Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s New Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Disney just announced a new addition to their parks experience that has fans buzzing: the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This pass, available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, allows guests to access Lightning Lane entrances for eligible attractions without the need for reservations.

Sounds incredible, right? But with the perks comes a hefty price tag, and there are some key differences between how this pass works on each coast. Let’s dive into the details, costs, and my thoughts on how to make the most of this new offering!

For more info on the regular Lightning Lane Multipass check out this post!

Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Check out my video for more info!

What Is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is Disney’s latest option for guests looking to skip the lines at select attractions without having to book a specific time slot. This new pass offers flexibility by allowing guests to access the Lightning Lane for eligible attractions anytime during the day—no need for reservations! This is a major change from the existing Lightning Lane system (formerly Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes), which requires guests to book a return time for each attraction.

But, as you might expect, the convenience of this new offering comes at a premium. The price varies depending on the park and date, and it’s important to understand the specific details for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

How Much Does the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Cost?

Here’s the breakdown of the costs:

Walt Disney World

Disney World will pilot its Lightning Lane Premier Pass starting October 30 with very limited availability. Initially, it will only be available to guests staying at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) resorts. These guests can purchase the pass up to seven days in advance, except for the launch date, when there will be no advance purchases.

• Prices vary by park and date:
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129-$199 (plus tax) per person per day
  • EPCOT: $169-$249 (plus tax) per person per day
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269-$349 (plus tax) per person per day
  • Magic Kingdom: $329-$449 (plus tax) per person per day

The pass is park-specific, meaning there is currently no Park Hopper option. Guests will be able to see the prices up to 21 days in advance through the Disney World app. As with park admission, peak times will have the highest prices, so plan accordingly!

Disneyland

Disneyland’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass will launch on October 23 and will be open to all guests on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited availability. Unlike Disney World, Disneyland’s version allows guests to use the pass across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day.

• Pricing for 2024:
  • For the rest of this year, the pass costs $400 per person per day, tax-exempt.
  • Next year, the price will range from $300 to $400, depending on the date.

The higher end of the price range this year is due to the pass launching during Halloween Time and the holiday season, which are peak visitation periods at Disneyland. Guests can purchase the pass up to two days in advance, but there will be no advance booking for the launch date.

What’s Included in the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass covers all attractions currently offered with the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass (previously Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes). At both Disneyland and Disney World, guests can use the Premier Pass to enter each applicable attraction once per day. The pass also includes PhotoPass downloads for the day, allowing you to capture those magical memories without any extra cost.

How Will This Affect Standby Lines?

A big concern for many Disney fans is how the introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will affect standby wait times. While it’s natural to worry that standby lines might become longer, I don’t think we’ll see a significant change. Here’s why:

1. High Price Tag: The cost of the pass is substantial, which means most guests won’t be purchasing it. The limited availability will also help keep numbers low.
2. Revamped DAS Program: Disney recently updated its DAS (Disability Access Service) program, which helps eligible guests access Lightning Lane entrances. With tightened eligibility and fewer scammers using the service improperly, this has freed up space in the Lightning Lane, reducing potential impact on standby lines.

My Thoughts: Is It Worth the Price?

I’ll be honest—when I first saw the cost for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland, I was surprised. It’s definitely on the high end, especially compared to similar skip-the-line options at other theme parks like Universal Studios or SeaWorld. For comparison:

• Universal Orlando offers an Unlimited Express Pass that allows guests to ride each attraction as much as they want per day, with fewer restrictions than Disney’s Premier Pass.
• At Disneyland, you’ll be able to use the Lightning Lane Premier Pass on 24 of the 53 attractions available across both parks. This means you’ll skip the line for about half of the available attractions.

Despite the price, I believe the Premier Pass offers a unique value. Having the flexibility to skip lines without worrying about booking specific return times is extremely appealing, especially for families or guests who want to maximize their park time. Disney is essentially giving guests the power to choose their own experience, whether it’s using the budget-friendly standby lines or splurging for the convenience of the Premier Pass.

How to Use the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Strategically to Save Money

Here’s the big question: how can you make this pass work for you financially? I’ve come up with a strategy that could save money on your Disney vacation while still taking advantage of the Premier Pass.

Instead of purchasing the pass for every day of your trip, consider shortening your visit and using the pass for just one or two days. With the Premier Pass’s flexibility, you can easily hit all the top attractions in a single day, especially since you won’t need to waste time making reservations.

For example:

• A 3-day adult Park Hopper ticket with the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass currently costs $601.
• A 1-day Park Hopper (Tier 4) ticket costs $250. Adding the $400 Premier Pass brings the total to $650 for the day.

This is only a $50 difference, and when you factor in savings on food and fewer hotel nights, the overall cost of a shorter trip with the Premier Pass might actually be less expensive. For families like mine, where spending one full day riding all the major attractions sounds like a dream come true, this strategy works well!

Final Thoughts

Whether or not you decide to invest in the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, it’s important to remember that Disney vacations can be tailored to fit any budget. This pass is just one of many options that Disney offers, and it might be a perfect fit for those who value convenience and flexibility.

I’ll be testing out the Premier Pass myself soon and will report back with a full review to help you decide if it’s worth it for your next trip.

No matter what option you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a magical experience at Disney!

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Make sure to check out my YouTube videos for helpful info and my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for lots of Disney tips and fun and make sure you join my Disney planning Facebook group! It’s a great place to ask all your Disneyland planning questions and get expert help.