Credit: Derek Hatfield, FlickrAs Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, Disney World is bracing for its busiest time of year by upping the cost of its most premium Lightning Lane offering.
On November 26, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will set a new record high for its Premier Pass, with prices reaching $179, per a report from WDWMagic. This increase aligns with the resort’s strategy to capitalize on peak travel days, which typically see Disney parks flooded with guests eager to experience the magic of the holidays.
Earlier this year, Disney retooled its Genie+ system, streamlining options for parkgoers looking to enhance their visits. First came the Lightning Lane Multi and Single Passes, followed closely by the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, an all-access ticket to Disney’s top-tier attractions. Unlike its predecessors, the Premier Pass allows one-time skip-the-line access to all Lightning Lane attractions within a park, with prices ranging from $129 on quieter days up to $399 at Magic Kingdom during peak times.
While Animal Kingdom typically falls on the lower end of the pricing spectrum, the upcoming $179 price point marks a significant hike. Historically, the costliest Premier Passes have been associated with Magic Kingdom, where crowd levels—and demand—reach sky-high. This price surge reflects Disney’s anticipation of intense demand through Thanksgiving and the lead-up to Christmas. Disney has previously hinted that these prices could continue to climb, possibly reaching up to $199 on certain peak days.
Premier Pass Attractions at Animal Kingdom
For the price, guests get expedited access to some of the park’s most popular experiences. Here’s the current lineup of attractions available to Premier Pass holders at Animal Kingdom:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- 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
- Na’vi River Journey
However, it’s worth noting that the Premier Pass is limited to guests staying at select Disney hotels, including Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, as well as certain other affiliated accommodations.
Big Changes Coming to Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is on the cusp of a transformation, with Disney Imagineers hard at work on the new Pueblo Esperanza area. Set to open in 2027, this area will replace DinoLand U.S.A. and feature attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. This change means that some beloved attractions, like the DINOSAUR ride, will be phased out to make room for the new theme.
The first wave of closures begins on January 13, 2025, when TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will shut down. Other locations in DinoLand, including DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus, have yet to receive confirmed closing dates.
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In another update, Animal Kingdom’s iconic It’s Tough to Be a Bug! show will also close in preparation for a Zootopia-themed experience. Titled “Zootopia: Better Together!” the new attraction will transport guests into the diverse biomes of the Zootopia universe, as confirmed by Disney Parks Blog during the recent D23 Expo. The Zootopia attraction is set to open next winter, adding yet another unique experience to the park’s lineup.
How do you feel about these updates and the escalating costs of Disney’s Premier Pass? Is the price worth the convenience? Let us know your thoughts below!