Back in July, Walt Disney World transitioned from the much-maligned Genie+ park attraction reservation system to the Lightning Lane Multi Pass system, which bears a much closer resemblance to the sorely missed FastPass + system discontinued years ago.
Beginning later this month, Disney will be offering a premier version of the Lightning Lane system – available in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland – appropriately named Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
This premium product will be offered for purchase in minimal quantities, and will give guests a one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane attraction entrance in the theme park they are visiting that day. This includes attractions in the Lightning Lane Multi Pass group, as well as those in the Lightning Lane Single Pass (“pay to ride”) group.
But there is one huge difference (besides the price) between Multi Pass and Premier Pass. Unlike the Multi Pass system, guests purchasing the Premier Pass will not need to select a specific attraction time. Guests can simply visit the attraction at the time they wish to enjoy the experience.
Here are more details on how it will work in each park:
Disneyland Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Beginning October 23, 2024 at Disneyland Resort, Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available on a first come, first served basis. Premier Pass may be purchased up to two days before a theme park reservation, and will be valid for use in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks.
Disneyland pricing at launch:
- $400 per person, per day for visits through December 31st, 2024.
- Beginning in 2025, pricing will vary by date from $300 to $400 per person, per day.
Walt Disney World Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Beginning October 30, 2024 at Walt Disney World, Premier Pass will be available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts, and may be purchased up to seven days in advance of their stay. This Premier Pass will only be valid for use in one park of the guest’s choice per day.
Walt Disney World pricing at launch:
- Magic Kingdom: $329 to $449, plus tax
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269 to $349, plus tax
- EPCOT: $169 to $249, plus tax
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129 to $199, plus tax
For both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World versions of Premier Pass, the purchase will also include photo perks, such as digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos.
Does This Sound Familiar?
If Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass program sounds familiar to you, it’s because it is very similar to Universal Orlando’s Express Pass program. Both programs offer near-front-of-line access to most attractions, making it much simpler for the guest to enjoy their favorite experiences.
But there are a few notable differences:
- Walt Disney World’s Premier Pass is only available to guests of Disney’s Deluxe resorts. Universal Orlando offers Express Pass to all theme park guests.
- Walt Disney World’s Premier Pass offers guests of Deluxe resorts and villas the opportunity to purchase the program. Universal Orlando offers an unlimited version of their Express Pass program complimentary to guests staying at one of their Premier resorts. Walt Disney World is unlikely to offer this perk, as there are way too many Deluxe resorts on Disney property; the program would become flooded with Premier Passes and would therefore be rendered ineffective.
- Walt Disney World’s Premier Pass price will vary by the park. Universal Orlando’s Express Pass price is the same, regardless of which park it is used at (pricing for both programs is subject to vary by day/season).
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. With so many recent changes to Disney’s parks and resorts, it is always best to work with an experienced travel planner who can help you navigate the complexities of a Disney Parks vacation. If you are interested in planning a trip but have questions regarding how, when, where, or even why, please reach out to Facts and Figment Vacation Planning. My travel planning services are absolutely FREE to you, and I can help you navigate the complex world of Disney vacationing while helping you score the best, hardest-to-get deals to make your vacation more affordable.
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