Credit: s.yume, FlickrFor the first time this March, Disney World’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass has completely sold out at all four theme parks on the same day. Guests visiting on March 17, 2025, found themselves out of luck if they were hoping to purchase this pass, which provides expedited access to attractions.
Surge in Demand Due to Spring Break
The timing of this sell-out isn’t surprising, as spring break is in full swing, bringing massive crowds to Walt Disney World. While mid-to-late March tends to be the busiest, many school districts have staggered breaks throughout the month, causing attendance to surge even earlier.
Families are flocking to the parks, leading to packed walkways, long wait times, and, in this case, a complete sell-out of one of Disney’s most expensive line-skipping options.
Today’s prices for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass reflected the high demand:
- Magic Kingdom: $399
- EPCOT: $249
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $339
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $159
With these price points, it’s clear that Disney is capitalizing on the busy season. Despite the cost, guests are willing to pay top dollar to bypass lengthy lines, especially when standby queues for major attractions can exceed two hours.
The Impact of Spring Break Crowds
Spring break at Disney World is known for being one of the most crowded times of the year, rivaling the peak holiday season. Even on a normal day, headliner attractions like Space Mountain, Rise of the Resistance, and Flight of Passage can have significant wait times.
However, when spring break crowds arrive, those times can balloon to over 180 minutes. Guests who don’t want to spend half their day in line often look for alternatives, and with no more Premier Passes available, many are left with limited options.
This isn’t the first time Disney has seen a complete sell-out. The last instance occurred on February 15, 2025, leading up to the Presidents’ Day weekend, another historically busy period. But with spring break spanning multiple weeks and only intensifying as the month progresses, the trend of high demand is expected to continue.
A Challenge for Non-Resort Guests
One of the biggest frustrations for off-site visitors is their inability to secure Premier Passes as easily as those staying at Disney resorts. While resort guests can book their passes up to seven days before their stay, non-resort visitors have to wait until three days in advance. This delay often results in limited availability, especially for Magic Kingdom, which consistently sells out first.
For families planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip during spring break, this can be a major hurdle. Many arrive at the parks hoping to purchase an expedited access pass, only to find that their best option is already gone. This forces them to rely on standby lines, which can be daunting when crowd levels are at their peak.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
With spring break continuing into early April, more sell-outs are likely. Magic Kingdom, being the most popular park, will probably see frequent sell-outs, and as a result, its Premier Pass price may continue to climb to $449 on certain peak days. The other parks are also expected to experience increased demand, especially as guests who can’t get into Magic Kingdom redirect their plans.
For those planning a Disney trip in the next few weeks, it’s crucial to anticipate the crowds. The best strategy is to arrive at the parks early, take advantage of less crowded attractions in the morning, and expect extended wait times throughout the afternoon and evening.
As spring break rolls on, it’s clear that Disney World remains as popular as ever, even with high-priced ticket add-ons selling out. If today’s sold-out status is any indication, guests should prepare for one of the busiest seasons in recent memory.