Disney theme parks have always carried a hefty price tag, but that cost was often balanced out by fantastic perks that came with the ticket. Unfortunately, many of these benefits have been stripped away, while the cost of admission has soared to new heights. At Walt Disney World Resort, for instance, we’ve seen the elimination of the complimentary FastPass system, the free Magical Express, and even MagicBands, which now come at an additional cost.
As it stands, no Disney park offers a free FastPass option anymore. Instead, Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disney, Hong Kong Disney, and Tokyo Disney have introduced a paid system known as Premier Access, while Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World utilize the Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Related: Disney World Is Now Asking Guests To Pay $400 To Bypass Regular Attraction Lines
Both Premier Access and Lightning Lane Multi Pass allow guests to purchase the ability to bypass standby lines for select attractions. Each program has its own pricing structure, reservation system, and advantages for those willing to pay for a quicker experience.
Tokyo Disney Resort launched its Premier Access Program in May 2022, significantly enhancing the experience at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Guests can buy Premier Access for a fee ranging from 1,500 JPY to 2,500 JPY—equivalent to about $9 to $16 USD — making it a more budget-friendly option compared to Disneyland and Disney World’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which averages around $30 to $35.
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However, much like the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, not all attractions are covered by Tokyo’s Premier Access. For certain rides like Splash Mountain, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, and the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights, guests must pay additional fees to access the shorter lines.
At Tokyo DisneySea, attractions like Toy Story Mania! and Journey to the Center of the Earth also require separate payments for Premier Access.
Recently, Tokyo Disney elevated its Premier Access offering by allowing guests to pre-book priority seating for popular shows via the Tokyo Disney Resort app.
According to the Tokyo Disney website:
Guests can select a designated time for admission in advance, and enjoy parades or shows from a designated viewing area.
- You will be able to purchase Disney Premier Access for another parade or show 60 minutes after purchasing Disney Premier Access, or after the admission time of your purchased Disney Premier Access (for parades or shows,) whichever is earlier.
- On your day of visit, please view the performance from the designated seat, or specified location with a corresponding number at your feet (the number indicating your specified location will be displayed on the screen of your mobile device after you have completed your purchase of Disney Premier Access).
- For information about performances with designated seats or specified locations within viewing areas, please check the page for each parade/show.
Shows eligible for pre-booking with the Premier Access Pass will soon include Mickey’s Magical Music World and Club Mouse Beat at Tokyo Disneyland, as well as Big Band Beat at Tokyo DisneySea. Guests opting for the Premier Access Pass can choose premium seats close to the stage.
Preferred seating for parades is also part of the Premier Access experience at Tokyo Disney, a feature currently unavailable through the Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disneyland and Disney World. However, select experiences, like the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour, do offer reserved viewing spots.
Guests can already pre-book seats for Big Band Beat, while reservations for Mickey’s Magical Music World and Club Mouse Beat will open on November 13, though pricing for those shows has yet to be announced.
Related: Walt Disney World Focuses on Higher Spending Guests and Leaves Everyone Else Behind
In contrast to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, where show seats are often first-come, first-served, Tokyo Disney employs a lottery system for seating at its shows. Guests who aren’t awarded a lottery seat can purchase the Premier Access Pass to secure a spot at their preferred showing, provided there’s still availability.
Do you think guests should be able to pay extra money to get the best seats at theme park shows? Let us know in the comments!
