The Walt Disney World Resort is preparing to capitalize on the bustling crowds expected during Christmas week, with its controversial—and pricey—Lightning Lane Premier Pass selling out for the first time.
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass was introduced shortly after Disney rebranded its nearly three-year-old Disney Genie+ service. The rebranding consolidated the paid “FastPass” system under the Lightning Lane umbrella, which now includes the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Like Genie+, which allowed guests to pay for expedited entry to attractions via the Lightning Lane, the Multi and Single Pass options let visitors skip the standby lines for a variable cost.
The biggest change, however, comes with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. It allows guests to book attractions up to seven days in advance of their visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. However, there are two major restrictions: offsite guests can only book three days ahead, and international visitors are excluded from this perk entirely, as bookings must be made while the guest is in the U.S.
Yet, the spotlight is truly on the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. For a significantly higher fee, guests gain access to all the Lightning Lanes in a particular park. Prices range from just over $100 to nearly $450, depending on the park, and the pass was initially offered only to those staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts. Following a successful trial, it has been extended to all hotels on Disney World property.
Despite its steep cost, the Premier Pass has proven popular. During Thanksgiving week, it sold out resort-wide for the first time, with Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom all fully booked.
Now, that sell-out trend is set to continue, with Christmas week looming. According to WDW Magic, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Magic Kingdom is already sold out for Sunday, December 22, 2024. At $429 per pass, Disney is raking in substantial revenue from the high-end service. This ongoing demand demonstrates that even the most contentious elements of a Disney World vacation remain attractive to those seeking an “easier” experience.
As Disney World prices continue to rise, the question remains: are guests willing to pay even more to enhance the vacation they’ve already spent thousands on? With Christmas week approaching, availability from December 23 through New Year’s Day is likely to follow.
Have you tried the Lightning Lane Premier Pass? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
