16/10/2024
Disney announced today a brand new option to their Lightning Lane program…it’s called Lightning Lane Premier Pass. The incredible thing is with this new pass, guest will be guaranteed entry into the Lightning Lane at every attraction at whatever time you decide to go on a given day, within one park of your choosing! But…it could cost you up to $449 per person, per day! So…is it worth it???
With the basic Lightning Lanes program, guest rely on the MyDisneyExperience app to search for future return times for attractions throughout the day. The issue is that once you reserve one, you can’t book a second until A) you’ve used that one, 😎 two hours have passed since the time you initially set up the reservation. At times, this means you have be very selective about what attractions you want to prioritize…and you might not be able to get them all, or you might only be able to reserve 3-5 Lightning Land return times just due to availability. BUT the base program will only cost you between $17-35 per person per day AND you have the option to use it at multiple parks on the same day.
With the new Premium Pass, you don’t need to look at the MyDisneyExperience app at all! There’s no hunting for future Lightning Lane return times….you just simply show up at an attraction, and walk right in to the Lightning Lane! Guests can enter the LL at every attraction once per day, no repeats. This means no pre-planning required; no missing out on your favorite attractions because you weren’t able to reserve a return time due to lack of availability! But…here’s the costs per person, per day, throughout Walt Disney World:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129-$199 plus tax
EPCOT: $169-$249 plus tax
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269-$349 plus tax
Magic Kingdom: $329-$449 plus tax
And bear in mind the Premier Pass only applies at for the park you purchased it for…if you park-hop to a second, the pass does not transfer with you. (However, Premier Pass costs $400 in Disneyland / Disney California Adventure Park and DOES transfer with you between the two parks!)
Now….what about the attractions that are in high demand, like Star Wars Rise Of The Resistance…is that included with the new Premier Pass??? No. Guest wishing to utilize the Lightning Lanes such attractions will still be required to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes, at an additional cost.
So is it worth it? That depends on you. Disney essentially offers three options at this point…
1. Use all standby lines.
2. Purchase base level Multipass Lightning Lanes access, but you’ll have to consult your MyDisneyExperience experience throughout the day hoping to reserve return times for your favorite attractions…but none are guaranteed.
3. Purchase the new Premier Pass and walk into every attraction whenever you desire (once per day)…meaning you’re not glued to the MyDisneyExperience.
What will be interesting to see is what promotional opportunities Disney might present with this new program. Universal Orlando Resort offers a similar program to their guests (maxing out around $290 per person, per day) BUT they include it as a complimentary perk for guests starting in their top tier resorts. All eyes are on Disney to see if they will offer this new Premier Pass to its Deluxe Resort guests.
As you can tell, things are constantly changing at the Disney Parks! If you’re considering an adventure for your family and friends, I can help! Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, or Adventures by Disney… as a previous Cast Member, I know all the tips and tricks to make sure you have the most magical journey possible. My services are 100% FREE! Comment below or send me a message to get started!
