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Credit: Inside the MagicDisney World’s newest line-skipping option, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, is already making waves. Just weeks after its October 30 launch, this high-demand pass has sold out for multiple dates during the busy Thanksgiving holiday season.
Designed for guests looking to skip standby lines at every Lightning Lane attraction in a single park for one day, the Premier Pass has proven especially popular at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, where sell-outs are piling up fast.
A Revolutionary Approach to Line-Skipping
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is Disney’s top-tier offering in the realm of skipping lines, sitting above the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (LLMP) and Single Pass (LLSP). What sets the Premier Pass apart is its simplicity: one price, one day, and access to every available Lightning Lane attraction in your chosen park—no reservations required.
Unlike its predecessors, the Premier Pass eliminates the need to juggle arrival windows or prioritize attractions. It’s an all-in-one solution for guests who want to maximize their time, especially during peak crowd periods like Thanksgiving week.
Newly Sold-Out Dates Announced
As Disney World gears up for one of its busiest weeks of the year, the Premier Pass is seeing unprecedented demand. Sell-outs have now been confirmed for the following additional dates:
- Magic Kingdom: November 29
- Hollywood Studios: November 26 and 27
These dates add to an already-packed week of sell-outs across all four parks. Here’s the full list for Thanksgiving week:
- Magic Kingdom: November 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
- EPCOT: November 25
- Hollywood Studios: November 25, 26, 27, 28
- Animal Kingdom: November 25
With more guests eyeing this convenient option, further sell-outs seem inevitable as the holiday season continues. This would be the first time that so many Premier Passes have sold at such a high price point at Disney World.
Why the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Is in High Demand
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is particularly attractive for guests visiting Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, home to some of Disney World’s most in-demand attractions. From TRON Lightcycle / Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, these parks offer experiences that typically have the longest standby wait times. The Premier Pass gives guests the ability to bypass these waits, making it a highly valuable tool during crowded periods.
Moreover, the flexibility of not having to book individual ride windows makes the Premier Pass an appealing choice for families and groups wanting a more seamless park day.
How Much Does the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Cost?
Prices for the Premier Pass vary significantly by park and date, with the highest costs tied to peak seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here’s the pricing breakdown:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129–$199 per person, plus tax
- EPCOT: $169–$249 per person, plus tax
- Hollywood Studios: $269–$349 per person, plus tax
- Magic Kingdom: $329–$449 per person, plus tax
The steep cost may seem prohibitive, but for many, the ability to skip lines for an entire day is worth the investment, particularly during high-traffic weeks when wait times can soar.
Expanded Eligibility: More Guests Can Now Purchase the Premier Pass
Initially available only to Deluxe Resort guests, the Premier Pass has recently been expanded to include guests staying at all Disney-owned hotels and select third-party accommodations. Here’s a look at the newly eligible resorts:
Disney-Owned Resorts:
- Value Resorts: All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports; Art of Animation; Pop Century
- Moderate Resorts: Caribbean Beach; Coronado Springs; Port Orleans – Riverside and French Quarter
- Deluxe Resorts: Contemporary; Polynesian Village; Grand Floridian; Beach Club; Yacht Club; Wilderness Lodge
Disney Vacation Club Resorts:
- Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Riviera Resort
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins
- Old Key West
- Saratoga Springs
Third-Party Hotels:
- Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
- Shades of Green
Guests at these resorts can now purchase the Premier Pass up to seven days before their stay begins, with availability for their entire trip.
Planning Ahead for the Holidays
With Thanksgiving week sell-outs already creating buzz, the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays are expected to follow suit. Guests planning to visit Disney World during these peak times should consider the following tips:
- Buy Early: Purchase the Premier Pass as soon as it becomes available (seven days before your stay for eligible guests).
- Monitor Availability: Check the My Disney Experience app frequently for updates on remaining inventory.
- Consider Alternatives: If the Premier Pass sells out, explore the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Single Pass options for more limited line-skipping privileges.
What’s Next for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
As sell-outs continue and holiday crowds grow, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is shaping up to be a game-changer for Disney World guests. While its price tag may be steep, the convenience and time savings it offers are unmatched. For those planning a trip during the December holidays, securing a Premier Pass early could be the key to a stress-free park experience.
With dates filling up fast, the Premier Pass is proving to be one of Disney’s most sought-after upgrades yet. Will you be grabbing one for your next visit? Let us know your thoughts as this service continues to evolve!
Would you spend money on this all-new Lightning Lane Premier Pass?