Disney is once again changing its Lightning Lane services. (Yes, really).
Jump-the-line services have changed a lot at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in the past few years. Gone are the days of FastPass, with COVID-19 marking the end of a free service at the theme parks. Guests have instead had to navigate Genie+ and Lightning Lanes – both of which are paid and both of which are a bit of a pain.
Genie+ made its debut under Bob Chapek, charging guests for fast-track access to select rides. Though it regularly sold out during peak periods despite price hikes, it stirred up plenty of debate. Guests voiced frustration over longer-than-promised “shorter” waits, the ripple effect on regular standby lines, and the confusing nature of the service, especially for those less familiar with Disney parks.
Earlier this year, the service was axed completely. In its place came the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass in July, which allowed guests to book their ride access in advance—just like the glory days of FastPass+ (RIP)—instead of having to wake up at 7 a.m. each day to book their rides.
The ability to pre-book three attractions (one Tier 1 and two Tier 2, or all Tier 2) was a major upgrade, but it came with a catch: bookings can only be made within the U.S. This means international guests have to wait until they arrived Stateside to lock in their experiences.
Now, guests face yet another update to Lightning Lanes with Disney’s introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, a new service offering faster entry to top attractions.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be an exclusive offering, granting guests one-time access to all Lightning Lane attractions at their chosen park for the day—no need to schedule specific times. Available in limited quantities, this pass covers rides included in both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. It can only be used in one park per day.
The service is similar to the Premier Access service currently offered in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland and is somewhat similar to the Universal Express Pass at rival parks Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. All of these services are considerably more expensive than regular Lightning Lanes (and tend to offer greater advantages, the biggest being flexibility).
Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Walt Disney World Resort
The service debuts at Walt Disney World Resort on October 30. It will be exclusively available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts and can be purchased up to seven days before their visit.
Like the regular Lightning Lane Multi Pass, pricing varies depending on the day. When it launches, it will cost between $129 and $449 per person, per day, plus tax. Assumedly, the most expensive days will be those that fall during peak season, such as the holidays (which, conveniently for Disney’s bank balance, are right around the corner).
Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland Resort
In Anaheim, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting October 23, 2024. Guests can purchase the pass up to two days before their theme park reservation, and it will be valid for use in either park.
Until the end of 2024, the Premier Pass will cost $400 per person per day. From January 1, 2025, onwards, the price will vary from $300 to $400, depending on the day.
What do you think of Disney’s new Lightning Lane system?