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The Disney Parks have been well-known for their FastPass system for years. Originally, Guests could get paper FastPass tickets that would give them a return window for various rides throughout the Park. A few years ago, Walt Disney World ended the paper system, offering Guests the ability to reserve times through FastPass+ on the My Disney Experience app.
This allowed Guests to book three attractions at the start of the day and more as each FastPass was used. In 2021, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World announced the Genie+ system and the replacement of FastPasses with Lightning Lane. In order to book Lightning Lanes and return times, Guests have to pay for Genie+ plus individual Lightning Lanes depending on the attraction.
While the FastPass system allowed every Guest to book times, Lightning Lane makes it that much more expensive and difficult for Guests. A Guest took to Reddit to ask what the attraction ratio of Lightning Lane to Standby Guests was after their recent disappointing experience while waiting for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! at Disney California Adventure.
u/Stargurl430 explains that the wait was posted at 105 minutes, but actually took over two hours. “I saw the CM could only let 4 standy guests at a time MAX into the room, the rest was full of LL. Does anyone know why?…I am honestly just curious because I never noticed it to be like that?”
One comment from u/Notchmiller explained that Cast Members typically use one of two ratios for allowing Lightning Lane versus Standby. The average ratio followed is a 4:1, with four Lightning Lane Guests per one Standby. They mention that that ratio is never perfect and is always on a bigger scale due to party size and groups of people. The second ratio used is 10:1, more often used if the Lightning Lane queue is longer than usual, typically after a ride has gone down, causing a backup of Guests.
While they, and other comments, explain that the ratio has been the same for years, regardless of Lightning Lane or FastPass technology, other comments pointed out it’s more noticeable now. Whether due to the cost now associated with Lightning Lane, the seemingly increased amount of ride downtime, or the bigger crowds the Parks seem to have recently, Guests are more aware of the amount of time spent waiting in Standby lines. If you have a trip planned for Disneyland or Walt DisneyWorld any time soon, be prepared to wait for any ride you’re doing Standby.
Do you think there’s been a higher ratio of Lightning Lane Guests versus Standby lately? Let us know your experience in the comments below.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are based on a personal Guest experience. No two Guest experiences are alike, and the views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent Inside the Magic.