Disney Guests Furious as Lightning Lane Moves While Stand-by Line Stalls for Hours

Comments for Disney Guests Furious as Lightning Lane Moves While Stand-by Line Stalls for Hours

Lightning Lane entrance to Haunted Mansion

Credit: Inside the Magic

52 Comments

  1. Disnneydav

    When I first started going to Disney it was magical. Now it’s greed.
    I own a timeshare and used to use it twice a year. But now I just sell the weeks for the maintenance fee. I won’t go again. There’s nothing magical anymore. Walt would never have allowed these greedy chances.

    1. Danny O.

      Rich people who believe themselves entitled will disagree. This is the “golf club resort” that they enjoy most — keeping the riff-raff (those in middle class or lower income) from having a good time…just so the rich can feel superior.

      1. I have lived here in Orlando since 1982 Disney has other options, they allow guest to bring in food drinks plus you can leave the parks and come back at no charge most of the stores in Orlando near DISNEY souviners so save money on those options and pay for the lightning lane ride of your choice.

      2. DW attendee Oct. 2024

        Lightning lane passes are $21 for 3 rides and you can only purchase 1 and they limit the # per hour. I agree the park needs to lower the occupancy limits but sounds like you have regrets for not planning ahead.

    2. Al J

      Disney has lost focus of what these parks were truly built for… These parks were built for everyone not just the rich and famous… We will not renew our Key and are planning on selling our DVC also…. We’re really disappointed with Disney… Is nothing more than a money grab… Walt would be heartbroken with what had happened to his dream…

      1. Michele

        Totally agree. Disney is all about greed. How to pinch every cent out of visitors.

    3. Pam

      I agree, Disney has lost its magical. And will loose millions of devoted Walt fans because of the greed. We are looking into other vacation options for this year.

  2. Brer

    The actual ratio is 20 lightning lane guests then 1 standby guest gets to go!!!! I know it’s ridiculous! Those little clickers!!!!!!!!

  3. Donna

    Lightening lanes paid to skip the line. It makes sense that the lightening lane is moving and stand by isn’t. The new way basically blocks anyone who can not afford it or does not want to pay extra from attractions. I basically go now to walk the parks. I may watch a show or go on something not popular if the line is short. I rarely eat there because the prices are high and much of the food is bland. I don’t buy souvenirs as the prices are through the roof. Disney is no longer the magical place it once was, it’s now the same old amusement park with long lines and aggravated hungry broke people.

  4. Jessica Spooner

    Went to Disneyworld when I was 14. I am now 47 and have no desire to add to the daily chaos and money grab. It may very well be a very magical place, but for the total price you pay, there are other places that are just as beautiful and magical. The prices they charge for everything are simply insane, not to mention battling the overwhelming crowds, the heat, and the race to do it all within the time you have personally.

    1. Will

      Do you only follow the company to keep us all about your “one and done” trip? Couldn’t you use the time commenting to make more money?

  5. Bob

    We went last year and spent the day in Epcot. Got in the standby line for Frozen at Norway, wait time listed as 45 min. We were in the line for over an hour and a half and barely moved as we watched people in the lightning lane line get access to the attraction. Made the decision to get out of the line as it would have been at least 2 hours or longer to get on and didn’t want to waist time in the line when we could have been doing other things. People in the standby line were getting agitated and were in fear a fight might break out at any time by those forced to wait while the other line was constantly moving.

    1. Jim

      The lightning lane only really works for Disneys pocket book. No magic, or value left. Priced out of attending ever again.

    2. Em

      The pandering to the rich and entitled seems to be a trend in the US right now. If you aren’t a member of the upper 10% you don’t matter. The fact that now Disney has jumped on this bandwagon is nothing short of appalling. Walt is truly rolling in his grave! Luckily, there are other attractions that have, so far, not subscribed to this elitism.

      1. Sue Furner

        Absolutely right. Don’t think Walt Disney would have approved of all this lightening lane stuff. It is horrible and sad that only the rich get to enjoy what he meant for all. My husband worked for Disney in the 70’s and we were able to park behind Msin St and walk in a hidden entrance, bit once in we waited in line like everyone else. I wouldn’t ho now for anything.

      2. Will

        If you want, i can send you a post card from my next trip celebrating my wealth.

    3. I feel your pain. The best thing is to go to an after party no lightning lane.

  6. AJ

    All, I can say is that Disney parks have never been free nor cheap. I paid my dues with standby lines since I was a kid. When fast pass and virtual queues got introduced I learned how to use them as best as I could. Always a learning curve. Now that I can afford to pay for a Lightning Pass, I do it every time. Time is money. Disney parks are a luxury that only a small fraction of the entire world can afford. This monetization model isn’t designed to help those that pay the minimum ticket price.

    1. Will

      I agree. I’m not apologizing for it either. I guarantee you, Walt Disney is happy the park is meeting its fiduciary duty. Visiting Disney isn’t a human right. I grew up poor, and I don’t feel bad about what I provide for my family. Some people need to choose affordable vacations.

  7. Lisa

    There was just two of us with the lightning lane and only 3x did we have to wait over 10 minutes.

    I think it’s nice to use if you have physical needs.

    I think it should be so many guests at a time with the stand by lane and if a large group of 10 or more comes, there should be some type of protocol limit to follow.

    There might be guests with health needs in the stand by lane who couldn’t get a lightning lane pass.

    If the parks are going to be that full where guests can’t ride rides or overcrowding to eat places, walk around, etc , then maybe each park should have a set limit of guests for a morning visit, afternoon visit, and an evening visit.

    Ridiculously sad that when the two of us visited, we had to rush to get from one side of the park to another side to get on a ride with the lightning lane pass and the same with going to another park, especially when you can’t walk fast and then you can’t see everything you want to see, especially when it’s your FIRST TIME TO VISIT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!

    Maybe the lightning lane pass should be for guests with physical needs and first time guests and whoever is with them and NOT HUGE GROUPS!!???

  8. Linda Stone

    We will not be renewing our annual passes after having for 5 years. The prices have gotten way too high for everything associated with the parks ( tickets, LL, food, parking). There are so many other places to visit that are much more value for our money and don’t involve waiting in very long lines that barely move.

  9. KP

    First, does it say anywhere in the article what ride the post is complaining about? Second, winter break is probably the most crowded two weeks at DL. I agree that it stinks to have to wait in line for an hour or more but when you have crowds all wanting to go on the same ride at the same time, then it follows that it takes longer to get on. Add to that, there are guests who paid an extra fee to be able to get on the ride quicker – Disney loses money if those folks are also made to wait an hour and choose to stop purchasing LL in the future if they’ve no benefit.

    Does it stink to go when it’s so crowded? Yes. Does it stink to wait in line? Yes. Is Disney a company that has to make money to pay its employees, maintain the rides, etc and make a profit? Yes. Would it be fair to make guests who paid an extra fee to schedule a time to get on a ride wait over an hour while regular guests go on instead? No. There is no easy answer here except that if you choose to visit DL during the holidays you need to bring your patience pants with you no matter whether you also bring your wallet or not.

    1. Interesting point you made,and yes going during a winter break or spring break or anywhere near most holidays is basically brutal. Went to Universal during spring break. Totally forgot when I booked it.Man was it a mad house. I goto DW alot and just plan it out like you said. I’m no Kazillionair but ain’t broke either. It is what it is. The internet makes whining and bashing easier. These parks were always a nut house during these times .Stop crying about everyone else and social injustice and maybe be a better planner.

  10. Eric

    This is just a further reflection if how society in the United States is rapidly squeezing out the middle so all that is left is the Haves and the Have-nots. Yes, Disney is a luxury, but there was a time when a family on the lower end of the economic spectrum could save for a fun family day at the park.

    No longer. For ONE DAY at Disneyland, a family would have to spend the equivalent one month’s rent. Then, after spending all that money, they get the ‘privelage’ of watching those with more economic power waltz past them while they shuffle around like cattle in a pen.

    When Disney first introduced Fast Pass, everyone loved it. I hated it. Anytime you create a two-tier system, there are problems that will only get worse. And here we are. Soon, Disney will find out they can make more money by having E-ticket attractions as Lighning Lane only and the descent into wealthy and serfs will continue.

    1. Danny O.

      And it will just get worse, now that the rich will be running this country.

      1. Sz

        The rich have always ruled the country. Every country.

      2. Em

        Exactly!!!

        1. Will

          I think that’s really unfair to say. This is a luxury product, not health care. Businesses have a fiduciary duty to make money.

      3. Sue Furner

        Just this Past Nov we were staying at the Swan Hotel at Epcot. It was my grandson’s 21st birthday and a special treat.Eating at one of the restraunts in the hotel however was not a treat. For the sum of $100 I got a small steak and a baked potato. No salad, no drink just water. Never again!!

        1. don

          So sad for you. I hope you find the will to live. We pray for you.

    2. Em

      The pandering to the rich and entitled seems to be a trend in the US right now. If you aren’t a member of the upper 10% you don’t matter. The fact that now Disney has jumped on this bandwagon is nothing short of appalling. Walt is truly rolling in his grave! Luckily, there are other attractions that have, so far, not subscribed to this elitism.

    3. OMG , stop the crying and either get a better job or dont go on vacations. Nobody wants to work or better themselves and then crys about the people who have
      !Everything is Politics. It’s been the same forever. Nothing is different . Goto Fox news and complain there.

  11. Dan

    I had family come down for Christmas and they decided they wanted to do Disney last minute. Magic Kingdom was full each day but we did do Epcot the Studios and Animal Kingdom on the 27th 28th and 29th…because it was last minute the lightning lane options were all gone. While it was busy the longest we waited was 80 minutes for Remy’s in epcot and the wait was posted at 95 at the time. In fact most ride waits we ended up waiting less than or right at the posted times but never more. Not once did we sit without moving for an extended period of time so I call BS on people saying they didn’t move for an hour because of lightning lane. If they did in fact wait my guess would be a mechanical issue.

    1. Daniel is the Man , Calling the BS !! Was there for Thanksgiving and it was right like you said ! Standby moved and was quicker than posted! I did do a LL pass and yes, I zipped through. Got what I paid for . My wife and myself did stand by and was actually moving so well I couldn’t get comfortable lealing on anything ! Nice to see a guy like Dan standing up and speaking the truth !!!

  12. Danny O.

    Wouldn’t it be funny if us commoners (middle class and lower) folk stopped standing in lines that have a long Lightning Lane line ALSO for that ride? It would simply cause the Lightning Lane people to start fighting amongst each other. Kind of like two factions of the rich fighting against themselves, rather than attacking those with less money.

    I’m scheduled to be at Disney World for the second half of February. I don’t plan on using Lightning Lanes. If a ride will be that long of a wait, there are other things to do. Mascot meet & greets don’t have Lightning Lanes. Fountains & other scenery is free (with no Lightning Lines enjoying them before anyone else can). Not ALL food carts & gift shops & such require extra payment to visit.

    Rides will just be a “bonus extra” — if I’m able to ride. There’s plenty of other stuff that don’t require a six-figure income to do.

    1. tim

      Just an observation, but you’ve made 3 comments, 2 quite lengthy on just this 1 post. Maybe, just maybe if you focused your energy on say a career or a good job (assuming you have obtained the skills to possess) instead of ranting how you are being oppressed and not given everything that everyone else has that one can assume they worked hard for, then maybe with a little planning, prioritizing, hard work and saving you too can be the man that you shake your fist at…just a thought.

      1. Jacob

        I dont think its the people that everyone is truly complaining about. It’s Disney creating the issue with the Lightening Lane. Its an amusement park. A park is where everyone can enjoy everything. Not a place where money buys the good parts and those who can’t afford it get the crappy parts.
        And as to your snotty comments about focus on career there are many reasons people have lower income not just laziness and stupidity as you allude to. That is an asinine arrogant thing to say. Besides if everyone was a stock broker, a tech guru who would make your idiot ass your $8 Starbuck coffee. Who would fix your BMW that you drive your ignorant self to Starbucks in? Or pave and maintain the road you drive it on. If everyone had a high paying career like yourself then you’d be cleaning your own crap out of your toilet throne, King A-Hole. Think about that with your wide Karen im sure.

        1. Sarah

          Ding ding ding. Looks like we have another drop out that got triggered, and yes I’d like fries with that, please.

    2. Em

      What a beautiful idea!!!

    3. Sue Furner

      Just this Past Nov we were staying at the Swan Hotel at Epcot. It was my grandson’s 21st birthday and a special treat.Eating at one of the restraunts in the hotel however was not a treat. For the sum of $100 I got a small steak and a baked potato. No salad, no drink just water. Never again!!

  13. Afraid lightning lane will ruin Disney. Regular people won’t pay the prices and not go to the parks

  14. sue

    I love seeing all the crazy people here post how mad they are and how evil Disney is. When in reality here on planet Earth Disney is doing just fine, the parks are full and regular people are having fun. It’s very entertaining to read all of your crazy rants though.

  15. Colleen

    I use LL even if it’s not busy to maximize my time and make space for a nice sit down meal or extra time unwinding at the hotel. Pay for it or don’t, but don’t come at those of us who use it as if we are the problem. Happy New Year! °O°

  16. William stout

    Disney is no longer the happiest place on earth. I can afford to go, but refuse to do so. When they started catering to those who “have” and by default pushed out those who “have not”. They lost me and my consumer dollars. It screams corporate and has become all about $$. For the same price, my family has found a new happy place in Hawaii.

  17. Susie

    We stood in line for the star wars ride for an hour and 15 minutes to brak down as we got to the front. They said it would be down for up to an hour. Those that stand in line that long should be compensated with a lightening pass later in the day

  18. Chad

    We went to Disney World during Covid and there was no lightning lane. The lines never stopped moving and so even if it seemed like it was a long wait, it wasn’t. What Disney needs to do is just increase the ticket price across the board and eliminate lightning lane.

  19. It does make you a little mad. Not like with fre le fastpass where the “paying field” (see play on words) was equal. Never used LL or the Genie. The free fast pass system worked wonderfully. Maybe to good. Anywho magic is gone. Looking at my phone the entire time. Running into.people looking at their phone. And No I DO NOT WANT TO ORDER FOOD ON PHONE. I am not too scared to place my order with June from Boston! I

  20. I prefer to watch YouTubers walk around the amusement parks, eat and enjoy the rides. Much more fun to sit at home and not be bothered with the hassle of actually being there myself. How about you? 4k video filming is awesome. 👍✌️🙃

  21. Kailee

    While I agree that it should be free, people need to realize that it’s also the times of day and the amount of people redeeming the lighting lane at the same time. When you have time limits on these things they could be more crowded at certain times. It’s all random.

  22. Michael Streuly

    DISNEY IS JUST LIKE GOING ON A CRUSE THE MORE MONEY YOU SPEND ON A CABIN THE HIGHER UP YOU ARE ON THE SHIP NOW AT DISNEYLAND IF YOU PAY MORE THE THE REGULAR ADMISSION PRICE YOU GET MORE PERKS THEN THOSE THAT DID NOT. ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY.

  23. Matt

    What the hell can be done about this lightening lane? It seems enough people hate it, so how can we get together and fight it?

  24. Matt

    I wish there was a way to rally the troops and actually show Disney this shit is not ok anymore! Any ideas?

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