Disney Parks

Disney Updates Lightning Lanes (Again), Plans To Charge Guests $400 per Person

Disney has once again revamped its Lightning Lanes, moving even further away from the now-dead complimentary FastPass system that once allowed visitors to skip the lines for free.

Gone are the days when access to these express lines was free. With the onset of COVID-19 came the end of FastPass (which, at that point, was known as FastPass+). In 2021, both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort introduced Genie+, a paid system that forced guests to book their rides on the day.

Three people are riding a roller coaster, two in the front and one in the back. They are ascending a steep track, with mouths open in excitement or fear. They are surrounded by rocky terrain and the track is partially visible. The sky is clear and blue.
Credit: Disney

Unsurprisingly, the system was pretty divisive. Introduced during Bob Chapek’s tenure, some guests praised its convenience while others were frustrated by its fluctuating prices, limited availability, and often confusing system for booking attractions.

In July 2024, Disney introduced its replacement: Lightning Lane Multi Pass. While following a similar pricing strategy, this allows guests at both U.S. Disney resorts to book their attraction entry slots in advance instead of waking up at 7 a.m. each day to do so.

Now, however, Disney has made another update to the system with the introduction of Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

What is Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows guests to enter each Lightning Lane attraction once per day without the need to book arrival times in advance—a move many have longed for in light of previous systems. This new offering not only enhances guest convenience but redefines how visitors navigate the parks.

Two young women are joyfully looking at a smartphone together. One woman is in a wheelchair, wearing an orange shirt, while the other is sitting next to her on a bench, wearing a white shirt and denim overalls with yellow mouse ears. They are outdoors near a white building.
Credit: Disney

Available in limited quantities, this pass covers rides from both the Multi Pass and Single Pass options but can only be used in one park per day. It echoes the Premier Access offered at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland and resembles the Universal Express Pass at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, where pricing ranges from $89 to over $300. While pricier than regular Lightning Lanes, it provides greater flexibility and advantages for guests.

How Much is Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

This differs from park to park. Similar to the regular Lightning Lane Multi Pass, prices at Walt Disney World Resort will vary by day, ranging from $129 to $449 per person, plus tax. Expect the highest prices during peak seasons like the upcoming holidays, which are just around the corner—much to Disney’s delight.

A smiling family of three, wearing Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears, stands in front of an ice cream shop. They're happily holding colorful ice cream cones and the woman in the center is showcasing her phone. The scene suggests a fun day at a theme park.
Credit: Disney

Meanwhile, at Disneyland Resort, the Premier Pass will be priced at $400 per person per day at Disneyland Resort until the end of 2024. Starting January 1, 2025, the price will fluctuate between $300 and $400, depending on the day.

How Do the Systems Work?

This varies from coast to coast. At Disney World, the pass launches on October 30 and is exclusively for guests at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts, with purchases available up to seven days before their visit. It can only be used at one park per day, meaning guests will need to choose between Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

A family in front of the Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Credit: Disney

In Southern California, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting October 23, 2024. Guests can buy the pass up to two days before their theme park reservation, and the Lightning Lanes will be valid at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Disney Guest Reactions

The introduction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass comes with eligibility restrictions, especially in Orlando, where, at least for now, it’s only available for those who can afford Disney’s Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts. This exclusivity has drawn criticism from those who feel that the majority of park-goers may be sidelined or priced out of the ultimate Disney experience.

Disney World Guests
Credit: Disney

In our opinion, Lightning Lane Premier Pass isn’t a terrible idea. What is not-so-ideal is offering it to a select few or running this system alongside the regular Lightning Lane system.

The reality is that a premium system should be just that: a premium. In its current form, Lightning Lanes is nothing but a paywall that a huge number of people are willing to pay, watering down its effectiveness and, as a result, its value. Defining it as a premium product from the offset would inevitably improve the regular standby experience for those who opt out of paying the upcharge – and we’re willing to die on that hill.

What do you think of Lightning Lane Premier Pass?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

3 Comments

  1. insane! I will definitely not do that, I have so much more I could spend that kind of money on.

  2. This is very expensive, I can’t believe that there going to charge this much, You save to go, you pay the extra for lighting lane, then they put this together! Ouch

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