The ULTIMATE Virtual Queue Hack for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

We've been spending a lot of time at Epic Universe lately, and we're not done yet! Portal Entrance into Ministry of Magic Research is important, people, and we're doing everything we can so you can have the best trip possible once you visit Epic Universe. Part of that research includes chatting with Epic Universe Team Members to find out the ins and outs of the park and what tips you need to know. And, we think we may have stumbled upon the best ones yet — at least when it comes to one of the most popular rides in the park.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is arguably the most popular ride in all of Epic Universe (but don't get us wrong, they're all worth checking out at least once, if not again and again and again). But, because of its popularity, Universal is using a Virtual Line to help avoid having a several-hour-long queue. This means parkgoers have three daily chances to try to get a spot in the Virtual Line — at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 6 PM (there is also currently a “ghost drop” at 10:45 AM if the ride will be open at park open). Additionally, we're expecting that when Epic Universe officially opens and park hours are likely 9 AM to 9 PM, there will probably be an additional Virtual Line drop at 9 AM — but this has not been confirmed yet!

But, if you've ever tried to snag a virtual queue spot at Universal or Disney World, you likely know it can be finicky. We asked a Team Member if there was a trick to securing a Virtual Line return time, and they told us that you want to AVOID the in-park WiFi at all costs, as it tends to have a slower connection. If everyone in the park is trying to use the WiFi on the same app at the same time, it would make sense that things would slow down.

Instead, make sure you're using your cellular data network, because it will likely be faster. Virtual queue sign in Epic Universe (the 12 PM time has since been changed to 11 AM) Another Team Member gave us some tips on joining the queue, too. He said that once you get past the first screen in the Universal Orlando app, don't sit and mull the times over — just click on any available time and move on to the next screen. Apparently, a lot of people get caught up discussing which time would be best, but during that time, all the options may be snatched up.

Make sure you have a plan with your group before the time comes! Keep in mind that these Virtual Line drops don't tend to happen on the minute exactly like they do at Disney World — we've seen the button wait to turn blue until a minute or so after it's supposed to. You shouldn't give up trying for a spot until around five minutes after the drop time.

We've lucked out by getting one at 4:42 PM for a 4:45 PM return time just by keeping an eye on the page. There is a Single Rider line at Battle at the Ministry, so it's a good idea to consider that if you're not able to snag a Virtual Queue spot! You also might want to keep in mind that the ride may experience a delayed opening, which is something that can happen to any ride, but especially for rides with complex tech like this one.

But, a delayed ride opening doesn't always mean that the 11 AM drop won't happen. Even if an Epic Universe Team Member says it won't happen, it might still be happening — so keep an eye on the app.

Want to know more about getting a spot in the Virtual Line for Battle at the Ministry? Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Universal news and tips! Read our complete guide to Universal's Epic Universe here: DFB's Complete Guide to Universal's Epic Universe