A Guide on All Things Lightning Lane
The rebranded Lightning Lane System has officially launched at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and we are here to break down all the new features and how this new experience works in Florida! Discover how pre-planning your trip is now easier and more convenient than ever before with the help of our Lightning Lane System: Ultimate Guide.
What are Lightning Lane passes?
Lightning Lane passes are available to purchase (until sold out) on the My Disney Experience app for guests wanting to bypass the standby lines for select attractions and experiences. There are two options offered: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.
With the Multi-Pass, guests can choose up to 3 Multi Pass experiences and arrival windows in one Theme Park before visiting. At the park, once guests have redeemed a pre-selected ride, an additional Multi Pass experience can be added if available.
The Lightning Lane Single Pass secures only 1 ride time for a popular attraction. Guests can purchase a maximum of 2 Single Passes per day in one or two parks while they are available.
In addition, when purchasing a Multi-Pass, guests will automatically be able to enjoy photo perks and free digital downloads during their visits. This includes attraction photos and videos captured by the Disney PhotoPass Service. Additionally, guests can access the Disney PhotoPass Lenses on the My Disney Experience app for some extra magical shots (and selfies)!
What can I book?
When discussing the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, it is important to understand the newly implemented tiers. For Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT only, there will be 2 specific tiers from where to book a maximum of 3 pre-selections. Only 1 ride can be selected from the top or first tier, and 2 rides or shows can be selected from the bottom or second tier. Guests may choose to pre-book a minimum of 1 Lightning Lane but no more than 3. Animal Kingdom only has 1 tier, therefore all 3 experiences can be selected from the sole list.
1 to 2 Lightning Lane Single Passes can be purchased per day. The rides currently available for the Single Pass are as follows:
- Magic Kingdom Park – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle/Run
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- EPCOT – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – Avatar Flight of Passage
It is important to note that some return windows can have a slight overlap when making selections.
When can I book Lightning Lane passes?
For travelers who stay at a Disney Resort or other select hotels, Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass purchases can be made up to 7 days before the check-in date. Another huge perk to staying on property!
All other visitors can purchase Lightning Lane passes up to three days before the first park day. More specifically, date-based ticket holders can buy daily passes for the full length of their tickets three days before the first park day. Annual Passholders and non-date-based tickets not staying on Disney property can only purchase passes three days before each park day.
All passes can be bought at 7:00 am EST on the first day of eligibility.
How do I purchase?
After making sure the My Disney Experience app is up to date, open and select the Lightning Lane passes tile on the home screen. Next, select the desired date and park to view the available Lightning Lane passes. Then, choose available experiences and arrival windows that best fit your daily itinerary before purchasing. Selections will be held for 5 minutes while reviewing experience options and time slots.
A valid theme park admission and reservation (if needed) are required to purchase any Lightning Lane pass. All Lightning Lane selections for each individual park day can be purchased in a single transaction rather than separate payments for a single-day park visit as experienced with Genie+.
*Lightning Lane passes are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Lightning Lane passes, attractions and experiences may vary by date, are subject to change or closure, are limited in availability and are not guaranteed, and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time you make a selection. Price, terms, and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice or liability.
How much does each pass cost?
Prices are very similar to those found with the former Genie+. On the opening day of the new Lightning Lane experience, the prices for the Multi-Pass were as follows: $29 for Magic Kingdom, $26 for Hollywood Studios, $21 for EPCOT, and $18 for Animal Kingdom. There are no “multi-park” options to purchase, but the Multi-Pass can still be used while park-hopping pending return window availability.
We also noticed that Single Pass prices were similar to those in the past. At Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was $12, and TRON Lightcycle/Run was $20. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was $25 at Hollywood Studios. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT was $17. Lastly, Magic Kingdom, at Animal Kingdom, Avatar Flight of Passage was $16. These prices may vary by day and are subject to change.
What about Disneyland?
For the time being, Disneyland is only getting a name change. All else will remain the same for their “skip-the-line” service. Stay tuned for any changes to the West Coast’s Lightning Lane passes!
Still need help?
Don’t stress – visit our friends at Fairytale Journeys Travel, a Platinum Earmarked Agency!
Fill out their quote request form and get paired with one of their incredible agents to help book your trip! Working with an FTJ Disney travel agent, you will experience personalized services and custom itineraries at no extra cost to you! Fairytale Journeys Travel is your one-stop shop for a stress-free, magical vacation!
