Disney's new Lightning Lane Premiers Pass Debuts for Walt Disney World and Disneyland
Get all the details on Disney's new Lightning Lane Premier Pass
We all guessed it would happen. Disney announced today, October 16th, a new Lightning Lane option: Premier Pass. This is the pay a higher price and walk on the Lightning lane without pre-booking on the app. It is very similar to what Universal offers for its Express pass. Dinsey is labeling this a Pilot, so expect changes as they resolve any issues.
Before we get into the details, let’s review the Lighting Lane options:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP)
You can purchase this 7 or 3 days before your trip, depending on whether you are staying on property or not. You make three selections: 1 from a tier A group and two from a tier B group. As you use the passes, you can book another from either tier.
Prices vary for park and time of year. Generally
Disney's Animal Kingdom: Prices range from $16 to $18
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Prices range from $22 to $26
EPCOT: Fluctuates between $18 and $21
Magic Kingdom: Ranges from $25 to $29
Lightning Lane Singe Pass (LLSP)
This is offered for the most in-demand attractions, which are unavailable with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. You can purchase up to 2 single passes per day, obviously subject to availability.
Prices vary based on ride and date.
Rides that use LLSP are:
Magic Kingdom:
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
TRON Lightcycle / Run
EPCOT:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Animal Kingdom
Avatar Flight of Passage
So now we have Lightning Lane Premier Pass (LLPP), which is rolling out to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. There are a few differences between the parks, but both include photo perks, digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos, and Disney PhotoPass Lenses.
Let’s go over Walt Disney World First.
Walt Disney World Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Disney says on their site:
Beginning October 30, 2024, we will begin piloting the rollout of Lightning Lane Premier Pass with very limited quantities for Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and other select hotels. View eligible hotels.
LLPP includes one entry to each Lightning Lane entrance at any time during the day and can be purchased seven days in advance. There is no pre-planning; when you want to ride, show up at the attraction. The Premier Pass is for one park and one day and will include LLPP, including all LL attractions (including Single Pass). There are no changes to how LL Multi-Pass or LL Single Pass works. Prices will vary by date and theme park:
Animal Kingdom: $129-$199+tax per person
EPCOT: $169-$249+tax per person
Hollywood Studios: $269-$349+tax per person
Magic Kingdom: $329-$449+tax per person
Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort hotels, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select hotels can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes starting at 7:00 AM Eastern Time up to 7 days before the first day of their Resort stay for their entire length of stay (up to 14 days).
Here are the prices for LLPP on launch day, October 30th. Universal's prices will likely increase as the actual date approaches.
Magic Kingdom: $329
Hollywood Studios: $269
EPCOT: $169
Animal Kingdom: $129
Islands of Adventure: $115
Universal Studios Florida: $110
Disneyland Lightning Lane Premier Pass
At Disneyland, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, starting two days before a theme park reservation. It will be valid for use in both theme parks. The pass will be available for purchase starting October 21, 2024, and can be used beginning October 23, 2024.
The pass ranges from $300 to $400 per person for both parks.
My Thoughts
Well, the prices are crazy. I’d rather spend the money for an after-hours event or holiday party than pay these prices. I don’t see this ever being worth it, especially without park hopping. I see Disney adding park hopping after this pilot.
Is this a worthwhile option? I'd consider this if the prices were more reasonable and included park hopping. But as it is, No.
I wonder if these high prices will drive more people to buy LLMP and LLSP. “I'm not paying $300 per person! Oh, $39, I'll do that!” I’m sure Disney considered this.
This is a Pilot, and I’m sure we’ll see changes. I’d love to see this included with a Deluxe resort stay or a small upcharge for the resort stay.
Your thoughts
or leave a comment; I’d love to hear your thoughts.