5. Be Prepared. ...
  6. Don't Be A Sheep, Be Smart. ...
  7. Avoid certain days.


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Most rides are typically under a 10-minute wait, often even a walk-on! Character meet-and-greets may also be available at every After Hours event. However, character greeting locations may be limited.

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The ratio we are supposed to work off normally is 4:1. 4 lightning lane for every 1 standby guest. Obviously you don't just send 4 lightning lane and then 1 standby guests but you send larger groups in multiples of that ratio.

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The attraction's limited capacity means too many guests missing their reservation time could prevent guests later in the day from riding, so guests are encouraged to arrive during their reservation window. Those who miss their window by a significant time may not be allowed to ride the attraction.

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If either attraction has a wait time of 13 minutes for the standby line, get in line! 13 minutes is a 'code' for no wait time at all. In the case of these two attractions, number 13 happens to be a lucky number! ( Photo Credit Meeko)

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Other times, in the case of Slinky Dog Dash, Lightning Lanes book at lightning speed. In this case you'll see a wait time listed for the Standby Line. Underneath that you'll see LL Disney Genie+ Not Currently Offered. This means that all of the available Lightning Lanes have been booked.

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Lightning Lane is simply the name for the line you use to skip standby! These attractions are selected one at a time using the My Disney Experience app, beginning as early as 7:00 AM. You don't choose all your rides for the day at that time, though!

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There are several reasons why Walt Disney World deliberately inflates wait times. First, it's good for guest satisfaction–an extension of the ole “underpromise and overdeliver” mantra. It's surprisingly simple: guests will be happy if they wait less time than is advertised, but unhappy if they wait longer.

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10 ways to keep your children entertained while waiting in line at Walt Disney World
  1. Look for Hidden Mickeys.
  2. Play I Spy with items around the park.
  3. Have some Disney trivia questions prepared for them to answer.
  4. Pack snacks or small toys that can be pulled out when needed.


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Access your guide to the magic with these app features designed to save you time and keep you in the know, every step of the way: In-Park Navigation. Attraction Wait Times. Show Times.

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SAME-DAY STANDBY You may wait for a seat on an earlier flight than your original ticket, if the Same-Day Confirmed option is not available. Same-Day Standby is a complimentary service at no cost to you. Until you have been assigned a seat on an earlier flight, your original flight will remain confirmed.

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