diff --git a/lib/galaxy/tools/parameters/basic.py b/lib/galaxy/tools/parameters/basic.py
index 744bff0932b..bd95c98416a 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/tools/parameters/basic.py
+++ b/lib/galaxy/tools/parameters/basic.py
@@ -689,7 +689,7 @@ class BaseURLToolParameter( ToolParameter ):
         return form_builder.HiddenField( self.name, self.get_value( trans ) )
 
     def get_initial_value( self, trans, context, history=None ):
-        return self.value
+        return self.get_value( trans )
 
     def get_label( self ):
         # BaseURLToolParameters are ultimately "hidden" parameters