Complete Guide to Using Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando

Complete Guide to Using Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando

Complete Guide to Using Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando

This article is your complete guide to using and understanding the Universal virtual line. One of the biggest changes we have seen over the last couple of years has been a shift toward a more virtual, app-based experience. It’s important to note that Virtual lines at Universal Orlando have not been utilized for a while. But it’s always smart to plan in case the park brings it back! So if you plan on visiting Universal Orlando Resort anytime soon, this is a process that you might need to be familiar with. Especially when riding extremely popular attractions like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure might depend on it.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What is the Virtual Line at Universal Studios?

The Universal Virtual Queue is a system designed to allow guests to reserve their spot in line on the Universal Orlando mobile app. Allowing for a shorter time waiting in an actual line. Universal Orlando Resort has been using the Virtual Line system for quite some time now but has changed significantly over the years. Be aware that this is different from the Universal Express Pass. The Express Pass is a paid feature that allows you to skip the line.

How Much is the Virtual Line at Universal Orlando?

• Yes! The second most popular question we receive is, is the virtual line at Universal free? The Universal Orlando virtual line is completely free and available to anyone with a valid park ticket and the official Universal Orlando App.

One of the many things we love about the virtual line at Universal is that it’s completely free to use! All you have to do is just have to make sure that you have the Universal app. It’s recommended that you download the app to your phone before you get to Orlando. This way you can bypass the crowd of guests who haven’t downloaded it yet! The virtual line system works at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. And can be very helpful to those looking to cut down wait times.

Related Post: Is the Universal Express Pass Worth It? 

What Rides have Virtual Line at Universal Orlando 2024?

Another important tip to know about the 2024 Universal Studios virtual lines is that not all rides have them!  More accurately, very few of them do. Even on some days, there are no virtual lines available at all! With that being said, some specific Universal Orlando rides utilize the virtual line more frequently. But which universal rides have virtual lines? The list below breaks down the rides by which park they are located in. However, the full list of rides with virtual lines at Universal Orlando are as follows: Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Fast and Furious, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and the VelociCoaster.

Virtual Rides at Universal Studios Florida 2024

• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Fast and Furious – Supercharged

Virtual Lines at Islands of Adventure 2024

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Velocicoaster

Out of all Universal virtual line rides, Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure has been the most popular choice for virtual lines. When Islands of Adventure virtual line is up and running, we can see it change mid-day! For example, we have seen Hagrid’s Virtual Line early in the morning, and then it can flip to a stand-by line later on. The best way to get on Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure is to get there as close to the park opening as possible.

Related Post: How to get on Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure

How Does the Virtual Line Work at Universal?

This section is important because there are some things unique to Universal Orlando Resort when it comes to virtual lines. First and foremost, the Universal virtual line experience is never guaranteed. Team members do not know if the virtual queues will be used. That means, if you’re able to use the virtual queue system one day, that does not guarantee it will be used the next day!  The most important thing to know about virtual queue Universal is that it is all based on popularity.

Virtual Line Experience Step-by-Step

• Select a reservation time once you’re on the property and enter the same day
• Set your group size to get a time for multiple people( you can reserve a time for up to 10 people)
• Check back for Virtual Line Pass times throughout your visit! More selections may be added throughout the day

You have to be diligent when checking the Universal app or looking for the virtual queue signs posted around the park to see what will be available. But when it is available, it is a very simple concept. A virtual line is meant to hold your place in line, so you can enjoy other elements of the theme parks without physically “waiting in line” for that attraction.

Related Post: Guide to Universal Early Park Admission

How Can I Book a Virtual Line at Universal?

The virtual line system at Universal Orlando Resort can vary on how it is utilized. We have personally booked Universal virtual queues two different ways, both using the Universal Orlando app. We are going to talk about both! If you want to ride very popular attractions, we recommend that the minute you are on the property, you start looking for signs of Universal Virtual Queues. You cannot do this in advance! Universal virtual lines can only be booked day off. The Universal Orlando App will state any rides using the virtual line system. You will see big blue sandwich board signs with QR codes to scan to begin the process.

Virtual Line at Universal Process

• Scan the QR code or open up the Universal Orlando App and select the ride with a virtual queue

(This is where it can differ depending on which Virtual Queue system they are using)

Scenario 1

• After you select the ride with the virtual queue, you enter how many guests are in your party right on the app. Make sure you do this because every single guest needs a virtual line pass to enter. You can have up to 8 guests in your party.
• If there are any slots open, they will pop up as half-hour timeframes.
• Choose a timeframe
• Receive a QR code to scan into the attraction

Scenario 2

• After you scan or select your Universal virtual line attraction, a separate Universal Orlando virtual queue site will pop up on your phone.
• Select how many guests are in your party and Universal will give a minimum return time wait.
• From there, you can select the minimum return time wait, or, you can change your return time to later if that does not work for you.
• Once you select your desired return time, Universal will confirm and give you a countdown on when to return to the attraction for your virtual queue time.

It is important to note that we checked back on our countdown time frequently. Universal also adjusted our return time a few times, so make sure you keep a watch on it!

Related Post: Complete Guide to Every Land Coming to Epic Universe

Does Volcano Bay use Virtual Lines?

Universal’s Volcano Bay water park uses a fully virtual line system. The Volcano Bay Tapu Tapu allows guests to maximize their time in the park and enjoy all offerings at Volcano Bay. Each guest is handed a Tapu Tapu wristband upon entering the park. Many wonder, if Tapu Tapu is free at Volcano Bay. this virtual line system is at no additional cost and guests simply go up to the ride of their choice and tap their wristband at the totem outside the attraction. On your Tapu Tapu, you will be able to see how much time is left until you can ride and it will vibrate when you can return to the attraction and hop in the physical line.

What Rides Have Virtual Lines at Volcano Bay?

• All of the rides at Universal’s Volcano Bay utilize a virtual line system. At Volcano Bay, this system is called the Tapu Tapu. It is your “all access” wristband when enjoying the park!

Using the Volcano Bay TapuTapu has some amazing benefits. What we love most about this device is that it eliminates the need to bring your wallet around the park with you! It is a water park after all. And nothing is more frustrating than having to worry about getting your money or wallet completely soaked. Or worse, stolen! the TapuTapu eliminates that stress for you!

Related Post: Complete Guide to Volcano Bay’s Tapu Tapu

Tips and Tricks for Using Universal Orlando Virtual Lines

Understanding how to do virtual lines at Universal can be very confusing, and that’s why we’ve added this helpful tips and trick section to make sure you have the most epic day!

• You may not be able to experience an attraction if the Universal virtual line system is in place. Some rides, such as Hagrid’s, have virtual lines ALL day and you can only enter that line by having a virtual queue pass. Make sure to plan ahead and get to the parks early!
• You can cancel or change your virtual queue pass if something pops up, or if that time no longer works. Just note that if you cancel your virtual queue, it is gone and you cannot get it back.
• Get the most popular virtual queue Universal rides first. The most popular attractions always max out their virtual lines the fastest! As soon as the park opens start searching for virtual queue lines for rides like Hagrid’s and Velocicoaster.
• Early Park Admission can be a lifesaver. All Park Prodigy tickets and packages come with Early Park Admission, which gets you into the parks an hour before the regular park opens. That means you can ride some of the most popular attractions without having to worry about Universal virtual lines.
• Screenshot your virtual queue ticket and send it to others in your party! If your phone dies or malfunctions, have a backup.
• If all virtual queues are at capacity, don’t give up. Keep refreshing the Universal Orlando app and checking throughout the day, more times should pop up. The app suggests checking back around 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

Beat the crowds with our discount Universal Orlando tickets! All guests who purchase their tickets from The Park Prodigy will get EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter FREE! This could save you a ton of time in the parks and avoid buying express passes!

Make sure to check out our friends at Theme Park Today for great tips on how to have the best Universal vacation!