Are you trying to decide if Disney’s Lightning Lane or Lightning Lane Premier Pass is worth it?
Well, look no further, I’m here to help.
Navigating the world of Disney can be a bit overwhelming, but if there’s one thing that can seriously level up your experience, it’s the Lightning Lane.
With shorter wait times it’s an absolute game-changer and can be the key to unlocking your perfect day at Disney.
Let me help you figure out whether the Lightning Lane is worth it for your Disney vacation. Today, I will be going over Disney Lightning Lane and Lightning Lane Premier Pass and everything that comes with it!
This includes how to use it, how to purchase it, what’s included, and much more!
So, grab your Mickey ears and get ready to dodge those infamous Disney wait times as we skip right into your ultimate guide to Disney’s Lighting Lane and Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
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Disney’s Lightning Lane at a Glance:
- It is a replacement for the beloved FastPass+ system
- There are 4 choices when it comes to buying the Lightning Lanes at Disney World: Single Pass, Multi Pass, Single Pass AND Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and the NEW Premier Pass
- The cost will range from $10-$25 per person, however, the Multi Passes will obviously be more as it includes several attractions and typically range from $18 to $30 with the Premier Pass starting at $129
Keep reading to get the full guide on this Disney upgrade!
What is the Lightning Lane at Disney World?
As you might know, the Lightning Lane at Disney World is the magical replacement for the beloved FastPass+ system that keeps your day at Disney running smoothly.
But no worries, ThemeParkHipster, although there is much to know, they have kept this new process somewhat simple and straightforward!
With Disney’s new Lightning Lane passes you can bypass those long standard standby lines and jump right into a shorter line with little to no wait times.
In fact, where you once breezed through the FastPass+ line generally remains the same spot you would enter for Lightning Lane too so it’s not too complicated.
What is the Difference Between Disney Lightning Lane and Disney FastPass?
As many of you may remember, with Disney FastPass+, you could reserve time slots early that were totally FREE for up to 3 rides per day.
However, now with Lighting Lane passes at Disney you have to pay per attraction essentially.
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How Does Disney Lighting Lane Work?
To begin with, you have to decide which option works best for your Disney vacation because the Lightning Lane at Disney is all about planning ahead.
There are 4 choices when it comes to buying the Lightning Lanes at Disney World:
- Single Pass (book up to 2 Lightning Lane Single Passes)
- Multi Pass
- Single Pass AND Lightning Lane Multi Pass
- Premier Pass
If you’re ready to go all out and make your day absolutely epic, you can grab a Lightning Lane Multi Pass and up to 2 Lightning Lane Single Passes per day, that is of course they are available.
Some of you might not be a fan of planning a Disney trip ahead of time, but trust me a little bit of planning goes a long way in having the best day at Disney World.
This is hands down the best way to make sure you get a chance to experience some of the most in-demand attractions and your must-visit experiences.
Once you decide this then you can move on to choosing your Lightning Lane rides and attractions which we will go through next.
Recommended: Top 5 Ways to Find Cheap Disney World Tickets for Your Vacation!
Walt Disney World Lightning Lane Rides and Attractions
So now you’re probably wondering which rides and attractions are included in Disney’s Lightning Lane—and I’ve got you covered!
Well, the good news is that there’s a Lightning Lane option at every park to help fast-track you to the fun.
The bad news is that now you have to decide between them and figure out which ones are your can’t miss Disney rides and attractions.
Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Rides and Attractions
Disney’s Magic Kingdom offers both Multi Pass Experiences and Single Pass Attractions.
Just remember if you choose a Single Pass Attraction, they are not available to be mixed within the MultiPass.
Lightning Lane Single Pass Attractions:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Tron Lightcycle/Run
Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Magic Kingdom Experiences:
Pick one favorite experience from this group:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Jungle Cruise
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Space Mountain
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Then grab your next two experiences or go for it and snag all three.
- The Barnstormer
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- “it’s a small world”
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
EPCOT Lightning Lane Rides and Attractions
Individual Lightning Lane Selections Attractions:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass for EPCOT Experiences:
Pick up to one awesome experience from this lineup:
Then go on to choose your next 2 experiences—or all 3—from this epic selection:
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Spaceship Earth
- Turtle Talk with Crush
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Rides and Attractions
Individual Lightning Lane Selections Attractions:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Select up to one attraction from this group:
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
Choose your top experience 2 experiences or all 3 from these options:
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
- Disney Junior Play & Dance!
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
- Toy Story Mania!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Lightning Lane Rides and Attractions
Individual Lightning Lane Selections Attractions:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Pick up to 3 from this list of experiences:
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Naʻvi River Journey
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How Do I Buy My Disney Lightning Lane Upgrade?
Step 1: Download the Disney World App
Before you do anything else, the first thing you need to do is to make sure you have downloaded the My Disney Experience app and that you are in the newest version.
Step 2: Make sure everyone in your Disney vacation group is connected to your Family & Friends list in the My Disney Experience app.
That way, you can snag those Lightning Lane passes and plan all the magic for your whole crew in one go.
Step 3: Stay in the My Disney Experience app and on the home screen click on the Lightning Lane Passes section.
You can search via the Tip Board or My Day section.
Step 4: Get Your Dates Together
Pick the date you are planning your Disney vacation for and the theme park where you want to purchase Lightning Lane passes.
Prices are indicated here along with the arrival window and any plans that you might already have scheduled during the arrival window time to avoid any schedule conflicts in your day at Disney.
Remember that the Lightning Lane Multi Pass works on the tier system that we just reviewed.
Before finalizing your Disney Lightning Lane passes, be sure to check out the tier system one more time. You’ll want to know which attractions are in the higher or lower tiers before locking in your picks.
The My Disney Experience App keeps things easy with all the instructions on the screen and helps you along the way.
Just know that once you have made your selections you do have a limited amount of time before you lose your picks for your Lightning Lane purchases which the My Disney Experience App will have at the top of the screen.
How Much is the Disney Lightning Lane Pass?
There is no cut-and-dry answer to how much does the Lightning Lane at Disney cost. It is going to vary daily based on the theme park, which attraction it is, and of course the date you visit.
A rough estimate of what you can at least expect is that it will range from $10-$25 per person, however, the Multi Passes will obviously be more as it includes several attractions and typically range from $18 to $30.
Choose the BEST Day to Go to Walt Disney World with This Crowd Calendar!
Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Disney has just unveiled its newest most elite upgrade surpassing anything that has ever existed, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
This premier pass will be available at Disney World starting October 30, 2024.
What is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disney?
With the Premier Pass, forget about picking arrival windows and the hassle of reservations in advance. You can just roll up whenever you’re ready for the Disney experiences you want and tap in.
This Disney upgrade gives you the ultimate flexibility with VIP vibes all day long!
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass also hooks you up with ONE-time access to ALL available Lightning Lane attractions and experiences in ONE park, for ONE day, for ONE price.
This includes both Multi Pass and Single Pass options, so in other words you are basically getting the best of everything including the most popular attractions at Disney.
Just like the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you’ll get your digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos and access to the awesome Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
How Much Does the Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass Cost?
But let me warn you it does come with a price, a hefty price at that.
The Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass will start at $129 and range all the way up to $449 (per pass, plus tax) with Magic Kingdom being the priciest of them all.
Prices are going to be dependent on the park and on peak travel periods during their rollout launch.
Another thing to note is that there’s no Park Hopper version of the pass to be found for the time being either.
Passes are going to be limited while the rollout begins so not everyone is going to be able to snag one of Disney’s brand-new skip-the-line Lightning Lane service.
Lightning Lane Premier Passes are also only going to be available to guests who are staying at the following:
- Disney Deluxe Resorts
- Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Shades of Green Resort
If you are a guest staying at one of these resorts, you can snag your Lightning Lane Premier Passes up to seven days before your stay except for launch day.
Now don’t fear Disney fans, this is not going to replace the Single Pass or the Multi Pass you can still grab those for your upcoming Disney vacation.
As well, the option of traditional standby lines at most Disney attractions and experiences are still available too.
WATCH: 13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!
Disney Lightning Lane Frequently Asked Questions
Even though we have covered quite a bit about the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass at Walt Disney World you may have a few more questions about these separate and shorter lines.
1. How Do I Use My Lightning Lane Pass on the Day of My Disney Vacation?
The big day is finally here—your Disney vacation has officially arrived!
When it’s the scheduled time for your arrival window make your way to your selected experience and head straight to the Lightning Lane entrance of your chosen experience.
Remember everything is linked to your theme park admission through your MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, Key to the World Card or ticket card so with the magic of a tap you’re on your way in no time without the fuss!
2. Can I Buy a Lightning Lane Multi Pass and a Lightning Lane Single Pass for the Same Day?
Absolutely! You are allowed to use up to 2 Lightning Lane Single Passes in a single day as long as they are available for purchase.
If you’re looking to supercharge your Disney adventure and make the most of your magical day, you can also grab a Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
This Disney upgrade allows you to enjoy up to 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections all at once, making it easier than ever to hit your must-ride attractions!
Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
3. When Can I Buy a Lightning Lane Pass for My Disney Vacation?
You can purchase your Lightning Lane pass at Disney 7 days in advance if you are staying at one of the following:
- Disney Resort hotels
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Shades of Green Resort
For those who are planning to have an offsite Disney World vacation you can buy your Lightning Lane passes 3 days in advance, this includes Annual Passholders.
Most importantly, don’t forget that before you purchase your Disney Lightning Lane pass make sure you have your valid theme park admission, that this is a separate ticketed Disney upgrade.
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My Final Thoughts on the NEW Lightning Lane at Disney World
Well, there you have it ThemeParkHipsters your complete guide to Disney’s Lightning Lane!
I hope you’re feeling confident now and ready to master the Lightning Lane like a pro!
Just remember that before you jump in and grab that pass, you’ll want to take a moment to plan out your day, know which attractions are on your Disney bucket list, and weigh out all your options.
What’s your tip for making the most of the Lightning Lane Pass at Disney World? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
