As Disney continues to revamp the guest experience with changes to their Lightning Lane systems, the introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass marks a significant shift in how visitors can access attractions at both Disney World and Disneyland. This new pass allows guests to access all Lightning Lanes during the day at one park – but it comes at a huge cost. Here’s everything you need to know about this addition.

What is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

Like the Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows guests to skip the regular lines at select attractions. This pass grants access to all attractions included in the previous Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass systems (formerly known as Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes). In contrast, with a purchase of Multi Pass you are not guaranteed, and likely not able to, ride all of the rides in the park that have Lightning Lanes due to availability.

Key Features:

• One-Time Entry: Guests can enter each applicable attraction once per day.
• PhotoPass Downloads: Enjoy complimentary PhotoPass downloads for the day, capturing your magical moments.

Availability at Disney World

Beginning October 30, Disney World will pilot the Lightning Lane Premier Pass with very limited availability. Here’s what you need to know:

Who Can Purchase?

• The pass will initially be available exclusively to guests staying at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) resorts.
• Guests can purchase the pass up to seven days in advance of their stay, except for the launch date.

Pricing Structure:

The pricing for the pass varies by park and date, with rates reflecting peak seasons:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129-$199 plus tax
• EPCOT: $169-$249 plus tax
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269-$349 plus tax
• Magic Kingdom: $329-$449 plus tax

The tiered approach is based on number of rides and popularity of each park. The price range will vary based on availability and season (busier seasons will see higher prices).

Disneyland Launch Details

The Disneyland Resort will launch its own version of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass on October 23. Unlike Disney World, this pass will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, open to all guests.

Key Differences:

• Combined Access: The Disneyland pass provides access to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day.
• Pricing: For the remainder of 2024, the pass will cost $400 per person, per day, which is consistent for both children and adults. In 2025, prices will range between $300 to $400 depending on the date.

Comparison with Other Passes

It’s important to know that the existing (and relatively new) Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass systems will still be available for those who prefer not to purchase the Premier Pass. Additionally, guests can utilize the standby queues and virtual queues (when offered).

We had the opportunity to try the Premier Pass at Disneyland Paris – we purchased it for $180 per person and had access to all of the Lightning Lanes in the parks. And while it comes at a high price tag, we were able to completely maximize our park time and ride almost every single attraction.

Ideal Audience for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is tailored for guests who value time and convenience during their park visit. It’s designed for those looking to maximize their experience without the hassle of long wait times. Disney’s Chairman of Experiences, Josh D’Amaro, emphasizes that the pass is part of a broader strategy to provide guests with various options tailored to their preferences.

Our opinion is that this pass will serve as an alternative for the guests who frequently book a VIP tour in order to have front of line access to all the attractions. We do not see this becoming something a typical family would purchase on a regular basis.

Conclusion: Is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Worth It?

Ultimately, whether the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is right for you depends on your individual preferences and budget. For families looking to experience as many attractions as possible without long waits, it would be effective. However, it certainly comes at a cost and there are strategies to utilize Multi Pass and Single Pass (which is significantly cheaper, in comparison) to maximize your rides and reduce wait times.

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