There’s always something exciting happening at Disney, and the latest announcement will surely be a game-changer if you want to get the most out of your day at the parks.
In the coming weeks, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will begin piloting a brand-new service: the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This exclusive new offering provides a streamlined way for your family to experience attractions and could be the ultimate upgrade for your vacation.
For Disneyland Resort, you can snag this pass starting two days before your park reservation, and it’s valid at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. The first date to purchase the Premier Pass at Disneyland is October 23, 2024.
At Walt Disney World, this pass will be exclusively available to you if you’re staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts, and you can purchase it up to seven days in advance of your stay. It’s valid for just one park per day, and the first date it will be available is October 30, 2024.
What does the Lightning Lane Premier Pass include?
- One-time entry to all available Lightning Lane attractions in a single park for one day at Walt Disney World. At Disneyland, the pass includes one-time entry to all available Lightning Lane entrances at both parks.
- Flexibility—no need to stress over selecting arrival windows for each ride; you can enter the Lightning Lane whenever you’re ready!
- Access to popular attractions, including both Single Pass and Multi Pass attractions.
Who can purchase the Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
- Walt Disney World: Available for you if you’re staying at eligible Disney Deluxe Resorts and Villas.
- Disneyland: Anyone can purchase this pass, on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much does it cost?
- Walt Disney World: Prices vary based on the park and date, ranging from $129 to $449 per person per day (plus tax, subject to availability).
- Disneyland: The Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be $400 per person per day during 2024 and $300-$400 per person per day in 2025, varying based on date and demand (subject to availability).
- Check the My Disney Experience or Disneyland apps for up-to-date pricing.
Are there other options for saving time at the parks?
Yes, there are plenty of options! Disney offers many services that can save you time within any budget.
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass: Offers access to many attractions as long as you’re flexible and can come at specific scheduled times. Prices hover around $17-$32 per person per day (subject to availability).
- Lightning Lane Single Pass: Provides access to the most popular attractions individually at specific times. Prices hover around $13-$25 per person per ride (subject to availability).
- Private VIP Tours at Disney World: Offers personalized Lightning Lane access to attractions and experiences with a dedicated guide, typically starting at around $450 per hour for a group of up to 10 guests, with a minimum booking of 7 hours.
What does this mean for your family?
If you have a bigger budget and want to ride everything at Disney on your own terms, I’d recommend the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This is perfect for families who don’t want to be tied down to booking ride times in advance, don’t want to wait around for the next Lightning Lane to open up, and aren’t interested in a VIP tour where a guide sticks with you the whole time.
You want to be off your phone and fully present with your family, right? Lightning Lane Premier Pass lets you do just that. Plus, it’s ideal if you like to tour the park in a natural order without doubling back and adding extra walking to your day. If convenience is more important than saving money, this could be a great option for you.
But, if budget is a firm priority for your family or rides aren’t your main focus, I wouldn’t recommend Lightning Lane Premier Pass. If you don’t need to ride those attractions with long waits, it’s probably not worth the splurge. And honestly, if a VIP tour is even remotely in the picture, I’d suggest looking into that instead. A VIP tour offers a better overall value, and depending on your group size, it might actually be cheaper or close in price to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
One major drawback of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass is that it only works in one park per day at Walt Disney World. If you love to park hop, this could be a deal-breaker, especially since you can park hop with the Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland. For the price you’re paying, it feels like a miss. Also, you need to be staying at a Deluxe resort to even access the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which adds another layer of expense.
All that being said, if it fits your family’s style and you’re staying at a Deluxe resort, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass could be an amazing upgrade to your trip. It’s great that Disney has added this option—just make sure it checks all the right boxes for your family before you dive in!
No matter your budget or vacation style, Disney offers a variety of options to help you skip the lines and save valuable time. From the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, Single Pass, and Multi Pass to the luxurious VIP tours, there’s a solution for everyone looking to maximize their experience.
Your Smart Moms Travel agent is your best resource for navigating these choices, ensuring you find the option that best fits your family’s needs. Whether you’re after flexibility, efficiency, or a fully personalized adventure, your travel agent is here to guide you through the process and help you make the most informed decision for your magical trip!
