In the past, Walt Disney World Resort had what was called the “off-season”—a time when crowds were light, wait times were short, and the weather was pleasant. It was the ideal time to visit. Unfortunately, those days are gone. While there are still periods that are less crowded than peak times, the parks are rarely quiet anymore.
The two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s are especially busy, often ranking as the most crowded time of the year. The parks can become so packed that Disney occasionally has to turn guests away. High demand during this period also means that popular options like the Lightning Lane Multi Pass sell out quickly.
Related: Disney World Crowds Reach Hazardous Levels: Hundreds Put at Risk
Guests staying at Disney resorts can purchase their Lightning Lane Multi Pass up to seven days in advance, while off-property guests can book up to three days ahead. Sales open daily at 7 a.m. ET.
For one guest, this system led to significant frustration.
A recent Reddit post from user u/Apocalypsezz detailed their struggle to secure Lightning Lane Multi Pass reservations, accusing Disney of favoring on-property guests at the expense of others.
The Reddit Post That Started It All
The user’s post, shared just before the busy New Year’s weekend, describes their experience trying to book Lightning Lane passes:
Staying off property and went to book as soon as the 3-day booking window opened today at 7 a.m. for me (was a bit late and woke at 7:45), only to notice every single park’s multi-pass this weekend was sold out before I even had the chance to purchase…
Meaning only people staying on property got the luxury of booking a multi-pass. While I feel this may be an egregious oversight, where regular park-goers cannot purchase their multi-lane passes on Disney’s own allotted 3-day window, I know it’s purposeful.
Its too late to reschedule the hotel for another less packed weekend, but I fear we may not be able to do much of anything at all this weekend. Incredible. Feeling pretty down right about now at all this money thrown out.
Multi Passes sold out for this weekend.
byu/Apocalypsezz inDisneyWorld
The guest expressed disappointment, fearing their trip would be less enjoyable without the convenience of Lightning Lane access. “It’s too late to reschedule the hotel for another less-packed weekend, but I fear we may not be able to do much of anything at all this weekend,” they wrote.
A Mixed Response From the Community
While the post resonated with some frustrated visitors, others were quick to criticize the original poster (OP) for their late start. Despite claiming they attempted to book as soon as possible, OP admitted they didn’t begin until 7:45 a.m., 45 minutes after the reservation window opened. In Disney’s highly competitive system, that delay can mean the difference between success and disappointment.
One commenter pointed out:
“You say you went to book as soon as the window opened but in the same sentence you say you did it 45 minutes after the window opened. That’s not exactly ‘as soon as possible.’”
Another added:
“Lightning Lane slots during the holidays sell out within minutes. Being late is basically the same as not trying at all.”
Related: Crowds Crush Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Wait Times Soar
Some also defended Disney’s policies, noting that on-property guests pay a premium for perks like extended booking windows. “This is how Disney has always operated,” one user commented. “If you’re off-property, you’re already at a disadvantage. You have to plan accordingly.”
How the Lightning Lane System Works
Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass system allows guests to reserve expedited access to popular attractions. On-property guests can book passes up to seven days in advance, while off-property visitors must wait until three days before their park visit. Reservations open at 7 a.m. each day, and during peak seasons, availability disappears within minutes.
This tiered access is part of Disney’s strategy to encourage on-property stays, which come with other benefits like early park entry and complimentary transportation.
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Lessons for Future Disney Visitors
For those planning to visit Disney during high-demand times, understanding the system is crucial. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:
- Book Immediately: Set an alarm and be ready to book at 7 a.m. sharp. Even a few minutes can make a significant difference.
- Consider Staying On-Property: If access to perks like early booking windows is important, staying at a Disney resort might be worth the extra cost.
- Have a Backup Plan: Crowds are inevitable during peak seasons. Explore alternative activities, such as shows, character dining, or less popular attractions, to maximize your day.
One Reddit user summarized this advice well:
“Disney doesn’t punish off-property guests; it rewards on-property ones. That’s the reality of a vacation built on planning ahead.”
As Disney continues to refine its services, one thing remains clear: preparation and timing are everything. Whether this guest’s frustrations will lead to changes in the system or remain part of the Disney experience is yet to be seen.
What do you think about the Lightning Lane system? Is it fair to off-property guests, or should Disney level the playing field? Let us know in the comments below!
