Lightning Lane Discontinued at Disney: Fundamental Ride No Longer Available

Disney is saying goodbye to Lightning Lane Multi Pass as an option for an attraction that has suffered much with queuing issues and the lines getting backed up too much, resulting in fewer guests wanting to ride it. Is this the best idea for this Disney Park?

A group of people wait in line under hanging lanterns at the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The ride's sign, featuring tattered black cloth with orange text, is prominently displayed above the queue. The architecture is themed with arches and wooden beams at this Disneyland Resort attraction in Disney California. — Credit: Inside the Magic

Disney Says Goodbye To Lightning Lane Multi Pass Access for This One Major Ride

A collective gasp echoed through Disneyland fan groups this week—Pirates of the Caribbean, the legendary attraction nestled in New Orleans Square, is about to make a major shift. For many visitors, Lightning Lane access to the classic water-based adventure has made planning their day easier and more efficient, helping them dodge the grueling midday crowds.

But that convenience is about to walk the plank.

Beginning July 1, 2025, Pirates of the Caribbean will return to a standby-only experience, officially removing it from the Lightning Lane Multi Pass program. Why would Disney backtrack on such a popular feature? And more importantly—what does it signal for the future of Genie+ and Disneyland’s evolving crowd management?

Pirate skeleton scene from Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction — Credit: Disney

The Pirate’s Temporary Treasure

When Pirates of the Caribbean joined the Lightning Lane roster in January 2024, it was billed as a temporary addition. At the time, several nearby attractions—including Haunted Mansion and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—were undergoing lengthy refurbishments or construction. In an effort to balance crowds and appease guests, Disney included Pirates in the paid access lineup.

NEW: Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland will no longer be offered as a Lightning Lane attraction starting July 1. – @ScottGustin on X

NEW: Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland will no longer be offered as a Lightning Lane attraction starting July 1. pic.twitter.com/uaTFkfSD4J

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 24, 2025

Initially praised for improving wait times and smoothing traffic flow in the western side of the park, the change seemed like it might become permanent. But when the ride mysteriously disappeared from Lightning Lane Multi Pass in April 2025, speculation began swirling: Was Disney testing the waters for a bigger change?

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park — Credit: Disney

The Quiet Confirmation

Now, it’s official. According to the Disneyland website, June 30 will be the final day that Pirates of the Caribbean is eligible for Lightning Lane selection. From July 1 onward, guests must queue the old-fashioned way.

really wish more attractions at WDW didn’t have LL as well – no need for Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Small World, Spaceship Earth, etc to have LL – just let the standby line load super quick and move people through it – @TheDBCPod on X

really wish more attractions at WDW didn't have LL as well – no need for Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Small World, Spaceship Earth, etc to have LL – just let the standby line load super quick and move people through it

— TheDBCPod (@TheDBCPod) June 24, 2025

With Pirates out of the Lightning Lane picture, the list of attractions available at Disneyland Park for Multi Pass now includes:

Autopia
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Haunted Mansion
Indiana Jones Adventure
“it’s a small world”
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Space Mountain
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Mickey Mouse and Minnie stand in front of a castle adorned with Disneyland70 decor. — Credit: Disney Parks Blog

What’s the Real Reason?

While Disney hasn’t offered a direct explanation, there’s reason to believe this move is part of a broader test. With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure now open and drawing heavy crowds, and Haunted Mansion rejoining the Lightning Lane rotation, Disney may no longer need Pirates to anchor Lightning Lane options in the area.

Moreover, Pirates of the Caribbean—with its high hourly ride capacity—is better suited for standby than other thrill rides with limited throughput. From a logistical standpoint, it may have been a crowd management crutch all along, meant to fill a temporary gap rather than serve as a long-term solution.

But for guests, the emotional reaction is stronger: some feel like a helpful perk is being stripped away just as summer crowds descend.

Mickey and Minnie walk with a family in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, the first Disney park in the world. — Credit: Disney

A Glimpse Into the Future for This Disney Park?

This decision could be a signal of further refinements coming to the Lightning Lane system. With Disneyland shifting toward a more flexible, possibly more guest-friendly model in 2025, Disney may be revisiting how to balance monetization with experience quality. That means reassessing which attractions truly need Lightning Lane—and which, like Pirates, might sail smoother without it.

So, will this change affect your upcoming visit to Disneyland? Did you prefer sailing with Lightning Lane, or do you welcome the return to a classic standby queue?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media. Just don’t forget—dead men tell no tales.