Disney Park Guests Storm Out as Anti-Lightning Lane Sentiment Grows

Disneyland guests reportedly stormed out from a ride queue over frustrations with the controversial Lightning Lane system. The incident unfolded earlier this week, shedding light on growing tensions over the paid service that many argue has negatively impacted the park experience.

Introduced in 2021, Lightning Lanes replaced Disney’s free FastPass+ system, requiring guests to pay for expedited access to attractions. While it promised to enhance convenience, the system has been met with widespread criticism. Visitors argue that accommodating Lightning Lane users creates longer waits for standby lines, exacerbating crowding issues at both Disneyland and Disney World.

Credit: Disney

This week, a Reddit user detailed their frustrating experience with Space Mountain at Disneyland. Lured by a posted 25-minute standby wait time, they joined the line but soon found themselves at a standstill. According to their account, progress slowed to a crawl, with the line advancing only a few steps every 10 minutes. The guest reported enduring a grueling hour and a half in the queue—far from the advertised wait time.

As frustration mounted, they witnessed multiple guests leaving the line, visibly upset. The Reddit user noted the cause: cast members prioritizing Lightning Lane access, allowing groups of five to ten guests to board while halting the standby line for extended periods. “It’s starting to feel really unfair,” they wrote, highlighting concerns about rising ticket prices paired with what they described as a “pay-to-ride” experience.

Credit: Disney

The dissatisfaction extends beyond standard Lightning Lane passes. Disney recently introduced the Premier Pass, which costs up to $400 per person per day and grants access to Lightning Lanes without reservations.

Critics argue the high price point is exploitative, especially as it coincides with stagnant soaring ticket prices and no significant decrease in wait times. Despite the backlash, the Premier Pass has already sold out on multiple days at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the busy Thanksgiving season.

Credit: Disney

As frustration with the current system grows, Disneyland is preparing for significant expansions aimed at boosting park capacity. Upcoming attractions at Disney California Adventure include Disney’s first Coco (2017)-themed ride, a new Avatar land, and two new Avengers Campus attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab.

These developments may alleviate some crowding concerns, but whether they will resolve underlying frustrations with the Lightning Lane system remains uncertain (and, in our opinion, extremely unlikely).

What are your thoughts on Disney’s Lightning Lane?