Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicWalt Disney World has announced that its Lightning Lane Multi-Pass is set to reach a record-high price just in time for Christmas week. Visitors to Magic Kingdom on December 22 will face a new high of $37 per person for the pass, marking a $2 increase over the current top price of $35.
This pricing adjustment underscores the tiered nature of the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, which varies in cost across Disney’s four main parks. While the $37 price tag at Magic Kingdom sets a record there, the same can’t be said for the other parks.
For instance, the price at EPCOT will hit $28 on December 7, up from its previous high of $26. Similarly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will see an increase from $22 to $25 on December 16. As of now, Disney’s Hollywood Studios remains at $32, with no confirmed price hike announced yet.
Interestingly, while the new rates represent an all-time high for the rebranded Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, they don’t eclipse past figures for comparable skip-the-line services at Disney.
The now-discontinued Genie+ once hit a peak of $39 per person. Many speculate that the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass could eventually match or even surpass that price point, especially as crowds swell during Christmas week and into the New Year.
The Premier Pass, Disney’s newest high-tier skip-the-line option, offers an even greater level of convenience for parkgoers. Unlike the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, which allows access to a certain number of attractions per park, the Premier Pass provides unlimited Lightning Lane access to nearly all participating attractions across all four parks for the day.
This means guests can hop from one park to another and continue enjoying expedited entry to attractions without the need for individual passes at each location.
Premier Pass pricing varies depending on the season, with higher costs during peak times like Thanksgiving and Christmas. During Thanksgiving week, the Premier Pass reached its highest price yet, selling for $450 on select days.
However, Disney has opted to hold off on another increase for Christmas week, keeping prices below the recent peak, though many expect this restraint may not last as the New Year approaches.
For guests looking to maximize their time, the Premier Pass can be a game-changer, particularly during high-traffic periods when wait times can stretch well beyond an hour for popular attractions. However, its premium pricing means it’s not for everyone, making it essential for visitors to weigh the costs against the convenience it provides.
For those planning to visit Walt Disney World during the holiday season, these price adjustments highlight the importance of factoring in higher costs for convenience options like the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Premier Pass.
As always, staying informed on these changes can help visitors make the most of their trip, whether they choose to splurge on the ultimate skip-the-line experience or opt for a more budget-friendly approach.